WO2022024962A1 - Head-up display device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a head-up display (HUD) device that alleviates a burden (including a psychological burden) that is imposed on a viewer in certain situations such as when the viewer is looking forward to see into the distance but the line of sight is obstructed by an image (virtual image) produced by the HUD device superimposed onto the front real view (foreground), consequently, the visibility of the foreground is reduced, visual attention is diverted to the image (virtual image) and visual attention on the foreground by the viewer is thus lowered, or the image (virtual image) feels annoying, for example. The HUD device includes an image display unit (140), an optical system (129, 133), and a control unit (120), wherein the control unit (120) sets a first display area (101) and a second display area (102) in a virtual display area (100) of a real segment in front of the viewer, and lowers the visual attraction of a display object (NV10 to NV30, CU1) displayed in the first display area (101).

Description

Head-up display device

The present invention relates to a head-up display (HUD) device or the like mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile.

In the conventional HUD device, the visibility of the image (virtual image) is usually designed to be substantially constant over the entire display area. For example, it can be presumed that the above-mentioned matters are taken into consideration at the time of design, because the invention in consideration of the degree of uniformity has been proposed.

For example, FIG. 10 of Patent Document 1 shows an example in which the HUD device simultaneously displays each image (virtual image) of a navigation arrow, a warning display indicating the approach of a person, and a vehicle speed display. In Patent Document 1, this image (virtual image) is referred to as an existence notification image.

Further, in this Patent Document 1, for example, [0062] refers to attractiveness. However, it is only stated that "the existence notification image may be changed to an image with high attractiveness as the time until a person or the like enters becomes shorter". For example, for a plurality of images (virtual images), a point of designing a difference in attractiveness instead of a uniform design of attractiveness, or a point of reducing the attractiveness of some display objects (display objects), etc. Is not specifically mentioned.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2020-24561

The present inventor investigated a HUD device capable of simultaneously displaying a plurality of various images (virtual images) in a fairly wide area, and as a result, obtained the following new findings.

For example, a viewer who looks forward and looks into the distance is blocked by an image (virtual image) by the HUD device that is displayed so as to overlap the actual view (foreground) in front, and the visibility of the foreground is reduced, for example. The burden on the viewer (including the psychological burden) that the image (virtual image) is deprived of visual attention and the viewer's visual attention to the foreground is reduced, or that the image (virtual image) is annoying. May increase.

In a HUD device that presents useful information to the viewer to improve convenience, the display may hinder the visibility of the actual scene such as the foreground, deprive the viewer of attention to the actual scene, or lengthen the vehicle, for example. The fact that it causes stress during time driving is an important matter related to the technical significance of the HUD device, and there is room for improvement in this regard.

In the present invention, for example, a viewer who looks forward while looking far away is blocked by an image (virtual image) by the HUD device displayed so as to overlap the actual view (foreground) in front, for example, in the foreground. The burden on the viewer is that the visibility is reduced, the image (virtual image) is deprived of visual attention, and the viewer's visual attention to the foreground is reduced, or the image (virtual image) is annoying. It is an object of the present invention to provide a HUD device capable of reducing (including a psychological burden).

Other objects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the embodiments exemplified below and the best embodiments, as well as the accompanying drawings.

Hereinafter, in order to easily understand the outline of the present invention, an embodiment according to the present invention will be illustrated.

In the first aspect, the head-up display (HUD) device is
An image display unit that displays an image and
By projecting the light of the image displayed by the image display unit toward the projected member, the viewer can visually recognize the virtual image of the image within a virtual display area in the real space in front of the viewer. Optical system and
A control unit that controls the display of the image in the image display unit,
Have,
The direction of the line of sight toward the front of the viewer with a depression angle of 0 degrees, starting from the eye position of the viewer or the reference position corresponding to the eye position, is defined as the first line-of-sight direction.
The direction of the line of sight of the viewer at a depression angle m degree (m is an integer larger than 0) inclined from the first line of sight is defined as the second line of sight.
The direction perpendicular to the first line-of-sight direction and along the line segment connecting the left and right eyes of the viewer is defined as the left-right direction.
The direction along the first line-of-sight direction and the line segment orthogonal to the left-right direction is the vertical direction or the height direction, the direction away from the ground or the surface corresponding to the ground in the real space is upward, and the approaching direction is downward. When
The control unit
With the virtual display area as a reference, the first display area on the side closer to the first line-of-sight direction and the first display area with the intersection of the virtual display area and the second line-of-sight direction as a reference. By dividing into a second display area other than the above, the first display area and the second display area are set.
Control is performed to make the attractiveness of the first display object displayed in the first display area lower than the attractiveness of the second display object displayed in the second display area.

In the first aspect, a virtual display area (which may be simply referred to as a display area in the present specification) by the HUD device in the front real space is referred to as a first display area and a second display area. In the first display area, the attractiveness of the display target (display object) is reduced. As a result, the display by the HUD device does not interfere with the visual behavior of the background (actual scene) during driving, and for example, it is possible to reduce annoyance and stress.

Here, the first display area is a virtual display area where an image (virtual image) that is considered to be often overlapped (superimposed) on a relatively distant real scene is arranged. When driving a vehicle, it is said that it is important to keep an eye on the near and surrounding areas and maintain a wide field of vision while looking into the distance, but especially when driving for a long time, it takes a long time to pay attention to the distance. Therefore, the visibility of the actual view (foreground) in the distance is an important matter for safe driving. In consideration of this point, in the first display area, the attractiveness of the image (virtual image) is reduced to hinder the visibility of the background, excessively deprive the viewer of the background, or to the background. Avoid causing discomfort and stress, and ensure comfortable driving.

The first display area is represented by the angle formed by the depression angle of the line of sight of the viewer (for example, the direction of the line of sight when looking down at an object and the horizontal plane of the eye height position (or a position corresponding thereto)). Is possible), for example, a display range corresponding to a range of 0 to m degrees (m is an integer larger than 0, for example, m = 2), and in this range, the line of sight of the viewer (person) is , Approximately parallel to the ground or the equivalent surface (road surface, etc., and in the case of simulation equipment and game equipment, the floor surface, etc. of the installation location), facing straight forward (or slightly) It is presumed that he is looking far away (looking down). Therefore, by ensuring good visibility of the foreground in this state, it is possible to effectively reduce (reduce) the psychological burden on the viewer.

In the second aspect, which is subordinate to the first aspect,
The first display area and the second display area are
The entire line segment extending in the left-right direction through the intersection of the virtual display area and the second line-of-sight direction and crossing the virtual display area is divided as a boundary line and described above. The first display area is located above the second display area.
Or,
A part of a line segment that passes through the intersection of the virtual display area and the second line-of-sight direction, extends in the left-right direction, and crosses the virtual display area is divided as a boundary line. The first display area is located above a part of the second display area.
Or,
The partial arc or curve passing through the intersection of the virtual display area and the second line-of-sight direction is divided as a boundary line, and the first display area is located above the second display area. You may.

In the second aspect, the boundary separating the first and second display areas is determined with reference to the position of the intersection between the display area and the second line-of-sight direction, and as the embodiment, for example, the display is performed through the intersection. There are cases where all of the line segments that cross the area to the left and right are boundary lines, some of them form (a part of) the boundary line, and partial arcs and curves that pass through the intersections are the boundary lines.

In any case, at least a part of the second display area exists below the first display area, which is a range that reduces the attractiveness. Relatively speaking, the first display area is located above the second display area.

As described above, ensuring the visibility of a relatively distant actual scene by reducing the attractiveness so as not to interfere with the visibility of the background (actual scene) leads to a reduction in the visual burden on the viewer. Therefore, the first display area is defined as the upper range in the display area (the range related to the visual perception of a relatively distant actual scene).

In the third aspect, which is subordinate to the first or second aspect,
The control unit
In the first display area, a difference in attractiveness is provided according to the position in the vertical direction, and the attractiveness when the display object is arranged on the upper side is made lower than the attractiveness when the display object is arranged on the lower side. May be good.

In the third aspect, in the first display area, the attractiveness when displaying (arranging) the display object on the upper side is lower than the attractiveness when displaying (arranging) the display object on the lower side, and the distance is farther. The more you look, the less attention you have to the display object itself, so that the viewer can clearly see the distant view. This is a good example of effectively reducing the stress of the viewer. The change in the attractiveness (degree of attraction) in the vertical direction may be continuous or gradual.

In the fourth aspect, which is subordinate to any one of the first to third aspects,
The control unit
When the display object is displayed across the first display area and the second display area, the overall attractiveness of the display object may be reduced.

In the fourth aspect, a display object displayed across the first and second display areas (for example, for navigation, which is displayed so as to be superimposed on the road surface or is shown to be superimposed on the road surface). (Arrows for navigation, arrows for navigation, etc. shown in the form of floating in the air), the overall attractiveness is reduced.

Since it is also arranged in the first display area, it is preferable to enhance the visibility of the background (actual view, foreground) at a relatively distant place for the viewer, and it is attractive in each of the first and second display areas. If there is a difference in the degree of the above, the viewer may feel unnatural and the visual burden may increase. Therefore, it is decided to reduce the attractiveness as a whole.

In the fifth aspect, which is subordinate to any one of the first to fourth aspects,
The head-up display may be mounted on the vehicle.

In the fifth aspect, the head-up display (HUD) device is used for in-vehicle use. For example, it is possible to obtain an effect that the eyes are less likely to get tired when driving for a long time.

In the sixth aspect, which is subordinate to the fifth aspect,
The control unit
Correction to prevent the first line-of-sight direction from fluctuating according to the diagonally upward deviation when the direction toward which the front end of the vehicle faces deviates diagonally upward from the standard state. The process may be carried out.

In the sixth aspect, an example of a preferable countermeasure is shown when the direction in which the front end of the vehicle faces is shifted diagonally upward from the standard state.

The pitching angle of the vehicle may change depending on the balance of the occupants of the vehicle and the balance of luggage. For example, the vehicle may be a truck, and there may be a large amount of load on the rear carrier, and the front side of the truck may face diagonally upward (upward) from the standard state (normal state). At this time, the display area virtually provided in the real space in front of the viewer (driver) also moves to the upper side, and in this case, the line of sight of the viewer (driver) also faces upward and farther away. It will be easy to see. In this case, it can be said that it is preferable to widen the first display area to make it easier to see a distant actual scene. However, if no measures are taken, the size of the first and second display areas (or the ratio of each area) remains the same, and the entire display area is only moved upward.

Therefore, in this embodiment, even when the front end of the vehicle is oriented upward, it is preferable to suppress the upward deviation of the first line-of-sight direction, which is a reference for determining the first display area, for example. Try to maintain a state of depression angle of 0 degrees. In other words, a process (correction process) for correcting the upward deviation and suppressing the fluctuation in the first line-of-sight direction so as to approach the depression angle of 0 degrees is performed. It should be noted that how much the direction of the front end of the vehicle is displaced diagonally upward can be determined based on, for example, information from a pitch angle sensor provided on the vehicle.

When the upward shift in the first line-of-sight direction is suppressed (preferably maintained at a depression angle of 0 degrees), the display area has moved upward, so that the position of the intersection with the second line-of-sight direction is located. Moves relatively downwards. Since the intersection position is also an important factor for determining the position of the boundary line of each of the first and second display areas, as the intersection position moves downward, the first display area expands, and therefore, a distant actual view. The range that makes it easier to see (the range of reduced attractiveness) is expanded, and the effect of maintaining a state in which the viewer (driver) can easily see the actual view in front of or around (in other words, maintaining good visibility, etc.) is effective. can get.

In the seventh aspect, which is subordinate to the fifth or sixth aspect,
The control unit
When the speed of the vehicle is slow, the first display area may be moved downward as compared with the case where the speed is high.

In the seventh aspect, when the vehicle is at low speed during driving, the gaze point (gaze position) of the viewer (driver) tends to be lower than when the vehicle is at high speed. The display area of is also moved to the lower side. As a result, even if the line of sight (line of sight) is lowered at low speed, the first display area, which is a range that reduces the attractiveness, can be appropriately set.

In the eighth aspect, which is subordinate to the fifth or seventh aspect,
The control unit
When the speed of the vehicle is slow, the first display area may be expanded downward as compared with the case where the speed is high.

In the eighth aspect, when the vehicle is at low speed during driving, the gaze point (gaze position) of the viewer (driver) tends to be lower than when the vehicle is at high speed. Expand (expand) the display area of. As a result, even if the line of sight (line of sight) is lowered at low speed, the first display area, which is a range that reduces the attractiveness, can be appropriately set. Further, in this embodiment, since the position on the upper side of the first display area does not change, even if the line of sight of the viewer (driver) is directed upward, the direction of the line of sight (line of sight) turned upward is used. Has a first display area, and can maintain good visibility of the actual scene.

In the ninth aspect, which is subordinate to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects.
The control unit
When the vehicle makes a right turn and at least one of the left turns, the first display area may be expanded in the left-right direction, expanded to the right when turning right, and expanded to the left when turning left. ..

In the ninth aspect, when the vehicle makes a right turn or a left turn during driving, the line of sight (line of sight) moves to the right or left, so that the first display area also moves to the right or left accordingly. Move to the left. This makes it possible to appropriately set the first display area, which is a range that reduces the attractiveness even when turning right or left.

In the tenth aspect, which is subordinate to any one of the first to ninth aspects,
The optical system has a curved mirror, and the curved mirror rotates in response to a change in the eye position of the viewer, and the position of the virtual display area in the real space changes in the vertical direction accordingly. Due to the vertical change of the virtual display area,
Or,
By the vertical change of the virtual display area and the vertical change of the reference position in the first line-of-sight direction,
The vertical position of the intersection of the virtual display area and the second line-of-sight direction may change, thereby adjusting the area of the first display area.

In the tenth aspect, the size (size, area) of the first display area can be adaptively adjusted according to the eye position in the vertical direction (height direction) of the viewer.

For example, a curved mirror (concave mirror, etc.) included in the optical system rotates according to a change in the eye position, and is automatically adjusted so that the display light is incident on the eye position. At this time, when the eye position becomes higher (upward), the line of sight (line of sight) changes in the direction of looking down (changes in the direction of increasing the depression angle), so that the position of the display area also moves downward and the eye position. When becomes lower (downward), the line of sight (line of sight) looks far ahead (changes in the direction in which the depression angle decreases), so the position of the display area also moves upward, and the eye position changes. When it is in the middle position between the upper side and the lower side, the display area also changes to be located in the middle of each of the above positions.

Here, if the height position in the first line-of-sight direction is fixed (for example, fixed to the height of the intermediate eye position so as not to change), the height position of the display area is changed. In response to the change, the position of the intersection changes, and as a result, the first display area, which is a range that reduces the attractiveness, expands or contracts, and its size is automatically adjusted.

For example, when the eye position is high, the direction of the line of sight is lowered and there is a tendency to look near, so that the first display area related to the visual recognition of the distant real scene is automatically narrowed. On the other hand, the lower the eye position and the higher the direction of the line of sight, the farther the viewer sees, and the range of the first display area is automatically expanded accordingly. In this way, the range (size, area) of the first display area is automatically and appropriately adjusted according to the eye position.

In the above explanation, the height position in the first line-of-sight direction is fixed, but the height in the first line-of-sight direction is also set to the actual eye height position according to the actual eye height position. It can also be moved as appropriate. In this case, the variation in the position of the intersection tends to be larger. Also in this case, the size (area) of the first display area changes according to the eye position, as in the above example (an example of fixing the height position in the first line-of-sight direction). However, in this example, since the fluctuation range of the position of the intersection is large, for example, when the eye position is high and the direction of the line of sight is the direction of looking down, the first display area related to the visual recognition of the distant actual scene is It may not be set (the area of the first display area becomes zero).

In this way, the display area and the second line-of-sight direction are caused by a change in the vertical direction of the display area, or by a combination of the change in the vertical direction of the display area and the change in the vertical direction of the reference position in the first line-of-sight direction. The position of the intersection with and in the vertical direction is changed, whereby the area (size) of the first display area can be automatically adjusted.

In the eleventh aspect subordinate to any one of the first to tenth aspects,
Reducing the attractiveness of the display object is
Low brightness,
as well as,
To reduce the size,
as well as,
To make the contrast low,
as well as,
Changing the color from the primary color to a light color,
as well as,
In the blinking state, slow down the blinking speed or prevent it from blinking,
as well as,
To shorten the display duration for the period when the same display object is displayed,
as well as,
Regarding the display of moving images, at least one of slowing down, setting a low cycle, and making a still image,
as well as,
Hiding or reducing the high-profile part of the display object,
as well as,
Changing the appearance of the display object,
It may be realized by at least one of.

The eleventh aspect illustrates a method of reducing the attractiveness of a display target (display object). For example, by using them in combination as appropriate, the effect of reducing the attractiveness can be enhanced. In addition, by adopting an appropriate method of reducing the attractiveness according to the display mode of the display object, the driving situation, etc., the attractiveness should be adjusted to an appropriate degree while maintaining the visibility of the display object to some extent. Can be done.

In the twelfth aspect, which is subordinate to any one of the first to tenth aspects,
Reducing the attractiveness of the display object is
While suppressing the deterioration of visibility, the color of the display object is regarded as the opposite color including the complementary color to the color of the actual scene on which the display object is superimposed.
On the other hand, it is realized by reducing the brightness, reducing the size, hiding or reducing the high-profile part of the display object, and changing the appearance of the display object. May be done.

In the twelfth aspect, as a preferable example of adjusting the attractiveness, the color (color) of the display object is set to the opposite color including the complementary color to the color of the actual scene of the background, the contrast is kept high to some extent, and the image by the HUD device is used. The visibility of (virtual image) is secured to some extent. If the display itself becomes invisible or difficult to see, the meaning of displaying the virtual image is lost. Therefore, the visibility of the image (virtual image) is secured to some extent by the visual contrast.

Further, for example, when the actual scene is a dark color close to the primary color, the image (imaginary image) is difficult to see, but if the opposite color including complementary colors is used, the contrast is high and the image (imaginary image) can be visually recognized. When the viewer looks away from the actual scene, a complementary color afterimage occurs, but if the image (imaginary image) is a complementary color system, even if a complementary color afterimage occurs, it does not cause any discomfort because it is the same color system. In terms of points, the effect of reducing visual stress can also be expected.

On the other hand, by reducing the brightness, reducing the size, hiding or reducing the high-profile part of the display object, and changing the appearance of the display object, the whole is performed. It is possible to effectively reduce the attractiveness of the object so as not to interfere with the visibility of the background (actual scene).

Those skilled in the art will easily understand that the embodiments according to the present invention may be further modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example in which a display area is divided into first and second display areas and the attractiveness of an image (virtual image) in the first display area is reduced, and FIG. 1B is a diagram. It is a figure which shows the example which reduced the attractiveness of the navigation arrow which is displayed over each of the 1st and 2nd display areas and is displayed so as to be superimposed on the road surface. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of reducing the attractiveness of a display object (virtual image). FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example in which the attractiveness is changed according to a position in the vertical direction in the first display area, and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing another example. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of the position of the first display area when traveling at a standard speed, and FIG. 4B is a diagram showing the first display area downward when traveling at a low speed. FIG. 4 (C) is a diagram showing an example of moving, and is a diagram showing an example of expanding the first display area downward when traveling at a low speed. 5 (A) and 5 (B) are diagrams showing an example in which the first display area is set in a part of the upper side of the display area, and FIGS. 5 (C) and 5 (D) are the first when turning right. It is a figure which shows the example which expanded the display area of. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example in which the first display area is set with the height position in the first line-of-sight direction as the midpoint position of the eye box, and FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the first line-of-sight direction. It is a figure which shows the example which sets the 1st display area with the height position of the eye as the height position of an eye. FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example in which the first and second display areas are divided by the boundary line of the partial arc, and FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a straight line segment that crosses the display area to the left and right. It is a figure which shows the example which separates each of the 1st and 2nd display areas. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which a first display area of a quadrangle is set in a part of the upper side of the display area. FIG. 9A shows an example in which a first display surface area corresponding to a first display area and a second display surface area corresponding to a second display area are set on the display surface of the image display unit. FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating a process of reducing attractiveness when an image (real image) of a display object is arranged in each of the first and second display surface areas. 10 (A) to 10 (D) show the first and second display areas in the case where the height position in the first line-of-sight direction is fixed and the height position of the display area is changed according to the eye position. It is a figure which shows an example of a setting. 11 (A) to 11 (D) show the first and second display areas in the case where the height position in the first line-of-sight direction is fixed and the height position of the display area is changed according to the eye position. It is a figure which shows the other example of a setting. 12 (A) to 12 (C) show the first display area by performing correction processing for suppressing the first line-of-sight direction from facing upward when the front end of the vehicle faces upward. It is a figure which shows the example which adjusts the size. It is a figure which shows the configuration example inside the HUD apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of the system configuration of the HUD apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example which sets each of the 1st and 2nd display areas.

The best embodiments described below are used for easy understanding of the present invention. Accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the art should note that the invention is not unreasonably limited by the embodiments described below. In the following description, the "virtual display area" may be simply referred to as a "display area".

FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example in which a display area is divided into first and second display areas and the attractiveness of an image (virtual image) in the first display area is reduced, and FIG. 1B is a diagram. It is a figure which shows the example which reduced the attractiveness of the navigation arrow which is displayed over each of the 1st and 2nd display areas and is displayed so as to be superimposed on the road surface.

In FIG. 1, the width direction of the vehicle 1 (see FIG. 6A) (or the left-right direction which is the direction along the line connecting the left and right eyes of a person) is the X direction, and the direction along the vertical line of the road surface 300 is up and down. The direction or the height direction is defined as the upward direction in the direction away from the road surface 300 and the downward direction in the direction approaching the road surface 300. Further, the direction orthogonal to each of the X and Y directions is defined as the front-rear direction (Z direction), the direction in which the vehicle 1 moves forward is defined as forward, and the direction in which the vehicle 1 moves backward is defined as rearward.

In the example of FIG. 1 (A), the virtual display area 100 by the HUD device 10 in the real space in front of the vehicle 1 (see FIG. 6 (A)) is the first display area 101 and the second display area. Divide into 102. The first display area 101 is located above the second display area 102.

In the first display area 100, the attractiveness of the image (virtual image) of the display target (display object) is reduced. As a result, the display by the HUD device 10 (see FIG. 6A) does not interfere with the visual behavior of the background (actual scene) during driving, and for example, the annoyance is reduced and the stress is reduced. be able to.

Vehicle (own vehicle) 1 is traveling on a road with good visibility at a speed of 60 km / h. In the real space in front of the vehicle 1, a virtual display area (in other words, a virtual image display surface) 100 having a rectangular outer shape in a plan view is erected with respect to a road surface (a surface corresponding to the ground) 300. An image (virtual image) of the display object is displayed on this display area (virtual image display surface).

In the driving scene of FIG. 1A, the vehicle FC1 moving ahead and the scenery of the mountains as a distant view can be seen as the background (actual view) of the first display area 101. The HUD device 10 displays an image (virtual image) CU1 of a warning mark so as to be superimposed on the vehicle FC1 in the first display area 101, and also has an image of a navigation arrow (in a mode of floating in the air). Virtual image) NV10 and NV20 are displayed. In addition, an image (virtual image) NV30 of a display (destination display) showing a destination is displayed overlaid on a mountain in a distant view. Although it is displayed as CU1 (V1) in the figure, this (V1) indicates that it is the first virtual image displayed in the first display area 101.

Further, in FIG. 1A, in the second display area 102, a vehicle speed display SP of "60 km / h" is shown on the front side. Although it is described as SP (V2) in the figure, (V2) indicates that it is a second virtual image displayed in the second display area 102.

Further, in FIG. 1 (A), the vehicle FC2 (located in front of the vehicle FC1) traveling ahead is shown by a broken line as an actual view (background) overlapping the second display area 102. This vehicle FC2 does not exist in an actual driving scene, but is described as a comparative example for the purpose of explaining the process of reducing the attractiveness of the display object, and is a virtual one, so it is displayed by a broken line. is doing.

Here, in the first display area 101, an image (virtual image) that is considered to be often overlapped (superimposed) on a relatively distant real scene of the virtual display area 100 by the HUD device 10 is arranged. It is an area. In the example of FIG. 1A, a virtual image CU1 of a warning mark, virtual images NV10 and NV20 of two arrows, and a virtual image NV30 of a destination display, which are superimposed on a vehicle FC2 traveling relatively far away, are displayed. Here, the alert mark, the arrow, and the destination display are each referred to as a display target or a display object.

In the example of FIG. 1A, the number of display objects is large, and the image (virtual image) showing these display objects may have a color close to the primary color, a high brightness, or a large size. Then, the attractiveness of the display object itself is too high, and it attracts the attention of the viewer (driver) excessively, which hinders the visibility of the background, deprives the background of attention, or the background. It may cause discomfort and stress.

When driving a vehicle, it is said that it is important to keep an eye on the near and surrounding areas and maintain a wide field of vision while looking into the distance, but especially when driving for a long time, it takes a long time to pay attention to the distance. Therefore, the visibility of the actual view (foreground) in the distance is an important matter for safe driving.

In consideration of this point, in FIG. 1A, in the first display area 101, the attractiveness of each of the images (virtual image) CU1, NV10, NV20, and NV30 is lowered to hinder or visually recognize the background. It is designed to ensure comfortable driving by avoiding excessive attention to the background of the person and causing discomfort with the background and causing stress. The first display area 101 shows a range that reduces the attractiveness of the image (virtual image). The settings of the first and second display areas 101 and 102 will be described later.

Here, the reduction of the attractiveness of the first virtual image CU2 superimposed on the vehicle FC1 will be described in comparison with the second virtual image CU2 superimposed on the vehicle FC2. Now refer to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of reducing the attractiveness of a display object (virtual image).

In FIG. 2, it is assumed that the vehicles FC1 and FC2 are both red. Since the vehicle FC2 located on the front side is determined to have a higher risk, it is preferable to display the caution mark (second virtual image) CU2 with increased attractiveness. For example, by using blue or green (opposite colors including complementary colors, etc.), processing such as improving color contrast, making exclamation marks stand out, maximizing brightness, increasing size, etc. ( Processing S1) can improve the attractiveness.

On the other hand, the attention mark (first virtual image) CU1 superimposed on the vehicle FC1 located farther away is reduced in attractiveness so as not to interfere with the visibility of the vehicle FC1 which is the actual scene. However, if the visibility becomes too low and it becomes difficult to see, there is no point in displaying the display, so the visibility must be ensured to some extent.

Therefore, as an example, by using blue or green (opposite colors including complementary colors, etc.), the color contrast is improved and the caution mark (first virtual image) CU1 is ensured to some extent. .. On the other hand, for example, the exclamation mark, which is useful for alerting but gives a visually complicated impression, is deleted (the appearance is changed by hiding it), the brightness is reduced, and the size is reduced. , At least one of the methods is adopted to reduce the attractiveness of the display object as a whole. As a result, it is possible to realize a display that can be visually recognized, does not attract excessive attention, and does not give stress to the viewer. The above method is an example and is not limited to this.

More specifically, reducing the attractiveness of a display object means, for example, lowering the brightness, reducing the size, and making the contrast (including color contrast and brightness contrast) low. Change the color from the primary color to a light color, slow down the blinking speed or prevent it from blinking in the blinking state, shorten the display duration for the period when the same display object is displayed, display the video With respect to, at least one of slowing down, slowing down, and making a still image, hiding or reducing the high-profile part of the display object, and the appearance of the display object. It may be realized by at least one of changing.

Further, in one preferable example, lowering the attractiveness of the display object suppresses the deterioration of visibility by making the color of the display object the opposite color including the complementary color to the color of the actual scene on which the display object is superimposed. On the other hand, it is realized by reducing the brightness, reducing the size, hiding or reducing the high-profile part of the display object, and changing the appearance of the display object. May be good.

As a preferable example of adjusting the attractiveness, the color (color) of the display object is set to the opposite color including the complementary color to the color of the actual scene of the background, the contrast is kept high to some extent, and the visibility of the image (virtual image) by the HUD device is set. Secure to some extent. If the display itself becomes invisible or difficult to see, the meaning of displaying the virtual image is lost. Therefore, the visibility of the image (virtual image) is secured to some extent by the visual contrast.

Further, for example, when the actual scene is a dark color close to the primary color, the image (imaginary image) is difficult to see, but if the opposite color including complementary colors is used, the contrast is high and the image (imaginary image) can be visually recognized. When the viewer looks away from the actual scene, a complementary color afterimage occurs, but if the image (imaginary image) is a complementary color system, even if a complementary color afterimage occurs, it does not cause any discomfort because it is the same color system. In terms of points, the effect of reducing visual stress can also be expected.

On the other hand, by reducing the brightness, reducing the size, hiding or reducing the high-profile part of the display object, changing the appearance of the display object, etc., the whole is performed. It is possible to effectively reduce the attractiveness of the object so as not to interfere with the visibility of the background (actual scene).

Return to Fig. 1 and continue the explanation. See FIG. 1 (B). In the example of FIG. 1B, the virtual image 71 of the navigation arrow, which is a display object, is displayed across the first display area 101 and the second display area 102. In this case, the overall attractiveness of the virtual image 71 of the arrow is lowered.

The virtual image 71 of this arrow includes a tip portion 71a displayed in the first display area 101 and a base end portion 71b displayed in the second display area 102. However, since it is also arranged in the first display area 101, it is preferable to improve the visibility of the background (actual view, foreground) at a relatively distant place for the viewer. Further, if the degree of attractiveness is provided in the first and second display areas 100 and 101, the viewer may feel unnatural and the visual burden may increase. Therefore, it is decided to reduce the attractiveness as a whole.

Next, refer to FIG. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example in which the attractiveness is changed according to a position in the vertical direction in the first display area, and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing another example.

In the example of FIG. 3, in the first display area 101, a difference is provided in the attractiveness according to the position in the vertical direction (the position where the display object is arranged), and the attractiveness when the display object is arranged on the upper side is determined. , Lower than the attractiveness when placed on the lower side. The farther you look, the less attention you have to the display object itself, so that the viewer can clearly see the distant view. This is a good example of effectively reducing the stress of the viewer.

The change in the attractiveness (degree of attraction) in the vertical direction may be continuous (example of FIG. 3 (A)) or gradual (example of FIG. 3 (B)). .. In FIG. 3B, the first display area 101 is divided into three blocks 101-1 to 101-3, and the upper block has a lower attractiveness.

Next, refer to FIG. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of the position of the first display area when traveling at a standard speed, and FIG. 4B is a diagram showing the first display area downward when traveling at a low speed. FIG. 4 (C) is a diagram showing an example of moving, and is a diagram showing an example of expanding the first display area downward when traveling at a low speed.

When traveling at a standard speed, as shown in FIG. 4A, the first display area 101 is set above the display area 100. Since the driver's line of sight tends to move downward when traveling at low speed, the first display area 101 is moved downward in FIG. 4B in accordance with this. Further, in FIG. 4C, the first display area 101 is expanded (expanded) downward. This makes it possible to appropriately set the first display area according to the operating speed.

Refer to FIG. 5 (A) and 5 (B) are diagrams showing an example in which the first display area is set in a part of the upper side of the display area, and FIGS. 5 (C) and 5 (D) are the first when turning right. It is a figure which shows the example which expanded the display area of. In the following description, a partial (local) arc shape as a part of a circle is referred to as a partial arc.

When traveling straight ahead, in FIG. 5A, a first display area 101 is provided at a position substantially at the center of the upper side of the display area 100, partitioned by a boundary line of a partial arc. The first display area 101 has a fan shape (or a partial circle). In FIG. 5B, a first display area 101 having a quadrangular shape is provided at a position substantially at the center of the upper side of the display area 100.

Here, assuming that the vehicle turns right, the driver's line of sight moves to the right. Therefore, in FIGS. 5C and 5D, the first display area 101 of FIGS. 5A and 5B is expanded to the right (right side) in accordance with the movement of the line of sight to the right side. There is. This makes it possible to display a virtual image that does not interfere with the visibility of the background even when turning right. Therefore, the visual and psychological burden on the driver can be reduced.

Next, refer to FIG. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example in which the first display area is set with the height position in the first line-of-sight direction as the midpoint position of the eye box, and FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the first line-of-sight direction. It is a figure which shows the example which sets the 1st display area with the height position of the eye as the height position of an eye.

As shown on the right side of FIG. 6A, the HUD device 10 includes, for example, a HUD device main body 20 and an I / O interface 30. The HUD device 10 is housed inside the dashboard 5 of the vehicle 1. Further, in the example of FIG. 6A, the camera 50 that captures the eyes (or pupils) in order to detect the viewpoint (including the position of the eyes and the direction of the line of sight) of the viewer (driver or the like) is also a dashboard. It is arranged inside 5. The display light 40 is emitted (projected) from the HUD device main body 20 toward the windshield 2 which is a projected member.

A part of the display light 40 is reflected by the windshield 2, heads toward the eyes (viewpoint) A of the viewer (driver or the like), and forms an image in front of the vehicle 1 to form an image in the display area 100. (Virtual image) is displayed. The display area 100 can also be referred to as a virtual image display surface. The display area (virtual image display surface) 100 is virtually provided in front of the vehicle 1 corresponding to the display area of the display surface of the screen (reference numeral 160 in FIG. 15), for example.

The distance of the display area 100 from the viewpoint 4 (or the reference position corresponding to this) is set to L1. This L1 may be referred to as a virtual image display distance. The virtual image display distance L1 is appropriately adjusted by, for example, moving an optical system (for example, a lens arranged in the light projecting unit 155 of FIG. 13) arranged inside the HUD device along the optical axis. be able to.

Further, in FIG. 6A, the display area 101 is erected slightly inclined (substantially perpendicular) to the road surface 300. However, this is only an example. For example, by inclining the screen 160 of FIG. 13 with respect to the optical axis, the inclination angle of the display area 101 with respect to the road surface 300 is appropriately adjusted according to the degree of the inclination. be able to.

Hereinafter, the setting of the first display area 101 will be described. The first display area 101 includes a depression angle of the line of sight of a viewer (driver, etc.) (for example, a horizontal plane of the direction of the line of sight when looking down at an object and a position at eye level (or a position corresponding thereto)). It is a display range corresponding to the range of, for example, 0 degree to m degree (m is an integer larger than 0, for example, m = 2), which can be represented by the angle formed by the viewer. The line of sight of the (person) is approximately parallel to the ground or a surface equivalent thereto (the road surface, etc., and in the case of a simulation device or a game device, the floor surface, etc. of the installation location), and faces straight forward. It is presumed that he is looking far away (or with a slight glance). Therefore, by ensuring good visibility of the foreground in this state, the psychological burden on the viewer can be effectively reduced (reduced).

Here, the direction of the line of sight toward the front of the viewer with a depression angle of 0 degrees, starting from the "eye position" of the viewer (driver) or the "reference position corresponding to the eye position", is defined as the first line-of-sight direction. The direction of the line of sight of the viewer at a depression angle m degree (m is an integer larger than 0) inclined from the first line-of-sight direction 700 is defined as the second line-of-sight direction.

In FIG. 6A, the center position 205 in the height direction of the eye box 200 (the height with respect to the road surface 300 is set to h1) is the “reference position corresponding to the eye position”, and the eye. The line-of-sight direction 700 represented by a line segment extending forward from the center position 205 of the box 200 is the first line-of-sight direction. Further, the line-of-sight direction represented by a line segment inclined by the depression angle Ra from the first line-of-sight direction 700 is defined as the second line-of-sight direction U10.

In FIG. 6A, the center of the display area 100 provided in the front real space is P, and the line segment connecting the center position 205 of the eyebox 200 and the center P of the display area is in the line-of-sight direction. , U20 is attached. The line-of-sight direction U20 is inclined downward by an angle θv from the first line-of-sight direction 700.

Here, let Q1 be the intersection of the second line-of-sight direction U10 and the display area 100. Using this intersection Q1 as a reference (boundary), the first display area 100 on the side closer to the first line-of-sight direction 700 and the second display area 102 other than the first display area can be divided into a first display area 102. A display area and a second display area can be set.

The control unit (reference numeral 120 in FIG. 13) of the HUD device 10 displays the attractiveness of the first display object (virtual image) displayed in the first display area 101 in the second display area 102. Controls to make it lower than the attractiveness of the display object (virtual image) of.

Next, refer to FIG. 6 (B). In FIG. 6B, the starting point of the first line-of-sight direction 710 is the position of the actual eye (viewpoint). The second line-of-sight direction U11 is a direction inclined downward by the depression angle Ra with respect to the first line-of-sight direction 710. Other configurations are the same as in FIG. 6 (A).

Next, refer to FIG. 7. FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example in which the first and second display areas are divided by the boundary line of the partial arc, and FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a straight line segment that crosses the display area to the left and right. It is a figure which shows the example which separates each of the 1st and 2nd display areas.

In FIG. 7A, with reference to the point Q0 indicating the position of the first line-of- sight direction 700 or 710, the point Q1 is set downward by a distance corresponding to the depression angle Ra in a plan view from the viewer, and this point is taken. A circle 800 passing through Q1 is drawn, the area where the circle 800 and the display area 100 overlap is referred to as a first display area 101, and the area below the first display area 101 is referred to as a second display area 102. The first display area 101 of FIG. 7A has the shape of a partial circle previously shown in FIG. 5A.

In FIG. 7B, the point Q2 is taken downward by a distance corresponding to the depression angle Ra in a plan view from the viewer with respect to the point Q0, passes through this point Q2, and passes through the point Q2, and is the first display area 101 of the quadrangle. A line segment is drawn to the left and right, and the entire upper area partitioned by the line segment is referred to as a first display area, and the lower area thereof is referred to as a second display area 102. The first display area 101 of FIG. 7B corresponds to the previous example of FIG. 4A.

Next, refer to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which a first display area of a quadrangle is set in a part of the upper side of the display area. In FIG. 8, a quadrangle (rectangle) having a height of 2Ra and a width of 2Rb is drawn with the point Q0 as a reference (center). The coordinates of the four vertices of this quadrangle are (X1, Y1), (X2, Y2), (X3, Y3), (X4, Y4).

The area where the quadrangle and the display area 100 overlap (overlapping area) is defined as the first display area 101. A part of the second area 102 is located below the first display area 101. Therefore, even in the example of FIG. 8, it can be said that the first display area 101 is above the second display area 102. The first display area 101 of FIG. 8 corresponds to the previous example of FIG. 5 (B).

Next, refer to FIG. FIG. 9A shows an example in which a first display surface area corresponding to a first display area and a second display surface area corresponding to a second display area are set on the display surface of the image display unit. FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating a process of reducing attractiveness when an image (real image) of a display object is arranged in each of the first and second display surface areas.

In FIGS. 9A and 9B, the directions corresponding to each of the X, Y, and Z directions in the real space are described as X', Y', and Z'. Further, the display area on the display surface PL of the display panel 143, which corresponds to the display area 100 in the real space, is described as 100', and this display area 100'is described as the display surface area 100'. Similarly, the area corresponding to the first display area 101 is referred to as the first display surface area 101', and the area corresponding to the second display area 102 is referred to as the second display surface area 102'.

Further, the direction corresponding to the first viewpoint direction is described as 700'or 710'. Further, the distance on the display surface PL, which corresponds to the distance corresponding to the depression angle Ra, is described as Ra'.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the display surface PL of the display panel 143 (see FIG. 13) has a first display surface area 101'corresponding to the first display area 101 described above, and a first display surface area 101'. A second display surface area 102'corresponding to the display area 102 of 2 is set.

The setting method is the same as the setting example in the real space described above. In other words, with respect to the point Q0', a point Q1' that is separated by Ra'is set below the vertical direction (Y'direction), passes through this Q1', and crosses the display surface area 100'in the horizontal direction. The display surface area 100'is divided into two by the line segment. The upper area is referred to as a first display surface area 101', and the lower area is referred to as a second display surface area 102'.

The control unit (reference numeral 120 in FIG. 13) controls the display object (real image or image) arranged in the first display surface area 101'to reduce the attractiveness.

In the example of FIG. 9B, the image NV'(R) of the arrow and the vehicle speed display SP'(R) are shown as display objects. In addition, (R) shows a real image. Which image is to be placed in the first display surface area 101'can be determined, for example, by comparing the coordinates of each image with the coordinates of the first and second display surface areas 101'and 102'. Is.

However, it is not limited to this. It is also possible to make a simpler determination. For example, the center point of the image NV'(R) of the arrow is Q11', and the center point of the vehicle speed display SP'(R) is Q12'. The distances D1 and D2 between the center points Q11'and Q12'and the points Q0'are obtained, D1 and D2 are compared, and the image having the shorter distance is placed in the first display surface area 101', and the distance is obtained. The longer image may be placed in the second display surface area 102'. Instead of D1 and D2, the distances D3 and D4 in the vertical direction from the line segment L10 extending in the horizontal direction through the point Q0'may be detected.

Next, refer to FIG. 10 (A) to 10 (D) show the first and second display areas in the case where the height position in the first line-of-sight direction is fixed and the height position of the display area is changed according to the eye position. It is a figure which shows an example of a setting. In the example of FIG. 10, the size (size, area) of the first display area can be adaptively adjusted according to the eye position in the vertical direction (height direction) of the viewer.

As shown in FIG. 10 (A), for example, a curved mirror (concave mirror or the like, reference numeral 133 in FIG. 13) included in the optical system rotates in response to a change in the eye position (4a to 4c), and the eye. It is automatically adjusted so that the display light is incident on the position. At this time, when the eye position becomes higher (upward), the line of sight (line of sight) changes in the direction of looking down (changes in the direction of increasing the depression angle), so that the position of the display area 100 also moves downward (display). The position of the upper end of the region 100 becomes H1), and when the eye position becomes lower (lower side), the line of sight (line of sight) looks far ahead (changes in the direction in which the depression angle decreases). , The position of the display area also moves to the upper side (the position of the upper end of the display area 100 is H3), and when the eye position is in the middle position between the upper side and the lower side, the display area 100 also moves to each of the above. It changes to be located in the middle of the position (the position of the upper end of the display area 100 is H2).

Here, it is assumed that the height position of the first line-of-sight direction 700 (710) is fixed, for example (here, it is fixed to the height of the intermediate eye position 4b so as not to be changed). do. In any of FIGS. 10B, 10C and 10D, the height position of the first line-of-sight direction 700 (710) is fixed to the intermediate eye position 4b.

On the other hand, the actual eye positions are the middle eye position 4b in FIG. 4 (B), the lowest eye position 4a in FIG. 4 (C), and the highest eye position 4c in FIG. 4 (D). It becomes. As described above, the position (height position) of the display area 100 in the height direction changes according to the eye position. The position of the intersection Q1 between the second line-of-sight direction U12 and the display area 100 changes according to the change in the height position of the display area 100, and as a result, the first display area is a range in which the attractiveness is reduced. The size of 101 is automatically adjusted as it expands or contracts.

For example, when the eye position is high (FIG. 4 (D)), the direction of the line of sight (line of sight) is lowered and there is a tendency to look near, so that the first display area 101 related to the visual recognition of the distant real scene is It automatically narrows.

On the other hand, the lower the eye position and the higher the direction of the line of sight (line of sight) (in the case of FIGS. 4B and 4C), the farther the viewer can see. The range of the display area of 1 is also automatically expanded. In the case of FIG. 4C, it is considered that the viewer is most likely to see far away. Therefore, in the case of FIG. 4C, the range of the first display area 101 is maximized. In this way, the range (size, area) of the first display area 101 is automatically and appropriately adjusted according to the eye position.

Next, refer to FIG. 11 (A) to 11 (D) show the first and second display areas in the case where the height position in the first line-of-sight direction is fixed and the height position of the display area is changed according to the eye position. It is a figure which shows the other example of a setting.

In the example of FIG. 10, the height position in the first line-of-sight direction was fixed, but in the example of FIG. 11, the height in the first line-of-sight direction is actually the same as the actual height position of the eyes. Move as appropriate so that it is at eye level. In any of FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C, the height position of the first line-of-sight direction 700 (710) is the actual eye position (4b, 4a, 4c). It is adjusted so that.

In this case, the fluctuation of the position of the intersection Q1 between the second line-of-sight direction U30 and the display area 100 tends to be larger. Also in the example of FIG. 11, the size (area) of the first display area 101 according to the eye position is the same as the example of FIG. 10 (an example of fixing the height position in the first line-of-sight direction 700 (710)). Changes.

However, in this example, since the fluctuation range of the position of the intersection Q1 is large, the eye position becomes high (the eye position is at the highest position 4c) as shown in FIG. 11C, and the direction of the line of sight looks down. In the case of the direction, the first display area 101 related to the visual recognition of the distant real scene is not set (in other words, the area of the first display area becomes zero).

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first change is due to a change in the display area 100 in the vertical direction (change in height position), or a change in the display area 100 in the vertical direction (change in height position). The vertical position (height position) of the intersection Q1 between the display area 100 and the second line-of-sight direction in combination with the vertical change (height position change) of the reference position in the line-of-sight direction 700 (710). By this, the area (size) of the first display area 101 can be automatically adjusted. This allows preferable size adjustment of the first display area 101.

Next, refer to FIG. 12 (A) to 12 (C) show the first display area by performing correction processing for suppressing the first line-of-sight direction from facing upward when the front end of the vehicle faces upward. It is a figure which shows the example which adjusts the size. FIG. 12 shows an example of a preferable countermeasure when the direction in which the front end portion of the vehicle 1 faces is shifted diagonally upward from the standard state.

The pitching angle of vehicle 1 may change depending on the balance of the occupants of vehicle 1 and the balance of luggage. For example, the vehicle may be a truck, and there may be a large amount of load on the rear carrier, and the front side of the truck may face diagonally upward (upward) from the standard state (normal state). At this time, the display area virtually provided in the real space in front of the viewer (driver) also moves to the upper side, and in this case, the line of sight of the viewer (driver) also faces upward and farther away. It will be easy to see. In this case, it can be said that it is preferable to widen the first display area to make it easier to see a distant actual scene. However, if no measures are taken, the size of the first and second display areas 101 and 102 (or the ratio of each area) remains the same, and the entire display area 100 is only moved upward.

Here, refer to FIGS. 11A and 11B. FIG. 11A shows a standard state (pitch angle 0 degrees), and FIG. 11B shows a state deviated from the standard state (pitch angle α). The size of the first display area 101 and the size of the second display area 102 are the same.

Therefore, in FIG. 11C, even when the front end of the vehicle 1 is oriented upward, the deviation of the first line-of-sight direction 700 (710), which is a reference for defining the first display area 101, is upward. It is suppressed, for example, preferably maintaining a state of a depression angle of 0 degrees.

In other words, a process (correction process) is performed to correct the upward deviation and suppress the fluctuation in the first line-of-sight direction so as to approach the depression angle of 0 degrees (pitch angle of 0 degrees). In FIG. 12C, the pitch angle is corrected to be the same as when the pitch angle is 0 degrees. It should be noted that how much the direction of the front end of the vehicle is displaced diagonally upward can be determined based on, for example, information from a pitch angle sensor or the like provided on the vehicle.

When the upward shift of the first line-of-sight direction 700 (710) is suppressed (preferably maintained at a depression angle of 0 degrees), the display area 100 has moved upward, so that the second line-of-sight direction The position of the intersection Q1 with U30 moves relatively downward.

Since the position of the intersection Q1 is also an important factor for determining the position of the boundary line of the first and second display areas 101 and 102, the position of the intersection Q1 moves downward to the first display area 101. Therefore, the range that makes it easier to see the actual view in the distance (the range of reduced attractiveness) is expanded, and the viewer (driver) maintains a state in which it is easy to see the actual view in front of and around (in other words, good visibility). Can be maintained, etc.).

Next, refer to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the HUD device. The main body 20 of the HUD device 10 includes a display control unit (control unit) 120, an image display unit (display unit) 140, a light projecting unit 155, a screen 129, a curved mirror (concave mirror, etc.) 133, and a curved mirror. It has an actuator 131 and. The image display unit 140 includes an image generation unit 141 and a display panel 143 (including a display surface PL). The display control unit (control unit) 120 is appropriately supplied with eye position information, rotation angle information of the curved mirror 133, and the like.

Next, refer to FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the HUD device. The HUD device 10 includes an I / O interface 30, a processor (control device) 160, an image processing unit 200, an image display unit 140, and a storage unit 300.

The I / O interface 30 includes a road information database 403, a vehicle position detection unit 405, an external sensor 407, a line-of-sight direction detection unit 409, an eye position detection unit 411, a portable information terminal 413, and a vehicle ECU 415. , Is connected.

The vehicle ECU 415 is appropriately provided with necessary information from the pitch angle sensor 417, the steering angle sensor 419 (necessary for the processing shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D), and the like. The I / O interface 420 is connected to the external communication connection device 420.

In addition, the storage unit 300 stores (mounts) the attractiveness / visibility change module 326. The attractiveness / visibility change module 326 includes an application area setting unit (attractiveness reduction range determination unit) 327 of the attractiveness reduction process and a content determination unit (attractability reduction mode determination unit) 329 of the attractiveness reduction process. Have. The processor (control device) 160 operates according to the application area setting unit (attractability reduction range determination unit) 327 of the attractiveness reduction process, whereby a first display area setting unit (not shown) as a functional block is constructed. To.

Further, the processor (control device) 160 or the image processing unit 140 operates according to the content determination unit (attraction reduction mode determination unit) 329 of the attraction reduction processing, so that the attraction reduction processing unit (not shown) as a functional block. ) Is constructed.

Next, refer to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a procedure example for setting the first and second display areas.

In step S110, information useful for setting the first display area is acquired. For example, acquisition of rotation angle information of the concave mirror (curved surface mirror) (step S111), acquisition of eye position (eye height) information, and the like may be executed.

In step S120, the range of the first display area (the area to which the attractiveness reduction processing is applied) is set. This step S120 may include, for example, setting a first display area (step S121) based on the table data in which the angle of the curved surface mirror and the range of the first display area are associated with each other. ..

Further, based on the set position (design value, default value, etc.) of each of the first and second display areas and the eye position, the area close to the first line-of-sight direction with respect to the eye position is the first. It may be included to set in the display area of (step S122).

Further, based on the positions of the first and second display areas estimated from the angle of the concave mirror and the eye position, the area close to the first line-of-sight direction with respect to the eye position is displayed as the first display. Setting in the area (step S123) may be included.

As described above, according to the present invention, for example, a viewer who looks forward while looking into a distance looks at an image (virtual image) by a HUD device displayed so as to overlap the actual view (foreground) in front of the viewer. Is blocked, for example, the visibility of the foreground is reduced, the visual attention to the image (virtual image) is deprived, the visual attention to the foreground of the viewer is reduced, or the image (virtual image) is annoying. It is possible to effectively reduce the burden on the viewer (including the psychological burden) such as that.

In the present invention, the HUD device is to be interpreted in a broad sense, and can be interpreted including a game device and a simulation device. In addition, terms such as a visual observer and a driver can be interpreted in a broad sense, and a vehicle can also be broadly interpreted as a term meaning a vehicle, for example.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments, and those skilled in the art will be able to easily modify the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments to the extent included in the claims. ..

1 ... Vehicle (own vehicle), 2 ... Windshield, 5 ... Dashboard, 10 ... HUD device, 20 ... HUD device 10, main body, 30 ... I / O interface, 100 ... Display area (virtual display area, virtual image display surface), 101 ... First display area, 102 ... Second display area, 120 ... Display control unit (control unit), 140 ... Image display unit (display unit), 155 ... Projection unit, 129 ... Screen, 133 ... Curved mirror (concave mirror, etc.), 131 ... Curved mirror actuator 131, 141 ... Image generation unit 141, 143 ... Display panel 143, 160 ... Processor (control device), 200 ... Image processing unit, 140 ... Image display unit, 300 ... Storage unit, 700.710 ... First line-of-sight direction, U10, U12, U30 ... Second line-of-sight direction, Q1 ... Intersection point between the display area and the second line-of-sight direction.

Claims (12)

1. An image display unit that displays an image and
   By projecting the light of the image displayed by the image display unit toward the projected member, the viewer can visually recognize the virtual image of the image within a virtual display area in the real space in front of the viewer. Optical system and
   A control unit that controls the display of the image in the image display unit,
   Have,
   The direction of the line of sight toward the front of the viewer with a depression angle of 0 degrees, starting from the eye position of the viewer or the reference position corresponding to the eye position, is defined as the first line-of-sight direction.
   The direction of the line of sight of the viewer at a depression angle m degree (m is an integer larger than 0) inclined from the first line of sight is defined as the second line of sight.
   The direction perpendicular to the first line-of-sight direction and along the line segment connecting the left and right eyes of the viewer is defined as the left-right direction.
   The direction along the first line-of-sight direction and the line segment orthogonal to the left-right direction is the vertical direction or the height direction, the direction away from the ground or the surface corresponding to the ground in the real space is upward, and the approaching direction is downward. When
   The control unit
   With the virtual display area as a reference, the first display area on the side closer to the first line-of-sight direction and the first display area with the intersection of the virtual display area and the second line-of-sight direction as a reference. By dividing into a second display area other than the above, the first display area and the second display area are set.
   Control is performed to make the attractiveness of the first display object displayed in the first display area lower than the attractiveness of the second display object displayed in the second display area.
   A head-up display device characterized by that.
2. In the second aspect, which is subordinate to the first aspect,
   The first display area and the second display area are
   The entire line segment extending in the left-right direction through the intersection of the virtual display area and the second line-of-sight direction and crossing the virtual display area is divided as a boundary line and described above. The first display area is located above the second display area.
   Or,
   A part of a line segment that passes through the intersection of the virtual display area and the second line-of-sight direction, extends in the left-right direction, and crosses the virtual display area is divided as a boundary line. The first display area is located above a part of the second display area.
   Or,
   The partial arc or curve passing through the intersection of the virtual display area and the second line-of-sight direction is divided as a boundary line, and the first display area is located above the second display area. do,
   A head-up display device characterized by that.
3. The control unit
   Within the first display area, a difference in attractiveness is provided according to the position in the vertical direction, and the attractiveness when the display object is arranged on the upper side is lower than the attractiveness when the display object is arranged on the lower side.
   The head-up display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the head-up display device is characterized in that.
4. The control unit
   When the display object is displayed across the first display area and the second display area, the overall attractiveness of the display object is reduced.
   The head-up display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the head-up display device is characterized in that.
5. The head-up display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the head-up display is mounted on a vehicle.
6. The control unit
   Correction to prevent the first line-of-sight direction from fluctuating according to the diagonally upward deviation when the direction toward which the front end of the vehicle faces deviates diagonally upward from the standard state. Carry out the process,
   The head-up display device according to claim 5, wherein the head-up display device is characterized in that.
7. The control unit
   When the speed of the vehicle is slow, the first display area is moved downward as compared with the case where the speed is high.
   The head-up display device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the head-up display device is characterized in that.
8. The control unit
   When the speed of the vehicle is slow, the first display area is expanded downward as compared with the case where the speed is high.
   The head-up display device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the head-up display device is characterized in that.
9. The control unit
   When the vehicle makes a right turn and at least one of the left turns, the first display area is expanded in the left-right direction, expanded to the right when turning right, and expanded to the left when turning left.
   The head-up display device according to any one of claims 5 to 8.
10. The optical system has a curved mirror, and the curved mirror rotates in response to a change in the eye position of the viewer, and the position of the virtual display area in the real space changes in the vertical direction accordingly.
    Due to the vertical change of the virtual display area,
    Or,
    By the vertical change of the virtual display area and the vertical change of the reference position in the first line-of-sight direction,
    The vertical position of the intersection of the virtual display area and the second line-of-sight direction changes, whereby the area of the first display area is adjusted.
    The head-up display device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the head-up display device is characterized in that.
11. Reducing the attractiveness of the display object is
    Low brightness,
    as well as,
    To reduce the size,
    as well as,
    To make the contrast low,
    as well as,
    Changing the color from the primary color to a light color,
    as well as,
    In the blinking state, slow down the blinking speed or prevent it from blinking,
    as well as,
    To shorten the display duration for the period when the same display object is displayed,
    as well as,
    Regarding the display of moving images, at least one of slowing down, setting a low cycle, and making a still image,
    as well as,
    Hiding or reducing the high-profile part of the display object,
    as well as,
    Changing the appearance of the display object,
    Realized by at least one of
    The head-up display device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the head-up display device is characterized in that.
12. Reducing the attractiveness of the display object is
    While suppressing the deterioration of visibility, the color of the display object is regarded as the opposite color including the complementary color to the color of the actual scene on which the display object is superimposed.
    On the other hand, it is realized by reducing the brightness, reducing the size, hiding or reducing the high-profile part of the display object, and changing the appearance of the display object. Be done,
    The head-up display device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the head-up display device is characterized in that.

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