Head-up display

Abstract

The present invention provides a head-up display device capable of realizing a desired color and changing the brightness of illumination light according to a required brightness. The HUD device comprises: a plurality of light sources; a light source driver that drives the plurality of light sources; a second control unit that lights up the plurality of light sources via the light source driver based on illumination control data; and a DMD display element that generates display light based on the illumination light emitted by the plurality of light sources. The illumination control data includes a control mode (Q1, Q2) for generating illumination light of a brightness corresponding to the required brightness. The control modes (Q1, Q2) have brightness ranges (BlA, BlB) that are different from each other and partially overlap with each other. When the required brightness reaches a mode switching value (E2) at a non-end portion of an overlapping area (E1) where the brightness range (BlA) under the control mode (Q1) overlaps the brightness range (BlB) under the control mode (Q2), the second control unit switches the mode between the control modes (Q1, Q2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a head-up display device. Background Art

[0002] For example, the head-up display device described in Patent Document 1 changes the output of each light source to adjust the brightness of a display image based on an illuminance signal from an illuminance sensor that detects the illuminance around a user.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-4121 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, it is required to change the brightness of a displayed image so as to realize a desired color according to the illuminance around the user.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned actual situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a head-up display device capable of realizing a desired color and changing the brightness of illumination light according to a required brightness.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the head-up display device of the present invention comprises: a plurality of light sources; a light source driver that drives the plurality of light sources; a control unit that lights up the plurality of light sources via the light source driver based on illumination control data; and a DMD display element that generates display light based on illumination light emitted by the plurality of light sources, the illumination control data including a first control mode and a second control mode for generating the illumination light having a brightness corresponding to a required brightness, the first control mode and the second control mode having brightness ranges that are different from each other and partially overlap with each other, and when the required brightness reaches a mode switching value located at a non-end portion of an overlapping region where the brightness range in the first control mode overlaps the brightness range in the second control mode, the control unit switches the mode between the first control mode and the second control mode.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a desired color and change the brightness of illumination light according to the required brightness. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with a head-up display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a head-up display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a display unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a light source driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a lighting control data generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a block diagram of a sample product data acquisition device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a block diagram of a shipped product data acquisition device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the classes to which sample projector devices according to one embodiment of the present invention belong.

[0022] Fig.10 This is a graph showing RGB output characteristics when generating master data according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Fig.11 This is a graph showing RGB output characteristics in a high brightness mode when generating product data according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Fig.12 This is a graph showing RGB output characteristics in a low brightness mode when generating product data according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Fig.13 : is a graph showing the relationship between the control mode and the brightness according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Fig.14 Yes Fig.13 A magnified portion of the image.

[0027] Fig.15 This is a flowchart of a master data generation process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Fig.16 This is a sub-flowchart of the master data generation process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig.17 This is a flowchart of a product data generation process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Fig.18 1 is a timing chart showing a waveform pattern of a current supplied to a light source and an operation of a switch in a high brightness mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Fig.19 1 is a timing chart showing pulses of current supplied to a light source in a low brightness mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 20 It is a schematic diagram of a variable ND filter device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Fig.21 One embodiment of the present invention is Fig.13 A magnified portion of the image.

[0034] Fig. 22 : is a diagram showing a control mode and a DMD duty ratio according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Fig.23 : is a diagram showing a control mode and a DMD duty ratio according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] An embodiment of a lighting control data generation method, a lighting control data generation device, and a head-up display device (hereinafter referred to as a HUD device) according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the HUD device 1 is mounted on the dashboard of the vehicle 2, generates display light L representing an image, and radiates the generated display light L toward the windshield 3. The display light L is reflected by the windshield 3 and reaches a visual recognizer 4 (for example, the driver of the vehicle 2). Thus, the visual recognizer 4 can visually recognize a virtual image V displayed in front of the windshield 3. On the virtual image V, various vehicle information such as engine speed and vehicle speed are displayed.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the HUD device 1 includes a projector device 18, a transmissive screen 50, a light source driving device 5, plane mirrors 55 and 61, a concave mirror 62, a concave mirror driving unit 65, a housing 70, and a light-transmitting unit 71. The projector device 18 includes an illumination device 10 for radiating illumination light C and a display unit 19 for receiving the illumination light C and radiating display light L.

[0039] The housing 70 is formed in a box shape by a light-shielding material, for example. The flat mirror 61, the concave mirror 62, and the concave mirror driving unit 65 are accommodated in the housing 70. The housing 70 is formed with an opening 70a through which the display light L passes.

[0040] The light-transmitting portion 71 is formed of a light-transmitting resin such as acrylic in a curved plate shape and is provided so as to close the opening 70 a of the housing 70 .

[0041] The lighting device 10 generates illumination light C and radiates the generated illumination light C toward the display unit 19. Specifically, Figure 3 As shown, the lighting device 10 includes a light source group 11 , a light combining unit 13 , and a light source temperature detecting unit 600 .

[0042] The light source group 11 is composed of three light sources 11r, 11g, and 11b, each of which is composed of an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The light source 11r is a red light source, and emits red light R. The light source 11g is a green light source, and emits green light G. The light source 11b is a blue light source, and emits blue light B. The light sources 11r, 11g, and 11b are driven by the light source driving device 5, respectively, and emit light at a predetermined light intensity and timing.

[0043] The light synthesizing unit 13 generates illumination light C by aligning the optical axes of the red light R, green light G, and blue light B emitted in sequence from the light sources 11r, 11g, and 11b, and emits the generated illumination light C toward the display unit 19. Specifically, the light synthesizing unit 13 includes a reflector 13a and dichroic mirrors 13b and 13c that reflect light of a specific wavelength and transmit light of other wavelengths other than the specific wavelength. The reflector 13a reflects the incident blue light B toward the dichroic mirror 13b. The dichroic mirror 13b reflects the incident green light G toward the dichroic mirror 13c, and directly transmits the blue light B from the reflector 13a. The dichroic mirror 13c reflects the incident red light R toward the display unit 19, and transmits the green light G and blue light B from the dichroic mirror 13b. Thus, the dichroic mirror 13c emits the illumination light C obtained by synthesizing the red light R, green light G, and blue light B on the same optical axis toward the display unit 19.

[0044] The light source temperature detection unit 600 detects the temperature of each light source 11r, 11g, 11b. Figure 5 As shown, the detection result is output to the light source driving device 5 as a light source temperature signal ST.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, the display unit 19 includes a prism 15 , a light intensity detection unit 500 , a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) display element 30 , a projection optical system 40 , and a plane mirror 54 .

[0046] The plane mirror 54 reflects the illumination light C from the illumination device 10 toward the prism 15 .

[0047] The prism 15 is formed of a light-transmitting material in the shape of a right-angled isosceles triangular prism. The prism 15 includes an inclined surface 15a opposite to the plane mirror 54, a right-angle surface 15b opposite to the DMD display element 30, and a right-angle surface 15c opposite to the projection optical system 40. The illumination light C from the plane mirror 54 reaches the inclined surface 15a of the prism 15. The inclined surface 15a allows most of the illumination light C from the plane mirror 54 to enter the prism 15, and reflects a part of the illumination light C from the plane mirror 54 toward the light intensity detection unit 500. The illumination light C incident on the prism 15 is emitted from the right-angle surface 15b of the prism 15 toward the DMD display element 30. The display light L from the DMD display element 30 is incident on the prism 15 via the right-angle surface 15b, and then reflected toward the inclined surface 15a. Thereafter, the display light L reflected by the inclined surface 15a is emitted from the right-angle surface 15c toward the projection optical system 40.

[0048] The DMD display element 30 includes a plurality of movable micro-mirrors 30a. The plurality of micro-mirrors 30a are arranged in a matrix to correspond to the image M (refer to Figure 2 ) corresponding to the pixel. The micromirror 30a has an electrode not shown in the figure, and becomes either an open state or a closed state by switching the voltage value applied to the electrode. The micromirror 30a reflects the illumination light C toward the transmission type screen 50 when in the open state. The micromirror 30a reflects the illumination light C toward a direction different from the transmission type screen 50 when in the closed state.

[0049] Each micromirror 30a is switched between an on state and an off state by the light source driving device 5, thereby expressing the brightness and color in each pixel of the image M based on the desired color, for example, the white illumination light C. Under the control of the light source driving device 5, each micromirror 30a adjusts the proportion of the period in the on state in one frame, i.e., the DMD duty cycle, thereby adjusting the brightness of each pixel of the image M.

[0050] The light intensity detection unit 500 is composed of a light receiving element having a photodiode, for example, and is disposed at a position to receive the illumination light C reflected by the prism 15. The light intensity detection unit 500 receives a portion of the illumination light C and detects the light intensity of each of the lights R, G, and B constituting the illumination light C in a time-division manner. Figure 5 As shown, the light intensity detection unit 500 outputs the detection result as a light intensity detection signal SFB to the second control unit 200 of the light source driving device 5 described later.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the projection optical system 40 is composed of a concave lens or a convex lens, etc., which amplifies the display light L from the DMD display element 30 after passing through the prism 15, and emits the amplified display light L to Figure 2 The plane mirror 55 is shown. The plane mirror 55 reflects the display light L toward the transmission type screen 50.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the transmissive screen 50 is composed of a holographic diffuser, a microlens array, a diffusion plate, etc., and receives the display light L from the projection optical system 40 to display the image M.

[0053] The plane mirror 61 reflects the display light L representing the image M displayed on the transmission screen 50 toward the concave mirror 62. The plane mirror 61 may be a concave mirror.

[0054] The concave mirror 62 reflects the display light L from the plane mirror 61 toward the windshield 3 . The display light L passes through the light-transmitting portion 71 of the housing 70 , and is then reflected by the windshield 3 toward the viewer 4 .

[0055] The concave mirror driving unit 65 includes a motor (not shown) and a gear mechanism for transmitting the driving force of the motor to the concave mirror 62. The concave mirror driving unit 65 drives the concave mirror 62 to rotate in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation. Figure 2 The concave mirror 62 rotates around the rotation axis Ax extending in the vertical direction of the paper surface. The concave mirror 62 rotates around the rotation axis Ax, thereby adjusting the irradiation position of the display light L relative to the viewer 4 in the height direction.

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, the light source driving device 5 includes: a light source driver 300, which supplies a constant current to the light source group 11; an inductor L1; a light source driving unit 43, which drives the light source group 11; a second control unit 200, which controls the light source driving unit 43 and the DMD display element 30, etc.; and a first control unit 100, which controls the concave mirror driving unit 65, etc.

[0057] The light source driver 300 is constituted by a constant current driver IC (Integrated Circuit) that generates a constant current based on power from a vehicle-mounted battery (not shown), and is controlled by the second control unit 200 .

[0058] The light source driver 300 supplies a constant current to the light source group 11 based on a command signal from the second control unit 200. When receiving a command signal indicating to turn off the light source driver 300 from the second control unit 200, the light source driver 300 stops supplying the constant current. The inductor L1 is connected between the light source driver 300 and the light source group 11.

[0059] The light source driving unit 43 includes switch units Swr, Swg, Swb, Swc, and Swa, a capacitor C1 , and a voltage detecting unit 49 .

[0060] The switch units Swr, Swg, Swb, Swc, and Swa are formed of, for example, n-channel FETs (Field Effect Transistors), and are switched between an on state (closed state) and an off state (open state) under the control of the second control unit 200 .

[0061] The switch unit Swr is connected in series with the light source 11r. The switch unit Swg is connected in series with the light source 11g. The switch unit Swb is connected in series with the light source 11b. The switch unit Swc is connected in series with the capacitor C1 and is connected in parallel with the switch units Swr, Swg, and Swb.

[0062] The switch parts Swr, Swg, and Swb are switched to the on state, so that the current from the light source driver 300 flows to the corresponding light sources 11r, 11g, and 11b, and the corresponding light sources 11r, 11g, and 11b are lit. The switch parts Swr, Swg, and Swb are switched to the off state, so that the current flowing from the light source driver 300 to the corresponding light sources 11r, 11g, and 11b is cut off, and the corresponding light sources 11r, 11g, and 11b are extinguished.

[0063] The switch unit Swa has a function of controlling the inductor current flowing from the light source driver 300 to the inductor L1 to a target value by switching to an on state.

[0064] The switch unit Swc has a function of switching to an on state to allow a current to flow from the light source driver 300 to the capacitor C1, thereby adjusting a pulse P (see Fig.19 ) is a function of the slope of the rising part.

[0065] The voltage detection unit 49 is connected between the ground line and the switch units Swr, Swg, Swb, Swc, and Swa, and after detecting a voltage detection signal SV, outputs the voltage detection signal to the second control unit 200 .

[0066] like Figure 5 As shown, the first control unit 100 is composed of a microcontroller having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, etc., and controls the concave mirror driving unit 65. The first control unit 100 receives a required brightness signal SL indicating the light intensity of the external light around the vehicle 2 detected by the illuminance sensor 7. The first control unit 100 outputs the input required brightness signal SL indicating the required brightness to the second control unit 200.

[0067] The second control unit 200 is an LSI (Large Scale Integration) that realizes a desired function by hardware, and is composed of, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0068] The second control unit 200 receives an image signal SE for displaying an image M from the image signal input unit 700 , and receives a light source temperature signal ST detected by the light source temperature detection unit 600 , a voltage detection signal SV detected by the voltage detection unit 49 , and a light intensity detection signal SFB detected by the light intensity detection unit 500 .

[0069] The second control unit 200 includes a light source control unit 201 that sets the light intensity of the illumination light C corresponding to the required brightness, a display element control unit 202 that controls the DMD display element 30, a storage unit 203 that stores the illumination control data Dm, and a product data generation unit 205 that corrects the illumination control data Dm. The product data generation unit 205 includes a driving capability determination unit 205a, a main data selection unit 205b, a measurement point determination unit 205c, an output characteristic acquisition unit 205d, and a data correction unit 205e.

[0070] The display element control unit 202 performs on / off control of each micromirror 30 a in the DMD display element 30 based on the video signal SE, thereby displaying an image M.

[0071] like Fig.13 As shown, the lighting control data Dm includes data indicating the brightness range Bl under each control mode Q1 to Qn (n is an arbitrary natural number). The brightness range Bl under each control mode Q1 to Qn is a brightness range for radiating the desired color, for example, white illumination light C from the projector device 18. The central value of the brightness range Bl under the control modes Q1 to Qn becomes smaller as the control mode Qn is approached from the control mode Q1. The control modes Q1 to Qn respectively include information related to which of the low brightness mode and the high brightness mode is, the gain set by the gain setting unit 201a described later, the target value (limit value) of the current supplied to the light sources 11r, 11g, and 11b, the lighting mode including the duty ratio of the light sources 11r, 11g, and 11b, and the RGB output characteristics described later. For example, the gain and the target value are set to become smaller as the control mode Qn is approached from the control mode Q1. For example, when the mode is switched between the control mode Qx and the control mode Qy, the mode is switched between the low brightness mode and the high brightness mode.

[0072] The lighting control data Dm is set for each light source temperature. As an example, lighting control data Dm corresponding to -40°C, -30°C, -10°C, 10°C, 25°C, 40°C, 50°C, 60°C, and 70°C are prepared. Regarding the lighting control data Dm, the number and content of the control modes Q1 to Qn and the brightness range Bl under each control mode Q1 to Qn are different for each light source temperature.

[0073] like Figure 5 As shown, the light source control unit 201 includes, for example, a PMIC (Power Management Integrated Circuit) that controls the power supplied to the light source group 11. The light source control unit 201 refers to the lighting control data Dm related to the temperature closest to the light source temperature based on the light source temperature signal ST detected by the light source temperature detection unit 600. The light source control unit 201 refers to the lighting control data Dm, switches to a control mode Q1 to Qn that implements the required brightness based on the required brightness signal SL, and supplies current to the light source group 11 via the light source driver 300 under the switched control mode Q1 to Qn. As a result, the illumination light C becomes a brightness corresponding to the required brightness signal SL. The output level of the light source control unit 201 is variable. The higher the output level of the light source control unit 201, the higher the peak value Pk (refer to Fig.18 and Fig.19 ) is larger and the time until the light source current reaches the target value is shorter, that is, the greater the slope of the increase in the light source current.

[0074] For example, the light source control unit 201 determines a target value based on the required brightness signal SL, and compares the determined target value with the light intensity detection signal SFB. When the light intensity detection signal SFB is less than the target value, the light source control unit 201 supplies current from the light source driver 300 to the light source group 11, and when the light intensity detection signal SFB is greater than the target value, the light source control unit 201 stops supplying current from the light source driver 300 to the light source group 11. Thus, the light source control unit 201 monitors the light intensity detection signal SFB and performs feedback control on the current value supplied from the light source driver 300 to the light source group 11 with the target value as the target. The target value is set to a different value for each light source 11r, 11g, 11b.

[0075] like Figure 5As shown in FIG. 1 , the light source control unit 201 includes a gain setting unit 201a for setting the gain of the light intensity detection signal SFB detected by the light intensity detection unit 500. The gain setting unit 201a sets the gain higher as the required brightness (required brightness signal SL) becomes lower. The gain setting unit 201a adjusts the gain of the light intensity detection signal SFB to set the light intensity detection signal SFB to a value that can be read by the light source control unit 201. The light source control unit 201 reads the light intensity detection signal SFB in consideration of whether the gain set by the gain setting unit 201a is offset and the amount of the offset. In this way, it is possible to suppress the brightness of the illumination light C from deviating from the target value due to the change in gain caused by the individual difference of the light source control unit 201.

[0076] like Fig.18 As shown, the light source control section 201 turns on the switch section Swr throughout the lighting permission period Tr, thereby supplying the current Ir from the light source driver 300 to the light source 11 r to light the light source 11 r.

[0077] The light source control section 201 turns on the switch section Swg throughout the lighting permission period Tg, thereby supplying the current Ig from the light source driver 300 to the light source 11 g to light the light source 11 g.

[0078] The light source control section 201 turns on the switch section Swb throughout the lighting permission period Tb, thereby supplying the current Ib from the light source driver 300 to the light source 11 b to light the light source 11 b .

[0079] The light source control unit 201 operates in a so-called field sequential manner by selectively lighting any one of the light sources 11r, 11g, 11b and switching the lighted light source 11r, 11g, 11b. The light source control unit 201 supplies currents Ir, Ig, Ib to the light sources 11r, 11g, 11b during the display period Ton, and stops supplying currents Ir, Ig, Ib to the light sources 11r, 11g, 11b during the non-display period Tof by turning off the switch units Swr, Swg, Swb. While the image M is displayed, the display period Ton and the non-display period Tof are repeated alternately. One display period Ton and one non-display period Tof constitute one frame, that is, one cycle. The display period Ton is composed of a plurality of lighting permission periods Tr, Tg, Tb in a predetermined order.

[0080] The second control unit 200 switches to either the high brightness mode or the low brightness mode based on the required brightness signal SL. The second control unit 200 switches to the low brightness mode when the required brightness signal SL is below a threshold value, and switches to the high brightness mode when the required brightness signal SL exceeds the threshold value. For example, the threshold value is set to 4000 candela.

[0081] like Fig.18As shown, the second control unit 200 supplies the currents Ir, Ig, and Ib as rectangular waves to the light sources 11r, 11g, and 11b in the high brightness mode. The second control unit 200 changes the target value Tgt of the currents Ir, Ig, and Ib, the period Ti during which the currents Ir, Ig, and Ib are supplied, and the DMD duty ratio described later in accordance with the change in the required brightness in the high brightness mode, thereby adjusting the brightness of the illumination light C or the display light L.

[0082] like Fig.19 As shown, in the low brightness mode, the second control unit 200 supplies the currents Ir, Ig, Ib to the light sources 11r, 11g, 11b as triangular waves, i.e., a plurality of pulses P. In the low brightness mode, the second control unit 200 increases or decreases the number of pulses P in accordance with the change in the required brightness, thereby adjusting the brightness of the illumination light C or the display light L.

[0083] In addition, the second control unit 200 may adjust the brightness of the illumination light C or the display light L by increasing or decreasing the peak value Pk (target value) of the pulse P in addition to increasing or decreasing the number of pulses P, without being limited to this example.

[0084] A method for generating the pulse P in the low brightness mode will be described.

[0085] like Figure 5 and Fig.19 As shown, the second control unit 200 (light source control unit 201) turns on the switch units Swr and Swc and turns off the switch units Swg, Swb, and Swa during the lighting permission period Tr and before generating the pulse P. At this time, the current flows from the light source driver 300 to the ground via the capacitor C1 and the switch unit Swc. Thus, energy is charged into the capacitor C1. When the capacitor C1 is close to a fully charged state, the current value flowing to the capacitor C1 decreases, and the current Ir supplied to the light source 11r via the switch unit Swr increases. Thus, a waveform of the rising part of the pulse P is formed. The inclination of the rising part of the pulse P can be adjusted by the capacitor C1. Moreover, when the current Ir reaches the target value Tgt, the second control unit 200 turns on the switch unit Swa. At this time, the current from the light source driver 300 flows to the ground via the switch unit Swa, and the current Ir supplied to the light source 11r decreases. Thus, a waveform of the falling part of the pulse P is formed.

[0086] like Figure 6As shown, the lighting control data generating device 800 generates lighting control data Dm suitable for the shipped product of the projector device 18, that is, the shipped product projector device 18k. The lighting control data generating device 800 includes: a sample product data acquiring device 801, which acquires the RGB output characteristics at each temperature of the sample product of the projector device 18, that is, the sample projector devices 18a to 18j; a master data generating unit 802, which generates master lighting control data, that is, master data M1 to M10, based on the RGB output characteristics acquired by the sample product data acquiring device 801; a shipped product data acquiring device 810, which acquires the RGB output characteristics at each temperature of the shipped product projector device 18k; and a product data generating unit 205, which selects the best master data Mx suitable for the shipped product projector device 18k from the master data M1 to M10, and corrects the best master data Mx based on the RGB output characteristics acquired by the shipped product data acquiring device 810 to generate the lighting control data Dm.

[0087] The product data generating unit 205 constitutes a part of the shipped product projector device 18k. The sample product data acquiring unit 801, the master data generating unit 802 and the shipped product data acquiring unit 810 are provided separately from the projector device 18.

[0088] like Figure 7 As shown, the sample product data acquisition device 801 includes an illuminometer 803 , a variable ND (Neutral Density) filter device 804 , a room temperature adjustment unit 806 , a constant temperature chamber 808 , and an inspection light irradiation unit 809 .

[0089] The constant temperature bath 808 is a container that keeps the temperature of the internal space constant. The room temperature adjustment unit 806 adjusts the temperature of the internal space of the constant temperature bath 808 under the control of the master data generation unit 802. Any one of the sample projector devices 18a to 18j is stored in the constant temperature bath 808 in order. The constant temperature bath 808 includes a constant temperature bath glass 805 that transmits the display light L from the projector device 18. When the display light L is transmitted, the constant temperature bath glass 805 reduces the light intensity of the display light L. The interior of the constant temperature bath 808 becomes a dark room.

[0090] The illuminometer 803 and the variable ND filter device 804 are located outside the constant temperature chamber 808, that is, in a dark room.

[0091] The illuminometer 803 measures the brightness of the display light L that has passed through the variable ND filter device 804, and outputs the measured detection signal to the main data generating unit 802. The inspection light emitting unit 809 irradiates the light intensity detecting unit 500 with inspection light for inspecting the presence or absence of gain offset and the amount of offset set by the gain setting unit 201a.

[0092] The variable ND filter device 804 adjusts the brightness of the display light L that has passed through the thermostatic chamber glass 805 to within the measurable range of the illuminometer 803 under the control of the master data generating unit 802 .

[0093] In detail, Fig. 20 As shown, the variable ND filter device 804 includes a plurality of filters (in this example, five filters F0 to F4) set to different light attenuation rates, a rotating plate 804a supporting the filters F0 to F4, and a rotating drive unit 804c that rotates the rotating plate 804a along a rotation direction Cw.

[0094] The magnitude relationship of the light attenuation rates of the filters F0 to F4 is set as follows: the light attenuation rate of the filter F0 > the light attenuation rate of the filter F1 > the light attenuation rate of the filter F2 > the light attenuation rate of the filter F3 > the light attenuation rate of the filter F4.

[0095] The rotating plate 804a is formed in a circular plate shape and supported so as to be rotatable in a rotation direction Cw with the rotation axis Ay as the center. The rotation direction Cw is the counterclockwise direction. The rotating plate 804a is configured to be rotatable only in the rotation direction Cw and not in the opposite direction of the rotation direction Cw, that is, the clockwise direction. The rotation axis Ay is located at the center of the rotating plate 804a and is disposed along the thickness direction ( Fig. 20 The rotating plate 804a supports the filters F0 to F4 arranged along the rotating direction Cw. The filters F0 to F4 are arranged at equal angles around the rotating axis Ay, and in this example, at 72° intervals.

[0096] In the above description, the rotating plate 804a is exemplified as being able to rotate only in the counterclockwise direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the rotating plate 804a may be exemplified as being able to rotate only in the clockwise direction.

[0097] The rotation driving unit 804c rotates the rotating plate 804a in the rotation direction Cw under the control of the main data generating unit 802, thereby causing the irradiation range 804b irradiated with the display light L from the sample projector devices 18a to 18j to overlap with any one of the filters F0 to F4. The irradiation range 804b is fixed relative to the rotating rotating plate 804a. The specific method of switching the filters F0 to F4 when obtaining the RGB output characteristics will be described in detail later.

[0098] like Figure 7As shown in FIG. 1 , the master data generation unit 802 is composed of, for example, a microcontroller. The master data generation unit 802 performs the master data generation process described later. The master data generation unit 802 includes a storage unit 807 for storing master data M1 to M10, a measurement point determination unit 802a, and an output characteristic acquisition unit 802b. The processing contents performed by the measurement point determination unit 802a and the output characteristic acquisition unit 802b will be described in detail later.

[0099] like Figure 8 As shown, the shipped product data acquisition device 810 includes an illuminometer 813 , a variable ND filter device 814 , a chamber 818 , and an inspection light radiating unit 819 .

[0100] The chamber 818 is installed on the production line where the projector device 18k for shipped products is installed, and houses the illuminometer 813 and the projector device 18k for shipped products. The chamber 818 is a dark room.

[0101] Similar to the variable ND filter device 804, the variable ND filter device 814 includes a plurality of filters, a rotating plate supporting the plurality of filters, and a rotation drive unit that rotates the rotating plate in a rotation direction. The variable ND filter device 814 is controlled by the product data generation unit 205. The illuminometer 813 has the same structure as the illuminometer 803, and outputs a detection signal to the product data generation unit 205. The inspection light radiating unit 819 has the same structure as the inspection light radiating unit 809, is controlled by the product data generation unit 205, and radiates inspection light to the light intensity detection unit of the shipped product projector device 18k.

[0102] (Master data generation process)

[0103] Reference Fig.15 The master data generation process executed by the master data generation unit 802 is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0104] First, if Fig. 9 As shown, the master data generation unit 802 classifies the sample projector devices 18a to 18j into levels G1 to G10 according to the driving capability of the light source driver 300 (step S1). The sample projector devices 18a to 18j are of the same type but have different serial numbers. Therefore, the sample projector devices 18a to 18j have individual differences. One type of individual difference, namely, the driving capability of the light source driver 300, is determined by the output level of the light source control unit 201 and the peak value Pk of the light source current flowing to the light sources 11r, 11g, 11b (refer to Fig.18 and Fig.19). The higher the driving capability of the light source driver 300, the greater the peak value Pk of the light source current flowing to the light sources 11r, 11g, 11b, even if the output level of the light source control unit 201 is lower. Due to individual differences in the light source driver 300, the driving capability will vary. For example, in a case where the driving capability of the light source control unit 201 of the sample projector device 18b is higher than the driving capability of the light source control unit 201 of the sample projector device 18a, even if the output levels of the sample projector devices 18a and 18b are the same, the peak value Pk of the light source current in the sample projector device 18b is higher than the peak value Pk of the light source current in the sample projector device 18a, and thus, the brightness of the illumination light C or the display light L will also increase.

[0105] As an example, in step S1, the master data generating unit 802 calculates the driving capability value obtained by dividing the peak value Pk of the light source current by the set output level for each of the sample projector devices 18a to 18j. That is, the driving capability value is calculated by the following formula.

[0106] Driving capability value = peak value Pk / output level

[0107] After that, the master data generation unit 802 sorts the calculated driving capability values ​​in order of high and low, and classifies the sample projector devices 18a to 18j into levels G1 to G10 in order of high and low driving capability values. For example, when the driving capability value of the sample projector device 18a is the lowest among the sample projector devices 18a to 18j, the sample projector device 18a is classified into level G1. For example, when the driving capability value of the sample projector device 18b is the second lowest among the sample projector devices 18a to 18j, the sample projector device 18b is classified into level G2. Hereinafter, the sample projector devices 18c to 18j are similarly classified into levels G3 to G10.

[0108] Next, the master data generating unit 802 generates master data M1 to M10 for each of the levels G1 to G10, stores the generated master data M1 to M10 in the storage unit 807 (step S2), and ends the master data generating process. The master data generating process is executed before the projector device 18k is manufactured and shipped.

[0109] In step S2, the master data generation unit 802 reads out the data for generating the master data M1 to M10. Fig.16 The sub-process diagram shown.

[0110] and Fig.16The processing related to the sub-flowchart of is executed for each sample projector device 18a to 18j. Thus, master data M1 to M10 corresponding to the levels G1 to G10 are generated. Each master data M1 to M10 has master data at each temperature. In the following example, the case of generating master data M1 of level G1 is described. In this case, Fig.16 Before the sub-flowchart of Figure 7 In the constant temperature chamber 808 shown, the power of the sample projector device 18a is turned on.

[0111] First, the master data generation unit 802 sets the temperature in the thermostatic bath 808 to the target temperature via the room temperature adjustment unit 806 (step S11). Thereafter, the master data generation unit 802 waits for the temperature in the thermostatic bath 808 to stabilize at the target temperature (step S12; No). Thereafter, when the master data generation unit 802 determines that the temperature in the thermostatic bath 808 has stabilized at the target temperature (step S12; Yes), it obtains the gain offset information as the IC characteristic of the light source control unit 201 (step S13). In this step S13, the master data generation unit 802 irradiates the light intensity detection unit 500 with the inspection light irradiation unit 809. The inspection light is light of a preset brightness. Thereafter, in a state where the gain setting unit 201a sets the gain to a set value, the master data generation unit 802 measures the light intensity detection signal SFB when the inspection light is irradiated to the light intensity detection unit 500. Thereafter, the master data generating unit 802 acquires gain offset information indicating the offset of the gain from the set value based on the difference between the measured light intensity detection signal SFB and a reference value. The reference value is, for example, an average value of the light intensity detection signal SFB when the light intensity detection unit 500 is irradiated with the inspection light in a state where the gain setting unit 201a sets the gain to the set value in the plurality of projector devices 18.

[0112] Next, the master data generating unit 802 acquires the RGB output characteristics of each of the control modes Q1 to Qn at the target temperature adjusted by the room temperature adjusting unit 806 in consideration of the acquired gain offset information, thereby generating master data M1 (step S14 ).

[0113] like Fig.10 As shown, the RGB output characteristics are characteristics indicating the relationship between the output level of the light source control unit 201 and the brightness of the display light L detected by the illuminometer 803. The RGB output characteristics include an R output characteristic associated with the light source 11r for radiating illumination light C of a desired color, for example, white, a G output characteristic associated with the light source 11g, and a B output characteristic associated with the light source 11b.

[0114] The step S14 includes: a measurement point determination step S14a performed by the measurement point determination unit 802a, in which a plurality of measurement points P1 to Px are determined by each of the different plurality of output levels of the light source control unit 201 and the brightness of the light emitted by the light sources 11r, 11g, 11b; and an output characteristic acquisition step S14b performed by the output characteristic acquisition unit 802b, in which the RGB output characteristics are acquired by interpolating between the determined plurality of measurement points P1 to Px.

[0115] Fig.10 The x of the measurement point Px shown is an arbitrary number, and in the master data, x is set to the same number in both the low brightness mode and the high brightness mode, for example, 20. The master data is required to have high reliability. Therefore, the number of measurement points of the master data is set to be larger than the number of measurement points when acquiring the RGB output characteristics of the shipping product projector device 18k described later.

[0116] Specifically, the measurement point determination unit 802a sequentially measures the red light from the light source 11r, the green light from the light source 11g, and the blue light from the light source 11b. For example, when measuring the red light, the measurement point determination unit 802a sets the output level of the light source control unit 201 to the first value, and then performs the measurement. Fig.18 As shown, currents Ir, Ig, and Ib are sequentially supplied to the light sources 11r, 11g, and 11b, thereby sequentially lighting the light sources 11r, 11g, and 11b. When measuring red light, the measuring point determining unit 802a turns on each micromirror 30a of the DMD display element 30 while the light source to be measured, i.e., the light source 11r, is lit, and turns off each micromirror 30a of the DMD display element 30 while the light sources 11g and 11b other than the light source 11r are lit. Thereafter, the measuring point determining unit 802a measures the brightness of the display light L, i.e., the red light, through the illuminometer 803, and plots it at the measuring point P1 where the first value intersects with the brightness of the red light.

[0117] Next, after setting the output level of the light source control unit 201 to a second value greater than the first value, the measurement point determination unit 802a measures the brightness of the display light L, i.e., the red light, by the illuminometer 803 in the same manner as described above, and plots the measurement point P2 where the second value intersects with the brightness of the red light. Thereafter, the measurement points P3 to Px are plotted in the same manner.

[0118] Fig.10 The measurement points P1 to Px shown are set at equal intervals on the horizontal axis corresponding to the output level of the light source control unit 201 .

[0119] In either the low brightness mode or the high brightness mode, the measurement point determination unit 802a measures the brightness of the red light of the light source 11r at the output level of the light source control unit 201 for a predetermined number of times (e.g., ten times), and averages the brightness of the measured number of times, thereby determining the measurement points P1 to Px. The master data is required to have a high reliability. Therefore, the average number of times of brightness when generating the master data is set to be greater than the average number of times of brightness when generating the lighting control data Dm of the projector device 18k of the shipping product described later.

[0120] The output characteristic acquisition unit 802b acquires the output characteristic corresponding to the output characteristic by performing interpolation, for example, linear interpolation, between the determined plurality of measurement points P1 to Px. Fig.10 The R output characteristics associated with the light source 11r are shown by the broken line Lr.

[0121] As with the R output characteristic, the master data generation unit 802 obtains Fig.10 The G output characteristic of the light source 11g shown by the broken line Lg and Fig.10 The B output characteristic related to the light source 11b shown by the broken line Lb of FIG. 8 is shown. When determining the measurement point of the G output characteristic, the master data generating unit 802 turns on each micromirror 30a of the DMD display element 30 during the period when the light source to be measured, i.e., the light source 11g, is turned on, and turns off each micromirror 30a of the DMD display element 30 during the period when the light sources 11r and 11b other than the light source 11g are turned on. In addition, when determining the measurement point of the B output characteristic, the master data generating unit 802 turns on each micromirror 30a of the DMD display element 30 during the period when the light source to be measured, i.e., the light source 11b, is turned on, and turns off each micromirror 30a of the DMD display element 30 during the period when the light sources 11r and 11g other than the light source 11b are turned on.

[0122] By the above method, the RGB output characteristics can be acquired. The main data generation unit 802 acquires the RGB output characteristics for each of the control modes Q1 to Qn.

[0123] For example, in the case where the gain deviates and exceeds the set value, when correction considering the gain deviation information is not performed, the current value of the light intensity detection signal SFB with respect to the light intensity of the light irradiated to the light intensity detection unit 500 becomes high. Therefore, the brightness of the display light L adjusted based on the light intensity detection signal SFB also becomes high. Thus, in order to suppress the increase in the brightness of the display light L as the gain exceeds the set value, correction considering the gain deviation information is performed. For example, in the case where the gain deviation information includes information indicating that the gain deviates and exceeds the set value, the main data generation unit 802 performs correction considering the acquired gain deviation information so that the measurement points P1 to Px, and further the broken lines Lr, Lg, and Lb shift downward, that is, in the direction of decreasing brightness. In addition, similarly, for example, in the case where the gain deviation information includes information indicating that the gain deviates and is lower than the set value, the main data generation unit 802 performs correction considering the acquired gain deviation information so that the measurement points P1 to Px, and further the broken lines Lr, Lg, and Lb shift upward, that is, in the direction of increasing brightness. The correction amount at this time becomes a value corresponding to the deviation amount between the gain included in the gain deviation information and the set value.

[0124] In the measurement point determination step S14a, when the measurement point determination unit 802a detects the brightness of the light from the light sources 11r, 11g, and 11b using the illuminometer 803, through the variable ND filter device 804, as shown in Table 1 below, any one of the filters F0 to F4 is overlapped with the irradiation range 804b to set any one of the filters F0 to F4 as the selected filter Fs.

[0125] Table 1

[0126]

[0127] As shown in Table 1 above, under the control of the main data generation unit 802, the variable ND filter device 804 acquires the RGB output characteristics in the order from the highest to the lowest central value of the brightness range Bl from the control mode Q1 to the control mode Qn. At this time, the variable ND filter device 804 switches the selected filter Fs in the order of filter F0 → filter F1 → filter F2 → filter F3 → filter F4. In other words, the filters F0 to F4 are switched in the order from the highest to the lowest light attenuation rate.

[0128] In Table 1 above, a, b, c, and d in the control modes Qa, Qb, Qc, and Qd are arbitrary numbers, and are set to have a magnitude relationship of 2 < a < b < c < d < n.

[0129] Specifically, as shown in Table 1 above, when the variable ND filter device 804 acquires the R output characteristic, G output characteristic, and B output characteristic in the control mode Q1, the filter F0 is set as the selected filter Fs.

[0130] After obtaining the B output characteristic under the control mode Q1, the variable ND filter device 804 switches the selection filter Fs from the filter F0 to the filter F1 before starting to obtain the R output characteristic under the control mode Q2. Fig. 20 As shown, the variable ND filter device 804 rotates the rotating plate 804a by a switching angle α along the rotation direction Cw via the rotation drive unit 804c. The switching angle α is set to an angle obtained by dividing 360° by the number of filters.

[0131] Furthermore, as shown in Table 1 above, from the control mode Q2 to the control mode Qa, the variable ND filter device 804 maintains the selected filter Fs as the filter F1. Next, after obtaining the B output characteristic under the control mode Qa, the variable ND filter device 804 switches the selected filter Fs from the filter F1 to the filter F2 before obtaining the R output characteristic under the control mode Qb. At this time, Fig. 20 As shown, the variable ND filter device 804 rotates the rotating plate 804a by a switching angle α along the rotating direction Cw via the rotating driving unit 804c.

[0132] Furthermore, as shown in Table 1 above, from the control mode Qb to the control mode Qc, the variable ND filter device 804 maintains the selected filter Fs as the filter F2. Next, after obtaining the B output characteristic under the control mode Qc and before obtaining the R output characteristic under the control mode Qd, the variable ND filter device 804 switches the selected filter Fs from the filter F2 to the filter F3. At this time, Fig. 20 As shown, the variable ND filter device 804 rotates the rotating plate 804a by a switching angle α along the rotating direction Cw via the rotating driving unit 804c.

[0133] Furthermore, as shown in the above Table 1, from the control mode Qd to the control mode Qn-1, the variable ND filter device 804 maintains the selection filter Fs as the filter F3. Next, after obtaining the B output characteristic under the control mode Qn-1 and before obtaining the R output characteristic under the control mode Qn, the variable ND filter device 804 switches the selection filter Fs from the filter F3 to the filter F4. At this time, the variable ND filter device 804 rotates the rotating plate 804a by the switching angle α along the rotation direction Cw via the rotation drive unit 804c.

[0134] In the above manner, the RGB output characteristics under the control modes Q1 to Qn can be obtained. When the RGB output characteristics are obtained under the control modes Q1 to Qn, the selection filter Fs is not switched to reduce the light attenuation rate. For example, when the selection filter Fs is switched from the filter F2 to the filter F1 to reduce the light attenuation rate, it is necessary to rotate the rotating plate 804a along the rotation direction Cw by an angle greater than the switching angle α, for example, 288°. In this case, the switching of the selection filter Fs takes time. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when switching the selection filter Fs, it is sufficient to rotate the rotating plate 804a by the switching angle α, so the problem of the time taken to switch the selection filter Fs can be suppressed.

[0135] In addition, in this example, the variable ND filter device 804 sets a common selection filter Fs for each control mode Q1 to Qn, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the variable ND filter device 804 may switch the selection filter Fs from the filter F1 to the filter F2 after obtaining the R output characteristic under the control mode Qa and before obtaining the G output characteristic under the control mode Qa.

[0136] The master data generating unit 802 determines whether the master data M1 is generated at each temperature (step S15). The temperatures are, for example, -40°C, -30°C, -10°C, 10°C, 25°C, 40°C, 50°C, 60°C, and 70°C. When the master data generating unit 802 determines that the master data M1 is not generated at each temperature (step S15; No), the process returns to step S11, and the target temperature is set to the temperature at which the master data M1 is not generated via the room temperature adjusting unit 806. That is, by repeatedly performing the processes of steps S11 to S15, the master data M1 is generated at each temperature.

[0137] When the master data generating unit 802 determines that the master data M1 is generated at each temperature (step S15; Yes), the master data M1 generated at each temperature is stored in the storage unit 807 (step S16). Fig.16 The sub-flowchart ends. The master data M1 includes the above Fig.13 The main data M2 to M10 are also the same as the main data M1. Fig.16 The sub-flowchart shown is generated.

[0138] (Product data generation process)

[0139] Next, follow Fig.17 The product data generation process performed by the product data generation unit 205 is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0140] First, the driving capability determination unit 205a determines the driving capability of the light source driver 300 of the shipped product projector device 18k (step S21). In this step S21, for example, the driving capability determination unit 205a calculates the driving capability value of the light source driver 300 of the shipped product projector device 18k as described above.

[0141] Thereafter, the master data selection unit 205b selects the best master data Mx from the master data M1 to M10 based on the determined driving capabilities (step S22). In this step S22, the master data selection unit 205b selects the master data corresponding to the group to which the sample projector device belongs, and the driving capability value of the sample projector device is closest to the calculated driving capability value among the driving capability values ​​of the sample projector devices 18a to 18j, as the best master data Mx.

[0142] Thereafter, the product data generating unit 205 stores the selected optimal master data Mx as temporary lighting control data Dm in the storage unit 203 (step S23). In steps S24 to S26, the shipped product projector device 18k operates based on the temporary lighting control data Dm.

[0143] Next, the output characteristic acquisition unit 205d acquires the gain offset information of the shipped product projector device 18k through the shipped product data acquisition device 810 (step S24), and acquires the RGB output characteristics of the shipped product projector device 18k at normal temperature by taking into account the acquired gain offset information (step S25). Steps S24 and S25 are the same processes as the above-mentioned steps S13 and S14, respectively. The process of step S25 is only to acquire the RGB output characteristics at normal temperature, so it can be performed in a shorter time compared with the main data generation process of acquiring the RGB output characteristics at each temperature.

[0144] Similar to the step of acquiring the RGB output characteristics of the main data in the above-mentioned step S14, this step S25 includes: a measurement point determination step S25a performed by the measurement point determination unit 205c, in which a plurality of measurement points P1 to Pm, Pn are determined by the brightness of the light emitted by the light sources 11r, 11g, 11b at each of the different plurality of output levels in the light source control unit 201; and an output characteristic acquisition step S25b performed by the output characteristic acquisition unit 205d, in which the RGB output characteristics are acquired by interpolating between the determined plurality of measurement points P1 to Pm, Pn.

[0145] The following describes step S25 for acquiring the RGB output characteristics of the shipped product, focusing on the difference from step S14 for acquiring the RGB output characteristics related to the master data. Fig.11 and Fig.12In the graph of , the scale of the vertical axis representing brightness is different, and the reference value Sp set on the vertical axis is set to the same value. The reference value Sp is, for example, 2000 Nit.

[0146] In high brightness mode where the required brightness exceeds the threshold, such as Fig.11 As shown, the measurement point determination unit 205c determines measurement points P1 to Pn of a first determination point number n. In the output characteristic acquisition step S25b, in the high brightness mode, the RGB output characteristic is acquired by performing linear interpolation between the determined measurement points P1 to Pn.

[0147] In low brightness mode where the brightness is required to be below the threshold, such as Fig.12 As shown, the measurement point determination unit 205c determines the measurement points P1 to Pm of the second determination point number m. In the output characteristic acquisition step S25b, in the low luminance mode, the RGB output characteristic is acquired by performing linear interpolation between the determined measurement points P1 to Pm.

[0148] In addition, in the low brightness mode, the output characteristic acquisition unit 205d is not limited to performing linear interpolation between the determined measurement points P1 to Pm, and may also perform curve interpolation. Curve interpolation is, for example, Lagrange interpolation, spline interpolation, or least squares method. In the high brightness mode, the relationship between the brightness and the output level of the light source control unit 201 changes linearly, and in the low brightness mode, the relationship between the brightness and the output level of the light source control unit 201 tends to change in a curve. When considering this tendency, in the low brightness mode, it is preferable to perform curve interpolation between the measurement points P1 to Pm.

[0149] The first determination point number n and the second determination point number m are natural numbers, respectively, and the second determination point number m is greater than the first determination point number n, that is, m>n. In this way, by setting the second determination point number m of the low brightness mode to be greater than the first determination point number n of the high brightness mode, the reliability of the RGB output characteristics of the low brightness mode requiring higher accuracy than the high brightness mode can be improved. In this example, the first determination point number n is 10, and the second determination point number m is 15.

[0150] The measurement points P1 to Pn and the measurement points P1 to Pm are set at equal intervals on the horizontal axis corresponding to the output level of the light source control section 201 .

[0151] In addition, similarly to the measurement point determination unit 802a, the measurement point determination unit 205c turns on each micromirror 30a of the DMD display element 30 while any one of the light sources 11r, 11g, and 11b to be measured is on, and turns off each micromirror 30a of the DMD display element 30 while any other light source other than the light source to be measured is on. For example, when acquiring the RGB output characteristics in the control mode Q1, the light sources other than the light source to be measured are turned on at the brightness of the center value of the brightness range B11 in the control mode Q1.

[0152] In the low brightness mode, the measurement point determination unit 205c measures the brightness of the light of the light source to be measured at the second measurement number N2 at the output level set by the light source control unit 201, and averages the brightness of the measured measurement times, thereby determining the measurement points P1 to Pm. In the high brightness mode, the measurement point determination unit 205c measures the brightness of the light of the light source to be measured at the first measurement number N1 at the output level set by the light source control unit 201, and averages the brightness of the measured measurement times, thereby determining the measurement points P1 to Pn. In the low brightness mode, higher precision measurement points P1 to Pm are required. Therefore, the second measurement number N2 is set to a number greater than the first measurement number N1. As an example, the second measurement number N2 is set to five times, and the first measurement number N1 is set to three times.

[0153] Furthermore, the product data generating unit 205 obtains the RGB output characteristics based on the obtained RGB output characteristics. Fig.13 The comparison data Mc shown is (step S26). The comparison data Mc is data to be compared with the optimal main data Mx, and the brightness range Bl in each of the control modes Q1 to Qn is different from the optimal main data Mx.

[0154] Next, the data correction unit 205e corrects the optimal master data Mx based on the difference between the comparison data Mc and the optimal master data Mx at normal temperature (eg, 25°C), thereby generating the lighting control data Dm (step S27).

[0155] In step S27, if Fig.14As shown, the product data generation unit 205 obtains the difference values ​​Df1 and Df2 between the brightness range Bl1 of the optimal master data Mx at room temperature under the control mode Q1 and the brightness range Bl2 of the comparison data Mc. The difference value Df1 is the difference value of the maximum values ​​of the brightness ranges Bl1 and Bl2. The difference value Df2 is the difference value of the minimum values ​​of the brightness ranges Bl1 and Bl2. Thereafter, the product data generation unit 205 uses the difference values ​​Df1 and Df2 as correction values ​​to correct the brightness range Bl under the control mode Q1 of the optimal master data Mx at each temperature. For example, the product data generation unit 205 increases the upper limit value of the brightness range Bl1 of the optimal master data Mx by the difference value Df1, and increases the lower limit value of the brightness range Bl1 of the optimal master data Mx by the difference value Df2. In the control modes Q2 to Qn, the brightness range Bl is corrected in the same manner. That is, the correction value based on the comparison between the optimal master data Mx and the comparative data Mc at normal temperature is also used for the correction of the optimal master data Mx at temperatures other than normal temperature. This simplifies the correction of the optimal master data Mx.

[0156] The product data generation unit 205 writes the corrected optimal master data Mx as the lighting control data Dm into the storage unit 203 (step S28), and the product data generation process is terminated. As a result, the shipped product projector device 18k can use the lighting control data Dm suitable for the shipped product projector device 18k, so that the brightness and chromaticity of the display light L can be close to the target value.

[0157] Next, the operation of the projector device 18, which is a shipped product projector device 18k in which the lighting control data Dm is written as described above, will be described.

[0158] like Fig.13 As shown, the second control unit 200 of the projector device 18 switches the mode between the control modes Q1 to Qn according to the required brightness. The end of the brightness range Bl under the control modes Q1 to Qn is set as the non-use range J. The second control unit 200 switches the mode between the control modes Q1 to Qn before the required brightness reaches the non-use range J. The non-use range J is a range in the brightness range Bl under the control modes Q1 to Qn that is not used by the projector device 18. Compared with the central part other than the end of the brightness range Bl, the accuracy of realizing the desired color, such as white illumination light C or display light L becomes lower at the end of the brightness range Bl. Therefore, by setting the end of the brightness range Bl under the control modes Q1 to Qn as the non-use range J, the accuracy of realizing the desired color, such as white illumination light C or display light L is improved.

[0159] Next, a method for setting the non-use range J is described. The non-use range J may be automatically set by a program executed by the second control unit 200 or may be set by a human operating a computer or the like. Fig.21 , the unused range J1 at the lower end of the brightness range BlA under the control mode Q1 and the unused range J2 at the lower end of the brightness range BlB under the control mode Q2 are described, but the unused ranges J under other control modes Q3 to Qn are also set in the same way.

[0160] like Fig.21 As shown, an overlapping area E1 where the brightness range B1A under the control mode Q1 overlaps the brightness range B1B under the control mode Q2 is determined. In addition, a mode switching value E2 is set at a non-end portion of the overlapping area E1. The mode switching value E2 is set to, for example, a central value of the overlapping area E1. The unused range J1 is set to a range below the mode switching value E2 in the brightness range B1A under the control mode Q1. The unused range J2 is set to a range above the mode switching value E2 in the brightness range B1B under the control mode Q2.

[0161] When the required brightness decreases and reaches the mode switching value E2 while the light sources 11r, 11g, and 11b are controlled in the control mode Q1, the second control unit 200 switches from the control mode Q1 to the control mode Q2. In addition, when the required brightness increases and reaches the mode switching value E2 while the light sources 11r, 11g, and 11b are controlled in the control mode Q2, the second control unit 200 switches from the control mode Q2 to the control mode Q1.

[0162] The second control unit 200 turns on each micromirror 30a of the DMD display element 30 during the display period Ton and turns off during the non-display period Tof. The second control unit 200 can adjust the brightness of the display light L according to the DMD duty cycle of the DMD display element 30. The DMD duty cycle is calculated based on the proportion of the total time of the display period Ton in one cycle.

[0163] like Fig. 22 and Fig.23 As shown, in the high brightness mode, i.e., control modes Q1 to Qx, the display period Ton is set to the first half of a cycle, and the non-display period Tof is set to the second half of a cycle. In the low brightness mode, i.e., control modes Qy to Qn, the non-display period Tof is set to the beginning and the end of a cycle, and the display period Ton is set to the display period Ton sandwiched between the beginning and the end.

[0164] like Fig. 22As shown, the second control unit 200 sets the DMD duty cycle to 85% in control mode Q1, sets the DMD duty cycle to 75% in control mode Q2, and sets the DMD duty cycle to 50% in control modes Q3 to Qn. In this way, the DMD duty cycle in control mode Q2 is set to a value between the DMD duty cycle in control mode Q1 and the DMD duty cycle in control mode Q3, and as an example, is set to a central value between the DMD duty cycle in control mode Q1 and the DMD duty cycle in control mode Q3. As a result, when the mode is switched between control modes Q1, Q2, and Q3, it is possible to suppress a sharp change in the DMD duty cycle, and thus, when the mode is switched between control modes Q1 to Qn, it is possible to suppress a sharp change in the brightness of the display light L and suppress the flickering of the virtual image V.

[0165] like Fig.23 As shown in the moment t1, when the control mode is switched from the control mode Qx belonging to the high brightness mode to the control mode Qy belonging to the low brightness mode, the non-display period Tof is set to the beginning of a cycle under the control mode Qy. Thus, it is possible to suppress the instantaneous increase in the brightness of the display light L when switching from the control mode Qx to the control mode Qy.

[0166] In addition, if Fig.23 As shown in the moment t2, when the mode is switched from the control mode Qy belonging to the low brightness mode to the control mode Qx belonging to the high brightness mode, the display period Ton is set to the first half of a cycle under the control mode Qx. Thus, it is possible to suppress the instantaneous decrease in the brightness of the display light L when switching from the control mode Qy to the control mode Qx.

[0167] In addition, in this example, the positions of the display period Ton and the non-display period Tof in one cycle are different between the control modes Q1 to Qx in the high brightness mode and the control modes Qy to Qn in the low brightness mode. However, this is not limited to this, and the phases of the waveforms of the currents Ir, Ig, and Ib can also be shifted between the control modes Q1 to Qx in the high brightness mode and the control modes Qy to Qn in the low brightness mode to suppress the instantaneous change of the brightness of the display light L between the control mode Qy and the control mode Qx.

[0168] In addition, during the display period Ton, the second control unit 200 respectively adjusts the width ( Fig.18 A plurality of rectangular waves of different currents Ir, Ig, and Ib are supplied to the light sources 11r, 11g, and 11b during the display period Ti. At this time, whether in the high brightness mode or the low brightness mode, the second control unit 200 can arrange the rectangular wave with the longer width among the rectangular waves of the currents Ir, Ig, and Ib at the rear end portion of the display period Ton.

[0169] In addition, the second control unit 200 may execute part of the control content of the first control unit 100, and vice versa, the first control unit 100 may execute part of the control content of the second control unit 200. In addition, the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 may be configured as one control unit.

[0170] (Effect)

[0171] According to one embodiment described above, the following effects are obtained.

[0172] (1-1) A lighting control data generating method, which generates lighting control data Dm for controlling multiple light sources 11r, 11g, 11b in a HUD device 1, the lighting control data generating method comprising: a measurement point determination step S25a, which determines multiple measurement points P1 to Pn, Pm by the brightness of light, which is emitted by the light sources 11r, 11g, 11b at each of multiple output levels set to different values ​​in a light source control unit 201 that controls the light sources 11r, 11g, 11b with reference to temporary lighting control data Dm; and an output characteristic acquisition step S25b, which acquires RGB output characteristics by interpolating between the determined multiple measurement points P1 to Pn, Pm, thereby generating the lighting control data Dm. In the measurement point determination step S25a, a first determination point number n of measurement points P1 to Pn is determined in a high brightness mode in which the required brightness exceeds a threshold value, and a second determination point number m, which is greater than the first determination point number n, is determined in a low brightness mode in which the required brightness is below the threshold value.

[0173] According to this configuration, the number of measurement points P1 to Pn in the high brightness mode is set to be smaller than the number of measurement points P1 to Pm in the low brightness mode. As a result, the process of determining the measurement points P1 to Pn and Pm in the measurement point determination step S25a can be completed in a short time. Therefore, the time required to generate the lighting control data Dm can be shortened.

[0174] In the high brightness mode, the relationship between the output level of the light source control unit 201 and the brightness changes linearly. Therefore, even if the number of measurement points P1 to Pn in the high brightness mode is reduced, the influence on the broken lines Lr, Lg, and Lb representing the RGB output characteristics is small, and the reliability of the lighting control data Dm can be ensured. On the other hand, in the low brightness mode, the relationship between the output level of the light source control unit 201 and the brightness changes in a curve. Therefore, from the viewpoint of ensuring the reliability of the lighting control data Dm, it is preferred that the number of measurement points P1 to Pm in the low brightness mode is large.

[0175] (1-2) In the output characteristic acquisition step S25b, when the high brightness mode is required to exceed the threshold value, linear interpolation is performed between the measurement points P1 to Pn of the first determined point number n, and when the low brightness mode is required to be below the threshold value, curve interpolation is performed between the measurement points P1 to Pm of the second determined point number m.

[0176] According to this configuration, in the high brightness mode, the relationship between the output level of the light source control unit 201 and the brightness changes linearly. Therefore, by performing linear interpolation between the measurement points P1 to Pn, the reliability of the lighting control data Dm is improved.

[0177] On the other hand, in the low brightness mode, the relationship between the output level and brightness of the light source control unit 201 changes in a curve, so the reliability of the lighting control data Dm is improved by performing curve interpolation between the measurement points P1 to Pm.

[0178] (1-3) In the measurement point determination step S25a, in the high brightness mode in which the required brightness exceeds the threshold value, the brightness of the light emitted by any one of the light sources 11r, 11g, 11b is measured with a first measurement number N1 at the set output level of the light source control unit 201, and the brightness of the first measurement number N1 is averaged to determine the measurement points P1 to Pn. In the low brightness mode in which the required brightness is below the threshold value, the brightness of the light emitted by any one of the light sources 11r, 11g, 11b is measured with a second measurement number N2 that is greater than the first measurement number N1 at the set output level of the light source control unit 201, and the brightness of the second measurement number N2 is averaged to determine the measurement points P1 to Pm.

[0179] Compared with the high brightness mode, in the low brightness mode, a slight brightness change has a greater impact on the visibility of the virtual image V. Therefore, by increasing the number of measurements in the low brightness mode compared to the number of measurements in the high brightness mode, the accuracy of the measurement points P1 to Pn in the low brightness mode can be improved, and the visibility of the virtual image V can be improved.

[0180] (1-4) The lighting control data Dm includes a plurality of control modes Q1 to Qn corresponding to the required brightness. In the output characteristic acquisition step S25b, RGB output characteristics are acquired for each of the plurality of control modes Q1 to Qn. In the measurement point determination step S25a, light is attenuated by using any one of the plurality of filters F0 to F4 having different light attenuation rates as the selection filter Fs so that the brightness of the illumination light C or display light L based on the light emitted by any one of the light sources 11r, 11g, 11b falls within the measurable range of the illuminance meter 803. When the RGB output characteristics are acquired sequentially from the control modes Q1 to Qn having higher required brightness, the plurality of filters F0 to F4 are switched to the selection filter Fs in the order of light attenuation rate from high to low, that is, in the order of filter F0→filter F1→filter F2→filter F3→filter F4.

[0181] According to this structure, when acquiring the RGB output characteristics, the order of switching the filters F0 to F4 to the selection filter Fs can be simplified. Therefore, the time required for switching the selection filter Fs can be shortened, and the brightness can be quickly measured by the illuminometer 803. Therefore, the time required for generating the lighting control data Dm can be shortened.

[0182] (1-5) In the measurement point determination step S25a, when determining the measurement points P1 to Pn, Pm related to the brightness of the light to be determined (for example, red light) emitted by the light source to be determined (for example, light source 11r) among the multiple light sources 11r, 11g, 11b, the multiple light sources 11r, 11g, 11b are lit in sequence, and the light to be determined from the light source to be determined is reflected toward the transmission screen 50 through the DMD display element 30, and the light (for example, green light and blue light) from light sources other than the light source to be determined among the multiple light sources 11r, 11g, 11b (for example, light sources 11g, 11b) is reflected toward a direction different from the transmission screen 50.

[0183] According to this configuration, by emitting light sources other than the light source to be determined, the brightness of the light to be determined can be measured in a state close to the actual use of the HUD device 1. Thus, the measurement points P1 to Pn, Pm can be determined with higher accuracy.

[0184] For example, assuming that when measuring the brightness of the light to be determined (for example, red light) in order to determine the measurement points P1 to Pn, Pm, the chromaticity of the light to be determined (red light) is also affected by light of colors other than the light to be determined (for example, green light and blue light) and changes. According to the above configuration, the measurement points P1 to Pn, Pm can be determined by also considering the influence of light of colors other than the light to be determined.

[0185] (1-6) The lighting control data generating device 800 generates lighting control data Dm for controlling the plurality of light sources 11r, 11g, 11b in the HUD device 1. The lighting control data generating device 800 includes: a measurement point determining unit 205c that determines the plurality of measurement points P1 to Pn, Pm by the brightness of light emitted by the light sources 11r, 11g, 11b at each of the plurality of output levels set to different values ​​in the light source control unit 201 that controls the light sources 11r, 11g, 11b with reference to the lighting control data Dm; and an output characteristic acquiring unit 205d that acquires RGB output characteristics by interpolating between the plurality of determined measurement points P1 to Pn, Pm, thereby generating the lighting control data Dm. The measurement point determination unit 205c determines a first determination point number n of measurement points P1 to Pn in a high brightness mode where the required brightness exceeds a threshold, and determines a second determination point number m of measurement points P1 to Pm which is greater than the first determination point number n in a low brightness mode where the required brightness is below the threshold.

[0186] According to this configuration, as described above, the time required to generate the lighting control data Dm can be shortened.

[0187] (2-1) The HUD device 1 includes: a plurality of light sources 11r, 11g, and 11b; a light source driver 300 that drives the light sources 11r, 11g, and 11b; a second control unit 200 that is an example of a control unit that turns on the plurality of light sources 11r, 11g, and 11b via the light source driver 300 based on illumination control data Dm; and a DMD display element 30 that generates display light L based on illumination light C emitted from the plurality of light sources 11r, 11g, and 11b. The illumination control data Dm includes a control mode Q1 that is an example of a first control mode for generating illumination light C having a brightness corresponding to a required brightness, and a control mode Q2 that is an example of a second control mode. The control modes Q1 and Q2 have brightness ranges B1A and B1B that are different from each other and partially overlap with each other. When the required brightness reaches a mode switching value E2 located at a non-end portion of an overlapping region E1 where the brightness range B1A under the control mode Q1 overlaps the brightness range B1B under the control mode Q2, the second control unit 200 switches the mode between the control modes Q1 and Q2.

[0188] The end of the brightness range Bl under each control mode Q1 to Qn is a region with low accuracy in realizing the desired color, for example, white illumination light C. According to the above configuration, by setting the mode switching value E2 at the non-end of the overlapping region E1, the ends of the brightness ranges BlA and BlB under the control modes Q1 and Q2 are set as the unused range J. Thus, the illumination light C of the desired color (for example, white) can be realized, and the brightness of the illumination light C can be changed according to the required brightness. As a result, the visual recognition of the virtual image V is improved.

[0189] (2-2) The mode switching value E2 is set to the central value of the overlapping area E1.

[0190] According to this configuration, for example, the unused ranges J1 and J2 in the two control modes Q1 and Q2 can be set to the same length.

[0191] (2-3) The HUD device 1 includes a transmissive screen 50 that receives display light L from the DMD display element 30 to display an image M. The DMD display element 30 includes a plurality of micromirrors 30a that are provided corresponding to pixels of the image M. Each micromirror 30a switches between an on state in which the light from the light sources 11r, 11g, and 11b is reflected toward the transmissive screen 50 and an off state in which the light from the light sources 11r, 11g, and 11b is reflected toward a direction different from the transmissive screen 50 under the control of the second control unit 200. The central value of the brightness range B1A in the control mode Q1 is set to be larger than the central value of the brightness range B1B in the control mode Q2 and the central value of the brightness range B1 in the control mode Q3, which is an example of the third control mode. The central value of the brightness range B1B in the control mode Q2 is set to be smaller than the central value of the brightness range B1A in the control mode Q1, and is set to be larger than the central value of the brightness range B1 in the control mode Q3. The second control unit 200 adjusts the brightness of the display light L by changing the proportion of the period during which the micromirror 30a is turned on in one cycle, that is, the DMD duty cycle. The DMD duty cycle under the control mode Q1 is set to be larger than the DMD duty cycle under the control mode Q2 and the DMD duty cycle under the control mode Q3. The DMD duty cycle under the control mode Q2 is set to be larger than the DMD duty cycle under the control mode Q3, and smaller than the DMD duty cycle under the control mode Q1.

[0192] According to this configuration, when switching between the control modes Q1, Q2, and Q3, it is possible to suppress a sudden change in the DMD duty ratio. This can suppress a sudden change in the brightness of the display light L due to a change in the required brightness. This improves the visibility of the virtual image V.

[0193] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and drawings, and can be appropriately modified (including deletion of components) within the scope of the present invention. An example of modification will be described below.

[0194] (Variation Example)

[0195] In the above embodiment, the correction value based on the comparison between the optimal master data Mx and the comparison data Mc at room temperature is also applied to the correction of the optimal master data Mx at temperatures other than room temperature. However, this is not limited to this, and the correction value at each temperature may be obtained and applied to the master data Mx at each temperature.

[0196] In the above-described embodiment, the output characteristic acquisition unit 205d acquires the RGB output characteristics at normal temperature in the shipped product projector device 18k in consideration of the acquired gain offset information, but the gain offset information may not be considered.

[0197] In the above embodiment, the HUD device 1 is mounted on a vehicle, but is not limited to being mounted on a vehicle and may be mounted on a vehicle such as an airplane or a ship. In addition, the display light L from the HUD device 1 is projected onto the windshield 3, but may also be projected onto a dedicated combiner.

[0198] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the second control unit 200 switches to either the high brightness mode or the low brightness mode based on the required brightness signal SL indicating the light intensity of the external light, but is not limited to this. The visual identifier 4 may also operate an operating unit not shown in the figure provided on the HUD device 1 or the vehicle 2 to change the required brightness and switch between the above-mentioned modes.

[0199] The variable ND filter devices 804 and 814 in the above-mentioned embodiments may be omitted.

[0200] In the above embodiment, the master data generation unit 802 sets the number of measurement points to be the same regardless of whether it is in the low brightness mode or the high brightness mode, but this is not limited to this. The number of measurement points in the low brightness mode can also be set to be greater than the number of measurement points in the high brightness mode, similar to the product data generation unit 205.

[0201] In the above embodiment, the mode switching value E2 is set to the central value of the overlapping region E1 , but may be set to a value other than the central value of the overlapping region E1 as long as it is within the overlapping region E1 .

[0202] In the above embodiment, the number of measurements in the low brightness mode (the second number of measurements N2) is set to a greater number than the number of measurements in the high brightness mode (the first number of measurements N1), but this is not limited to this, and the number of measurements can also be set to the same number between the low brightness mode and the high brightness mode. In addition, the number of measurements is not limited to multiple times, and can also be a single time. When the number of measurements is a single time, the brightness is not averaged.

[0203] The number and arrangement of the five filters F0 to F4 of the variable ND filter device 804 in the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate. In addition, the rotation direction Cw of the rotating plate 804a is not limited to the counterclockwise direction, but may be the clockwise direction.

[0204] The measurement point determination units 205c and 802a in the above embodiments turn off the micromirrors 30a of the DMD display element 30 while light sources other than the light source to be measured are on. However, light sources other than the light source to be measured may be turned off.

[0205] In the above embodiment, the DMD duty ratio is changed in three stages among the control mode Q1, the control mode Q2, and the control modes Q3 to Qn, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The DMD duty ratio may be changed in more than four stages among the control modes Q1 to Qn, or may be changed in two stages. In addition, the DMD duty ratio may be kept constant without changing among the control modes Q1 to Qn.

[0206] In the above embodiment, two types of determination points are set, namely, the first determination point number n for high brightness mode and the second determination point number m for low brightness mode, but three or more determination points may be set. In this case, the determination points may be set to increase as the required brightness decreases.

[0207] In the above embodiment, if Fig.23 As shown, between the control modes Q1 to Qx in the high brightness mode and the control modes Qy to Qn in the low brightness mode, the proportions of the display period Ton and the non-display period Tof in one cycle are arranged differently, but may be the same.

[0208] Reference numerals

[0209] 1: HUD device;

[0210] 2: Vehicle;

[0211] 3: Windshield;

[0212] 4: Visual recognizer;

[0213] 5: Light source driving device;

[0214] 7: Illuminance sensor;

[0215] 10: Lighting device;

[0216] 11: Light source group;

[0217] 11b, 11g, 11r: light source;

[0218] 13: Photosynthesis Department;

[0219] 13a: reflector;

[0220] 13b, 13c: dichroic mirror;

[0221] 15: Prism;

[0222] 15a: inclined surface;

[0223] 15b, 15c: right angle surfaces;

[0224] 18: Projector device;

[0225] 18a~18j: sample projector device;

[0226] 18k: Shipment product projector device;

[0227] 19: Display unit;

[0228] 30: DMD display element;

[0229] 30a: Microscope;

[0230] 40: projection optical system;

[0231] 43: light source driving unit;

[0232] 49: voltage detection unit;

[0233] 50: Transmissive screen;

[0234] 54, 55, 61: plane mirror;

[0235] 62: concave mirror;

[0236] 65: concave mirror driving unit;

[0237] 70: housing;

[0238] 70a: opening;

[0239] 71: light-transmitting part;

[0240] 100: first control unit;

[0241] 200: second control unit;

[0242] 201: light source control unit;

[0243] 201a: gain setting unit;

[0244] 202: display element control unit;

[0245] 203, 807: storage unit;

[0246] 205: Product data generation department;

[0247] 205a: driving capability determination unit;

[0248] 205b: master data selection unit;

[0249] 205c: measurement point determination unit;

[0250] 205d: output characteristic acquisition unit;

[0251] 205e: Data Correction Department;

[0252] 300: light source driver;

[0253] 500: light intensity detection unit;

[0254] 600: light source temperature detection unit;

[0255] 700: image signal input unit;

[0256] 800: lighting control data generating device;

[0257] 801: a sample product data acquisition device;

[0258] 802: master data generation unit;

[0259] 802a: a measurement point determination unit;

[0260] 802b: output characteristic acquisition unit;

[0261] 803: Lux meter;

[0262] 804: variable ND filter device;

[0263] F0~F4: filter;

[0264] 804a: rotating plate;

[0265] 804b: Irradiation range;

[0266] 804c: Rotation drive unit;

[0267] 805: Constant temperature bath glass;

[0268] 806: room temperature adjustment unit;

[0269] 808: Constant temperature bath;

[0270] 809: Check the light radiating part;

[0271] 810: a device for acquiring data of shipped products;

[0272] 813: Lux meter;

[0273] 814: variable ND filter device;

[0274] 818: Chamber;

[0275] 819: Check the light radiating part;

[0276] R: red light;

[0277] B: blue light;

[0278] G: green light;

[0279] C: lighting light;

[0280] C1: capacitor;

[0281] G1~G10: grade;

[0282] L: display light;

[0283] M: Image;

[0284] L1: inductor;

[0285] M1~M10: master data;

[0286] Mc: Comparative data;

[0287] Mx: Optimal Master Data;

[0288] P: pulse;

[0289] Q1~Qn, Qa, Qb, Qc, Qd, Qx, Qy: control mode;

[0290] V: virtual image;

[0291] SE: image signal;

[0292] SL: Luminance signal required;

[0293] SFB: light intensity detection signal;

[0294] Ib, Ig, Ir: current;

[0295] Df1, Df2: difference value;

[0296] ST: light source temperature signal;

[0297] Bl, Bl1, Bl2, BlA, BlB: brightness range;

[0298] Lb, Lg, Lr: broken line;

[0299] SV: voltage detection signal;

[0300] Dm: lighting control data;

[0301] Tr, Tg, Tb: lighting permission period;

[0302] Ax: rotation axis;

[0303] Ay: rotation axis;

[0304] P1~Px, Pm, Pn: measurement points;

[0305] Pk: Peak value

[0306] Swa, Swb, Swc, Swg, Swr: switch part;

[0307] Ton: Display period;

[0308] Tof: non-display period;

[0309] J1, J2, J: unused range;

[0310] E1: overlapping area;

[0311] E2: Mode switching value.

Claims

1. A head-up display device comprising: Multiple light sources; a light source driver, which drives the plurality of light sources; a control unit that, based on lighting control data, turns on the plurality of light sources via the light source driver; and A DMD display element generates display light based on the illumination light emitted by the plurality of light sources, The lighting control data includes a first control mode and a second control mode for generating the lighting light with a brightness corresponding to a required brightness, The first control mode and the second control mode have different brightness ranges that partially overlap each other. The control unit switches the mode between the first control mode and the second control mode when the required brightness reaches a mode switching value located at a non-end portion of an overlapping region where the brightness range in the first control mode overlaps the brightness range in the second control mode.

2. The head-up display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mode switching value is set to a central value of the overlapping area.

3. The head-up display device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The head-up display device includes a transmissive screen that receives the display light from the DMD display element to display an image. The DMD display element includes a plurality of micromirrors arranged corresponding to the pixels of the image. The plurality of micromirrors are respectively switched between an on state in which the illumination light from the light source is reflected toward the transmissive screen and a off state in which the illumination light from the light source is reflected toward a direction different from the transmissive screen under the control of the control unit. The central value of the brightness range in the first control mode is set to be larger than the central value of the brightness range in the second control mode and the central value of the brightness range in the third control mode. The central value of the brightness range in the second control mode is set to be smaller than the central value of the brightness range in the first control mode, and is set to be larger than the central value of the brightness range in the third control mode. The control unit adjusts the brightness of the display light by changing the ratio of the period during which the micromirror is in the on state in one cycle, that is, the DMD duty cycle. The DMD duty ratio in the first control mode is set to be larger than the DMD duty ratio in the second control mode and the DMD duty ratio in the third control mode, The DMD duty ratio in the second control mode is set to be larger than the DMD duty ratio in the third control mode and smaller than the DMD duty ratio in the first control mode.

Images