Visual identification determination system, visual identification determination method, and program

Abstract

When the light of the light source (10) is irradiated from the back surface to the panel (2) on which the display object (3) is formed, the display of the display object (3) using the pattern of the panel (2) as the background is performed by the light transmitted through the display object (3). The main factor affecting the visibility of the display object (3) includes, for example, the clarity of the pattern of the panel (2). The design elements relating to the clarity of the pattern of the panel (2) can be listed, for example, the design of the panel (2), the reflectance of the panel (2), or the like. The visibility determination system (13) is provided with a determination unit (17) that determines the visibility of the display object (3) on the basis of a feature quantity indicating the sharpness of the pattern on the panel (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a visual recognition determination system, a visual recognition determination method, and a program. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an automobile meter that displays an instrument display pattern using light from a light source, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. This automobile meter ensures visibility of the display pattern by correcting the characteristics of light irradiated on the display pattern according to the dimming degree of the light from the light source. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-271258 Summary of the invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] However, from a design point of view, a display device is being studied that displays a display pattern on a patterned background by irradiating light from a light source from the back of a panel having a patterned background. However, for example, when the background pattern is too thick, the outline of the display pattern becomes difficult to see, so sufficient visual recognition may not be ensured. Therefore, there is a need for the development of a technology for a display method that can determine a display pattern taking the background pattern into consideration. Solutions to Solve Problems

[0005] According to one method, a visual recognizability determination system determines the visual recognizability of a display object by irradiating light from a light source toward the back side of a panel on which the display object is formed, thereby displaying the display object with a pattern of the panel as a background using light transmitted through the display object. The visual recognizability determination system includes a determination unit that determines the visual recognizability of the display object based on a feature value representing the clarity of the pattern of the panel.

[0006] A visual recognizability determination method according to one embodiment is used in a visual recognizability determination system, wherein the visual recognizability determination system determines the visual recognizability of a display object when displaying the display object with a pattern of the panel as a background is performed by irradiating light from a light source to the back side of a panel on which the display object is formed, thereby using light transmitted through the display object to display the display object. The visual recognizability determination method causes the visual recognizability determination system to perform the following steps: obtaining a feature value representing the clarity of the pattern of the panel; and determining the visual recognizability of the display object based on the feature value of the clarity of the pattern of the panel.

[0007] A program according to one method is used in a visual recognizability determination system, which determines the visual recognizability of a display object when displaying the display object with a pattern of the panel as a background is performed by irradiating light from a light source to the back side of a panel on which the display object is formed, and the program causes a computer to execute the following steps: obtaining a feature value representing the clarity of the pattern of the panel; and determining the visual recognizability of the display object based on the feature value of the clarity of the pattern of the panel. Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the visibility of a display object can be determined with high accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 The panel of the first embodiment is shown, (a) is a front view when a display object is illuminated, and (b) is a front view when the display object is not illuminated. Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the structure of a display device showing a panel in cross section. Figure 3 This is a characteristic diagram schematically showing a brightness histogram when a pattern is clear. Figure 4 This is a characteristic diagram schematically showing a brightness histogram when the pattern is unclear. Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing a method of obtaining a marking viewing angle. Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing a method for calculating the chromaticity difference between a panel and a display object. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the structure of a visual recognition judgment system. Figure 8 It is a configuration diagram of a visibility determination system according to the second embodiment. Fig. 9 It is a configuration diagram of a visibility determination system according to a third embodiment. Fig.10 This is an operation diagram of the visual recognition judgment system. Fig.11 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of notification of the judgment result of visibility judgment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. (Overview of Display Device 1) like Figure 1As shown in (a), the display device 1 includes a panel 2 and a display object 3 formed on the panel 2, and the panel 2 has a pattern. The display device 1 uses the pattern of the panel 2 as a background and displays the display object 3 by illuminating. The panel 2 is, for example, a wood grain style. The display object 3 is, for example, formed by a hole 4 formed in the panel 2. The display object 3 is not illuminated ( Figure 1 (b) is invisible, when illuminated ( Figure 1 (a) is displayed on the panel 2. The display 3 may include symbols, characters, numbers, patterns, etc.

[0011] like Figure 2 As shown, the panel 2 has a surface layer 7 with a pattern, a black printed layer 8 provided on the back of the surface layer 7, and a transparent plate 9 provided on the back of the printed layer 8. The surface layer 7 is, for example, a resin layer formed with a wood grain-like pattern. The printed layer 8 is, for example, a colored resin layer (or a light shielding plate). The transparent plate 9 is, for example, provided on the entire back of the printed layer 8. Holes 4 imitating the display object 3 are formed in both the surface layer 7 and the printed layer 8. The hole 4 may be, for example, just a space, or may be filled with a transparent (translucent) material.

[0012] The display device 1 includes a light source 10 for illuminating a display object 3 from the back of a panel 2. The light source 10 is, for example, an LED. The light source 10 may be one or more. The display device 1 illuminates the display object 3 with the pattern of the panel 2 as the background by transmitting the light (illumination light R1) of the light source 10 disposed on the back of the panel 2 through the hole 4 of the panel 2. The illumination light R1 transmitted through the display object 3 enables the user to see the display object 3 clearly. In addition, the sunlight R2 reflected by the panel 2 also reaches the user.

[0013] The display device 1 is, for example, a vehicle-mounted device. In this case, the display device 1 is, for example, arranged on a central instrument cluster, a center console, a steering wheel, etc. The display device 1 displays, as a display object 3, an operation icon of the vehicle-mounted device, for example. The operation icon may be, for example, an icon for selecting or determining the operation state of the vehicle-mounted device. The display device 1 displays the display object 3 on the panel 2 by, for example, driving the light source 10 when the vehicle power is turned on.

[0014] (Main factors affecting the visual recognition of display object 3) like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the main factors affecting the visual recognition of the display object 3 include the clarity C of the pattern of the panel 2. L1，L1+SD . The clarity of the pattern of panel 2 is C L1，L1+SD The relevant design factors include, for example, the design of the panel 2 and the reflectivity of the panel 2. For example, when the pattern is too thick, the clarity C of the pattern of the panel 2 is L1，L1+SDTherefore, the visibility of the display object 3 deteriorates.

[0015] The main factors affecting the visual recognition of the display object 3 include, for example, the clarity C of the display object 3. L1，L2 . The clarity of the display 3 is C L1，L2 The relevant design factors include, for example, the brightness of the display 3 based on the light source 10, the transmittance of the display 3, the reflectance of the panel 2, etc. For example, when the brightness difference between the panel 2 and the display 3 is small, the clarity C of the display 3 is L1，L2 Therefore, the visibility of the display object 3 deteriorates.

[0016] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the main factors affecting the visual recognition of the display object 3 include, for example, the marked viewing angle α which indicates the size of the display object 3 in terms of viewing angle. The design elements related to the marked viewing angle α include, for example, the size design, mounting position, and observation point (eye point) of the display object 3. For example, when the size of the display object 3 is small, the marked viewing angle α is poor, and thus the visual recognition of the display object 3 is poor.

[0017] like Figure 6 As shown, the main factors affecting the visual recognition of the display object 3 include, for example, the chromaticity difference D between the panel 2 and the display object 3. L1，L2 The chromaticity difference D between the panel 2 and the display object L1，L2 The design factors of the display 3 include, for example, the light source color of the display 3, the transmission characteristics of the display 3, and the design of the panel 2. The transmission characteristics of the display 3 include, for example, whether there is a color conversion to the panel 2 in the display 3. For example, when the colors of the panel 2 and the display 3 are close, the chromaticity difference D L1，L2 Therefore, the visibility of the display object 3 deteriorates.

[0018] Although not shown in the figure, the main factor affecting the visual recognition of the display 3 is that the pattern of the panel 2 and the shape of the display 3 are similar. The design elements that make the pattern of the panel 2 and the shape of the display 3 similar include, for example, the design of the panel 2. For example, when the pattern of the panel 2 and the shape of the display 3 are similar, it is difficult to distinguish them, so the visual recognition of the display 3 is deteriorated.

[0019] (Overview of Visual Recognition Evaluation System 13) like Figure 7 As shown, the visual recognition determination system 13 determines the visual recognition of the display object 3 displayed on the display device 1. The visual recognition determination of the display object 3 refers to, for example, determining the visibility of the display object 3 displayed on the patterned panel 2. The visual recognition determination system 13 may, for example, always perform the visual recognition determination, or may perform the visual recognition determination triggered by the start operation of the visual recognition determination.

[0020] The visual recognition determination system 13 includes an image acquisition unit 15 for acquiring an image of a visual recognition object 14. The image acquisition unit 15 is, for example, an optical device that acquires an image using the characteristics of light. Examples of optical devices include a brightness meter. The image acquisition unit 15 acquires, for example, an image of a panel 2 (including a display object 3) as the visual recognition object 14. Thus, the visual recognition object 14 is, for example, a panel 2 including a display object 3.

[0021] The visual recognition determination system 13 includes a feature quantity calculation unit 16, which calculates a feature quantity used in the visual recognition determination of the display object 3. In the case of this example, the feature quantity calculation unit 16 is provided in the image acquisition unit 15, for example. The feature quantity calculation unit 16 calculates the clarity C of the pattern of the panel 2 based on the captured image, for example. L1，L1+SD , the clarity of the display object 3 C L1，L2 , mark viewing angle α, chromaticity difference D L1，L2 And other characteristic quantities.

[0022] The visual recognition determination system 13 includes a determination unit 17. The determination unit 17 determines the visual recognition system 13 based on the clarity C of the pattern of the panel 2. L1，L1+SD In this example, the determination unit 17 uses the clarity C of the pattern of the panel 2 in addition to the visual recognition of the display object 3. L1，L1+SD In addition, the clarity C of the display object 3 is also used. L1，L2 , mark viewing angle α, and the chromaticity difference D between panel 2 and display 3 L1，L2 At least one of the above is used to determine the visual recognizability of the display object 3.

[0023] (Visual recognition determination method) The visibility determination system 13 performs visibility determination at, for example, the actual installation location of the display device 1. That is, the visibility determination system 13 determines the visibility of the display object 3 based on the panel 2 and the image (image data) showing the display object 3 in the display device 1 installed in the actual vehicle.

[0024] like Figure 7 As shown, the feature quantity calculation unit 16 calculates each feature quantity required for visual recognition determination based on the image obtained by the image acquisition unit 15. As an example, the feature quantity calculation unit 16 calculates the clarity C of the pattern of the panel 2 based on the image obtained by the image acquisition unit 15. L1，L1+SD , the clarity of the display object 3 C L1，L2 , mark the viewing angle α[deg], and the chromaticity difference D between the panel 2 and the display 3 L1，L2 .

[0025] After calculating these feature quantities, the determination unit 17 determines the visibility of the display object 3 using the following determination formula (1).

[0026] [Formula 1]

[0027] Thus, the determination unit 17 substitutes the clarity C representing the pattern of the panel 2 into the determination formula (1) for determining the visibility of the display object 3: L1，L1+SD The judgment value p is obtained by using the characteristic amount of the panel 2, and the visual recognition of the display object 3 is judged based on the judgment value p. In this example, the clarity C of the pattern of the panel 2 is used in the calculation of the judgment value p. L1，L1+SD , the clarity of the display object 3 C L1，L2 , mark the viewing angle α and the chromaticity difference D L1，L2 The judgment formula (1) is a formula using logistic regression analysis to predict the quality of visual recognition through regression analysis of a plurality of explanatory variables.

[0028] The judgment value p is, for example, a value of 1 within the range of "0" to "1" (0≤p≤1). Furthermore, if the judgment value p is greater than a specified value, it can be said that the visual recognizability of the display object 3 satisfies the criterion. On the contrary, if the judgment value p is less than a specified value, it can be said that the visual recognizability needs to be improved. In addition, "k0" in formula (1) is a constant term. In addition, "k1", "k2", "k3", and "k4" in formula (1) are coefficients. The constant term or coefficient can be set, for example, according to the visual recognizability judgment criterion.

[0029] (The clarity of the pattern of panel 2 C L1，L1+SD ) like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the feature quantity calculation unit 16 obtains the clarity C of the pattern of the panel 2. L1，L1+SD In the case of using the average brightness L1 [cd / m 2 ] and the standard deviation SD of the brightness of panel 2 [cd / m 2 Then, the determination unit 17 calculates the clarity C of the pattern of the panel 2 by the following formula (2): L1，L1+SD The standard deviation SD indicates the deviation of the luminance of the panel 2 on the histogram, that is, the degree of deviation of the luminance distribution within the panel 2 .

[0030] [Formula 2]

[0031] Thus, the clarity C of the pattern of panel 2 is L1，L1+SDThe value represents the difference in brightness between "L1" and "L1+SD" relative to "L1", and is expressed as the ratio of "SD" to "L1". L1，L1+SD Take a value greater than "0".

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the pattern of panel 2 is clear, the brightness distribution of each pixel of panel 2 has a waveform characteristic of a convex parabola with a gentle slope and a low vertex. Therefore, since the standard deviation SD is a slightly larger value, the clarity C of the pattern of panel 2 is L1，L1+SD Thus, if the clarity C of the pattern of panel 2 is L1，L1+SD The larger the value becomes, the clearer the pattern becomes.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the pattern of the panel 2 is unclear, the brightness distribution of each pixel of the panel 2 has a waveform characteristic of a convex parabola with a steep slope and a high vertex. Therefore, since the standard deviation SD is a slightly smaller value ( Figure 4 SD' shown), so the clarity of the pattern of panel 2 is C L1，L1+SD Thus, if the clarity C of the pattern of panel 2 is L1，L1+SD As the value of becomes smaller, the pattern becomes unclear. L1，L1+SD When it is "0", it means no pattern.

[0034] (The clarity of display object 3 is C L1，L2 ) The feature quantity calculation unit 16 calculates the clarity C of the display object 3 using the following formula (3): L1，L2 In addition, in formula (3), the average brightness L1 of the panel 2 and the average brightness L2 of the display object 3 [cd / m 2 ].

[0035] [Formula 3]

[0036] Thus, the clarity C of the display object 3 L1，L2 The brightness difference between "L2" and "L1" relative to "L1" is expressed as the ratio of "L2-L1" to "L1" (brightness contrast). L1，L2 For example, it is also called the contrast ratio between the panel 2 and the display 3. If the clarity C of the display 3 L1，L2 As the value of becomes larger, the visual recognition of the display object 3 is improved.

[0037] (How to calculate the mark viewing angle α) like Figure 5 As shown, when the feature value calculation unit 16 obtains the marking angle of view α, it uses the diameter of the smallest circle that includes the display object 3. and the visual recognition distance d [mm] which is the physical distance between the display object 3 and the observation point. In the present disclosure, the observation point refers to the position of the user's eyes. And the feature quantity calculation unit 16 calculates the marking viewing angle α by the following formula (4). It can be seen from formula (4) that in the diameter When (the size of the display object 3 ) increases or when the visual recognition distance d decreases, the value of the marking viewing angle α increases, so that the visual recognition of the display object 3 increases.

[0038] [Formula 4]

[0039] (Chroma difference D L1，L2 ) like Figure 6 As shown, the feature quantity calculation unit 16 obtains the chromaticity difference D L1，L2 In the case of panel 2, the average chromaticity (u' L1 、v' L1 ) and the average chromaticity (u') of display 3 L2 、v' L2 ). Average chromaticity of panel 2 (u' L1 、v' L1 ) is the coordinate value when the average chromaticity of the panel 2 is expressed by u'-v' chromaticity. The average chromaticity (u' L2 、v' L2 ) is the coordinate value when the average chromaticity of the display object 3 is expressed by u'-v' chromaticity. Then, the determination unit 17 calculates the chromaticity difference D by the following formula (5): L1，L2 .

[0040] [Formula 5]

[0041] Chromaticity difference D L1，L2 is the straight-line distance between the coordinates on the u'-v' chromaticity. And, if the chromaticity difference D L1，L2 As the value of becomes larger, the visual recognition of the display object 3 becomes higher. (Visual recognition judgment action) like Figure 7 As shown, the determination unit 17 determines the visual recognition of the display object 3 based on the feature amount calculated by the feature amount calculation unit 16. As an example, the feature amount calculation unit 16 calculates the clarity C of the pattern of the panel 2 using the above formulas (2) to (5): L1，L1+SD , the clarity of the display object 3 C L1，L2 , mark the viewing angle α and the chromaticity difference DL1，L2 Then, the determination unit 17 substitutes these feature quantities into the determination formula (1) to calculate the determination value p for determining the visibility of the display object 3 .

[0042] At this time, the determination unit 17 determines the validity of the visual recognition of the display object 3 by comparing the calculated determination value p with the prescribed value. Specifically, if the determination value p is greater than the prescribed value, the determination unit 17 determines that the visual recognition of the display object 3 is good. On the other hand, if the determination value p is less than the prescribed value, the determination unit 17 determines that the visual recognition of the display object 3 is poor. Then, the determination unit 17 notifies the operator of the determination result of the validity of the visual recognition by displaying it on a display unit (not shown) of the visual recognition determination system 13, for example.

[0043] When the visual recognition of the display object 3 is poor, the operator adjusts the design elements related to the visual recognition of the display object 3 to change the lighting pattern of the display object 3. Then, by repeating this operation, the visual recognition of the display object 3 is optimized. However, in the case of this example, the judgment result of the visual recognition is output as a binary pattern of "good" or "bad". Therefore, it is easy for the operator to judge the appropriateness of the visual recognition of the display object 3.

[0044] (Effects of the First Embodiment) According to the visibility determination system 13 (visibility determination method, program) of the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0045] (1-1) By irradiating light from the light source 10 to the back side of the panel 2 on which the display object 3 is formed, the display object 3 is displayed with the pattern of the panel 2 as the background by the light transmitted through the display object 3. At this time, the visual recognition determination system 13 determines the visual recognition of the display object 3. Specifically, the visual recognition determination system 13 includes a determination unit 17, which determines the visual recognition of the display object 3 based on the clarity C of the pattern of the panel 2. L1，L1+SD The visual recognizability of the display object 3 is determined based on the feature quantity.

[0046] According to this configuration, the clarity C of the pattern of the panel 2 is expressed as L1，L1+SD The visual recognition of the display object 3 is determined by using the characteristic amount of the panel 2 as an index. Therefore, the viewing mode of the display object 3 relative to the pattern of the panel 2 can be determined with high accuracy. In other words, it can be determined whether the pattern of the display object 3 is not difficult to see relative to the background. Therefore, the visual recognition of the display object 3 can be determined with high accuracy.

[0047] (1-2) Clarity of pattern of panel 2 L1，L1+SDThe characteristic quantity is obtained based on the average brightness L1 of the panel 2 and the standard deviation SD of the brightness of the panel 2. According to this configuration, the clarity C of the pattern of the panel 2 can be easily obtained based on the average brightness L1 of the panel 2 and the standard deviation SD of the brightness of the panel 2. L1，L1+SD .

[0048] (1-3) The determination unit 17 uses the clarity C of the pattern of the panel 2. L1，L1+SD In addition, the clarity C of the display object 3 is also used. L1，L2 , a marked viewing angle α indicating the size of the display object 3 in terms of viewing angle, and a chromaticity difference D between the panel 2 and the display object 3 L1，L2 At least one of the indicators is used to determine the visibility of the display object 3. According to this configuration, since the visibility of the display object 3 is determined using a plurality of indicators, it is further helpful to obtain the best determination result.

[0049] (1-4) The determination unit 17 determines the visibility of the display object 3 at the actual installation location of the display device 1 that performs display of the display object 3 on the panel 2. According to this configuration, the visibility of the display object 3 is determined in the environment of the installation location where the display device 1 is actually installed. Therefore, the visibility of the display object 3 can be set to the optimal visibility that matches the environment of the installation location.

[0050] (1-5) The determination unit 17 substitutes the clarity C representing the pattern of the panel 2 into the determination formula (1) for determining the visibility of the display object 3: L1，L1+SD The characteristic quantity (this example also includes "C L1，L2 ”, “α”, “D L1，L2 ”) to obtain a judgment value p, and the visual recognizability of the display object 3 is determined based on the judgment value p. According to this configuration, the viewing method of the display object 3 can be determined by a simple method of determining the visual recognizability by substituting the feature value into the judgment value p obtained by the judgment formula (1).

[0051] (1-6) The judgment formula (1) is a formula for predicting the quality of visual recognition using a logistic regression analysis using a regression analysis of a plurality of explanatory variables. According to this configuration, the quality of visual recognition can be judged by comparing whether the judgment value p satisfies a predetermined value. Therefore, the quality of visual recognition can be easily judged, so the judgment operation becomes simple.

[0052] (Second embodiment) Next, the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is an example in which an additional function is added to the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted, and only the different parts are described in detail.

[0053] (Overview of Automatic Adjustment of Visibility of Display Object 3) like Figure 8 As shown, the visual recognition determination system 13 has a function (feedback function) of automatically adjusting the light source 10 according to the determination result of the determination unit 17. In this case, the visual recognition determination system 13 includes an adjustment unit 21, and the adjustment unit 21 adjusts the operation of the light source 10 based on the determination result of the determination unit 17. The adjustment unit 21 controls the light source 10 based on the determination result of the determination unit 17 so that the visual recognition of the display object 3 becomes better.

[0054] (Method for Automatically Adjusting Visibility of Display Object 3) In the case of this example, the adjustment unit 21 obtains the determination value p from the determination unit 17 as the determination result of visual recognition. The adjustment unit 21 performs adjustment of the light source 10 when the determination value p is less than the specified value. Specifically, the adjustment unit 21 adjusts the lighting pattern of the light source 10 by, for example, changing the output brightness of the light source 10, the number of light-on times of the light source 10, the chromaticity of the light source 10, or a combination thereof. Then, the adjustment unit 21 repeatedly performs this series of adjustments until the determination value p becomes greater than the specified value. In this way, the visual recognition of the display object 3 can be automatically optimized.

[0055] (Effects of the Second Embodiment) According to the visibility determination system 13 (visibility determination method, program) of the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0056] (2-1) The adjustment unit 21 of the visibility determination system 13 adjusts the operating state of the light source 10 based on the determination result of the determination unit 17 so as to improve the visibility of the display object 3. According to this configuration, the adjustment unit 21 can automatically adjust the visibility of the display object 3 to the optimal state.

[0057] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. Only the parts of the third embodiment that are different from the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described.

[0058] (Configuration of the Optical Simulation Device 30) like Fig. 9 As shown, the optical simulation device 30 for performing illumination of the display object 3 in the virtual space includes, for example, a simulation control unit 31, an input unit 32, and a display unit 33. The input unit 32 is used when inputting simulation conditions. The simulation conditions may include, for example, the state of ambient light, the light reflection characteristics of raw materials, the characteristics of human eyes, etc. The state of ambient light is set, for example, by specifying outdoor, indoor, tunnel, etc. The light reflection characteristics of raw materials are set, for example, by inputting the light reflection characteristics of the raw materials of the components that display the display object 3. The characteristics of the human eye are set, for example, by inputting the color of the eye, color vision characteristics, etc.

[0059] The simulation control unit 31 performs simulation processing based on the simulation conditions inputted through the input unit 32. The simulation processing is, for example, processing to determine how to clearly see the display object 3 in the virtual space when the display object 3 is illuminated under the simulation conditions. The display unit 33 displays various screens during the simulation processing.

[0060] (Overview of Visual Recognition Evaluation System 13) like Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the feature quantity calculation unit 16 is provided in the optical simulation device 30. In the case of this example, the feature quantity calculation unit 16 calculates the feature quantity required for determining visual recognition based on the simulation result obtained by the simulation control unit 31. That is, the feature quantity calculation unit 16 obtains “C L1，L1+SD ”, “C L1，L2 ”, “α”, “D L1，L2 " In the case of this example, the feature quantity calculation unit 16 obtains these feature quantities by, for example, reading the numerical value of the simulation result.

[0061] The determination unit 17 determines the visual recognition of the display object 3 based on the feature quantity calculated by the feature quantity calculation unit 16. In this way, the determination unit 17 of this example uses the optical simulation device 30 to perform the determination of the visual recognition of the display object 3. In this case, the determination unit 17 also uses the determination formula (1) to calculate the determination value p, and determines the appropriateness of the visual recognition of the display object 3 based on the determination value p.

[0062] (Visual recognition judgment action) When the optical simulation device 30 is used to determine the visibility of the display object 3, first, simulation conditions for displaying the display object 3 in the virtual space are set. That is, the operator sets the state of ambient light, light reflection characteristics of the material, characteristics of the human eye, etc. in the optical simulation device 30.

[0063] After setting the simulation conditions, when the simulation start operation is executed, the simulation control unit 31 generates a state of illuminating the display object 3 in the optical simulation space based on the set simulation conditions. In addition, when there are multiple display objects 3 in the simulation space, simulation is performed on each of these display objects 3. Then, the simulation control unit 31 outputs the obtained simulation results to the feature quantity calculation unit 16.

[0064] In addition, the simulation result may be displayed on the display unit 33 of the optical simulation device 30, for example. In this case, the display unit 33 displays, for example, how the display object 3 is illuminated. Therefore, based on the image of the display object 3 displayed on the display unit 33, the display object 3 calculated by the simulation can be visually recognized in terms of, for example, size, brightness (clarity), lightness, and chromaticity difference.

[0065] The feature quantity calculation unit 16 calculates a feature quantity for determining the visual recognition of the display object 3 based on the simulation result obtained from the simulation control unit 31. That is, the feature quantity calculation unit 16 detects “C L1，L1+SD ”, “C L1，L2 ”, “α”, “D L1，L2 "The feature quantity calculation unit 16 outputs the obtained feature quantity to the determination unit 17.

[0066] The determination unit 17 determines the visual recognizability of the display object 3 based on the feature quantity input from the feature quantity calculation unit 16. The determination unit 17 of this example substitutes the feature quantity into the above-mentioned determination formula (1) to obtain the determination value p, and determines the appropriateness of the visual recognizability based on the determination value p. In addition, when there are multiple display objects 3 in the simulation space, the visual recognizability of these display objects 3 is determined respectively. In the case of this example, if the determination value p is greater than the specified value, the determination unit 17 determines that the visual recognizability is appropriate.

[0067] like Fig.10 As shown, the optical simulation device 30 may also notify the operator of the determination result of the determination unit 17 at a viewing angle. Specifically, the simulation control unit 31 obtains the determination result from the determination unit 17 and displays the determination result on the display unit 33 as an image that can be notified at a viewing angle.

[0068] Fig.11 The middle figure shows an example of notification of the determination result of visual recognition. The simulation control unit 31 displays the determination result of the visual recognition of the display object 3 using, for example, text, graphics, colors, etc. For example, the text "OK" is displayed for the display object 3 with proper visual recognition, or a slightly larger graphic surrounding the text or the text itself is displayed in green. On the other hand, the text "NG" is displayed for the display object 3 with inappropriate visual recognition, or a slightly smaller graphic surrounding the text or the text itself is displayed in red.

[0069] (Effects of the third embodiment) According to the visibility determination system 13 (visibility determination method, program) of the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0070] (3-1) The determination unit 17 uses the optical simulation device 30 that performs illumination of the display object 3 in the virtual space to determine the visibility of the display object 3. According to this configuration, since the visibility of the display object 3 can be determined in an optically simulated environment, it is possible to understand what the visibility of the display object 3 will be without actually manufacturing the display device 1.

[0071] (Other embodiments) In addition, this embodiment can be implemented as the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within the range of no technical contradiction.

[0072] In each embodiment, the image acquisition unit 15 and the feature quantity calculation unit 16 are included in the visual recognition determination system 13, but they may not be included in the visual recognition determination system 13. In this case, the determination unit 16 only needs to acquire the feature quantity (for example, the clarity C indicating the pattern of the panel 2) described in each embodiment from the feature quantity calculation unit 16 provided separately from the visual recognition determination system 13. L1，L1+SD Alternatively, only the feature quantity calculation unit 16 of the image acquisition unit 15 and the feature quantity calculation unit 16 may be included in the visual recognition determination system 13.

[0073] In the first embodiment ( Figure 7 )、Second embodiment ( Figure 8 ), the feature quantity calculation unit 16 is included in the image acquisition unit 15, but may be provided separately from the image acquisition unit 15. For example, the determination unit 17 may also include the feature quantity calculation unit 16 (or its function), and the determination unit 17 may also obtain the feature quantity based on the image captured by the image acquisition unit 15.

[0074] In each embodiment, only the clarity C of the pattern of the panel 2 may be used. L1，L1+SD As a feature quantity for determining the visual recognition of the display object 3. That is, the clarity C of the display object 3 is L1，L2 , mark viewing angle α, and the chromaticity difference D between panel 2 and display 3 L1，L2 It is not essential as a further feature quantity.

[0075] In each embodiment, the determination unit 17 is not limited to using the above determination formula (1) to determine the visibility of the display object 3. The determination formula (1) is only a method of using the clarity C of the pattern of the panel 2. L1，L1+SD , the clarity of the display object 3 C L1，L2 , mark viewing angle α, and the chromaticity difference D between panel 2 and display 3 L1，L2 For example, the visual recognition of the display object 3 can be determined by comparing each feature quantity with its own specified value.

[0076] In each embodiment, the pattern of the panel 2 is not limited to the wood grain style, and may be, for example, a striped pattern, a checkered pattern, a geometric pattern, a fabric pattern, a tile pattern, a brick pattern, a stone-style pattern, a floral pattern, a plant pattern, etc.

[0077] In each embodiment, the layer structure of the panel 2 may be modified to a structure other than that of the examples. In each embodiment, a switch may be provided on the panel 2 in combination with the display object 3 . In each embodiment, the display object 3 may have a touch switch function. Specifically, a sensor (eg, a sensor sheet) may be provided on the back of the display object 3 in the panel 2 to detect a touch operation on the display object 3 .

[0078] In each embodiment, a plurality of display objects 3 may be displayed on the panel 2 . In each embodiment, the determination formula (1) is not limited to the formula using logistic regression analysis, and other types of formulas, such as a formula using multiple regression analysis, may be used.

[0079] In each embodiment, the visual recognition determination system 13 may be a system permanently installed in the vehicle, or may be a portable system. In the case of a permanent system installed in the vehicle, visual recognition can be determined all the time. In the case of a portable system, one system can be shared by multiple vehicles.

[0080] In each embodiment, the visibility determination system 13 is not limited to being used in a vehicle, but may be used in other equipment or devices. In each embodiment, the expression "at least one" used in the present disclosure means "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, when the number of options is two, the expression "at least one" used in the present disclosure means "only one option" or "both options". As another example, when the number of options is three or more, the expression "at least one" used in the present disclosure means "only one option" or "a combination of any two or more options".

[0081] In each embodiment, the feature quantity calculation unit 16, the determination unit 17, and the adjustment unit 21 may be [1] composed of one or more processors operating in accordance with a computer program (software), or may [2] be composed of a combination of such a processor and one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that performs at least a portion of the various processes. The processor includes a CPU and a memory such as a RAM and a ROM, and the memory stores a program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform a process. The memory (computer-readable medium) includes any usable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. Alternatively, instead of a computer including the above-mentioned processor, a processing circuit composed of one or more dedicated hardware circuits that perform all of the various processes may be used.

[0082] In each embodiment, the feature quantity calculation unit 16, the determination unit 17, and the adjustment unit 21 may be configured by independent processors or by processors that share a portion of their functions. Thus, the feature quantity calculation unit 16, the determination unit 17, and the adjustment unit 21 are not limited to independent functional blocks, but may be configured by one functional block or by a partially shared functional block.

[0083] In each embodiment, the present disclosure is described based on an example, but it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the example or structure. The present disclosure also includes various modifications or modifications within the equivalent scope. In addition, various combinations or methods, and other combinations or methods including only one element, more than or less than that also belong to the scope or concept of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A visual recognition determination system for determining the visual recognition of a display object by irradiating light from a light source to the back side of a panel on which a display object is formed, thereby displaying the display object with a pattern of the panel as a background by light transmitted through the display object, The visibility determination system includes a determination unit that determines the visibility of the display object based on a feature amount indicating clarity of a pattern of the panel.

2. The visual recognition determination system according to claim 1, wherein: The feature quantity of the clarity of the pattern of the panel is obtained based on the average brightness of the panel and the standard deviation of the brightness of the panel.

3. The visual recognition determination system according to claim 1, wherein: The determination unit determines the visual recognizability of the display object using, in addition to the clarity of the pattern of the panel, the clarity of the display object, a marking viewing angle indicating the size of the display object by viewing angle, and at least one of a chromaticity difference between the panel and the display object.

4. The visual recognition determination system according to claim 1, wherein: An adjustment unit is provided for adjusting the operating state of the light source based on the determination result of the determination unit so as to improve the visibility of the display object.

5. The visual recognition determination system according to claim 1, wherein: The determination unit determines the visibility of the display object at a location where a display device that displays the display object on the panel is actually installed.

6. The visual recognition determination system according to claim 1, wherein: The determination unit determines the visibility of the display object using an optical simulation device that performs illumination of the display object in a virtual space.

7. The visual recognition determination system according to claim 1, wherein: The determination unit obtains a determination value by substituting a feature quantity indicating the clarity of the pattern of the panel into a determination formula for determining the visibility of the display object, and determines the visibility of the display object based on the determination value.

8. The visual recognition determination system according to claim 7, wherein: The determination formula is a formula using logistic regression analysis for predicting the quality of visual recognition through regression analysis of a plurality of explanatory variables.

9. A visual recognition determination method for use in a visual recognition determination system, wherein the visual recognition determination system determines the visual recognition of a display object when the display object is displayed with a pattern of the panel as a background by irradiating light from a light source to the back of a panel on which the display object is formed, and the visual recognition determination system performs the following steps: Obtaining a feature quantity representing the clarity of the pattern of the panel; and The visibility of the display object is determined based on a feature value of the clarity of the pattern of the panel.

10. A program for use in a visual recognition determination system for determining the visual recognition of a display object when displaying the display object with a pattern of the panel as a background is performed by irradiating light from a light source to the back side of a panel on which the display object is formed, and causing a computer to execute the following steps: Obtaining a feature quantity representing the clarity of the pattern of the panel; and The visibility of the display object is determined based on a feature value of the clarity of the pattern of the panel.

Images