Head-up display device

Abstract

The invention provides a head-up display device which can instantly switch and distinguish between a real image and a virtual image according to driving conditions. The present invention is provided with: a display unit (12) capable of switching polarized light of emitted light to first polarized light and second polarized light which are different from each other; a first mirror (131) that reflects the display light (L1) that becomes the first polarized light and transmits the display light (L2) that becomes the second polarized light; a second mirror (132) that reflects the display light (L2); and a control unit (15) that controls the display unit (12), and the second mirror (132) has a concave shape, so that when the polarization state of the display light (L) emitted from the display unit (12) is switched, the distance (optical path length) between the display unit (12) and the mirror is changed, and the virtual image (VI) and the real image (RI) are switched.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a head-up display device that performs desired display to a visual observer while switching between a virtual image and a real image. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, there is known a head-up display device such as that described in Patent Document 1. In this head-up display device, a display image displayed on a screen is reflected toward a light-transmitting member by light from a display, and a display switching is performed between a state where a virtual image is visually observed outside the light-transmitting member and a state where a real image is visually observed inside the light-transmitting member by changing a front-to-back positional relationship between an optical focus of an imaging optical system and the screen.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-70074 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 has the following problems: when the observer switches between observing the virtual image and the real image, it is necessary to mechanically change the relative positional relationship between the observed object, the dihedral reflector array and the reflecting component, which makes it difficult to smoothly switch between the virtual image and the real image, and causes the device to become larger and less portable.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a head-up display device capable of instantly switching and distinguishing between real images and virtual images according to driving conditions.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] The present invention is a head-up display device 1, which has an emission port 17, and by emitting display light L from the emission port 17 toward a light-transmitting component WS, a virtual image VI and a real image RI of a display image represented by the display light L are visually observed, and is characterized in that it has: a display element 121; and a switching element 122, which is arranged on the emission port 17 side along the optical path of the display element 121 and is capable of switching the polarization of the emitted light into a first polarization and a second polarization that are different from each other, and has: a display unit 12, which transmits light emitted by a light source 11 and displays the display image; a reflecting unit 13, which reflects light representing the display image displayed on the display unit 12 toward the light-transmitting component WS; and a control unit 15, which controls the switching element 122, the reflecting unit 1 3 includes: a first reflector 131, which reflects a first light ray L1 that becomes a first polarized light and transmits a second light ray L2 that becomes a second polarized light; and a second reflector 132, which reflects the second light ray L2, the first reflector 131 and the second reflector 132 are configured so that when the display element 121 emits the first light ray L1, the positional relationship between the optical focus F of the imaging optical system including the light-transmitting component WS and the reflecting portion 13 and the display portion 12 becomes a first state in which the display portion 12 is closer to the emission port 17 side than the optical focus F, and when the display element 121 emits the second light ray L2, the positional relationship between the display portion 12 and the optical focus F becomes a second state in which the display portion 12 is closer to the light source 11 side than the optical focus F, and the second reflector 132 has a concave shape.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, the virtual image and the real image can be smoothly switched by changing the distance (optical path length) between the display unit and the reflector without mechanically moving the display unit, by switching the polarization state of display light emitted from the display unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a configuration when a virtual image is generated in the head-up display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing a configuration when a real image is generated in the head-up display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light source and a display unit in a head-up display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of an image generating unit in the head-up display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a first cross-sectional view showing the structure of (A) a first reflector and the structure of (B) a second reflector of a head-up display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a second cross-sectional view showing the structure of (A) a first reflector and (B) a second reflector of the head-up display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 7 The head-up display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is used Figure 6 The diagram shows a structure in which the first reflecting mirror and the second reflecting mirror generate a virtual image.

[0020] Explanation of symbols

[0021] C: Vehicle;

[0022] DR: crew;

[0023] F: optical focus;

[0024] L(L1, L2): display light;

[0025] VI: virtual image;

[0026] RI: Real image;

[0027] R1~R3: radius of curvature;

[0028] WS: windshield;

[0029] 1HUD: device;

[0030] 10: PGU;

[0031] 11: Light source;

[0032] 12: Display unit;

[0033] 13: reflection part;

[0034] 15: Control department;

[0035] 16: frame;

[0036] 17: opening;

[0037] 18: Protective glass;

[0038] 20: switch;

[0039] 21: display control unit;

[0040] 22: display unit driving unit;

[0041] 30: various equipment;

[0042] 121: display element;

[0043] 122: switching element;

[0044] 131: 1st reflector;

[0045] 132: 2nd reflector;

[0046] 133: The third reflector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] (First embodiment of the present invention)

[0048] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a configuration in which a virtual image is generated in a head-up display device (hereinafter referred to as a HUD device) according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a configuration when a real image is generated in the HUD device according to the present embodiment.

[0049] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment, the HUD device 1 is composed of a light emitting diode emitting light in the visible light band mounted on a wiring substrate, for example, and comprises: a light source 11 emitting white light; a display unit 12 generating an image from the light incident from the light source 11, switching the polarization of the emitted light into a first polarization light and a second polarization light different from each other for display; and a reflecting unit 13 reflecting a display light L( Figure 1 In the case of , it is the display light L1 representing the display image of the virtual image VI, Figure 2 In the case of the display light L2, which is a display image representing the real image RI, is reflected to the windshield WS (translucent member); and the control unit 15 controls the display content of the display unit 12 and the switching control of the first polarized light and the second polarized light, which are accommodated in the frame 16. The frame 16 is provided with an opening 17 (emission port) for emitting the display light L, and a protective glass 18 for protecting the interior is arranged on the opening 17. The windshield WS is an example of a light-emitting member, and the opening 17 is an example of an emission port.

[0050] The HUD device 1 is arranged below the windshield WS of the vehicle C (for example, inside the dashboard) to emit display light L (L1, L2) and project it onto the windshield WS. The display light L is generated by the light source 11 and the display unit 12 inside the HUD device 1. The display light L emitted from the display unit 12 is emitted from the opening 17 of the frame 16 along the reflection unit 13 through the protective glass 18. The occupant DR of the vehicle C can visually observe the display light L reflected by the windshield WS from the depth side of the windshield WS. Figure 1 The virtual image VI shown in the figure or the visual observation at the close side Figure 2 Real image RI as shown.

[0051] exist Figure 1 In the virtual image VI shown, information that is highly necessary to draw the attention of the occupant DR, such as vehicle information such as the speed or engine speed of the vehicle C, a route guidance display such as a turn-by-turn navigation or map, a blind spot indicator, a warning display such as a speed limit warning, etc., is displayed on the opposite side of the windshield WS viewed from the occupant DR. Figure 2 In the real image RI shown, for example, entertainment content, assistants or agents assisting the occupant DR, characters representing these, etc. are displayed on the near side of the windshield WS viewed from the occupant DR. Through these displays, a driving environment that reduces the need for viewpoint movement and eye focus adjustment is provided. In addition to the text or icons representing these information, the virtual image VI or the real image RI also includes a background portion, which forms, for example, a roughly rectangular shape when viewed from above by the occupant DR.

[0052] Here, the structures of the light source 11 and the display unit 12 are described. Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing the structure of the light source 11 and the display unit 12 in the HUD device 1 according to the present embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, the display unit 12 is disposed on the emission side along the optical path of the light source 11. The display unit 12 includes: a display element 121, which is, for example, a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) type; and a switching element 122, which is disposed on the emission side along the optical path of the display element 121 and switches the polarization of the emitted display light L into a first polarization and a second polarization that are different from each other.

[0053] In addition, for example, the first polarized light can be set to S polarized light, and the second polarized light can be set to P polarized light, or the opposite can be set. In addition, it is not limited to S polarized light or P polarized light, as long as the polarization angles of the first polarized light and the second polarized light are different, for example, preferably the polarization angles are different by at least 22.5 degrees.

[0054] In addition, if Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the display unit 12 is preferably configured to be tilted relative to the axis (optical axis) direction of the display light L so as to exclude stray light (light leaking from the light source 11) or external light (light entering from the outside) from the optical path of the display light L.

[0055] The display element 121 is Figure 4 The switching element 122 is connected to the display control unit 21 described later, and forms light representing a pattern of an arbitrary shape according to a signal sent from the display control unit 21. In addition, the switching element 122 extracts only specific polarized light from the light emitted from the display element 121, specifically, the light as the first polarized light or the second polarized light, and performs a process of switching these. The switching element 122 is Figure 4 The display unit driving unit 22 is connected to the display unit driving unit 22 described later, and switches the polarized light according to a signal sent from the display unit driving unit 22.

[0056] In addition, the switching of polarized light by the switching element 122 can be performed by electrical processing, or by placing a polarizing plate or a wave plate on the emission port side of the display element 121, and physically rotating the optical axis at a predetermined angle relative to the central axis to switch the polarized light. In either case, the switching of polarized light is performed by the control of the display unit driving unit 22.

[0057] The reflecting part 13 includes a first reflecting mirror 131, a second reflecting mirror 132, and a third reflecting mirror 133, which are formed of reflecting mirrors having a concave shape. The first reflecting mirror 131 reflects the display light L1 (first light ray) that becomes the first polarized light, and transmits the display light L2 (second light ray) that becomes the second polarized light. The second reflecting mirror 132 is a reflecting mirror that reflects the display light L2 (second light ray) that transmits the first reflecting mirror 131. The display lights L1 and L2 reflected by the first reflecting mirror 131 and the second reflecting mirror 132 are guided to the third reflecting mirror 133, reflected by the third reflecting mirror 133, and emitted to the windshield WS, so that the occupant DR can visually observe the display images respectively. The display light L1 is an example of the first light ray, and the display light L2 is an example of the second light ray.

[0058] In addition, although countless light rays are originally emitted from the display unit 12, for the sake of simplicity, the light rays emitted from the center of the display unit 12 and passing through the center of the eye movement range are referred to as representative light rays, and are marked with a symbol L. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , and the following Figure 7 In FIG. 1 , a representative light ray emitted from the center of the display unit 12 is indicated by a solid line, a light ray emitted from the upper end of the display unit 12 is indicated by a single-dot chain line, and a light ray emitted from the lower end of the display unit 12 is indicated by a double-dot chain line.

[0059] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , since the first reflector 131 is a reflector that transmits the display light L2, the display light L2 reflected by the second reflector 132 can of course also be transmitted from the back side to the front side of the second reflector 132. Figure 2 As shown, the display light L2 transmitted through the first reflector 131 is reflected by the second reflector 132, transmitted through the first reflector 131 again, and guided to the third reflector 133. Thus, the second reflector 132 can be arranged close to the back side of the first reflector 131, and the housing 16 can be prevented from being enlarged.

[0060] Here, for example, the first polarized light is set as S polarized light (S polarized light for the first reflector 131), the second polarized light is set as P polarized light (P polarized light for the first reflector 131), the first reflector 131 is set as a reflector that reflects the S polarized light and transmits the P polarized light relative to the first reflector 131, and the second reflector 132 is set as a reflector that reflects the P polarized light and transmits the S polarized light relative to the first reflector 131. In the case of such a structure, the display light L1 that is S polarized light is reflected by the first reflector 131 and guided to the third reflector 133. The display light L2 that is P polarized light is transmitted from the first reflector 131, reflected by the second reflector 132, and guided to the third reflector 133. By setting the structure of the reflection unit 13 and the polarizations of the display lights L1 and L2 in this way, the display lights L1 and L2 can generate different display images.

[0061] Specific instructions Figure 1 The display image represented by the display light L1 and Figure 2 The display image represented by the display light L2. Figure 2 As shown, the second reflector 132 is a reflector having a concave shape, and when the second reflector 132, the third reflector 133, and the windshield WS are regarded as one optical system, the curvature radius is in a second state in which the position of the display unit 12 is outside the focal length of the optical system (located on the front side with respect to the display light L). Therefore, when the second polarized light is emitted, the light reflected by the second reflector 132, the third reflector 133, and the windshield WS is visually observed by the occupant DR as a real image RI.

[0062] In addition, if Figure 1As shown, the first reflector 131 is also a reflector with a concave shape, but has a curvature radius R1 that is larger than the curvature radius R2 of the second reflector 132 (R1>R2). When the first reflector 131, the third reflector 133, and the windshield WS are regarded as an optical system, the position of the display unit 12 becomes the curvature radius of the first state that is inside the focal length of the optical system (located on the rear side relative to the display light L). This is because when the curvature radius of the reflector with a concave shape is large, the focal length is far away from the reflector, and when the curvature radius is small, the focal length is close to the reflector. Therefore, the curvature radius of the first reflector 131 that is far away from the focal length is larger. Therefore, in the case of emitting light of the first polarized light, the light reflected by the first reflector 131, the third reflector 133, and the windshield WS is visually observed as a virtual image VI by the occupant DR. In addition, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , F represents the optical focus.

[0063] That is, for example, when it is desired to visually observe the virtual image VI from the passenger DR on the depth side of the windshield WS, the switching element 122 of the display unit 12 is switched so that the display light L is emitted as the display light L1 which is the first polarized light, and the display image represented by the display light L1 is displayed on the windshield WS through the imaging optical system composed of the first reflector 131, the third reflector 133, and the windshield WS. In addition, for example, when it is desired to visually observe the real image RI from the passenger DR on the near side of the windshield WS, the switching element 122 of the display unit 12 is switched so that the display light L is emitted as the display light L2 which is the second polarized light, and the display image represented by the display light L2 is displayed on the windshield WS through the imaging optical system composed of the second reflector 132, the third reflector 133, and the windshield WS.

[0064] In addition, Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the figure, the first reflector 131 is recorded as a reflector having a concave shape, but if the condition that when the first reflector 131, the third reflector 133 and the windshield WS are regarded as an optical system, the position of the display unit 12 is located inside the focal length of the optical system (located on the rear side relative to the display light L) is met, then it can be a reflector with a flat shape or a reflector with a convex shape.

[0065] By setting the shapes and arrangements of the first and second reflecting mirrors 131 and 132 as described above, the polarization of the display light L1 and the display light L2 can be further controlled, and the display image visually observed by the occupant DR can be switched between the virtual image VI and the real image RI for display.

[0066] In addition, Figure 1 and Figure 2In the figure, the third reflector 133 is recorded as a reflector with a concave shape, but it can be a reflector with a flat shape or a reflector with a convex shape. Regardless of whether the virtual image VI or the real image RI is displayed, the display lights L1 and L2 are irradiated through the third reflector 133, so it can also be a shape without magnification.

[0067] In addition, when the third reflector 133 has a concave shape, it is preferred that the radius of curvature R3 thereof has a radius of curvature R3 greater than the radius of curvature R1 of the first reflector 131 and the radius of curvature R2 of the second reflector 132 (R3>R1, R3>R2). For this reason, when the magnification of the third reflector 133 is high, the focal length of the entire optical system approaches the third reflector 133, so that the virtual image VI is displayed larger at a distance from the occupant DR, and the real image RI is displayed smaller at a distance from the occupant DR, so there is a possibility that the visual observability of the real image RI is reduced. By making the third reflector 133 have the above-mentioned structure, such a reduction in visual observability can be prevented.

[0068] Figure 4 1 is a functional block diagram showing the structure of an image generation unit (hereinafter referred to as Picture Generation Unit: PGU) in the HUD device 1 according to the present embodiment. Figure 4 In the present invention, only the minimum structures directly related to the present invention are recorded, and other known structures are omitted. Figure 4 In the embodiment, the PGU 10 includes a control unit 15, a light source 11, and a display unit 12. The control unit 15 includes: a display control unit 21, which issues a command to the display unit 12 in a manner of generating light representing a pattern of an arbitrary shape based on information sent from various devices 30 such as a vehicle speed sensor, a navigation device, RADAR (Radio Detecting and Ranging), LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging, Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging), and the like; and a display unit driving unit 22, which performs switching control of the polarization direction based on a signal sent from a switch 20 for switching a driving mode (manual driving, automatic driving), for example.

[0069] In addition, the display unit 12 has: a TFT-type display element 121, which forms light representing a graphic of an arbitrary shape according to a signal sent from the display control unit 21; and a switching element 122, which switches the emitted display light L to either display light L1 of the first polarized light or display light L2 of the second polarized light according to a signal sent from the display unit driving unit 22.

[0070] exist Figure 4 In the structure of, for example, during manual driving, the display unit driving unit 22 switches the switching element 122 to emit the display light L1 as the first polarized light. At this time, the display control unit 21 controls the display element 121 to generate the display light L1 representing the above-mentioned vehicle information, route guidance information, warning display, etc. In addition, for example, during automatic driving, the display unit driving unit 22 switches the switching element 122 to emit the display light L2 as the second polarized light. At this time, the display control unit 21 controls the display element 121 to generate the display light L2 representing the above-mentioned assistant or agent of the auxiliary passenger DR, the character representing these, etc.

[0071] Thus, in the HUD device 1 according to the present embodiment, when it is desired to display a virtual image VI, the display unit 12 for controlling polarization makes the polarization state of the light source 11 a polarization state reflected by the first reflector 131, and the display light L1 is reflected by the first reflector 131, incident on the third reflector 133, reflected by the third reflector 133, incident on the windshield WS, and reflected by the windshield WS to form a virtual image VI that can be displayed far away. When it is desired to display a real image RI, the display unit 12 for controlling polarization makes the polarization state of the light source 11 a polarization state transmitted by the first reflector 131, and the display light L2 is transmitted through the first reflector 131, reflected by the second reflector 132, transmitted from the first reflector 131 again, incident on the third reflector 133, reflected by the third reflector 133, incident on the windshield WS, and reflected by the windshield WS to form a real image RI. At this time, the second reflector 132 has a concave shape, and the real image RI is generated by making the focal length of the reflector optical system shorter than the distance between the display unit 12 and the reflector optical system. That is, the distance (optical path length) between the display unit 12 and the reflector can be changed by switching the polarization state of the display light L emitted from the display unit 12 without mechanically moving the display unit 12, thereby smoothly switching between the virtual image VI and the real image RI.

[0072] In addition, when the first reflector 131 and the second reflector 132 have a curved shape, since the curvature radius R1 of the first reflector 131 is larger than the curvature radius R2 of the second reflector 132, in the optical path of the display light L1 that displays the virtual image VI, the focal length of the first reflector 131 is longer than the distance between the display unit 12 and the first reflector 131, and the virtual image VI can be generated. In the optical path of the display light L2 that displays the real image RI, the focal length of the second reflector 132 is shorter than the distance between the display unit 12 and the second reflector 132, and the real image RI can be generated.

[0073] Moreover, when the magnification of the third reflector 133 is too high, the focal length of the entire optical system is close to the reflector, and the virtual image VI becomes larger and is displayed farther away. On the other hand, the real image RI is displayed smaller and farther away from the occupant DR, which may reduce visual observation. However, as in the present embodiment, the above-mentioned problem can be avoided by making the curvature radius R3 of the third reflector 133 larger than the curvature radius R1 of the first reflector 131 and the curvature radius R2 of the second reflector 132.

[0074] (Second embodiment of the present invention)

[0075] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, descriptions overlapping with those of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0076] As in the HUD device 1 involved in the first embodiment, when the virtual image VI and the real image RI are switched according to the situation, it is sometimes desired that the display area of ​​the virtual image VI located far away is displayed in a state inclined relative to the road surface (for example, a horizontal state with an angle of less than 45° to the road surface), and the display area of ​​the real image RI located near is displayed in a state upright relative to the road surface (for example, an angle of more than 45° to the road surface, more specifically, a vertical upright state). For example, since the display area of ​​the virtual image VI with an angle of less than 45° to the road surface looks like the display content is spread out on the road surface, it has the advantage of being able to intuitively present information when the display content is overlapped on the road surface for observation during navigation, etc. On the other hand, it can be imagined that the display area of ​​the real image RI located near the road surface with an angle of more than 45° to the road surface is used in scenes such as viewing entertainment content during automatic driving or parking, and by displaying it in an upright state relative to the road surface, it has the advantage of improving visual observability.

[0077] As in the first embodiment Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the display unit 12 is tilted relative to the axial direction of the light of the display light L, so as to exclude stray light or external light from the optical path of the display light L. Here, the display unit 12 is tilted at approximately 45 degrees relative to the optical axis. At this time, in the direction of the optical axis, by tilting the upper side of the display unit 12 in a manner that becomes the side of the first reflector 131, the virtual image VI can be displayed in a manner tilted relative to the road surface. As a result, as described above, it is possible to intuitively prompt information such as the virtual image VI unfolding on the road surface, but it will also affect the tilt angle of the real image RI relative to the road surface, and the real image RI cannot be displayed in a manner vertically erected relative to the road surface. This problem can be solved by mechanically changing the tilt angle of the display unit 12 according to the display switching of the virtual image VI and the real image RI, but in this embodiment, it is configured so that the tilt angle of the display unit 12 is not mechanically changed, and the virtual image VI displayed in the distance is displayed tilted relative to the road surface, and the real image RI displayed in the near side is displayed vertically erected relative to the road surface.

[0078] Figure 5 It is a first cross-sectional view showing the structure of the first reflecting mirror 131 and the second reflecting mirror 132 of the HUD device 1 according to the present embodiment. Figure 5 (A) is a cross-sectional view of the first reflecting mirror 131 when viewed from the side. Figure 5 (B) is a cross-sectional view of the second reflector 132 when viewed from the side. Figure 5 As shown in (A), the curvature radius R1U of the upper side of the first reflector 131 is formed to be larger than the curvature radius R1L of the lower side (R1U>R1L). Figure 5 As shown in (B) of FIG. 1 , regarding the second reflecting mirror 132 , the upper curvature radius R2U is also formed to be larger than the lower curvature radius R2L (R2U>R2L).

[0079] exist Figure 1 In the structure shown, when the virtual image VI is displayed, since the lower side of the displayed image (equivalent to the upper side of the display unit 12) is an image formed by the display light L1 reflected by the portion (R1U) with a large curvature radius of the first reflector 131, the projection distance becomes the near side as viewed from the occupant DR. On the other hand, since the upper side of the displayed image (equivalent to the lower side of the display unit 12) is an image formed by the display light L1 reflected by the portion (R1L) with a small curvature radius of the first reflector 131, the projection distance becomes the depth side as viewed from the occupant DR. That is, by making the first reflector 131 Figure 5 The structure shown in (A) can make the slope of the virtual image VI with respect to the optical axis larger than the slope of the display unit 12 with respect to the optical axis, so that the virtual image VI is displayed with an inclination of less than 45° (first angle) with respect to the road surface.

[0080] In addition, Figure 2 In the structure shown in the figure, when the real image RI is displayed, the lower side of the displayed image (corresponding to the lower side of the display unit 12) is Figure 1 The situation is different, so the image is upside down and left and right, which is different from Figure 1 On the contrary, since the upper side of the display image (corresponding to the upper side of the display unit 12: for the same reason as above) is an image formed by the display light L2 reflected by the portion (R2L) of the second reflector 132 with a large curvature radius, the projection distance becomes the close side as viewed from the occupant DR. That is, by making the second reflector 132 Figure 5The structure shown in (B) can make the slope of the real image RI relative to the optical axis smaller than the slope of the display unit 12 relative to the optical axis, so the real image RI is displayed at an angle of more than 45° (the second angle) relative to the road surface (here, especially in a vertical upright manner).

[0081] In addition, it is sometimes desired to display the display area of ​​the virtual image VI located far away perpendicularly to the road surface, and to display the display area of ​​the real image RI located near perpendicularly to the road surface. Figure 6 The structure shown is implemented.

[0082] Figure 6 is a second cross-sectional view showing the structure of the first reflecting mirror 131 and the second reflecting mirror 132 of the HUD device 1 according to the present embodiment. Figure 7 This means that the HUD device 1 according to the present embodiment is used Figure 6 The diagram shows a configuration in which the first reflecting mirror 131 and the second reflecting mirror 132 generate a virtual image VI.

[0083] Figure 6 (A) is a cross-sectional view of the first reflecting mirror 131 when viewed from the side. Figure 6 (B) is a cross-sectional view of the second reflector 132 when viewed from the side. Figure 6 In (A), the curvature radius R1U of the upper side of the first reflector 131 is formed to be smaller than the curvature radius R1L of the lower side (R1U<R1L). Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the virtual image VI is displayed, since the lower side of the displayed image (corresponding to the upper side of the display unit 12) is an image formed by the display light L1 reflected by the portion (R1U) with a small curvature radius of the first reflector 131, the projection distance becomes the depth side as viewed from the occupant DR. On the other hand, since the upper side of the displayed image (corresponding to the lower side of the display unit 12) is an image formed by the display light L1 reflected by the portion (R1L) with a large curvature radius of the first reflector 131, the projection distance becomes the near side as viewed from the occupant DR. That is, by making the first reflector 131 Figure 6 The structure shown in (A) can display the virtual image VI at an angle of 45° or more (first angle) relative to the road surface (here, particularly in a vertically erected manner).

[0084] In addition, Figure 6 In (B), Figure 5 Similarly to the case of (B), the curvature radius R2U of the upper side of the second reflector 132 is formed to be larger than the curvature radius R2L of the lower side (R2U>R2L). Figure 2As shown in FIG. 1 , since the lower side of the displayed image is an image formed by the display light L2 reflected by the portion (R2U) with a large curvature radius of the second reflector 132, the projection distance becomes the depth side as viewed from the occupant DR, and since the upper side of the displayed image is an image formed by the display light L2 reflected by the portion (R2L) with a small curvature radius of the second reflector 132, the projection distance becomes the near side as viewed from the occupant DR. That is, let Figure 7 In the case of the virtual image VI shown, the real image RI is displayed at substantially the same inclination angle as that of the road surface, with the inclination being 45° or more (second angle) (particularly, in this case, vertically erected).

[0085] By making the first reflecting mirror 131 and the second reflecting mirror 132 Figure 6 The structure shown can display both the virtual image VI displayed at a distance and the real image RI displayed at a near distance in a vertically upright manner relative to the road surface.

[0086] Thus, in the HUD device 1 involved in the present embodiment, by making the curvature radius R1U of the upper side of the first reflector 131 larger than the curvature radius R1L of the lower side, and making the curvature radius R2U of the upper side of the second reflector 132 larger than the curvature radius R2L of the lower side, a virtual image VI inclined relative to the road surface and a real image RI perpendicular to the road surface can be displayed by one display unit 12 without changing the tilt angle.

[0087] In addition, by making the upper curvature radius R1U of the first reflecting mirror 131 smaller than the lower curvature radius R1L and making the upper curvature radius R2U of the second reflecting mirror 132 larger than the lower curvature radius R2L, a virtual image VI and a real image RI perpendicular to the road surface can be displayed by one display unit 12 without changing the tilt angle.

[0088] Furthermore, by arranging the display unit 12 to be inclined with respect to the axial direction of the light beam of the display light L, stray light or external light can be excluded from the optical path of the display light L, thereby improving the display quality.

[0089] In addition, in each embodiment, the display unit 12 is tilted relative to the axial direction of the display light L, but it can be arranged orthogonally to the axial direction of the light without being tilted. That is, in the case where it is desired to increase the tilt angle of the virtual image VI relative to the road surface, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 or Figure 5 As shown, the display unit 12 is tilted so that the upper side becomes the first reflector 131 side. When the tilt angle of the virtual image VI relative to the road surface does not need to be too large, the display unit 12 can be arranged orthogonally to the axial direction of the light beam.

[0090] In addition, regarding the curvature radius of the first reflecting mirror 131 and the second reflecting mirror 132, any configuration may be adopted as long as the curvature radius of the upper side and the curvature radius of the lower side of at least one of the first reflecting mirror 131 and the second reflecting mirror 132 are different from each other so that the inclination angle (first angle) of the virtual image VI and the inclination angle (second angle) of the real image RI are different from each other. That is, a combination that makes the displayed image have a desired inclination can be arbitrarily selected from the combinations of eight patterns: (1) R1U>R1L, (2) R1U<R1L, (3) R2U>R2L, (4) R2U<R2L, (5) R1U>R1L and R2U>R2L, (6) R1U>R1L and R2U<R2L, (7) R1U<R1L and R2U>R2L, and (8) R1U<R1L and R2U<R2L. At this time, the display unit 12 can be configured to be tilted relative to the axial direction of the display light L (for example, tilted in a manner such that the upper side of the display unit 12 becomes the side of the first reflector 131) or to be configured to be orthogonal to the axial direction of the display light L.

[0091] Furthermore, regarding the curvature radii of the first reflecting mirror 131 and the second reflecting mirror 132, the configuration can be such that the inclination angle (first angle) of the virtual image VI and the inclination angle (second angle) of the real image RI are substantially the same by making the curvature radius of the upper side and the curvature radius of the lower side of at least one of the first reflecting mirror 131 or the second reflecting mirror 132 different from each other. That is, a combination that makes the displayed image have a desired inclination can be arbitrarily selected from the eight patterns of (1) R1U>R1L, (2) R1U<R1L, (3) R2U>R2L, (4) R2U<R2L, (5) R1U>R1L and R2U>R2L, (6) R1U>R1L and R2U<R2L, (7) R1U<R1L and R2U>R2L, and (8) R1U<R1L and R2U<R2L. At this time, the display unit 12 can be configured to be tilted relative to the axial direction of the display light L (for example, tilted in a manner such that the upper side of the display unit 12 becomes the side of the first reflector 131) or to be configured to be orthogonal to the axial direction of the display light L.

[0092] The combination of the curvature radius of the first reflector 131 and the second reflector 132 and the inclination angle of the display unit 12 is shown below. Figures 5 to 7 As a first example, the display unit 12 may be tilted so that the upper side is the first reflector 131 side, and only the second reflector 132 is configured so that the upper curvature radius is larger than the lower curvature radius ( Figure 5The structure of (B) is to display the virtual image VI in a state where the virtual image VI is tilted less than 45° (the first angle) relative to the road surface, and the real image RI is upright at more than 45° (the second angle) relative to the road surface. Thus, the virtual image VI can be displayed in a reliably tilted state, and the real image RI can be displayed in a reliably upright state.

[0093] As a second example, by tilting the display unit 12 so that the upper side becomes the side of the first reflector 131 and making the first reflector 131 and the second reflector 132 both have a structure in which the curvature radius of the upper side is smaller than the curvature radius of the lower side (R1U<R1L, R2U<R2L), the virtual image VI can be displayed with an angle of more than 90° (first angle) to the road surface (for example, a state in which it is slightly bent forward and upright when viewed from the perspective of the occupant DR), and the real image RI can be displayed with an angle of more than 45° (second angle) relative to the road surface (for example, a state in which it is slightly tilted toward the depth side when viewed from the perspective of the occupant DR).

[0094] As a third example, the display unit 12 is arranged orthogonally to the axial direction of the light beam of the display light L, and only the first reflector 131 is configured so that the curvature radius of the upper side is larger than the curvature radius of the lower side ( Figure 5 According to the structure of (A), the virtual image VI can be displayed in a state where the virtual image VI is tilted less than 45° (the first angle) relative to the road surface, and the real image RI is displayed in a state where the virtual image VI is upright at more than 45° (the second angle) relative to the road surface. Thus, the virtual image VI can be displayed in a reliably tilted state, and the real image RI can be displayed in a reliably upright state.

[0095] As a fourth example, the display unit 12 is arranged orthogonally to the axial direction of the light beam of the display light L, and the first reflector 131 is configured such that the curvature radius of the upper side is larger than the curvature radius of the lower side ( Figure 5 By making the second reflector 132 have a structure in which the curvature radius of the upper side is smaller than the curvature radius of the lower side (R2U<R2L), the virtual image VI can be displayed at a tilt of less than 45° (first angle) relative to the road surface, and the real image RI can be displayed at a tilt of less than 45° (second angle) relative to the road surface. Thus, the virtual image VI and the real image RI can be displayed in a reliably tilted state.

[0096] In the above description, the first reflector 131 and the second reflector 132 have a configuration in which the upper curvature radius is different from the lower curvature radius, but the curvature radius may be configured to continuously change from the upper end to the lower end of each reflector.

[0097] (Other Embodiments of the Present Invention)

[0098] The following additional notes will be described as other embodiments of the HUD device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0099] (Supplementary Note 1) A head-up display device 1, which has an emission port 17, and by emitting display light L from the emission port 17 toward a light-transmitting member WS, a virtual image VI and a real image RI of a display image represented by the display light L are visually observed, characterized in that it comprises: a display element 121; and a switching element 122, which is arranged on the emission port 17 side along the optical path of the display element 121 and is capable of switching the polarization of the emitted light into a first polarization and a second polarization that are different from each other, and comprises: a display unit 12, which transmits light emitted by a light source 11 and displays the display image; a reflecting unit 13, which reflects light representing the display image displayed on the display unit 12 toward the light-transmitting member WS; and a control unit 15, which controls the switching element 122, the reflecting unit 1 3 includes: a first reflector 131, which reflects a first light ray L1 that becomes a first polarized light and transmits a second light ray L2 that becomes a second polarized light; and a second reflector 132, which reflects the second light ray L2, the first reflector 131 and the second reflector 132 are configured so that when the display element 121 emits the first light ray L1, the positional relationship between the optical focus F of the imaging optical system including the light-transmitting component WS and the reflecting portion 13 and the display portion 12 becomes a first state in which the display portion 12 is closer to the emission port 17 side than the optical focus F, and when the display element 121 emits the second light ray L2, the positional relationship between the display portion 12 and the optical focus F becomes a second state in which the display portion 12 is closer to the light source 11 side than the optical focus F, and the second reflector 132 has a concave shape.

[0100] (Supplementary Note 2) The head-up display device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the first reflector has a concave shape.

[0101] (Note 3) The head-up display device according to Note 2 is characterized in that the reflecting portion 13 further includes: a third reflector 133, which reflects the first light ray L1 reflected by the first reflector 131 and the second light ray L2 reflected by the second reflector 132 after passing through the first reflector 131 toward the light-transmitting component WS, and the third reflector 133 has a concave shape.

[0102] (Supplementary Note 4) The head-up display device according to Supplementary Note 1 is characterized in that the first reflector 131 has a concave shape, and a curvature radius of the first reflector 131 is larger than a curvature radius of the second reflector 132 .

[0103] (Note 5) The head-up display device according to Note 4 is characterized in that the reflecting part 13 further includes: a third reflector 133, which reflects the first light ray L1 reflected by the first reflector 131 and the second light ray L2 reflected by the second reflector 132 after passing through the first reflector 131 toward the light-transmitting component WS, and the curvature radius of the third reflector 133 is larger than the curvature radius of the first reflector 131.

[0104] (Supplementary Note 6) The head-up display device according to Supplementary Note 5 is characterized in that the curvature radius of the third reflecting mirror 133 is larger than the curvature radius of the second reflecting mirror 132 .

[0105] (Supplementary Note 7) A head-up display device 1, which has an emission port 17, and by emitting display light L from the emission port 17 toward a light-transmitting component WS, a virtual image VI and a real image RI of a display image represented by the display light L are visually observed, characterized in that it has: a display element 121; and a switching element 122, which is arranged on the emission port 17 side along the optical path of the display element 121 and can switch the polarization of the emitted light into a first polarization and a second polarization that are different from each other, and has: a display unit 12, which transmits light emitted by a light source 11 and displays the display image; a reflecting unit 13, which reflects light representing the display image displayed on the display unit 12 toward the light-transmitting component WS; and a control unit 15, which controls the switching element 122, the reflecting unit 13 including: a first reflecting mirror 131, which reflects a first light ray L1 that becomes a first polarization and transmits a second light ray L2 that becomes a second polarization; and a second reflecting mirror 132, which reflects the second light ray L1 L2, the first reflecting mirror 131 and the second reflecting mirror 132 are configured so that, when the display element 121 emits the first light ray L1, the positional relationship between the optical focus F of the imaging optical system including the light-transmitting component WS and the reflecting portion 13 and the display portion 12 becomes a first state in which the display portion 12 is closer to the emission port 17 side than the optical focus F, and when the display element 121 emits the second light ray L2, the display portion 12 is in a second state in which the display portion 12 is closer to the light source 11 side than the optical focus F. By making the upper curvature radius (R1U, R2U) and the lower curvature radius (R1L, R2L) of at least one of the first reflecting mirror 131 and the second reflecting mirror 132 different from each other, the first reflecting mirror 131 and the second reflecting mirror 132 are configured so that a first angle of the virtual image VI visually observed in the first state relative to the road surface and a second angle of the real image RI visually observed in the second state relative to the road surface are different from each other.

[0106] (Supplementary Note 8) The head-up display device according to Supplementary Note 1 is characterized in that the display unit 12 is arranged to be inclined with respect to the axial direction of the optical path.

[0107] (Supplementary Note 9) The head-up display device according to Supplementary Note 2 is characterized in that the display unit 12 is tilted in such a manner that the upper side becomes the side of the first reflector 131, and the curvature radius R2U of the upper side of the second reflector 132 is larger than the curvature radius R2L of the lower side, thereby constituting that the first angle of the virtual image VI in the first state is less than 45°, and the second angle of the real image RI in the second state is greater than 45°.

[0108] (Supplementary Note 10) The head-up display device according to Supplementary Note 3 is characterized in that a curvature radius R1U on an upper side of the first reflecting mirror 131 is larger than a curvature radius R1L on a lower side.

[0109] (Supplementary Note 11) The head-up display device according to Supplementary Note 2 is characterized in that the display unit 12 is tilted in such a manner that the upper side becomes the side of the first reflector 131, the curvature radius R1U of the upper side of the first reflector 131 is smaller than the curvature radius R1L of the lower side, and the curvature radius R2U of the upper side of the second reflector 132 is smaller than the curvature radius R2L of the lower side, thereby constituting that the first angle of the virtual image VI in the first state is greater than 90°, and the second angle of the real image RI in the second state is greater than 45°.

[0110] (Supplementary Note 12) The head-up display device according to Supplementary Note 1 is characterized in that the display unit 12 is arranged orthogonally to the axial direction of the optical path.

[0111] (Supplement 13) The head-up display device according to Supplement 6 is characterized in that the curvature radius R1U on the upper side of the first reflector 131 is larger than the curvature radius R1L on the lower side, thereby constituting that the first angle of the virtual image VI in the first state is less than 45°, and the second angle of the real image RI in the second state is greater than 45°.

[0112] (Supplementary Note 14) A head-up display device 1, which has an emission port 17, and by emitting display light L from the emission port 17 toward a light-transmitting component WS, a virtual image VI and a real image RI of a display image represented by the display light L are visually observed, characterized in that it has: a display element 121; and a switching element 122, which is arranged on the emission port 17 side along the optical path of the display element 121 and can switch the polarization of the emitted light into a first polarization light and a second polarization light that are the same but different, and has: a display unit 12, which transmits light emitted by a light source 11 and displays the display image; a reflecting unit 13, which reflects light representing the display image displayed on the display unit 12 toward the light-transmitting component WS; and a control unit 15, which controls the switching element 122, the reflecting unit 13 including: a first reflecting mirror 131, which reflects a first light ray L1 that becomes a first polarization light and transmits a second light ray L2 that becomes a second polarization light; and a second reflecting mirror 132, which reflects the second polarization light. The light ray L2, the first reflector 131 and the second reflector 132 are configured so that, when the display element 121 emits the first light ray L1, the positional relationship between the optical focus F of the imaging optical system including the light-transmitting component WS and the reflecting portion 13 and the display portion 12 becomes a first state in which the display portion 12 is closer to the emission port 17 side than the optical focus F, and when the display element 121 emits the second light ray L2, the display portion 12 is in a second state in which the display portion 12 is closer to the light source 11 side than the optical focus F. By making the upper curvature radius (R1U, R2U) and the lower curvature radius (R1L, R2L) of the first reflector 131 and the second reflector 132 different from each other, the first reflector 131 and the second reflector 132 are configured so that a first angle of the virtual image VI visually observed in the first state relative to the road surface and a second angle of the real image RI visually observed in the second state relative to the road surface are substantially the same.

[0113] (Supplementary Note 15) The head-up display device according to Supplementary Note 8 is characterized in that the display unit 12 is arranged to be inclined with respect to the axial direction of the optical path.

[0114] (Supplement 16) The head-up display device according to Supplement 9 is characterized in that the display unit 12 is tilted in such a manner that the upper side becomes the side of the first reflector 131, the curvature radius R1U of the upper side of the first reflector 131 is smaller than the curvature radius R1L of the lower side, and the curvature radius R2U of the upper side of the second reflector 132 is larger than the curvature radius R2L of the lower side, thereby constituting that the first angle of the virtual image VI in the first state is greater than 45°, and the second angle of the real image RI in the second state is greater than 45°.

[0115] (Supplementary Note 17) The head-up display device according to Supplementary Note 8 is characterized in that the display unit 12 is arranged orthogonal to the axial direction of the optical path.

[0116] (Supplement 18) The head-up display device according to Supplement 11 is characterized in that the curvature radius R1U on the upper side of the first reflector 131 is larger than the curvature radius R1L on the lower side, and the curvature radius R2U on the upper side of the second reflector 132 is smaller than the curvature radius R2L on the lower side, thereby constituting that the first angle of the virtual image VI in the first state is less than 45°, and the second angle of the real image RI in the second state is less than 45°.

Claims

1. A head-up display device having an emission port, wherein display light is emitted from the emission port toward a light-transmitting member, and a virtual image and a real image of a display image represented by the display light are visually observed, wherein: have: display element; and a switching element, which is arranged on the emission port side along the optical path of the display element and is capable of switching the polarization of the emitted light into a first polarization light and a second polarization light that are different from each other, The device comprises: a display unit which transmits light emitted by a light source and displays the display image; a reflecting portion that reflects light representing the display image displayed on the display portion toward the light-transmitting member; and a control unit that controls the switching element, The reflecting portion comprises: a first reflector that reflects the first light beam as the first polarized light beam and transmits the second light beam as the second polarized light beam; and a second reflector that reflects the second light, The first reflecting mirror and the second reflecting mirror are configured as follows: When the display element emits the first light, the positional relationship between the optical focus of the imaging optical system including the light-transmitting component and the reflecting portion and the display portion is brought into a first state in which the display portion is closer to the emission port side than the optical focus. When the display element emits the second light beam, the display unit is in a second state where the display unit is closer to the light source than the optical focus. The second reflecting mirror has a concave shape.

2. The head-up display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first reflecting mirror has a concave shape.

3. The head-up display device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The reflecting portion further comprises: a third reflecting mirror for reflecting the first light reflected by the first reflecting mirror and the second light transmitted through the first reflecting mirror and reflected by the second reflecting mirror toward the light-transmitting member, The third reflecting mirror has a concave shape.

Images