Head-up display apparatus

By using a concave mirror mechanism with a horizontal rotation axis to adjust the HUD area's position in real-time, the HUD device addresses the limitations of fixed HUD areas, enhancing the display of AR information and improving safe driving by minimizing driver viewpoint movement.

JP2025087946AInactive Publication Date: 2025-06-11MAXELL LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2022077076
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-05-09
Publication Date
2025-06-11
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

To provide a technique which can form a more suitable HUD area, and contributes to "3: Good Health and Well-Being" of the Sustainable Development Goals.SOLUTION: A HUD apparatus includes an image display device and a concave mirror M1 that reflects image light from the image display device. A HUD area being a display area in which a virtual image can be displayed is formed on the basis of the image light reflected from the concave mirror M1. The direction corresponding to the in-screen horizontal direction within the HUD area is defined as a first direction, and the direction corresponding to the in-screen vertical direction is defined as a second direction. The concave mirror M1 includes: a first rotating shaft J1 that extends in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the first direction; a first driving mechanism (motor 61) that is provided in the first rotating shaft J1; a second rotating shaft J2 that extends in the lateral direction corresponding to the second direction; and a second driving mechanism (motor 62) that is provided in the second rotating shaft J2. The HUD device moves the position of formation of the HUD area in the left-right direction corresponding to the first direction by rotating the concave mirror M1 about the second rotating shaft J2 using the second driving mechanism.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technology of a Head-Up Display (HUD).

Background Art

[0002] As a prior art example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-70066 (Patent Document 1) can be cited. Patent Document 1 describes that "in a monocular head-up display (HUD), the projection position of the projected image is reduced from shifting from the line of sight of one eye (monocular) due to vehicle vibration or changes in the driver's posture, and the visibility of the displayed information is improved." Patent Document 1 also describes that "one embodiment includes display information generation means 32 for generating projection information, a combiner 11 for superimposing the information to be displayed generated by the display information generation means on the front windshield along the driver's line of sight, a front camera 3 for capturing the scenery entering the driver's line of sight to detect vehicle vibration, and a driver camera 5 for capturing changes in the relative position between the driver and the vehicle, and based on the information obtained by the front camera and the driver camera, the position of the information projected onto the combiner is changed."

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The HUD device mounted on a vehicle has, in addition to the function of displaying a virtual image (in other words, a non-AR virtual image) corresponding to information such as vehicle speed at a predetermined position separately from the object in the actual scenery, an AR (Augmented Reality) function which is a function of superimposing and displaying a virtual image so as to align the position with the object in the actual scenery. There is a case where a HUD device having an AR function is described as an AR-HUD. The AR-HUD can superimpose and display an AR virtual image such as alert information or navigation information on an object visible from the driver's viewpoint in the driver's seat. Thereby, the AR-HUD can assist the driver in safe driving.

[0005] In order to display a more suitable virtual image corresponding to AR or non-AR, a HUD area corresponding to a wider field of view (FOV) is required for the HUD device. In the HUD device, the area or range where a virtual image can be displayed with respect to the transparent area of a transparent member such as a windshield or a combiner (a dedicated display panel) may be described as a HUD area, a display area, or the like.

[0006] For a HUD device that displays a virtual image for driving assistance or the like in the HUD area, it is desirable to minimize the movement of the driver's viewpoint (here, not the position of the eyes inside the vehicle, but a point such as the fixation point at the tip of the line of sight). However, since the position and size of a general HUD area are fixed, the driver's viewpoint (the tip of the line of sight) may move significantly, for example, between the virtual image inside the HUD area and the object outside the HUD area depending on the situation.

[0007] For example, when a vehicle makes a right turn, generally, the point at which the driver's line of sight is directed moves in the direction of the right turn destination and gazes in that direction. In that case, the distance difference between the virtual image displayed within the HUD area and the fixation point at the destination of the line-of-sight movement becomes large, which is undesirable. When a virtual image is being displayed within the HUD area, if the line of sight moves outside the HUD area, the driver cannot clearly view the virtual image within the HUD area. Also, even if there is an object for which it is desired to display an AR virtual image such as an alert outside the HUD area according to a situation such as a right turn, since the FOV by the HUD area is limited, the AR virtual image cannot be displayed within the HUD area.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of forming a more suitable HUD area with respect to the technology of a HUD device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] A typical embodiment of the present disclosure has the following configuration. The head-up display device of the embodiment includes a video display device and a concave mirror that reflects the video light from the video display device. Based on the video light reflected from the concave mirror, a HUD area, which is a display area where a virtual image can be displayed, is formed. When the direction corresponding to the horizontal direction within the screen in the HUD area is defined as the first direction and the direction corresponding to the vertical direction within the screen is defined as the second direction, the concave mirror has a first rotation axis extending in the vertical direction corresponding to the first direction, a first drive mechanism provided on the first rotation axis, a second rotation axis extending in the horizontal direction corresponding to the second direction, and a second drive mechanism provided on the second rotation axis. By rotating the concave mirror around the second rotation axis by the second drive mechanism, the position where the HUD area is formed is moved in the left-right direction corresponding to the first direction.

Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to a typical embodiment of the present disclosure, with respect to the technology of a HUD device, a more suitable HUD area can be formed. Regarding problems, configurations, effects, etc. other than those described above, they are shown in the embodiments for carrying out the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same parts are generally denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In the drawings, the representation of the components may not represent the actual position, size, shape, range, etc. in order to facilitate the understanding of the invention.

[0013] For the sake of explanation, when describing the processing by a program, the program, function, processing unit, etc. may be mainly described. However, the main body of these as hardware is a processor, or a controller, device, computer, system, etc. composed of such a processor. The computer executes processing according to the program read onto the memory while appropriately using resources such as a memory and a communication interface by the processor. Thereby, a predetermined function, processing unit, etc. are realized. The processor is composed of a semiconductor device such as a CPU / MPU or GPU, for example. The processing is not limited to software program processing and can also be implemented by a dedicated circuit. For the dedicated circuit, FPGA, ASIC, CPLD, etc. are applicable.

[0014] The program may be pre-installed as data in the target computer, or may be distributed as data to the target computer from the program source. The program source may be a program distribution server on a communication network, or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium such as a memory card or a disk. The program may be composed of a plurality of modules. The computer system may be composed of a plurality of devices. The computer system may be composed of a client-server system, a cloud computing system, an IoT system, etc. Various data and information are composed in a structure such as a table or a list, but are not limited thereto. Expressions such as identification information, identifier, ID, name, number, etc. are mutually replaceable.

[0015] [Solutions, etc.] The HUD device of the embodiment is an AR-HUD having an AR function. The HUD device of the embodiment includes at least a video display device and a concave mirror, and based on the video light from the video display device, projects the video light reflected by the concave mirror onto a transparent area of a transparent member such as a vehicle windshield or a combiner. The transparent member is a member that constitutes an area through which the driver can visually recognize the forward scenery. Thereby, the HUD device of the embodiment forms a HUD area or a HUD display area on the surface of the windshield or in front of it as seen from the driver's viewpoint (eye position), and displays a virtual image as a real image within the HUD area or the HUD display area.

[0016] And on such a premise, the HUD device of the embodiment has a mechanism for changing, moving, and adjusting the position of formation of the HUD display area. The HUD device of the embodiment has a mechanism including a concave mirror mechanism (in other words, a rotation mechanism) as the mechanism. The HUD device of the embodiment rotates the concave mirror by the concave mirror mechanism to change the projection direction of the reflected video light from the reflecting surface of the concave mirror. Thereby, the position of formation of the HUD display area with respect to the windshield or the like is changed.

[0017] In particular, the HUD device of the embodiment has, as the concave mirror mechanism, a mechanism for changing the orientation of the concave mirror in the left - right direction (in other words, the lateral direction, horizontal direction, etc.) with respect to the vehicle and the driver. In other words, this mechanism is a mechanism for changing the direction of the reflected image light in the left - right direction by rotating the concave mirror around a rotation axis extending in the up - down direction (in other words, the longitudinal direction, vertical direction, etc.). As a result, the position where the HUD area is formed on the windshield or the like or the position where the HUD display area is formed is changed, in other words, moved, in the left - right direction.

[0018] The concave mirror mechanism is provided with a rotation axis (which may be described as a vertical axis, Z - axis, second rotation axis, etc.) extending in the up - down direction, which is the short - hand direction, with respect to the left - right direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the concave mirror. The concave mirror mechanism is provided with a drive system such as a motor for rotating the concave mirror around its second rotation axis.

[0019] The HUD device of the embodiment controls the rotation of the concave mirror mechanism by driving and controlling the drive system, thereby controlling the position of the HUD area or the HUD display area.

[0020] The HUD device of the embodiment can move and change the HUD area to the left - right position (in other words, the second position, the position after movement) with respect to, for example, the initial position (in other words, the reference position, default position, central position, first position) by including the concave mirror mechanism. As a result, the apparent FOV by the HUD area as seen by the driver can be increased. The HUD device of the embodiment can display a virtual image according to the position of the HUD area or the HUD display area by including the concave mirror mechanism.

[0021] When displaying a virtual image in the HUD area, the HUD device of the embodiment superimposes and displays the virtual image as AR in accordance with the position of the object in the real scene, for example, based on the vehicle's navigation information or alert information. At that time, the HUD device of the embodiment can perform AR display in the HUD area at a suitable central or left - right position corresponding to a wide FOV by using the concave mirror mechanism.

[0022] The HUD device of the embodiment can move the HUD area to the left or right of the initial position according to the vehicle and driver's conditions, for example, in accordance with the vehicle's traveling direction. This can minimize the movement of the driver's viewpoint (line of sight) between the virtual image in the HUD area and the object in the real scene, which can contribute to safe driving.

[0023] In addition, the HUD device of the embodiment can display a virtual image that could not be displayed well in the HUD area before the movement well by moving the HUD area to the left or right position. For example, when turning right of a vehicle, even if it is desired to display AR of alert information for an object such as a pedestrian in front of the right outside the HUD area, it is possible to display AR of the alert information tailored to the object well in the HUD area at the right position by moving the HUD area to the right position. This contributes to safe driving.

[0024] The HUD device of the embodiment acquires and inputs ADAS information from, for example, an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) of a vehicle, and can move the HUD area left and right using the concave mirror mechanism in accordance with the ADAS information, for example in accordance with the vehicle travel direction.

[0025] For example, the HUD device of the embodiment acquires vehicle travel direction information from the ADAS information, and when the vehicle travel direction indicates, for example, a right turn, rotates the concave mirror in one direction by a predetermined angle to move the HUD area to a predetermined right position at a predetermined distance to the right from the initial position. In another example, when the vehicle travel direction indicates, for example, a left turn, rotates the concave mirror in the opposite direction by a predetermined angle to move the HUD area to a predetermined left position at a predetermined distance to the left from the initial position.

[0026] It should be noted that the opportunity and information for moving the HUD area based on the concave mirror mechanism are not limited to the above example.

[0027] <Embodiment 1> The HUD device according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13. The HUD device 1 according to Embodiment 1 includes a concave mirror mechanism shown in FIG. 10 and the like, and the direction of the concave mirror can be changed in the left - right direction by rotation. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6 and the like, the position of the HUD area or the HUD display area 5 can be changed in the left - right direction.

[0028] [Vehicle] FIG. 1 shows an outline configuration of a vehicle 2 equipped with the HUD device 1 according to Embodiment 1. The vehicle 2 includes a control unit 100 which is a vehicle controller. The control unit 100 controls the running of the vehicle 2 and the like. The HUD device 1 communicates with the control unit 100 through an interface such as CAN or LIN. The control unit 100 and the HUD device 1 constitute an in - vehicle system of the vehicle 2. The HUD device 1 generates video light and projects it onto a transparent area of the windshield 3. As a result, a HUD area or a HUD display area 5 is formed on the transparent area of the windshield 3, and a virtual image is displayed in the HUD area or the HUD display area 5.

[0029] The control unit 100 can display video information as a virtual image in the HUD area 5 by controlling the HUD device 1 through a CAN signal or the like. The control unit 100 acquires vehicle information 4 using various sensors, measurement devices, communication devices, etc. as shown in FIG. 4 described later. The HUD device 1 inputs and acquires vehicle information 4 from the control unit 100 through a CAN signal or the like.

[0030] In addition, in FIG. 1 and the like, (X, Y, Z) is used as a coordinate system and direction for explanation. FIG. 1 and the like show a spatial coordinate system with respect to the vehicle 2 and the driver. The Z - axis and the Z - direction are the vertical direction, in other words, the up - down direction and the longitudinal direction. The X - axis and the X - direction are the first horizontal direction, in other words, the left - right direction, the lateral direction of the vehicle or the width direction of the vehicle. The Y - axis and the Y - direction are the second horizontal direction orthogonal to the X - axis, in other words, the front - rear direction of the vehicle or the traveling direction of the vehicle.

[0031] [HUD device] FIG. 2 shows an example of mounting the HUD device 1 of Embodiment 1 in the vehicle 2 of FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, a schematic view in the Y-Z plane when the vehicle 2 of FIG. 1 is viewed from the X-axis direction is shown. In FIG. 2, particularly the video display unit 200 of the HUD device 1 is mounted in the dashboard 70 of the vehicle 2. The video display unit 200 of the HUD device 1 includes a video display device 10, a mirror M2, and a concave mirror M1 in the housing. Optical systems such as the video display device 10, the mirror M2, and the concave mirror M1 are arranged and fixed in the housing in a predetermined positional relationship. Further, the video display device 10 may be arranged and fixed outside the housing.

[0032] An opening 7 through which the video light of the HUD device 1 exits is provided in a part of the housing of the video display unit 200 and a part of the dashboard 70. A dust-proof cover made of a transparent member or the like is provided in the opening 7.

[0033] The video display device 10 emits video light. The mirror M2 is, for example, a plane mirror and is a folding mirror. The mirror M2 reflects the video light from the video display device 10 toward the concave mirror M1. The concave mirror M1 expands and reflects the video light from the mirror M2 in a set angle direction or a predetermined direction. The concave mirror M1 is constituted by, for example, a free-form surface mirror or a mirror having an asymmetric optical axis shape. In Embodiment 1, the concave mirror M1 is constituted by a mirror having a concave reflecting surface.

[0034] As shown in the figure, a drive system such as a rotation axis J1 and a motor 61 is provided on the concave mirror M1. The direction of the concave mirror M1 can be changed by this drive system. In FIGS. 2 and 3, only the rotation mechanism of the first rotation axis J1 of the concave mirror M1, that is, the mechanism for changing the HUD area 5 in the vertical direction is shown. As will be described later (FIGS. 6, 10, etc.), the concave mirror M1 further has a rotation mechanism of the second rotation axis J2, that is, a mechanism for changing the HUD area 5 in the horizontal direction.

[0035] As shown in the figure, the video light from the video display device 10 is reflected by the mirror M2 and the concave mirror M1, and the reflected video light is emitted from the opening 7 and projected onto the surface of the windshield 3, and then reflected and directed towards the driver's viewpoint 6. As a result, when looking forward (in front of the Y-axis) from the driver's viewpoint 6, an HUD area or HUD display area 5 is formed on the windshield 3, and a virtual image 9 can be visually recognized within the HUD area or HUD display area 5. Within the HUD area or HUD display area 5, the virtual image 6 formed by the video light is superimposed on the forward real scene and displayed. The virtual image 9 is video information that is independently displayed at a predetermined position in the non-AR case. The virtual image 9 is video information that is superimposed and displayed in accordance with the position of the object in the AR case. Examples of the video information that becomes the virtual image 9 include various types such as information like vehicle speed, navigation information, and alert information.

[0036] The vehicle 2 is also equipped with a camera 90. The camera 90 is installed, for example, near the rearview mirror, but is not limited thereto. The camera 90 includes an external camera that captures the outside of the vehicle and an internal camera that captures the inside of the vehicle.

[0037] [Video Display Unit of HUD Device] Figure 3 shows a configuration example of the video display unit 200 of the HUD device 1 in FIG. 2 in the Y-Z plane. The video display unit 200 has a video display device 10, a concave mirror M1, and a mirror M2 within the housing 60, and these components are arranged and fixed in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0038] Note that the video display device 10 may be installed within the housing 60 as shown in the figure, or may be installed outside the housing 60. Also, as will be described later (FIG. 7, etc.), other components such as the control unit 101 which is the controller of the HUD device 1 may be mounted within the housing 60 or may be mounted outside the housing 60.

[0039] The image display device 10 is configured to include a light source device 11 and a display panel or a liquid crystal display panel (LCD). In other words, the image display device 10 is an image forming unit that forms an image. The image display device 10 generates and emits image light a1.

[0040] The light source device 11 is configured by using, for example, a semiconductor light source element as a light source, generates predetermined light source light, and supplies it to the LCD 12. The light source device 11 functions as a backlight source for the LCD 12. Typically, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element is used as the semiconductor light source element.

[0041] The LCD 12 is an example of a display device. The LCD 12 forms an image or a picture on the display surface based on the input video signal, and emits the image light a1 from the display surface. The LCD 12 forms an image by modulating the transmittance of the light from the light source device 11 for each pixel according to the video signal, and emits it as the image light a1. Note that the image light a1 etc. are illustrated only by a dashed line for the optical axis.

[0042] The image light a1 from the image display device 10 is projected onto the mirror M2 and reflected by the mirror M2 so as to be folded back toward the concave mirror M1. The reflected light is shown as the image light a2 from the mirror M2. The image light a2 from the mirror M2 is projected onto the reflecting surface of the concave mirror M1, and is reflected by the concave mirror M1 through the opening 7 toward the windshield 3. The image light reflected from the concave mirror M1 is shown as the image light a3. The image light a3 from the concave mirror M1 passes through the opening 7, is projected onto the surface of the windshield 3, and forms the HUD region 5 in FIG. 2.

[0043] In addition, in FIG. 3, similar to FIG. 2, only the first rotation axis J1 and the motor 61 are shown for the concave mirror M1. The concave mirror M1 is rotatable around the first rotation axis J1 based on the drive of the motor 61. Due to the rotation around the first rotation axis J1, the projection direction of the image light a3 from the reflecting surface of the concave mirror M1 changes as indicated by the arrow. As a result, the position where the HUD region 5 in FIG. 2 is formed is changed in the vertical direction 5a. Also, by rotating around the first rotation axis J1, the ON / OFF of the concave mirror M1 can be adjusted.

[0044] As a HUD device of a prior art example, similar to FIG. 3, there is one provided with a drive system such as a motor 61 installed on a rotation axis J1 extending in the X-axis direction in the concave mirror M1. The HUD device of the prior art example can adjust the position of the HUD region 5 in the vertical direction 5a by rotating the concave mirror M1 around the X-axis by driving the motor 61 or the like.

[0045] The HUD device of Embodiment 1 has a function of adjusting the position of the HUD region 5 in the vertical direction 5a by rotating around the rotation axis J1 of the concave mirror M1, similar to the prior art example. This adjustment function in the vertical direction 5a is mainly utilized for the following two purposes. The first is a function of adjusting the position of the HUD region 5 up and down according to the position of the glove box including the viewpoint 6 of the driver in the driver's seat in the vehicle 2, which is a so-called calibration function. The second is a function of blocking external light such as sunlight, in other words, a function of preventing external light from entering the housing 60 to prevent panel burning of the image display device 10 (described as an external light blocking function, an external light incident prevention function, etc.), which is a so-called function of adjusting the ON / OFF of the concave mirror.

[0046] In FIG. 3, two states of the rotation state of the concave mirror M1 are illustrated. The state s1 indicated by the dashed line shows the rotation state of the concave mirror M1 during normal display, and the image light a3, which is the reflected light, travels in the direction d1 shown in the figure. The state s2 indicated by the solid line shows the rotation state of the concave mirror M1 when preventing external light from entering, and the image light a3, which is the reflected light, travels in the direction d2 shown in the figure. In the state s2, the concave mirror M1 has a reflecting surface that is tilted backward, for example, in the Y-axis direction (the longitudinal direction of the vehicle). The direction d2 of the image light a3 from the reflecting surface is tilted more backward than the direction d1.

[0047] When preventing external light from entering, the HUD device 1 rotates the concave mirror M1 around the rotation axis J1 in this way to make it like the state s2. In the state s2, even when external light such as sunlight enters along the opposite direction of the direction d1, for example, the external light does not enter the reflecting surface of the concave mirror M1, or even if it enters, the direction of the reflected light of the incident external light is deflected so as not to enter the mirror M2 and the display surface of the image display device 10. Thereby, in particular, burn-in of the panel of the LCD12 of the image display device 10 can be prevented.

[0048] The HUD device 1 sets the concave mirror M1 to the state s2 as an external light entry prevention mode, for example, when the display in the HUD area 5 is not in use. The HUD device 1 sets the concave mirror M1 to the state s1 as a normal display mode during normal display.

[0049] The HUD device 1 of the first embodiment has the function of adjusting the vertical direction 5a of the HUD area 5 as in the prior art example, and further has the function of moving the position of the HUD area 5 in the left-right direction by rotating the concave mirror M1 around the second rotation axis J2 extending in the Z-axis direction (FIGS. 6, 10, etc.).

[0050] In FIG. 2, the HUD area 5 shows two areas, an area formed in accordance with the slope of the windshield 3 and an area formed at a predetermined distance forward beyond the windshield 5. The HUD area 5 is an area formed forward as viewed from the driver's viewpoint 6 and conceptually includes these areas.

[0051] [Vehicle Information and Sensors] FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of sensors and the like related to the vehicle information 4 in FIG. 1. In FIG. 4, it shows a configuration example of various sensors connected to the control unit 100 of the vehicle 2, in other words, information acquisition devices, measurement devices, communication devices, and the like. The control unit 100 acquires the vehicle information 4 from sensors and the like installed in each part of the vehicle 2. The various sensors periodically detect, for example, parameter values related to situations such as the driving situation inside and outside the vehicle 2. Further, the control unit 100 determines and detects various events related to the vehicle 2 based on the detection information of the sensors.

[0052] The vehicle information 4 is a general term for information related to situations such as the driving of the vehicle 2. The vehicle information 4 includes ADAS information and the like. The vehicle information 4 includes, for example, speed information, gear information, steering wheel steering angle information, lamp lighting information, external light information, distance information, infrared information, engine ON / OFF information, camera video information, acceleration gyro information, GPS (Global Positioning System) information, navigation information, vehicle-to-vehicle communication information, and road-to-vehicle communication information. The camera video information includes in-vehicle camera video information and out-of-vehicle camera video information. The GPS information includes current time information, latitude and longitude information.

[0053] Figure 4 shows an example of various sensors installed in vehicle 2. Similarly, various sensors may be installed in the HUD device 1. Examples of the various sensors include a vehicle speed sensor 401, a shift position sensor 402, a steering wheel steering angle sensor 403, a headlight sensor 404, an illuminance sensor 405, a chromaticity sensor 406, a distance measuring sensor 407, an infrared sensor 408, an engine start sensor 409, an acceleration sensor 410, a gyro sensor 411, a temperature sensor 412, a road-vehicle communication wireless transceiver 413, a vehicle-vehicle communication wireless transceiver 414, an in-vehicle camera 415, an out-of-vehicle camera 416, a GPS receiver 417, a VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System, registered trademark) receiver 418, and the like. The various sensors are not limited to these, and addition, deletion, replacement, etc. are possible.

[0054] The vehicle speed sensor 401 detects the speed of vehicle 2 (also referred to as vehicle speed) and generates speed information as the detection result. The shift position sensor 402 detects the current gear and generates gear information as the detection result. The steering wheel steering angle sensor 403 detects the current steering wheel steering angle and generates steering wheel steering angle information as the detection result. The headlight sensor 404 detects the ON / OFF, etc. of the headlights and generates lamp lighting information as the detection result. The illuminance sensor 405 and the chromaticity sensor 406 detect external light and generate external light information as the detection result.

[0055] The distance measuring sensor 407 detects the distance between vehicle 2 and an external object and generates distance information as the detection result. The infrared sensor 408 detects the presence or absence and distance of an object in the vicinity of vehicle 2 and generates infrared information as the detection result. The engine start sensor 409 detects the ON / OFF of the engine and generates ON / OFF information as the detection result. The acceleration sensor 410 and the gyro sensor 411 detect the acceleration and angular velocity of vehicle 2 and generate acceleration gyro information representing the attitude and behavior of vehicle 2 as the detection result. The temperature sensor 412 detects the internal and external temperatures of vehicle 2 and generates temperature information as the detection result.

[0056] The in-vehicle camera 415 generates in-vehicle camera video information by photographing the interior of the vehicle 2. The out-of-vehicle camera 416 generates out-of-vehicle camera video information by photographing the exterior of the vehicle 2. In a specific example, the camera 90 in FIG. 2 corresponds to the in-vehicle camera 415 and the out-of-vehicle camera 416. The in-vehicle camera 415 photographs, for example, the driver's posture, eye position, movement, etc., and constitutes a DMS (Driver Monitoring System). By analyzing the in-vehicle camera video information, the driver's fatigue status, line of sight, etc. can be grasped. Also, the out-of-vehicle camera 416 photographs the surrounding situation, such as in front of the vehicle 2. By analyzing the out-of-vehicle camera video information, it is possible to grasp the presence or absence of other vehicles, people, etc. existing around the vehicle 2, road surface conditions such as buildings, terrain, rain, snow accumulation, freezing, unevenness, and road signs. Also, the out-of-vehicle camera 416 includes a drive recorder that records the situation during driving in video.

[0057] The vehicle-road communication wireless transceiver 413 generates vehicle-road communication information through vehicle-road communication between the vehicle 2 and roads, signs, traffic lights, etc. The vehicle-vehicle communication wireless transceiver 414 generates vehicle-vehicle communication information through vehicle-vehicle communication between the vehicle 2 and surrounding other vehicles. The GPS receiver 417 generates GPS information by receiving GPS signals from GPS satellites. For example, the current time, latitude, and longitude can be acquired as GPS information. The VICS receiver 418 generates VICS information obtained by receiving VICS signals. The GPS receiver 417 and the VICS receiver 418 may be provided as part of a navigation system.

[0058] [HUD Area - Vertical Movement] FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the position of the formation of the HUD region 5 with respect to the windshield 3 when viewed from the driver's viewpoint 6 forward in the X-Z plane of the left-right direction (X-axis direction or vehicle width direction) and the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) of the vehicle 2, according to the rotation state of the concave mirror M1. In FIG. 5, in particular, an example of the movement of the HUD region 5 in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) according to the rotation state of the first rotation axis J1 of the concave mirror M1 is shown. In FIG. 5 and the like, a case having a steering wheel 8 corresponding to a right-hand drive vehicle is schematically shown. In FIG. 5 and the like, a case is shown where the HUD region 5A in the initial position is formed near the center in the X-axis direction within the transparent region of the windshield 3, but this is a schematic illustration and is not limited thereto.

[0059] For example, the position of the HUD region 5 is adjusted in the up-down direction 5a as a setting according to the state of the driver's viewpoint 6 seated in the driver's seat, in other words, as calibration. Also, in the example of FIG. 5, within the HUD region 5, as an example of the virtual image 9, an arrow image for navigation, an image representing the distance to the destination, etc. are displayed.

[0060] When the rotation state related to the rotation axis J1 of the concave mirror M1 is the state A which is a predetermined reference state, the reflected light from the concave mirror M1 travels in the direction indicated by the solid line arrow, and the HUD region 5A is formed at the illustrated position. The position of this HUD region 5A may be described as the initial position, reference position, default position, center position, first position, etc. for the sake of explanation.

[0061] On the other hand, when the rotation state of the rotation axis J1 of the concave mirror M1 is set to a predetermined state U as indicated by the dotted line by the drive of the motor 61, the reflected light from the concave mirror M1 travels upward more than in the case of state A, and the HUD region 5U is formed at the illustrated position (which may be described as the upper position). Similarly, when the rotation state of the rotation axis J1 of the concave mirror M1 is set to a predetermined state D as indicated by the broken line by the drive of the motor 62, the reflected light from the concave mirror M1 travels downward more than in the case of state A, and the HUD region 5D is formed at the illustrated position (which may be described as the lower position).

[0062] [HUD Area - Left - Right Movement] FIG. 6, similar to FIG. 5, shows an example of the configuration of the position of the formation of the HUD area 5 with respect to the windshield 3 according to the rotational state of the concave mirror M1 when the windshield 3 is viewed forward from the driver's viewpoint 6. In particular, it shows an example of the movement of the HUD area 5 in the left - right direction (X - axis direction) according to the rotation of the second rotation axis J2 of the concave mirror M1. In FIG. 6, the position in the vertical direction 5a as in FIG. 5 is considered to be the reference position.

[0063] When the rotational state related to the rotation axis J2 of the concave mirror M1 is the state A which is a predetermined reference state, the reflected light from the concave mirror M1 travels in the direction indicated by the solid - line arrow, and the HUD area 5A is formed at the position shown in the figure. On the other hand, when the rotational state related to the rotation axis J2 of the concave mirror M1 is set to a predetermined state L as indicated by the dotted line by the drive of the motor 62, the reflected light from the concave mirror M1 travels in the left - hand direction as indicated by the dotted - line arrow compared to the case of state A, and the HUD area 5L is formed at the position shown in the figure. The position of this HUD area 5L may be described as the left position, the second position, etc. for the sake of explanation.

[0064] Similarly, when the rotational state related to the rotation axis J2 of the concave mirror M1 is set to a predetermined state R as indicated by the broken line by the drive of the motor 62, the reflected light from the concave mirror M1 travels in the right - hand direction as indicated by the broken - line arrow compared to the case of state A, and the HUD area 5R is formed at the position shown in the figure. The position of this HUD area 5R may be described as the right position, the second position, etc. for the sake of explanation. When the left position and the right position are not distinguished, they may be collectively referred to as the left - right position or the second position.

[0065] As shown in the figure, in Embodiment 1, by providing a mechanism for rotating the concave mirror M1 so as to tilt left and right around the rotation axis J2 extending in the vertical direction, the HUD area 5 can be moved in the left - right direction 5b within a predetermined movement range. In FIG. 6, the positions of the respective HUD areas 5 (5L, 5A, 5R) are shown as the central points of the rectangular areas, but it is not limited thereto. Also, in FIG. 6, as a design of the HUD device 1, a case where the movement amount of the HUD area 5 in the left - right direction 5b is larger than the movement amount in the up - down direction 5a of FIG. 5 is shown, but it is not limited thereto.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 6 and the like, since the HUD area 5 can move in the left - right direction 5b, from the driver's viewpoint 6, the apparent FOV by the HUD area 5 becomes a large range synthesized from the HUD areas 5L, 5A, 5R at each position.

[0067] [Functional Block - First Configuration Example] FIG. 7 shows a first configuration example of the functional blocks of the HUD device 1 of Embodiment 1. In FIG. 7, the HUD device 1 includes a control unit 101 which is a controller, a communication unit 103, a display device driver unit 105, and a mirror mechanism M1. The mirror mechanism M1 has a mirror first drive unit 111 and a mirror second drive unit 112. Also, the HUD device 1 in the present embodiment includes a storage unit 102, a voice input device 106, and a voice output device 107, but is not limited thereto. These respective units are interconnected via a bus 109 or the like, and are capable of mutual input / output and communication.

[0068] The control unit 101 is, in other words, a control device. The control unit 101 realizes control functions and the like based on processing by a processor. The control function is a function for controlling the entire HUD device 1 and each part, and includes a function for controlling the position of the HUD area 5. The control unit 101 realizes the function by software program processing or a dedicated circuit.

[0069] The storage unit 102 is configured using a storage device or the like. The storage unit 102 includes, for example, a non-volatile memory 102A and a volatile memory 102B. Various data and information handled by the control unit 101 and the like, including computer programs, are stored in the storage unit 102.

[0070] The communication unit 103 is a device in which a communication interface is implemented. The communication unit 103 is connected to the control unit 100 (for example, an electronic control unit: ECU) via an interface such as the CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network) of the vehicle 2 as a communication interface and can communicate.

[0071] The display device driving unit 105 is a device that drives the light source device 11 and the LCD 12 of the video display device 10 based on control from the control unit 101 and includes a driving circuit and the like.

[0072] The mirror first driving unit 111 and the mirror second driving unit 112 are devices that drive the concave mirror M1 which is a mirror mechanism. The mirror first driving unit 111 is a mechanism including a motor 61 and the like on the first rotation axis J1 in FIG. 2 and the like. The mirror second driving unit 111 is a mechanism including a motor 62 and the like on the second rotation axis J2 in FIG. 6 and the like.

[0073] The voice input device 106 is composed of a microphone, a circuit, and the like. The voice output device 107 is composed of a speaker, a circuit, and the like. Although the case where the HUD device 1 is provided with the voice input device 106 and the voice output device 107 is shown, it is not limited to this, and the HUD device 1 may use the voice input device 106 and the voice output device 107 externally connected in the vehicle 2.

[0074] In FIG. 7, the control unit 101 acquires input information such as vehicle information 4 (FIG. 1), ADAS information, and event information as a CAN signal 701 from the control unit 100 through the communication unit 103. The input information includes detection signals of various sensors, or information that is the result of the control unit 100 processing such signals. The input information also includes, for example, information on an object within the actual scene detected based on an image from a camera 90, as well as alert information and navigation information for superimposing on the object. The control unit 101 generates video information for display as a virtual image in the HUD area 5 as needed based on such input information through its control function. The control unit 101 generates a video signal or the like for controlling the display device driving unit 105 based on the video information.

[0075] Also, when the control unit 101 performs voice output by the HUD device 1, it generates voice output information and controls the voice output device 107. Further, when the control unit 101 inputs the voice of a user such as a driver, it performs voice recognition based on the input voice of the voice input device 106 and accepts a predetermined instruction or the like.

[0076] The configuration is not limited to the example in FIG. 7, and the HUD device 1 may be provided with various sensors, for example. The control unit 101 may use the detection information of the sensors to determine and detect the state of the HUD device 1 and the state in the vicinity of the HUD device 1, and perform predetermined control.

[0077] [Functional Block - Second Configuration Example] FIG. 8A shows a second configuration example of the functional block of the HUD device 1 according to Embodiment 1. The second configuration example shows a more detailed configuration example compared to the first configuration example. The control unit 101 of the HUD device 1 includes an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 800, a memory 810, a vehicle information acquisition unit 815, a display driver 820, an operation input unit 825, etc. The video display unit 200 includes a solar sensor 66, etc. in addition to the same components as described above.

[0078] In FIG. 8A, the control unit 101 includes an MCU 800. The MCU 800 includes a processor, a memory, peripheral functions, and the like. The memory 810 corresponds to the non-volatile memory 102A and the volatile memory 102B in FIG. 7. The vehicle information acquisition unit 815 is a device that acquires the vehicle information 4 of the vehicle 2 and can be implemented using the communication unit 103 in FIG. 7 or the like. The display driver 820 is a driver that drives the LCD 12. The operation input unit 825 is optional, but is a part that inputs and acquires operation input information for the HUD device 1 by a user such as a driver, and can be implemented using, for example, a control panel with a touch panel or a remote control. The operation input unit 825 may receive operation input information from the control unit 100 of the vehicle 2 via CAN communication. For example, the control unit 100 acquires operation input information input by the driver using a device such as a button provided on the steering wheel 8 or the like of the vehicle 2 and transmits it to the HUD device 1. The control unit 101 may perform predetermined control according to the operation input information.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 9 described later, the solar sensor 66 is installed, for example, near the concave mirror M1 or the opening 7. The solar sensor 66 detects the incidence of external light such as sunlight. In addition to the solar sensor 66, the HUD device 1 may similarly use a temperature sensor 412 (FIG. 4) or the like. Note that the solar sensor 66 may be a part of the sensors in FIG. 4, and the HUD device 1 may receive the detection information of the solar sensor 66 from the control unit 100.

[0080] As functional blocks realized based on the processing by the processor, the MCU 800 includes a video data generation unit 801, a distortion correction unit 802, a light source adjustment unit 803, a HUD area position change unit 804, a mirror change unit 805, a protection processing unit 806, and the like.

[0081] The image data generation unit 801 generates image data related to the virtual image 9 to be displayed in the HUD area 5 based on input information such as vehicle information 4. The distortion correction unit 802 performs distortion correction processing based on the image data, taking into account the curvature of the windshield 3, so that the virtual image 9 displayed in the HUD area 5 becomes an image with a suitable shape without distortion, and outputs the image data after distortion correction.

[0082] The light source adjustment unit 803 adjusts the on / off of the light emission of the light source of the light source device 12, the light amount, etc. according to the image data and the like.

[0083] The HUD area position changing unit 804 performs control processing for changing and adjusting the position of the HUD area 5 based on vehicle information 4, ADAS information, navigation information, etc., or operation input information by the user. As a specific example, when the HUD area position changing unit 804 satisfies a predetermined condition based on ADAS information or navigation information, it determines to change and adjust the position of the HUD area 5. Then, the HUD area position changing unit 804 controls the rotation of the concave mirror M1 in order to move to the determined position of the HUD area 5.

[0084] In the second configuration example of FIG. 8A, the HUD area position changing unit 804 and the mirror changing unit 805 are parts including control of both the changing function in the vertical direction 5a as shown in FIG. 5 and the changing function in the horizontal direction 5b as shown in FIG. 6.

[0085] The mirror changing unit 805 is a part that drives and controls the rotation of the concave mirror M1 according to the control from the HUD area position changing unit 804. In the case of changing in the vertical direction 5a as shown in FIG. 5, the mirror changing unit 805 drives and controls the mirror first driving unit 111 by the first driving signal. The mirror first driving unit 111 is a mechanism including the aforementioned first rotation axis J1 and the motor 61. In the case of changing in the horizontal direction 5b as shown in FIG. 6, the mirror changing unit 805 drives and controls the mirror second driving unit 112 by the second driving signal. The mirror second driving unit 112 is a mechanism including the aforementioned second rotation axis J2 and the motor 62.

[0086] The protection processing unit 806 is a part that performs protection processing to block the incidence of external light into the housing 60 of the HUD device 1 based on the detection information of the solar sensor 66 and prevent panel burn-in of the display device 12. When the protection processing unit 806 detects the incidence of external light such as sunlight from the opening 7 as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 9 described later based on the detection information of the solar sensor 66, it controls to transition to the above-described external light incidence prevention mode (in other words, the protection mode) for protection. At that time, the protection processing unit 806 cooperates with the HUD area position changing unit 804 and controls to set the concave mirror M1 to the rotation state (state s2 in FIG. 3) corresponding to the protection mode.

[0087] Although not shown, the control unit 100 may include, as other components, an audio data generation unit and an audio driver, etc. In that case, audio output may be performed from the audio output device 107 in FIG. 7 or the audio output device of the vehicle 2. Examples of audio output include audio output of navigation and alerts corresponding to the display of the virtual image 9.

[0088] [Functional Block - Third Configuration Example] FIG. 8B shows a third configuration example which is a modification of the second configuration example in FIG. 8A. The configuration example in FIG. 8B is different from FIG. 8A in that the HUD area position changing unit 804 is provided separately into two parts: a HUD area position vertical adjustment unit 84A and a HUD area position left - right movement unit 804B. Also, the mirror changing unit 805 is provided separately into two parts: a mirror vertical adjustment unit 805A and a mirror left - right movement unit 805B. That is, in the configuration example of FIG. 8B, the control and drive for adjusting the HUD area 5 in the vertical direction 5a and the control and drive for moving the HUD area 5 in the horizontal direction 5b are provided separately and independently in parallel.

[0089] The HUD area position vertical adjustment unit 804A performs control to adjust the position of the HUD area 5 in the vertical direction 5a by rotating the concave mirror M1 around the rotation axis J1, for example, based on operation input information. At that time, the mirror vertical adjustment unit 805A drives the mirror first drive unit 111 according to the control from the HUD area position vertical adjustment unit 804A.

[0090] The left - right movement part 804B of the HUD area position rotates the concave mirror M1 automatically around the rotation axis J2 based on, for example, vehicle information 4 and ADAS information, and controls the position of the HUD area 5 to move in the left - right direction 5b. At this time, the left - right mirror movement part 805B drives the mirror second drive part 112 according to the control from the left - right movement part 804B of the HUD area position.

[0091] Although not shown in the figure, in FIG. 8B as well, similar to FIG. 8A, the control of the protection mode can be applied using the solar sensor 66 and the protection processing unit 806. In that case, it is linked from the protection processing unit 806 to the up - down adjustment part 304A of the HUD area position.

[0092] [Implementation example of the video display unit] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an implementation example of the video display unit 200 of the HUD device 1 in FIG. 3, showing an example of the implementation of the housing 60, the video display device 10, the mirror M2, the concave mirror M1, the opening 7, the solar sensor 66, etc. In the housing 60, the module of the video display device 10, the optical systems such as the mirror M2 and the concave mirror M1, and the dust - proof cover of the opening 7 are fixed. The video light from the mirror M2 is reflected by the concave mirror M1 as shown by the one - dot chain line indicating the optical axis, passes through the dust - proof cover of the opening 7, and is emitted to the outside. Also, in FIG. 9, the optical axis of the incident external light such as sunlight is shown by a solid - line arrow in the opposite direction to the optical axis of such video light.

[0093] The light source device 11 is configured as a module having, as an implementation example, an LED substrate, a heat sink, a collimator, a polarization conversion element, a light guide, a diffusion plate, etc. This light source device 11 generates light source light with directivity at a narrow divergence angle controlled to a specific polarization. The display device 12 by the LCD12 uses this light source light as a backlight to generate and emit video light with directivity. The virtual image 9 of the HUD area 5 is formed as a virtual image 9 with directivity based on such video light.

[0094] In the example of FIG. 9, a solar sensor 66 is installed at one location of the dust cover of the opening 7. The solar sensor 66 detects the incidence of external light such as sunlight on the dust cover and the concave mirror M1 within a range 66a shown as a cone, for example, and outputs the detection information. The direction of incidence of external light such as sunlight is assumed to be the opposite direction to the direction of the optical axis of the video light, as shown in the figure.

[0095] The LED substrate is a substrate having a plurality of LED elements as semiconductor light source elements. The heat sink dissipates heat from the LED substrate. A collimator is provided on the light-emitting side of the light emitted from each LED element of the LED substrate. The collimator is an element that controls the traveling direction of light, and converts the light from the LED element into substantially parallel light and emits it. A polarization conversion element is provided on the light-emitting side of the light from the collimator. The polarization conversion element is an element that aligns polarization characteristics, and converts light having random polarization as substantially parallel light from the collimator into light having linearly polarized light. The polarization conversion element is configured by combining a polarization conversion prism and a wavelength plate.

[0096] A light guide is provided on the light-emitting side of the light from the polarization conversion element. The light guide receives the linearly polarized light from the polarization conversion element at the incident portion, and performs light distribution control while reflecting it toward an emission direction different from the incident direction, that is, the direction where the LCD 12 is located, by the reflection portion, and emits it from the emission portion. The light guide includes a reflection portion that performs reflection and light distribution control. The reflection portion is formed by alternately repeating each of a plurality of reflection surfaces and each of a plurality of connecting surfaces, and each reflection surface is set to have a different direction.

[0097] The light emitted from the emission portion of the light guide enters the diffusion plate and is diffused, and then enters the back side of the LCD 12. The LCD 12 generates video light using this incident light as a backlight. The video light emitted from the display surface of the LCD 12 becomes video light having directivity.

[0098] [Concave Mirror Mechanism] Next, the concave mirror M1, which is a concave mirror mechanism, will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 and the like. FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an implementation configuration example of the concave mirror M1. In FIG. 10, the X-Z plane is mainly shown so that the reflection surface, which is the main surface of the concave mirror M1, can be clearly seen. Further, FIG. 11 shows the planar views seen from each axial direction as a plan view of the concave mirror M1. Further, FIG. 12 shows the relationship between the X-Y plane view of the concave mirror M1 seen from above (Z-axis) and the HUD region 5. Note that, regarding the coordinate system and directions of (X, Y, Z) for explanation purposes, in FIGS. 10 and the like, unlike FIGS. 1 and the like, they are described as a coordinate system adapted to the concave mirror M1. The reflection surface of the concave mirror M1 is arranged in the X-Z plane in FIGS. 10 and the like, but is arranged as an inclined surface with respect to the X-Z plane in FIGS. 2 and 9 and the like.

[0099] The configuration of the mechanism of the concave mirror M1 in the HUD device 1 of the first embodiment is as follows. The concave mirror M1 includes a mirror holder 51, a concave mirror body 52, a first rotation axis J1, a motor 61, a support member 63, a second rotation axis J2, a motor 62, and the like.

[0100] In the first embodiment, the HUD region 5 is configured as a horizontally long screen in which the size in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction within the screen) is larger than the size in the vertical direction (vertical direction within the screen), as shown in FIG. 6 and the like. Therefore, correspondingly, the LCD 12 of the video display device 10 also has a horizontally long display surface, and the concave mirror M1, the reflection surface, and the effective area also have a horizontally long shape.

[0101] An axis extending in the horizontal direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the concave mirror M1, is defined as the X-axis, and an axis extending in the vertical direction, which is the short-side direction, is defined as the Z-axis. Rotation axes are provided on the X-axis and the Z-axis respectively. The X-axis is the first rotation axis J1, and the Z-axis is the second rotation axis J2.

[0102] By rotating the concave mirror M1 (mirror holder 51 and concave mirror body 52) around the rotation axis J1 which is the X-axis, the projection direction of the image light reflected by the concave mirror M1 is changed to the vertical direction 5a as described above (Fig. 5, etc.). As a result, the HUD area 5 moves in the vertical direction 5a. Let the angle of rotation around the rotation axis J1 which is the X-axis be θ, and let one direction of rotation be ra and the reverse direction be rb. The direction ra corresponds to upward movement as in the state U of Fig. 5 and the HUD area 5U, and the direction rb corresponds to downward movement as in the state D of Fig. 5 and the HUD area 5D.

[0103] By rotating the concave mirror body 52 of the concave mirror M1 around the rotation axis J2 which is the Z-axis, the projection direction of the reflected image light of the concave mirror M1 is changed to the left-right direction 5b as described above (Fig. 6, etc.). As a result, the HUD area 5 moves in the left-right direction 5b. Let the angle of rotation around the rotation axis J2 which is the Z-axis be φ, and let one direction of rotation be rc and the reverse direction be rd. The direction rc corresponds to leftward movement as in the state L of Fig. 6 and the HUD area 5L, and the direction rd corresponds to rightward movement as in the state R of Fig. 6 and the HUD area 5R.

[0104] The first rotation axis J1 and the motor 61 are supported by a support member 63. The support member 63 is fixed to the housing 60 (Fig. 9). The reflecting surface which is the main surface of the concave mirror body 52 shown has a concave curved surface. Also, this curved surface may have a free-form surface shape or a non-axisymmetric shape corresponding to the design of optical characteristics such as aberration correction and magnification, for example.

[0105] The mirror holder 51 of the concave mirror M1 has a generally frame shape, and a mirror holder axis as the first rotation axis J1 is provided on the X-axis extending in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, mirror holder axes as the first rotation axis J1 are provided at the vertical center positions on the left and right sides of the mirror holder 51 respectively. The mirror holder 51 is fixed to the mirror holder axis. A motor 61 which is a first motor is connected to the first rotation axis J1 as a first drive system and a first drive device. The motor 61 is driven based on the above-described drive control to rotate the first rotation axis J1.

[0106] On the one hand, a concave mirror body 52 is provided inside the frame of the mirror holder 51 of the concave mirror M1. A mirror axis is provided as a second rotation axis J2 on the Z-axis extending in the short side direction of the mirror holder 51. Specifically, the mirror axis is provided at the left and right center positions of the upper and lower sides of the mirror holder 51, respectively. More specifically, the second rotation axis J2 provided at the left and right center positions of the concave mirror body 52 is rotatably connected to the bearings provided at the left and right center positions of the mirror holder 51. The concave mirror body 52 is fixed to the mirror axis. A motor 62, which is a second motor, is connected to the second rotation axis J2 as a second drive system and a second drive device. The motor 62 is driven based on the aforementioned drive control to rotate the second rotation axis J2.

[0107] When moving the HUD area 5 in the vertical direction 5a as shown in FIG. 5 and the like, the mirror holder 51 is rotated around the first rotation axis J1 by driving the motor 61. Following the rotation of the mirror holder 51, the concave mirror body 52, the motor 62, etc. are also rotated around the first rotation axis J1 integrally with the mirror holder 51. Along with this rotation, since the projection direction of the reflected image light from the concave mirror M1 is changed in the vertical direction 5a, the position of the HUD area 5 moves in the vertical direction 5a.

[0108] On the other hand, when moving the HUD area 5 in the horizontal direction 5b as shown in FIG. 6 and the like, the concave mirror body 52 is rotated around the second rotation axis J2 by driving the motor 62. At this time, the mirror holder 51 does not rotate and remains stationary, and only the concave mirror body 52 is rotated with respect to the mirror holder 51. Along with this, since the projection direction of the reflected image light from the concave mirror M1 is changed in the horizontal direction 5b, the position of the HUD area 5 moves in the horizontal direction 5b.

[0109] In FIG. 11, (A) shows an X-Z plane view, (B) shows a Y-Z plane view seen from the direction of arrow A, and (C) shows an X-Y plane view seen from the direction of arrow B. In the implementation example of FIG. 11, a motor 61 is installed on the left side of the mirror holder 51, and a motor 62 is built into the lower side of the mirror holder 51.

[0110] In (A), the mirror holder 51 and the concave mirror body 52 are in the initial position state A, and the concave mirror body 52 is arranged in the X-Z plane along the four sides of the frame of the mirror holder 51.

[0111] As for the implementation of the first drive system and the second drive system as the drive system of the concave mirror M1, for example, a gear and a motor may be provided separately. The position of the motor and the like of the drive system is not limited to this example, and it may be at any position, either up and down or left and right.

[0112] In (B), the solid line of the mirror holder 51 and the concave mirror body 52 indicates the initial position state A, and the broken line indicates the state D rotated in the direction rb, for example. From state A, the concave mirror M1 rotates in the direction rb at an angle θ around the rotation axis J1 to reach state D. In state D, the upper side of the concave mirror body 52 and the mirror holder 51 is inclined forward in the Y-axis direction. The direction of the image light from the concave mirror M1 is more forward in the Y-axis direction and more downward in the Z-axis direction. As a result, the position of the HUD area 5 moves more downward in the vertical direction 5a.

[0113] In (C), with respect to the mirror holder 51 in the initial state, the concave mirror body 52 shows a state L where the dashed line is rotated, for example, tilted to the left, and the solid line shows a state R where it is rotated, for example, tilted to the right. From state A, when the concave mirror body 52 rotates in the direction rc at an angle φ around the rotation axis J2, it becomes state R. Also, from state A, when the concave mirror body 52 rotates in the direction rd at an angle φ around the rotation axis J2, it becomes state L. In state L, the right side of the concave mirror body 52 is tilted so as to protrude rearward in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the position of the HUD region 5 moves more to the left in the left-right direction 5b. In state R, the left side of the concave mirror body 52 is tilted so as to protrude rearward in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the position of the HUD region 5 moves more to the right in the left-right direction 5b.

[0114] [Mirror Rotation and Position of HUD Region] In FIG. 12, corresponding to (C) in FIG. 11 and FIG. 6, it shows the relationship between the rotation direction of the concave mirror body 52 around the second rotation axis J2 of the concave mirror M1 and the moving direction of the HUD region 5 corresponding to the rotation direction. Below in FIG. 12, the concave mirror M1 is shown as an X-Y plan view in the same way as (C) in FIG. 11, and above in FIG. 12, the movement of the position of the HUD region 5 in the X-Z plane as seen from the driver is shown. As the state of the concave mirror body 52, the dashed line shows state A corresponding to the initial position, and the solid line shows state R when tilted to the right. Correspondingly, as the state of the HUD region 5, the dashed line shows the HUD region 5A at the initial position, central position, etc. corresponding to state A, and the solid line shows the HUD region 5R at the right position corresponding to state R.

[0115] The rotation of the concave mirror body 52 from state A to state R is a rotation at an angle φ in the direction rd around the rotation axis J2. Depending on the maximum angle φ, the position of the rightmost HUD region 5R is determined. Although not shown, the same applies to the rotation from state A to state L. The dash-dotted arrow indicates the optical axis from the central point of the reflecting surface of the concave mirror body 52 to the central point of the right-positioned HUD region 5R.

[0116] Assume that the position of the HUD area 5 is represented by, for example, the center point of a rectangle. The position of the HUD area 5A in state A, which is the initial state, is represented by position 1201, and the position in the right - moved state R is represented by position 1202. The positions in the left - right direction 5b corresponding to the X - axis are represented by position 1211 and position 1212. The amount or distance of movement 1200 from the central position 1211 to the right position 1212 is an amount or distance corresponding to the rotation angle φ.

[0117] Note that the position of the HUD area 5 may be represented by the position coordinates of the upper - left point or the lower - right point of the rectangle. Also, before and after the movement, the size of the rectangle of the HUD area 5 hardly changes. Further, since the rotation direction of the concave mirror varies according to the installation position of the concave mirror with respect to the vehicle, it is not limited to this embodiment.

[0118] [Motor] The motors 61 and 62 only need to have the same axis and the same rotation, and details of the implementation such as the installation position and type of the motor are not limited. The motors 61 and 62 may be applied with motors that can finely control the rotation amount, such as stepping motors, according to the design of the HUD device 1, or motors that can control the rotation amount in a coarser step - by - step manner. In the former case, the position of the HUD area 5 can be finely controlled for movement, and in the latter case, the position of the HUD area 5 can be controlled for movement in a coarser step - by - step manner. The motors 61 and 62 can apply various motors such as DC motors, AC motors, PM motors, ultrasonic motors, induction motors, and stepping motors.

[0119] [Example of Virtual Image Display in HUD Area] Next, FIG. 13 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of a real scene and a display example of display content such as a virtual image 9 displayed in the HUD area 5 in the X-Z plane when looking forward from the driver's viewpoint 6. The HUD area 5A indicated by the dashed frame shows the HUD area 5 at the initial state and in the central position. In this example, the HUD device 1 acquires information on the vehicle traveling direction based on navigation information of the vehicle 2 or the like. The vehicle traveling direction corresponds to, for example, a direction corresponding to a right turn at an intersection ahead, the forward direction (Y direction) along the own lane before the first right turn, and the right direction (X direction) after the right turn.

[0120] Then, the HUD device 1 rotates the concave mirror M1 around the second rotation axis J2 in accordance with the vehicle traveling direction. The rotation direction in accordance with the vehicle traveling direction corresponds to the direction rd in FIG. 12. Along with this rotation, the HUD area 5 moves from the HUD area 5A at the initial position to the HUD area 5R at the right position as shown in the figure. The movement 1300 indicates a right movement, from the position 1301 of the HUD area 5A to the position 1302 of the HUD area 5R. The solid rectangular frame indicates the HUD area 5R at the right position after the movement.

[0121] Note that normally, the rectangular frame that is the maximum range of the HUD area 5 is not displayed as a virtual image.

[0122] The virtual image 9a is an example of the virtual image 9 within the HUD area 5A at the initial position before movement, and is an example of a navigation image (in other words, a navigation display) for navigating a right turn. The virtual image 9a is generated based on the navigation information of the vehicle 2. The control unit 101 of the HUD device 1 generates the virtual image 9a based on the navigation information from the control unit 100 of the vehicle 2. This virtual image 9a is an AR image adapted to the road surface and the like. This example of the virtual image 9a is composed of images of a plurality of triangles, and the plurality of triangles are arranged so as to bend along the road surface of the road going straight ahead to the road surface of the right turn destination. Similarly, the virtual image 9b is a navigation image after the virtual image 9a has moved, as an example of the virtual image 9 within the HUD area 5R at the right position after movement. As the HUD area 5 moves to the right, the virtual image 9a also moves to the right like the virtual image 9b. Note that the arrangement positions of the virtual images 9a and 9b within the HUD area 5 are the same before and after the movement.

[0123] As another example of the virtual image 9, the virtual image 9c is an example of an alert image (in other words, an alert display). This virtual image 9c is generated based on the alert information included in the ADAS information of the vehicle 2. The control unit 101 of the HUD device 1 generates the virtual image 9c based on the alert information of the ADAS information from the control unit 100 of the vehicle 2. This alert image is, for example, an alert display that prompts attention to the pedestrian 1303 when it is detected that there is a pedestrian 1303 at a position near the front right as seen from the vehicle 2 corresponding to the right turn destination on the sidewalk on the right side of the vehicle 2. This alert image is an AR image adapted to the position of the target pedestrian 1301. This virtual image 9c which is this alert image is, for example, a ring-shaped image along the road surface, but is not limited to this, and can also be a frame image, an alert mark image, or the like.

[0124] The virtual images 9d and 9e are examples of non-AR images displayed at predetermined positions within the HUD area 5. The virtual image 9d is an example of an image that displays the current vehicle speed. The virtual image 9e is an example of an image that displays the distance to the destination (e.g., an intersection where a right turn is to be made). The virtual images 9d and 9e are displayed at predetermined positions, for example, in the lower edge area within the HUD area 5.

[0125] The HUD device 1 of Embodiment 1 moves and changes the position of the HUD area 5, for example, in accordance with a change in the vehicle traveling direction. When the vehicle traveling direction is the forward direction (Y direction), the HUD device 1 forms the HUD 5A at the initial position, the central position. When the vehicle traveling direction changes from the forward direction to the right direction, for example, in response to a right turn, specifically, for example, during the time from immediately before the right turn to immediately after the right turn, the HUD device 1 forms the HUD area 5R at the right position.

[0126] The amount of movement 1300 from the HUD area 5A at the initial position to the HUD area 5R at the right position, and the angle φ of rotation of the concave mirror M1 associated therewith may be preset in the HUD device 1, or may be variable within a maximum range according to control.

[0127] In the HUD device 1 of Embodiment 1, by control, the HUD area 5 automatically moves from the HUD area 5A to the HUD area 5R. Thereby, during the right turn of the vehicle 2, the movement of the point (gaze point) at the tip of the driver's line of sight can be reduced. The driver can reduce the movement of the line of sight between the virtual image 9 within the HUD area 5 and an object outside the HUD area 5 (e.g., near the right turn destination). Thereby, it is possible to contribute to safe driving.

[0128] As viewed from the driver's perspective 6, the virtual image 9b within the HUD area 5R after movement has changed to a position on the right side compared to the virtual image 9a within the HUD area 5A before movement. Therefore, when the driver's line of sight moves more to the right as the vehicle turns right, for example, when looking at the pedestrian 1303, the driver can more easily visually recognize the virtual image 9b within the HUD area 5R after movement. For example of the movement distance of the driver's line of sight's fixation point, before movement, the distance between the virtual image 9a within the HUD area 5A and the pedestrian 1303 can be cited, and after movement, the distance between the virtual image 9b within the HUD area 5R and the pedestrian 1303 can be cited. The movement distance between the fixation points is smaller in the latter case after movement.

[0129] Also, the pedestrian 1303 who is the target of the alert is not within the HUD area 5A before movement. Therefore, conventionally, it has not been possible to display an alert image such as the virtual image 9c within the HUD area 5A before movement. Even if an alert image such as the virtual image 9c is to be displayed within the HUD area 5A before movement, a suitable display cannot be made according to the position of the target pedestrian 1303. On the other hand, within the HUD area 5R after moving to the right position, the pedestrian 1303 who is the target of the alert is within the vicinity of the right side. Therefore, the HUD device 1 can display an alert image such as the virtual image 9c as a suitable AR virtual image according to the position of the pedestrian 1303 within the HUD area 5R after movement. Thus, according to the first embodiment, a virtual image that could not be displayed before the movement of the HUD area 5 can also be displayed after the movement.

[0130] Similarly, the HUD device 1 of the first embodiment moves the position of the HUD area 5 based on a change in the vehicle traveling direction, etc., for example, from the HUD area 5R at the right position back to the HUD area 5A at the initial position. Then, the HUD device 1 displays the virtual image 9 according to the HUD area 5A after movement.

[0131] [Effects of the First Embodiment, etc.] As described above, according to the HUD device 1 of the first embodiment, a more suitable HUD area 5 can be formed. According to the first embodiment, by providing a mechanism for tilting and rotating the concave mirror M1 left and right around the rotation axis J2, the position of the HUD area 5 can be moved, changed, and adjusted in the left-right direction 5b. Thereby, the position of the virtual image 9 displayed in the HUD area 5 can be moved, changed, and adjusted in the left-right direction 5b, and the apparent FOV as viewed by the driver can be increased. According to the first embodiment, for example, the HUD area 5 can be moved to the left and right positions according to the vehicle traveling direction and the like, and the virtual image 9 of AR such as an alert to an object can be preferably displayed. Thereby, the difference in the position of the driver's line of sight and the amount of viewpoint movement between the virtual image 9 in the HUD area 5 and the real object can be reduced, which can contribute to safe driving and the like.

[0132] By utilizing the mechanism of the concave mirror M1, the HUD device 1 of the first embodiment can change and move the position of the HUD area 5 in the left-right direction 5b. Specifically, regarding the control of changing and moving the position of the HUD area 5 under what kind of input and conditions, in the above example, the case of using the vehicle traveling direction information was described, but this is not limiting, and various methods are possible.

[0133] In the first embodiment, the case where the control unit 101 (FIG. 7 etc.) of the HUD device 1 performs control to change and move the position of the HUD area 5 in the left-right direction 5b by rotating the concave mirror M1 according to the information from the control unit 100 of the vehicle 2 was described. However, not limited to this, other parts other than the control unit 101 of the HUD device 1 or an external device for the HUD device 1, for example, the control unit 100 of the vehicle 2, may similarly perform such control by utilizing the mechanism of the concave mirror M1 of the HUD device 1.

[0134] In a modified example, the HUD device 1 may be controlled to change the position of the HUD area 5 left and right in response to an operation of the steering wheel 8 in FIG. 2 by the driver, that is, in response to the above-described steering angle information of the steering wheel corresponding thereto. Further, the HUD device 1 may be controlled to change the position of the HUD area 5 left and right in response to operation input information by the driver, for example, in response to an operation of a button provided on the steering wheel 8.

[0135] In addition, in the first embodiment and the like, the amount of rotation and the range of the rotation angle around the first rotation axis J1 of the concave mirror M1 and the amount of rotation and the range of the rotation angle around the second rotation axis J2 are different depending on, for example, the arrangement position of the concave mirror M1 with respect to the vehicle, and are determined according to the necessary functions, and they may be different.

[0136] <Embodiment 2> The HUD device 1 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 14 and subsequent figures. The main differences in configuration of the second embodiment from the first embodiment are as follows. In the second embodiment, the mechanism related to the concave mirror M1 does not include a mechanism portion that rotates around the first rotation axis J1 described above to adjust the position of the HUD area 5 in the vertical direction 5a, and only includes a mechanism portion that rotates around the second rotation axis J2 to move the position of the HUD area 5 in the horizontal direction 5b. The HUD device 1 of the second embodiment rotates the concave mirror M1 around the rotation axis J2 in the same manner as in the first embodiment in response to vehicle information 4 and the like, thereby moving the position of the HUD area 5 (display area) in the horizontal direction 5b.

[0137] [Concave mirror mechanism] FIG. 14 shows a configuration example of the mechanism of the concave mirror M1 in the HUD device 1 of the second embodiment. In FIGS. 14(A), (B), and (C), similar to FIG. 11, plan views seen from each direction are shown. In this configuration example, the concave mirror M1 does not require the above-described mirror holder 51, rotation axis J1, or motor 61, and has a concave mirror main body 52. The concave mirror main body 52 has a rotation axis J2 and a motor 62 connected to the rotation axis J2. The rotation axis J2 corresponds to the Z axis in the coordinate system of the concave mirror M1 and the longitudinal axis extending in the short side direction.

[0138] Similar to the first embodiment, the HUD device 1 drives and controls the motor 62 to rotate the concave mirror body 52 around the rotation axis J2. As a result, the direction of the image light from the reflecting surface of the concave mirror body 52 is changed in the left - right direction 5b with respect to the windshield 3, similar to FIG. 6. Therefore, the position of the HUD area 5 moves in the left - right direction 5b.

[0139] In FIGS. 14(A) and (B), state A is shown as the initial state of the concave mirror body 52, and the rotation angle φ of the rotation axis J2 is the initial angle. In FIG. 14(C), similar to FIG. 11(C), the states L where the concave mirror body 52 is tilted to the left and R where it is tilted to the right are shown. Depending on each state, similar to FIG. 6, the HUD area 5L at the left position and the HUD area 5R at the right position are formed.

[0140] [Functional block] FIG. 15 shows a configuration example of the functional blocks in the HUD device 1 of the second embodiment, similar to FIG. 7. The configuration in FIG. 15 is different from that in FIG. 7 in that it does not have the mirror first drive unit 111. Also, the control unit 101 and the control functions do not have a part for driving and controlling the mirror first drive unit 111.

[0141] Similarly, in the second embodiment, when considering a configuration example corresponding to FIG. 8A above, in FIG. 8A, the mirror first drive unit 111 is deleted, and the HUD area position changing unit 804 only needs to perform control to change the position of the HUD area 5 in the left - right direction 5b, and the mirror changing unit 805 only drives and controls the mirror second drive unit 112.

[0142] Similarly, in the second embodiment, when considering a configuration example corresponding to FIG. 8B above, in FIG. 8B, the HUD area position vertical adjustment unit 804A, the mirror vertical adjustment unit 805A, and the mirror first drive unit 111 are deleted. The HUD area position left - right movement unit 804B only needs to perform control to change the position of the HUD area 5 in the left - right direction 5b, and the mirror left - right movement unit 805B only drives and controls the mirror second drive unit 112.

[0143] As described above, according to the HUD device 1 of the second embodiment, the effect of the functional part that moves the HUD area 5 in the first embodiment in the left-right direction 5b can be obtained. Further, according to the second embodiment, in the concave mirror M1, it is not necessary to provide the first rotation axis J1, the motor 61, the mirror holder 51, etc., so the mounting configuration can be simplified.

[0144] <Modification Example> FIG. 16 shows a configuration example of the mechanism of the concave mirror M1 in the HUD device 1 which is a modification example of the HUD device 1 of the first embodiment. In this modification example, the concave mirror M1 is provided not at the central position in the X-axis direction as described above with respect to the second rotation axis J2, but at a position closer to either the left or the right. In the example of FIG. 16, the second rotation axis J2 of the concave mirror M1 is provided at a position closer to the right side when viewed in the X-Z plane with the reflecting surface in a plan view, as shown in (A).

[0145] In FIG. 16 (C), the concave mirror body 52 shows the state A corresponding to the initial state by the broken line, and the solid line shows the state R tilted to the right. Corresponding to the state R, a HUD area 5R at the right position is formed in the same manner as in FIGS. 6 and 12.

[0146] Based on the drive of the motor 62, the HUD device 1 rotates the concave mirror body 52 around the rotation axis J2 with respect to the mirror holder 51. In the example of FIG. 16 (C), when the concave mirror body 52 is rotated in the direction rd around the rotation axis J2, it rotates from the state A such that the left side of the concave mirror body 52 comes out backward in the Y-axis direction. Thereby, the HUD area 5 moves to the right position in the same manner as in FIGS. 6 and 12. Similarly, when the concave mirror body 52 is rotated in the direction rc around the rotation axis J2, it rotates from the initial state A such that the left side of the concave mirror body 52 comes out forward in the Y-axis direction. Thereby, the HUD area 5 moves to the left position in the same manner as in FIGS. 6 and 12.

[0147] FIG. 17 similarly shows a configuration example of the mechanism of the concave mirror M1 in the modification. In the example of FIG. 17, contrary to FIG. 16, the second rotation axis J2 in the concave mirror M1 is provided at a position closer to the left side when viewed in the X-Z plane with the reflecting surface in a plan view as shown in (A). In the example of (C) in FIG. 17, when the concave mirror main body 52 is rotated in the direction rc around the rotation axis J2, the right side of the concave mirror main body 52 rotates so as to come out to the rear side in the Y-axis direction from the initial state A. As a result, the HUD region 5 moves to the left position, similarly to FIGS. 6 and 12. Similarly, when the concave mirror main body 52 is rotated in the direction rd around the rotation axis J2, the right side of the concave mirror main body 52 rotates so as to come out to the rear side in the Y-axis direction from the initial state A. As a result, the HUD region 5 moves to the right position, similarly to FIGS. 6 and 12.

[0148] Any of the modifications in FIGS. 16 and 17 can be adopted. Further, these modifications can be similarly applied as modifications of Embodiment 2, and a configuration in which the mechanism portion related to the first rotation axis J1 is omitted may be used. The position where the second rotation axis J2 etc. are provided in the X-axis direction of the concave mirror M1 is not limited to the above-described example and can be selected according to the design.

[0149] <Other Modifications> FIG. 18 shows a configuration example of the mechanism of the concave mirror M1 in another modified HUD device 1 for the HUD device 1 of Embodiment 1. In this modification, the concave mirror M1 is implemented as a slide mechanism instead of a rotation mechanism using a rotation axis. The mechanism of the concave mirror M1 in this modification includes a mirror holder 51a, a concave mirror main body 52, a rotation axis J1, a motor 61, etc., and does not include the aforementioned rotation axis J2. The rotation axis J1 and the motor 61 are provided on the mirror holder 51a.

[0150] The mirror holder 51a is provided with a recess 51b in the portion that houses the concave mirror body 52. The concave mirror body 52 is set within the recess 51b and is capable of sliding in the X-axis direction along the concave surface of the recess 51b. This sliding is a three-dimensional movement in the direction along the concave surface. Although not shown, the recess 51b is equipped with a groove and a slide drive mechanism for sliding the concave mirror body 52 in the direction of the concave surface in the X-axis direction. The slide drive mechanism can be implemented with, for example, a motor or the like.

[0151] As shown in Fig. 18(B), when the concave mirror M1 is rotated around the rotation axis J1, the mirror holder 51a and the concave mirror body 52 rotate integrally while maintaining their positional relationship. As a result, the position of the HUD region 5 is adjusted in the vertical direction 5a.

[0152] In the example of Fig. 18(C), with respect to the mirror holder 51a, the concave mirror body 52 has its solid line indicating the initial state A and its dashed line indicating the state R where it has been slid to the left along the concave surface in the X-axis direction. In the state R after this slide movement, since the direction of the image light from the reflecting surface of the concave mirror body 52 changes more to the right, the HUD region 5 moves from the initial position to the right position.

[0153] According to this modification, a function of moving the position of the HUD region 5 in the left-right direction 5b can be realized in the same manner as in Embodiment 1 by using a slide mechanism instead of a rotation mechanism.

[0154] Also, as a modification, in the configuration of Fig. 18, a configuration in which the first rotation axis J1 and the motor 61 are omitted may be adopted. In that case, the HUD device 1 has only the function of moving the position of the HUD region 5 in the left-right direction 5b.

[0155] Also, as a modification, in the configuration of Fig. 18, the mirror holder 51a may be an opening as in Embodiment 1 instead of the recess 51b, and a slide mechanism for the concave mirror body 52 may be provided in that opening.

[0156] <Modification Example Related to the HUD Area> FIG. 19 shows, as a modification example related to the configuration of the HUD area 5, another configuration example of the HUD area 5 according to the detailed configuration of the HUD device 1. In FIG. 19, the case of viewing the virtual image 9 of the HUD area 5 forward (the front side of the Y-axis) from the user U1, who is the driver inside the vehicle 2, through the windshield 3 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 19, the HUD area 5 may be formed by being divided into a plurality of areas. In the example of FIG. 19, the HUD area 5 has two HUD areas, namely, a HUD area 5F formed on the upper side at a position farther from the driver in the Y-axis direction corresponding to the front-rear direction of the vehicle 2, and a HUD area 5N formed on the lower side at a position closer to the driver. These HUD areas 5F and 5N may be arranged separately as viewed from the driver, or may be arranged with partial overlap. Also, these HUD areas 5F and 5N may be formed as an inclined surface as viewed from the driver.

[0157] Also, these HUD areas 5F and 5N may be selectively used according to the content of the virtual image 9. For example, an AR virtual image 9 may be displayed in the HUD area 5F, and a non-AR virtual image 9 may be displayed in the HUD area 5N. For example, in the HUD area 5F, an AR virtual image 9 such as an alert may be displayed in accordance with an object such as a pedestrian 1901 in the real scene. A virtual image 9 such as the vehicle speed may be displayed in the HUD area 5N.

[0158] A plurality of HUD areas 5 as shown in FIG. 19 can be formed according to the detailed configuration of the HUD device 1. For example, in the video display unit 200, in addition to the mirror M2 and the concave mirror M1, an optical element for changing the optical distance may be inserted. Even in the case of the HUD area 5 as shown in FIG. 19, the mechanism of the concave mirror M1 in Embodiment 1 and the like can be similarly applied.

[0159] As described above, the present invention has been specifically described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof. Except for the essential components, each embodiment can be added, deleted, replaced, etc. with components. Unless otherwise specifically limited, each component may be singular or plural. A form combining each embodiment is also possible.

[0160] When using the technology according to the embodiment, as described above, the position of the virtual image displayed in the head-up display display area can be moved, changed, and adjusted in the left-right direction, and the apparent FOV as seen by the driver can be increased. As a result, the difference in the position of the driver's line of sight and the amount of viewpoint movement between the virtual image in the head-up display display area and the real-world object can be reduced, and an information display device (head-up display device) that contributes to safe driving and the like can be provided. This makes it possible to prevent traffic accidents. Furthermore, it becomes possible to contribute to "3. Good health and well-being for all" of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0161] 1... HUD device, 2... vehicle, 3... windshield, 4... vehicle information, 5... HUD area (display area), 6... viewpoint, 7... opening, 8... steering wheel, 9... virtual image, 10... video display device, 11... light source device, 12... LCD (display device), M1... concave mirror, M2... mirror, J1... rotation axis, J2... rotation axis, 51... mirror holder, 52... concave mirror body, 61... motor, 62... motor, 63... support member.

Claims

1. An image display device, A concave mirror that reflects the image light from the image display device, Comprising, Based on the image light reflected from the concave mirror, a head-up display area, which is a display area where a virtual image can be displayed, is formed, When the direction corresponding to the horizontal direction within the screen in the head-up display area is defined as the first direction and the direction corresponding to the vertical direction within the screen is defined as the second direction, The concave mirror, A first rotation axis extending in the vertical direction corresponding to the first direction, A first drive mechanism provided on the first rotation axis, A second rotation axis extending in the horizontal direction corresponding to the second direction, A second drive mechanism provided on the second rotation axis, Having, By rotating the concave mirror around the second rotation axis by the second drive mechanism, the position where the HUD area is formed is moved in the left-right direction corresponding to the first direction, A head-up display device.

2. An image display device, A concave mirror that reflects the image light from the image display device, Comprising, Based on the image light reflected from the concave mirror, a head-up display area, which is a display area where a virtual image can be displayed, is formed, When the direction corresponding to the horizontal direction within the screen in the head-up display area is defined as the first direction and the direction corresponding to the vertical direction within the screen is defined as the second direction, The concave mirror, A rotation axis extending in the horizontal direction corresponding to the second direction, A drive mechanism provided on the rotation axis, Having, By rotating the concave mirror around the rotation axis by the drive mechanism, the position where the head-up display area is formed is moved in the left-right direction corresponding to the first direction, A head-up display device.

3. In the head-up display device according to Claim 1, The concave mirror, A mirror holder provided with the first rotation axis and the first drive mechanism, A concave mirror body disposed inside the mirror holder and provided with the second rotation axis and the second drive mechanism, Having, a head-up display device.

4. In the head-up display device according to Claim 3, The concave mirror, The first rotation axis is provided near the upper and lower centers of the left and right sides of the frame shape of the mirror holder, The second rotation axis is provided near the left and right centers of the upper and lower sides of the frame shape of the mirror holder and near the left and right centers of the concave mirror body, A head-up display device.

5. In the head-up display device according to claim 3, the concave mirror, wherein the second rotation axis of the concave mirror body is provided at a position close to the left side or the right side of the frame shape of the mirror holder. Head-up display device.

6. An image display device, a concave mirror that reflects image light from the image display device, comprising: Based on the image light reflected from the concave mirror, a head-up display area, which is a display area where a virtual image can be displayed, is formed. When the direction corresponding to the horizontal direction within the screen in the head-up display area is defined as the first direction and the direction corresponding to the vertical direction within the screen is defined as the second direction, the concave mirror, a mirror holder, a concave mirror body disposed inside the mirror holder and provided with a slide mechanism, having By sliding the concave mirror by the slide mechanism, the position where the head-up display area is formed is moved in the left-right direction corresponding to the first direction. Head-up display device.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Head-up display

    JP2010070066A