Head-up display device and control method thereof

Abstract

To reduce the discomfort of a viewer due to a change in brightness generated when a display image is displayed by switching between a real image and a virtual image.SOLUTION: A head-up display device comprises two systems each having a backlight including light sources, a display that causes illumination light of the light sources to transmit through to generate display light, and a control section that controls turning on and off of the light sources. When a virtual image V2 is displayed, a second control section 13B controls such that at least some of second light sources are turned on. When a real image V1 is displayed, a first control section 13A controls such that at least some of first light sources are turned on, and controls such that the power consumption of the first light source per area of a first display 11A is larger than the power consumption of the second light sources per area of a second display 11B when the virtual image V2 is displayed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a head-up display device or the like that has an outlet and emits display light from the outlet toward a light-transmitting member, thereby allowing a virtual image and a real image of a display image represented by the display light to be visually recognized. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Fig. 1 of Patent Document 1 describes a head-up display device (hereinafter referred to as HUD device 1) that has an outlet 17 and emits display light from the outlet 17 toward a light-projecting member WS, thereby allowing at least a real image RI of a display image indicated by the display light to be visually recognized. This HUD device 1 includes a first display unit 12a that is provided with a first display element and transmits light emitted from a first light source 11a for the real image RI and displays the real image RI of the display light, and a reflecting unit 13 that reflects at least a first light ray L1 representing the real image RI displayed on the first display unit 12a toward the translucent member WS, and the reflecting unit 13 includes a first mirror 131 that reflects the first light ray L1 toward a second mirror 132 and a third mirror 133 that reflects the first light ray L1 toward the outlet 17. Patent Document 1 (see paragraph

[0007] ), which was unpublished as of the filing date of this application, describes an HUD device 1 that is arranged along the optical path of one light ray L1, closer to the exit port 17 than the first display unit 12a, and closer to the first display unit 12a than a first optical focus F1 of an imaging optical system including a light-transmitting member WS, a second mirror 132, and a mirror 133, and the third mirror 133 and the first display unit 12a are arranged so that at least the height position of the third mirror 133 is higher than the height position of the first display unit 12a.

[0003] 5 of Patent Document 1 shows a configuration in which the above-mentioned HUD device 1 switches between displaying a virtual image VI and a real image RI. According to Fig. 5, in addition to the configuration shown in Fig. 1, the HUD device 1 further includes a second display unit 12b that includes a second display element, transmits light emitted from a second light source 11b for the virtual image VI, and displays a virtual image VI of the display image. For example, a second mirror 132 formed of a half mirror transmits a second light ray L2 representing the virtual image VI displayed on the second display unit 12b, and a third mirror 133 reflects the second light ray L2 toward the windshield WS. The second display unit 12b is disposed closer to the exit 17 than a second optical focal point F2 of the imaging optical system including the windshield WS, the second mirror 132, and the third mirror 133 along the optical path of the second light ray L2, allowing the occupant DR to view the virtual image VI of the display image. Therefore, it is possible to realize a HUD device 1 that switches between displaying a virtual image VI and a real image RI (see paragraphs

[0038] and

[0039] ). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent application 2023-213466 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] According to the technology described in Patent Document 1, the display image is switched between a real image RI and a virtual image VI by changing the optical path (first light ray L1, second light ray L2) of the imaging optical system including the first mirror 131, the second mirror 132 (half mirror), and the third mirror 133. The illumination optical system, such as lenses for real image display, and the illumination optical system, such as lenses for virtual image display, are each designed specifically for the vehicle. The light source of the backlight for real image display irradiates illumination light so that it converges onto the first display unit 12a, while the light source of the backlight for virtual image display irradiates illumination light so that it diverges onto the second display unit 12b. Therefore, it is known that the display light for real image display is darker than that for virtual image display. Therefore, when the display image is switched from a real image to a virtual image or vice versa, the brightness of the display image changes, which may cause (or make) the occupant who is viewing it to feel uncomfortable.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a head-up display device, etc., which can reduce the discomfort felt by the viewer due to the change in brightness of the displayed image that occurs when switching between displaying a real image and a virtual image.

[0007] Other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art by referring to the following exemplary aspects and best modes, as well as the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to facilitate an understanding of the outline of the present invention, the following examples are given of embodiments according to the present invention.

[0009] A first aspect according to the present invention is a head-up display device having an outlet, and emitting display light from the outlet toward a light-transmitting member to allow a virtual image and a real image of a display image represented by the display light to be visually recognized, the head-up display device including: a first backlight including a first light source; a first display that generates first display light by transmitting illumination light from the first light source; a second backlight including a second light source; a second display that generates second display light by transmitting illumination light from the second light source; a first reflecting member that reflects the first display light incident from one surface and transmits the second display light incident from the other surface; and a second reflecting member that reflects the first display light reflected by the first reflecting member or the second display light transmitted through the first reflecting member and guides it to the outlet, wherein the first display light is reflected by the first reflecting member. the second backlight is provided with an imaging optical system that emits first display light along a first optical path that is passed through the first reflecting member and reflected by the second reflecting member to form the virtual image, and emits the second display light along a second optical path that is passed through the first reflecting member and reflected by the second reflecting member to form the virtual image, a first control unit that controls turning on and off each of the plurality of light sources of the first backlight, and a second control unit that controls turning on and off each of the plurality of light sources of the second backlight, wherein the second control unit controls so that at least some of the second light sources are turned on when the virtual image is displayed, and the first control unit controls so that at least some of the first light sources are turned on when the real image is displayed, and controls so that the power consumption of the first light source per area of ​​the first display is greater than the power consumption of the second light source per area of ​​the second display when the virtual image is displayed.

[0010] In a first aspect, the display device includes a first display device that reflects illumination light emitted from a first light source of a first backlight for real image display by a first reflecting member and emits it toward a translucent member via a second reflecting member (first optical path) and generates a real image, which is the first display light, and a second display device that transmits illumination light emitted from a second light source of a second backlight for virtual image display by a first reflecting member and emits it toward a translucent member via a second reflecting member (second optical path) and generates a virtual image, which is the second display light.When the second control unit displays a virtual image, it controls at least a portion of the second light sources to be turned on, and when the first control unit displays a real image, it controls at least a portion of the first light sources to be turned on, and controls the power consumption of the first light source per area of ​​the first display device to be greater than the power consumption of the second light source per area of ​​the second display device when a virtual image is displayed.

[0011] Here, "control to make the power consumption of the first light source per area of ​​the first display larger when a real image is displayed than the power consumption of the second light source per area of ​​the second display when a virtual image is displayed" means, for example, any of the following: (1) control to increase the value (current value) of the current flowing to the first light source of the first backlight when a real image is displayed compared to when a virtual image is displayed; (2) control to increase the number of first light sources that are turned on when a real image is displayed compared to when a virtual image is displayed; (3) control to increase the current value of the current flowing to the first light source and increase the number of first light sources that are turned on when a real image is displayed compared to when a virtual image is displayed; or control to increase the mounting density of first light sources that are turned on on the outer edge side of the long side of a light source circuit mounting board consisting of a rectangular area on which the first light source is mounted compared to when a virtual image is displayed when a real image is displayed compared to when a virtual image is displayed.

[0012] Therefore, according to the first aspect, when a virtual image is displayed, the second control unit turns on all the second light sources of the second backlight, and when a real image is displayed, the first control unit turns on all the first light sources of the first backlight and increases the value of the current (current value) flowing through each first light source, thereby increasing the power consumed per area by the first light source compared to when a virtual image is displayed, thereby improving the brightness of the real image display. As a result, the difference (change) in brightness (luminance) when the display is switched between a virtual image and a real image can be reduced, thereby suppressing the discomfort felt by the occupant who is the viewer when the display is switched. Furthermore, when a virtual image is displayed, the second control unit may turn on some of the second light sources of the second backlight, and when a real image is displayed, the first control unit may turn on all of the first light sources of the first backlight. In this case, the brightness of the display image of each light source may be the same for both the real image display and the virtual image display, or the light source may be controlled to be brighter when the real image is displayed. Furthermore, according to the first aspect, since there is no need to share a light source between the virtual image and the real image, it is possible to design an optimal lens that takes into account the light distribution characteristics of both the virtual image and the real image. This makes it possible to ensure appropriate brightness and uniformity for both the virtual image display and the real image display, thereby improving display quality.

[0013] In a second aspect dependent on the first aspect, the first control unit may perform control to increase the current value of the current flowing through the first light source when displaying the real image compared to when the second control unit displays the virtual image.

[0014] In the second aspect, when a real image is displayed, the first control unit controls the amount of current (current value) flowing through the first light source of the first backlight to be increased compared to when a virtual image is displayed by the second control unit. In particular, when switching the display from a virtual image to a real image, the difference (change) in brightness (luminance) compared to when a virtual image is displayed without changing the lighting area of ​​the first light source mounted on the first light source circuit board of the first backlight can be reduced, thereby suppressing the discomfort felt by the occupant who is the viewer when switching the display.

[0015] In a third aspect dependent on the first aspect, the first control device may perform control to increase the number of times the first light source is turned on when the real image is displayed compared to when the second control unit displays a virtual image.

[0016] In the third aspect, when switching the display from a virtual image to a real image, the first control unit increases the number of first light sources that are lit and are mounted on the first light source circuit board of the first backlight, thereby reducing the difference (change) in brightness (luminance) between the real image display and the virtual image display, thereby suppressing the discomfort felt by the occupant who is the viewer when switching the display.

[0017] In a fourth aspect dependent on the first aspect, when the first control unit displays the real image, the first control unit may increase the current value of the current flowing through the first light source and control the number of times the first light source is turned on, compared to when the second control unit displays the virtual image.

[0018] In the fourth aspect, when switching the display from a virtual image to a real image, the first control unit increases the brightness of the first light source of the first backlight and increases the number of first light sources that are lit mounted on the first light source circuit board, thereby further reducing the difference (change) in brightness (luminance) between the real image display and the virtual image display, thereby suppressing the discomfort felt by the occupant who is the viewer when switching the display.

[0019] In a fifth aspect dependent on the first to fourth aspects, the first control unit may irradiate the illumination light of the first light source so that it converges onto the first display, and the second control unit may irradiate the illumination light of the second light source so that it diverges onto the second display.

[0020] In the fifth aspect, the first control unit irradiates the illumination light from the first light source of the first backlight so that it converges onto the first display, and the second control unit irradiates the illumination light from the second light source of the second backlight so that it diverges onto the second display, thereby improving light utilization efficiency according to the orientation characteristics required for each of real image display and virtual image display.

[0021] In a sixth aspect dependent on the first to fifth aspects, when the first control unit displays the real image, the first control unit may perform control to increase the mounting density of the first light sources that are lit on the outer edge side in the long side direction of a light source circuit mounting substrate consisting of a rectangular area on which the first light sources are mounted, compared to when the second control unit displays the virtual image, compared to the case where the second control unit displays the virtual image.

[0022] In the sixth aspect, when a real image is displayed, the first control unit increases the mounting density of the light sources that are lit on the outer edge side of the long side of the first light source circuit board on which the first light source of the first backlight is mounted, thereby further reducing the difference (change) in brightness (luminance) between real image display and virtual image display, thereby particularly suppressing the discomfort felt by the occupant who is the viewer when the outer edge becomes dark when switching the display from a virtual image to a real image.

[0023] A seventh aspect according to the present invention is an imaging optical system including: a first backlight including a plurality of first light sources; a first display device that generates first display light by transmitting illumination light from the first light sources; a second backlight including a plurality of second light sources; a second display device that generates second display light by transmitting illumination light from the second light sources; a first reflecting member that reflects the first display light incident from one surface and transmits the second display light incident from the other surface; and a second reflecting member that reflects the first display light reflected by the first reflecting member or the second display light transmitted through the first reflecting member and guides it to the emission outlet, wherein the first display light is emitted along a first optical path reflected by the first reflecting member to generate the real image, and the second display light is emitted along a second optical path that transmits the first reflecting member and is reflected by the second reflecting member to form the virtual image; A control method for a head-up display device including a first control unit that controls the turning on and off of each of the multiple light sources of the first backlight and a second control unit that controls the turning on and off of each of the multiple light sources of the second backlight, and that allows a virtual image or a real image of a display image represented by the first display light or the second display light to be viewed by emitting display light from an outlet toward a light-transmitting member, the control method comprising the steps of: when the second control unit displays the virtual image, controlling at least a portion of the second light sources to be turned on; and when the first control unit displays the real image, controlling at least a portion of the first light sources to be turned on and controlling the power consumption of the first light sources per area of ​​the first display to be greater than the power consumption of the second light sources per area of ​​the second display when the virtual image is displayed.

[0024] In a seventh aspect, the display device includes a first display device that reflects illumination light emitted from a first light source of a first backlight for real image display by a first reflecting member and emits it toward a translucent member via a second reflecting member (first optical path) and generates a real image as the first display light, and a second display device that transmits illumination light emitted from a second light source of a second backlight for virtual image display by the first reflecting member and emits it toward a translucent member via a second reflecting member (second optical path) and generates a virtual image as the second display light, The control unit controls at least a part of the second light sources to be turned on when the imaging optical system is switched to the second optical path to display a virtual image, and the first control unit controls at least a part of the first light sources to be turned on when the imaging optical system is switched to the first optical path to display a real image, and the control procedure (step) is configured to perform control so that the power consumption of the first light source per area of ​​the first display is greater than the power consumption of the second light source per area of ​​the second display when a virtual image is displayed.

[0025] Therefore, according to the seventh aspect, the second control unit turns on all the second light sources of the second backlight during virtual image display, and the first control unit turns on all the first light sources of the first backlight during real image display, and increases the value of the current (current value) flowing through each first light source, for example, to increase the power consumed per area by the first light source compared to during virtual image display, thereby improving the brightness during real image display, and as a result, the difference (change) in brightness (luminance) between real image display and virtual image display can be reduced, thereby suppressing the discomfort felt by the occupant who is the viewer when switching displays. Also, the second control unit may turn on some of the second light sources of the second backlight during virtual image display, and the first control unit may turn on all of the second light sources of the first backlight during real image display. In this case, the brightness of each light source may be the same for both real image display and virtual image display, or may be controlled to be brighter during real image display. Furthermore, according to the first aspect, it is possible to design an optimal lens that takes into account the light distribution characteristics of both virtual and real images, thereby ensuring appropriate brightness and uniformity for both virtual and real image displays, thereby improving display quality.

[0026] Those skilled in the art will easily understand that the exemplified embodiments according to the present invention can be further modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration including an imaging optical system of a head-up display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a lens configuration and an optical path between a backlight and a display when a virtual image is displayed in a head-up display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a lens configuration and an optical path between a backlight and a display when a real image is displayed in a head-up display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system of the head-up display device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control system of the head-up display device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement (layout) of a plurality of light sources mounted in a backlight of a head-up display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a light source lighting pattern of a plurality of light sources mounted in a backlight when a virtual image is displayed and when a real image is displayed in the head-up display device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of the light source lighting pattern of a plurality of light sources mounted in the backlight when the head-up display device according to the embodiment of the present invention displays a virtual image and when it displays a real image. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The best mode described below is used to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and therefore, those skilled in the art should be aware that the present invention is not unduly limited by the mode described below (hereinafter referred to as the present mode).

[0029] (Configuration of the embodiment) Please refer to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration including an imaging optical system 2 of a head-up display device (hereinafter referred to as HUD device 1 unless otherwise specified) according to this embodiment. The HUD device 1 of this embodiment includes a light source (first light source, see 14A in FIG. 6A) mounted on a light source circuit board (see 140A in FIG. 6A) made of, for example, LEDs (Light Emitted Diodes) that emit white light in the visible wavelength range, a backlight 12A (first backlight) including lenses that focus the light emitted by the light source 14A, and a display 11A (first display), such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, that transmits the illumination light from the light source 14A to generate first display light L1 (real image). The light source circuit board 140A is connected to a control unit 13A (control circuit board) (described later) by wiring (not shown), and is controlled by the control unit 13A to turn on or off the LEDs serving as the light source 14A.

[0030] The HUD device 1 of this embodiment also includes a light source (a second light source, see 14B in FIG. 6B) mounted on a light source circuit board (a first light source board, see 140B in FIG. 6B) that emits white light in the visible wavelength range, a backlight 12B (a second backlight) that includes lenses that focus the light emitted by the light source 14B, and a display 11B (a second display), such as a liquid crystal panel, that transmits the illumination light from the light source 14B to generate second display light L2 (a virtual image). The light source circuit board 140B is connected to a control unit 13B (a control circuit board) (described later) by wiring (not shown), and is controlled by the control unit 13B to turn on or off the LEDs serving as the light source 14B.

[0031] The HUD device 1 of this embodiment also includes a first reflecting member 22, for example, composed of a half mirror, that reflects the first display light L1 incident from one surface and transmits the second display light L2 incident from the other surface, and a second reflecting member 24 that reflects the first display light L1 reflected by the first reflecting member 22 or the second display light L2 that has transmitted through the first reflecting member L1 and guides it to the exit 17, forming an imaging optical system 2 in which the first display light L1 is emitted along a first optical path OPI where it is reflected by the first reflecting member 22 to generate a real image V2, and the second display light L2 is emitted along a second optical path OP2 where it is transmitted through the first reflecting member 22 and reflected by the second reflecting member 24 to form a virtual image.

[0032] Although countless light rays would normally be emitted from the displays 11A and 11B, to simplify the explanation, only representative light rays emitted from the centers of the displays 11A and 11B and passing through the centers of the eyeboxes are shown by solid lines (real image V1) and dashed lines (virtual image V2). The first reflecting member 22 may be any member other than a half mirror as long as it reflects the first display light L1 on one surface and transmits the second display light L2 on the other surface. For example, a member with a wavelength selection film attached or a coated transparent member may be used.

[0033] The first display light L1 and the second display light L2 emitted from the displays 11A and 11B are ultimately projected toward the windshield WS, which is a translucent member, through an emission port 17, which is an opening provided in the upper part of the housing of the HUD device 1. As a result, an occupant DR, who is a viewer riding in the vehicle, can view the first display light L1 or the second display light L2 reflected by the windshield WS, and thereby view a real image V1 formed in front of the windshield WS (the inside of the vehicle across the windshield WS) and a virtual image V2 formed behind the windshield WS (the outside of the vehicle across the windshield WS).

[0034] The HUD device 1 of this embodiment further includes control units 13A (first control unit) and 13B (second control unit) that control switching between the first optical path OP1 and the second optical path OP2 of the imaging optical system 2 and control turning on and off each of the multiple light sources (not shown in FIG. 1) of the backlights 12A and 12B. Here, when the imaging optical system 2 is switched to the second optical path (OP2) to display the virtual image V2, the control unit 13B (second control unit) controls at least some of the light sources 14B to be turned on. On the other hand, when the imaging optical system 2 is switched to the first optical path (OP1) to display a real image, the control unit 14A (first control unit) controls so that at least a portion of the light source 14A (first light source) is turned on, and also controls so that the power consumption of the light source 14A (first light source) per area of ​​the display 11A (first display) is greater than the power consumption of the light source 14B (second light source) per area of ​​the display 12B (second display) when displaying a virtual image V2.

[0035] Here, "control to make the power consumption of the first light source per area of ​​the first display larger when a real image is displayed than the power consumption of the second light source per area of ​​the second display when a virtual image is displayed" means, for example, any of the following: (1) control to increase the value (current value) of the current flowing to the first light source of the first backlight when a real image is displayed compared to when a virtual image is displayed; (2) control to increase the number of first light sources that are turned on when a real image is displayed compared to when a virtual image is displayed; (3) control to increase the current value of the current flowing to the first light source and increase the number of first light sources that are turned on when a real image is displayed compared to when a virtual image is displayed; or control to increase the mounting density of first light sources that are turned on on the outer edge side of the long side of a light source circuit mounting board consisting of a rectangular area on which the first light source is mounted compared to when a virtual image is displayed when a real image is displayed compared to when a virtual image is displayed.

[0036] As will be described later, the control units 13A and 13B can also control the display contents on the displays 11A and 11B, respectively.

[0037] 2(A)(B) and 3(A)(B) are referenced. Figures 2(A)(B) are diagrams showing an example of the lens configuration and optical path (second optical path OP2) of the display 11A when displaying a virtual image V2 in the HUD device 1 of this embodiment, and Figures 3(A)(B) are diagrams showing an example of the lens configuration and optical path (first optical path OP1) when displaying a real image V1 in the HUD device 1 of this embodiment.

[0038] The illumination optical system for displaying the real image V1 and the illumination optical system for displaying the virtual image V2 used in the HUD device 1 of this embodiment are controlled independently by the control units 13A and 13B, and are therefore optimized and designed specifically for each. The lens design (included in the illumination optical system, such as a condenser lens 123 and lenticular lenses 124 and 125 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, which will be described later) satisfies both the light distribution characteristics required for displaying the real image V1, which narrow the optical axis in both the vertical direction (V) and the horizontal direction (H) (the light source of the backlight 12A irradiates the illumination light so that it converges on the display), and the light distribution characteristics required for displaying the virtual image V2, which widen the optical axis in both the vertical direction (V) and the horizontal direction (H) (the light source of the backlight 12B irradiates the illumination light so that it diverges on the display), and this lens design enables good brightness and uniformity to be obtained in both the viewing states of the virtual image V2 and the real image V1.

[0039] FIG. 2(A) shows the lens configuration and optical path in the H direction when the virtual image V2 is displayed, and FIG. 2(B) shows the lens configuration and optical path in the V direction. In FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B), light emitted from the LED (122 in this example) serving as the light source 14B is converted into collimated light that is approximately parallel to the optical axis in both the H and V directions by a condenser lens 123. The light-receiving surface of the first lenticular lens 124 on the light source 122 side has a structure in which a plurality of cylindrical lenses, each having a convex curved surface facing the LED 122 side in a cross section taken along the V direction, are arranged in parallel along the V direction. The exit surface of the first lenticular lens 124 has a structure in which a plurality of cylindrical lenses, each having a convex curved surface facing the exit side of the second display light L2 in a cross section taken along the V direction, are arranged in parallel along the V direction. With this structure, the first lenticular lens 124 condenses the light from the LED 122 in the V direction to form a multiplexed image.

[0040] The light receiving surface of the second lenticular lens 125 on the LED 122 side has a structure in which multiple cylindrical lenses, each having a convex curved surface facing the LED 122 in a cross section in the H direction, are arranged side by side along the H direction. The light exit surface of the second lenticular lens 125 is a toroidal surface that is concave in both the V and H directions. With this configuration, the second lenticular lens 125 collects light from the LED 122 in the H direction to form a multiplexed image, and aligns the direction of the light with the downstream imaging optical system 2. This second lenticular lens 125 for displaying virtual image V2 is referred to as the first lens 125a.

[0041] The second display light L2 emitted from the first lens 125a is diffused by a diffuser 127 (not shown in FIG. 1) to reduce uneven brightness. The display light L2 diffused by the diffuser 127 is incident on the liquid crystal panel 126, which is the display device 11B (see FIG. 1), and generates an image in accordance with the control of a control board 162 (control unit 13B in FIG. 1), which is then emitted to the first reflecting member 22 in the subsequent stage. This lens configuration and optical path enable the occupant DR to view the virtual image V2 with appropriate brightness and uniformity.

[0042] 3(A) and 3(B) are diagrams showing an example of the lens configuration and optical path (OP1) when a real image V1 is displayed in the HUD device 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 3(A) shows the lens configuration and optical path in the H direction, and FIG. 3(B) shows the lens configuration and optical path in the V direction. In FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), the condenser lens 123 and the first lenticular lens 124 have the same configuration as in FIG. 2. That is, the condenser lens 123 converts the light emitted from the LED 122 into parallel light in both the H direction and the V direction, and the first lenticular lens 124 collects the light from the LED 122 in the V direction to form a multiplexed image.

[0043] The second lenticular lens 125 also has the same function as the second lenticular lens 125 in the H direction, focusing the light from the LEDs 122 to form a multiplexed image. Therefore, the light-receiving surface on the LED 122 side has a structure similar to that of the second lenticular lens 125 in the H direction, in which multiple cylindrical lenses, each having a convex curved surface toward the LED 122 in the H direction cross section, are arranged side by side along the H direction. The light exit surface, on the other hand, is a toroidal surface that is convex in both the V and H directions to achieve a desired light distribution characteristic (the light source 14A (here, the LED 122) for real image display irradiates illumination light so as to converge toward the display device 11A for displaying the real image V1, and the light source 14B for the virtual image V1 irradiates illumination light so as to diverge toward the display device 11B for displaying the virtual image V2). The convex shape of the light exit surface narrows the light distribution characteristic in both the H and V directions. This second lenticular lens 125 for displaying the real image V1 is referred to as the second lens 25b.

[0044] The display light L1 emitted from the second lens 125b is diffused by a diffuser 127 (not shown in FIG. 1) to reduce brightness unevenness, and then enters the display device 11A (here, the LCD 126). The display light L1 generates an image (first display light L1) under the control of the control board 162, and is emitted to the downstream first reflecting member 22. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, when real image V1 is displayed, the optical axes in the H and V directions intersect between the windshield WS and the viewpoint EB (eye box) of the occupant DR, who is the viewer, to generate the real image V1. The intersection of the optical axes in this case can be set arbitrarily depending on the position and magnification of the real image V1 to be displayed. This lens configuration and optical path allow the occupant DR to view the real image V1 with appropriate brightness and uniformity.

[0045] Please refer to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control system of the HUD device 1 of this embodiment, and specifically, is a functional configuration diagram showing the configuration of the image generation unit PGU-1 (PGU10A), which includes the control unit 13A shown in Figure 1. The HUD device 1 of this embodiment also has a PGU-2 (PGU10B), which also includes the control unit 13B shown in Figure 1. Note that the image generation unit (PGU) refers to a control system for image generation and display, and Figure 4 shows only the minimum necessary configuration directly related to the HUD device 1 of this embodiment, with other well-known configurations being omitted.

[0046] 4, PGU-1 (PGU10A) includes a display device 11A, a backlight 12A (light source 14A), and a control unit 13A. The control unit 13A includes a display control unit 131 that issues a command to the display device 11A to generate first display light L1 (real image V1) that represents a display image based on information or signals transmitted from various devices 30, such as a vehicle speed sensor, a navigation device, a RADAR (Radio Detecting and Ranging), or a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging).

[0047] The control unit 13A also includes a display drive unit 132 that generates an image using light irradiated from the light source 14A of the backlight 12A based on a signal transmitted from a switch 20 that switches the vehicle's driving mode (manual driving, automatic driving), switches the polarization of the emitted light between a first polarization and a second polarization state that are different from each other, and controls the switching of the polarization direction of the display unit 11A that generates first display light L1 that represents the display image.

[0048] The control unit 13A also includes a light source driver 133 that controls the supply of power necessary to turn on and off the light sources 14A mounted on a light source circuit board 140A (see FIG. 6) of the backlight 12A. The light source driver 133 controls the ON / OFF timing of each LED mounted on the light source circuit board 140A as the light source 14A and the value of the current (current value) flowing through each LED, and also controls the voltage supplied to the light sources 14A, thereby improving power efficiency. When the imaging optical system 2 is switched to OP1 (first optical path) to display the real image V1, the control unit 13A controls the light sources 14A (first light sources) of the backlight 12A to be at least partially turned on, and can control the power consumption of the light sources 14A (first light sources) per area of ​​the display 11A (first display) to be greater than the power consumption of the light sources 12A (second light sources) per area of ​​the display 12B (second display) when displaying the virtual image V2.

[0049] The display unit 11A (similar to the display device 11A) includes a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display element 111 that forms a first display light L1 that displays a graphic of an arbitrary shape based on a signal transmitted from a display control unit 131. For example, during autonomous driving, the display drive unit 132 performs switching control. At this time, the display control unit 131 controls the display element 111 to generate display light L2 that displays an assistant or agent that supports the driving of the occupant DR, characters that represent them, or the like.

[0050] The PGU-2 (10B) has a configuration similar to that of the PGU-1 (10A), and includes a display unit 11B (similar to the display 11B), a backlight 12B (light source 14B), and a control unit 13B (all not shown). The control unit 13B has a display control unit 131, a display drive unit 132, and a light source drive unit 133. The display control unit 131 controls the display element 111 to generate display light L2 that displays vehicle information, route guidance information, warning displays, etc. The light source drive unit 133 controls the lighting of the second light sources 14B of the second backlight 12B, and can control the lighting of at least a portion of the second light sources 14B of the second backlight 12B when a virtual image V2 is to be displayed.

[0051] In this way, in the HUD device 1 of this embodiment, when it is desired to display a real image V1, the control unit 13A switches the imaging optical system 2 to an optical path OP1 (first optical path) in which the first display light L1 (real image V1) generated by the display unit 11A (the same as the display 11A in Figure 1) is reflected by the first reflecting member 22, so that the first display light L1 is further reflected by the second reflecting member 23 and enters the windshield WS, which is a translucent member, and is reflected by the windshield WS to become a real image V1 that can be displayed on the passenger compartment side in front of the occupant DR across the windshield WS (an imaging area that is virtually set when standing perpendicular to the road surface). On the other hand, in the HUD device 1 of this embodiment, when it is desired to display a virtual image V2, the control unit 13B switches the imaging optical system 2 to an optical path OP2 (second optical path) in which the display light L2 generated by the display 11B is transmitted by the first reflecting member 22, so that the display light L2 is further reflected by the second reflecting member 23 and enters the windshield WS, which is a translucent member, and is reflected by the windshield WS to become a virtual image V2 that can be displayed on the outside of the vehicle across the windshield WS (an imaging area that is virtually set in front of the vehicle and is set at an angle with respect to the road surface).

[0052] That is, for example, the imaging area of ​​real image V1, which is at an angle of 45 degrees or more with respect to the road surface, is expected to be used in scenes such as autonomous driving or watching entertainment content while stopped, and has the advantage of improving visibility by being displayed while standing in relation to the road surface. On the other hand, for example, the imaging area of ​​virtual image V2, which is at an angle of less than 45 degrees with respect to the road surface, has the advantage that the displayed content appears to be spread out on the road surface, so when performing navigation, etc., the displayed content appears to be superimposed on the road surface, enabling intuitive information presentation.

[0053] (Operation of the embodiment) Please refer to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control system of the HUD device 1 of this embodiment. Also, Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement (layout) of the multiple light sources 14A and 14B mounted in the backlights 12A and 12B of the HUD device 1 of this embodiment. Hereinafter, with reference to Figs. 5 and 6, the operation of the control system (PGU 10A and PGU 10B, mainly the control units 13A and 13B) of the HUD device 1 of this embodiment shown in Fig. 4 will be described in detail.

[0054] In the PGU 10A, first, the control unit 13B (display drive unit 132) determines whether the vehicle is being manually driven or automatically driven based on a signal transmitted from the switch 20 that switches the vehicle's driving mode (manual driving, automatic driving) (step ST101). If it is determined that the vehicle is being manually driven (step ST101 "M"), the control unit 13B (display control unit 131) controls the display element 111 of the display unit 11B (display device 11B) to generate display light L2 (virtual image V2) that displays vehicle information, route guidance information, warning displays, etc. (step ST102).

[0055] Next, the control unit 13B (light source driving unit 133) controls to turn on at least some (here, all LEDs) of the LEDs as the light source 14B, for example, as shown in Figure 6 (B) as an example of the arrangement (layout) of the light source 14B on the light source circuit board 140B (step ST103), and the display unit 11B emits (projects) the generated first display light L1 (real image) toward the windshield WS, which is a translucent member, via the imaging optical system 2 (optical path OP1) and the emission port 17 (step ST106).

[0056] On the other hand, in step ST101, if the vehicle is in automatic driving mode (step ST101 “A”), the control unit 13A (display driving unit 132) drives and controls the display element 111 to generate display light L2 representing assistants, agents, characters representing them, etc. that support the driving of the occupant DR (step ST104).

[0057] Next, the control unit 13 (light source driving unit 133) controls to turn on at least some (here, all LEDs) of the LEDs as the light sources 14A, as shown in an example of the arrangement (layout) of the light sources 14A on the light source circuit board 140A in FIG. 6A, and also controls to increase the power supplied to the first light sources 14A mounted on the light source driving circuit board 140A of the first backlight 12A compared to when a virtual image is displayed (step ST105). Here, when controlling the power supplied to the light sources 14, for example, the control unit 13 controls to increase the value (current value) of the current flowing through the first light sources 14A of the first backlight 12A, or controls to increase the number (lighting area) of the first light sources 14A that are turned on, or both, thereby increasing the amount of power consumption and making the brightness when the real image V1 is displayed brighter than when the virtual image V2 is displayed.

[0058] For example, as shown in FIG. 7(B), only some of the second light sources 14B of the second backlight 12B may be turned on (indicated as ON) when the virtual image V2 is displayed, and as shown in FIG. 7(A), all of the first light sources 14A of the first backlight 12A may be turned on when the real image V1 is displayed. The brightness of each light source (14A, 14B) may be the same when the virtual image V1 is displayed and when the real image V2 is displayed, or the first light sources 14A may be brighter when the real image V2 is displayed. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8(A), the number of first light sources 14A mounted on the outer edge of the light source circuit board 140A that are turned on may be increased (indicated as "dense" in the figure) when the real image V1 is displayed compared to when the virtual image is displayed as shown in FIG. 8(B). The lighting patterns of the light sources shown in FIGS. 7(A)(B) and 8(A)(B) will be described in detail below.

[0059] Finally, the display unit 11A emits (projects) the generated first display light L1 (real image V1) through the imaging optical system 2 (optical path OP1) and the emission port 17 toward the windshield WS, which is a translucent member (step ST106).

[0060] 7A and 7B show examples of lighting patterns of the light sources 14A and 14B mounted on the backlight 12A and the backlight 12B when the HUD device 1 of this embodiment displays a real image V1 (FIG. 7A) and a virtual image V2 (FIG. 7B). In FIG. 7B, the light source mounting areas surrounded by dashed lines and marked ON are lit, and the light source mounting areas surrounded by dashed lines and marked OFF are turned off.

[0061] In the lighting pattern of the light sources 14B of the backlight 12B when the virtual image V2 is displayed as shown in Fig. 7(B), the light sources 14B arranged in two rows on each side of the outer edge of the rectangular light source circuit board 140B in the long side direction (horizontal direction) are turned off (denoted as OFF), and the light sources 14B arranged between them are turned on (denoted as ON). On the other hand, in the lighting pattern of the second light sources 14B of the backlight 12A when the real image V1 is displayed as shown in Fig. 7(A), all the first light sources 14A are turned on. Note that the brightness of each light source 14B of the backlight 12B in the lighting pattern of the second light sources 14B when the virtual image V2 is displayed as shown in Fig. 7(B) may be the same as that when the real image V1 is displayed as shown in Fig. 7(A).

[0062] 8A and 8B show other examples of lighting patterns of the light sources 14A and 14B mounted on the backlight 12A and the backlight 12B when the HUD device 1 of this embodiment displays a real image V1 (FIG. 8A) and a virtual image V2 (FIG. 8B). In the light source lighting pattern when the real image V1 is displayed shown in FIG. 8A, the light sources 14A are arranged in three rows on each side of the long side (horizontal) edge of the rectangular light source circuit board 140A and are lit up, and are mounted "densely." The light sources 14B arranged between them are mounted sparsely (denoted as "coarsely"). On the other hand, when the virtual image V2 is displayed shown in FIG. 8B, the light sources 14B are mounted sparsely (denoted as "coarsely") on the light source circuit board 140B.

[0063] In this way, by adjusting the number of lit light sources 14A, 14B (Figures 7(A)(B)) and the arrangement of the lit light sources 14A, 14B (Figures 8(A)(B)), the difference in brightness (brightness difference) of the displayed image when real image V1 is displayed and when virtual image V2 is displayed can be reduced, thereby suppressing the discomfort felt by occupant DR due to the change in brightness (brightness change) of the displayed image when switching between displaying virtual image V2 and real image V1.

[0064] (Effects of the Invention) 1, the head-up display device of this embodiment is, for example, a HUD device 1 having an outlet 17, which emits first display light L1 and second display light L2 from the outlet 17 toward a light-transmitting member WS, thereby allowing a real image V1 and a virtual image V2 of display images represented by the first display light L1 and the second display light L2 to be visually recognized. The HUD device 1 includes a first backlight 12A including a first light source (see 14A in FIG. 6A), a first display 11A that generates the first display light L1 by transmitting illumination light from the first light source 14A, a second backlight 12B including a second light source (see 14B in FIG. 6B), a second display 11B that generates the second display light L2 by transmitting illumination light from the second light source 14B, and a light source 11C that receives incident light from one side of the first backlight 12A. a first reflecting member 22 that reflects first display light L1 incident on one surface and transmits second display light L2 incident on the other surface; and a second reflecting member 24 that reflects the first display light L1 reflected by the first reflecting member 22 or the second display light L2 transmitted through the first reflecting member 22 and guides it to an exit port 17, wherein the first display light L1 is emitted along a first optical path OP1 that is reflected by the first reflecting member 22 to generate a real image V1; The second display light L2 is emitted along a second optical path OP2, passing through a first reflecting member 22 and reflected by a second reflecting member 24, to form a virtual image V2. The display device includes an imaging optical system 2, a first control unit 13A that controls the on / off of each of the multiple light sources 14A of the first backlight 12A, and a second control unit 13B that controls the on / off of each of the multiple light sources 14B of the second backlight 12B. When displaying the virtual image V2, the second control unit 13B controls at least some of the second light sources 14B to be on, and the first control unit 13A controls at least some of the first light sources 14A to be on, and also controls the power consumption of the first light source 14A per area of ​​the first display 11A to be greater than the power consumption of the second light source 14B per area of ​​the second display 11B when displaying the virtual image V2.

[0065] According to the HUD device 1 of this embodiment, illumination light emitted from the first light source 14A of the first backlight 12A for displaying the real image V1 is reflected by the first reflecting member 22 and emitted toward the translucent member WS via the second reflecting member 24 (first optical path OP1). Also, illumination light emitted from the first display 11A for generating the real image, which is the first display light L1, and the second light source 14B of the second backlight 12B for displaying the virtual image V2 is transmitted through the first reflecting member 22 and emitted toward the translucent member WS via the second reflecting member 24 (second optical path OP2). Both are provided with a second display 11B that generates a virtual image V2, which is a second display light L2, and when the second control unit 13B displays the virtual image V2, it controls so that at least a portion of the second light source 14B is turned on, and when the first control unit 13A displays the real image V1, it controls so that at least a portion of the first light source 14A is turned on, and they are configured to control so that the power consumption of the first light source 14A per area of ​​the first display 11A is greater than the power consumption of the second light source 14B per area of ​​the second display 11B when displaying the virtual image V2.

[0066] According to the HUD device 1 of this embodiment, when the virtual image V2 is displayed, the second control unit 13B turns on all the second light sources 14B of the second backlight 12B, and when the real image V1 is displayed, the first control unit 13A turns on all the first light sources 14A of the first backlight 12A, and controls the power consumed per area by the first light source 14A to be larger than when the virtual image V2 is displayed, for example, by increasing the value (current value) of the current flowing through one first light source 14A, thereby increasing the brightness (luminance) of the displayed image when the real image V1 is displayed.As a result, the difference (change) in the brightness (luminance) of the displayed image when the display is switched to the virtual image V2 or the real image V1 can be reduced, and the discomfort felt by the occupant DR, who is the viewer, when the display is switched can be suppressed. Furthermore, the second control unit 13B may turn on some of the second light sources 14B of the second backlight 12B when the virtual image V2 is displayed, and the first control unit 13A may turn on all of the first light sources 14A of the first backlight 12A when the real image V1 is displayed. In this case, the brightness of each light source may be the same for both the real image V1 and the virtual image V2, or the light source may be controlled to be brighter when the real image V1 is displayed. Furthermore, the HUD device 1 of this embodiment enables optimal lens design that takes into account the light distribution characteristics of both the virtual image V2 and the real image V1. This ensures appropriate brightness and uniformity for both the virtual image V2 and the real image V1, thereby improving display quality.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the HUD device 1 of this embodiment, when displaying a real image V1, the first control unit 13A controls the value (current value) of the current flowing to the first light source 14A of the first backlight 12A to be increased compared to when a virtual image V2 is displayed by the second control unit 13B. In particular, when switching the display from the virtual image V2 to the real image V1, the difference (change) in the brightness (luminance) of the displayed image can be reduced compared to when a virtual image V2 is displayed without changing the lighting area of ​​the first light source 14A mounted on the first light source circuit board 140A of the first backlight 12A, thereby suppressing the discomfort felt by the occupant DR, who is the viewer, when switching the display.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the HUD device 1 of this embodiment, when switching the display from the virtual image V2 to the real image V1, the first control unit 13A increases the number of first light sources 14A that are lit and mounted on the first light source circuit board 140A of the first backlight 12A, thereby reducing the difference (change) in the brightness (luminance) of the display images in the real image V1 display and the virtual image V2 display, thereby suppressing the discomfort felt by the occupant DR, who is the viewer, when switching the display.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the HUD device 1 of this embodiment, when switching the display from the virtual image V2 to the real image V1, the first control unit 13A increases the brightness of the first light source 14A of the first backlight 12A and controls the number of first light sources 14A mounted on the first light source circuit board 140A to be lit, thereby further reducing the difference (change) in brightness (luminance) of the respective display images when the real image V1 and the virtual image V2 are displayed, thereby suppressing the discomfort felt by the occupant DR, who is the viewer, when switching the display.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the HUD device 1 of this embodiment, the first control unit 13A irradiates the illumination light from the first light source 14A of the first backlight 12A so that it converges onto the first display 11A, and the second control unit 13B irradiates the illumination light from the second light source 14B of the second backlight 12B so that it diverges onto the second display 11B, thereby improving light utilization efficiency according to the orientation characteristics required for displaying the real image V1 and the virtual image V2, respectively.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the HUD device 1 of this embodiment, when displaying the real image V1, the first control unit 13A increases the mounting density of the light sources 14A that are lit on the outer edge side of the long side of the first light source circuit board 140A on which the first light source 14A of the first backlight 12A is mounted, thereby further reducing the difference (change) in brightness (luminance) of the displayed images when the real image V1 is displayed and the virtual image V2 is displayed. In particular, when switching the display from the virtual image V2 to the real image V1, the outer edge becomes dark, which can suppress the discomfort felt by the occupant DR who is the viewer.

[0072] The control method for the head-up display device of the present embodiment includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 , a first backlight 12A including a plurality of first light sources 14A, a first display 11A that generates first display light L1 by transmitting illumination light from the first light sources 14A, a second backlight 12B including a plurality of second light sources 14B, a second display 11B that generates second display light L2 by transmitting illumination light from the second light sources 14B, a first reflecting member 22 that reflects the first display light L1 incident from one surface and transmits the second display light L2 incident from the other surface, and a second reflecting member 22 that reflects the first display light L1 reflected by the first reflecting member 22 or the second display light L2 transmitted through the first reflecting member 22 and guides it to an outlet 17. and an imaging optical system (2) including: a first display light (L1) that is emitted along a first optical path (OP1) reflected by a first reflecting member (22) to generate a real image (V1); and a second display light (L2) that is emitted along a second optical path (OP2) that passes through the first reflecting member (22) and is reflected by a second reflecting member (24) to form a virtual image (V2); a first control unit (14A) that controls the turning on and off of each of a plurality of light sources (14A) of the first backlight (12A); and a second control unit (13B) that controls the turning on and off of each of a plurality of light sources (14B) of the second backlight (12B); and a control method for controlling the HUD device (1) that emits the display lights (L1, L2) from an outlet (17) toward a light-transmitting member (WS) to visually recognize a virtual image (V2) or a real image (V1) of a display image represented by the first display light (L1) or the second display light (L2). The control method includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, steps of controlling at least some of the second light sources 14B to be lit when the second control unit 13B displays a virtual image V2 (see ST101 "M" to ST103), and steps of controlling at least some of the first light sources 14A to be lit when the first control unit displays a real image V1, and controlling the power consumption of the first light source 14A per area of ​​the first display 11A to be greater than the power consumption of the second light source 14B per area of ​​the second display 11B when the virtual image V2 is displayed (see ST101 "A", ST104, ST105, see step ST107).

[0073] In the control method of the HUD device 1 of this embodiment, illumination light emitted from a first light source 14A of a first backlight 12A for displaying a real image V1 is reflected by a first reflecting member 22 and emitted toward a translucent member WS via a second reflecting member 22 (first optical path OP1), and illumination light emitted from a first display 11A for generating a real image V1, which is a first display light L1, and a second light source 14B of a second backlight 12B for displaying a virtual image V2 is transmitted through the first reflecting member 22 and emitted toward a translucent member WS via a second reflecting member 24 (second optical path OP2). The display device is provided with a second display 11B that generates a virtual image V2, which is display light L2 of the second light source 14B. When the second control unit 13B displays the virtual image V2, the second control unit 13B controls so that at least a part of the second light source 14B is turned on, and when the first control unit 13A displays the real image V1, the first control unit 13A controls so that at least a part of the first light source 14A is turned on. The display device is also configured to have a control procedure (see FIG. 5) that controls so that the power consumption of the first light source 14A per area of ​​the first display 11A is greater than the power consumption of the second light source 14B per area of ​​the second display 11B when the virtual image V2 is displayed.

[0074] Therefore, according to the control method of the HUD device 1 of this embodiment, when the virtual image V2 is displayed, the second control unit 13B turns on all the second light sources 14B of the second backlight 12B, and when the real image V1 is displayed, the first control unit 13A turns on all the first light sources 14A of the first backlight 12A and increases the value of the current (current value) flowing through one first light source, thereby increasing the power per area consumed by the first light source 14A compared to when the virtual image V2 is displayed, thereby improving the brightness (luminance) when the real image V1 is displayed.As a result, the difference (change) in the brightness (luminance) of the displayed images when the real image V1 and the virtual image V2 are displayed can be reduced, and the discomfort felt by the occupant DR, who is the viewer, when switching the display can be suppressed. Furthermore, the second control unit 13B may turn on some of the second light sources 14B of the second backlight 12B when the virtual image V2 is displayed, and the first control unit 13A may turn on all of the second light sources 14A of the first backlight 12A when the real image V1 is displayed. In this case, the brightness of each light source may be the same for both the real image V1 and the virtual image V2, or the light source may be controlled to be brighter when the real image V1 is displayed. Furthermore, the control method for the HUD device 1 of this embodiment enables optimal lens design that takes into account the light distribution characteristics of both the virtual image V2 and the real image V1. This ensures appropriate brightness and uniformity for both the virtual image V2 and the real image V1, thereby improving display quality.

[0075] In this embodiment, the windshield WS is used as the light-transmitting member, but a flat glass or a combiner may also be used.

[0076] The present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments, and those skilled in the art will be able to easily modify the above-described exemplary embodiments to the extent that they fall within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Head-up display device (HUD device), 2 Imaging optical system, 10A Image generation unit (PGU-1), 10B Image generation unit (PGU-2), 11A First display, 11B Second display, 12A First backlight, 12B Second backlight, 13A First control unit, 13B Second control unit, 14A First light source, 14B Second light source, 17 Light outlet , 20... Switch, 30... Various devices, 21... First reflecting member, 22... Second reflecting member, 111... Display element, 131... Display control section, 132... Display driving section, 133... Light source driving section, 140A... First light source circuit board, 140B... Second light source circuit board, V1... Real image, V2... Virtual image, L1... First display light, L2... Second display light, OP1... First optical path, OP2... Second optical path

Claims

1. A head-up display device having an emission port, and emitting display light from the emission port toward a light-transmitting member to allow a virtual image and a real image of a display image represented by the display light to be visually recognized, a first backlight including a first light source; a first display that transmits illumination light from the first light source to generate first display light; a second backlight including a second light source; a second display that transmits illumination light from the second light source to generate second display light; an imaging optical system including: a first reflecting member that reflects the first display light incident from one surface and transmits the second display light incident from the other surface; and a second reflecting member that reflects the first display light reflected by the first reflecting member or the second display light transmitted through the first reflecting member and guides it to the exit, wherein the first display light is emitted along a first optical path where it is reflected by the first reflecting member to generate the real image, and the second display light is emitted along a second optical path where it is transmitted through the first reflecting member and reflected by the second reflecting member to form the virtual image; a first control unit that controls turning on and off of each of the plurality of light sources of the first backlight; a second control unit that controls turning on and off each of the plurality of light sources of the second backlight, When the second control unit displays the virtual image, Controlling the second light sources so that at least some of them are turned on; When the first control unit displays the real image, A head-up display device that controls so that at least a portion of the first light source is lit, and controls so that the power consumption of the first light source per area of ​​the first display is greater than the power consumption of the second light source per area of ​​the second display when the virtual image is displayed.

2. The first control unit 2. The head-up display device according to claim 1, wherein when the real image is displayed, the second control unit controls the current value of the current flowing through the first light source to be increased compared to when the virtual image is displayed.

3. The first control device The head-up display device according to claim 1 , wherein when the real image is displayed, the second control unit controls the number of the first light sources to be turned on to be increased compared to when a virtual image is displayed.

4. The first control unit 2. The head-up display device according to claim 1, wherein when the real image is displayed, the second control unit increases the current value of the current flowing through the first light source and controls the number of times the first light source is turned on, compared to when the virtual image is displayed.

5. The first control unit irradiating the illumination light from the first light source so as to converge on the first display; The second control unit 2. The head-up display device according to claim 1, wherein the illumination light from the second light source is irradiated onto the second display in a divergent manner.

6. The first control unit 2. The head-up display device according to claim 1, wherein, when the real image is displayed, the second control unit controls the mounting density of the first light source that is lit on the outer edge side of the long side of a light source circuit mounting substrate consisting of a rectangular area on which the first light source is mounted to be increased compared to the mounting density of the second light source that is lit in the inner area on the outer edge side, compared to when the second control unit displays the virtual image.

7. a first backlight including a plurality of first light sources; a first display that generates first display light by transmitting illumination light from the first light sources; a second backlight including a plurality of second light sources; a second display that generates second display light by transmitting illumination light from the second light sources; a first reflecting member that reflects the first display light incident from one surface and transmits the second display light incident from the other surface; and a second reflecting member that reflects the first display light reflected by the first reflecting member or the second display light transmitted through the first reflecting member and guides it to the outlet, a control method for a head-up display device including: an imaging optical system that emits first display light along a first optical path reflected by a reflecting member to generate the real image, and emits the second display light along a second optical path that passes through the first reflecting member and is reflected by the second reflecting member to form the virtual image; a first control unit that controls turning on and off each of a plurality of light sources of the first backlight; and a second control unit that controls turning on and off each of the plurality of light sources of the second backlight, and the control method causes a virtual image or a real image of a display image represented by the first display light or the second display light to be visually recognized by emitting the display light from an emission port toward a translucent member, The second control unit When the virtual image is displayed, controlling the second light sources so that at least a part of the second light sources is turned on; The first control unit a step of controlling the first light source so that at least a portion of the first light source is lit when the real image is displayed, and controlling the power consumption of the first light source per area of ​​the first display to be greater than the power consumption of the second light source per area of ​​the second display when the virtual image is displayed.

Images