Display control device, display device, and display control method

Abstract

To electrically control switching of two display units and thereby shorten the time required for switching when displaying a virtual image and a real image.SOLUTION: When carrying out some start step of a start sequence on one of two display units 11A and 11B, a display control device 50 executes, in conjunction with the start step, first and second interlock control to carry out some start step on the other of the display units in parallel. When executing each step of an end sequence on one of the display units, the display control device carries out third interlock control on the other of the display units in parallel. Thus, a start step not started yet is carried out on the other of the display units in parallel, and control is exercised at this time so that the on-period of backlight in one of the display units and the on-period of backlight in the other of the display units do not overlap.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display control device, a display device, a display control method, etc., that are mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a head-up display (HUD) device that can switch between displaying a virtual image and a real image.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, switching between a virtual image and a real image is achieved by mechanically changing the relative positions of the liquid crystal panel (object under observation), the dihedral corner reflector array, and the reflective member (FIG. 12,

[0050] , etc.). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-70074 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The HUD device of Patent Document 1 switches between a virtual image and a real image by mechanical control, and therefore requires a considerable amount of time for this switching.

[0006] The inventors of the present invention have investigated electrically switching images. Electrical switching can shorten the switching time compared to mechanical switching. However, as a result of the above investigation, the following points became clear. (1) For example, consider a case where a first display unit for displaying a virtual image and having a first backlight and a second display unit for displaying a real image and having a second backlight are provided, and electrical switching control is implemented to electrically select which of the first and second display units to use. (2) In this case, if unused display units are left in an operating state, the current consumption increases. Therefore, in order to meet the demand for low power consumption, it is conceivable that only the display units in use will be set to operating mode, while the unused display units, in other words, the non-display display units, will be set to the non-operating mode, which consumes the least current, and put into standby mode. However, in this configuration, when switching the display unit, it is necessary to switch the display unit after switching from a non-operating mode to an operating mode, which causes a considerable delay in switching the display unit to be used. (3) When switching between display units to be used, the display unit in use must be switched to a non-display state, while the display unit that has not been used must be switched to a display state.

[0007] Here, for example, if a delay occurs during the transition to the non-display state, causing a delay in turning off the backlight of the display unit during that transition, it is possible that the on period of the backlight of the display unit during that transition will overlap with the on period of the backlight of the display unit transitioning to the display state. In this case, both the real image and the virtual image are perceived by the viewer, and it is not possible to achieve a proper image display. (4) In order to prevent problems such as those described in (3) above, it is preferable to allow sufficient time between the process of transitioning a display unit currently in use to a non-display state and the process of transitioning a display unit that has not been used up until now to a display state. In other words, although electrical switching control has the potential to complete switching much faster than conventional methods, this potential is not fully utilized.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to reduce the time required for switching when two display units are electrically switched between and display a virtual image and a real image.

[0009] 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]

[0010] 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.

[0011] In a first aspect according to the present invention, a display control device is mounted on a vehicle and is capable of switching between a virtual image and a real image as an image to be viewed by a viewer who is an occupant of the vehicle, the display device having a first display unit for displaying a virtual image and having a first backlight, and a second display unit for displaying a real image and having a second backlight, and the display control device performs switching control to switch between using the first and second display units, wherein activation of the first and second display units is performed by a startup sequence, and termination of display of the first and second display units is performed by an end sequence. The start-up and end sequences are performed by a sequence, and each of the start-up and end sequences is a control that sequentially advances each control step in accordance with a predetermined order or procedure, and the start-up sequence includes a first start-up step of releasing the reset of the first and second display units, a second start-up step of starting input of a video signal to the first and second display units, a third start-up step of inputting a display-on command to the first and second display units to turn on the display, and a fourth start-up step of turning on the first and second backlights of the first and second display units, The termination sequence includes a first termination stage in which the first and second backlights of the first and second display units are turned off, a second termination stage in which a display-off command is input to the first and second display units to turn the display off, a third termination stage in which input of a video signal to the first and second display units is terminated, and a fourth termination stage in which the first and second display units are reset. In each of the start-up and termination sequences, the sequence is completed by executing all stages, but if the sequence is stopped at an intermediate stage, the first and second display units: The display control device enters a low power consumption mode in which current consumption is set lower than during normal operation, and when the display control device releases reset and executes the first startup stage for either one of the first or second display units, it executes first interlocking control for starting the first startup stage for either one of the other display units in parallel in conjunction with the start timing of the startup stage for either one of the first or second display units, and when the display control device starts inputting a video signal to execute the second startup stage for either one of the first or second display units, it executes first interlocking control for starting the first startup stage for either one of the other display unitsA second interlocking control is executed to start the second start-up stage in parallel in conjunction with the timing at which the input of the video signal to one of the display units starts or ends, and then, only in one of the display units, the third start-up stage is executed by inputting the display-on command, and the fourth start-up stage is executed by turning on one of the first and second backlights, thereby starting the display of the video on one of the display units, and then, the display of the video on one of the display units is started. When one of the display units performs the first to fourth termination steps to terminate the display, a third interlocking control is executed in which, during the termination period of the display, the third activation step by inputting a display-on command in the other of the first and second display units and the fourth activation step of turning on the other of the first and second backlights are executed in parallel, and the lighting period of one of the first and second backlights does not overlap with the lighting period of the other of the first and second backlights.

[0012] In the first aspect, when controlling the switching between the first and second display units, the operations of the first and second display units are overlapped in time and performed in parallel in order to reduce the time required for the switching. When the operation of each display unit is performed in parallel, allowing for temporal overlap, the display unit that is not currently being used to display an image will operate, which inevitably increases current consumption. However, in this embodiment, an ingenious sequence is adopted in which the start-up and shutdown sequences for each display unit are completed by executing all steps, but if the sequence is stopped at an intermediate step, the first and second display units enter a low power consumption mode in which current consumption is set lower than during normal operation. Therefore, even if some sequence steps are executed for a display unit that is not currently being used to display an image, the current consumption will be low, lower than the normal operating current, and therefore the increase in current consumption will be slight and not particularly problematic. Furthermore, in this embodiment, instead of the conventional "individual control" in which the operation of each display unit is controlled individually, "interlocking control" is performed. "Linked control" is a control in which the operation timing of either the first or second display unit is automatically determined in linkage with the reference operation timing of the other display unit. If the operation of the first and second display units is controlled separately, for example, even if a delay occurs in the operation of one of the display units, the other display unit will continue to operate without taking that delay into account, which could result in a loss of consistency between the operations of the display units, and could result in inconveniences such as both display units displaying images simultaneously.

[0013] By implementing linked control, even if the operation timing of one of the display units fluctuates, that fluctuation will occur in the same way in the operation timing of the other display unit, so the relative relationship of the operation timing between the display units, in other words, temporal consistency, is always maintained, thereby reliably suppressing the above-mentioned inconveniences. The interlocking control performed in this embodiment includes first, second, and third interlocking controls. The "first interlocking control" is an interlocking control in which, when a first startup stage is carried out to release one of the display units from reset and make it operable, the first startup stage is carried out for the other display unit in conjunction with that timing (for example, simultaneously and synchronously, or at a timing delayed by a predetermined time from that timing), to release the reset and make it operable. When the reset state is released for one of the display units, the reset state is also released for the other display unit, making it possible to overlap the operations of the display units in time and perform them in parallel. The "second linked control" is a linked control in which, when the input of a video signal is started for one of the display units to execute the second startup stage, the second startup stage is started in parallel for the other display unit in conjunction with the timing at which the input of the video signal for the other display unit starts or ends. By implementing the second interlocking control, when a video signal is input to one of the display units, a video signal is also input to the other of the display units in sync with this, thereby completing the first and second startup stages, which are prerequisites for displaying an image, for the other of the display units. In other words, this second interlocking control can put the other of the display units into a standby state awaiting the third and fourth startup stages (input of a display-on command, lighting up of the backlight). The "first and second linked controls" described above are controls in which the "start-up period" of one display unit and the "start-up period" of the other display unit overlap in time and proceed in parallel. Next, the "third interlocking control" is carried out. This "third interlocking control" is a control in which the "end period" of one of the display units and the "start period" of the other display unit overlap in time and proceed in parallel. In other words, in the "third linked control," when the first to fourth termination stages are carried out to terminate the display on one of the display units displaying an image, during the termination period of that display, the third startup stage by inputting a display-on command on the other of the first and second display units and the fourth startup stage of turning on the other of the first and second backlights are carried out in parallel, and at this time, the linked control is carried out so that the lighting period of either the first or second backlight does not overlap with the lighting period of the other of the first and second backlights. As explained above, with linked control, the operation timing of one display unit can be linked with the operation timing of the other display unit, and the relationship (consistency) between the respective timings can be determined in advance. By utilizing this advantage, it is possible to reliably avoid the first and second backlights from lighting up simultaneously (each displaying an image at the same time). Furthermore, in the "third interlocking control," as described above, simultaneous lighting of the first and second backlights can be reliably avoided, and therefore the margin period for avoiding simultaneous lighting can be set to a minimum. In other words, in the "third interlocking control," the time allowance for avoiding simultaneous lighting can be minimized, and in this respect, the switching speed of the display unit can be increased. Therefore, according to this aspect, it is possible to quickly switch between image displays on a plurality of display units while reliably preventing a plurality of images from being displayed simultaneously through electrical switching control.

[0014] In a second aspect dependent on the first aspect, when, in the second interlocking control, the display control device executes the second startup stage in the other of the first and second display units in conjunction with the timing at which the input of a video signal in one of the first and second display units starts to start, in the third interlocking control, the display control device may execute the first termination stage in one of the first and second display units to turn off one of the first and second backlights at a first timing, and subsequently execute the second termination stage at a second timing at which a predetermined first delay time has elapsed from the first timing to turn the display off, and may execute the third startup stage in the other of the first and second display units at the first timing to turn the display on, and execute the fourth startup stage at the second timing to turn on the other of the first and second backlights.

[0015] The second aspect shows an example of a preferred control of the third interlocking control in the case where, in the second interlocking control, the second startup stage is executed on the other of the first and second display units in conjunction with the "input start timing" of the video signal on either the first or second display unit to start input of the video signal. A shutdown sequence is executed on one of the display units. First, a first shutdown stage is executed to turn off either the first or second backlight at a "first timing." Subsequently, at a "second timing" when a predetermined "first delay time" has elapsed from the first timing, a second ending stage is executed to turn off the display. On the other hand, in the other display unit, the third and fourth start-up sequences are executed in parallel with the shutdown sequence of the other display unit. At this time, at the above-mentioned "first timing", the third start-up stage is executed to turn on the display. Also, at the above-mentioned "second timing," the fourth startup stage is executed to turn on the other of the first and second backlights. Since the backlight of one of the display units is turned off at the "first timing," there is no possibility of two backlights being turned on simultaneously. Therefore, at this "first timing," in other words, at the shortest possible timing without any redundant time margin, the third startup stage is performed on the other of the display units, and the display is turned on. This reduces the time required for display switching. Next, in one of the display units, the second ending stage is carried out at the "second timing" when the "first delay time" has elapsed since the "first timing" to turn off the display. At this time, in either of the other display units, the fourth start-up stage is performed at the second timing described above, and the backlight is turned on. This interlocking control ensures that the backlight of one of the display units is turned off at a second timing, which is the first delay time after the first timing at which the backlight is turned off on the other display unit, and there is always a "first delay time" between the turning-off of each backlight, thereby reliably preventing two backlights from being turned on simultaneously, thereby preventing the inconvenience of two display units operating simultaneously to display images. In this way, according to the second aspect, the time margin is minimized to achieve time saving, and the third interlocking control is implemented so that a predetermined delay time (first delay time) is set between the off timings of the two backlights. Therefore, the shutdown process of one display unit and the startup process of the other can be carried out in parallel without wasting time, and the simultaneous lighting of two backlights can be reliably prevented.

[0016] In a third aspect dependent on the first aspect, when the second interlocking control is performed by executing the second activation step in the other of the first and second display units to start input of a video signal in conjunction with a timing at which input of a video signal in one of the first and second display units ends, the display control device executes the first termination step in the one of the first and second display units to turn off one of the first and second backlights at a first timing, and subsequently, when a predetermined first delay time has elapsed from the first timing, At a second timing, the second and third termination steps may be executed to turn the display off and terminate the input of the video signal, and in the other of the first and second display units, the second startup step may be executed at the second timing to start the input of the video signal, and at a third timing when a predetermined second delay time has elapsed from the second timing, the third startup step may be executed to turn the display on, and at a fourth timing when a predetermined third delay time has elapsed from the third timing, the fourth startup step may be executed to turn on the other of the first and second backlights.

[0017] The third aspect shows an example of a preferred control of the third interlocking control in which, in the second interlocking control, the second startup stage is executed on the other of the first and second display units in conjunction with the "end timing" of the video signal on either the first or second display unit to start inputting the video signal.

[0018] In the third mode, the same interlocking control as in the second mode described above is also performed. However, in this mode, the timing of inputting the video signal to either of the other display units is delayed compared to the second mode, which means there is less time to spare, making it difficult to control the backlight until it lights up. In other words, it is necessary to take measures in anticipation of the possibility that the timing of the video signal in either of the other display units is delayed for some reason. In the third mode, first, as in the previous second mode, a first termination stage is executed in one of the display units, and either the first or second backlight is turned off at the "first timing." Subsequently, at the "second timing" when a predetermined "first delay time" has elapsed from the "first timing", the second and third termination steps are executed simultaneously to turn off the display and terminate the input of the video signal. In the second aspect, the video signal is input before the second timing, and only the second termination step of turning off the display is performed at the second timing. In the third aspect, the input of the video signal also terminates at the second timing. In this respect, the third aspect differs from the second aspect. Furthermore, the input of the video signal to either of the other display units starts in conjunction with the “second timing.” In other words, the video signal is switched at the “second timing.” Next, at the "third timing" when a predetermined "second delay time" has elapsed since the "second timing", a third startup stage is executed to turn on the display, and then, at the "fourth timing" when a predetermined "third delay time" has elapsed since the "third timing", a fourth startup stage is executed to turn on the other of the first and second backlights. In the above-described interlocking control, after the backlight of one of the display units is turned off at a first timing, a "first delay time," a "second delay time," and a "third delay time" are required before the backlight of the other display unit is turned on. In the second aspect, only the first delay time was provided, but in this aspect, taking into consideration unforeseen circumstances such as delays that may occur when switching video signals, a second and third delay time are provided as a precaution to prevent the two backlights from being turned on simultaneously. As a result, in this embodiment, the end of the video signal for one of the display units and the start of the video signal for the other of the display units can be performed at the same time, and the end process for one of the display units and the start process for the other of the display units can be performed in parallel without any wasted time, and simultaneous lighting of two backlights can be reliably prevented.

[0019] In a fourth aspect dependent on the third aspect, when the display control device inputs a video signal for each of the first and second display units, the display control device may supply the video signal for each of the first and second display units via a common signal line, and may control a path of a selector connected to the common signal line using a selection signal, thereby determining to which of the first and second display units the video signal supplied via the common signal line is to be input.

[0020] According to the fourth aspect, the signal lines for supplying video signals to the first and second display units can be made common, and the configuration for inputting video signals to the display units can be simplified.

[0021] In a fifth aspect, the display device is mounted on a vehicle and is capable of allowing a viewer, who is a passenger in the vehicle, to switch between viewing a virtual image or a real image, and has a first display unit for displaying a virtual image, which is provided with a first backlight, a second display unit for displaying a real image, which is provided with a second backlight, and a display control device of any one of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0022] According to the fifth aspect, it is possible to realize a display device that can quickly switch between a virtual image and a real image while reliably preventing images from being displayed simultaneously on each display section.

[0023] In a sixth aspect dependent on the fifth aspect, the display device may be a head-up display device having an exit window, and emitting display light generated by the first or second display unit from the exit window, thereby allowing a viewer to view a virtual image and a real image represented by the display light.

[0024] According to the sixth aspect, it is possible to realize a head-up display device that can quickly switch between a virtual image and a real image while reliably preventing images from being displayed simultaneously on each display unit.

[0025] In a seventh aspect, a display control method is a display control method for a display device that is mounted on a vehicle and is capable of allowing a viewer who is a passenger in the vehicle to view by switching between a virtual image and a real image, the display device having a first display unit for displaying a virtual image and having a first backlight, and a second display unit for displaying a real image and having a second backlight, the display control method performing switching control to switch between using the first and second display units, wherein activation of the first and second display units is performed by a startup sequence, and termination of display on the first and second display units is performed by a termination sequence. The start-up and end sequences are controls that sequentially advance each control step in accordance with a predetermined order or procedure, and the start-up sequence includes a first start-up step of releasing the reset of the first and second display units, a second start-up step of starting input of a video signal to the first and second display units, a third start-up step of inputting a display-on command to the first and second display units to turn on the display, and a fourth start-up step of turning on the first and second backlights of the first and second display units. a second termination step of inputting a display-off command to the first and second display units to turn off the display; a third termination step of terminating the input of video signals to the first and second display units; and a fourth termination step of resetting the first and second display units. Each of the start-up and termination sequences is completed by executing all steps, but in a state where the sequence is stopped at an intermediate step, the first and second display units operate in a low-power mode in which current consumption is set lower than during normal operation. In the power mode, when the display control is performed, if the reset of either the first or second display unit is released and the first startup stage is executed, a first linkage control is executed to start the first startup stage of either the other display unit in parallel in linkage with the start timing of the startup stage of either one of the display units, and if the input of a video signal is started and the second startup stage is executed, the input of a video signal of either one of the first or second display unit is started and the second startup stage is executed,A second interlocking control is executed to start the second startup stage in parallel in conjunction with the timing when the input of the video signal ends, and then, only in one of the display units, the third startup stage is executed by inputting the display-on command, and the fourth startup stage is executed by turning on one of the first and second backlights, thereby starting the display of an image in one of the display units, and then, in one of the display units displaying the image, the first to fourth termination stages are executed to terminate the display. In this case, during the end period of the display, the third activation stage by inputting a display-on command in the other of the first and second display units and the fourth activation stage of turning on the other of the first and second backlights are performed in parallel, and the lighting period of one of the first and second backlights in either the first or second display unit does not overlap with the lighting period of the other of the first and second backlights in the other of the first and second display units, thereby executing a third linked control.

[0026] According to the seventh aspect, it is possible to realize a display control method that can quickly switch between a virtual image and a real image while reliably preventing images from being displayed simultaneously on each display unit.

[0027] 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]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a head-up display device as a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual image display and an example of a real image display by a head-up display. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing examples of the configuration of lenses and the like in the first and second display units. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a display control device and an example of display control by the display control device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an example of interlocking control by the display control device in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a timing chart of a comparative example to FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a main control procedure corresponding to the interlocking control of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of a display control device and another example of display control by the display control device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing an example of interlocking control by the display control device in the example of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a timing chart of a comparative example to FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a main control procedure corresponding to the interlocking control of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] 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 embodiments described below.

[0030] (First embodiment) Please refer to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a head-up display device as a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] A head-up display (HUD) device 100 mounted on a vehicle 1 has a first image generation unit PGU-1 (PGU: Picture Generation Unit), a second image generation unit PGU-2, and an optical system 2, which are provided inside a housing 19 having an exit window 17.

[0032] The first image generation unit PGU-1 includes a first display unit 11A and a first control unit (display control unit) 13A. The second image generation unit PGU-2 includes a second display unit 11B and a second control unit (display control unit) 13B.

[0033] The first display unit 11A includes a first light source unit, in other words, a first backlight 9A, and a first liquid crystal display unit (first liquid crystal panel) 126A formed on a circuit board 130A.

[0034] The second display unit 11B includes a second light source unit 9B, in other words, a second backlight 9B, and a second liquid crystal display unit (second liquid crystal panel) 126B formed on a circuit board 130B.

[0035] The first light source unit (first backlight) 9A includes a light source circuit board 12A and a plurality of light emitting elements (LEDs (Light Emitted Diodes) or the like) 122A formed on the light source circuit board 12A. The second light source unit (second backlight) 9B includes a light source circuit board 12B and a plurality of light emitting elements (LEDs or the like) 122B formed on the light source circuit board 12B. Note that configuration examples of lenses and the like in the first and second light source units 9A and 9B will be described later.

[0036] The first control unit 13A uses a control signal SG1 to control the operation of the first light source unit (first backlight) 9A and the first liquid crystal display unit (liquid crystal panel) 126A in the first display unit 11A. The second control unit 13B uses a control signal SG2 to control the operation of the first light source unit (first backlight) 9B and the second liquid crystal display unit 126B in the second display unit 11B.

[0037] The first and second control units 13A and 13B constitute a display control device (not shown in FIG. 1, reference numeral 50 in FIG. 5).

[0038] Furthermore, the first and second control units 13A and 13B communicate with each other using a control signal SG3 or the like, and can perform linked control, which will be described later.

[0039] The optical system 2 includes, as its components, a first curved mirror 22 that is light reflective and transmissive (in other words, a curved lens that is light reflective and transmissive) and a second curved mirror (concave mirror or the like) that reflects light 24. The optical system 2 may also include, as its components, a windshield WS as a projection target member of the vehicle 1.

[0040] In the drawing, an optical path L1 indicated by a solid line indicates a representative optical path (main path along the optical axis) of display light for an image generated by the first display unit 11A included in the first image generation unit PGU-1.

[0041] The display light generated by the first display unit 11A is emitted through the exit window 17 of the HUD device 100, and passes through the optical path L1 to be incident on the eye (viewpoint) EY of the viewer DR, who is a passenger (driver, etc.) of the vehicle 1, located at the eyebox EB.

[0042] As a result, the image generated by the first display unit 11A is visually recognized as a real image RV on the virtual real image display surface RS.

[0043] In the drawing, an optical path L2 indicated by a dashed line indicates a representative optical path (main path along the optical axis) of display light for an image generated by the second display unit 11B included in the second image generation unit PGU-2.

[0044] The display light generated by the second display unit 11B is emitted through the exit window 17 of the HUD device 100, and passes through the optical path L2 to be incident on the eye (viewpoint) EY of the viewer DR, who is a passenger (driver, etc.) of the vehicle 1, located at the eyebox EB.

[0045] As a result, the image generated by the second display unit 11B is viewed as a virtual image V on a virtual image display surface VS.

[0046] Next, reference is made to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual image display and an example of a real image display by a head-up display. In Fig. 2, parts common to Fig. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0047] 2, a vehicle 1 is traveling on a road surface 4. During this traveling period, a virtual image V1 such as a road sign can be displayed on a virtual virtual image display surface VS that is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the road surface 4.

[0048] Furthermore, inside the vehicle 1, in other words, inside the windshield WS, a real image RV1 of a guide icon that provides guidance on a driving route or the like can be displayed on a virtual real image display surface RS.

[0049] In this embodiment, switching between the virtual image V1 and the real image RV1 is performed by electrical control, and by adopting parallel control and multiple linked controls, it is possible to achieve high-speed switching while preventing the images from overlapping in time.

[0050] Next, let us refer to Fig. 3. Fig. 3(A) and (B) are diagrams showing examples of the configuration of lenses, etc. in the first and second display units. In Fig. 3, parts that are common to the previous drawings are given the same reference numerals.

[0051] 3A shows an example of the lens configuration of the first display unit 11A. The first display unit 11A has a light source circuit board 12A, a plurality of light-emitting elements (such as LEDs) 122A formed on the light source circuit board 12A, a condenser lens 123A, a first lenticular lens 124A for the first display unit, a second lenticular lens 125 for the first display unit, a diffuser plate 127A, and a first liquid crystal display unit (liquid crystal panel) 126A.

[0052] The light exit surface of the second lenticular lens 125 is a toroidal surface having a convex shape. By forming the light exit surface in a convex shape, it is possible to narrow the light distribution characteristics in both the H direction and the V direction.

[0053] Display light generated by the first display unit 11A travels along an optical path L1 via a first curved mirror (curved lens) 22, a second curved mirror 24 (not shown in FIG. 3A), and a windshield WS, and reaches the eyebox EB. As a result, a real image RV is displayed.

[0054] 3B shows an example of the lens configuration of the second display unit 11B. The second display unit 11B has a light source circuit board 12B, a plurality of light-emitting elements (such as LEDs) 122B formed on the light source circuit board 12B, a condenser lens 123B, a first lenticular lens 124B for the second display unit, a second lenticular lens 129, a diffuser plate 127B, and a second liquid crystal display unit (liquid crystal panel) 126B.

[0055] The light exit surface of the second lenticular lens 129 is a toroidal surface having a concave shape. By forming the light exit surface into a concave shape, it is possible to widen the light distribution characteristics in both the H direction and the V direction.

[0056] The display light generated by the second display unit 11B travels along an optical path L2 via a first curved mirror (curved lens) 22, a second curved mirror 24 (not shown in FIG. 3A), and a windshield WS, and reaches the eyebox EB. As a result, a virtual image V is displayed.

[0057] Next, reference will be made to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a display control device and an example of display control by the display control device.

[0058] The display control device (or display device) 50 has a first control unit 13A and a second control unit 13B. The display control device 50 (first control unit 13A and second control unit 13B) is a controller that controls the first display unit 11A and the second display unit 11B, and includes a processor configured with electronic circuits (hardware) that realizes predetermined functions by executing programs (software). In other words, the display control device 50 can be configured with various processors such as a CPU, MPU, GPU, DSU, FPGA, ASIC, etc. The display control device 50 may be configured with one or more processors.

[0059] The first control unit 13A supplies a video signal VID1 and a control signal TFTC1 to a first liquid crystal panel (first liquid crystal display unit) 126A using TFTs (Thin Film Transistors) included in the first display unit 11A, and also supplies a control signal BL1 to a first backlight (first light source unit) 9A.

[0060] The second control unit 13B supplies a video signal VID2 and a control signal TFTC2 to a second liquid crystal panel (second liquid crystal display unit) 126B using TFTs included in the second display unit 11B, and also supplies a control signal BL2 to a second backlight (second light source unit) 9B.

[0061] The display control device 50 performs a predetermined start-up sequence and a predetermined shutdown sequence when starting up and shutting down the first and second display units 11A and 11B.

[0062] Note that the above control signals "TFTC1, TFTC2, BL1, BL2" are generic terms, and specifically, multiple types of control signals are used, as will be described later.

[0063] In addition, each of the startup and shutdown sequences is a control in which each control stage is advanced sequentially in accordance with a predetermined order or procedure, and the startup sequence includes a first startup stage in which the first and second display units 11A and 11B are released from reset, a second startup stage in which input of a video signal to the first and second display units 11A and 11B is initiated, a third startup stage in which a display-on command is input to the first and second display units 11A and 11B to turn them on, and a fourth startup stage in which the first and second backlights 9A and 9B in the first and second display units 11A and 11B are turned on.

[0064] The termination sequence includes a first termination stage in which the first and second backlights 9A and 9B in the first and second display units 11A and 11B are turned off; a second termination stage in which a display-off command is input to the first and second display units 11A and 11B to turn them off; a third termination stage in which the input of video signals to the first and second display units 11A and 11B is terminated; and a fourth termination stage in which the first and second display units 11A and 11B are reset.

[0065] In each of the above startup and shutdown sequences, the sequence is completed by executing all steps, but if the sequence is stopped at an intermediate step, the first and second display units 11A and 11B enter a low power consumption mode in which current consumption is set lower than during normal operation, and are designed to reduce current consumption.

[0066] Next, reference will be made to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Fig. 5 is a timing chart showing an example of interlocking control by the display control device in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a timing chart of a comparative example to Fig. 5.

[0067] First, let us refer to the comparative example (an example in which the display control of the present invention is not used) in Fig. 6. In Fig. 6, at time t1, the "first TFT-RES and second TFT-RES, which are control signals for releasing reset" supplied to the first and second liquid crystal panels 126A and 126B, respectively, are both at L level (in other words, inactive level).

[0068] At time t2, the first TFT-RES goes to H level (in other words, active level), and the reset of the first liquid crystal panel 126A in the first display unit 11A is released and the first liquid crystal panel 126A becomes operable. After that, at time t9, the first TFT-RES goes to L level (inactive level), and the display on the first display unit 11A ends.

[0069] Subsequently, at time t15, the second TFT-RES, which is a control signal, goes to H level (active level), and the second liquid crystal panel 126B in the second display unit 11B is released from reset and becomes operable. After that, at time t16, the second TFT-RES goes to L level (inactive level), and the display on the second display unit 11B ends.

[0070] In the example of FIG. 6, after the display operation of the first display section 11A is completed, the display operation of the second display section 11B is started, so it is inevitable that the display switching time will be long.

[0071] Therefore, in the display control of this embodiment shown in Figure 6, the processing of one of the first and second display units 11A, 11B and the processing of the other are overlapped in time and processed in parallel, thereby speeding up display switching.

[0072] However, in this case, if each process is performed separately under individual control, if a delay occurs in one of the processes, the other will continue processing without being aware of the delay, which increases the possibility that, for example, the first and second backlights 9A and 9B will be turned on simultaneously. Furthermore, if parallel processing is performed, two display units 11A and 11B will be in operation, which inevitably increases power consumption (current consumption).

[0073] In this embodiment, as explained above, the problem of increased power consumption (current consumption) is addressed by devising a startup and shutdown sequence so that if the device stops at an intermediate stage, it goes into standby mode and maintains a low power consumption state, thereby minimizing the increase in current consumption.

[0074] On the other hand, the risk of simultaneous display due to parallel processing is avoided by consecutively executing three linked controls (first, second, and third linked controls).

[0075] Here, "interlocking control" differs from "individual control" in that it is interlocked with the operation timing of one of the two. This is a timing control method that determines the operation timing of the other, and has the effect that once the timing of one is determined, the timing of the other is automatically determined.

[0076] Therefore, if a delay occurs in one timing, the other timing is also delayed in the same way, so that the relative time relationship between one timing and the other timing is always maintained as designed, thereby reliably preventing the two backlights 9A and 9B from being turned on simultaneously.

[0077] In this way, simultaneous on of the backlights is reliably prevented, unnecessary margin (margin for avoiding overlap) is minimized, and time is thoroughly reduced, thereby enabling safe and significant reduction in switching time compared to conventional methods.

[0078] Furthermore, the above-mentioned "first interlocking control" is a process in which, when the reset is released and the first startup stage is executed for either the first or second display unit 11A, 11B, the first startup stage (reset release) is started in parallel for either the other display unit in conjunction with the start timing of the startup stage of either one of the display units (specifically, this may be simultaneous, or may be the point at which a predetermined time has elapsed from the start timing).

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the above-mentioned "second interlocking control" is, for example, "a process in which, when the input of a video signal is started to execute the second startup stage for either the first or second display unit 11A, 11B, the second startup stage (input of a video signal) is started in parallel for either the other display unit in conjunction with the timing at which the input of the video signal for either the other display unit starts or the timing at which the input of the video signal ends."

[0080] Thereafter, in only one of the display units, a third startup stage (display on state) is executed by inputting a display on command, and a fourth startup stage (backlight on) is executed by turning on either the first or second backlight 9A, 9B, thereby starting the display of an image on either one of the display units.

[0081] The "third interlocking control" is a process that, when one of the display units displaying an image subsequently performs the first to fourth termination stages (display off state, backlight off, video signal stop, reset) to terminate the display, executes a third startup stage (display on state) in the other of the first and second display units 11A and 11B by inputting a display on command, for example, and a fourth startup stage (backlight on) in which the other of the first and second backlights is turned on, in parallel, during the display termination period, so that the lighting period of one of the first and second backlights 9A and 9B does not overlap with the lighting period of the other of the first and second backlights 9A and 9B. Note that the "third interlocking control" may also include the input stage of a video signal in the other of the display units (for example, in the cases of FIGS. 8 and 9; this will be described later).

[0082] The timing control shown in Fig. 5 will be explained below in order. Note that the notations "Min-I", "Normal-I", and "Low-I" in the figure mean "minimum operating current", "normal operating current in normal operating mode", and "low current consumption in low power consumption mode", respectively.

[0083] Also, "DONC" is a display-on command (a display-on command for setting the display to an on state), and "DOFC" is a display-off command (a display-off command for setting the display to an off state).

[0084] In FIG. 5, at time t1, the first TFT-RES and second TFT-RES, which are control signals for releasing the reset, supplied to each of the first and second liquid crystal panels 126A and 126B, are both at L level (in other words, inactive level).

[0085] At time t2, the first TFT-RES goes to H level (in other words, active level), and the first liquid crystal panel 126A in the first display unit 11A is released from reset and becomes operable. In conjunction with the timing of the first TFT-RES changing to H level (in the example of FIG. 5, simultaneously and synchronously), the second TFT-RES also goes to H level (active level) (first interlocking control).

[0086] Subsequently, at time t3, a video signal VID1 is supplied to the first display unit 11A. In conjunction with the supply timing of this video signal (synchronously and simultaneously in FIG. 5), a video signal VID2 is also supplied to the second display unit 11B (second interlocking control).

[0087] Next, at time t4, a display-on command DONC is input to the first display unit 11A, causing the first display unit 11A to enter a display-on state. Subsequently, at time t5, which is a predetermined time ΔT1 after time t3, the first backlight 9A is turned on, and image display on the first display unit 11A begins.

[0088] Then, at time t6, the first backlight 9A is turned off. At time t7, which is a predetermined first delay time ΔT2 after time t6, a display-off command DOFC is input, thereby turning the first display unit 11A into a display-off state. Then, at time t8, which is a predetermined time ΔT3 after time t7, the input of the video signal VID1 ends. Subsequently, at time t9, which is a predetermined time ΔT4 after time t8, the first TFT-RES goes to the L level (inactive level), and the first display unit 11A enters a reset state.

[0089] On the other hand, at time t6, a display-on command DONC is input to the second display unit 11B, causing the second display unit 11B to enter a display-on state. Subsequently, at time t7, when the first delay time ΔT2 has elapsed since time t6, the second backlight 9B is turned on, and the second display unit 11B starts displaying an image (third interlocking control).

[0090] Then, at time t10, the second backlight 9B is turned off, and at time t11, a display-off command DOFC is input, causing the second display unit 11B to enter a display-off state. Then, at time t12, the input of the video signal VID2 ends, and then, at time t13, the second TFT-RES goes to the L level (inactive level), causing the first display unit 11A to enter a reset state. At time t14, the first and second display units 11A and 11B are in a non-display state.

[0091] During the third interlocking control period, as described above, the first backlight 9A is turned off at time t6 (first timing), eliminating the possibility of the two backlights 9A and 9B being turned on simultaneously. Therefore, the second display unit 11B can be turned on at the time t6 (first timing), in other words, at the shortest possible timing without any redundant time margin, thereby reducing the time required for switching the display.

[0092] In addition, in the second display section 11B, the second backlight 9B is turned on at time t7 (second timing) when the first delay time ΔT2 has elapsed since time t6 (first timing).

[0093] This interlocking control causes the second backlight 9B in the second display unit 11B to turn off at time t7 (second timing), which is the first delay time ΔT2 after time t6 (first timing) when the first backlight 9A in the first display unit 11A turns off. There is always a "first delay time ΔT2" between the turning-off of each backlight 9A, 9B, which reliably prevents the two backlights 9A, 9B from lighting up simultaneously. This prevents the two display units 11A, 11B from operating simultaneously to display images.

[0094] In this way, according to the display control of Figure 5, the time margin is minimized to achieve time saving, and the third linked control is implemented so that a predetermined delay time (first delay time) ΔT2 is set between the off timings of the two backlights 9A and 9B. Therefore, the shutdown process of the first display unit 11A and the startup process of the second display unit 11B can be performed in parallel without wasting time, and the two backlights 9A and 9B can be reliably prevented from lighting up simultaneously.

[0095] Next, reference is made to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the main control procedure corresponding to the interlocking control of Fig. 5.

[0096] As described above, in the example of FIG. 5, the start-up and shutdown sequences of the first and second display units are executed in parallel and in linked control (first to third linked control).

[0097] In step S1, a first interlocking control is performed. In this step S1, the start-up (reset release) of one of the display units is interlocked with the start-up (reset release) of the other display unit.

[0098] In step S2, a second interlocking control is performed, in which the start of one display unit (start of input of a video signal) is interlocked with the start of the other display unit (start of input of a video signal).

[0099] Next, in step S3, image display is started on one of the display units. In this step S3, start-up (display on, backlight on) is performed on one of the display units, and image display on one of the display units is started. At this time, the other display unit is in the middle of start-up (reset release, video signal input stage) and is in standby mode, so it continues in a low power consumption state and an increase in power consumption does not pose any particular problem.

[0100] Next, in step S4, the third interlocking control is performed. In this step S3, the end of one of the display units (backlight off, display off state) is interlocked with the start of the other of the display units (display on state, backlight on), eliminating unnecessary time to speed up the start of the other of the display units, and the operation timing is controlled so that a delay time (first delay time) ΔT2 always exists between the backlight turning off on one of the displays and the backlight turning on on the other.

[0101] (Second embodiment) Please refer to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of a display control device and another example of display control by the display control device. In Fig. 8, parts that are common to Fig. 4 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0102] The basic configuration and operation of the display device in Fig. 8 are similar to those of the display device in Fig. 4. In other words, display control device (or display device) 50 has a first control unit 13A and a second control unit 13B. First control unit 13A supplies a video signal VID1 and a control signal TFTC1 to a first liquid crystal panel (first liquid crystal display unit) 126A using TFTs included in first display unit 11A, and also supplies a control signal BL1 to a first backlight (first light source unit) 9A.

[0103] The second control unit 13B supplies a video signal VID2 and a control signal TFTC2 to a second liquid crystal panel (second liquid crystal display unit) 126B using TFTs included in the second display unit 11B, and also supplies a control signal BL2 to a second backlight (second light source unit) 9B.

[0104] Furthermore, the display control device 50 performs a predetermined start-up sequence and a predetermined shutdown sequence when starting up and shutting down the first and second display units 11A and 11B.

[0105] However, in FIG. 8, the two video signals VID1 and VID2 are supplied via a common signal line, and the selector 52 is switched appropriately so that the video signal VID1 is supplied to the first liquid crystal panel 126A and the video signal VID2 is supplied to the second liquid crystal panel 126B, which is a configuration that differs from FIG. 4 in this respect.

[0106] 8, a signal line LN1 that supplies a video signal VID1 and a signal line LN2 that supplies a video signal VID2 are connected to a common signal line LN3 at a common connection point. Each of the video signals VID1 and VID2 is supplied (transmitted) to a selector 52 via this common signal line LN3.

[0107] The first control unit 13A supplies the selector 52 with an output destination switching control signal ACT1 at an appropriate timing during the switching period of the video signal, and similarly, the second control unit 13B supplies the selector 52 with an output destination switching control signal ACT2 at an appropriate timing during the switching period of the video signal.

[0108] These output destination switching control signals ACT1 and ACT2 control the path of the selector 52, in other words, the output destination (supply destination or switching destination) of the video signals VID1 and VID2, and therefore each video signal VID1 and VID2 is supplied to each of the first and second liquid crystal panels 126A and 126B, respectively.

[0109] According to this configuration, the signal lines for supplying the video signals are common (unified), which simplifies the configuration for supplying the video signals VID1 and VID2 to the first and second display units 11A and 11B.

[0110] Next, reference will be made to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. Fig. 9 is a timing chart showing an example of interlocking control by the display control device in the example of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a timing chart of a comparative example to Fig. 9.

[0111] First, let us refer to the comparative example (an example in which the display control of the present invention is not used) in Fig. 10. In Fig. 10, the timing of the "first TFT-RES and second TFT-RES, which are control signals for releasing reset" supplied to the first and second liquid crystal panels 126A and 126B, respectively, is the same as in the example in Fig. 6.

[0112] In other words, also in the example of FIG. 10, after the display operation of the first display section 11A ends, the display operation of the second display section 11B starts, so it is undeniable that the display switching time is long.

[0113] However, FIG. 10 differs from FIG. 6 in that the input period of the video signal VID1 is from time t2 to t6, the supply of the video signal VID2 starts at time t6, and the input period of the video signal VID2 is from time t6 to t16.

[0114] In the example of Fig. 10, the input timing of the video signal VID2 is later than in the example of Fig. 6, so if the input timing of this video signal VID2 is delayed for some reason, there is a possibility that the first and second backlights 9A and 9B will be turned on simultaneously. Therefore, when adopting the configuration as shown in Fig. 10, it is necessary to take more careful measures, taking into consideration the possibility of a delay in the input timing of the video signal VID2.

[0115] Please refer to Fig. 9. The operation from time t1 to time t7 in Fig. 9 is the same as that in Fig. 5 described above, except for the part related to the input of the video signal.

[0116] 9, only the video signal VID1 is input to the first display section 11A at time t3, and the video signal VID2 is input to the second display section 11B at time t7.

[0117] In other words, in the example of Figure 9, in the second linked control, the input of the image signal VID2 to the second display unit 11B starts in conjunction with time t7, which is the "end timing" of the video signal VID1 to the first display unit 11A.

[0118] Therefore, the input timing of the video signal VID2 to the second display unit 11B is delayed compared to the example in Fig. 5, which means there is less time to spare, making it difficult to control the lighting up of the second backlight 9B. In other words, it is necessary to take measures in anticipation of a case where the timing of the video signal VID2 in the second display unit 11B is delayed for some reason.

[0119] In the example of FIG. 9, similarly to the previous example of FIG. 5, in the first display section 11A, the first backlight is turned off at time t6 (first timing).

[0120] At time t7 (second timing) when a predetermined first delay time ΔT2 has elapsed since time t6, the display-off command DOFC is input to the first display unit 11A and the video signal VID2 is stopped at the same time. As a result, the first display unit 11A enters the display-off state, and the video signal VID2 is also stopped at the same time.

[0121] In the second display section 11B, input of the video signal VID2 starts in conjunction with time t7 (second timing). In other words, switching between the video signals VID1 and VID2 is carried out at time t7 (second timing).

[0122] This switching process of the video signals VID1 and VID2 at time t7 (second timing) belongs to the second interlocking process described above, but it can also be said to be the start process of the third interlocking process that is performed following the second interlocking process, and therefore may be included in the third interlocking process.

[0123] Subsequently, at time t8' (third timing) when a predetermined "second delay time ΔT3" has elapsed since time t7 (second timing), a display-on command DONC is input to the second display unit 11B, and the display is turned on.

[0124] Subsequently, at time t8'' (fourth timing) when a predetermined "third delay time ΔT5" has elapsed since time t8' (third timing), the second backlight 9B is turned on (lit).

[0125] According to the above-mentioned linked control, after the first backlight 9A in the first display unit 11A is turned off at time t6 (first timing), a "first delay time ΔT2," a "second delay time ΔT3," and a "third delay time ΔT5" intervene before the second backlight 9B in the second display unit 11B is turned on.

[0126] In the example of FIG. 5, only the first delay time ΔT2 was used, but in the example of FIG. 9, taking into consideration unforeseen circumstances such as delays that may occur when switching video signals, a second and third delay time ΔT3 and ΔT5 are provided as a precaution to prevent the two backlights 9A and 9B from being turned on simultaneously.

[0127] As a result, in the example of Figure 9, the end of the video signal VID1 for the first display unit 11A and the start of the video signal VID2 for the second display unit 11B can be performed simultaneously at the same timing (time t7 as the second timing), and the end process of the first display unit 11A and the start process (start of image display) of the second display unit 11B can be performed in parallel without any wasted time.In addition, by providing a long delay time, it is possible to reliably prevent the two backlights 9A and 9B from lighting up simultaneously.

[0128] Next, reference will be made to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the main control procedure corresponding to the interlocking control of Fig. 9. In Fig. 11, steps common to Fig. 7 are given the same reference numerals.

[0129] First, in step S1, the first interlocking control is performed. In step S1, as described above, the start-up (reset release) of one of the display units is interlocked with the start-up (reset release) of the other display unit.

[0130] In step S5, image display is started on the second display unit 11B. In this step S5, start-up processing (input of video signal, display on state, backlight on) is performed on one of the display units, thereby starting image display on one of the display units. Meanwhile, the other display unit is in standby mode during start-up (reset release stage), The low power consumption state continues.

[0131] In step S6, the second interlocking control is performed. In this step S6, the end stage (end of video signal) of one of the display units is interlocked with the start stage (start of video signal) of the other display unit. At this time, the backlight of one of the display units is turned off, The time from when the display is turned off to when the video signal ends (in other words, when the video signal of the other display unit starts) is defined as a first delay time ΔT2.

[0132] In step S7, the third interlocking control is performed. In step S7, the end of one of the display units (start-up reset) is interlocked with the start of the other of the display units (display on state, backlight on), and the start of the other of the display units is accelerated by eliminating unnecessary time, and the time from the start of the video signal in the other of the display units to the display on state is set to ΔT3. By setting the time from the display on state to the backlight on as ΔT5, the operation timing is controlled so that there is always a "first delay time ΔT2 + second delay time ΔT3 + third delay time ΔT5" between the backlight off of one display unit and the backlight on of the other display unit.

[0133] As described above, according to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to realize a display control device, a display device such as a head-up display, and a display control method that can quickly switch between virtual and real images while reliably preventing images from being displayed simultaneously on each display unit.

[0134] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a windshield is used as the projection target (translucent member), but this is not limited to this, and a flat glass or a combiner may also be used.

[0135] 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]

[0136] 1. Vehicle, 2...optical system, 9A, 9B: First and second light source units (first and second backlights), 11A, 11B: First and second display units, 12A, 12B: Circuit board for light source; 13A, 13B: First and second control units (display control units), 17···Exit window, 19···Housing, 22... First curved mirror (curved lens), 24···Second curved mirror (e.g., concave mirror), 50... Display control device, 52···Selector, 100 Head-up display (HUD) device, 122A, 122B: Light emitting element (e.g., LED), 123A, 123B... Condenser lens, 124A: A first lenticular lens for a first display unit; 124B: A first lenticular lens for a second display unit; 125... A second lenticular lens for the first display portion; 129... A second lenticular lens for the second display unit; 126A, 126B: First and second liquid crystal display units (first and second liquid crystal panels) 127A, 127B... Diffuser, 130A, 130B Circuit board WS···windshield, EB...eye box, DR: Visible person (passenger, driver), EY...eye (perspective), RV···Real image, V...virtual image, L1, L2: First and second optical paths.

Claims

1. The image sensor is mounted on a vehicle and can switch between a virtual image and a real image to be viewed by a viewer who is a passenger in the vehicle, a first display unit for displaying a virtual image, the first display unit including a first backlight; a second display unit for displaying a real image, the second display unit including a second backlight; A display control device that performs switching control to switch which of the first and second display units to use in a display device having the display device, The first and second display units are started up by a start-up sequence; The display of the first and second display units is terminated by a termination sequence; The start-up and end sequences are control steps that are sequentially performed according to a predetermined order or procedure, The startup sequence includes: a first start-up stage in which the first and second display units are released from reset; a second startup stage in which input of a video signal to the first and second display units is started; a third startup stage in which a display-on command is input to the first and second display units to turn on the display; a fourth activation stage of lighting up the first and second backlights of the first and second display units; Including, The termination sequence is a first termination step of turning off the first and second backlights of the first and second display units; a second termination step of inputting a display-off command to the first and second display units to turn off the display; a third termination step of terminating the input of the video signal to the first and second display units; a fourth final stage of resetting the first and second display units; Including, In each of the start-up and end sequences, the sequence is completed by executing all steps, but if the sequence is stopped at an intermediate step, the first and second display units are in a low power consumption mode in which current consumption is set lower than during normal operation, The display control device When the reset of either the first or second display unit is released and the first start-up stage is executed, a first interlocking control is executed to start the first start-up stage of either the first or second display unit in parallel with the start timing of the start-up stage of either one of the display units, and, When the second start-up stage is executed by starting input of a video signal to one of the first and second display units, a second interlocking control is executed to start the second start-up stage in parallel with the other display unit in conjunction with the start timing of input of the video signal to the one of the first and second display units or the end timing of input of the video signal to the other display unit, thereafter, executing the third startup step by inputting the display-on command and the fourth startup step by turning on one of the first and second backlights only in one of the display units, thereby starting to display an image on one of the display units; Thereafter, in the case where the display is terminated by performing the first to fourth termination steps on any one of the display units displaying the video, during the termination period of the display, a third interlocking control is executed in which the third activation stage in response to the input of the display-on command in the other of the first and second display units and the fourth activation stage in which the other of the first and second backlights is turned on are executed in parallel so that a lighting period of one of the first and second backlights does not overlap with a lighting period of the other of the first and second backlights; Display control device.

2. The display control device In the second interlocking control, when the second start-up step is executed in the other of the first and second display units in conjunction with the timing at which the video signal is started to be input in the first or second display unit, During the third interlocking control, executing the first termination step in either the first or second display unit to turn off either the first or second backlight at a first timing, and subsequently executing the second termination step at a second timing after a predetermined first delay time has elapsed from the first timing to turn off the display; and, In the other of the first and second display units, the third startup step is executed at the first timing to turn on the display, and the fourth startup step is executed at the second timing to light up the other of the first and second backlights. The display control device according to claim 1 .

3. The display control device In the second interlocking control, when the second start-up step is executed in the other of the first and second display units in conjunction with the timing at which the input of the video signal in one of the first and second display units ends, During the third interlocking control, executing the first termination step in either the first or second display unit to turn off either the first or second backlight at a first timing, and subsequently executing the second and third termination steps at a second timing when a predetermined first delay time has elapsed from the first timing to turn off the display and terminate input of the video signal; and, executing the second startup step at the second timing in either the first or second display unit to start inputting a video signal; At a third timing when a predetermined second delay time has elapsed from the second timing, a third startup stage is executed to turn on the display; at the fourth timing when a predetermined third delay time has elapsed from the third timing, the fourth startup step is executed to turn on the other of the first and second backlights; The display control device according to claim 1 .

4. The display control device When inputting respective video signals to the first and second display units, supplying the video signals for each of the first and second display units via a common signal line, and controlling the path of a selector connected to the common signal line by a selection signal, thereby determining whether the video signals supplied via the common signal line should be input to the first or second display unit; The display control device according to claim 3 .

5. The image sensor is mounted on a vehicle and can switch between a virtual image and a real image to be viewed by a viewer who is a passenger in the vehicle, a first display unit for displaying a virtual image, the first display unit including a first backlight; a second display unit for displaying a real image, the second display unit including a second backlight; A display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; A display device having:

6. The display device includes: a head-up display device having an exit window, and emitting display light generated by the first or second display unit from the exit window, thereby allowing a viewer to visually recognize a virtual image and a real image represented by the display light; The display device according to claim 5 .

7. The image sensor is mounted on a vehicle and can switch between a virtual image and a real image to be viewed by a viewer who is a passenger in the vehicle, a first display unit for displaying a virtual image, the first display unit including a first backlight; a second display unit for displaying a real image, the second display unit including a second backlight; A display control method for performing switching control to switch between using the first and second display units of a display device having the display device, The first and second display units are started up by a start-up sequence; The display of the first and second display units is terminated by a termination sequence; The start-up and end sequences are control steps that are sequentially performed according to a predetermined order or procedure, The startup sequence includes: a first start-up stage in which the first and second display units are released from reset; a second startup stage in which input of a video signal to the first and second display units is started; a third startup stage in which a display-on command is input to the first and second display units to turn on the display; a fourth activation stage of lighting up the first and second backlights of the first and second display units; Including, The termination sequence is a first termination step of turning off the first and second backlights of the first and second display units; a second termination step of inputting the display-off command to the first and second display units to turn off the display; a third termination step of terminating the input of the video signal to the first and second display units; a fourth final stage of resetting the first and second display units; Including, In each of the start-up and end sequences, the sequence is completed by executing all steps, but if the sequence is stopped at an intermediate step, the first and second display units are in a low power consumption mode in which current consumption is set lower than during normal operation, When controlling the display, When the reset of either the first or second display unit is released and the first start-up stage is executed, a first interlocking control is executed to start the first start-up stage of either the first or second display unit in parallel with the start timing of the start-up stage of either one of the display units, and, When the second start-up stage is executed by starting input of a video signal to one of the first and second display units, a second interlocking control is executed to start the second start-up stage in parallel with the other display unit in conjunction with the start timing of input of the video signal to the one of the first and second display units or the end timing of input of the video signal to the other display unit, thereafter, executing the third startup step by inputting the display-on command and the fourth startup step by turning on one of the first and second backlights only in one of the display units, thereby starting to display an image on one of the display units; Thereafter, in the case where the display is terminated by performing the first to fourth termination steps on any one of the display units displaying the video, during the termination period of the display, a third interlocking control is executed in which the third activation stage in response to input of a display-on command in the other of the first and second display units and a fourth activation stage in which the other of the first and second backlights is turned on are executed in parallel so that a lighting period of one of the first and second backlights in one of the first and second display units does not overlap with a lighting period of the other of the first and second backlights in the other of the first and second display units; Display control method.

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