Display control device, head-up display device, display control method, display control program, and vehicle display system

Abstract

To make it possible to clearly and intuitively convey to an occupant being a viewer, a target point such as an intersection where a vehicle should turn right / left and the guidance direction by means of a virtual object.SOLUTION: A display control device 700 includes a control unit 701 that executes display control in a case where a viewer 4 in a vehicle is made to perceive a virtual object VOB as if it exists at a predetermined real-space position ahead of the vehicle by pre-displaying the virtual object VOB indicating a guidance direction at a target point in such a manner that the virtual object moves along a road surface, and positioning the virtual object VOB at the target point. The control unit 701 performs control of displaying the virtual object VOB such that the height of the virtual object VOB along a first route when moving toward the target point from the perspective of the viewer 4, and the height of the virtual object VOB along a second route when approaching from the target point from the perspective of the viewer 4 are different from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display control device that performs display control in a case where a virtual object is visually recognized by a vehicle occupant as if it were located at a predetermined real-space position in front of a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology in which, in a vehicle display system that uses 3D display, an arrow mark is displayed as a virtual object in 3D space that is superimposed on the visible real-space position to indicate intersections where to turn right or left, and is positioned at the target intersection; as the vehicle approaches the intersection, the arrow mark simultaneously approaches the target intersection, allowing the viewer, the occupant, to see the intersection where they should turn right or left. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Publication No. 10 2013 224 307 (see paragraphs

[0008] to

[0011] and Figures 3 to 5). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to the vehicle display system described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, when a vehicle approaches a predetermined real-space position such as an intersection by a predetermined distance, a first arrow mark (see graphical navigation instruction 109 shown in Figure 3 of Patent Document 1) indicating the direction in which the vehicle will be guided at the intersection is displayed in advance as if moving along the road surface, and when the vehicle is closest to the predetermined real-space position such as an intersection (a situation in which the vehicle's rotational maneuver is imminent), a second arrow mark (see graphical navigation instruction 110 shown in Figures 4 and 5 of Patent Document 1), which is a virtual reality element, is displayed, thereby enabling the viewer, the occupant (driver, etc.), to guide the vehicle's rotational maneuver at an intersection, etc., in real time.

[0005] However, in the vehicle display system described in Patent Document 1, in which a virtual object, an arrow mark, is displayed first and positioned at a target intersection, and as the vehicle approaches the intersection, the arrow mark simultaneously approaches the target intersection, if the height of the arrow mark remains constant, there are problems such as (1) it is not possible to clearly and intuitively convey to the viewer, i.e., the target point, such as an intersection where a right or left turn should be made, and the guidance direction, and (2) because the arrow mark, a virtual object located at an intersection, etc., is positioned in the center of the angle of view of the display device, the arrow mark overlaps the viewer, i.e., the viewer, i.e., the occupant's line of sight, obstructing their forward visibility, which can be annoying.

[0006] Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to provide a display control device or the like that can convey, by means of virtual objects, a destination point such as an intersection where to turn right or left and the guidance direction thereof to a viewer, i.e., a passenger, in an easy-to-understand and intuitive manner. A second object of the present invention is to provide a display control device or the like that can reduce annoyance by ensuring forward visibility so that the display of virtual objects does not obstruct the viewer's field of vision.

[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 of the present invention is a display control device that includes a control unit that performs display control in a case where a virtual object indicating a guidance direction at a target point is displayed in advance so that it moves along a road surface, and the virtual object is positioned at the target point so that a viewer in a vehicle can view the virtual object as if it were located at a predetermined real-space position in front of the vehicle, wherein the control unit controls the display of the virtual object so that a height of the virtual object on a first route when moving toward the target point as seen by the viewer is different from a height of the virtual object on a second route when approaching from the target point as seen by the viewer.

[0010] In a first aspect, the control unit controls the display of virtual objects so that the height of the virtual objects on a first route when moving toward a destination point as seen by the viewer is different from the height of the virtual objects on a second route when approaching the destination point as seen by the viewer. For example, Fig. 4 shows the trajectories of a first route R1 and a second route R2 as seen by the viewer 4 (here, the driver DR, who is a passenger aboard the vehicle 1), and Fig. 5 shows the difference in height of the virtual objects on the first route and the second route. In both Figs. 4 and 5, the arrowheads of the arrow marks (VOB1, VOB2) as virtual objects VOB on each route indicate the guiding direction of the virtual object VOB. In Fig. 4, the arrow mark VOB1 on the first route R1 points in the same direction as the traveling direction of the vehicle 1 as it moves to the destination point, while the arrow mark VOB2 on the second route points in the opposite direction to the traveling direction of the vehicle as it approaches the destination point. 5, the arrow mark VOB2, which is a virtual object VOB on the second route, is displayed at a higher position than the arrow mark VOB1, which is a virtual object VOB on the first route. In this way, when viewed by a viewer (the driver DR, a passenger in the vehicle), the arrow mark VOB1 on the first route R1 can, for example, convey the distance to the target point in an easy-to-understand and intuitive manner by appearing low and receding, and the arrow mark VOB2 on the second route R2 can, for example, convey the target point where a right or left turn should be made in an easy-to-understand and intuitive manner by appearing high and approaching.

[0011] The term "virtual object" refers to an augmented reality (AR) element that is displayed as if it is superimposed on the road surface or separated from the road surface and moves along the road surface, changing its position as needed, and refers to content expressed, for example, by arrow marks VOB1, VOB2, etc., that indicate the direction of guidance at a destination point, as shown in Figure 4. The term "real space position" refers to a destination point, such as an intersection, where the vehicle must be turned.

[0012] In a second aspect dependent on the first aspect, the control unit may perform control to first display the virtual object on the first route from the front side toward the back side, and then to display the virtual object on the second route so that it approaches the front side from the back side.

[0013] In the second aspect, the control unit first displays the virtual objects on the first route from the near side to the far side, and then controls the display of the virtual objects on the second route so that they move from the far side to the near side, thereby displaying the virtual objects on both the first and second routes at the near side or far side of the screen, shifted from the viewer's line of sight (the viewer's line of sight facing horizontally forward).This ensures the view of the passenger who is the viewer and reduces annoyance caused by obstructed visibility, while making it possible to clearly and intuitively convey the sense of distance to the destination point via the first route and the destination point via the second route.

[0014] The "field of view" refers to the viewing angle set for a display device. When the display device is, for example, a head-up display device, the "field of view" refers to the angular range in which a viewer can view an image, defined based on a virtual line connecting the viewer's eyes and the outer edge of the display area. Here, the vertical direction of the display area is referred to as the vertical field of view, and the horizontal direction is referred to as the horizontal field of view. Typically, the virtual image formation surface (virtual image display area) has a wide vertical field of view (first field of view area) located below the viewer's line of sight when facing horizontally forward, and a narrow vertical field of view (second field of view area) located above the viewer's line of sight when facing horizontally forward. In the vertical field of view (first field of view area) located below the viewer's line of sight when facing horizontally forward, the lower side can be referred to as the "near side" and the upper side can be referred to as the "rear side." On the other hand, in the vertical field of view (second field of view area) located above the viewer's line of sight when facing horizontally forward, the lower side can be referred to as the "rear side" and the upper side can be referred to as the "near side."

[0015] In a third aspect dependent on the first or second aspect, the control unit may perform control to gradually increase a height of the virtual object on the first route and / or a height of the virtual object on the second route.

[0016] In the third aspect, the control unit performs control to gradually increase the height of the virtual object (arrow mark VOB1) on the first route R1 and / or the virtual object (arrow mark VOB2) on the second route R2, as shown in Figures 6A and 7B. By performing control to gradually increase the height of the arrow mark VOB1 as the virtual object VOB on the first route R1 and / or the arrow mark VOB2 as the virtual object VOB on the second route R2 in this manner, it is possible to suppress the discomfort that the passenger, who is the viewer, feels regarding the height of the virtual object VOB at the target point.

[0017] In a fourth aspect dependent on any of the first to third aspects, the control unit may be configured to, when the destination point is within a first distance on the second route, gradually increase the height of the virtual object as the destination point approaches, and, when the destination point is at or beyond the first distance, maintain the height of the virtual object constant regardless of the destination point.

[0018] In the fourth aspect, for example, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the target point is within, for example, 30 m (first distance) on the second route R2, the control unit gradually increases the height of the virtual object VOB as the target point approaches, and when the target point is, for example, 30 m (first distance) or more, the control unit performs control to keep the height of the virtual object VOB constant regardless of the target point. This ensures visibility and reduces annoyance for the occupant, who is the viewer preparing to perform a rotational maneuver just before the target point, making it possible to perform smooth rotational maneuvers such as turning right or left.

[0019] In a fifth aspect dependent on any of the first to third aspects, the control unit may perform control such that, when the destination point is within a first distance on the second route, the height of the virtual object gradually increases as the destination point approaches in accordance with a first rate of increase defined by a height of the virtual object that changes depending on a distance to the destination point; and, when the destination point is equal to or greater than the first distance, the height of the virtual object gradually increases at a second rate of increase that is smaller than the first rate of increase as the destination point approaches.

[0020] In the fifth aspect, for example, as shown in FIG. 6C , when the target point is within a first distance on the second route R2, the control unit gradually increases the height of the virtual object VOB as the target point approaches, according to a first increase rate defined by the height of the virtual object VOB changing according to the distance to the target point. When the target point is at or beyond the first distance, the control unit gradually increases the height of the virtual object VOB at a second increase rate smaller than the first increase rate as the target point approaches. Here, for example, if it is sufficient for the height of the virtual object VOB to increase by about 1 meter as the distance to the target point approaches by 100 meters, the increase rate is 1 / 100. By varying the increase rate, if it is considered that the height of the virtual object VOB increases by 0.5 meters when the distance to the target point is between 100 meters and 30 meters (more than 30 meters) and increases by 0.5 meters when the distance to the target point approaches by the remaining 30 meters, the second increase rate is 0.7 / 70 and the first increase rate is 0.5 / 30. According to the fourth aspect, by controlling the height of the virtual object VOB to gradually increase according to a first rate of increase, it is possible to inform the occupant, who is the viewer, that the target point is gradually approaching, and by controlling the height of the virtual object VOB to gradually increase according to a second rate of increase that is smaller than the first rate of increase, it is possible to ensure visibility and enable smooth turning, such as turning right or left, while minimizing annoyance.

[0021] In a sixth aspect dependent on any of the first to third aspects, the control unit may perform control to superimpose a shaded image of the virtual object representing a height of the virtual object on the road surface when the target point is approached by a predetermined distance on the second route.

[0022] In the sixth aspect, for example, when the target point is approached by a predetermined distance (e.g., 30 m) on the second route R2 as shown in Fig. 6D, the control unit performs control to superimpose on the road surface a shaded image VOB2' of the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB2), which represents the height of the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB2). In this way, for example, the closer the target point is, the larger or darker the shaded image VOB' is, thereby emphasizing the image, thereby further enhancing the sense of augmented reality and thereby attracting the viewer's attention.

[0023] In a seventh aspect dependent on any of the first to third aspects, the control unit may perform control to keep a height of the virtual object constant on the first route, regardless of the target point.

[0024] In the seventh aspect, the control unit performs control to keep the height of the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB1) constant along the first route R1, for example, as shown in Fig. 7A, regardless of the destination point. In this way, the first route R1 (pre-display of the arrow mark VOB1 moving away) when the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB1) moves toward the destination point associated with the real-space position can convey (allow the occupant, who is the viewer, to estimate) the sense of distance to the destination point. In other words, by keeping the height of the virtual object VOB constant, it becomes easier for the occupant, who is the viewer, to grasp the distance from the current position of the vehicle to the destination point.

[0025] In an eighth aspect dependent on any of the first to third aspects, the control unit may perform control such that, on the first route, when the destination point is a second distance or more, the height of the virtual object is kept constant regardless of the destination point, and when the destination point is within the second distance, the height of the virtual object is rapidly increased as the destination point becomes farther away.

[0026] 7C, the control unit performs control so that, on the first route R1, when the destination point is, for example, 10 m (second distance) or more, the height of the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB1) is constant regardless of the destination point, and when the destination point is within 10 m (second distance), the height of the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB1) is suddenly increased as the destination point becomes farther away. In this way, by suddenly increasing the height of the arrow mark VOB1 as the virtual object VOB from a constant state at, for example, 10 m (second distance), the arrow mark VOB1 can be made eye-catching, and as a result, the destination point where a right or left turn should be made can be clearly communicated to the passenger, who is the viewer.

[0027] In a ninth aspect dependent on any of the first to third aspects, the control unit may perform control such that, on the first route, the height of the virtual object gradually increases as the destination point becomes farther away, and the height of the virtual object remains constant regardless of the distance to the destination point when the destination point is within a second distance.

[0028] 7D, the control unit gradually increases the height of the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB1) on the first route R1 as the distance from the target point increases, and maintains the height of the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB1) constant regardless of the distance to the target point when the target point is, for example, within 30 meters (within the second distance). In this way, on the first route R1, the arrow mark VOB1 as the virtual object VOB moves from the bottom (near side) of the field of view toward the target point (the arrow mark VOB1 moves away to the top (back) of the field of view), temporarily ensuring the field of view of the occupant (driver DR) and reducing annoyance. Thereafter, the arrow mark VOB1 is displayed at a constant height in the center of the field of view, thereby making it possible to clearly communicate the target point to the occupant (driver DR) as the viewer.

[0029] A tenth aspect of the present invention is a head-up display device that displays a virtual object so that it is visible to a viewer in a vehicle as if it were located at a predetermined real-space position in front of the vehicle, the head-up display device having an image display unit and a control unit that controls the display of the virtual object on the image display unit so that a height of the virtual object on a first route when moving toward a target point associated with the predetermined real-space position as seen from the viewer is different from a height of the virtual object on a second route when approaching the target point as seen from the viewer.

[0030] In a tenth aspect, a control unit in the head-up display device controls the display of the virtual object on the image display unit so that the height of the virtual object on a first route when the virtual object moves toward a target point associated with a real-space position as seen from the viewer is different from the height of the virtual object on a second route when the virtual object approaches the target point as seen from the viewer. Therefore, it is possible to provide a head-up display device that, on the first route, the virtual object appears, for example, to be at a low position and receding (moving toward the target point) as seen from the viewer, thereby intuitively conveying to the viewer the distance to the target point, and that, on the second route, the virtual object appears, for example, to be at a high position and approaching as seen from the viewer, thereby intuitively conveying to the viewer the target point where the viewer should turn right or left in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0031] An eleventh aspect according to the present invention is a display control method for allowing a viewer in a vehicle to view a virtual object as if it were located at a predetermined real-space position in front of the vehicle, the display control method including: a step of generating the virtual object indicating a guidance direction at a target point associated with the predetermined real-space position; and a step of controlling the display of the virtual object so that a height of the virtual object on a first route when moving toward the target point as viewed from the viewer is different from a height of the virtual object on a second route when approaching the target point as viewed from the viewer.

[0032] 3, the display control method includes the steps of: generating a virtual object VOB (ST101) that indicates a guidance direction at a destination point associated with a predetermined real-space position; and controlling the display of the virtual object VOB so that the height of the virtual object VOB on a first route when moving toward the destination point as seen from the viewer is different from the height of the virtual object VOB on a second route when approaching the destination point as seen from the viewer (ST102-ST105). In this way, a display control method can be provided in which, on the first route, the virtual object VOB appears, for example, to be low and receding (moving toward the destination point) as seen from the viewer, thereby clearly and intuitively conveying to the viewer, i.e., a distance to the destination point; and, on the second route, the virtual object VOB appears, for example, high and approaching as seen from the viewer, thereby clearly and intuitively conveying to the viewer, i.e., a destination point where a right or left turn should be made.

[0033] A twelfth aspect is a display control program for a display control device having a control unit that performs display control to make a viewer in a vehicle see a virtual object as if it were located at a predetermined real-space position in front of the vehicle, and the display control program causes the control unit to perform a process of generating the virtual object that indicates a guidance direction at a target point associated with the predetermined real-space position, and a process of controlling the display of the virtual object so that a height of the virtual object on a first route when moving toward the target point as seen from the viewer is different from a height of the virtual object on a second route when approaching the target point as seen from the viewer.

[0034] 3, a control unit of the display control device executes the following processes: a process (ST101) for generating a virtual object VOB indicating a guidance direction at a destination point associated with a predetermined real-space position; and a process (ST102 to ST105) for controlling the display of the virtual object VOB so that the height of the virtual object VOB on a first route when moving toward the destination point as seen by the viewer is different from the height of the virtual object VOB on a second route when approaching the destination point as seen by the viewer. In this way, a display control program can be provided in which, on the first route, the virtual object VOB appears, for example, to be at a low position and receding (moving toward the destination point) as seen by the viewer, thereby clearly and intuitively conveying to the viewer, i.e., a passenger, the distance to the destination point; and, on the second route, the virtual object VOB appears, for example, at a high position and approaching as seen by the viewer, thereby clearly and intuitively conveying to the viewer, i.e., a destination point where a right or left turn should be made.

[0035] A thirteenth aspect is a vehicular display system comprising a head-up display device that allows a viewer in the vehicle to view a virtual object as if it were located at a predetermined real-space position in front of the vehicle, a navigation device that generates navigation information including a destination point, and a display control device that controls the display of the head-up display device, wherein the display control device generates the virtual object that indicates a guidance direction at the destination point obtained by the navigation device, and controls the display of the virtual object on the head-up display device so that the height of the virtual object on a first route when the vehicle moves toward the destination point associated with the real-space position, as viewed from the viewer, is different from the display height of the virtual object on a second route when the vehicle approaches the destination point, as viewed from the viewer.

[0036] In a thirteenth aspect, a display control device in a vehicular display system generates a virtual object indicating a guidance direction at a destination point acquired by a navigation device, and controls the display of the virtual object on a head-up display device so that the height of the virtual object on a first route when the vehicle, as viewed from the viewer, moves toward the destination point associated with the real-space position is different from the display height of the virtual object on a second route when the vehicle, as viewed from the viewer, approaches the destination point. In this way, a vehicular display system can be provided in which, on the first route, the virtual object appears, for example, to be at a low position and receding (moving toward the destination point) as viewed from the viewer, thereby allowing the viewer, or occupant, to easily and intuitively understand the distance to the destination point, and, on the second route, the virtual object appears, for example, to be at a high position and approaching as viewed from the viewer, allowing the viewer, or occupant, to easily and intuitively understand the destination point at which to turn right or left.

[0037] 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]

[0038] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle display system including a parallax 3D head-up display device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control unit of a display control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the display control device (control unit) according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram cited for explaining the operation of the display control device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and shows the trajectories of the first route and the second route as seen by the viewer. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram cited for explaining the operation of the display control device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and shows the difference in height of the virtual object between the first route and the second route. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a diagram showing the track of the second route in the first embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the track of the second route in the second embodiment. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is a diagram showing the track of the second route in the third embodiment. [Figure 6D] FIG. 6D is a diagram illustrating an example of a shaded image of a virtual object on the second route in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 8A is a diagram showing the track of the first route in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 8B is a diagram showing the track of the first route in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 7C] FIG. 8C is a diagram showing the track of the first route in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 7D] FIG. 8D is a diagram showing the track of the first route in Example 8. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] 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).

[0040] (Configuration of the embodiment) Please refer to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle display system 3 including a parallax 3D head-up display device (HUD device 100).

[0041] 1, the direction along the line segment connecting the left and right eyes EL, ER of the viewer 4 (in other words, the width direction of the vehicle 1) is defined as the left-right direction (or lateral direction: X direction), the direction along the line segment that is perpendicular to the left-right direction and perpendicular to the ground or a surface equivalent to the ground (here, the road surface 6) is defined as the up-down direction (or height direction: Y direction), and the direction along the line segment that is perpendicular to both the left-right direction and the up-down direction (directions that indicate the forward and backward directions of the vehicle 1) is defined as the front-rear direction (Z direction). Here, the positive Z direction is defined as the forward direction, and the negative Z direction is defined as the backward direction.

[0042] The vehicle display system 3 in Figure 1 provided in a vehicle (own vehicle) 1 has an pupil detection camera 43 for pupil (or face) detection that detects the gaze direction and position of the left eye EL and right eye ER of a viewer 4 (a passenger (driver, etc.) aboard the vehicle 1), a front (broadly speaking, surroundings) imaging camera (e.g., a stereo camera) 45, an image processing unit 46 (including a distance measurement unit 47 and an object type / size detection unit 48), a HUD device 100, a communication unit (having functions such as GPS communication and vehicle-to-vehicle communication) 123, and an ECU (electronic control unit) 120 that can collect various information related to the vehicle 1 (e.g., lighting on / off information, vehicle speed information, engine information, etc.).

[0043] The vehicular display system 3 may also include a navigation device 121. The navigation device 121 has a built-in positioning unit such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) and map information, and can generate navigation information including at least the distance between the current position of the vehicle 1 and a predetermined real-space position such as an intersection. The navigation device 121 can obtain the latest map information and update the map database by, for example, communicating with an external center (not shown) via a V2X (Vehicle to X) type communication system. Here, the map information stored in the map database is mapping data that has been digitized to represent the driving environment of the vehicle 1. As the mapping data, particularly, highly accurate digital data of a dynamic map is preferable. Here, a "dynamic map" is a digital map that combines a huge amount of dynamic information that changes every moment, such as traffic regulations, construction information, accidents, congestion, pedestrians, and traffic lights, with static information such as highly accurate three-dimensional position information (road surface information, slope information, three-dimensional structures).

[0044] The vehicular display system 3 may further include a radar unit 125 or the like as a distance measuring means, as needed. The distance measuring means can be used, for example, to measure the distance from the vehicle 1 to a forward vehicle (ahead object). Based on the measurement result, display control can be performed, such as providing a parallax 3D display in an area where there is no forward object.

[0045] In addition, the distance measurement unit 47 included in the image processing unit 46 may, for example, refer to a pair of left and right original images captured by a stereo camera as the imaging camera 45, detect the parallax to the same object (the target object in front) by, for example, stereo matching that searches for corresponding points in each image, and measure the distance to the target object in front using the principle of triangulation based on this parallax.

[0046] Furthermore, the radar unit 125 may measure the distance and direction to the target (target ahead) by emitting radio waves toward the target (target ahead) and measuring the reflected waves.

[0047] An information acquisition unit 119 of the HUD device 100 appropriately acquires measured distance information and the like and supplies the information to a control unit 701 of the stereoscopic display device 111. The HUD device 100 is installed, for example, in a dashboard (not shown) of the vehicle 1. The HUD device 100 includes the stereoscopic display device 111, an optical system 116, a light exit window 118, and an information acquisition unit 119. The information acquisition unit 119 can acquire various pieces of information from the communication unit 123, the ECU 120, the radar unit 125, the image processing unit 46, etc.

[0048] Here, the stereoscopic display device 111 is a parallax 3D display device. The stereoscopic display device (parallax 3D display device) 111 includes an image generation unit 112, an image display unit (a display panel such as a liquid crystal display device, having an image display surface for displaying an image) 113, a light beam separation unit 114 that has a lenticular lens, a parallax barrier (parallax barrier), or the like, and separates light emitted from the image display surface into light beams for the left and right eyes, and the display control device 700 of this embodiment.

[0049] The display control device 700 of this embodiment includes a control unit 701 that executes display control when a virtual object VOB is viewed by a viewer 4 aboard the vehicle 1 as if it were located at a predetermined real-space position ahead of the vehicle 1. Note that the "virtual object VOB" referred to here refers to content expressed, for example, as an augmented reality (AR) element that is displayed as if it were superimposed on the road surface 6 or as if it were moving along the road surface 6, changing its position as needed, away from the road surface 6, or as if it were an arrow mark indicating the guidance direction at a destination point (see VOB1 and VOB2 in FIG. 4). Note that the virtual object VOB is not limited to the arrow marks VOB1 and VOB2, as long as it indicates a guidance method at a real-space position. Note that the "real-space position" refers to a destination point, such as an intersection, where the vehicle 1 must be rotated.

[0050] The control unit 701 can perform control to display the virtual object VOB so that the height of the arrow mark VOB1 as a virtual object VOB on a first route (see, for example, R1 in FIG. 4) when moving toward a real-space location such as an intersection, which is a target point from the viewer 4's perspective, is different from the height of the arrow mark VOB2 as a virtual object VOB on a second route (see, for example, R2 in FIG. 4) when approaching from the target point from the viewer 4's perspective (see, for example, FIG. 5). For example, on the first route R1, the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB1) is displayed at a low position and receding from the viewer 4's perspective (advance display of movement to the target point), while on the second route R2, the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB2) is displayed at a high position and approaching the viewer 4's perspective. Note that the arrow mark VOB1 and the arrow mark VOB2 are the same virtual object VOB, and are shown separately for ease of explanation.

[0051] Furthermore, the control unit 701 can perform control to first display the virtual object VOB on the first route R1 from the front side toward the back side, and then display the virtual object VOB on the second route R2 so that it moves from the back side toward the front side. That is, the control unit 701 performs control to display the virtual object VOB on both the first route R1 and the second route R2 on the front or back side of the screen, shifting it from the line of sight of the viewer 4 (the line of sight of the viewer 4 facing horizontally forward). This ensures the field of view of the viewer 4, i.e., the passenger (driver, etc.), and reduces the annoyance caused by obstructed visibility, while making it possible to clearly and intuitively convey the sense of distance to the destination via the first route and the destination via the second route. The "angle of view" referred to here is, for example, the viewing angle set on the virtual image formation surface PS of the HUD device 100, and is the angular range in which the viewer 4 can view an image, which is defined based on a virtual line connecting the viewer's 4 eyes (left eye EL, right eye ER) and the outer edge of the virtual image formation surface PS. Here, the vertical direction of the virtual image formation surface PS is defined as the vertical angle of view, and the horizontal direction is defined as the horizontal angle of view. Typically, the virtual image formation surface (virtual image display area) has a wide vertical angle of view (first angle of view area) located below the line of sight of the viewer 4 facing horizontally forward, and a narrower vertical angle of view (second angle of view area) located above the line of sight of the viewer 4 facing horizontally forward compared to the first angle of view area. In the vertical angle of view (first angle of view area) located below the line of sight of the viewer 4 facing horizontally forward, the lower side can be defined as the "near side" and the upper side can be defined as the "deep side." On the other hand, in the vertical angle of view (second angle of view region) located above the line of sight of the viewer 4 facing horizontally forward, the lower side can be considered the "back side" and the upper side can be considered the "near side."

[0052] In addition, the control unit 701 performs control to gradually increase the height of the arrow mark VOB1 as a virtual object VOB on the first route R1 and / or the arrow mark VOB2 as a virtual object VOB on the second route R2 (see Figures 6A and 7B), thereby suppressing the sense of discomfort felt from the height of the virtual object VOB (arrow marks VOB1 and VOB2) at the target point.

[0053] Furthermore, when the target point is, for example, within 30 m (first distance) on the second route R2, the control unit 701 gradually increases the height of the virtual object VOB as the target point approaches, and when the target point is, for example, 30 m (first distance) or more, the control unit 701 controls the height of the virtual object VOB to be constant regardless of the target point (see Figure 6B), thereby ensuring visibility and reducing annoyance for the passenger, who is the viewer 4, who is preparing to perform a rotational maneuver just before the target point, and enabling smooth rotational maneuvers such as turning right or left.

[0054] Furthermore, on the second route R2, when the target point is, for example, within 30 m (first distance), the control unit 701 can perform control such that as the target point approaches, the height of the virtual object VOB gradually increases in accordance with a first increase rate defined by the height of the virtual object VOB changing in accordance with the distance to the target point; and when the target point is at or beyond the first distance, the height of the virtual object VOB gradually increases at a second increase rate smaller than the first increase rate as the target point approaches (see FIG. 6C).

[0055] For example, if it is sufficient for the height of the virtual object VOB to increase by about 1 meter as the distance to the target point approaches by 100 meters, the rate of ascent is 1 / 100. If the rate of ascent is varied so that the height of the virtual object VOB increases by 0.5 meters when the distance to the target point approaches between 100 meters and 30 meters (more than 30 meters), and then increases by 0.5 meters when the distance to the target point approaches by the remaining 30 meters, the "second rate of ascent" is 0.7 / 70, and the "first rate of ascent" is 0.5 / 30. By gradually increasing the height of the virtual object VOB according to the first rate of ascent in this way, it is possible to inform the passenger (the viewer 4) that the target point is gradually approaching. Furthermore, by gradually increasing the height of the virtual object VOB according to a second rate of ascent that is smaller than the first rate of ascent, it is possible to ensure visibility and enable smooth maneuvers, such as right and left turns, while minimizing annoyance.

[0056] Furthermore, when the target point approaches a predetermined distance on the second route R2, the control unit 701 can perform control to superimpose a shaded image of the virtual object VOB, representing the height of the virtual object VOB, on the road surface. For example, as shown in Fig. 6D, by displaying a shaded image VOB' of the virtual object VOB on the road surface 6 and using the shaded image VOB' to represent the height of the virtual object VOB (for example, the shape of the shaded image VOB' is displayed larger or more intensely as the target point approaches), the sense of AR can be further enhanced, attracting the attention of the passenger, who is the viewer 4.

[0057] In addition, the control unit 701 controls the height of the virtual object VOB on the first route R1 to be constant regardless of the target point (see FIG. 7A), making it easier for the viewer 4, the passenger, to understand the distance from the current position of the vehicle 1 to the target point.

[0058] Furthermore, control unit 701 can perform control so that, on first route R1, when the target point is, for example, 10 m (second distance) or more, the height of virtual object VOB is constant regardless of the target point, and when the target point is within the second distance, the height of virtual object VOB is suddenly increased as the target point becomes farther away (see FIG. 7C). In this way, by suddenly increasing the height of virtual object VOB from a constant state at, for example, 10 m (second distance), the virtual object VOB can be made eye-catching, and this makes it possible to clearly communicate the target point to the passenger, who is viewer 4.

[0059] Furthermore, control unit 701 can perform control such that, on first route R1, the height of virtual object VOB gradually increases as the distance from the target point increases, and the height of virtual object VOB remains constant regardless of the distance from the target point when the target point is within, for example, 10 mm (second distance) (see FIG. 7D). On first route R1, virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB1) moves from the bottom (near side) of the field of view toward the target point (arrow mark VOB1 moves away toward the top (back) of the field of view), temporarily ensuring the field of view of the passenger (viewer 4) and reducing annoyance. Thereafter, by displaying virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB1) at a constant height in the center of the field of view, the target point can be communicated to the passenger (viewer 4) in an easily recognizable manner.

[0060] The control unit 701 can also control the operations of the image generation unit (specifically, for example, image rendering) 112 and the image display unit 113. It is also possible to switch between 2D display and 3D display, and can also control the visibility of content images as a countermeasure against crosstalk. The configuration of the control unit 701 will be described later with reference to FIG. 2.

[0061] The optical system 116 has a curved mirror (concave mirror or the like) 117 that reflects the light from the light beam separation unit 114 and projects the image display lights K1 and K2 onto the windshield (projection target member) 2. However, the optical system 116 may further have other optical members (lenses, auxiliary reflecting mirrors, etc.).

[0062] 1, viewpoint images having parallax for each of the left and right eyes (sometimes referred to as "parallax images") are displayed by a stereoscopic display device 111 of the HUD device 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the parallax images are displayed as virtual images VL and VR on a virtual image display surface (imaging surface) PS serving as a first display surface. A stereoscopic image (stereoscopic image, 3D image) having a sense of depth is displayed as a virtual object VOB on a convergence surface (stereoscopic image display surface) VS serving as a second display surface located further back than the first display surface PS as viewed by the viewer 4.

[0063] When 2D display control is executed instead of 3D display control, a planar virtual image is displayed on the first display surface PS. Since the sense of distance can be expressed by changing the display size and the display position (which depends on the vehicle's speed), this can be realized not only by 3D display that controls the convergence angle and focus, but also by pseudo-2D display. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the HUD device 100, and may be applied to display devices such as a center information display (CID) and a head-mounted display (HMD).

[0064] Please refer to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a suitable configuration example of the control unit 701 in Fig. 1. The control unit 701 includes at least a main control unit 702, a movement control unit 703, a display size adjustment unit 704, and a display position adjustment unit 705.

[0065] The main control unit 702 performs sequence control of the movement control unit 703, the display size adjustment unit 704, and the display position adjustment unit 70 so that the control unit 701 controls the display of the virtual object VOB so that the height of the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB1) on a first route (see, for example, R1 in FIG. 4) when moving toward an intersection, which is a target point from the viewer 4's perspective, is different from the height of the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB2) on a second route (see, for example, R2 in FIG. 4) when approaching from the target point from the viewer 4's perspective. In this way, the main control unit 702 displays in advance the virtual object VOB indicating the guidance direction at the target point associated with a predetermined real-space position so that it moves along the road surface 6, and then positions the virtual object VOB at the target point so that the virtual object VOB can be viewed by the viewer 4 in the vehicle 1 as if it were located at a predetermined real-space position ahead of the vehicle 1.

[0066] The movement control unit 703 executes movement control to adjust the display size and display position of the arrow mark VOB1 (see, for example, VOB1 in FIG. 4) as a virtual object VOB so that the arrow mark moves from a predetermined position to a predetermined real-space position at high speed (for example, in one second). The movement control unit 703 can also execute movement control to adjust the display size and display position of the arrow mark VOB2 (see, for example, VOB2 in FIG. 4) as a virtual object VOB so that the arrow mark is positioned at a predetermined real-space position while guiding the rotation direction at the predetermined real-space position. The virtual object VOB is erased when the vehicle 1 (the occupant who is the viewer 4) starts rotating along the guiding direction.

[0067] In executing the above-described movement control, movement control unit 703 cooperates with display size adjustment unit 704 to adjust the display size of arrow mark VOB1 as a virtual object VOB in accordance with the distance to a predetermined real-space position acquired from navigation device 121, for example, and can adjust the display position of arrow mark VOB2 as a virtual object VOB in accordance with the guidance direction at the predetermined real-space position by operating in cooperation with display position adjustment unit 705. In this way, movement control unit 703 can control the display of virtual object VOBs so that the height of arrow mark VOB1, which is a virtual object VOB on a first route (e.g., see R1 in FIG. 4) when moving toward a destination point associated with the predetermined real-space position as seen from viewer 4, is different from the height of arrow mark VOB2, which is a virtual object VOB on a second route (e.g., see R2 in FIG. 4) when approaching from the destination point as seen from viewer 4.

[0068] In addition, the display size adjustment unit 704 and the display position adjustment unit 705 prepare a function (characteristic line) showing the relationship between distance and display size, adjusted to a change rate different from the real-world size change rate (the size change rate corresponding to a real object existing in real space), and, as necessary, use this function (characteristic line) to change the display size and display position of the arrow marks VOB1 and VOB2 as virtual objects VOB, thereby displaying them at a size that is relatively easy to see from a distance, while preventing the display size from becoming too large from a close distance, thereby achieving an appropriate change in display size from a far distance to a close distance, and realizing a natural perspective display (see Patent Application No. 2024-14544, a prior application filed on February 2, 2024 by the same applicant as the present applicant).

[0069] Furthermore, in the display control device 700 of this embodiment, the above-described functions executed by the display control device 700 (control unit 701) are realized by a program executed by a computer. In this case, the control unit 701 includes, as hardware for executing the above-described programs, a computer including, for example, a processor and at least one memory (for example, ROM, RAM). Furthermore, at least some of the above-described functions can also be realized by a logic circuit. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0070] (Operation of the embodiment) Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the display control device 700 (control unit 701) according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are diagrams cited to explain the operation of the display control device 700 according to this embodiment, showing the trajectories of the first route R1 and the second route R2 as seen by the viewer 4 (Fig. 4) and the difference in height of the virtual objects VOB (arrow marks VOB1 and VOB2) on the first route R1 and the second route R2 (Fig. 5).

[0071] 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D are figures cited to explain the operation of each example of the display control device 700 of this embodiment, and show a diagram showing the trajectory of the second route R2 in Example 1 (FIG. 6A), a diagram showing the trajectory of the second route R2 in Example 2 (FIG. 6B), a diagram showing the trajectory of the second route R2 in Example 3 (FIG. 6C), a diagram showing an example of a shadow image VOB2' of a virtual object VOB on the second route R2 in Example 4 (FIG. 6D), a diagram showing the trajectory of the second route R2 in Example 5 (FIG. 7A), a diagram showing the trajectory of the second route R2 in Example 6 (FIG. 7B), a diagram showing the trajectory of the second route R2 in Example 7 (FIG. 7C), and a diagram showing the trajectory of the second route R2 in Example 8 (FIG. 7D).

[0072] Hereinafter, the operation of the display control device 700 (control unit 701) of this embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7D.

[0073] 3, in the display control device 700 of this embodiment, the control unit 701 performs control so that the virtual object VOB generated by the image generation unit 112 in step ST101 is displayed on the image display unit 113 of the HUD device 100 (step ST103) after waiting for the display timing (step ST102 "YES"). The display timing of the virtual object VOB in step ST102 can be calculated by the control unit 701 based on navigation information acquired from the navigation device 121 and also from the distance to a predetermined indoor space position such as an intersection and the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1 acquired via the ECU 120; for example, the display timing may be set to approximately 300 m before the intersection from the vehicle's reference point.

[0074] In step ST103, control unit 701 displays arrow mark VOB1 as virtual object VOB along first route R1 (as seen by viewer 4). At this time, under sequence control by main control unit 702, control unit 701 controls movement control unit 703 to fly virtual object VOB toward a target point, which is a predetermined real-space location, and display it as if it were moving along road surface 6. When flying arrow mark VOB1 toward the target point, movement control unit 703 does not actually move arrow mark VOB1 over a certain distance, but rather operates in cooperation with display size adjustment unit 704 and display position adjustment unit 705 to adjust and display the display size and display position, thereby displaying arrow mark VOB1 as if it had moved. At this time, arrow mark VOB1 begins to be displayed by sliding in or fading in from the bottom of the screen of image display unit 113.

[0075] Here, the display size adjustment unit 704 and the display position adjustment unit 705 prepare a function (characteristic line) showing the relationship between distance and display size, adjusted to a rate of change different from the real-world size change rate (the rate of change in size corresponding to a real object existing in real space), and by using this function (characteristic line) as necessary to change the display size and display position of the virtual object VOB, it is possible to display a size that is relatively easy to see from a distance, while preventing the display size from becoming too large at close range, thereby achieving appropriate changes in display size from far to close, and achieving a natural perspective display.

[0076] Next, as the vehicle 1 moves toward a destination point, such as an intersection, which is a predetermined real-space location, and the vehicle 1 approaches a location a predetermined distance ahead of the vehicle, e.g., 30 m away ("YES" in step ST104), the control unit 701 causes the movement control unit 703 to position the virtual object VOB and control the vehicle 1 to travel along the second route R2 (as seen by the viewer) until it reaches the destination point (step ST105). This control allows the virtual object VOB to be visually perceived as if it were located at a predetermined real-space location (destination point) ahead of the vehicle. In controlling the virtual object VOB after it has been positioned at the destination point, the movement control unit 703 operates in cooperation with the display size adjustment unit 704 to adjust the display size of the virtual object VOB in accordance with the distance to the destination acquired from the navigation device 121, for example, and operates in cooperation with the display position adjustment unit 705 to adjust the display position of the virtual object VOB in accordance with the guidance direction at the predetermined real-space location. At this time, the display size and display position of the virtual object VOB are changed using a function (characteristic line) that indicates the relationship between distance and display size, and that has been adjusted to a rate of change different from the rate of change of real-world size.

[0077] Finally, when the vehicle 1 (the occupant who is the viewer 4) begins to rotate along the guidance direction presented by the virtual object VOB at a predetermined real-space position such as an intersection (step ST106 "YES"), the virtual object VOB is erased from the screen of the image display unit 113 (display of the virtual object VOB ends) (step ST107).

[0078] If it is determined in step ST102 that it is not the display timing (step ST102 "NO"), the control unit 701 (main control unit 702) waits until the display timing arrives, and if it is determined in step ST104 that the vehicle 1 is not approaching the front by a predetermined distance (step ST104 "NO"), it waits until it approaches by the predetermined distance, and if in step ST106 no rotational operation by the occupant who is the viewer 4 is detected (step ST106 "NO"), it repeatedly executes the control of waiting until a rotational operation is detected.

[0079] Hereinafter, referring to the drawings from FIG. 4 onwards, the operations as seen from the viewer 4 for the steps ST103 and ST105 of FIG. 3 described above will be specifically described.

[0080] Refer to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the trajectories of the first route R1 and the second route R2 as seen from the viewer 4 (here, the driver DR who is a passenger on the vehicle 1). Here, the arrowheads of the arrow marks (VOB1, VOB2) as virtual objects VOB on each route indicate the moving direction of the virtual object VOB. The arrow mark VOB1 on the first route R1 faces the same direction as the traveling direction of the vehicle 1 to move to the destination, and the arrow mark VOB2 on the second route R2 faces the opposite direction to the traveling direction of the vehicle 1 to approach the destination. As shown in FIG. 4, the arrow mark VOB1 on the first route R1 appears to move away from the viewer 4 (a leading display moving to the target point), and the distance to the target point can be intuitively conveyed by the height of the arrow mark VOB1 at that time. Also, the arrow mark VOB2 on the second route R2 appears to approach the viewer 4, and the target point where a right or left turn should be made can be intuitively grasped by the height of the arrow mark VOB2 at that time.

[0081] Refer to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows the difference in the heights of the virtual objects VOB on the first route R1 and the second route R2. As shown in FIG. 5, the heights of the arrow marks VOB1 and VOB2 as the virtual object VOB are in the relationship of VOB1 < VOB₂. In FIG. 5, the part marked as F is a footer indicating the speedometer, legal speed, etc. arranged and displayed in the fixed area at the bottom of the screen.

[0082] In the display control device 700 of this embodiment, the control unit 701 performs control to first display the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB1) on the first route R1 from the front side to the back side, and then display the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB2) on the second route R2 so that it moves from the back side to the front side. In this way, by performing control to display the virtual object VOB (arrow marks VOB1, VOB2) on both the first route R1 and the second route R2 on the front side (below) or back side (above) of the screen, shifting it from the line of sight of the viewer 4 (the line of sight of the viewer 4 facing horizontally forward), the field of view of the occupant DR, who is the viewer 4, can be secured, and the sense of distance to the destination can be conveyed via the first route, and the destination can be conveyed via the second route R2 in an easy-to-understand and intuitive manner, while suppressing annoyance caused by obstruction of the field of view.

[0083] Incidentally, if the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB1) is located at the destination point, and the height of the arrow mark VOB2 approaching as the vehicle 1 moves forward is the center of the eyebox, the viewer 4 will clearly find it in the way and find it annoying because the arrow mark VOB2 is moving toward the center of the eyebox. Also, if the height of the arrow mark VO2 approaching as the vehicle 1 moves forward from the destination point is lower than the center of the eyebox, the approaching arrow mark VOB2 will always overlap with the road surface 6 as seen from the eyebox, and will find it in the way and annoying for the viewer 4 looking at the road ahead. On the other hand, if the height of the arrow mark VO2 approaching as the vehicle 1 moves forward from the destination point is higher than the center of the eyebox, the approaching arrow mark VOB2 will not overlap with the road surface 6 as seen from the eyebox (in extreme cases, it will overlap with the sky), and therefore will not be in the way or annoying for the viewer 4 who is gazing forward. Therefore, displaying the virtual object VOB at the upper limit, shifted from the center of the angle of view, is effective in ensuring that the viewer 4 has a good view of the vehicle 1 in front of him / her.

[0084] The "eyebox" in the HUD device 100 refers to (1) a region within which the entire image displayed is visible, but at least a portion of the virtual image (virtual object VOB) of the displayed image is not visible outside the region, (2) a region within which at least a portion of the virtual image of the displayed image is visible, but no portion of the virtual image is visible outside the region, (3) a region within which at least a portion of the virtual image of the displayed image is visible at a predetermined brightness or higher, but all of the virtual image is below the predetermined brightness outside the region, or (4) a region within which at least a portion of the virtual image can be viewed stereoscopically, but no portion of the virtual image can be viewed stereoscopically outside the region, if the HUD device 100 can display a virtual image that can be viewed stereoscopically. In other words, if the viewer 4 places their eyes (both eyes) outside the eyebox, the viewer 4 cannot view the entire virtual image of the image, or the visibility of the entire virtual image is very low, making it difficult to perceive, or no stereoscopic view is possible. The brightness here is, for example, about 1 / 50 of the brightness of a virtual image viewed at the center of the eyebox. The eyebox is set to be the same as the area (also called the iris) where the viewpoint of the viewer 4 is expected to be located in the vehicle 1 on which the HUD device 100 is mounted, or to include most of the iris (for example, 80% or more).

[0085] Hereinafter, the trajectory and the like of the virtual object VOB for each route, or the display form, controlled by the display control device 700 (control unit 701) of this embodiment will be described as Examples 1 to 8 with reference to FIGS. 6A to 7D.

[0086] 6A is a diagram showing the trajectory of the second route R2 in the first embodiment. In FIG. 6A, the control unit 701 (movement control unit 703) performs control to gradually increase the height of the arrow mark VOB2 on the second route R2 toward the target point. In this way, by performing control to gradually increase the height of the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB2) on the second route R2, it is possible to suppress the sense of discomfort felt from the height of the arrow mark VO2 at the target point.

[0087] 6B is a diagram showing the trajectory of the second route R2 in Example 2. In Fig. 6B, when the target point is, for example, within 30 m (first distance) from the viewer 4, the control unit 701 (movement control unit 703) gradually increases the height of the arrow mark VOB2, which is the virtual object VOB, as the target point approaches, and when the target point is the first distance or more, the control unit 701 performs control to keep the height of the arrow mark VOB2 constant regardless of the target point. This ensures visibility for the passenger, who is the viewer 4, who is preparing to perform a rotational maneuver just before the target point, while minimizing annoyance, enabling smooth rotational maneuvers such as right and left turns.

[0088] 6C is a diagram showing the trajectory of the second route R2 in Example 3. In FIG. 6C, when the target point is within a first distance from the viewer 4, the control unit 701 (movement control unit 703) gradually increases the height of the arrow mark VOB2, which is a virtual object VOB, as the target point approaches, according to a first increase rate defined by the height of the arrow mark VOB2 changing according to the distance to the target point; when the target point is at or beyond the first distance, the control unit 701 gradually increases the height of the arrow mark VOB2 at a second increase rate greater than the first increase rate as the target point approaches. For example, if it is considered sufficient for the height of the arrow mark VOB2 to increase by about 1 meter as the distance to the target point approaches by 100 meters, the increase rate is 1 / 100. As described above, by varying the rate of ascent, if we consider that the height of the arrow mark VOB2 rises by 0.5 m when the distance to the target point is between 100 m and 30 m (30 m or more), and then rises by 0.5 m when the distance to the target point is 30 m remaining, then the second rate of ascent is 0.7 / 70 and the first rate of ascent is 0.5 / 30. In this way, by controlling the height of the virtual object VOB to gradually rise according to the first rate of ascent, it is possible to inform the passenger, who is the viewer 4, that the target point is gradually approaching. Also, by controlling the height of the virtual object VOB to gradually rise according to a second rate of ascent that is smaller than the first rate of ascent, it is possible to ensure forward visibility of the vehicle and enable smooth turning, such as turning right or left, while minimizing annoyance.

[0089] 6D is a diagram showing an example of a shadow image VOB' of a virtual object VOB on the second route R2 in Example 4. In FIG. 6D, when the target point on the second route R2 approaches by a predetermined distance (e.g., 30 m), the control unit 701 (main control unit 702) acquires a shadow image VOB2' of the arrow mark VOB2 representing the height of the arrow mark VOB2 as the virtual object VOB, which is generated by the image generation unit 112, and controls the display of the shadow image VOB2' to be superimposed on the road surface 6. In this way, by displaying the shadow image VOB2' of the arrow mark VOB2 on the road surface 6 and, for example, highlighting the shape of the shadow image VOB2' to become larger or darker as the target point approaches to represent the height of the arrow mark VOB2, the sense of augmented reality can be further enhanced, attracting the viewer 4, i.e., the passenger (driver DR).

[0090] 7A is a diagram showing the trajectory of the first route R1 in the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 7A, the control unit 701 (movement control unit 703) controls the first route R1 to keep the height of the arrow mark VOB1, which is a virtual object VOB, constant, regardless of the destination point. In this way, the first route R1 (pre-display of the virtual object VOB moving away) when moving toward the destination point associated with the real-space position can convey (allow the viewer 4, i.e., the occupant (driver DR)) a sense of distance to the destination point. In other words, keeping the height of the virtual object VOB constant makes it easier for the viewer 4, i.e., the occupant (driver DR), to grasp the distance from the current position of the vehicle 1 to the destination point.

[0091] 7B is a diagram showing the trajectory of the first route R1 in the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 7B, the control unit 701 (movement control unit 703) performs control to gradually increase the height of the arrow mark VOB1, which is a virtual object VOB on the first route R1, toward the destination. By performing control to gradually increase the height of the arrow mark VOB1 on the first route R1 in this way, it is possible to suppress the sense of discomfort felt by the height of the virtual object VOB (here, the arrow mark VOB1) at the destination point.

[0092] 7C is a diagram showing the trajectory of the first route R1 in the seventh embodiment. In FIG. 7C, the control unit 701 (movement control unit 703) controls the first route R1 so that, when the destination point is, for example, 10 m (second distance) or more, the height of the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB1) is constant (height a) regardless of the destination point, and when the destination point is within 10 m (second distance), the height b1 of the arrow mark VOB1 as the virtual object VOB is suddenly increased as the destination point becomes farther away (b1>>a). In this way, by suddenly increasing the height of the virtual object VOB from a constant state at, for example, 10 m (second distance), it is possible to attract the attention of the passenger, who is the viewer 4, and thereby to communicate the destination point in an easily understandable manner.

[0093] 7D is a diagram showing the trajectory of a first route R1 in Example 8. In FIG. 7D, the control unit 701 (movement control unit 703) gradually increases the height of the arrow mark VOB1, which is a virtual object VOB, on the first route R1 as the distance from the target point increases (from height a to height b), and maintains the height of the arrow mark VOB1 constant regardless of the distance to the target point when the target point is, for example, within 30 meters (within a second distance). In this way, on the first route R1, the virtual object VOB moves from the bottom (near side) of the field of view toward the target point (the virtual object moves away toward the top (back) of the field of view), temporarily ensuring the field of view of the passenger (driver DR), who is the viewer 4, and reducing annoyance. Thereafter, the height of the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB1) is maintained constant and displayed in the center of the field of view, thereby making it possible to clearly communicate the target point to the passenger (driver DR), who is the viewer 4.

[0094] (Variation) The display control device 700 of the above-described embodiment includes a control unit 701 that performs display control in a case where a virtual object VOB indicating a guidance direction at a destination point is displayed in advance so as to move along the road surface 6, the virtual object VOB is localized at the destination point, and the virtual object VOB is visually recognized by a passenger, who is a viewer 4, aboard the vehicle 1, as if the virtual object VOB were present at a predetermined real-space position in front of the vehicle. The control unit 701 is configured to perform control to display the virtual object VOB so that the height of the virtual object VOB on a first route R1 when moving toward the destination point as seen from the viewer 4 is different from the height of the virtual object VOB on a second route R2 when approaching from the destination point as seen from the viewer 4. In contrast, by incorporating the functions of the control unit 701 into the HUD device 100, the HUD device 100 can independently fulfill the role of the display control device 700.

[0095] 9 shows a modified example of the configuration of HUD device 100 in this case (hereinafter referred to as HUD device 100A to distinguish it from HUD device 100 shown in FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 9, HUD device 100A of the modified example is composed of a control unit 701a and an image display unit 111a. Control unit 701a performs control to display the virtual object VOB so that the height of the virtual object VOB on a first route R1 when moving toward a target point as seen from the viewer 4 is different from the height of the virtual object VOB on a second route R2 when approaching from the target point as seen from the viewer 4.

[0096] The control unit 701a includes an information acquisition unit 119a, a main control unit 702a, a movement control unit 703a, a display size adjustment unit 704a, and a display position adjustment unit 705a. The information acquisition unit 119a acquires measured distance information and the like as needed and supplies it to the main control unit 702a. When controlling the movement of the virtual object VOB, the movement control unit 703a operates in cooperation with the display size adjustment unit 704a to adjust the display size of the virtual object VOB in accordance with the distance to a predetermined real-space position acquired from the navigation device 121, for example, and operates in cooperation with the display position adjustment unit 705a to adjust the display position of the virtual object VOB in accordance with the guidance direction at the predetermined real-space position.

[0097] The display size adjustment unit 704a and the display position adjustment unit 705a prepare a function (characteristic line) that indicates the relationship between distance and display size, adjusted to a rate of change different from the real-world size change rate (the rate of change in size corresponding to a real object existing in real space), and by using this function (characteristic line) as necessary to change the display size and display position of the virtual object VOB, it is possible to display a size that is relatively easy to see from a distance, while preventing the display size from becoming too large at close range, thereby achieving an appropriate change in display size from a distance to a close range, and realizing a natural perspective display.

[0098] Here, the image display unit 111a is a parallax 3D display device. The image display unit 111a includes an image generation unit 112a, a liquid crystal display 113a having an image display surface that displays an image, a light beam separation unit 114a that has a lenticular lens, a parallax barrier (parallax barrier), or the like and separates light emitted from the image display surface into light beams for the left and right eyes, and an optical system 116a. The optical system 116a includes a curved mirror (concave mirror, etc.) 117 that reflects light from the light beam separation unit 114 and projects the image display light onto the windshield (projection target) 2. However, the optical system 116a may further include other optical members (lenses, auxiliary reflecting mirrors, etc.).

[0099] According to the HUD device 100A of the modified example, the control unit 701a controls the display of the virtual object VOB on the image display unit 111a so that the height of the virtual object VOB on the first route R1 when the virtual object VOB moves toward a target point associated with a real-space position as seen from the viewer 4 is different from the height of the virtual object VOB on the second route R2 when the virtual object VOB approaches the target point as seen from the viewer 4. As a result, on the first route R1, the virtual object VOB appears, for example, at a low position and receding into the distance as seen from the viewer 4 (advance display of movement to the target point), thereby accurately and intuitively conveying the distance to the target point to the passenger who is the viewer 4. On the other hand, on the second route R2, the virtual object VOB appears, for example, at a high position and approaching as seen from the viewer 4, thereby enabling the provision of a HUD device 100A that can convey the target point in an easy-to-understand and intuitive manner.

[0100] (Effects of the embodiment) 1, the display control device of this embodiment is a display control device 700 including a control unit 701 that performs display control in a case where a virtual object VOB indicating a guidance direction at a destination point is displayed in advance so as to move along a road surface 6, the virtual object VOB is localized at the destination point, and the virtual object VOB is made visible to a viewer 4 aboard the vehicle 1 as if the virtual object VOB were present at a predetermined real-space position ahead of the vehicle 1. The control unit 701 then performs control to display the virtual object VOB so that the height of the virtual object (arrow mark VOB1) on a first route (see R1 in FIG. 4) when moving toward the destination point as seen by the viewer 4 is different from the height of the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB2) on a second route (see R2 in FIG. 4) when approaching from the destination point as seen by the viewer 4.

[0101] According to the display control device 700 of this embodiment, the control unit 701 controls the display of the virtual object VOB so that the height of the arrow mark VOB1 as the virtual object VOB on the first route R1 when moving toward the destination point as seen by the viewer 4 is different from the height of the arrow mark VOB2 as the virtual object VOB on the second route R2 when approaching from the destination point as seen by the viewer 4. In this way, on the first route R1, the arrow mark VOB1 as the virtual object VOB is, for example, at a low position and receding into the distance as seen by the viewer 4 (the control unit 701 displays the virtual object VOB in advance so that it moves toward the destination point), thereby enabling the viewer 4, who is a passenger (such as the driver), to be informed intuitively of the distance to the destination point in an easy-to-understand manner. On the other hand, on the second route R2, the arrow mark VOB2 as the virtual object VOB is, for example, at a high position and approaching as seen by the viewer 4 (the control unit 701 controls the virtual object VOB to approach the destination point in accordance with the movement of the vehicle 1), thereby enabling the viewer 4 to be informed intuitively of the destination point in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0102] Furthermore, according to the display control device 700 of this embodiment, the control unit 701 performs control so that the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB1) on the first route R1 is displayed first from the front side toward the back side, and then the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB2) on the second route R2 is displayed so that it moves from the back side toward the front side. In this way, on both the first route R1 and the second route R2, the virtual objects VOB (arrow marks VOB1, VOB2) are displayed on the front or back side of the screen, shifted from the line of sight of the viewer 4 (the line of sight of the viewer 4 facing horizontally forward), thereby ensuring the field of view of the passengers who are the viewer 4, and suppressing annoyance caused by obstruction of the field of view, making it possible to clearly and intuitively convey the sense of distance to the destination via the first route R1 and the destination via the second route R2.

[0103] 6A and 7B, control unit 701 controls the display control device 700 of this embodiment to gradually increase the height of arrow mark VOB1 (FIG. 7B) as a virtual object VOB on the first route R1 and / or arrow mark VOB1 (FIG. 6A) as a virtual object VOB on the second route R2. By gradually increasing the height of the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB1) on the first route R1 and / or the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB2) on the second route R2 in this way, it is possible to suppress the discomfort felt by the passenger, who is the viewer, due to the height of the virtual objects VOB (arrow marks VOB1 and VOB2) at the target point.

[0104] Furthermore, according to the display control device 700 of this embodiment, when the target point on the second route R2 is, for example, within 30 m (first distance) as shown in FIG. 6B, the control unit 701 gradually increases the height of the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB2) as the target point approaches, and when the target point is, for example, 30 m (first distance) or more, the control unit 701 keeps the height of the arrow mark VOB2 constant regardless of the target point. This makes it possible to ensure visibility and reduce annoyance for the passenger, who is the viewer 4, who is preparing to perform a rotational maneuver just before the target point, and enables smooth rotational maneuvers such as turning right or left.

[0105] 6C, when the target point on the second route R2 is, for example, within 30 meters (first distance), the control unit 701 gradually increases the height of the arrow mark VOB2, which is a virtual object VOB, as the target point approaches, according to a first increase rate defined by the height of the arrow mark VOB2, which changes according to the distance to the target point; and when the target point is, for example, 30 meters (first distance) or more, the control unit 701 gradually increases the height of the arrow mark R2 at a second increase rate smaller than the first increase rate as the target point approaches. Here, for example, if it is considered sufficient for the height of the arrow mark VOB2 to increase by about 1 meter as the distance to the target point approaches by 100 meters, the increase rate is 1 / 100. By varying the climb rate, if we consider that the height increases by 0.5 m when the distance to the target point is between 100 m and 30 m (30 m or more), and then by 0.5 m when the remaining 30 m is reached, the second climb rate is 0.7 / 70 and the first climb rate is 0.5 / 30. In this case, by controlling the height of the arrow mark VOB2 to gradually increase according to the first climb rate, it is possible to inform the passenger, who is the viewer 4, that the target point is gradually approaching. Also, by controlling the height of the arrow mark VOB2 to gradually increase according to a second climb rate that is smaller than the first climb rate, it is possible to ensure visibility and enable smooth turning maneuvers such as right and left turns while minimizing annoyance.

[0106] Furthermore, according to the display control device 700 of this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 6D , when the target point is approached by a predetermined distance (e.g., 30 m) on the second route R2, the control unit 701 performs control to superimpose a shaded image VOB′ of the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB2) representing the height of the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB2) on the road surface. For example, by highlighting the shape of the shaded image VOB′ by making it larger or darker as the target point gets closer, the sense of augmented reality can be further enhanced, and as a result, the arrow mark VOB2 can be attracted to the viewer 4, i.e., the passenger.

[0107] 7A, the control unit 701 controls the first route R1 to keep the height of the arrow mark VOB1 as the virtual object VOB constant regardless of the target point, thereby making it possible to clearly convey (allow the occupant, who is the viewer 4, to estimate the sense of distance to the target point by the first route R1 (pre-display of the arrow mark VOB1 moving away from the target point) when the arrow mark VOB1 as the virtual object VOB moves toward the target point associated with the real-space position. In other words, by keeping the height of the arrow mark VOB1 as the virtual object VOB constant, it becomes easy for the occupant, who is the viewer 4, to grasp the distance from the current position of the vehicle 1 to the target point.

[0108] 7C, on the first route R1, when the destination point is, for example, 10 m (second distance) or more, the control unit 701 performs control such that the height a of the arrow mark VOB1 as the virtual object VOB is constant regardless of the destination point, and when the destination point is within 10 m (second distance), the height of the arrow mark VOB1 increases rapidly (b1>>a) as the destination point becomes farther away. In this way, the height a of the arrow mark VOB1 as the virtual object VOB can be made to increase rapidly from a constant state at, for example, 10 m (second distance), thereby attracting the eye, and thereby making it possible to clearly communicate the destination point to the passengers as the viewers 4.

[0109] 7D, the control unit 701 controls the first route R1 so that the height of the arrow mark VOB1, which is a virtual object VOB, gradually increases as the distance from the target point increases, and the height of the arrow mark VOB1 remains constant regardless of the distance from the target point when the target point is, for example, within 30 meters (within the second distance). In this way, on the first route R1, the arrow mark VOB1, which is a virtual object VOB, moves from the bottom of the field of view (the front side of the screen) toward the target point (the virtual object moves away toward the top of the field of view (the back)), temporarily ensuring the visibility of the passenger (the viewer 4) and reducing annoyance. Thereafter, the arrow mark VOB1 is displayed at a constant height in the center of the field of view, thereby making it possible to clearly communicate the target point to the passenger (the viewer 4).

[0110] 1, the head-up display device of this embodiment is, for example, a HUD device 100A (see FIG. 8) that displays a virtual object VOB so as to be visually recognized by a viewer 4 aboard the vehicle 1 as if the virtual object VOB were present at a predetermined real-space position ahead of the vehicle 1. The HUD device 100A has an image display unit 111a and a control unit 701a that controls display of virtual objects VOB (arrow marks VOB1, VOB2) on the image display unit 111a so that the height of the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB1) on a first route R1 (see FIG. 4) when moving toward a target point associated with a real-space position as seen from the viewer 4 is different from the height of the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB2) on a second route R2 (see FIG. 4) when approaching the target point as seen from the viewer 4.

[0111] According to the HUD device 100 of this embodiment, the control unit 701a controls the display of the virtual object VOB on the image display unit 111a so that the height of the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB1) on the first route R1 when the virtual object VOB moves toward a target point associated with a real-space position as seen from the viewer 4 is different from the height of the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB2) on the second route R2 when the virtual object VOB approaches the target point as seen from the viewer 4. Therefore, on the first route R1, the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB1) appears, for example, to be at a low position and receding into the distance as seen from the viewer 4 (advance display of movement to the target point), thereby accurately and clearly conveying the distance to the target point to the passenger who is the viewer 4. On the other hand, on the second route R2, the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB2) appears, for example, to be at a high position and approaching as seen from the viewer 4, thereby clearly and intuitively conveying the target point to the viewer 4.

[0112] 1, the display control method of this embodiment is a display control method that allows a viewer 4 aboard the vehicle 1 to view a virtual object VOB as if it were located at a predetermined real-space position ahead of the vehicle 1. The display control method includes, for example, as shown in Fig. 3, a step (ST101) of generating a virtual object VOB that indicates a guidance direction at a target point associated with the predetermined real-space position, and steps (ST102 to ST105) of performing control to display the virtual object VOB so that the height of the virtual object VOB on a first route R1 when moving toward the target point as seen from the viewer 4 is different from the height of the virtual object VOB on a second route R2 when approaching the target point as seen from the viewer 4.

[0113] According to the display control method of this embodiment, on the first route R1, an arrow mark VOB1, which is a virtual object VOB as seen by the viewer 4, appears, for example, to move away at a low position (a pre-display of moving to the target point), thereby enabling the viewer 4, or a passenger, to easily and intuitively understand the distance to the target point; and on the second route R2, an arrow mark VOB2, which is a virtual object VOB as seen by the viewer 4, appears, for example, to move closer at a high position, thereby enabling the viewer 4 to accurately and intuitively understand the target point.

[0114] 1, the display control program of this embodiment is a display control program of a display control device 700 having a control unit 701 that executes display control to cause a viewer 4 aboard the vehicle 1 to view a virtual object VOB as if it were located at a predetermined real-space position ahead of the vehicle 1. The control unit 701 then executes, for example, a process (ST101) of generating a virtual object VOB indicating a guidance direction at a destination point associated with the predetermined real-space position, as shown in Fig. 3, and a process (ST102 to ST105) of controlling the display of the virtual object VOB so that the height of an arrow mark VOB1, which is a virtual object VOB on a first route R1 when moving toward the destination point as seen by the viewer 4, is different from the height of an arrow mark VOB2, which is a virtual object VOB on a second route R2 when approaching the destination point as seen by the viewer 4.

[0115] According to the display control program of this embodiment, a display control program implemented in the control unit 701 of the display control device 700, for example, a processor reading out and executing a display control program stored in memory, can provide a display control program that, on the first route R1, when viewed by the viewer 4, displays an arrow mark VOB1 as a virtual object VOB, for example, at a low position and receding into the distance (a pre-display of moving to the target point), thereby clearly and intuitively conveying to the viewer 4, who is a passenger, the distance to the target point; and, on the second route R2, when viewed by the viewer 4, displays an arrow mark VOB2 as a virtual object VOB, for example, at a high position and approaching, thereby clearly and intuitively conveying to the viewer 4 the target point where they should turn right or left.

[0116] 1, the vehicular display system of this embodiment is a vehicular display system 3 including a head-up display device (HUD device 100) that allows a viewer 4 aboard the vehicle 1 to visually recognize a virtual object VOB as if it were located at a predetermined real-space position ahead of the vehicle 1, a navigation device 121 that generates navigation information including a destination point, and a display control device 700 that controls the display of the HUD device 100. In the vehicular display system 3, the display control device 700 generates a virtual object VOB that indicates a guidance direction at the destination point acquired by the navigation device 121, and controls the display of the virtual object VOB on the HUD device 100 (see FIG. 5) so that the height of the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB1) on a first route R1 (see FIG. 4) along which the vehicle 1 moves toward the destination point associated with the real-space position as viewed from the viewer 4 is different from the height of the virtual object VOB (arrow mark VOB2) on a second route R2 (see FIG. 4) along which the vehicle 1 approaches the destination point as viewed from the viewer 4.

[0117] According to the vehicular display system 3 of this embodiment, the display control device 700 generates a virtual object VOB indicating a guidance direction at a destination point acquired by the navigation device 121, and controls the display of the virtual object VOB on the HUD device 100 so that the height of the virtual object VOB on a first route R1 when the vehicle 1 moves toward the destination point associated with the real-space position as seen from the viewer 4 is different from the height of the virtual object VOB on a second route R2 when the vehicle 1 approaches the destination point as seen from the viewer 4. Therefore, on the first route R1, an arrow mark VOB1 as a virtual object appears, for example, at a low position and receding from the viewer 4 (advance display of movement to the destination point), thereby accurately and intuitively conveying the distance to the destination point to the occupant as the viewer 4. On the second route R2, an arrow mark VOB2 as a virtual object VOB appears, for example, at a high position and approaching the viewer 4, thereby enabling the vehicular display system 3 to be provided that can convey the destination point in an easy-to-understand and intuitive manner.

[0118] 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]

[0119] 1···Vehicle (host vehicle), 2···Windshield (projected object), 3···Vehicle display system, 4···Viewer, 6···Road surface, 43···Pupil imaging camera, 45···Imaging camera, 46···Image processing unit, 47···Distance measuring unit, 48···Object type / size detection unit, 100, 100A···HUD device, 111···Stereoscopic display device, 112···Image generation unit, 113···Image display unit (display panel, etc.), 114···Light beam separation unit, 116···Optical system, 117···Bending surface mirror, 118...light exit window, 119...information acquisition unit, 120...ECU, 121...navigation device, 123...communication unit, 125...radar unit, 700...display control device, 701...control unit, 702...main control unit, 703...movement control unit, 704...display size adjustment unit, 705...display position adjustment unit, VOB...virtual object, R1...first route, R2...second route, VOB1, VOB2...arrow mark, F...footer

Claims

1. A display control device including a control unit that performs display control in a case where a virtual object indicating a guidance direction at a target point is displayed in advance so as to move along a road surface, the virtual object is localized at the target point, and the virtual object is visually recognized by a viewer in a vehicle as if it were present at a predetermined real space position in front of the vehicle, The control unit a display control device that controls display of the virtual object so that a height of the virtual object on a first route when moving toward the target point as seen from the viewer is different from a height of the virtual object on a second route when approaching from the target point as seen from the viewer.

2. The control unit The display control device according to claim 1 , wherein the virtual object on the first route is displayed first from the front side toward the back side, and then the virtual object on the second route is displayed so as to approach the front side from the back side.

3. The control unit The display control device according to claim 1 , further comprising control for gradually increasing a height of the virtual object on the first route and / or a height of the virtual object on the second route.

4. The control unit 4. The display control device according to claim 3, wherein, on the second route, when the target point is within a first distance, the height of the virtual object is gradually increased as the target point approaches, and when the target point is equal to or greater than the first distance, the height of the virtual object is kept constant regardless of the target point.

5. The control unit 4. The display control device according to claim 3, wherein, on the second route, when the destination point is within a first distance, the height of the virtual object is gradually increased as the destination point approaches in accordance with a first rate of increase defined by a height of the virtual object that changes depending on the distance to the destination point, and when the destination point is equal to or greater than the first distance, the height of the virtual object is gradually increased at a second rate of increase that is smaller than the first rate of increase as the destination point approaches.

6. The control unit 2. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein, when the target point is approached by a predetermined distance on the second route, a shaded image of the virtual object representing a height of the virtual object is displayed superimposed on the road surface.

7. The control unit The display control device according to claim 3 , wherein control is performed to keep the height of the virtual object constant on the first route, regardless of the destination point.

8. The control unit 4. The display control device according to claim 3, wherein, on the first route, when the destination point is a second distance or more, the height of the virtual object is kept constant independent of the destination point, and when the destination point is within the second distance, the height of the virtual object is rapidly increased as the destination point becomes farther away.

9. The control unit 4. The display control device according to claim 3, wherein, on the first route, the height of the virtual object is gradually increased as the destination point becomes farther away, and the height of the virtual object is kept constant regardless of the distance to the destination point when the destination point is within a second distance.

10. A head-up display device that displays a virtual object so as to be visible to a viewer riding in a vehicle as if the virtual object were present at a predetermined real-space position in front of the vehicle, an image display unit; a control unit that controls the display of the virtual object on the image display unit so that a height of the virtual object on a first route when, as viewed from the viewer, the virtual object moves toward a target point associated with the predetermined real-space position is different from a height of the virtual object on a second route when, as viewed from the viewer, the virtual object approaches the target point.

11. A display control method for allowing a viewer riding in a vehicle to visually recognize a virtual object as if the virtual object were present at a predetermined real-space position in front of the vehicle, comprising: generating the virtual object indicating a guidance direction at the destination point associated with the predetermined real space position; and performing control to display the virtual object so that a height of the virtual object on a first route when the virtual object is moving toward a target point as seen from the viewer is different from a height of the virtual object on a second route when the virtual object is approaching the target point as seen from the viewer.

12. A display control program for a display control device having a control unit that executes display control to make a viewer in a vehicle visually recognize a virtual object as if it were present at a predetermined real-space position in front of the vehicle, The control unit generating the virtual object indicating a guidance direction at the target point associated with the predetermined real space position; and performing control to display the virtual object so that a height of the virtual object on a first route when the virtual object is moving toward the target point as seen from the viewer is different from a height of the virtual object on a second route when the virtual object is approaching the target point as seen from the viewer.

13. A vehicular display system including a head-up display device that allows a viewer in a vehicle to visually recognize a virtual object as if it were located at a predetermined real-space position in front of the vehicle, a navigation device that generates navigation information including a destination point, and a display control device that controls display of the head-up display device, The display control device a display system for a vehicle, which generates the virtual object indicating a guidance direction at the target point obtained by the navigation device, and controls the display of the virtual object on the head-up display device so that a height of the virtual object on a first route when the vehicle, as viewed from the viewer, moves toward the target point associated with the real-space position is different from a display height of the virtual object on a second route when the vehicle, as viewed from the viewer, approaches the target point.

Images