Display device, display method, and program

Abstract

To provide a display device and the related others that can provide a more appropriate display.SOLUTION: A display device 100 includes: a displayer 130 that displays, over a travel route that includes one or more guide sites that a mobile body (vehicle 2) will pass through in future, a guidance display object for guidance along the travel route; an obtainer 110 that obtains, for one that the vehicle will pass next, of the guide sites, a remaining distance from a current position corresponding to the mobile body being displayed up to a guide position being one that is displayed, of the guide sites; and a controller 120 that determines a display position of the guidance display object when it is to be displayed, and causes the displayer 130 to display the guidance display object at the display position determined. The controller 120 is configured to: when the remaining distance is equal to or greater than a threshold value, change the display position to cause the guidance display object to transition from the current position up to the guide position; and when the remaining distance is less than the threshold value, change the display position to cause the guidance display object to transition from the current position up to a target position offset ahead of the guide position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device that allows a user to view an image as a virtual image, a display method used in the display device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a display system (i.e., a display device) has been proposed in which light representing an image is projected onto a translucent, plate-like display medium and reflected (projected) the light from the display medium, allowing the user to view the image as a virtual image while viewing a background through the display medium. Such a display system uses so-called Augmented Reality (AR) and can display an image related to a real background within the actual background. In particular, in the automotive field, a so-called head-up display (HUD) has been developed that displays an image indicating speed and various warnings as a virtual image in front of the windshield while driving (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] By using such a display device, the user (driver) can view images related to driving (e.g., maps, speedometers, navigation function guide displays, etc.) while looking at the outside world ahead, without having to move their eyes significantly, allowing for safer driving. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2015 / 118859 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, there is a problem that display devices may not be able to display properly.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a display device capable of more appropriate display, a display method used in the display device, and a program. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a display unit that displays a guidance indicator that guides a moving body along a driving route that includes one or more guidance points that a moving body will pass through in the future, each of which will cause the moving body to change its course; an acquisition unit that updates the guidance point that the moving body will pass next at one or more of the guidance points and acquires, for the updated guidance point, a remaining distance from a current position corresponding to the moving body on the display to a guidance position that is the guidance point on the display; and a control unit that determines a display position for displaying the guidance indicator and causes the display unit to display the guidance indicator at the determined display position, wherein, when the remaining distance is equal to or greater than a threshold, the control unit changes the determined display position so as to transition between the current position and the guidance position, and when the remaining distance is less than the threshold, the control unit changes the determined display position so as to transition between the current position and a target position that is shifted forward from the guidance position.

[0008] Furthermore, a display method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a display method executed by a computer, and includes the steps of: displaying a guidance display object that guides a driving route along a driving route that includes one or more guidance points that a moving body will pass through in the future, at each of which the moving body's course will change; updating the guidance point that the moving body will pass next at one or more of the guidance points, and obtaining, for the updated guidance point, a remaining distance from the moving body's current position on the display to a guidance position that is the guidance point on the display; determining a display position for displaying the guidance display object, and controlling the display to display the guidance display object at the display position determined in the displaying step; and in the controlling step, if the remaining distance is equal to or greater than a threshold, changing the determined display position so as to transition from the current position to the guidance position, and if the remaining distance is less than the threshold, changing the determined display position so as to transition from the current position to a target position that is shifted forward from the guidance position.

[0009] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of the system, the method, the integrated circuit, the computer program, and the recording medium. The recording medium may also be a non-transitory recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the display device and the like of the present disclosure, more appropriate display is possible.

[0011] Further advantages and benefits of certain aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or benefits may be provided by some of the embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, respectively, but not necessarily all of them may be provided to obtain one or more identical features. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the problem of the display device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the problem of the display device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the display device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of use of the display device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the interior of a vehicle equipped with a display device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the display device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the display device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the transition control of the guidance object in the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an increase in display elements according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the transition control of the guidance object in another example of the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a change in the display form of a display element in yet another example of the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a change in the display form of a display element in yet another example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) The present inventors have found that the display system of Patent Document 1 described in the "Background Art" section may have the following problems.

[0014] The display system of Patent Document 1 displays an image of a guidance display object indicating a route for guidance in a moving object such as a vehicle, in order to guide (navigate) the moving object along a route. The image is displayed only within a limited range so as not to obstruct the user's field of view more than necessary. Therefore, it is preferable that the display position of the guidance display object transitions over time, like an animation, to more easily attract the user's attention. Such transitions in display position are particularly effective at points where the route changes, such as intersections (including cases where the user goes straight through the intersection), forks, and junctions (hereinafter referred to as "guidance points"). Here, using Figures 1 and 2, we will explain the issues that arise when the display position transitions.

[0015] 1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining the problems of the display device. Note that FIG. 1 shows how the position of a guidance object 10 changes from the top to the bottom. For example, FIG. 1 shows how a guidance object 10 is displayed to guide a vehicle along a driving route within a display range d1 that can be displayed by the display device. While the vehicle is traveling, the display device displays the guidance object 10 at a current position p1 corresponding to the location where the vehicle is currently traveling. At this time, for example, the guidance object 10 displayed on the display device is reflected by the windshield of the vehicle and reaches the user's eye, and the user sees the guidance object 10 as if it were a virtual image several meters to several tens of meters ahead through the windshield. The current position p1 is a position several meters to several tens of meters ahead that corresponds to the current location of the traveling vehicle.

[0016] By visually recognizing the virtual image of the guidance display 10, the user can understand the route the vehicle should take. Furthermore, because the guidance display 10 shows an arrow, the user can understand which direction the vehicle should take when the vehicle has traveled several meters to several tens of meters ahead. For example, if the arrow on the guidance display 10 points to the right, the user can understand that the vehicle should take a route to the right when the vehicle has traveled several meters to several tens of meters ahead.

[0017] The display device performs the transition of the display position as described above by, for example, changing the displayed position of the guidance object 10 in the time domain from the current position p1 corresponding to the point where the vehicle is currently traveling to a guidance position p2 on the display that corresponds to an intersection as an example of a guidance point where the vehicle's course changes. Such a change has the advantage of easily catching the user's eye and making it easy for the user to intuitively understand that the vehicle will soon approach an intersection.

[0018] Here, consider a case where there is a sufficient distance between the current position p1 and the guidance position p2. For example, when vehicle 2 shown in FIG. 2 is traveling along the route indicated by the dashed arrow, if vehicle 2 is traveling along route R1 in the horizontal direction of the page, guidance point p2a is farther than 100 m from vehicle 2, and thus changing the display position of guidance object 10 from current position p1 to guidance position p2 in the time domain can produce a significant change, which can be said to be highly effective in attracting the user's attention. On the other hand, if vehicle 2 is traveling along route R2 in the vertical direction of the page, guidance point p2a is within 100 m from vehicle 2, and changing the display position of guidance object 10 from current position p1 to guidance position p2 in the time domain cannot produce a significant change. Therefore, the effect of attracting the user's attention is not very strong. Thus, if the next guidance point p2a is closer than necessary, even if the display position of guidance object 10 is changed in the time domain, the effect of attracting the user's attention is not very strong, and an appropriate display may not be achieved. Examples of cases where the next guidance point p2a is closer than necessary include when two consecutive guidance points p2a are close to each other, as shown in Figure 2, or when the next guidance point p2a is close to the location of the vehicle when the vehicle 2 is started.

[0019] Therefore, in the present disclosure, a target position p3 that is shifted forward from the guidance position p2 is used, as shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a display device in an embodiment. Fig. 3 shows how the position of the guidance display object 10 changes from the top row to the middle row, and from the middle row to the bottom row.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, in the present disclosure, the display position of the guidance object 10 is changed in the time domain from the current position p1 to a point ahead of the guidance position p2, i.e., a target position p3 corresponding to a point shifted forward, and the display position of the guidance object 10 is also changed in the time domain from the target position p3 to the guidance position p2. This allows for sufficient change in the display position of the guidance object 10, even if the next guidance point p2a is closer than necessary, thereby maintaining a high level of effectiveness in catching the user's eye. In this way, the present disclosure provides a display device that can provide a more appropriate display.

[0021] More specifically, the display device according to the present disclosure has the following features.

[0022] A display device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a display unit that displays guidance indicators for guiding a driving route along the driving route, the guidance indicators including one or more guidance points that a moving body will pass through in the future, at each of which the moving body's course will change; an acquisition unit that updates the next guidance point to be passed at the one or more guidance points and acquires the remaining distance from the current position corresponding to the moving body on the display to the guidance position that is the guidance point on the display for the updated guidance point; and a control unit that determines a display position for displaying the guidance indicator and causes the display unit to display the guidance indicator at the determined display position, wherein the control unit changes the determined display position so as to transition between the current position and the guidance position when the remaining distance is equal to or greater than a threshold, and changes the determined display position so as to transition between the current position and the guidance position when the remaining distance is less than the threshold,

[0023] According to this, the guidance display can guide the user to a guidance point where the path of the moving object changes. Here, when the remaining distance from the current location to the guidance location is equal to or greater than a threshold, the determined display position can be changed to transition from the current location to the guidance location. When the remaining distance is less than the threshold, the determined display position can be changed to transition from the current location to a target location shifted forward from the guidance location. As a result, even when the remaining distance is less than the threshold and, for example, transitioning the guidance display to the guidance location is insufficient, the guidance display can be transitioned to the target location shifted forward from the guidance location, thereby ensuring a sufficient transition distance for the guidance display. This allows the guidance display to transition a sufficient distance regardless of the remaining distance. In this way, the transition of the guidance display can provide a sufficient change in position, thereby maintaining a high level of user attention. Therefore, more appropriate display is possible.

[0024] In addition, a display device according to a second aspect is the display device according to the first aspect, wherein when the remaining distance is less than a threshold value, the control unit changes the display position to be determined so as to transition between the current position and the target position, and then further changes the display position to be determined so as to transition between the target position and the guidance position.

[0025] According to this, the guidance display object can be displayed so that the determined display position changes to transition between the target position and the guidance position.

[0026] Furthermore, a display device according to a third aspect is a display device according to the first or second aspect, in which the control unit determines the display form of the guidance display object when displayed, causes the display unit to display the guidance display object in the determined display form, and when the remaining distance is less than a threshold value, changes the determined display position so as to transition between the current position and the target position, and then further changes the determined display form.

[0027] This allows the guidance display object to be displayed in a manner that changes the display form to be determined.

[0028] Furthermore, a display device according to a fourth aspect is the display device according to the third aspect, wherein the display form includes the number of display elements that constitute the guidance display object, and the control unit, when the remaining distance is less than a threshold value, changes the display form to increase the number of display elements after changing the display position to be determined so as to transition between the current position and the target position, and changes the display form to decrease the number of display elements that have been increased as the moving body approaches the guidance point.

[0029] According to this, the display form can be changed so that the number of display elements is increased, and as the moving body approaches the guidance point, the display form is changed so that the number of increased display elements is decreased, thereby displaying the guidance display.

[0030] Furthermore, a display device according to a fifth aspect is a display device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the threshold value is determined by the length of the distance, or by the angle between the lines connecting each of two points separated by that distance with a reference point.

[0031] This allows the remaining distance to be compared with a threshold value determined by the length of the distance or the angle between the lines connecting each of the two points separated by that distance and the reference point.

[0032] Furthermore, a display device according to a sixth aspect is a display device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, in which the amount of deviation between the guide position and the target position is determined by the length of the distance, or by the angle between the lines connecting each of two points separated by that distance and the reference point.

[0033] This allows the guidance display to transition according to the amount of deviation, which is determined by the length of the distance or the angle between the lines connecting each of the two points separated by that distance and the reference point.

[0034] Furthermore, a display device according to a seventh aspect is a display device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the acquisition unit further acquires a moving speed of the moving body, and the amount of deviation between the guide position and the target position increases as the acquired moving speed increases.

[0035] This allows the guidance display object to transition in accordance with the amount of deviation, which increases as the moving speed of the moving object increases.

[0036] Furthermore, a display device according to an eighth aspect is a display device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the acquisition unit further acquires a moving speed of the moving body, and the control unit changes the display position to be determined so that the rate of change becomes faster as the acquired moving speed becomes faster.

[0037] According to this, the guidance display object can be displayed by changing the display position to be determined so that the rate of change increases as the moving speed of the moving object increases.

[0038] A display device according to a ninth aspect is the display device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the control unit changes the determined display position so that the rate of change becomes faster as the remaining distance becomes shorter.

[0039] According to this, the display position to be determined can be changed to display the guidance display object so that the speed of change becomes faster as the remaining distance becomes shorter.

[0040] Further, a display device according to a tenth aspect is a display device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein when the remaining distance is less than a threshold, the control unit changes the display position to be determined so that the rate of change is faster between the guidance position and the target position than between the current position and the guidance position.

[0041] According to this, when the remaining distance is less than a threshold value, the guidance display object can be displayed by changing the display position to be determined so that the rate of change is faster from the guidance position to the target position than from the current position to the guidance position.

[0042] Furthermore, a display device according to an eleventh aspect is a display device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the display unit projects image light toward a display medium of the mobile body, thereby allowing a user of the mobile body to view a virtual image of a guidance display object formed through the display medium by the image light reflected from the display medium.

[0043] According to this, by projecting image light toward the display medium of the mobile body, the user of the mobile body can see a virtual image of the guide display object formed through the display medium by the image light reflected from the display medium.

[0044] In addition, a display method according to a twelfth aspect is a display method executed by a computer, and includes the steps of: displaying a guidance display object that guides a driving route along the driving route, the guidance route including one or more guidance points that a moving body will pass through in the future, and each of the guidance points will cause the moving body's course to change; updating the next guidance point to be passed at the one or more guidance points, and obtaining, for the updated guidance point, the remaining distance from the moving body's current position on the display to the guidance position that is the guidance point on the display; determining a display position for displaying the guidance display object, and controlling the display so that the guidance display object is displayed at the display position determined in the display step; and in the controlling step, changing the determined display position so that the transition occurs between the current position and the guidance position when the remaining distance is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and changing the determined display position so that the transition occurs between the current position and the guidance position when the remaining distance is less than the threshold value,

[0045] This can provide the same effects as the display device described above.

[0046] A program according to a thirteenth aspect is a program for causing a computer to execute the display method according to the twelfth aspect.

[0047] This makes it possible to achieve the same effects as the above-described display device using a computer.

[0048] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of the system, the method, the integrated circuit, the computer program, or the recording medium. The recording medium may also be a non-transitory recording medium.

[0049] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0050] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concepts are described as optional components.

[0051] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. In addition, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing.

[0052] In the following description, a vehicle will be used as an example of a moving body, but the moving body is not limited to this. The moving body includes not only a vehicle but also any moving body that moves with a user on board, such as a ship or an aircraft.

[0053] In addition, in the following description, an example of a display device will be a type of display device that projects image light onto a display medium such as a vehicle windshield or combiner and delivers the reflected light to the user's eyes, allowing the user to view a virtual image formed outside through the display medium.However, the display device also includes a display device with a display mounted on a center console panel for a car navigation system.

[0054] In the following description, a "point" as a real space coordinate and a "position" as an image coordinate on a display may be distinguished from each other.

[0055] (Embodiment) [Overall configuration] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of use of the display device according to the present embodiment.

[0056] The display device 100 in this embodiment is configured as a head-up display (HUD), and is mounted on the vehicle 2. In a specific example, the display device 100 is built into a dashboard 2b of the vehicle 2.

[0057] The display device 100 projects image light representing the guidance object 10 onto the windshield 2a of the vehicle 2. As a result, the image light is reflected by the windshield 2a and directed toward, for example, the user 1, who is the driver of the vehicle 2. As a result, the user 1 visually recognizes the guidance object 10 as a virtual image through the windshield 2a. In other words, the display device 100 allows the user 1 to visually recognize the guidance object 10 as a virtual image. Note that allowing the user 1 to visually recognize the guidance object 10 as a virtual image in this manner is hereinafter also referred to as displaying the guidance object 10, and the operation of projecting the image light is synonymous with the operation of displaying the guidance object 10. The windshield 2a is an example of a display medium. In this embodiment, the display medium is the windshield 2a. However, if the vehicle 2 is equipped with a combiner, the display device 100 may project the image light onto the combiner as the display medium.

[0058] The windshield 2a is a translucent, plate-like display medium. Therefore, the display device 100 allows the user 1 to view the guide object 10 as a virtual image while showing the background, such as the road surface, through the windshield 2a. In other words, the AR technology allows the guide object 10 to be displayed against the actual background.

[0059] The guidance display 10 is an image shaped to indicate one direction, and in one specific example, it is a planar image shaped like an arrow that follows the traveling surface (road surface) in the traveling direction of the vehicle 2. This one direction is the direction of the tip of the arrow, and will hereinafter also be referred to as the traveling direction. The traveling direction of the guidance display 10 is oriented in the direction that guides the vehicle 2 to the destination, i.e., the navigation direction.

[0060] Therefore, by using such a display device 100, the user 1, who is the driver, can see the guide display 10 while looking at the outside world ahead without moving his or her eyes significantly, allowing the user to understand the navigation direction and drive more safely.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the interior of a vehicle equipped with a display device according to the embodiment.

[0062] The display device 100 is hidden within the dashboard 2b and projects image light onto the windshield 2a. For example, the projection of image light by the display device 100 causes the guidance object 10 to appear as a virtual image within a display range d1 on the windshield 2a.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the display device according to the embodiment.

[0064] The display device 100 includes an acquisition unit 110, a control unit 120, and a display unit .

[0065] The acquisition unit 110 acquires vehicle-related information from at least one of a navigation device 21 and a vehicle control device 22 provided in the vehicle 2.

[0066] The navigation device 21 uses a satellite positioning system such as a GPS (Global Positioning System). The navigation device 21 is a device for navigating the vehicle 2 to a destination using a navigation system. Such a navigation device 21 outputs, as the above-mentioned vehicle-related information, vehicle location information indicating the current location of the vehicle 2, route information indicating the route from the current location of the vehicle 2 to the destination, and vehicle orientation information indicating the traveling direction of the vehicle 2.

[0067] The vehicle control device 22 is configured as, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) mounted on the vehicle 2, and outputs vehicle speed information indicating the running speed (moving speed) of the vehicle 2 as the above-mentioned vehicle-related information.

[0068] The control unit 120 uses the vehicle-related information acquired by the acquisition unit 110 to determine the display form of the guidance object 10 and generate an image. Therefore, the combination of the acquisition unit 110 and the control unit 120 realizes an image generation device. Specifically, the control unit 120 is a processing unit that determines the display position of the guidance object 10 and generates an image so that the guidance object 10 is displayed at that position. In other words, the display position of the guidance object 10 transitions as the control unit 120 changes the display position determined over time.

[0069] In addition to the function of determining the display position described above, the control unit 120 also has the function of determining the display form, including the number of display elements that make up the guidance display object 10, the tilt mode, design, and shape of each display element, etc. The control unit 120 generates an image so that the guidance display object 10 is displayed at the determined display position and in the determined display form.

[0070] The display unit 130 has both the function of displaying the generated image and the function of projecting light representing the displayed image onto a display medium. To this end, the display unit 130 obtains the generated image from the control unit 120 and renders the guidance object 10. For example, the display unit 130 includes a light source and an optical system, and generates image light so that the guidance object 10 is visible to the user 1. The display unit 130 then projects the image light onto the windshield 2a. As a result, the guidance object 10 is visible to the user 1 in the determined display mode at the determined display position.

[0071] [Processing flow] Next, the flow of operation processing of the display device configured as above will be described with reference to Figs. 7 to 12. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the display device in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, in this embodiment, first, the acquisition unit 110 acquires vehicle-related information of the vehicle 2 (S11). The vehicle-related information includes vehicle point information indicating the current point of the vehicle 2 (i.e., information about the current position), vehicle speed information of the vehicle 2, route information indicating a route for guiding the vehicle 2 to the destination, information about guide points included in the route (i.e., information about the guide position), etc. Therefore, in step S11, the acquisition unit 110 can also be said to acquire the traveling speed of the vehicle 2 and the remaining distance from the current position to the guide position.

[0072] Then, the control unit 120 controls the display position and display form of the guidance object 10 to generate an image (S12).

[0073] Thereafter, the display unit 130 displays and projects the generated image, thereby outputting image light (S13), and the guidance object 10 is visually recognized by the user.

[0074] Here, in steps S12 and S13 shown in Figure 7, the operation of generating and displaying images one by one is repeated, thereby continuously outputting image light in the time domain, allowing the user to view an image in which the virtual image of the guide display object 10 changes in the time domain.

[0075] The operation of step S12 can be regarded as the operation shown in Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of transition control of a guidance object in the embodiment. In Fig. 8, steps S101 to S103 represent control of state 1, steps S201 to S204 represent control of state 2, and steps S301 to S303 represent control of state 3. Control of each state is started after control of the previous state is completed. In other words, display device 100 selectively executes control of states 1 to 3.

[0076] In the control of State 1, the display device 100 does not change the display position of the guidance object 10, but instead displays it constantly at a predetermined distance ahead of the vehicle 2. Specifically, the display device 100 determines whether or not State 1 has been completed (S100), and continues to execute the control of State 1 while State 1 has not been completed (No in S100). In the control of State 1, first, the control unit 120 determines the display position of the guidance object 10 to be the current position (S101). As a result, the guidance object 10 continues to be displayed constantly at a position several meters to several tens of meters ahead of the vehicle 2. Then, steps S100 and S101 are repeatedly executed unless the vehicle 2 is within a predetermined distance to the guidance point (No in S102). Thereafter, as the vehicle 2 continues traveling, when the vehicle 2 is within a predetermined distance to the guidance point (Yes in S102), State 1 is completed (S103). Then, in the determination in step S100, it is determined that state 1 has been completed (Yes in S100), and the process proceeds to step S200.

[0077] The control of State 2 is a control in which the display device 100 changes the display position of the guidance object 10 and displays the guidance object 10 so as to transition from the current position to the guidance position. Specifically, the display device 100 determines whether State 2 has been completed (S200), and continuously executes the control of State 2 while State 2 has not been completed (No in S200). In the control of State 2, first, the control unit 120 calculates the remaining distance from the current position to the guidance position using the acquired vehicle-related information, and determines whether the calculated remaining distance is less than a threshold (S201). The threshold used in this determination is defined, for example, by a distance corresponding to the distance from the guidance position to the current position. Alternatively, the threshold may be defined, for example, by an angle formed by lines connecting two points separated by a distance corresponding to the distance from the guidance position to the current position, with the user's viewpoint as the reference point.

[0078] If the threshold is simply defined by distance, the same distance will correspond to fewer pixels as the distance is farther away on the display range d1, and more pixels as the distance is closer. On the other hand, if the threshold is defined by angle, the same angle will correspond to longer distances as the distance is farther away on the display range d1, and more pixels as the distance is closer. Because of this difference, the setting mode may be switchable so that the user can select either distance or angle when setting the threshold.

[0079] Furthermore, if the amount of deviation between the guidance position and the target position is also user-configurable, the amount of deviation may be specified as either a distance or an angle, and the setting mode may be switchable so that the user can select either the distance or the angle when setting the amount of deviation. The required amount of deviation between the guidance position and the target position may vary depending on the traveling speed of the vehicle 2. For example, if the traveling speed of the vehicle 2 is high, the effect of the transition of the guidance object 10 may be reduced due to changes in the superimposed scenery while the guidance object 10 is transitioning to the target position. Therefore, rather than using a fixed value set by the user as the amount of deviation, the amount of deviation between the guidance position and the target position may be automatically set to be larger as the traveling speed of the vehicle 2 increases, so that the transition of the guidance object 10 becomes more noticeable.

[0080] Furthermore, when the amount of deviation between the guidance position and the target position becomes large in this way, there is a possibility that the guidance object 10 will not be able to transition to the target position before the vehicle 2 reaches the guidance point. Therefore, the transition speed of the guidance object 10, i.e., the rate at which the display position changes, may be automatically set to be faster as the traveling speed of the vehicle 2 is faster. In addition, when the vehicle 2 is close to the guidance point, i.e., the remaining distance is short, there is a similar possibility that the guidance object 10 will not be able to transition to the target position before the vehicle 2 reaches the guidance point. The transition speed of the guidance object 10, i.e., the rate at which the display position changes, may be automatically set to be faster as the remaining distance is shorter.

[0081] Furthermore, as described above, when the change rate is defined by distance and angle, the manner in which the guidance object 10 transitions within the display range d1 differs. Therefore, if the change rate is defined as distance per unit time, the speed may appear to change within the display range d1 when the change rate is constant. Therefore, when the change rate is defined as distance per unit time, the change rate may be controlled so that the speed appears constant within the display range d1 by making the change rate faster on the far side and slower on the near side. For example, the change rate may be changed depending on the display position of the guidance object 10 so that the change rate from the guidance position to the target position is faster than the change rate from the current position to the guidance position.

[0082] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 8, if the calculated remaining distance is equal to or greater than the threshold (No in S201), there is a sufficient distance for the transition, so the control unit 120 transitions the guidance object 10 from the current position to the guidance position and fixes it at the guidance position (S203). Conversely, if the calculated remaining distance is less than the threshold (Yes in S201), there is an insufficient distance for the transition, so the control unit 120 transitions the guidance object 10 from the current position to the target position to ensure a sufficient distance for the transition (S202), and then transitions the guidance object 10 from the current position to the guidance position and fixes it at the guidance position (S203). As a result, in either case, the guidance object 10 transitions a sufficient distance to attract the user's attention, making the guidance object 10 more easily visible to the user. Thereafter, state 2 is completed (S204). Then, since it is determined in step S200 that state 2 is completed (Yes in S200), the process proceeds to step S301.

[0083] The control of State 3 is a control in which the display device 100 changes the display mode of the guidance object 10 and maintains that mode until the vehicle 2 passes the guidance point. Specifically, in the control of State 3, the control unit 120 first increases the number of display elements constituting the guidance object 10 (S301). This is performed, for example, as shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of increasing display elements in an embodiment. As shown on the left side of FIG. 9, the guidance object 10, which was previously composed of a single display element 10a, is changed to a multiple display elements 10a as shown on the right side of FIG. 9, like a so-called carpet display, to make the direction of travel easier to understand. In this way, the display mode determined by the control unit 120 includes the number of display elements 10a constituting the guidance object 10 and the direction of each display element 10a. Then, in this example, after the guidance object 10 is fixed at the guidance point, the number of display elements 10a constituting the guidance object 10 is increased, and the direction indicated by the arrow of some of the display elements 10a changes according to the changing route.

[0084] Returning to FIG. 8, it is then determined whether vehicle 2 has passed the guidance point (S302). While vehicle 2 has not passed the guidance point (No in S302), the determination in step S302 is repeated. Then, when vehicle 2 passes the guidance point (Yes in S302), the guidance point is updated to the next guidance point on the travel route, and state 3 is completed (S303). Then, processing in step S100 is started again for the updated guidance point.

[0085] In the above description, the change in display mode is performed after the guidance object 10 is fixed at the guidance position in step S203, but this is not limited to this. For example, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of transition control of a guidance object in another example of the embodiment. FIG. 10 differs from the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 in that, instead of step S301, steps S301a and S301b are executed at different timings. Note that FIG. 10 includes step S203a, which transitions and fixes the guidance object 10 to the guidance position, the same as step S203, but this is added merely for the convenience of explaining the branching process, and does not actually execute a different process.

[0086] In this example, steps S301a and S301b, i.e., increasing the number of display elements 10a constituting the guidance object 10, are performed under the control of state 2. More specifically, steps S301a and S301b for increasing the number of display elements 10a are switched between being performed after the guidance object 10 is fixed to the guidance position in step S203a or being performed before the guidance object 10 is fixed to the guidance position in step S203, depending on the determination result of whether the remaining distance is less than the threshold (S201).

[0087] If the calculated remaining distance is less than the threshold value (Yes in S201), step S203 is performed after the number of display elements 10a constituting the guidance object 10 is increased (after S301a). For example, increasing the number of display elements 10a increases the overall size of the guidance object 10. By doing so, for example, if the guidance point is too close to the current location and is located near the bottom of the display range d1, the possibility of part of the guidance object 10 extending beyond the display range d1 due to the increased size is reduced. On the other hand, if the calculated remaining distance is equal to or greater than the threshold value (No in S201), step S203a is performed before the number of display elements 10a constituting the guidance object 10 is increased (before S301b). In this case, the possibility of part of the guidance object 10 extending beyond the display range d1 is low because the guidance point is too close to the current location, and therefore the processing may be performed in the order described in FIG. 8. Rather, if the display element 10a is increased before the guidance display object 10 is fixed at the guidance position, the guidance display object 10 that is closer to the current position than the guidance position will protrude into the display range d1, so in order to prevent such protrusion, it is necessary to switch the order of each step as described above.

[0088] Furthermore, for a guidance object 10 in which the number of display elements 10a has been increased, the display mode may be changed to decrease the number of display elements 10a before updating the guidance point. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining changes in the display mode of display elements in yet another example of the embodiment. In FIG. 11, a table is shown summarizing the decrease in the number of display elements 10a with respect to the distance between the vehicle 2 and the guidance point. As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 120 may determine the display mode so that the number of display elements 10a decreases as the vehicle 2 continues traveling and approaches the guidance point (the closer it gets to the guidance point).

[0089] At this time, if the remaining distance is less than a threshold value (for example, the remaining distance is 35 m), the number of display elements 10a, which should normally increase to five, may be reduced to three from the beginning. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 120 may reduce the number of display elements 10a as the vehicle 2 continues traveling and approaches the guidance point (the closer it gets to the guidance point), while adding and correcting the distance from the guidance position to the guidance object 10, so that the maximum number of display elements 10a of the guidance object 10 can be displayed. At this time, although the distance from the guidance position to the guidance object 10 changes due to the transition from the target position to the guidance position in step S203, by appropriately adjusting the amount of deviation between the guidance position and the target position, it is possible to set so that the maximum number of display elements 10a of the guidance object 10 can be displayed.

[0090] (Other aspects) While the display device according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to those embodiments. As long as the modifications do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art to the above embodiments may also be included in the present disclosure.

[0091] In the above-described embodiments, each component is configured by dedicated hardware, but may also be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. Here, the software program that realizes the display device 100 of the above-described embodiments causes a computer to execute each step included in the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 or 10, for example.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an arrow-shaped image is displayed as the guidance object, but the shape of the guidance object is not limited to an arrow and may be any shape that indicates the guided direction of the route, such as a triangle or an arrow. Furthermore, the guidance object may be a long carpet-like object that is displayed so as to be superimposed on the road surface. Furthermore, while the guidance object is displayed to guide the vehicle to the destination, it may also be displayed for other purposes or uses as long as it is displayed based on the vehicle's heading. For example, the guidance object may be an image that indicates the vehicle's heading itself, or an image that indicates the vehicle's planned traveling direction estimated from the vehicle's heading and the steering angle.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the navigation device, vehicle control device, and display device are provided as separate devices has been described, but this is not limited to this. For example, as in the example in which the navigation device and the display device are integrated into a single device, the display device may be integrated with at least one of the other devices into a single device. Furthermore, it is within the scope of the present disclosure to combine the above-described navigation device, vehicle control device, and display device in any combination to form a group of one or more devices.

[0094] The following cases are also included in this disclosure:

[0095] (1) The at least one device is specifically a computer system comprising a microprocessor, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk unit, a display unit, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM or hard disk unit. The at least one device achieves its function when the microprocessor operates in accordance with the computer program. Here, the computer program is composed of a combination of multiple instruction codes that indicate instructions to the computer to achieve a predetermined function.

[0096] (2) A part or all of the components constituting at least one of the above devices are considered to be composed of a single system LSI (Large Scale Integration). A system LSI is an ultra-multifunctional LSI manufactured by integrating multiple components on a single chip, and is specifically a computer system comprising a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The RAM stores a computer program. The system LSI achieves its functions when the microprocessor operates in accordance with the computer program.

[0097] (3) Some or all of the components constituting at least one of the above devices may be configured as an IC card or a standalone module that can be attached to the device. The IC card or module is a computer system composed of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The IC card or module may include the above-mentioned ultra-multifunctional LSI. The IC card or module achieves its functions when the microprocessor operates according to a computer program. This IC card or module may be tamper-resistant.

[0098] (4) The present disclosure may be embodied as the methods described above, a computer program for implementing these methods on a computer, or a digital signal comprising the computer program.

[0099] The present disclosure may also be a computer program or a digital signal recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, such as a flexible disk, a hard disk, a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, a DVD, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), a semiconductor memory, etc. Alternatively, the present disclosure may be a digital signal recorded on such a recording medium.

[0100] The present disclosure may also be applied to transmitting a computer program or digital signal via a telecommunications line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network such as the Internet, data broadcasting, or the like.

[0101] Furthermore, the program or digital signal may be recorded on a recording medium and transferred, or the program or digital signal may be transferred via a network or the like, so that the program or digital signal may be implemented by another independent computer system. [Industrial Applicability]

[0102] The display device of the present disclosure can be applied to, for example, an in-vehicle head-up display. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1 user 2 vehicles 2a Windshield 2b Dashboard 10. Information signs 21 Navigation devices 22 Vehicle control device 100 display device 110 Acquisition Department 120 control section 130 Display section d1 Display range p1 Current position p2 Guidance position p2a Guidance point p3 target position R1, R2 route

Claims

1. a display unit that displays a guide display object that guides the moving object along a traveling route that includes one or more guide points that the moving object will pass through in the future, each of which will cause the moving object to change course; an acquisition unit that updates the next guide point to be passed using one or more of the guide points, and acquires, for the updated guide point, a remaining distance from a current position corresponding to the moving object on the display to a guide position that is the guide point on the display; a control unit that determines a display position when the guidance object is to be displayed and causes the guidance object to be displayed on the display unit at the determined display position; The control unit When the remaining distance is equal to or greater than a threshold, the display position to be determined is changed so as to transition from the current position to the guidance position; When the remaining distance is less than the threshold value, the display position to be determined is changed so as to transition from the current position to a target position shifted forward from the guidance position. Display device.

2. When the remaining distance is less than the threshold value, the control unit changes the display position to be determined so as to transition between the current position and the target position, and then further changes the display position to be determined so as to transition between the target position and the guidance position. The display device according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit determining a display form of the guidance display object when it is to be displayed, and displaying the guidance display object on the display unit in the determined display form; When the remaining distance is less than the threshold value, the display position to be determined is changed so as to transition between the current position and the target position, and then the display form to be determined is further changed. The display device according to claim 1 .

4. the display form includes the number of display elements that constitute the guidance display object, The control unit when the remaining distance is less than the threshold value, changing the display position to be determined so as to transition between the current position and the target position, and then changing the display form so as to increase the number of display elements; The display form is changed so that the number of the display elements is decreased as the moving object approaches the guide point. The display device according to claim 3 .

5. The threshold value is defined by the length of the distance, or by the angle formed by lines connecting two points separated by the distance and the reference point. The display device according to claim 1 .

6. The amount of deviation between the guide position and the target position is determined by the length of the distance, or by the angle formed by lines connecting two points separated by the distance and a reference point. The display device according to claim 1 .

7. The acquisition unit further acquires a moving speed of the moving object, The amount of deviation between the guide position and the target position increases as the acquired moving speed increases. The display device according to claim 1 .

8. The acquisition unit further acquires a moving speed of the moving object, The control unit changes the display position to be determined so that the rate of change increases as the acquired moving speed increases. The display device according to claim 1 .

9. The control unit changes the display position to be determined so that the rate of change becomes faster as the remaining distance becomes shorter. The display device according to claim 1 .

10. When the remaining distance is less than the threshold value, the control unit changes the display position to be determined so that a rate of change is faster from the guidance position to the target position than from the current position to the guidance position. The display device according to claim 1 .

11. The display unit projects image light toward a display medium of the moving body, and causes a user of the moving body to visually recognize a virtual image of the guidance display object formed through the display medium by the image light reflected from the display medium. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. 1. A computer-implemented display method comprising: a step of displaying a guidance display object that provides guidance along a travel route that includes one or more guidance points that a moving object will pass through in the future, the guidance points being at which a course of the moving object will change; updating the next guide point to be passed through using one or more of the guide points, and acquiring, for the updated guide point, a remaining distance from the current position of the moving body on the display to the guide position that is the guide point on the display; determining a display position for displaying the guidance object, and controlling the display of the guidance object at the display position determined in the display step; In the controlling step, When the remaining distance is equal to or greater than a threshold, the display position to be determined is changed so as to transition from the current position to the guidance position; When the remaining distance is less than the threshold value, the display position to be determined is changed so as to transition from the current position to a target position shifted forward from the guidance position. Display method.

13. A display method for causing the computer to execute the display method according to claim 12. program.

Images