Display system

Abstract

To provide a display system capable of reducing a burden on a user in viewing different virtual images.SOLUTION: A display system 10 comprises: a display device 11 for projecting a first video light L10 forming a first virtual image 101 and a second video light L20 forming a second virtual image 201; a control part 500 for controlling the display device 11; and a reflection member 12 for reflecting the first video light L10 and the second video light L20, the reflection member 12 arranging the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201 at a position that is in front of a user (an operator P) and in front of the reflection member 12. A first reflection region D1 reflecting the first video light L10 and the second reflection region D2 reflecting the second video light L20 in the reflection member 12 have different reflection factors from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to display systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a head-up display that displays two virtual images in front of a user. Specifically, one virtual image is positioned in front of an optical element that is positioned in front of the user, and the other virtual image is positioned between the user and the optical element. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 095817 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, there has been a demand for reducing the burden on users when viewing different virtual images.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a display system that can reduce the burden on the user when viewing different virtual images. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A display system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a display device that projects first image light that forms a first virtual image and second image light that forms a second virtual image, a control unit that controls the display device, and a reflective member that reflects the first image light and the second image light, and positions the first virtual image and the second virtual image in front of a user and in front of the reflective member, wherein a first reflective area of ​​the reflective member that reflects the first image light and a second reflective area that reflects the second image light have different reflectivities. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a display system can be provided that can reduce the burden on a user when viewing different virtual images. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a display system according to the first embodiment installed in a vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a surface structure of a part of the reflecting member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of the first reflective region and the second reflective region according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first display unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the second display unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of the first virtual image and the second virtual image according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a display system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a display system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of the first virtual image and the second virtual image according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a reflecting member according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a reflecting member according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a first display unit and a reflective member according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a first display unit and a reflective member according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a reflecting member according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display device according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display device and a reflecting member according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display device according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display device according to the tenth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display device and a reflecting member according to the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display device according to a twelfth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A display system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a display device that projects first image light that forms a first virtual image and second image light that forms a second virtual image, a control unit that controls the display device, and a reflective member that reflects the first image light and the second image light, and positions the first virtual image and the second virtual image in front of a user and in front of the reflective member, wherein a first reflective area of ​​the reflective member that reflects the first image light and a second reflective area that reflects the second image light have different reflectivities.

[0010] With this, the first virtual image and the second virtual image are positioned in front of the user and in front of the reflecting member by the reflecting member, which reduces the need for focus adjustment when the user switches between viewing the first virtual image and the second virtual image, thereby reducing the burden on the user when viewing the first virtual image and the second virtual image.

[0011] Furthermore, since the first virtual image and the second virtual image can be positioned at predetermined positions using a single reflecting member, the overall system can be made smaller. Since the reflectance of the first reflecting region and the second reflecting region differs in the reflectance, the first reflecting region can have a reflectance suitable for the first virtual image, and the second reflecting region can have a reflectance suitable for the second virtual image. Therefore, the first virtual image and the second virtual image can be displayed in an optimal manner.

[0012] The first reflective area may be disposed above the second reflective area.

[0013] In this configuration, since the first reflective area is disposed above the second reflective area, the first virtual image and the second virtual image can be arranged side by side in the vertical direction. In other words, when viewed as a whole, the first virtual image and the second virtual image appear as virtual images divided in the horizontal direction, which makes them easier for the user to view.

[0014] The reflectance of the first reflective area may be smaller than the reflectance of the second reflective area.

[0015] In this way, the reflectance of the first reflective area disposed above the second reflective area is smaller than the reflectance of the second reflective area, making the first virtual image less noticeable than the second virtual image. Therefore, the first virtual image, which is likely to be in the user's field of view when the user looks ahead, is less likely to be a hindrance.

[0016] At least one of the first reflective area and the second reflective area may have a variable reflectance.

[0017] In this case, the reflectance of at least one of the first and second reflective areas is variable, so that the reflectance of the first and second reflective areas can be adjusted according to, for example, the surrounding conditions, thereby enabling the first and second virtual images to be displayed appropriately according to the surrounding conditions.

[0018] The control unit may have an equalization mode in which the reflectance of the first reflective area and the reflectance of the second reflective area are made equal to each other.

[0019] According to this, when the uniform mode is executed, the reflectances of the first reflective area and the second reflective area are made uniform, so that the display states of the first virtual image and the second virtual image can be matched, which allows content information to be displayed over a wide area using the first virtual image and the second virtual image, for example, when it is not necessary to pay close attention to the situation ahead of the vehicle (during autonomous driving or parking).

[0020] In addition, the display device may include two display elements that each form image light with a different polarization, and when the uniform mode is executed, the control unit may control the display device to project image light from only one display element onto the first reflective area and the second reflective area.

[0021] According to this, when the uniform mode is executed, the image light from only one display element is projected onto the first reflection area and the second reflection area, so that the image quality of the first virtual image and the second virtual image can be made uniform.

[0022] The reflecting member may include a plurality of unit areas that are regularly arranged, and the reflectance may be variable for each of the plurality of unit areas.

[0023] In this configuration, the reflectance of each unit area of ​​the reflective member is variable, and therefore the sizes of the first and second reflective areas can be adjusted by varying the reflectance of each unit area, thereby adjusting the sizes, positions, etc. of the first and second virtual images.

[0024] The image processing device may further include an estimation unit that estimates a viewpoint position of the user, and the control unit may vary the reflectance of the plurality of unit regions based on the viewpoint position estimated by the estimation unit.

[0025] According to this, the control unit varies the reflectance of multiple unit areas based on the viewpoint position estimated by the estimation unit, so that the sizes of the first reflection area and the second reflection area can be adjusted according to the user's viewpoint position.

[0026] The display system may also include at least one optical element for forming the first image light and the second image light, and the control unit may adjust the orientation of the first image light and the second image light by varying the attitude of the optical element based on the viewpoint position estimated by the estimation unit, and vary the reflectance of the multiple unit areas based on the adjustment.

[0027] According to this, the control unit adjusts the orientation of the optical element based on the viewpoint position estimated by the estimation unit, thereby adjusting the orientations of the first image light and the second image light, and varies the reflectances of the multiple unit areas based on the adjustment. As a result, the orientations of the first image light and the second image light are adjusted according to the user's viewpoint position, and the sizes of the first reflection area and the second reflection area are also adjusted accordingly.

[0028] The display device may include a first display element that forms the first image light and a second display element that forms the second image light.

[0029] According to this, since the first display element that forms the first image light and the second display element that forms the second image light are provided, the first display element and the second display element can be controlled independently, and therefore the first virtual image formed by the first image light and the second virtual image formed by the second image light can be easily and individually controlled.

[0030] The display device may include a display element that forms the first image light and the second image light.

[0031] According to this, since the first image light and the second image light are formed by one display element, the display device can be made smaller than when dedicated display elements are provided for each.

[0032] The display element may be a liquid crystal panel, and the display device may include a first backlight facing a first region of the liquid crystal panel that forms the first image light, and a second backlight facing a second region of the liquid crystal panel that forms the second image light.

[0033] According to this, since the first backlight and the second backlight are provided, it is possible to install backlights suitable for each image light, thereby suppressing the amount of heat generated by each backlight.

[0034] The display element may be curved.

[0035] According to this, since the display element is curved, distortion of the first virtual image and the second virtual image can be suppressed.

[0036] The reflecting member may be a transparent member.

[0037] According to this, since the reflective member is a transparent member, it is possible to prevent the reflective member from interfering with the user's field of vision.

[0038] The reflecting member may be a windshield provided on a vehicle.

[0039] According to this, since the windshield provided on the vehicle is used as the reflective member, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated reflective member, and the display system can be made smaller.

[0040] The first reflective area and the second reflective area may have different inclinations in a side view.

[0041] With this, since the first reflective area and the second reflective area have different inclinations when viewed from the side, the degree of freedom in the layout of the first optical element group that forms the optical path of the first image light and the second optical element group that forms the optical path of the second image light can be increased.

[0042] The first virtual image and the second virtual image may be arranged at an interval of 2 diopters or less in a side view.

[0043] With this, since the first virtual image and the second virtual image are arranged at an interval of 2 diopters or less in a side view, the need for focus adjustment when the user switches between viewing the first virtual image and the second virtual image can be further reduced, thereby further reducing the burden on the user when viewing the first virtual image and the second virtual image.

[0044] The first virtual image and the second virtual image may be arranged at an interval of 8 m or more in a side view.

[0045] According to this, the first virtual image and the second virtual image are arranged at an interval of 10 m or more in a side view, so that the first virtual image or the second virtual image can be displayed in accordance with the position of the actual object.

[0046] In addition, at least one of the first reflective region and the second reflective region of the reflective member may be formed by laminating at least one layer of a reflective film.

[0047] This allows for increased design freedom in the reflectance and reflection spectrum of at least one of the first and second reflective regions by adjusting the layer structure (number of layers, film material) of the reflective film stacked on at least one of the first and second reflective regions.

[0048] Furthermore, a mark may be formed on the first virtual image and the second virtual image so as to straddle the first virtual image and the second virtual image.

[0049] According to this, since the mark is formed across the first virtual image and the second virtual image, the user's line of sight can be guided between the first virtual image and the second virtual image based on the mark.

[0050] In addition, the reflectivity of the first reflective area may be smaller than the reflectivity of the second reflective area, and the first virtual image may display first information, and the second virtual image may display second information that contains more information than the vehicle information.

[0051] In this case, the second reflection area, which has a reflectance greater than that of the first reflection area, reflects the second image light to project a second virtual image. The second virtual image contains second information having a larger amount of information than the first information, but because it is formed by reflection in the second reflection area, the second information can be clearly displayed.

[0052] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a specific example of the present disclosure. 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 an independent claim that represents a superordinate concept will be described as optional components.

[0053] In the following embodiments, expressions indicating the relative attitude of two directions, such as "parallel" and "orthogonal," may be used, but these expressions also include cases where the attitude is not strictly that. For example, when two directions are said to be parallel, unless otherwise specified, it does not only mean that the two directions are completely parallel, but also that the directions are substantially parallel, that is, that there is a difference of, for example, a few percent. The optical paths illustrated in the drawings in the following embodiments are intended to illustrate the principle and do not necessarily reflect the actual optical paths.

[0054] [Embodiment 1] 1 is a schematic side view of a display system 10 according to the first embodiment installed in a vehicle 1. In FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 is shown in cross section.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 1 , the display system 10 includes a display device 11, a reflecting member 12, and a control unit 500. The display device 11 is disposed, for example, on the dashboard of the vehicle 1. The display device 11 displays, for example, vehicle information about the vehicle 1 and content information as a first virtual image 101 and a second virtual image 201. Examples of the vehicle information include the speed of the vehicle 1, the engine RPM, detection results of objects approaching the vehicle 1, navigation information from the current location of the vehicle 1 to a destination, and image information captured by a camera capturing images of the rear, front, and surroundings of the vehicle 1. The content information is information with a larger amount of information than the vehicle information, and examples of the content information include video information related to entertainment.

[0056] Although Figure 1 illustrates an example in which the display device 11 is placed on the dashboard, the installation location of the display device 11 is not limited to this, and it may be placed, for example, near the top end of the windshield 2, in the center console, etc.

[0057] The display device 11 includes a first display unit 100 that projects first image light L10 that forms a first virtual image 101, and a second display unit 200 that projects second image light L20 that forms a second virtual image 201. The first display unit 100 and the second display unit 200 will be described in detail later.

[0058] The reflecting member 12 is a combiner disposed between the windshield (front glass) 2 of the vehicle 1 and the display device 11. The reflecting member 12 forms a first virtual image 101 and a second virtual image 201 by reflecting the first image light L10 and the second image light L20 emitted from the display device 11 toward the driver sitting in the driver's seat, who is the user of the display system 10. The reflecting member 12 is disposed in an inclined position so that the front end is disposed at the lowest position and the rear end is disposed at the highest position.

[0059] The reflecting member 12 has a first reflecting region D1 that reflects the first image light L10 and a second reflecting region D2 that reflects the second image light L20, which are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. Specifically, the first reflecting region D1 is arranged above the second reflecting region D2. Furthermore, the reflectance of the first reflecting region D1 is smaller than the reflectance of the second reflecting region D2.

[0060] Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the surface structure of the reflecting member 12 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2(a) and Fig. 2(b) show different forms.

[0061] 2(a), in the second reflective region D2, the substrate surface of the transparent member (glass or transparent resin) that forms the base material 13 of the reflective member 12 is exposed, whereas in the first reflective region D1, only one reflective film 181 is laminated on the substrate surface of the base material 13. The reflective film 181 is an optical filter film that absorbs part of the light and reflects the remaining light. This makes the reflectance of the first reflective region D1 smaller than the reflectance of the second reflective region D2.

[0062] 2(b), both the first reflective region D1 and the second reflective region D2 have multiple layers of reflective films 182, 183 laminated on the substrate surface of the substrate 13. The reflectance of the first reflective region D1 and the second reflective region D2 can be adjusted by adjusting the type, material, thickness, number of layers, etc. of the reflective films 182, 183 of each layer. In this case, too, it is preferable to make the reflectance of the first reflective region D1 smaller than the reflectance of the second reflective region D2.

[0063] 3 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of the first reflection region D1 and the second reflection region D2 according to embodiment 1. As shown in (a) of FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the first reflection region D1 and the second reflection region D2 are rectangular and have approximately the same size in a plan view, but may be arranged in accordance with the outer shapes of the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201. For example, as shown in (b) of FIG. 3, the first reflection region D11 and the second reflection region D12 may be trapezoidal overall, with the upper portion being the first reflection region D11 and the lower portion being the second reflection region D12.

[0064] Furthermore, the reflectance does not have to be uniform in each of the first reflection region D21 and the second reflection region D22. As shown in FIG. 3(c), the second reflection region D22 is divided into four regions in the vertical direction. The lowest divided region d221 is the largest, and the other three divided regions d222, d223, and d224 are generally of equal size. The divided regions d221, d222, d223, and d224 of the second reflection region D22 are set so that the reflectance gradually decreases toward the top. On the other hand, the first reflection region D21 is divided into three regions in the horizontal direction. Here, the divided regions d121 and d123 at both ends have the same reflectance, and the reflectance of the central divided region d122 is the lowest.

[0065] 1, the control unit 500 is electrically connected to the first display unit 100 and the second display unit 200, and collectively controls the display content of the first display element 130 (see FIG. 4) of the first display unit 100 and the second display element 230 (see FIG. 5) of the second display unit 200. Specifically, the control unit 500 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., and the CPU executes each process by expanding a program in the ROM into the RAM and executing it.

[0066] [First display unit] The first display unit 100 is an AR-HUD (Augmented Reality Head-up Display). The first display unit 100 projects light onto a first reflection area D1 of the reflection member 12. The projected light is reflected by the reflection member 12. This reflected light is directed toward the eyes of the driver sitting in the driver's seat. The driver perceives the reflected light as a first virtual image 101 that appears on the opposite side of the windshield 2 (outside the vehicle) against the background of actual objects visible through the windshield 2.

[0067] Next, the configuration of first display unit 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing first display unit 100 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 4, first display unit 100 includes a housing 110, a cover 120, a first display element 130, a first optical element 140, and a second optical element 150. First optical element 140 and second optical element 150 form an optical system for projecting image light from first display element 130 as first virtual image 101.

[0068] The housing 110 is a box-shaped body made of light-blocking resin or metal. Specifically, the housing 110 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an opening 111 is formed in the upper part thereof. The opening 111 is closed by the cover unit 120. A first display element 130, a first optical element 140, and a second optical element 150 are housed in the internal spaces of the housing 110 and the cover unit 120. The cover unit 120 is a plate made of, for example, light-transmitting resin or glass.

[0069] The first display element 130 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and when irradiated with light from a backlight (light source) not shown, irradiates the first optical element 140 with first image light L10, which becomes the first virtual image 101. The first display element 130 may be an organic EL panel. The first display element 130 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view and is disposed in a position parallel to a horizontal plane.

[0070] The first optical element 140 is disposed on the optical path of the first image light L10 emitted from the first display element 130, and is an optical element that reflects the first image light L10 toward the second optical element 150. The first optical element 140 is a concave mirror formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view. The first optical element 140 is disposed in an attitude that is tilted with respect to a vertical plane. The reflective surface of the first optical element 140 faces the first display element 130 and the second optical element 150. In other words, the reflective surface of the first optical element 140, which is the mirror surface of the concave mirror, faces inward of the housing 110, and the convex surface faces outward of the housing 110.

[0071] The second optical element 150 is disposed on the optical path of the first image light L10 reflected by the first optical element 140 and reflects the first image light L10 reflected by the first optical element 140 toward the opening 111. Specifically, the second optical element 150 is a concave mirror formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view. The second optical element 150 faces the reflective surface side of the first optical element 140 and is disposed in an orientation tilted with respect to the vertical plane of the housing 110. The reflective surface of the second optical element 150 faces the first optical element 140 and the cover unit 120. That is, the reflective surface of the second optical element 150, which is the mirror surface of the concave mirror, faces inward of the housing 110, and the convex surface faces outward of the housing 110. The first image light L10 reflected by the second optical element 150 is projected onto the reflective member 12 through the opening 111. The first image light L10 is reflected by a first reflective region D1 of the reflective member 12. This reflection causes the first image light L10 to travel toward the eyes of the driver sitting in the driver's seat, where it becomes the first virtual image 101. Thus, the first optical element 140 and the second optical element 150 are an example of a first optical member group that forms the optical path of the first image light L10.

[0072] FIG. 1 illustrates the position of the first virtual image 101 as seen from the driver's viewpoint. This position can be set by adjusting the viewing distance of the first image light L10 emitted from the first display element 130 of the first display unit 100. The driver's viewpoint is, for example, a reference eye point. The reference eye point is a point that represents the position of the driver's eyes in a normal driving state.

[0073] [Second display unit] As shown in FIG. 1, the second display unit 200 projects light onto the second reflective area D2 of the reflective member 12. The projected light is reflected by the reflective member 12. This reflected light is directed toward the eyes of the driver sitting in the driver's seat. The driver perceives the reflected light as a second virtual image 201 that appears on the opposite side of the windshield 2 (outside the vehicle) against the background of actual objects visible through the windshield 2.

[0074] Next, the configuration of second display unit 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing second display unit 200 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 5, second display unit 200 includes housing 220, second display element 230, polarizing half mirror 240, and reflecting mirror 250. Polarizing half mirror 240 and reflecting mirror 250 form an optical system for projecting second image light L20 from second display element 230 as second virtual image 201.

[0075] Housing 220 is a box-shaped body made of light-blocking resin or metal. An opening 221 is formed in the upper part of housing 220. Image light that becomes second virtual image 201 is projected from opening 221. A second display element 230, a polarizing half mirror 240, and a reflecting mirror 250 are housed in the internal space of housing 220.

[0076] The second display element 230 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and when irradiated with light from a light source (not shown), irradiates the polarizing half mirror 240 with second image light L20, which becomes the second virtual image 201. The second display element 230 may be an organic EL panel. The second display element 230 is disposed with its display surface facing the rear of the vehicle 1. Although not shown, a λ / 4 retardation plate (hereinafter abbreviated as λ / 4 plate) is laminated on the display surface of the second display element 230. The λ / 4 plate is a λ / 4 retardation plate that imparts a phase difference of ¼ of the wavelength λ to light incident on the λ / 4 plate. For example, if the light emitted from the display surface is linearly polarized S-polarized light, it is converted into circularly polarized light by passing through the λ / 4 plate.

[0077] The polarizing half mirror 240 is configured to reflect P-polarized light and transmit S-polarized light, and a reflective polarizer is disposed on a flat glass substrate. Furthermore, a λ / 4 plate is laminated on the surface of the polarizing half mirror 240. The polarizing half mirror 240 is disposed in an orientation facing the second display element 230 and the reflecting mirror 250. The S-polarized second image light L20 emitted from the second display element 230 is converted into circularly polarized light by the λ / 4 plate laminated on the second display element 230 and then travels toward the polarizing half mirror 240. This circularly polarized second image light L20 is converted into P-polarized light by the λ / 4 plate laminated on the polarizing half mirror 240 and reflected by the reflective polarizer of the polarizing half mirror 240. The reflected P-polarized second image light L20 is converted into circularly polarized light by passing through the λ / 4 plate again. Therefore, the polarized half mirror 240 is positioned in such a way that the second image light L20 incident as circularly polarized light is reflected as circularly polarized light toward the reflecting mirror 250 by the λ / 4 plate and reflective polarizing plate stacked on the polarized half mirror 240.

[0078] The reflecting mirror 250 is a concave mirror and is disposed below the polarizing half mirror 240 in FIG. 5. The reflecting mirror 250 is disposed with its concave reflective surface facing upward. The circularly polarized second image light L20 reflected by the polarizing half mirror 240 is reflected by the reflecting mirror 250 as circularly polarized light and directed again toward the polarizing half mirror 240. The second image light L20 incident on the polarizing half mirror 240 is converted into S-polarized light by a λ / 4 plate laminated on the polarizing half mirror 240, passes through the reflective polarizing plate of the polarizing half mirror 240, travels upward in FIG. 5, and is projected from the opening 221 toward the reflecting member 12. The second image light L20 is reflected by the second reflecting region D2 of the reflecting member 12. This reflection causes the second image light L20 to travel toward the eyes of the driver sitting in the driver's seat and become a second virtual image 201. In this way, the polarizing half mirror 240 and the reflecting mirror 250 are an example of a second optical member group that forms the optical path of the second image light L20.

[0079] 1 illustrates the position of the second virtual image 201 as seen from the driver's viewpoint. This position can be set by adjusting the viewing distance of the second image light L20 emitted from the second display element 230 of the second display unit 200.

[0080] [Positional relationship between the first and second virtual images] Next, a description will be given of the positional relationship between the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201. As shown in Fig. 1, the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201 are each disposed in front of the driver and in front of the reflecting member 12. Specifically, the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201 are disposed at a distance D in front of the driver's viewpoint V. The distance D is 1.5 m or more and 3.0 m or less.

[0081] The first virtual image 101 is formed in a position parallel to the vertical plane of the vehicle 1 when the vehicle 1 is viewed from the side. The second virtual image 201 is arranged below the first virtual image 101 when the vehicle 1 is viewed from the side. The second virtual image 201 is formed in a position parallel to the vertical plane of the vehicle 1. The lower end of the first virtual image 101 and the upper end of the second virtual image 201 are arranged at a distance I of 2 diopters or less when viewed from the side. The distance I is the length of a straight line connecting the lower end of the first virtual image 101 and the upper end of the second virtual image 201. Note that a diopter is defined as the difference between the reciprocal of the distance from the viewpoint V to the upper end of the second virtual image 201 and the reciprocal of the distance from the viewpoint V to the lower end of the first virtual image 101.

[0082] [Example of display of first and second virtual images] Next, a description will be given of a display example of the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201. Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201 as viewed from the driver.

[0083] 6, the first virtual image 101 displays navigation information G10 and the like for the vehicle 1. Specifically, the first virtual image 101 displays an arrow guiding a right turn as the navigation information G10, as well as a speedometer G11 and an arrow G12. The arrow G12 is a mark for guiding the driver's line of sight to a warning target displayed in the second virtual image 201.

[0084] The second virtual image 201 displays a speedometer G21 as vehicle information and an image G22 of the surroundings ahead of the vehicle 1 captured by a camera. The control unit 500 performs predetermined image processing on the surroundings image G22 to detect at least one of a pedestrian, an animal, a motorcycle, and a traveling vehicle other than the vehicle 1, and marks the detected object as a warning target. For example, the control unit 500 controls the display device 11 to display a frame image G23 surrounding the warning target superimposed on the surroundings image G22. At this time, the control unit 500 displays an arrow G24 between the arrow G12 and the frame image G23. The arrows G12 and G24 can guide the driver's gaze to the frame image G23 and the warning target.

[0085] In this case, the group of images displayed by the first virtual image 101 is an example of first information, and the group of images displayed by the second virtual image 201 is an example of second information that contains more information than the first information. The first information, which contains less information, is displayed by the first virtual image 101 that reflects the first reflective region D1, which has a low reflectance, and therefore is less noticeable and less likely to impair the visibility of the area ahead of the vehicle 1. In contrast, the second information, which contains more information, is displayed by the second virtual image 201 that reflects the second reflective region D2, which has a high reflectance, and therefore can be clearly expressed.

[0086] [Effects, etc.] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201 are disposed in front of the driver and in front of the reflecting member 12, respectively, which reduces the need for focus adjustment when the driver switches between viewing the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201. Therefore, the burden on the driver when viewing the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201 can be reduced.

[0087] Furthermore, the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201 can be arranged at predetermined positions using a single reflecting member 12, thereby enabling the overall system to be miniaturized. In the reflecting member 12, the first reflecting region D1 and the second reflecting region D2 have different reflectivities, so that the first reflecting region D1 can have a reflectivity suitable for the first virtual image 101, and the second reflecting region D2 can have a reflectivity suitable for the second virtual image 201. Therefore, the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201 can each be displayed in an appropriate manner.

[0088] Furthermore, since the first reflection region D1 is disposed above the second reflection region D2, the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201 can be disposed side by side in the vertical direction. That is, when the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201 are viewed as a whole, they are virtual images divided in the horizontal direction, which makes them easier for the driver to see.

[0089] Furthermore, since the reflectance of the first reflective region D1 disposed above the second reflective region D2 is smaller than the reflectance of the second reflective region D2, the first virtual image 101 can be made less noticeable than the second virtual image 201. Therefore, the first virtual image 101, which is likely to be in the driver's field of vision when the driver looks ahead, is less likely to be an obstacle.

[0090] Here, it is desirable to make the reflectance of the second reflective area D2 10% or more higher than the reflectance of the first reflective area D1. This makes it easier to see the second virtual image 201 formed by reflection from the second reflective area D2, which is preferable. This value is more preferably 30% or more. Note that if this value is less than 10%, it will be difficult for the driver to distinguish between the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201.

[0091] Furthermore, since the first display element 130 that forms the first image light L10 and the second display element 230 that forms the second image light L20 are provided, it is possible to independently control the first display element 130 and the second display element 230. Therefore, it is possible to easily individually control the first virtual image 101 formed by the first image light L10 and the second virtual image 201 formed by the second image light L20.

[0092] Furthermore, since the reflective member 12 is a transparent member, it is possible to prevent it from interfering with the driver's field of vision.

[0093] Furthermore, since the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201 are disposed at an interval I of 2 diopters or less in a side view, focus adjustment when the driver switches between viewing the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201 can be further reduced. Therefore, the burden on the driver when viewing the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201 can be further reduced. This is suitable for drivers with reduced focus adjustment ability (e.g., elderly drivers). Note that it is more preferable for the interval I to be 1 diopter or less.

[0094] In addition, by adjusting the layer structure (number of layers, film material, etc.) of the reflective films 181, 182, and 183 stacked on at least one of the first reflective region D1 and the second reflective region D2, it is possible to increase the design freedom of the reflectance and reflection spectrum for at least one of the first reflective region D1 and the second reflective region D2.

[0095] In addition, in the second reflection area D2, which has a reflectance higher than that of the first reflection area D1, the second image light L20 is reflected to project a second virtual image 201. The second virtual image 201 is second information having a larger amount of information than the first information, but because it is formed by reflection in the second reflection area D2, the second information can be clearly displayed.

[0096] [Embodiment 2] A description will be given of embodiment 2. In the following description, the same parts as those in other embodiments will be given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0097] In the above-described first embodiment, the case where the reflective member 12 is made of one member is exemplified. In this second embodiment, a case where the reflective members 12a and 12b are made of two members will be described. Figures 7 and 8 are schematic diagrams showing display systems 10A and 10B according to the second embodiment.

[0098] As shown in Fig. 7, the reflecting member 12a of the display system 10A includes a first reflecting member 12a1 and a second reflecting member 12a2. The first reflecting member 12a1 is disposed above the second reflecting member 12a2. The second reflecting member 12a2 is disposed at a greater inclination with respect to the horizontal plane than the first reflecting member 12a1. The first reflecting member 12a1 includes a first reflecting region D1a. The second reflecting member 12a2 includes a second reflecting region D2a. In other words, the first reflecting region D1a and the second reflecting region D2a have different inclinations in a side view.

[0099] Because the inclination of the second reflection region D2a with respect to the horizontal plane is greater than the inclination of the first reflection region D1a with respect to the horizontal plane, the configuration and layout of the second optical element group in the second display unit 200a can be made different from those of the second optical element group according to the first embodiment. Specifically, the second display unit 200a includes a second display element 230a, a first reflecting mirror 251a, a polarizing half mirror 240a, and a second reflecting mirror 252a. The first reflecting mirror 251a, the polarizing half mirror 240a, and the second reflecting mirror 252a that constitute the second optical element group form an optical path for the second image light L20a from the second display element 230a and guide the second image light L20a to the second reflection region D2a. This configuration increases the reflection path by the second reflecting mirror 252a, thereby increasing the optical path length and enabling the second virtual image 201 to be displayed at a greater distance.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 8, reflective member 12b of display system 10B includes first reflective member 12b1 and second reflective member 12b2. First reflective member 12b1 is disposed above second reflective member 12b2. Second reflective member 12b2 is disposed in a position that is inclined less with respect to the horizontal plane than first reflective member 12b1. First reflective member 12b1 includes a first reflective region D1b. Second reflective member 12b2 includes a second reflective region D2b. In other words, first reflective region D1b and second reflective region D2b have different inclinations in a side view.

[0101] Because the inclination of the second reflective region D2b with respect to the horizontal plane is smaller than the inclination of the first reflective region D1b with respect to the horizontal plane, the configuration and layout of the second optical element group in the second display unit 200b can be made different from those of the second optical element group according to embodiment 1. Specifically, the second display unit 200b includes a second display element 230b, a polarizing half mirror 240b, and a reflecting mirror 250b. The polarizing half mirror 240b and the reflecting mirror 250b, which constitute the second optical element group, form an optical path for the second image light L20b from the second display element 230b and guide the second image light L20b to the second reflective region D2b. This configuration allows the second display unit 200b to be made smaller than the second display unit 200a of FIG. 7.

[0102] In this way, the first reflective areas D1a, D1b and the second reflective areas D2a, D2b have different inclinations in side view, which increases the degree of freedom in the layout of the second optical member group that forms the optical paths of the second image light L20a, L20b. Note that the same is possible for the first optical member group.

[0103] [Embodiment 3] A third embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, a case where two arrows G12 and G24 are displayed to guide the driver's line of sight is illustrated. In the third embodiment, a case where a mark is displayed across the first virtual image and the second virtual image is described.

[0104] 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the first virtual image 101c and the second virtual image 201c according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, an arrow G30c is an example of a mark displayed across the first virtual image 101c and the second virtual image 201c. The arrow G30c is continuously formed so as to straddle the first virtual image 101c and the second virtual image 201c. In this way, the arrow G30c is formed across the first virtual image 101c and the second virtual image 201c, so that the driver's line of sight can be smoothly guided between the first virtual image 101c and the second virtual image 201c based on the arrow G30c.

[0105] [Embodiment 4] A fourth embodiment will now be described. In the first embodiment described above, a reflective member 12 in which the reflectances of the first reflective region D1 and the second reflective region D2 are fixed has been exemplified. However, the reflectance of at least one of the first reflective region and the second reflective region may be variable. In this fourth embodiment, a case in which the reflectance of the first reflective region is variable and the reflectance of the second reflective region is fixed will be described. Note that the reflectance of the first reflective region may be fixed and the reflectance of the second reflective region may be variable, or the reflectances of both the first reflective region and the second reflective region may be variable.

[0106] Figures 10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams showing a reflective member 12d according to embodiment 4. Figure 10 shows the state before the reflectance of the first reflective region D1d is adjusted, and Figure 11 shows the state after the reflectance of the first reflective region D1d is adjusted. Figures 10(a) and 11(a) show enlarged views of the first reflective region D1d, and Figures 10(b) and 11(b) show schematic cross-sectional views of the reflective member 12d.

[0107] 10(b) and 11(b), the reflective member 12d has a portion corresponding to the second reflective region D2d formed from an optical member 40 with a constant reflectance, and a portion corresponding to the first reflective region D1d formed from a liquid crystal mirror 50 with a variable reflectance. The optical member 40 and the liquid crystal mirror 50 are integrally formed.

[0108] The optical member 40 is a transparent member made of, for example, glass, transparent resin, etc. The liquid crystal mirror 50 is switched between a first state in which it reflects the first image light L10 and a second state in which it transmits most of the first image light L10, based on the control of the control unit 500.

[0109] FIG. 10(a) shows the second state of the liquid crystal mirror 50, and FIG. 11(a) shows the first state of the liquid crystal mirror 50. The liquid crystal mirror 50 includes a liquid crystal layer 51 and a first polarizing plate 52 and a second polarizing plate 53 sandwiching the liquid crystal layer 51. The first polarizing plate 52 is disposed on the display device 11 side of the liquid crystal layer 51, and the second polarizing plate 53 is disposed on the opposite side of the first polarizing plate 52. For example, the first polarizing plate 52 is a transmissive polarizing plate that transmits linearly polarized P-polarized light (hereinafter referred to as "P-polarized light") and absorbs other polarized light. The first polarizing plate 52 may be a reflective polarizing plate that transmits linearly polarized P-polarized light and reflects other polarized light. The second polarizing plate 53 is a reflective polarizing plate that transmits linearly polarized S-polarized light (hereinafter referred to as "S-polarized light"). A transmission polarizing plate that transmits P-polarized light and absorbs S-polarized light may be laminated on the surface of second polarizing plate 53 opposite to liquid crystal layer 51.

[0110] In the second state as shown in FIG. 10(a), a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 51, and many liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer 51 are aligned in a manner that allows P-polarized light to pass through as is. Therefore, most of the P-polarized first image light L10 passes through the first polarizer 52 and the liquid crystal layer 51, then passes through the second polarizer 53, and exits from the liquid crystal mirror 50. At this time, part of the first image light L10 is reflected by the surface of the first polarizer 52 and exits toward the driver. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the second image light L20 is reflected by the first reflection region D1d without being significantly reduced. As a result, in the second state, the reflectance of the first reflection region D1d is smaller than the reflectance of the second reflection region D2d.

[0111] On the other hand, as shown in (a) of FIG. 11 , in the first state, no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 51, and many liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer 51 are aligned in a manner that allows them to convert P-polarized light to S-polarized light. Therefore, the P-polarized first image light L10 is converted to S-polarized light by passing through the first polarizer 52 and then the liquid crystal layer 51. This S-polarized first image light L10 is reflected by the second polarizer 53. The reflected S-polarized first image light L10 is converted to P-polarized light by passing through the liquid crystal layer 51 again. As a result, the P-polarized first image light L10 passes through the first polarizer 52 and is emitted from the liquid crystal mirror 50 toward the driver. In other words, the first image light L10 in the first state is not reduced as compared to the second state. Particularly in this embodiment, the reflectance of the first reflection region D1d in the first state is aligned with the reflectance of the second reflection region D2d. As described above, the first state and the second state are switched under the control of the control unit 500. In other words, the control unit 500 has an equalization mode for equalizing the reflectance of the first reflection area D1d and the second reflection area D2d.

[0112] When the uniform mode is executed, the reflectances of the first reflective region D1d and the second reflective region D2d are made uniform, so that the display states of the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201 can be matched. This allows a common image to be displayed over a wide area in the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201, for example, when it is not necessary to focus on the situation ahead of the vehicle 1 (during autonomous driving or parking). For example, if content information such as a movie can be displayed in the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201, the content information can be viewed on a large screen.

[0113] In this way, since the reflectance of the first reflective region D1d is variable, the reflectance of the first reflective region D1d can be adjusted according to, for example, the surrounding conditions, and therefore the first virtual image 101 can be suitably displayed according to the surrounding conditions.

[0114] If the reflectance of the second reflective region D2d is variable, it is possible to suitably display the second virtual image 201 depending on the surrounding conditions. Furthermore, if the reflectance of the second reflective region D2d is made equal to the reflectance of the first reflective region D1d, it is also possible to expand the transmissive display region.

[0115] [Embodiment 5] A fifth embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment described above, the first display unit 100 projects the first image light L10, and the second display unit 200 projects the second image light L20. In the fifth embodiment, a first display unit 100e projects the first image light L10 and the second image light L20. Therefore, a second display unit is not provided in the fifth embodiment. FIGS. 12 and 13 are explanatory diagrams showing a first display unit 100e and a reflecting member 12e according to the fifth embodiment.

[0116] 12 and 13, the reflecting member 12e has a portion corresponding to the second reflecting region D2e formed from the optical member 40 with a constant reflectance, and a portion corresponding to the first reflecting region D1e formed from the liquid crystal mirror 50e with a variable reflectance. The optical member 40 and the liquid crystal mirror 50e are integrally formed.

[0117] The liquid crystal mirror 50e is configured to switch between a second state in which it transmits P polarized light and absorbs S polarized light, and a first state in which it reflects P polarized light and absorbs S polarized light. The liquid crystal mirror 50e switches between the first state and the second state under the control of the control unit 500.

[0118] The first display unit 100e includes a housing 110, a cover 120, a first display element 130, a first optical element 140, a second optical element 150, a display element 160e, and a polarizing half mirror 170e. The projection range of the first display unit 100e is the combined range of the first reflective region D1e and the second reflective region D2e. The display range of the first display element 130 also corresponds to the combined range. Therefore, the first display element 130 includes a first display region 131 corresponding to the first reflective region D1e and a second display region 132 corresponding to the second reflective region D2e. As shown in FIG. 13 , P-polarized first image light L10e1 is emitted from the first display region 131, and P-polarized second image light L20e is emitted from the second display region 132.

[0119] The display element 160e is disposed above the first display element 130 and at the rear of the vehicle 1, with its display surface facing forward. The display element 160e is, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and when irradiated with light from a backlight (light source) (not shown), irradiates the display element 160e with S-polarized first image light L10e2, as shown in Fig. 12. The display content of the display element 160e is controlled by the control unit 500.

[0120] The polarizing half mirror 170e is an optical member that transmits P-polarized light and reflects S-polarized light. The polarizing half mirror 170e is disposed in front of the display element 160e, between the first display element 130 and the first optical element 140. The polarizing half mirror 170e is disposed with an inclination such that its rear end is lowest and its top end is highest.

[0121] 12, when the liquid crystal mirror 50e is in the second state, the controller 500 turns off the first display area 131 of the first display element 130 and causes the second display area 132 to emit P-polarized second image light L20e. Furthermore, the controller 500 causes the display element 160e to emit S-polarized first image light L10e2.

[0122] At this time, the P-polarized second image light L20e passes through the polarizing half mirror 170e, is reflected by the first optical element 140 and the second optical element 150, and then is reflected by the second reflective area D2e toward the driver.

[0123] On the other hand, the S-polarized first image light L10e2 is reflected by the polarizing half mirror 170e, then reflected by the first optical element 140 and the second optical element 150, and then directed toward the first reflection region D1e. At this time, the liquid crystal mirror 50e is in the second state, so most of the S-polarized first image light L10e2 is absorbed, but some is reflected by the surface of the liquid crystal mirror 50e and directed toward the driver. As a result, the first virtual image 101 formed by the first image light L10e2 becomes visible to the driver.

[0124] 13, when the liquid crystal mirror 50 is in the first state, that is, when the uniform mode is executed, the control unit 500 turns off the display element 160e. Furthermore, the control unit 500 causes the first display area 131 of the first display element 130 to emit P-polarized first image light L10e1 and the second display area 132 to emit P-polarized second image light L20e.

[0125] The P-polarized first image light L10e1 and second image light L20e pass through the polarized half mirror 170e, reflect off the first optical element 140 and the second optical element 150, and then reflect off the first reflective area D1e and the second reflective area D2e toward the driver.

[0126] In this way, when the uniform mode is executed, image light (first image light L10e1 and second image light L20e) from only two display elements (first display element 130 and display element 160e) is projected onto the first reflection area D1e and the second reflection area D2e, so that the image quality of the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201 can be made uniform.

[0127] [Embodiment 6] A sixth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment described above, the case where the reflectance of only the first reflection region D1d in the reflection member 12d is variable is exemplified. In the sixth embodiment, a case where the reflectance of the entire reflection member is variable will be described.

[0128] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a reflective member 12f according to embodiment 6. (a), (b), and (c) of FIG. 14 each show different embodiments of the reflective member 12f. The reflective member 12f of FIG. 14(a) includes four unit regions 121f divided vertically. Each unit region 121f is rectangular and elongated in the left-right direction, and all are of equal size. Thus, in the reflective member 12f of FIG. 14(a), multiple unit regions 121f are regularly arranged. Each unit region 121f is composed of an independent liquid crystal mirror. This allows the reflectance of each unit region 121f to be adjusted. The control unit 500 controls each liquid crystal mirror to adjust the size and position of the first reflective region D1f and the second reflective region D2f provided on the reflective member 12f. (a) of Figure 14 illustrates a first pattern in which the top two unit areas 121f are first reflective areas D1f and the bottom two unit areas 121f are second reflective areas D2f, and a second pattern in which the top three unit areas 121f are first reflective areas D1f and the bottom one unit area 121f is second reflective area D2f.

[0129] The reflecting member 12f in FIG. 14(b) has four unit areas 122f divided in the left-right direction. Each unit area 122f is a rectangular shape that is elongated in the up-down direction, and all are of the same size. In this way, the reflecting member 12f in FIG. 14(b) has a plurality of unit areas 122f regularly arranged. Each unit area 122f is made up of an independent liquid crystal mirror. This allows the reflectance of each unit area 122f to be adjusted.

[0130] The reflecting member 12f of FIG. 14(c) has unit areas 123f, each of which is formed from an equilateral triangle, densely arranged in a plane. The unit areas 123f, which correspond to the outer periphery of the reflecting member 12f, have shapes cut out from equilateral triangles. It can be said that the reflecting member 12f of FIG. 14(c) also has a plurality of unit areas 123f arranged in a regular pattern. Each unit area 123f is made up of an independent liquid crystal mirror. This allows the reflectance to be adjusted for each unit area 123f. As long as the plurality of unit areas are arranged in a regular pattern, the shape of the unit areas may be other than those described above, and the number of unit areas may be any number.

[0131] In this way, the reflectance of each of the unit areas 121f, 122f, and 123f of the reflecting member 12f is variable, and therefore, by varying the reflectance of each of the unit areas 121f, 122f, and 123f, the sizes and positions of the first and second reflecting areas can be adjusted, and therefore the sizes of the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201 can be adjusted.

[0132] [Embodiment 7] A seventh embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment described above, the first image light L10 is formed by the first display element 130, and the second image light L20 is formed by the second display element 230. In the seventh embodiment, a case will be described in which one display element forms the first image light and the second image light.

[0133] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a display device 11g according to the seventh embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the display device 11g includes a display element 330g and a reflecting mirror 340g. The display element 330g includes a first display range 331g corresponding to the first reflection region D1 and a second display range 332g corresponding to the second reflection region D2e. The display element 330g is, for example, a liquid crystal panel. When light from a backlight (light source) (not shown) is irradiated onto the display element 330g, a first image light L10g is emitted from the first display range 331g and a second image light L20g is emitted from the second display range 332g.

[0134] The reflecting mirror 340g is a concave mirror having a free-form surface, and reflects the first image light L10g emitted from the display element 330g toward the first reflection region D1, and reflects the second image light L20g emitted from the display element 330g toward the second reflection region D2. The first image light L10g is reflected by the first reflection region D1 and directed toward the driver to form the first virtual image 101, and the second image light L20g is reflected by the second reflection region D2 and directed toward the driver to form the second virtual image 201.

[0135] In this way, since the first image light and the second image light are formed by one display element 330g, it is possible to make the display device 11g smaller than when a dedicated display element is provided for each image light.

[0136] [Embodiment 8] Next, an eighth embodiment will be described. In the seventh embodiment, the first reflection area D1 and the second reflection area D2 are constant, but in the eighth embodiment, a case will be described in which the size and position of the first reflection area and the second reflection area are adjusted based on the viewpoint position of the driver.

[0137] 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a display device 11h and a reflective member 12f according to embodiment 8. As described in embodiment 6, the reflective member 12f is capable of adjusting the sizes and positions of the first reflective region D1f and the second reflective region D2f.

[0138] The display device 11h includes a display element 330h and a reflecting mirror 340h. The display element 330h and the reflecting mirror 340h are examples of optical elements for forming the first image light L10h and the second image light L20h. The display element 330h is disposed in front of the reflecting mirror 340h.

[0139] The reflecting mirror 340h is installed so that its attitude can be adjusted. Specifically, the reflecting mirror 340h is held so that it can swing freely around its upper end as the center of rotation. The display device 11h is provided with an attitude adjustment mechanism 341h for adjusting the attitude of the reflecting mirror 340h.

[0140] The control unit 500 controls the in-vehicle camera 9 and the attitude adjustment mechanism 341h provided in the vehicle 1. Specifically, the control unit 500 detects the head position of the driver P from an image captured by the in-vehicle camera 9, and estimates the viewpoint position of the driver P based on the detected head position. In other words, the control unit 500 and the in-vehicle camera 9 are an example of an estimation unit.

[0141] The control unit 500 adjusts the orientation of the reflecting mirror 340h based on the estimated viewpoint position, thereby adjusting the directions of the first image light L10h and the second image light L20h, and based on the adjustment, changes the reflectance of the multiple unit areas 121f shown in Fig. 14. As a result, the first reflection area D1f and the second reflection area D2f are adjusted to sizes and positions corresponding to the viewpoint position.

[0142] For example, when the driver's head position descends (arrow Y81), the lower end of the reflecting mirror 340h swings backward (arrow Y82). As a result, the directions of the first image light L10h and the second image light L20h reflected by the reflecting mirror 340h also descend, and the controller 500 accordingly varies the reflectance of each unit area 121f of the reflecting member 12h. That is, the first reflecting area D1f expands downward, and the second reflecting area D2f narrows (arrow Y83).

[0143] On the other hand, when the driver's head position rises (arrow Y84), the lower end of the reflecting mirror 340h swings forward (arrow Y85). As a result, the directions of the first image light L10h and the second image light L20h reflected by the reflecting mirror 340h also rise, and the control unit 500 accordingly changes the reflectance of each unit area 121f of the reflecting member 12h. That is, the second reflecting area D2f expands upward, and the first reflecting area D1f narrows (arrow Y86).

[0144] In this way, the control unit 500 varies the reflectance of multiple unit areas 121f based on the estimated viewpoint position, and therefore can adjust the size of the first reflection area D1f and the second reflection area D2f according to the viewpoint position of the driver P.

[0145] Furthermore, the control unit 500 adjusts the orientation of the reflecting mirror 340h based on the estimated viewpoint position, thereby adjusting the orientations of the first image light L10h and the second image light L20h, and varies the reflectances of the plurality of unit regions 121f based on the adjustment. As a result, the orientations of the first image light L10h and the second image light L20h are adjusted according to the viewpoint position of the driver, and the sizes of the first reflection region D1f and the second reflection region D2f are also adjusted accordingly.

[0146] Here, an example has been given of adjusting the direction of the first image light L10h and the second image light L20h by adjusting the attitude of the reflecting mirror 340h, but the direction of the first image light L10h and the second image light L20h may also be adjusted by adjusting the attitude of the display element 330h.

[0147] [Embodiment 9] A description will be given of a ninth embodiment. In this ninth embodiment, a case will be described in which a single display element is provided with a plurality of backlights.

[0148] 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a display device 11j according to a ninth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, a display element 330j included in the display device 11j is a liquid crystal panel, and a first backlight 361j is arranged on the back surface of a first display range 331j (first region) thereof, and a second backlight 362j is arranged on the back surface of a second display range 332j (second region). In other words, the first backlight 361j faces the first region, and the second backlight 362j faces the second region. The first backlight 361j is a light source with a higher output than the second backlight 362j. The first backlight 361j and the second backlight 362j are individually controlled by a control unit 500.

[0149] In this way, since the first backlight 361j corresponding to the first region and the second backlight 362j corresponding to the second region are provided, it is possible to install a backlight suitable for each image light, which also makes it possible to suppress the amount of heat generated by each backlight.

[0150] [Embodiment 10] A tenth embodiment will be described. In this tenth embodiment, a case where the display element is curved will be described. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a display device 11k according to the tenth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, the display surface of the display element 330k provided in the display device 11k is curved in a concave shape. Because the display element 330k is curved in this manner, distortion of the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201 can be suppressed.

[0151] [Embodiment 11] An eleventh embodiment will be described below. In this eleventh embodiment, a case where the reflective member is a windshield will be illustrated. Fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a display device 11m and a reflective member 12m according to the eleventh embodiment.

[0152] The display device 11m includes a display element 330m and a reflecting mirror 340m. The display element 330m is disposed behind the reflecting mirror 340m. The reflecting mirror 340m is a concave mirror having a free-form surface. The reflecting member 12m is the windshield 2m. That is, in this embodiment, a combiner is not provided, and the first image light L10m and the second image light L20m reflected by the reflecting mirror 340m are reflected by the reflecting member 12m (windshield 2m). Here, the first reflecting region D1m of the reflecting member 12m is exposed, and a reflecting film 186m is laminated on the second reflecting region D2m. This reflecting film 186m makes the reflectance of the second reflecting region D2m higher than the reflectance of the first reflecting region D1m. That is, the reflectance of the first reflecting region D1m is lower than the reflectance of the second reflecting region D2m. As long as this relationship is satisfied, a reflective film may be laminated on both the first reflective region D1m and the second reflective region D2m, or a reflective film may be laminated on only the first reflective region D1m. A liquid crystal mirror may be laminated on at least one of the first reflective region D1m and the second reflective region D2m.

[0153] In this way, since the windshield 2m provided on the vehicle 1 is used as the reflecting member 12m, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated reflecting member, and the system itself can be made smaller.

[0154] [Embodiment 12] A twelfth embodiment will be described. In this twelfth embodiment, a case will be described in which the mirror surface of a reflecting mirror, which is a concave mirror, is divided into two parts, each having a different radius of curvature. Fig. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a display device 11n according to the twelfth embodiment.

[0155] The display device 11n includes a display element 330n and a reflecting mirror 340n. The display element 330n is disposed behind the reflecting mirror 340n. The reflecting mirror 340n is a concave mirror, and a first divided region 341n1 corresponding to the first image light L10n has a different radius of curvature from a second divided region 341n2 corresponding to the second image light L20n. Specifically, the radius of curvature of the first divided region 341n1 is set to a value that causes the first virtual image 101 formed by the first image light L10n to be located 11 meters or more ahead of the driver P. Setting the distance at such a value makes the first virtual image 101 easy to see, particularly when it is superimposed on the road ahead. Meanwhile, the radius of curvature of the second divided region 341n2 is set to a value that causes the second virtual image 201 formed by the second image light L20n to be located 1.5 meters or more and 3 meters or less ahead of the driver P. This prevents the second virtual image 201 from appearing as if it is buried in the vehicle body, making the second virtual image 201 easier to see.

[0156] As a result, the first virtual image 101 and the second virtual image 201 are disposed at a distance of 8 m or more in a side view (the length of the straight line connecting the upper end of the first virtual image 101 and the lower end of the second virtual image 201). The distance is set to 8 m or more because the minimum distance from the driver P to the first virtual image 101 is 11 m and the maximum distance from the driver P to the second virtual image 201 is 3 m, and the difference between the two, 8 m, is the minimum distance. With this configuration, the first virtual image 101 or the second virtual image 201 can be displayed in accordance with the position of an actual object. The radius of curvature at the boundary between the first divided region 341n1 and the second divided region 341n2 may be set so that the lower end of the first virtual image 101 and the upper end of the second virtual image 201 appear continuous in the up-down direction.

[0157] (others) While the display system 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 these embodiments. As long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art to the present embodiments and configurations constructed by combining components of different embodiments may also be included within the scope of one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0158] For example, in the above embodiment, the reflective member 12 is a transparent member, but the reflective member may be a non-transparent member. Note that it is preferable that at least a portion of the reflective member corresponding to the first reflective area is a transparent member.

[0159] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments and the like discloses the following techniques.

[0160] [Technology 1] a display device that projects first image light that forms a first virtual image and second image light that forms a second virtual image; a control unit that controls the display device; a reflecting member that reflects the first image light and the second image light, and that positions the first virtual image and the second virtual image in front of a user and in front of the reflecting member, a first reflective area of ​​the reflective member that reflects the first image light and a second reflective area that reflects the second image light have different reflectivities; Display system.

[0161] [Technology 2] The first reflective area is disposed above the second reflective area. The display system according to claim 1.

[0162] [Technology 3] The reflectance of the first reflective area is smaller than the reflectance of the second reflective area. The display system according to Art 2.

[0163] [Technology 4] At least one of the first reflective area and the second reflective area has a variable reflectance. The display system according to claim 1.

[0164] [Technology 5] The control unit has an equalization mode in which the reflectances of the first reflective area and the second reflective area are made equal to each other. The display system according to Art. 4.

[0165] [Technology 6] the display device includes two display elements that form image lights with different polarizations, When the uniform mode is executed, the control unit controls the display device to project image light from only one display element onto the first reflection area and the second reflection area. The display system according to Art. 5.

[0166] [Technology 7] the reflecting member includes a plurality of unit areas regularly arranged, The reflectance is variable for each of the plurality of unit areas. The display system according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects.

[0167] [Technology 8] an estimation unit that estimates a viewpoint position of the user; the control unit varies the reflectance of the plurality of unit regions based on the viewpoint position estimated by the estimation unit. The display system according to Art. 7.

[0168] [Technology 9] the display system includes at least one optical element for forming the first image light and the second image light; the control unit adjusts directions of the first image light and the second image light by changing an attitude of the optical element based on the viewpoint position estimated by the estimation unit, and changes reflectances of the plurality of unit areas based on the adjustment. The display system according to claim 8.

[0169] [Technology 10] the display device includes a first display element that forms the first image light and a second display element that forms the second image light; The display system according to any one of the first to ninth aspects.

[0170] [Technology 11] the display device includes a display element that forms the first image light and the second image light; The display system according to any one of the first to ninth aspects.

[0171] [Technology 12] the display element is a liquid crystal panel, the display device includes a first backlight facing a first region of the liquid crystal panel that forms the first image light, and a second backlight facing a second region of the liquid crystal panel that forms the second image light, The display system according to claim 11.

[0172] [Technology 13] The display element is curved. 13. The display system according to claim 11 or 12.

[0173] [Technology 14] The reflective member is a transparent member. The display system according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects.

[0174] [Technology 15] The reflective member is a windshield provided on a vehicle. A display system according to any one of techniques 1 to 14.

[0175] [Technology 16] The first reflective area and the second reflective area have different inclinations in a side view. The display system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention.

[0176] [Technology 17] The first virtual image and the second virtual image are arranged at an interval of 2 diopters or less in a side view. The display system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention.

[0177] [Technology 18] The first virtual image and the second virtual image are arranged at an interval of 8 m or more in a side view. The display system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention.

[0178] [Technology 19] At least one of the first reflective area and the second reflective area of ​​the reflective member is laminated with at least one reflective film. The display system according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects.

[0179] [Technology 20] a mark displayed across the first virtual image and the second virtual image is formed on the first virtual image and the second virtual image; A display system according to any one of techniques 1 to 19.

[0180] [Technology 21] the reflectance of the first reflective area is smaller than the reflectance of the second reflective area; the first virtual image displays first information, In the second virtual image, second information having an amount of information greater than that of the first information is displayed. The display system according to any one of the first to twenty techniques. [Industrial Applicability]

[0181] The present disclosure can be used in a display system for displaying images. [Explanation of symbols]

[0182] 1 vehicle 2. 2m windshield 9. In-car camera 10, 10A, 10B Display System 11, 11g, 11h, 11j, 11k, 11m, 11n display device 12, 12a, 12b, 12d, 12e, 12f, 12h, 12m Reflective material 12a1, 12b1 First reflecting member 12a2, 12b2 Second reflecting member 13 Base material 40 Optical Components 50, 50e LCD mirror 51 Liquid crystal layer 52 First polarizing plate 53 Second polarizing plate 100, 100e First display unit 101, 101c First virtual image 110 Case 111 Opening 120 Cover 121f, 122f, 123f unit area 130 First display element 131 First display range 132 Second display range 140 First Optical Element 150 Second Optical Element 160e, 330g, 330h, 330j, 330k, 330m, 330n display element 170e Polarized Half Mirror 181, 182, 183, 186m reflective film 200, 200a, 200b Second display unit 201, 201c Second virtual image 220 cabinet 221 Opening 230, 230a, 230b second display element 240, 240a, 240b Polarized half mirror 250, 250b, 340g, 340h, 340m, 340n reflector 251a First reflector 252a Second reflector 331g, 331j First display range 332g, 332j Second display range 341h Attitude adjustment mechanism 341n1 First divided area 341n2 Second divided area 361j 1st backlight 362j Second Backlight 500 control section D distance d121, d122, d123, d221, d222, d223, d224 divided area D1, D1a, D1b, D1d, D1e, D1f, D1m, D11, D21 First reflection area D2, D2a, D2b, D2d, D2e, D2f, D2m, D12, D22 Second reflective area G10 Navigation Information G11, G21 Vehicle speedometer G12, G24, G30c, Y81, Y82, Y83, Y84, Y85, Y86 arrows G22 Surrounding Image G23 frame image I interval L10, L10e1, L10e2, L10g, L10h, L10m, L10n First image light L20, L20a, L20b, L20e, L20g, L20h, L20m, L20n Second image light P Driver V perspective

Claims

1. a display device that projects first image light that forms a first virtual image and second image light that forms a second virtual image; a control unit that controls the display device; a reflecting member that reflects the first image light and the second image light, and that positions the first virtual image and the second virtual image in front of a user and in front of the reflecting member, a first reflective area of ​​the reflective member that reflects the first image light and a second reflective area that reflects the second image light have different reflectivities; Display system.

2. The first reflective area is disposed above the second reflective area. The display system of claim 1 .

3. The reflectance of the first reflective area is smaller than the reflectance of the second reflective area. The display system of claim 2 .

4. At least one of the first reflective area and the second reflective area has a variable reflectance. The display system of claim 1 .

5. The control unit has an equalization mode in which the reflectances of the first reflective area and the second reflective area are made equal to each other. The display system of claim 4 .

6. the display device includes two display elements that form image lights with different polarizations, When the uniform mode is executed, the control unit controls the display device to project image light from only one display element onto the first reflection area and the second reflection area. The display system of claim 5 .

7. the reflecting member includes a plurality of unit areas regularly arranged, The reflectance is variable for each of the plurality of unit areas. The display system of claim 4 .

8. an estimation unit that estimates a viewpoint position of the user; the control unit varies the reflectance of the plurality of unit regions based on the viewpoint position estimated by the estimation unit. The display system of claim 7.

9. the display system includes at least one optical element for forming the first image light and the second image light; the control unit adjusts directions of the first image light and the second image light by changing an attitude of the optical element based on the viewpoint position estimated by the estimation unit, and changes reflectances of the plurality of unit areas based on the adjustment. The display system of claim 8 .

10. the display device includes a first display element that forms the first image light and a second display element that forms the second image light; The display system of claim 1 .

11. the display device includes a display element that forms the first image light and the second image light; The display system of claim 1 .

12. the display element is a liquid crystal panel, the display device includes a first backlight facing a first region of the liquid crystal panel that forms the first image light, and a second backlight facing a second region of the liquid crystal panel that forms the second image light, The display system of claim 11.

13. The display element is curved. The display system of claim 11.

14. The reflective member is a transparent member. The display system of claim 1 .

15. The reflective member is a windshield provided on a vehicle.

15. The display system of claim 14.

16. The first reflective area and the second reflective area have different inclinations in a side view. The display system of claim 1 .

17. The first virtual image and the second virtual image are arranged at an interval of 2 diopters or less in a side view. The display system of claim 1 .

18. The first virtual image and the second virtual image are disposed at an interval of 8 m or more in a side view. The display system of claim 1 .

19. At least one of the first reflective area and the second reflective area of ​​the reflective member is laminated with at least one reflective film. The display system of claim 1 .

20. a mark displayed across the first virtual image and the second virtual image is formed on the first virtual image and the second virtual image; The display system of claim 1 .

21. the reflectance of the first reflective area is smaller than the reflectance of the second reflective area; the first virtual image displays first information, In the second virtual image, second information having an amount of information greater than that of the first information is displayed. The display system of claim 1 .

Images