Indication device

Abstract

To provide a display device that enables a viewer to easily focus on a real image displayed in space. [Solution] A display device (100) having a first real image light source (11a), a first real image display unit (10a) that displays an image based on the light emitted by the first real image light source (11a), and a second display unit (20) provided at a predetermined location on fixed equipment, and allowing a real image RI of the display image to be viewed in the space above the predetermined location, and having a control unit (15) that controls the first display unit (10a) and the second display unit (20) in cooperation with each other so that the second display unit (20) lights up at least before the real image RI of the display image of the first real image display unit (10a) is viewed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device that displays a real image in space to a viewer. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional head-up display device is known, for example, from Patent Document 1. In this head-up display device, a real image of an object to be observed placed inside a dashboard is formed and displayed in a space on the observer's side. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5392613 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-described conventional display devices, a real image is formed in the space on the observer's side, which causes a problem that it is difficult for the observer to focus on the displayed real image.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a display device that allows a viewer to easily focus on a real image formed in the space viewed by the viewer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides a display device 100 having a first display unit 10a equipped with a first light source 11a and displaying a display image based on light emitted by the first light source 11a, and a second display unit 20 provided at a predetermined location of fixed equipment, and causing a real image RI of the display image to be visible in the space above the predetermined location, characterized in that it has a control unit 15 that controls the first display unit 10a and the second display unit 20 in cooperation with each other so that the second display unit 20 turns on at least before the real image RI of the display image on the first display unit 10a is visible. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a display device that allows a viewer to easily focus on a real image displayed in space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a head-up display device in a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1A is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a second display unit in a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the layout of segment designs as viewed from the front. [Figure 3] 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first example of cooperative control between a first display unit and a second display unit in the display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second example of cooperative control between the first display unit and the second display unit in the display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a third example of cooperative control between the first display unit and the second display unit in the display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]10A and 10B are diagrams showing the arrangement of segment designs in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, in an arc shape along the left-right direction, and in a straight line along the left-right direction. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating the arrangement of segment designs in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front and from the side. [Figure 10] An image diagram showing an arrangement structure when the segment design in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention is arranged in (A) a horizontal recess provided in the dashboard, (B) a horizontal protrusion provided in the dashboard, and (C) a vertical recess provided in the dashboard, as viewed from the side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (First embodiment of the present invention) A display device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7. The display device 100 according to this embodiment displays a real image RI in a space viewed by a viewer, and allows the viewer to easily adjust the focus when viewing the real image RI. In this embodiment, a head-up display device (hereinafter referred to as HUD device) 1 installed in a vehicle C is used as the device for displaying the real image RI, and an illumination device is provided at a predetermined location on fixed equipment of the vehicle C to make it easier to adjust the focus on the real image RI displayed by the HUD device 1.

[0010] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an HUD device 1 in a display device 100 according to this embodiment. In FIG. 1, the HUD device 1 is provided in a vehicle C including at least a seat (not shown) on which a driver DR (passenger) sits and a windshield WS (light-transmitting member), and includes a first real image display unit 10a (first display unit) having a first real image light source 11a (first light source) that emits light in the visible wavelength range, and a first real image display element 12a that transmits the light emitted by the first real image light source 11a and displays a real image RI of a display image formed in front of the driver DR; a first virtual image light source 11b that emits light in the visible wavelength range, and a first virtual image display element 12a that transmits the light emitted by the first virtual image light source 11b; The vehicle driver's driving device includes a first virtual image display unit 10b having a first virtual image display element 12b that transmits light incident thereon and displays a virtual image VI of a display image formed in front of the driver DR, a reflecting unit 13 that reflects, toward the windshield WS, first real image display light L1 (display light) representing the display image displayed on the first real image display element 12a and first virtual image display light L2 representing the display image displayed on the first virtual image display element 12b, and a control unit 15 that controls the turning on / off, display content, display switching, etc. of the first real image display unit 10a and the first virtual image display unit 10b, and these are housed in a housing 16. The housing 16 is provided with an opening 17 (exit) through which the first real image display light L1 and the first virtual image display light L2 are emitted, and a cover glass 18 is disposed in the opening 17 to protect the interior.

[0011] 1, the first real image display light L1 is indicated by a dashed line, and the first virtual image display light L2 is indicated by a chain line. Although countless light rays (display light) are actually emitted from the first real image display unit 10a and the first virtual image display unit 10b in Fig. 1, the strongest light ray emitted from the center of the first real image display unit 10a and passing through the center of the eyebox of the driver DR is indicated as the first real image display light L1 as a representative light ray, and the strongest light ray emitted from the center of the first virtual image display unit 10b and passing through the center of the eyebox of the driver DR is indicated as the first virtual image display light L2 as a representative light ray.

[0012] The HUD device 1 is disposed below the windshield WS of the vehicle C (for example, inside an instrument panel (hereinafter referred to as "instrument panel")), and emits first real image display light L1 and first virtual image display light L2, which are projected onto the windshield WS. The first real image display light L1 is generated by a first real image display unit 10a inside the HUD device 1, and the first virtual image display light L2 is generated by a first virtual image display unit 10b. The first real image display light L1 emitted from the first real image display unit 10a and the first virtual image display light L2 emitted from the first virtual image display unit 10b travel along the reflecting unit 13, and are emitted from the opening 17 of the housing 16 through the cover glass 18 to the windshield WS. By viewing the first real image display light L1 reflected by the windshield WS, the driver DR of vehicle C can view a real image RI on the inside of the vehicle across the windshield WS, i.e., on the front side of the windshield WS as seen from the driver DR, and by viewing the first virtual image display light L2 reflected by the windshield WS, the driver DR can view a virtual image VI on the outside of the vehicle across the windshield WS, i.e., on the back side of the windshield WS as seen from the driver DR.

[0013] 1, for example, entertainment content, assistants or agents that support the driver DR, characters representing them, route guidance displays such as maps, and displays indicating that autonomous driving is in progress are displayed on the front side of the windshield WS as viewed from the driver DR. Also, as the virtual image VI, for example, vehicle information such as the speed and engine RPM of the vehicle C, route guidance displays such as turn-by-turn directions and maps, blind spot indicators, warning displays such as speed limit exceeding warnings, and other information that is highly necessary to draw the driver DR's attention are displayed. The real image RI and virtual image VI include background portions as well as characters and icons that indicate this information, and are, for example, approximately rectangular in shape when viewed in a plan view from the driver DR.

[0014] 1, the first real image light source 11a and the first virtual image light source 11b are, for example, light-emitting diodes mounted on a wiring board that emit light in the visible wavelength range and emit white light. The first real image display element 12a is located closer to the opening 17 along the optical path than the first real image light source 11a, and the first virtual image display element 12b is located closer to the opening 17 along the optical path than the first virtual image light source 11b. Both are TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display elements that generate display light representing any image in accordance with a control signal sent from the control unit 15. The first real image display unit 10a and the first virtual image display unit 10b may be configured as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel, which is a self-luminous display, or other types of displays.

[0015] Optical members such as a condenser lens, a lenticular lens, a diffusion plate, and a polarizing plate may be disposed at any position downstream of each of the first real image light source 11a and the first virtual image light source 11b.

[0016] In FIG. 1, the reflecting unit 13 includes a first mirror 131 and a second mirror 132. The first mirror 131 reflects the first real image display light L1 emitted from the first real image display unit 10a toward the second mirror 132. The first mirror 131 has a mirrored surface and a complex free-form curved surface shape to correct distortion of the image viewed by the driver DR. The first mirror 131 is, for example, a half mirror, and transmits the first virtual image display light L2 representing the virtual image VI displayed on the first virtual image display unit 10b. The first virtual image display light L2 transmitted through the first mirror 131 is incident on the second mirror 132 as is.

[0017] The second mirror 132 has a mirror surface and is a concave mirror that reflects the first real image display light L1 reflected and folded by the first mirror 131 and the first virtual image display light L2 transmitted through the first mirror 131 toward the opening 17. The second mirror 132 is rotatably installed and rotates to match the position of the eyes of the driver DR, freely changing the emission direction of the first real image display light L1 and the first virtual image display light L2 and adjusting the position of the image. In particular, it may be desirable to make the angle of the display surface different when the first real image display light L1 displays the real image RI and when the first virtual image display light L2 displays the virtual image VI (for example, the virtual image VI is displayed as if it is inclined with respect to the road surface because the first virtual image display element 12b is positioned approximately inclined with respect to the representative light ray, and the real image RI is displayed as if it is standing perpendicular to the road surface because the first real image display element 12a is positioned approximately perpendicular to the representative light ray), and by making such adjustments using rotational drive, it is possible to display the display images at angles appropriate for the real image RI and virtual image VI, respectively.

[0018] The first real image display light L1 reflected by the second mirror 132 is emitted onto the windshield WS via the cover glass 18, and the driver DR visually recognizes the display image represented by the first real image display light L1 as a real image RI. At this time, when the first real image display element 12a emits the first real image display light L1, the positional relationship between the first real image display element 12a and the optical focus F1 of the imaging optical system including the windshield WS and the reflector 13 is such that the first real image display element 12a is closer to the first real image light source 11a than the optical focus F1. Also, when the first virtual image display element 12b emits the first virtual image display light L2, the positional relationship between the first virtual image display element 12b and the optical focus F2 of the imaging optical system including the windshield WS and the reflector 13 is such that the first virtual image display element 12b is closer to the opening 17 than the optical focus F2.

[0019] With this configuration, when the first real image light source 11a is turned on, the first real image display light L1 emitted from the first real image display element 12a is reflected by the first mirror 131, the second mirror 132, and the windshield WS, allowing the driver DR to view a real image RI on the inside of the vehicle through the windshield WS. Also, when the first virtual image light source 11b is turned on, the first virtual image display light L2 emitted from the first virtual image display element 12b passes through the first mirror 131 and is reflected by the second mirror 132 and the windshield WS, allowing the driver DR to view a virtual image VI on the outside of the vehicle through the windshield WS.

[0020] The control unit 15 controls the first real image display unit 10a and the first virtual image display unit 10b in cooperation with each other, turns on / off the first real image light source 11a and the first virtual image light source 11b, controls the display content of the first real image display element 12a, and controls the display content of the first virtual image display element 12b, and generates the first real image display light L1 and the first virtual image display light L2. As will be described in detail later, the control unit 15 also controls the second display unit 20, which is an illumination device disposed at a predetermined location of fixed equipment on the vehicle C, in cooperation with each other. As shown in FIG. 1 , the control unit 15 of the HUD device 1 may perform control processing in cooperation with the second display unit 20. Alternatively, a separate control device may be provided outside the HUD device 1, and this control device may control the second display unit 20 in cooperation with the control unit 15 of the HUD device 1. Hereinafter, the control unit 15 and the control device will be simply referred to as the control unit 15.

[0021] The following describes the configuration and control of the second display unit 20. As shown in Fig. 1, the display device 100 includes the second display unit 20 at a predetermined location, such as inside the dashboard 31, and the display image of the real image RI displayed by the HUD device 1 described above is formed in the space above the predetermined location where the second display unit 20 is installed.

[0022] 2A and 2B are diagrams showing an example of the structure of the second display unit 20 in the display device 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the second display unit 20, and FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the arrangement of the segment designs 22 when viewed from the front. The second display unit 20 has a plurality of segment designs 22 arranged, for example, in the vertical, horizontal, diagonal, or arc-shaped direction, and a plurality of second light sources 21 provided corresponding to each of the segment designs 22 and that can be turned on / off under the control of the control unit 15. The second light sources 21 are, for example, full-color LED light sources.

[0023] The second display unit 20 is embedded in a dashboard 31 of the vehicle C, and a circuit board 33 on which a plurality of second light sources 21 (four LED light sources, second light sources 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d, are mounted in an inner case 32 is housed. Each second light source 21 is arranged in a space R separated by a side wall portion 34, eliminating the influence of light from adjacent light sources. A display cover 35 made of a laminated smoked sheet and transparent resin is disposed on the surface of the inner case 32 in an area corresponding to the space R, and a surface sheet 36 similar to the sheet that forms the surface of the dashboard 31 is disposed in the other area.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 2, the segment designs 22 (four segment designs, 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d, in Fig. 2) are arranged in the vertical direction, and the second light sources 21a to 21d are also arranged in the vertical direction. The segment designs 22a to 22d are formed so as to gradually increase in size from the lower segment design 22d toward the upper segment design 22a. More specifically, the segment designs 22a to 22d are formed so as to gradually increase in size in the horizontal width direction while sharing a common horizontal center line from the lower segment design 22d toward the upper segment design 22a.

[0025] The control unit 15 controls the turning on / off of the second light sources 21a to 21d in this second display unit 20, as well as the first real image display light L1 emitted from the first real image display unit 10a of the above-mentioned HUD device 1 and the first virtual image display light L2 emitted from the first virtual image display unit 10b in a coordinated manner, thereby guiding the driver DR's line of sight and making it easier for him / her to focus on the real image RI.

[0026] 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a display device 100 according to this embodiment. The display device 100 includes a first display unit 10 having a first real image display unit 10a that emits a first real image display light L1 for displaying a real image RI and a first virtual image display unit 10b that emits a first virtual image display light L2 for displaying a virtual image VI, a second display unit 20 having a plurality of light sources 21a to 21d, and a control unit 15 that controls the first real image display unit 10a, the first virtual image display unit 10b, and the second display unit 20. The control unit 15 includes a switching processing unit 15a that switches the first real image display unit 10a, the first virtual image display unit 10b, and the second display unit 20 between display and non-display at a predetermined timing, and a display control unit 15b that controls the display modes of the first real image display unit 10a, the first virtual image display unit 10b, and the second display unit 20.

[0027] The following describes, with specific examples, switching between the first display unit 10 and the second display unit 20 (turning on / off the second light sources 21a to 21d) by the switching processing unit 15a of the control unit 15. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a first example of cooperative control between the first display unit 10 and the second display unit 20 in the display device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0028] In Figure 4(A), while the first virtual image display light L2 is emitted by the first virtual image display unit 10b, i.e., while the virtual image VI is displayed, the first real image display light L1 is not emitted by the first real image display unit 10a, i.e., the real image RI is not displayed, and the second light sources 21a to 21d in the second display unit 20 are not turned on.

[0029] The control unit 15 transitions the state from a state in which the virtual image VI is displayed to a state in which the real image RI is displayed upon receiving a predetermined timing (for example, a timing when the vehicle C switches from a manual driving mode to an automatic driving mode) or a predetermined trigger signal (for example, a signal that detects that the vehicle is entering an expressway where automatic driving mode is available after being driven on an ordinary road in manual driving mode). At this time, during the period from when the virtual image VI is hidden to when the real image RI is displayed, the switching processing unit 15a switches the first virtual image display unit 10b to off, the second display unit 20 to on / off, and the first real image display unit 10a to on.

[0030] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4(B), when the first virtual image display unit 10b is turned off and the virtual image VI is not displayed, the second light source 21d of the segment design 22d in the second display unit 20 is turned on. Next, as shown in FIG. 4(C), the second light source 21d of the segment design 22d in the second display unit 20 is turned off, and the second light source 21c of the segment design 22c is turned on. Next, as shown in FIG. 4(D), the second light source 21c of the segment design 22c in the second display unit 20 is turned off, and the second light source 21b of the segment design 22b is turned on. Next, as shown in FIG. 4(E), the second light source 21b of the segment design 22b in the second display unit 20 is turned off, and the second light source 21a of the segment design 22a is turned on. Then, as shown in FIG. 4(F), while the second light source 21a of the segment design 22a remains lit, the first real image display light L1 is emitted by the first real image display unit 10a, and the real image RI is displayed.

[0031] That is, the control unit 15 controls the first real image display unit 10a and the second display unit 20 in cooperation with each other so that the second display unit 20 is turned on before the real image RI of the image displayed by the first real image display unit 10a is visually recognized. At this time, the control unit 15 controls the second light sources 21 so that, among the plurality of second light sources 21 corresponding to each of the plurality of segment designs 22 in the second display unit 20, the second light sources 21 are turned on in sequence from the second light source 21d (one-side second light source) on the lower side, which is one side in the predetermined direction, to the second light source 21a (other-side second light source, other-side end second light source) on the upper side, which is the other side in the predetermined direction. Then, after turning on the second light source 21a located at the end on the upper side among the plurality of second light sources 21, the control unit 15 controls the first real image display unit 10a and the second display unit 20 in cooperation with each other so that the real image RI displayed by the first real image display unit 10a is displayed.

[0032] 4(F), the real image RI may be displayed by the first real image display unit 10a after the second light source 21a of the segment design 22a is turned off, or the real image RI may be displayed by the first real image display unit 10a while the second light source 21a of the segment design 22a remains turned on, as described above in FIG. 4(F). That is, in the latter case, the control unit 15 may control the first real image display unit 10a and the second display unit 20 in cooperation with each other so as to turn off the second light source 21a a predetermined period after the display of the real image RI begins. In this way, the segment design 22a continues to be turned on for a predetermined period even after the real image RI is displayed, thereby ensuring continuity between the lighting of the segment design 22a and the display of the real image RI.

[0033] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a second example of cooperative control between the first display unit 10 and the second display unit 20 in the display device 100 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 5, Fig. 5(A), Fig. 5(B), and Fig. 5(C) are the same controls as Fig. 4(A), Fig. 4(B), and Fig. 4(C) in Fig. 4, and Fig. 5(D), Fig. 5(E), and Fig. 5(F) are different from the controls of Fig. 4(D), Fig. 4(E), and Fig. 4(F).

[0034] Specifically, in FIG. 5(C), the second light source 21c of the segment design 22c is turned on. Then, in FIG. 5(D), the second light source 21c of the segment design 22c in the second display unit 20 is turned off, and the second light source 21b of the segment design 22b is turned on. At this time, the control unit 15 also controls the first real image display unit 10a in cooperation with the first real image display unit 10a so that the real image RI expands from the upper end toward the display image below, i.e., the display image of the real image RI moves upward from the lower end of its display area. Here, for example, the real image RI is controlled so that approximately the upper third of the display image is displayed. Next, in FIG. 5(E), the second light source 21b of the segment design 22b in the second display unit 20 is turned off, and the second light source 21a of the segment design 22a is turned on. At this time, the control unit 15 also controls the first real image display unit 10a in cooperation with the real image display unit 10a so that the real image RI expands further downward from the display state of the real image RI in Fig. 5(D), i.e., so that the display image of the real image RI moves upward. Here, for example, the control unit 15 controls the first real image display unit 10a in cooperation with the real image display unit 10a so that the real image RI expands further downward from the display state of the real image RI in Fig. 5(E), i.e., so that the display image of the real image RI moves upward, and the entire display image of the real image RI is displayed.

[0035] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a third example of cooperative control between the first display unit 10 and the second display unit 20 in the display device 100 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 6, Fig. 6(A), Fig. 6(B), and Fig. 6(C) are the same controls as Fig. 4(A), Fig. 4(B), and Fig. 4(C) in Fig. 4, and the controls in Fig. 6(D), Fig. 6(E), and Fig. 6(F) are different from the controls in Fig. 4(D), Fig. 4(E), and Fig. 4(F).

[0036] Specifically, in FIG. 6(C), the second light source 21c of the segment design 22c is turned on, and then, in FIG. 6(D), the second light source 21c of the segment design 22c in the second display unit 20 is turned off, and the second light source 21b of the segment design 22b is turned on. At this time, the control unit 15 also controls the first real image display unit 10a in cooperation with the first real image display unit 10a so that the real image RI is displayed at a low luminance value (for example, a luminance value of about 30%). Next, in FIG. 6(E), the second light source 21b of the segment design 22b in the second display unit 20 is turned off, and the second light source 21a of the segment design 22a is turned on. At this time, the control unit 15 also controls the first real image display unit 10a in cooperation with the first real image display unit 10a so that the real image RI in FIG. 6(D) is displayed at a medium luminance value (for example, a luminance value of about 70%). Then, as shown in Figure 6(F), while the second light source 21a of the segment design 22a remains lit, the first real image display unit 10a is controlled in cooperation with the second light source 21a so as to display the real image RI at approximately the maximum brightness value (for example, a brightness value of 90% to 100%).

[0037] 5 and 6, when sequentially lighting the second light sources 21a-21d from the lower second light source 21d to the upper second light source 21a, the control unit 15 controls the first real image display unit 10a and the second display unit 20 in cooperation with each other so as to display the real image RI (part or all of the real image RI) before lighting the second light source 21a located at the upper end. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, the control unit 15 controls the first real image display unit 10a and the second display unit 20 in cooperation with each other so as to gradually expand (sequentially move upward) the upper partial image, which is a part of the entire image of the real image RI, from a display state of the upper partial image, downward, in conjunction with the sequential lighting of the second light sources 21a-21d from the lower second light source 21d to the upper second light source 21a, to a display state of the entire image. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 15 controls the first real image display unit 10a and the second display unit 20 in cooperation with each other so as to sequentially increase the brightness of the real image RI in conjunction with the sequential lighting of the plurality of second light sources 21a to 21d, from the lower second light source 21d to the upper second light source 21a.

[0038] Next, the operation of the display device 100 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the display device 100 according to this embodiment. Here, the processing operation when switching from a state in which the virtual image VI is displayed to a state in which the real image RI is displayed will be described. First, the first virtual image display unit 10b displays the virtual image VI under the control of the control unit 15 (S1). The switching processing unit 15a of the control unit 15 determines whether a switching signal for switching from displaying the virtual image VI to displaying the real image RI has been received (S2). If the switching signal has not been received, the process returns to S1 and the display state of the virtual image VI is maintained. If the switching signal has been received, the switching processing unit 15a switches from the display state of the virtual image VI to the display state of the segment designs 22a to 22d, that is, stops the display processing by the first virtual image display unit 10b and switches to display processing by the second display unit 20 (S3).

[0039] 4 to 6, the display control unit 15b controls the turning on / off of each of the second light sources 21a to 21d in the second display unit 20 in any of the preset display modes (S4). Then, the switching processing unit 15a controls the first real image display unit 10a to start displaying the real image RI at a predetermined timing in accordance with the display processing of the second display unit 20 in S4 (S5), and the display control unit 15b controls the first real image display unit 10a to display the entire real image RI (S6), thereby completing the processing.

[0040] As described above, the control unit 15 sequentially lights up the second light sources 21a to 21d in the second display unit 20, starting from the second light source 21d corresponding to the lower segment design 22d to the second light source 21a corresponding to the upper segment design 22a, but at this time, the control unit 15 may control the second display unit 20 to repeat the process of sequentially lighting up the light sources in a flowing manner from the lower side to the upper side multiple times.

[0041] Furthermore, the control unit 15 may vary the interval at which each second light source 21 starts to light up when sequentially lighting up the second light sources 21d on the lower side of the second display unit 20 to the second light source 21a on the upper side, depending on the display content on the first real image display unit 10a (for example, display content requiring urgency such as an accident or disaster, or display content not requiring particular urgency such as entertainment content) and the display switching interval on the first real image display unit 10a (for example, when switching is performed quickly in a short time or when switching is performed slowly and gradually). In this case, the second light sources 21 may start to light up at a common pitch among all the second light sources 21, and the interval at this common pitch may be lengthened or shortened, or the second light sources 21 may start to light up at different pitches among them, and the interval at which the pitch may be gradually lengthened or shortened.

[0042] Furthermore, although the above has described a display device 100 using a HUD device 1, the present invention is not limited to cases in which a HUD device 1 is used, but can also be applied to a display device 100 in which, for example, in an art museum exhibition, the second display unit 20 is installed on a support stand that is a fixed piece of equipment, and a real image RI is displayed in the space above it by the first real image display unit 10a.

[0043] Furthermore, the lighting of each of the segment designs 22a to 22d of the second display section 20 may be controlled by displaying on a liquid crystal screen, for example, so that the above operation is realized.

[0044] As described above, the display device 100 according to this embodiment is a display device 100 that includes a first real image light source 11a, a first real image display unit 10a that displays an image based on the light emitted by the first real image light source 11a, and a second display unit 20 that is provided at a predetermined location on the fixed equipment, and that allows a real image RI of the display image to be viewed in the space above the predetermined location. The display device 100 also includes a control unit 15 that controls the first real image display unit 10a and the second display unit 20 in cooperation with each other so that the second display unit 20 is turned on at least before the real image RI of the display image of the first real image display unit 10a is viewed. Therefore, a viewer of the real image RI will first focus on the display of the second display unit 20 located below it before the real image RI appears, and will then shift their gaze to the real image RI, making it easier for them to focus their eyes.

[0045] Furthermore, if necessary, the second display unit 20 includes a plurality of segment designs 22 arranged along a predetermined direction, and a plurality of second light sources 21 that correspond to the plurality of segment designs 22, respectively, and can be turned on and off based on the control of the control unit 15. The control unit 15 controls the second light sources 21 so that the plurality of second light sources 21 are sequentially turned on, starting from second light source 21d on one side of the predetermined direction to second light source 21a on the other side of the predetermined direction, so that the segment designs 22 of the second display unit 20 flow dynamically and come into view, making it easier to focus.

[0046] 1, it is desirable that the longitudinal positional relationship between the second display unit 20 as seen by the driver DR and the display position where the real image RI is formed be approximately the same position (approximately on the same plane), in which case the real image RI is positioned on an extension of the direction in which light flows from the segment design 22d to the segment design 22a, making it easier to focus. Also, when the real image RI is displayed at a position slightly behind (backward) than the second display unit 20, it is easier to focus than when the real image RI is displayed at a position forward (closer) than the second display unit 20.

[0047] Furthermore, if necessary, the control unit 15 controls the first real image display unit 10a and the second display unit 20 in cooperation with each other so as to turn on the second light source 21a located at the end on the other side of the specified direction among the plurality of second light sources 21, and then display the real image RI. Therefore, when the lighting of the plurality of segment designs 22 that come into view sequentially has finished, the real image RI comes into view next, allowing the line of sight to be shifted continuously, making it even easier to focus.

[0048] Furthermore, if necessary, the control unit 15 controls the first real image display unit 10a and the second display unit 20 in cooperation with each other so as to display the real image RI before turning on the second light source 21a located at the end on the other side of the specified direction among the plurality of second light sources 21. Therefore, the real image RI is displayed before the last segment design 22a has finished lighting, thereby ensuring continuity between the lighting of the segment design 22 side and the display of the real image RI.

[0049] Furthermore, if necessary, the control unit 15 controls the first real image display unit 10a and the second display unit 20 in cooperation with each other so that the multiple second light sources 21 are turned off after a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of displaying the real image RI. Therefore, the segment design 22 continues to be lit for a predetermined period even after the real image RI is displayed, thereby reliably ensuring continuity between the lighting of the segment design 22 and the display of the real image RI.

[0050] Furthermore, if necessary, the plurality of segment designs 22 are arranged approximately along the vertical direction, which is a predetermined direction, and the plurality of second light sources 21 are arranged approximately along the vertical direction according to the arrangement of the plurality of segment designs 22. The control unit 15 controls the second display unit 20 to sequentially light up the plurality of second light sources 21, from the lower second light source 21d on one side of the predetermined direction to the upper second light source 21a on the other side of the predetermined direction. Therefore, by sequentially lighting up the segment designs 22 from bottom to top, a visual effect can be obtained in which the real image RI that is subsequently viewed appears to be floating up from a predetermined location on the fixed equipment below.

[0051] Furthermore, if necessary, the control unit 15 controls the second display unit 20 to repeat the process of sequentially lighting up the second light source 21d on one side of a predetermined direction to the second light source 21a on the other side of the predetermined direction multiple times, so that the repeated flow of sequential lighting of the segment designs 22 can emphasize the dynamic presentation effect.

[0052] Furthermore, as needed, the multiple segment designs 22 are made to gradually increase in size or brightness from the second light source 21d on one side of the predetermined direction to the second light source 21a on the other side of the predetermined direction, and by the segment designs 22 becoming larger in size or becoming brighter in accordance with the flow of the segment designs 22 lighting up sequentially, the dynamic presentation effect from one side to the other can be further emphasized.

[0053] Furthermore, if necessary, the control unit 15 variably sets the interval at which each second light source 21 starts to light up when the second light source 21 is sequentially turned on from the second light source 21d on one side of the specified direction to the second light source 21a on the other side of the specified direction, depending on the display content in the first real image display unit 10a or the display switching interval in the first real image display unit 10a, so that the segment design 22 can be sequentially turned on in a manner that is in fine harmony with the display content and display switching mode of the real image RI.

[0054] Furthermore, if necessary, the control unit 15 controls the first real image display unit 10a and the second display unit 20 in cooperation with each other so that, in conjunction with the sequential lighting of the plurality of second light sources 21 from the second light source 21d on one side of a predetermined direction to the second light source 21a on the other side of the predetermined direction, the upper partial image, which is a part of the entire image of the real image RI, is gradually enlarged downward to reach the display state of the entire image. Therefore, the display area of ​​the real image RI gradually becomes larger upward to match the flow of the segment design 22 lighting up sequentially from one side to the other, thereby further emphasizing the dynamic presentation effect.

[0055] Furthermore, if necessary, the control unit 15 controls the first real image display unit 10a and the second display unit 20 in cooperation with each other so as to gradually increase the brightness of the real image RI in conjunction with the sequential lighting of the plurality of second light sources 21 from the second light source 21d on one side of a predetermined direction to the second light source 21a on the other side of the predetermined direction. Therefore, the brightness of the real image RI gradually increases in accordance with the flow of the segment designs 22 lighting up sequentially from one side to the other, thereby further emphasizing the dynamic presentation effect.

[0056] Furthermore, if necessary, since the fixed equipment is the dashboard 31 of the vehicle C, the second display unit 20 can be illuminated below the real image RI visible in the space above the dashboard 31 of the vehicle C, making it easier to focus when shifting one's gaze from the second display unit 20 to the real image RI.

[0057] Furthermore, if necessary, the display device 100 is provided in a vehicle C having a seat for the driver DR and a windshield WS, and is configured to emit the first real image display light L1 or the first virtual image display light L2 from the first real image display unit 10a or the first virtual image display unit 10b through the opening 17 toward the windshield WS, thereby switching between the real image RI of the display image represented by the first real image display light L1 and the virtual image VI of the display image represented by the first virtual image display light L2, and the control unit 15 controls the first display unit 10 and the second display unit 20 in cooperation so as not to turn on the second display unit 20 when the virtual image of the display image based on the first virtual image display light L2 from the first virtual image display unit 10b is to be viewed.Therefore, by applying the display device 100 to a vehicle HUD device 1, it becomes easier for the driver to focus their eyes when transitioning from a virtual image viewing state to a real image viewing state and shifting their eyes to the real image RI.

[0058] (Other embodiments of the present invention) A display device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10. Note that in this embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0059] 8A and 8B are diagrams showing an example of an arrangement of the segment designs 22 in the display device 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 8A shows a case where the segment designs 22a to 22d are arranged in an arc shape along the left-right direction, and Fig. 8B shows a case where the segment designs 22a to 22d are arranged in a straight line along the left-right direction. As shown in Fig. 8, the multiple segment designs 22a to 22d are arranged substantially along the left-right direction, which is a predetermined direction, and accordingly the multiple second light sources 21a to 21d are also arranged substantially along the left-right direction.

[0060] In the case of FIG. 8(A), the segment designs 22a to 22d form an upwardly convex arc. Specifically, one segment design 22a is placed at the top, two segment designs 22b are placed below it to the left and right, two segment designs 22c are placed below it to the left and right, and two segment designs 22d are placed below it to the left and right, forming an arc. In the case of FIG. 8(B), the segment designs 22a to 22d are arranged linearly along the left and right direction, and their sizes are varied to create a display unit that gives a sense of depth. Specifically, one central segment design 22a is the largest, and two segment designs 22b smaller than the segment design 22a are placed on either side of it, each smaller than the segment design 22a. Two segment designs 22c smaller than the segment design 22b are placed on either side of them, each smaller than the segment design 22b. Two segment designs 22d smaller than the segment design 22c are placed on either side of them, each smaller than the segment design 22c.

[0061] 8(A) and 8(B), the control unit 15 controls the second display unit 20 to sequentially light up the second light sources 21a to 21d among the plurality of second light sources 21a to 21d, starting from the second light source 21d on the outer side in the left-right direction to the second light source 21a on the inner side in the left-right direction. In either case, the line of sight of the driver DR is gradually guided to the real image RI, making it easier for the driver DR to focus on the real image RI.

[0062] In FIG. 8(A), the segment designs 22a-22d are arranged in an upwardly convex arc shape, but they may also be arranged in a downwardly convex arc shape. The layout of the segment designs 22a-22d in the second display unit 20 is preferably designed to match the shape of the instrument panel. In FIG. 8(B), the second display unit 20 is formed so that the central segment design 22a is larger and the outer segment designs 22d are smaller. However, the second display unit 20 may be formed so that the central segment design 22a is smaller and the outer segment designs 22d are larger. Furthermore, the control unit 15 may control the segment designs 22a-22d to light up sequentially from the central segment design 22a to the outer segment design 22d, regardless of the layout of the segment designs 22a-22d.

[0063] 9A and 9B are conceptual diagrams illustrating the arrangement of the segment designs 22 in the display device 100 according to this embodiment, as viewed from the front and the side. Fig. 9A is a diagram illustrating the arrangement from the front, and Fig. 9B is a diagram illustrating the arrangement from the side. In Fig. 9A, when the segment designs 22a to 22d are arranged at different heights in the vertical direction, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 8A (Fig. 9 shows an example of Fig. 8A), the segment designs 22a arranged higher are arranged in a position closer to the front (nearer) side as viewed from the driver DR, and the segment designs 22d arranged gradually lower are arranged in a position closer to the rear (farther back) side as viewed from the driver DR.

[0064] In Figure 9, the segment designs 22a that are positioned higher may be positioned further back (at the rear) as viewed from the driver DR, and the segment designs 22d that are positioned gradually lower may be positioned further forward (nearer) as viewed from the driver DR.

[0065] Fig. 10 is an image diagram of the arrangement structure of the segment design 22 in the display device 100 according to this embodiment, as viewed from the side. Fig. 10(A) shows a case where the second display unit 20 is arranged in a horizontal recess provided in the dashboard 31 of the vehicle C, Fig. 10(B) shows a case where the second display unit 20 is arranged in a horizontal protrusion provided in the dashboard 31 of the vehicle C, and Fig. 10(C) shows a case where the second display unit 20 is arranged in a vertical recess provided in the dashboard 31 of the vehicle C.

[0066] As shown in Figures 10(A) and 10(C), if the segment designs 22a to 22d in the recessed portion gradually light up from the bottom to the top and the real image RI is displayed in that sequence, a dramatic effect can be achieved in which the real image RI appears to float up.If the segment designs 22a to 22d arranged in the convex portion gradually light up from the bottom to the top and the real image RI is displayed in that sequence as shown in Figure 10(B), it is easy to clearly guide the gaze to the real image RI and to focus on the real image RI.

[0067] In yet another embodiment, for example, the face and eyes of the driver DR are captured using a camera or the like, and the orientation of the driver DR's face and line of sight are identified by image analysis. If it is determined that the line of sight is directed toward the second display unit 20, the second light sources 21a to 21d are controlled to start turning on, and if it is determined that the line of sight is not directed toward the second display unit 20, the second light sources 21a to 21d are not controlled to start turning on, or if they are currently being controlled to turn on, are controlled to stop temporarily.

[0068] Furthermore, each time the type of content displayed by the real image RI (ADAS, entertainment, navigation, POI, etc.) is switched, lighting control of the second display unit 20 may be executed. This makes it possible to create a floating feeling of the real image RI even in a scene other than when the real image RI is displayed.

[0069] Furthermore, by varying the brightness of the lighting of the segment designs 22 in the vertical direction (for example, the upper the segment designs 22a, the brighter they are), the floating feeling of the real image RI can be more strongly produced.

[0070] Furthermore, by changing the lighting color of the segment designs 22 in the vertical direction (for example, the higher the segment designs 22a, the warmer the color), the floating feeling of the real image RI can be more strongly produced.

[0071] Furthermore, by varying the lighting speed of each segment design 22 when it is turned on and off (for example, slowly brightening when it is turned on and quickly dimming when it is turned off), the floating feeling of the real image RI can be more strongly created. When erasing the real image RI, it may be controlled in the reverse order to when it is turned on. For example, the second display unit 20 may be lit in the order of segment design 22a, segment design 22b, and segment design 22c while moving the displayed image of the real image RI downward, so as to achieve the display order from FIG. 5(D) to FIG. 5(C).

[0072] As described above, in the display device 100 according to this embodiment, the plurality of segment designs 22 are arranged approximately along the left-right direction, which is a predetermined direction, and the plurality of second light sources 21 are arranged approximately along the left-right direction according to the arrangement of the plurality of segment designs 22. The control unit 15 controls the second display unit 20 to sequentially light up the plurality of second light sources 21, from the second light source 21d on the outer side in the left-right direction, which is on one side of the predetermined direction, to the second light source 21a on the inner side in the left-right direction, which is on the other side of the predetermined direction. Therefore, by sequentially lighting up the segment designs 22 from the outer side in the left-right direction to the inner side, a visual effect can be obtained in which the real image RI that is subsequently viewed appears to float up in the middle in the left-right direction.

[0073] Furthermore, if necessary, the specified location where the second display unit 20 is installed is a convex or concave portion provided on the dashboard 31 of the vehicle C, so that the ease of focusing and the focusing manner when shifting the gaze from the second display unit 20 to the real image RI can be appropriately adjusted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] C vehicle DR Driver F1,F2 optical focus L1 First real image display light L2 1st virtual image display light RI real image VI Virtual Image WS Windshield 1 HUD device 10 1st display section 10a First real image display unit 10b First virtual image display unit 11a First real image light source 11b First virtual image light source 12a First real image display element 12b First virtual image display element 13 Reflector 15 Control Unit 15a Switching processing section 15b Display control unit 16 Case 17 Opening 18 Coverslips 20 2nd display section 21 Second light source 21a~21d 2nd light source 22 Segment design 22a~22d Segment design 31 Dashboard 32 Inner case 33 Circuit Board 34 Side wall 35 Display cover 36 Surface sheet 100 display device 131 1st Mirror 132 Second Mirror

Claims

1. a first display unit including a first light source and configured to display an image based on light emitted from the first light source; a second display unit provided at a predetermined location of the fixed equipment, and a real image of the displayed image is visually recognized in a space above the predetermined location; a control unit that controls the first display unit and the second display unit in cooperation with each other so that the second display unit lights up at least before the real image of the display image of the first display unit is visually recognized; A display device characterized by:

2. The second display unit is A plurality of segment designs arranged along a predetermined direction; a plurality of second light sources provided corresponding to the plurality of segment designs, and capable of being turned on and off under the control of the control unit; The control unit The plurality of second light sources are controlled so as to be sequentially turned on from one side second light source on one side in the predetermined direction to the other side second light source on the other side in the predetermined direction.

2. The display device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit After turning on an other-side end second light source located at an end among the other-side second light sources, the first display unit and the second display unit are controlled in cooperation with each other so as to display the real image.

3. The display device according to claim 2.

4. The control unit The first display unit and the second display unit are controlled in cooperation with each other so as to display the real image before turning on an other-side end second light source located at an end among the other-side second light sources.

3. The display device according to claim 2.

5. The control unit The first display unit and the second display unit are controlled in cooperation with each other so that the second light sources are turned off after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the display of the real image started.

5. The display device according to claim 3 or claim 4.

6. The plurality of segment designs are arranged substantially along the vertical direction, which is the predetermined direction, The plurality of second light sources are arranged substantially along the up-down direction in accordance with the arrangement of the plurality of segment designs, The control unit The second display unit is controlled so that the second light sources are sequentially turned on from the lower one-side second light source to the upper other-side second light source.

5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically connected to each other.

7. The plurality of segment designs are arranged substantially along the left-right direction, which is the predetermined direction, The plurality of second light sources are arranged substantially along the left-right direction in accordance with the arrangement of the plurality of segment designs, The control unit The second display unit is controlled so that the second light sources are sequentially turned on from the outer one-side second light source to the inner other-side second light source.

5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically connected to each other.

8. The control unit The second display unit is controlled so as to repeat a process of sequentially lighting the second light source on one side to the second light source on the other side a plurality of times.

5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically connected to each other.

9. The plurality of segment designs are sequentially increased in size or brightness from the one-side second light source to the other-side second light source.

3. The display device according to claim 2.

10. The control unit When the second light sources are sequentially turned on from the one-side second light source to the other-side second light source, the interval at which the second light sources start to be turned on is variably set in accordance with the display content on the first display unit or the display switching interval on the first display unit.

3. The display device according to claim 2.

11. The control unit In conjunction with the sequential lighting of the plurality of second light sources from the one-side second light source to the other-side second light source, the first display unit and the second display unit are controlled in cooperation with each other so that an upper partial image, which is a part of the entire real image, is sequentially enlarged downward to reach a display state of the entire image.

3. The display device according to claim 2.

12. The control unit The first display unit and the second display unit are controlled in cooperation with each other so as to sequentially increase the luminance of the real image in conjunction with the sequential lighting of the plurality of second light sources from the one-side second light source to the other-side second light source.

3. The display device according to claim 2.

13. The fixed installation is a dashboard of a vehicle.

2. The display device according to claim 1.

14. The predetermined portion is a convex portion or a concave portion provided on the dashboard.

14. The display device according to claim 13.

15. The display device includes: the display light source is provided in the vehicle, which includes a seat on which a passenger sits and a light-transmitting member, and is configured to emit display light from the first display unit through an emission port toward the light-transmitting member, thereby allowing the passenger to visually recognize a real image of the display image represented by the display light and a virtual image of the display image by switching between the real image and the virtual image of the display image; The control unit When the virtual image of the display image based on the display light from the first display unit is visually recognized, the first display unit and the second display unit are controlled in cooperation with each other so as not to light up the second display unit.

15. The display device according to claim 13 or 14.

Images