Indication device

Abstract

To provide a more suitable display device or display technology. According to the present invention, it contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 3, "Good Health and Well-being for All." [Solution] The display device is a device mounted on a vehicle. This display device comprises a main body and a support part. The main body emits image light. The support part is connected to the main body, is plastically deformable, and extends in one direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, a virtual image display device, and a vehicle equipped with the display device.

Background Art

[0002] There are known display devices or virtual image display devices that project video light onto the windshield or front glass of a vehicle such as an automobile to display a virtual image, and display driving information such as vehicle speed and engine speed, traffic information from navigation, and vehicle information such as remaining fuel and coolant temperature.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007] According to the present invention, a more suitable display device or display technology can be provided. Other problems, configurations, and effects not mentioned above will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of an in-vehicle system including a display device. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a device used to acquire vehicle information. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example of a display device. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a configuration in which a display device is installed in a vehicle. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a configuration in which a display device is installed in a vehicle. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a light source structure for a display device. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the structure of a display device. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the structure of a display device. [Figure 9] This is a diagram to more specifically illustrate an example of the structure of a display device. [Figure 10] This is a top view of an example of a display device. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view taken from the direction of the arrow in Figure 10. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments are illustrative examples for explaining the present invention, and have been omitted and simplified as appropriate for clarity of explanation. The present invention can also be implemented in various other forms. Unless otherwise specified, each component may be singular or plural. The position, size, shape, and range of each component shown in the drawings may not represent the actual position, size, shape, and range in order to facilitate understanding of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the position, size, shape, and range disclosed in the drawings. When there are multiple components that have the same or similar function, they may be described using the same reference numeral with different subscripts. Also, when it is not necessary to distinguish between these multiple components, the subscripts may be omitted in the description.

[0010] In explanations, when describing program-based processing, the focus may sometimes be on the program, functions, or processing units. However, the core hardware component is the processor, or a controller, device, computer, or system composed of such a processor. The computer, using its processor, executes processing according to the program read into memory, utilizing resources such as memory and communication interfaces as appropriate. This realizes the specified functions and processing units. The processor is composed of semiconductor devices such as CPUs / MPUs and GPUs. Processing is not limited to software program processing; it can also be implemented using dedicated circuits. FPGAs, ASICs, CPLDs, etc., can be used as dedicated circuits.

[0011] The program may be pre-installed as data on the target computer, or it may be distributed as data to the target computer from the program source. The program source may be a program distribution server on a communication network, or a non-transient computer-readable storage medium, such as a memory card or disk. The program may consist of multiple modules. The computer system may consist of multiple devices. The computer system may consist of a client-server system, a cloud computing system, an IoT system, etc. Various types of data and information are composed of structures such as tables and lists, but are not limited to these. Representations such as identification information, identifiers, IDs, names, and numbers are interchangeable.

[0012] Figure 1 shows an example configuration of an in-vehicle system including a display device or virtual image display device 1. With respect to the vehicle or ride 2 and the driver, the horizontal direction X is the left-right direction, the lateral direction of the vehicle or ride 2, or the width direction of the vehicle or ride 2; the vertical direction Z is the up-down direction, or vertical direction of the vehicle; and the horizontal direction Y, which is perpendicular to the lateral direction of the vehicle or ride 2, is the front-rear direction of the vehicle or ride 2, or the direction of travel of the vehicle. In the example in Figure 1, the direction in which the vehicle travels is set to be the negative direction in the Y-axis direction. The display device 1 may also be called a virtual image display device. The following explanation will use the name "display device". The vehicle or ride 2 is typically an automobile or a truck, but is not limited to these, and may also be a railway vehicle or an aircraft. The following explanation will use the name "vehicle".

[0013] The display device 1 acquires vehicle information 4 from cameras and various sensors installed in various parts of the vehicle 2. The display device 1 may also be called a virtual image display device. The various sensors, for example, detect various events that occur in the vehicle 2 and periodically detect the values ​​of various parameters related to driving conditions. It can also acquire road information and GPS (Global Positioning System) information from a navigation device 6 (car navigation system), external devices 400, terminal devices 410 (e.g., mobile terminals) 9. The GPS may be installed in the vehicle 2, or it may be installed in the external devices 400 or terminal devices 410.

[0014] Vehicle information 4 includes, for example, vehicle 2's speed information, gear information, steering angle information, lamp illumination information, ambient light information, distance information, infrared information, engine ON / OFF information, camera image information, accelerometer / gyro information, GPS (Global Positioning System) information, navigation information, vehicle-to-vehicle communication information, and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication information. Camera image information includes in-vehicle camera images and exterior camera images. GPS information includes latitude and longitude as well as current time information. Vehicle information 4 also includes input information from the driver.

[0015] The display device 1 is connected to the controller 100 of the vehicle 2 via an information transmission path, and the display device 1 and the controller 100 can communicate with each other. The controller 100 of the vehicle 2 is an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The display device 1 and the controller 100 of the vehicle 2 communicate via the information transmission path, for example, by means of a CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network) interface. Note that the display device 1 and the controller 100 of the vehicle 2 may communicate via in-vehicle Ethernet or the like via the information transmission path. Also, other connection forms may be adopted. For example, when transmitting all information including video information through one information transmission path, the connection between the controller 100 (the source of video information, etc.) on the vehicle 2 side and the display device 1 (that is, the connection form of the information transmission path) may be FPD-Link III, GMSL (Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link), or the like.

[0016] The controller 100 controls the vehicle 2 based on the input and output of data, and an in-vehicle system is configured by the configuration connected to the display device 1. The in-vehicle system can communicate with the outside of the vehicle 2 via a communication device or a network or the like. As an example of communication with the outside of the vehicle 2, a direct communication method or an indirect communication method is used. In the direct communication method, it is used as ITS (Intelligent Transport System) communication internationally, and in the indirect communication method, for example, communication is performed indirectly via an external device 400 or a terminal device 410 via a server. The in-vehicle system can transmit and receive data or information, for example, with a server 700 connected on the network 500 via a relay base 600 on the network 500. Also, the in-vehicle system may communicate with infrastructure such as external devices and terminals installed on the road on which the vehicle 2 travels.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows an example of an apparatus used to acquire vehicle information. As shown in FIG. 2, vehicle information 4 is acquired using devices such as cameras and various sensors connected to controller 100 or control device 100. Regarding the various devices in FIG. 2, deletion, addition of other types of devices, or replacement with other types of devices can be performed as appropriate. Also, as an example, controller 100 of vehicle 2 may have a function for controlling display device 1.

[0018] Vehicle speed sensor 901 detects the speed of vehicle 2 and is used to generate speed information which is the detection result. Shift position sensor 902 detects the current gear and is used to generate gear information which is the detection result. Steering wheel steering angle sensor 903 detects the current steering wheel steering angle and is used to generate steering wheel steering angle information which is the detection result. Headlight sensor 904 detects the ON / OFF of the headlights and is used to generate lamp lighting information which is the detection result.

[0019] Illuminance sensor 905 and chromaticity sensor 906 detect the outside light of vehicle 2 and are used to generate outside light information which is the detection result. Distance measurement sensor 907 detects the distance between vehicle 2 and an external object or the distance between external objects and is used to generate distance information which is the detection result. Infrared sensor 908 detects the presence or absence and distance of an object in the vicinity of vehicle 2 and is used to generate infrared information which is the detection result. Engine start sensor 909 detects the ON / OFF of the engine and is used to generate ON / OFF information which is the detection result. Acceleration sensor 912 and gyro sensor 913 detect the acceleration and angular velocity of vehicle 2 and are used to generate acceleration gyro information representing the attitude and behavior of vehicle 2.

[0020] The temperature sensor 914 detects the temperature inside and outside the vehicle and is used to generate temperature information as the detection result. For example, if the display device 1 is located inside the dashboard of the vehicle 2, the temperature sensor 914 may be used to detect the temperature inside the dashboard. If a temperature that may affect the operation of the display device 1 is detected, the display device 1 may stop operating. The temperature sensor 914 may also be located in other places that may experience temperatures similar to those inside the dashboard.

[0021] Furthermore, if the display device 1 is installed on the dashboard or elsewhere, the temperature sensor 914 may be used to detect the temperature in the vicinity where the display device 1 is installed. If a temperature is detected that may affect the operation of the display device 1 due to direct sunlight or the like, the display device 1 may stop operating. Here, the temperature sensor 914 may be placed on the dashboard as an example. The temperature sensor 914 may also be placed outside the vehicle, assuming that the temperature near the display device 1 and the temperature outside the vehicle are similar.

[0022] The vehicle-to-infrastructure wireless transceiver 915 generates vehicle-to-infrastructure communication information through vehicle-to-infrastructure communication between vehicle 2 and roads, signs, signals, etc. The vehicle-to-vehicle wireless transceiver 916 generates vehicle-to-vehicle communication information through vehicle-to-vehicle communication between vehicle 2 and other surrounding vehicles. The wired wireless communication unit 917 for mobile terminal-to-vehicle communication is a device that acquires information from devices connected to the LTE (Long Term Evolution) network (e.g., WiFi devices) via wired or wireless communication. The controller 100 or control device can acquire information transmitted and received on the LTE network via the wired wireless communication unit 917 for mobile terminal-to-vehicle communication.

[0023] The in-vehicle camera 919 and the exterior camera 920 capture images of the interior and exterior of the vehicle and are used to generate in-vehicle and exterior camera image information. Specifically, the in-vehicle camera 919 is, for example, a camera for a Driver Monitoring System (DMS) that captures the driver's posture, eye position, and movement. In this case, by analyzing the captured images, the driver's fatigue level and gaze position can be determined.

[0024] On the other hand, the external camera 920 captures the surrounding environment, such as the front and rear of vehicle 2. In this case, by analyzing the captured images, it becomes possible to determine the presence or absence of obstacles such as other vehicles or people in the vicinity, buildings and terrain, road surface conditions such as rain, snow, ice, and unevenness, and road signs. The external camera 920 also includes, for example, a dashcam that records the driving situation in video.

[0025] The GPS receiver 921 generates GPS information obtained by receiving GPS signals from GPS satellites. For example, the GPS receiver 921 can obtain the current time, latitude, and longitude. The VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System, registered trademark) receiver 922 generates VICS information obtained by receiving VICS signals. The GPS receiver 921 and the VICS receiver 922 may be provided as part of a navigation system.

[0026] The voice input device 918 receives the driver's voice and is used to generate voice information. The driver can input operation details via the voice input device 918 by speaking. The vehicle operation switch 911 is used to generate driver operation information for steering wheel switches, etc.

[0027] Furthermore, the video generation unit 910 generates video information based on the vehicle information 4 acquired by the controller 100 of the vehicle 2. It can also generate video information based on external information.

[0028] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the display device 1. It primarily controls the display of projected images (virtual images) on the display device 1.

[0029] In Figure 3, the display device 1 includes, for example, a control unit 1010, a non-volatile memory 1011, a volatile memory 1012, a storage unit 1013, a display driver 1021, and a light source drive unit 1022, all of which are mounted on a wiring board or the like. The display device 1 also includes a communication unit 1014, a wireless communication unit 1015, a video processing unit 1016, an operation input unit 1017, an external power input unit 1018, a speaker 1019, and a light-emitting indicator 1020.

[0030] The control unit 1010 is specifically a microcontroller (MCU) or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Each block other than the control unit 1010 may be mounted within the control unit 1010 as appropriate. Furthermore, the display device 1 is not limited to implementation using the control unit 1010; it may also be implemented using an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) or other semiconductor devices. The configuration shown in Figure 3 may, for example, involve a control unit mounted inside the housing of the display device 1, or a control unit mounted outside the housing. Additionally, the display device 1 can be controlled by a controller in the vehicle 2 or an external device without implementing the control unit 1010 within the display device 1.

[0031] The non-volatile memory 1011 primarily stores programs executed within the control unit 1010, setting parameters used in the processing of each part within the control unit 1010, and predefined audio and video data. The non-volatile memory 1011 may also store information other than programs, such as video, audio, and video.

[0032] The volatile memory 1012 operates by expanding the program stored in the non-volatile memory 1011. The volatile memory 1012 primarily processes acquired information and various data used in the processing of each part within the control unit 1010 as appropriate.

[0033] The storage unit 1013 stores video data, video data, or audio data for output to the speaker 1019, etc. The video data, video data, or audio data to be stored in the storage unit 1013 may be stored in the storage unit 1013 in advance. Alternatively, the video data, video data, or audio data to be stored in the storage unit 1013 may be received from an external device via the communication unit 1014.

[0034] In Figure 3, the communication unit 1014 transmits and receives information such as vehicle information 4 to and from the controller 100 of the vehicle 2 or various devices such as sensors in the vehicle 2, using a mechanism such as CAN or in-vehicle Ethernet. The communication unit 1014 may also receive video information using a mechanism such as FPD-Link III or GMSL. The hardware of the communication interface that receives vehicle information 4 and the hardware of the communication interface that receives video information in the communication unit 1014 may be separate or integrated. The communication unit 1014 may also function as the control unit of the display device 1.

[0035] The wireless communication unit 1015 may be configured with a Wi-Fi communication interface, a Bluetooth® communication interface, a mobile communication interface such as 4G or 5G, etc. As shown in Figure 1, the wireless communication unit 1015 may communicate with external devices via a network 500 connected through a router or relay station. An example of an external device is a server 700 connected via network 500. Alternatively, the wireless communication unit 1015 may communicate directly with a terminal device 410, etc. An example of a terminal device 410 is a smartphone, tablet, wireless earphones, headphones, or beacon.

[0036] The video processing unit 1016 may perform distortion correction, conversion, and other processing on the received video information. The video processing unit 1016 may generate video data for the video display unit 200 using acquired vehicle information, external information, etc. Specifically, the distortion correction here corrects the distortion of the video caused by the curvature of the windshield 3 when the video from the display device 1 is projected onto the display area 5, as shown in Figure 1. The video processing unit 1016 may also be implemented by the control unit 1010 reading and executing a program stored in the non-volatile memory 1011 or volatile memory 1012.

[0037] In other words, the video processing unit 1016 processes video data related to the display video projected onto the display area 5, such as in Figure 1, based on information acquired from an external source or from the vehicle 2. On the other hand, the video processing unit 1016 is not necessarily required, but in such a case, the control unit 1010 can process video information from the vehicle 2 or an external terminal via the communication unit 1014. Alternatively, the controller 100 of the vehicle 2 may process the video information.

[0038] The operation input unit 1017 is, for example, an operation button, a receiver for a remote controller, or an infrared light receiver, and is used to input user operations. The operation input unit 1017 may be used, for example, for the driver to operate the display device 1.

[0039] The external power input unit 1018 receives power from an external source and supplies the necessary power to each part of the display device 1 shown in Figure 3.

[0040] The speaker 1019 emits sound based on audio data stored in the volatile memory 1012, the non-volatile memory 1011, or the storage unit 1013.

[0041] The light-emitting indicator 1020 emits light using a light-emitting element or the like, and can notify the user of the status of the display device 1 by the timing of the light emission of the light-emitting element or the color of the emitted light.

[0042] The display driver 1021 drives each display element (pixel) included in the display panel 11 based on the video data. This allows the video display unit or video display unit 200 to create and display an image for projection onto the display area 5 based on the video data. The display driver 1021 can be configured, for example, by a circuit mounted on a circuit board.

[0043] The light source drive unit 1022 drives the light source 20 to generate light. Based on the drive from the light source drive unit 1022, the light source 20 generates light and supplies it to the display panel 11. Based on vehicle information 4 received via the communication unit 1014, or information from a terminal device, the light source 20 is adjusted or controlled using the light source drive unit 1022, which is the driver used to drive the light source.

[0044] Furthermore, the display device 1 may protect the display panel 11 based on ambient light information from the illuminance sensor 905. That is, in order to prevent the display panel 11 from being burned out by sunlight, the display device 1 may perform an operation to protect the display panel 11 from sunlight according to the value of the illuminance sensor 905. More specifically, if the intensity of ambient light or sunlight acquired by the illuminance sensor 905 is strong and there is a risk of the display panel 11 being burned out, the brightness of the light source 20 is reduced, and the amount of light from the light source 20 that enters the display panel 11 is suppressed, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the display panel 11.

[0045] Each component in Figure 3 may be implemented using a dedicated circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) as appropriate. In this embodiment, the system has a configuration that includes a non-volatile memory 1011, a volatile memory 1012, a storage unit 1013, and a video processing unit 1016, but the above processing may be performed using a single memory.

[0046] Next, the video display unit 200 will be described in detail. The video display unit (video display unit) 200 projects video light from the light source 20 (in other words, light source light) onto the display panel 11 based on video data. The video display unit may also be called a projection-type video display device or a projector. The video display unit 200 comprises a light source 20 and a display panel 11 such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) having video display elements.

[0047] The light source 20 functions as a backlight source for the display panel 11. The light source 20 is configured, for example, using a semiconductor light source element, and generates a predetermined light source and supplies it to the display panel 11. Typically, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element is used as the semiconductor light source element. The light source 20 may also be configured by arranging multiple light sources. The backlight section is configured using the light source 20, etc.

[0048] The display panel 11 generates and emits modulated video light based on the light source. In other words, the display panel 11 forms and displays an image on the display screen based on video data, and generates and emits video light corresponding to the image based on the light from the light source 20. The video data in this embodiment will be described as video data input from the video processing unit 1016. The display panel 11 forms an image to be projected onto the display area 5 by modulating the light from the light source 20 pixel by pixel according to the video data, and projects it as video light (in other words, projected light).

[0049] Furthermore, the display panel 11 is not limited to a liquid crystal panel; it may also be a screen plate with a diffusion function. As a means of projecting an image onto the screen plate with a diffusion function, a means of projecting an image from a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) or a liquid crystal panel in combination with a projection lens, or a means of using a micro electro-mechanical system may be used.

[0050] Figures 4 and 5 show examples of configurations in which the display device 1 is projected onto a vehicle 2. Figure 4 shows an example of projecting the display device 1 onto a passenger car. Passenger cars include sports cars, sedans, SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles), and minivans, where the angle of the windshield 3 is 20° to 45° with respect to the Y-axis (the longitudinal direction or direction of travel of the vehicle 2). Figure 5 shows an example of projecting the display device 1 onto some passenger cars and commercial vehicles, in other words, the windshield or windshield 3 in Figure 5 is in an upright position. Specifically, these include light super-height wagons, trucks, and buses, where the angle of the windshield 3 is 45° to 90° with respect to the Y-axis (the longitudinal direction or direction of travel of the vehicle 2). As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the display device 1 is located on the dashboard 7 of the vehicle 2. The display device 1 may also be implemented so as to be embedded within the dashboard 7. The dashboard 7 also includes an instrument panel, for example, a meter cluster in front of the steering wheel.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the image light 13 in Figure 4 is emitted toward the driver, and the image light 13 in Figure 5 is emitted toward the windshield 3. The image light 13 emitted from the display device 1 is reflected when it is irradiated onto the windshield or windshield 3. The reflected image light 13 is incident on the driver's viewpoint 14. From the driver's viewpoint 14, a virtual image 10 corresponding to the image light 13 is formed and visible at a position visible through the display area 5 (Figure 1) of the display device 1 corresponding to the irradiation area of ​​the image light 13. In this embodiment, the image light is described as being projected onto the display area 5 of the windshield 3, but the projection unit that projects the image light may be a projection member other than the windshield 3.

[0052] Figure 6 shows the video display unit 200 of the display device 1. The light source unit 12 may also be called the backlight unit. The light source unit 12 includes a light source 20, a reflective mirror 21, a polarization conversion element 22, and a light guide unit 23, and may also include a diffuser plate 24. The reflective mirror 21 is used to reflect light from the light source 20 and adjust it to parallel light. The reflective surface of the reflective mirror 21 is a parabolic surface and may be asymmetrical with respect to the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source 20. The reflective mirror 21 may also be positioned eccentrically with respect to the light source 20. The reflective mirror 21 may also be called a reflector.

[0053] The polarization conversion element 22 is composed of a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) and a phase difference film (1 / 2λ). It separates incident light into S-polarized and P-polarized light, and then uses the phase difference film (1 / 2λ) to polarize either the separated S-polarized or P-polarized light, so that the randomly polarized light incident on the polarization conversion element 22 is emitted as linearly polarized light.

[0054] The light guide section 23 may also be called an optical transmission section. The light guide section 23 is configured to adjust the angle of incidence of light rays to the display panel 11, and in this example, it is configured using an optical reflecting section 23a having a prism shape (a jagged shape). The light guide section 23 may also be a prism sheet as an example. In this example, the light rays incident on the optical reflecting section 23a of the light guide section 23 are adjusted to a predetermined light distribution and reflected toward the display panel 11. The distribution of light incident on the display panel 11 can be adjusted by the shape of the reflective surface of the optical reflecting section 23a, the inclination of the reflective surface, the surface roughness, etc. In this structure, the optical axis of the light source 20 and the optical axis of the light incident on the display panel 11 are parallel or approximately parallel.

[0055] The light guide 23 is, for example, a resin member having a prism shape, and the prism-shaped portion that becomes the reflective surface is coated with an Al reflective film or the like. The light reflective portion 23a of the light guide 23 may be configured to have multiple inclinations on one surface in order to achieve more precise adjustment of reflected light. Furthermore, the reflective surface may be composed of multiple or multifaceted surfaces, or it may be composed of curved surfaces. When a large number of reflective surfaces and connecting surfaces are alternately formed in a sawtooth pattern on the light reflective portion 23a, the light incident on the light guide 23 is reflected on each reflective surface and directed toward the display panel 11, and further adjusted to a predetermined light distribution characteristic via the diffuser plate 24 before incident on the display panel 11. The diffuser plate 24 uniformly disperses the incident light from the light guide 23. The diffuser plate 24 has the effect of improving the brightness uniformity within the virtual image plane.

[0056] Furthermore, the video display unit 200 may have a configuration other than that shown in Figure 6, and may, for example, include a light source, an illumination optical system, a PBS or polarization separation element, and a reflective liquid crystal panel or LCOS.

[0057] Next, an example of the structure of a display device will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8.

[0058] In the display device 1, the main body 31 has a housing structure and is configured to display images. An opening is formed on the upper surface of the main body 31 through which the image light emitted from the display panel 11 passes. A light-transmitting cover may be provided over this opening. An operation input section 1017 is provided on the upper part of the main body 31. In this example, the operation input section 1017 is configured as a button operated by the user. As shown in the figure, the operation input section 1017 may be provided such that the extension direction of the support section 32 (described later) and the direction in which the operation input section 1017 is positioned are the same.

[0059] The mounting device for positioning (or attaching) the display device 1 to the dashboard of a vehicle 2 has a support portion 32 and a connecting portion 33. The main body portion 31 is connected to a support portion 32 that is plastically deformable and extends in one direction. The support portion 32 is configured for mounting the display device 1. The claw-shaped support portion 32 allows the display device 1 to catch on the mounting location and be attached. As shown in the figure, for example, the support portion 32 can be provided in pairs on the left and right sides of the main body portion 31. In this embodiment, the support portion 32 is provided in pairs on the main body portion 31, but it may also be placed in the center of the main body portion 31, and is not limited in position or number. However, if multiple support portions 32 are provided and each is configured to be plastically deformable at different arbitrary positions, there is an advantage that the shape can be more suitably changed to match the respective shapes of various vehicle dashboards. In addition, a cushion can be provided on the back side of the support portion 32. The cushion can protect the mounting location, for example. The back side of the support portion 32 is the side that contacts the location where the display device 1 is placed. Since the display device 1 in this embodiment is placed on the dashboard 7, the back side of the support portion 32 is the side that comes into contact with the dashboard 7.

[0060] Furthermore, a recessed, curved portion is formed on the side of the main body 31. As will be described later, the angle of the main body 31 can be adjusted by rotating it relative to the support portion 32. Here, by grasping this curved portion C with the user's fingers, it becomes easier to adjust the angle of the direction in which the image light is emitted from the display panel 11. As an example, this curved portion C is formed to curve in the direction of extension of the support portion 32.

[0061] A more detailed explanation will be given with reference to Figure 9. In the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle or the front-to-rear direction as seen from the user, the display device 1 is mounted on the dashboard 7 such that, for example, the operation input section 1017 (e.g., buttons) is located towards the user in the Y-axis direction (i.e., towards the driver), and the video light emitted from the display panel 11 travels in the depth direction in the Y-axis direction (away from the driver). Here, for example, the support section 32 is deformed by the user to follow the edge of the dashboard 7 above the meter panel 37, the support section 32 is hooked onto the edge of the dashboard 7, and the display device 1 is mounted.

[0062] A support portion 32 is connected to the main body portion 31 via a connecting portion 33. For example, the first portion 32a (base portion) of the support portion 32 is fixed to the connecting portion 33, and the second portion 32b (tip portion) is provided so as to extend from the first portion 32a. Here, a cushion can be provided on the contact surface between the first portion 32a and the second portion 32b.

[0063] Different cushions may be provided on the contact surfaces of the first portion 32a and the second portion 32b, or the same cushion may be provided on each. In this embodiment, the first cushion 41a on the first portion 32a side is a cushion with a higher static friction coefficient than the second cushion 41b on the second portion 32b side. This suppresses the occurrence of displacement (slippage) of the display device 1. In addition, the second cushion 41b on the second portion 32b side is a cushion with a lower elastic modulus than the first cushion 41a on the first portion 32a side. This provides a structure in which the second portion 32b can be easily deformed.

[0064] The connecting part 33 connects to the main body part 31 via a rotating part. The rotating part in this embodiment has a hinge 33a. The hinge 33a may or may not be included in the connecting part 33. For example, the hinge 33a allows adjustment of the relative angle between the main body part 31 and the first part 32a of the support part 32 by rotation around a rotation axis 33b. The rotation axis 33b is, for example, an axis parallel to the bottom surface of the first part 32a and an axis perpendicular to the front-to-back direction as viewed from the user. The connecting part 33 can be configured using an appropriate connecting member (for example, a bracket) as an example. Here, if the connecting part 33 is made of metal or something that reflects light, the light reflected by the connecting part 33 may enter the windshield 3, which may reduce the visibility of the image. For this reason, the connecting part 33 may be configured with a paint that prevents light reflection. For example, black paint may be applied to the surface of the connecting part 33 (the surface on the display device 1 side). Furthermore, a light-shielding cover may be provided to cover the connection portion 33.

[0065] Figure 9 illustrates the connection of one of a pair of support parts 32. As described above, the other (opposite) support part 32 is also connected to the main body 31 via another connection part (not shown) as described above. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the angle of the main body 31 with respect to the first part 32a of the support part 32 (more specifically, the surface of the first part 32a of the support part 32) with respect to the hinge 33a as the center of rotation. The other connection part (not shown) may also be coated with a paint that prevents light reflection (for example, black paint). A light-shielding cover may also be provided to cover this connection part.

[0066] Furthermore, the other (opposite) support portion 32 may also be provided with a first cushion and a second cushion in the same locations as described above. The properties of each cushion may be the same as described above.

[0067] Next, an example of the structure of the main body of the display device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 is a top view of an example of the display device 1, and Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the dashed line (imaginary line) in Figure 10, viewed from the direction of the arrow in the same figure.

[0068] As shown in Figure 11, the main body 31 has an upper housing 31a and a lower housing 31b. The lower housing 31b houses the light source 20 and the light guide 23. The upper housing 31a houses the display panel 11. The display panel 11 is located above the light guide 23. Light emitted from the light source 20 enters the light guide 23. The light reflected by the light guide 23 enters the display panel 11, and image light is emitted from the display panel 11. The dashed line with an arrow in the figure shows an example of the direction of light ray propagation. As an example, the direction of light ray propagation is towards the windshield 3. This direction is negative in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) as seen from the user.

[0069] Furthermore, the first circuit board 35 is fixed to the lower housing section 31b, and the second circuit board 36 is fixed to the upper housing section 31a. Components used for controlling the display of images (for example, a control unit 1010) may be appropriately mounted on the circuit boards. In this example, multiple circuit boards (35, 36) are provided, but a configuration with only one circuit board is also possible.

[0070] As shown in Figures 9 and 11, the support portion 32 can be provided to extend in the direction opposite to the direction from which the image light is emitted (the negative direction in the Y-axis direction) in the Y-axis direction, which is the front-to-back direction as viewed from the user (the positive direction in the Y-axis direction). That is, the extension direction of the support portion 32 in the Y-axis direction (the positive direction in the Y-axis direction) is the same direction as the direction in which the buttons (operation input portion 1017) are located (the positive direction in the Y-axis direction) with respect to the center of the display device 1 in the Y-axis direction.

[0071] In a structure in which a pair of support parts 32 are provided on the left and right sides, it is preferable that the lengths of each support part 32 are the same. This allows for the common use of parts and can reduce costs.

[0072] Furthermore, in a structure in which a pair of support parts 32 are provided on the left and right sides, by ensuring that the support parts 32 do not overlap, the display device 1 can be more flexibly adapted to the shape of the mounting part, such as the dashboard 7, when being installed.

[0073] Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes various modifications and equivalent configurations within the spirit of the attached claims. For example, the embodiments described above are described in detail for the purpose of explaining the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to having all the configurations described. Also, for example, some of the configurations of the embodiments may be added, deleted, or replaced with other configurations.

[0074] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which a pair of support parts 32 are provided on the left and right sides. In the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the support parts 32 are provided on both sides of the main body 31, but they may also be provided on the lower side of the main body 31. Furthermore, when the support parts 32 are provided on the lower side of the main body 31, there may be one or more support parts 32. An appropriate connecting member may be provided to connect the main body 31 and the support parts 32. The connecting member may also have a hinge that allows the main body 31 to rotate relative to the base end portion of the support part 32. The support parts 32 may be provided with cushions, for example, a first cushion 41a and a second cushion 41b may be provided.

[0075] The base portion (first portion 32a) of the support portion 32 was fixed to the connecting portion 33. Here, as shown in Figure 7, the base portion of the support portion may be connected to the connecting portion 33 so that it can rotate around a rotation axis (for example, rotation axis 32c) which is perpendicular to the surface of the base portion. In this case, the support portion 32 can be rotated relative to the main body portion 31 as shown in the rotation direction 32d of Figure 7. As a result, the mounting of the display device 1 can be adapted more flexibly to the shape of the mounting portion such as the dashboard 7.

[0076] The technology described in this embodiment provides an information display device (head-up display device) that can display a good virtual image, reduces the driver's eye movement, and contributes to supporting safe driving, thereby preventing traffic accidents. This contributes to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, "Good Health and Well-being." [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1. Display device (virtual image display device) 11 Display Panel 20 light source 31 Main body 32 Support part 32a Part 1 32b Part 2 33 Connection part 33a Hinge 35 First substrate 36 Second board 37. Meter Panel 41a First cushion 41b Second cushion 1017 Operation Input Section

Claims

1. A display device installed in a vehicle, The main unit that emits video light, A support portion connected to the main body, which is plastically deformable and extends in one direction, A display device characterized by having the following features.

2. A display device according to claim 1, The aforementioned support parts are provided in pairs, one on the left and one on the right. A display device characterized by the following features.

3. A display device according to claim 1, A first cushion is provided in the first portion of the support part. A second cushion is provided between the first and second portions of the support portion. The static friction coefficient of the first cushion is set higher than that of the second cushion. A display device characterized by the following features.

4. A display device according to claim 1, A first cushion is provided in the first portion of the support part. A second cushion is provided between the first and second portions of the support portion. The elastic modulus of the second cushion is set lower than that of the first cushion. A display device characterized by the following features.

5. A display device according to claim 1, The system has a rotating part that adjusts the relative angle between the first part of the support and the main body around a predetermined axis of rotation, A display device characterized by the following features.

6. A display device according to claim 5, The predetermined axis of rotation is an axis in a direction parallel to the surface of the first portion of the support. A display device characterized by the following features.

7. A display device according to claim 5, The predetermined axis of rotation is an axis perpendicular to the surface of the first portion of the support. A display device characterized by the following features.

8. A display device according to claim 2, The left and right support parts are arranged so that they do not overlap. A display device characterized by the following features.

9. A display device according to claim 2, The lengths of the left and right support parts are the same. A display device characterized by the following features.

10. A display device according to claim 1, A curvature is formed on the side of the main body portion with respect to the extension direction of the support portion. A display device characterized by the following features.

11. A display device according to claim 1, The main body includes an operation input unit used for inputting operations, In the front-to-back direction as viewed from the user, the extension direction of the support portion and the direction in which the operation input portion is positioned are the same. A display device characterized by the following features.

12. A display device according to claim 1, The support portion extends in the direction opposite to the direction from which the image light is emitted, in the front-to-back direction as viewed from the user. A display device characterized by the following features.

Images