Vehicle display device

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle display device that can strongly impress upon passengers the change in driving mode. [Solution] The control unit 15 has display units 12b and 12a that transmit light emitted from light sources 11b and 11a and display a virtual image VI or a real image RI, and a reflecting unit 13 that reflects a first display light L22 or a second display light L11 that represents the virtual image VI or the real image RI, respectively. The control unit 15 performs a display switching process that switches the display so that the virtual image VI is visible in manual driving mode and the real image RI is visible in automatic driving mode, a seat detection process that detects that the position or posture of the seat 50 has been switched in conjunction with the switching between manual driving mode and automatic driving mode, and a switching guidance process that provides switching guidance by dynamically displaying a first image or a second image corresponding to the virtual image VI and the real image RI, respectively, between the switching between the virtual image VI and the real image RI.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle display device that performs a desired display for a vehicle occupant.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, an in-vehicle display system described in Patent Document 1 is known. In this in-vehicle display system, when the vehicle is switched from the manual driving mode to the automatic driving mode, various information for the occupant (driver) is switched from the virtual image display to the real image display, and when the vehicle is switched from the automatic driving mode to the manual driving mode, control is performed to switch various information for the occupant (driver) from the real image display to the virtual image display.

[0003] Also, for example, a vision control device described in Patent Document 2 is known. In this vision control device, when the vehicle is switched to automatic driving, control is performed to move the seat upward or tilt it forward.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In recent years, in order to further improve the driving support function for the occupant, a method of combining the display switching process between the real image and the virtual image as described in Patent Document 1 and the seat switching process of the position or posture of the seat as described in Patent Document 2 has been considered.

[0006] However, if the timing of the completion of the seat position or posture change during a driving mode switch does not coincide with the timing of the display switch, it is possible that the display switch may be completed some time after the seat switch is complete, or vice versa. In these cases, the timing at which passengers can perceive that the driving mode has switched is split into two separate points, resulting in the problem that the change in driving mode cannot be strongly impressed upon the passengers.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a vehicle display device that can strongly impress upon the passenger the switching of the driving mode. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention relates to a vehicle display device 1 provided in a vehicle C equipped with a seat 50 in which an occupant DR sits and a light-transmitting member WS, which emits display lights L11 and L22 from an outlet 17 toward the light-transmitting member WS to switch between and allow viewing of a first display image VI and a second display image RI represented by the display lights L11 and L22, and comprises display elements, display units 12b and 12a that transmit light emitted from light sources 11b and 11a and display the first display image VI or the second display image RI, and a reflecting unit 13 that reflects the first display light L22 or the second display light L11, which represent the first display image VI or the second display image RI, respectively, displayed on the display units 12b and 12a toward the light-transmitting member WS. The vehicle C has a control unit 15, and the control unit 15 is characterized by performing a display switching process that switches the display so that a first display image VI is visible in the manual driving mode of the vehicle C and a second display image RI is visible in the automatic driving mode of the vehicle C; a seat detection process that detects that the position or posture of the seat 50 has been switched in accordance with the switching between the manual driving mode and the automatic driving mode of the vehicle C; and a switching guidance process that provides switching guidance by dynamically displaying a first image or a second image corresponding to the first display image VI and the second display image RI, respectively, between the switching of the first display image VI and the second display image RI by the display switching process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to strongly impress upon the passenger the change in driving mode. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the configuration of a head-up display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit in a head-up display device. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the behavior of the dynamic display when switching from manual driving mode to automatic driving mode. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the behavior of the dynamic display when switching from automatic driving mode to manual driving mode. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the time chart for switching from manual driving mode to automatic driving mode, and a diagram showing the time chart for switching from automatic driving mode to manual driving mode. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates the behavior of the dynamic display when switching from manual driving mode to automatic driving mode, in a modified example where the display fades in and out in accordance with the sliding of the seat. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the behavior of the dynamic display when switching from automatic driving mode to manual driving mode, in a modified example where the display fades in and out in accordance with the sliding of the seat. [Figure 8] An explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the range of the eye box and the display of virtual and real images in a modified example where the orientation of the concave mirror is changed in conjunction with the dynamic display of the switching guidance. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 shows the configuration of a head-up display device (hereinafter referred to as a HUD device), which is a vehicle display device according to this embodiment. In Figure 1, the HUD device 1 includes a first PGU 10b having a first light source 11b that emits light in the visible wavelength range, and a first display unit 12b that transmits the light emitted by the first light source 11b and displays a virtual image VI (first display image) of the display image projected in front of the driver DR (passenger), and a second light source 11a that emits light in the visible wavelength range, and a second display unit that transmits the light emitted by the second light source 11a and displays a real image RI (second display image) of the display image projected in front of the driver DR. The device comprises a second PGU 10a having a display unit 12a, a reflector 13 that reflects a first display light L22 representing the display image (first display image) displayed on the first display unit 12b and a second display light L11 representing the display image (second display image) displayed on the second display unit 12a toward a window shield WS (transparent member), and a control unit 15 that controls the display content in the first display unit 12b and the second display unit 12a, and controls the switching between the first PGU 10b and the second PGU 10a, etc., and these are housed in a housing 16. The housing 16 is provided with an opening 17 (emission outlet) from which the second display light L11 and the first display light L22 are emitted, and a cover glass 18 for protecting the interior is placed in the opening 17. The first display unit 12b and the second display unit 12a are examples of display units.

[0013] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the control unit 15 may be configured to control the first PGU 10b and the second PGU 10a with a single control unit 15, or the first PGU 10b and the second PGU 10a may each have their own control unit, and the control unit 15 may be configured to control these individual control units in coordination with each other.

[0014] <Display light> The HUD device 1 is disposed below the windshield WS of the vehicle C (e.g., inside the instrument panel), emits the first display light L22 and the second display light L11, and projects them onto the windshield WS. The first display light L22 is generated by the first light source 11b and the first display unit 12b inside the HUD device 1, and the second display light L11 is generated by the second light source 11a and the second display unit 12a inside the HUD device 1. The first display light L22 emitted from the first display unit 12b and the second display light L11 emitted from the second display unit 12a are emitted from the opening 17 of the housing 16 through the cover glass 18 along the reflection unit 13. The driver DR of the vehicle C visually recognizes the second display light L11 reflected on the windshield WS, thereby visually recognizing the real image RI on the front side of the windshield WS (real image display state), and by visually recognizing the first display light L22 reflected on the windshield WS, can visually recognize the virtual image VI on the back side of the windshield WS (virtual image display state).

[0015] <Virtual image and real image> In the virtual image VI in FIG. 1, information that is highly necessary to attract the attention of the driver DR, such as vehicle information such as the speed and engine speed of the vehicle C, route guidance displays such as turn-by-turn and maps, blind spot indicators, warning displays such as over-speed warnings, etc., is displayed on the other side of the windshield WS as seen from the driver DR. In the real image RI in FIG. 1, for example, entertainment content, assistants or agents that support the driver DR, characters that represent them, etc. are displayed on the front side of the windshield WS as seen from the driver DR. These displays provide a driving environment with reduced need for viewpoint movement and adjustment of the eye's focal length. The virtual image VI and the real image RI include not only characters and icons indicating this information but also background portions, which form, for example, a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view from the driver DR.

[0016] <pgu> In the second PGU 10a, the second light source 11a is, for example, a light-emitting diode that emits light in the visible wavelength range mounted on a wiring board, and emits white light. The second display unit 12a is provided on the opening 17 side along the optical path from the second light source 11a, and has a TFT-type second display element (not shown in FIG. 1) that forms second display light L11 representing an arbitrary image according to a control signal sent from the control unit 15.

[0017] In the first PGU 10b, the first light source 11b is, for example, a light-emitting diode that emits light in the visible wavelength range mounted on a wiring board, and emits white light. The first display unit 12b is provided on the opening 17 side along the optical path from the first light source 11b, and has a TFT-type first display element (not shown in FIG. 1) that forms first display light L22 representing an arbitrary image according to a control signal sent from the control unit 15.

[0018] In addition, in the first PGU 10b and the second PGU 10a, optical members such as a condenser lens, a lenticular lens, a diffusion plate, and a polarizing plate may be arranged at arbitrary positions on the subsequent stage side of the respective first light source 11b and second light source 11a other than the above.

[0019] <Reflection unit> In FIG. 1, the reflection unit 13 includes a second correction mirror 1310 that reflects the second display light L11 emitted from the second display unit 12a toward the first correction mirror 1320, a first correction mirror 1320 that reflects the second display light L11 emitted from the second correction mirror 1310 toward the concave mirror 1330, and a concave mirror 1330 that receives the second display light L11 reflected and folded by the second correction mirror 1310 and the first correction mirror 1320, and the first display light L22 that has passed through the first correction mirror 1320, and reflects them toward the opening 17.

[0020] <Correction mirror and concave mirror> The first corrector mirror 1320 and the second corrector mirror 1310 have mirror surfaces and are complex free-form shapes to correct distortion of the image seen by the driver DR. The first corrector mirror 1320 is, for example, a half-mirror and transmits the first display light L22 representing the virtual image VI displayed on the first display unit 12b. The first display light L22 that has passed through the first corrector mirror 1320 then enters the concave mirror 1330. The concave mirror 1330 is rotatably mounted and rotates to match the driver's (DR) eye position, allowing for flexible changes in the emission direction of the second display light L11 and the first display light L22, thereby adjusting the image position. In particular, it is sometimes desirable to have different angles of the display surface when the second display light L11 displays a real image RI and when the first display light L22 displays a virtual image VI (for example, displaying the virtual image VI as if it were inclined with respect to the road surface, and displaying the real image RI standing perpendicular to the road surface). By performing such adjustments using rotational drive, it is possible to display the images at angles suitable for the real image RI and the virtual image VI, respectively.

[0021] The second corrector mirror 1310 is positioned along the optical path of the second indicator light L11, closer to the aperture 17 than the second PGU 10a, and closer to the second PGU 10a than the second optical focus F1 of the imaging optical system, which includes the window shield WS, the first corrector mirror 1320, and the concave mirror 1330. The first display unit 12b of the first PGU 10b is positioned on the aperture 17 side of the position of the first optical focal point F2 of the imaging optical system, which includes the window shield WS and the concave mirror 1330, along the optical path of the first display light L22. The position of the first display unit 12b is outside the focal length of the optical system when the first correcting mirror 1320, the concave mirror 1330, and the windshield WS are considered as a single optical system. The position of the second display unit 12a is inside the focal length of the optical system (in this disclosure, between the second corrector 1310 and the first corrector 1320) when the first corrector 1320, the second corrector 1310, the concave mirror 1330, and the windshield WS are considered as a single optical system.

[0022] With this configuration, when the second light source 11a is lit, that is, when the second PGU 10a is ON, the second display light L11 emitted from the second PGU 10a is reflected by the second correcting mirror 1310, the first correcting mirror 1320, the concave mirror 1330, and the windshield WS, allowing the driver DR to see the real image RI on the inside of the vehicle with the windshield WS in between. Furthermore, when the first light source 11b is lit, that is, when the first PGU 10b is ON, the first display light L22 emitted from the first PGU 10b passes through the first correcting mirror 1320 and is reflected by the concave mirror 1330 and the windshield WS, allowing the driver DR to see a virtual image VI on the outside of the vehicle with the windshield WS in between.

[0023] Although countless rays of light actually emanate from the first display unit 12b and the second display unit 12a, for the sake of simplicity, the light emitted from the centers of the first display unit 12b and the second display unit 12a, respectively, and passing through the center of the eye box will be referred to as representative rays and indicated by the symbols L11 and L22. In Figure 1, the representative light rays emitted from the centers of the first display unit 12b and the second display unit 12a are shown as solid lines, the light rays emitted from the upper ends of the first display unit 12b and the second display unit 12a are shown as dashed lines, and the light rays emitted from the lower ends of the first display unit 12b and the second display unit 12a are shown as double-dash lines.

[0024] <Department Head> The control unit 15 is a computer equipped with a CPU that executes various programs stored in advance while utilizing the temporary storage function of the memory, and memory consisting of a storage device equipped with RAM and ROM. The control unit 15 controls at least the first PGU 10b and the second PGU 10a in coordination, and performs switching control between the real image RI and the virtual image VI by turning the first light source 11b on / off and the second light source 11a on / off, control of the display content of the first display unit 12b, control of the display content of the second display unit 12a, and so on.

[0025] <Functional configuration of the control unit> Figure 2 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 15 in the HUD device 1 according to this embodiment. The control unit 15 comprises a detection unit 21, a switching processing unit 22, and a display control unit 23.

[0026] The detection unit 21 acquires information regarding the position or orientation of the seat 50 (seat) that is switched in response to the switching between the manual driving mode and the automatic driving mode of the vehicle C (for example, the reclining angle of the backrest 52 described later, the front-to-back sliding position of the seat 51, etc.) as external information 25, and detects the timing of the switch between the automatic driving mode and the manual driving mode. This process performed by the detection unit 21 is an example of seat detection processing.

[0027] Based on the detection result of the detection unit 21, the switching processing unit 22 switches from the display state of the virtual image VI to the display state of the real image RI (i.e., turns OFF the first PGU 10b and turns ON the second PGU 10a), or switches from the display state of the real image RI to the display state of the virtual image VI (i.e., turns OFF the second PGU 10a and turns ON the first PGU 10b). Specifically, the switching processing unit 22 displays the virtual image VI when the vehicle C is in manual driving mode and the seat 50 is in the driving position (the seat position during normal driving; see Figures 3 to 7 below), and displays the real image RI when the vehicle C is in automatic driving mode and the seat 50 is in the relaxed position (the seat 51 is reclined or moved back from the driving position; see Figures 3 to 7 below). This process performed by the switching processing unit 22 is an example of display switching processing.

[0028] The display control unit 23 controls the display content of the first display unit 12b and the second display unit 12a based on information input from various devices 30, including memory. Specifically, the display control unit 23 issues control signals to the first display unit 12b and the second display unit 12a to generate light representing a figure of an arbitrary shape, based on information sent from various devices 30, such as a vehicle speed sensor, navigation system, RADAR (Radio Detecting and Ranging), LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging, Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging), and content information pre-registered in memory. The first PGU 10b and the second PGU 10a then display the desired display image, respectively.

[0029] <Background of the Embodiment> As described above, in this embodiment, in order to improve the driving assistance function for the driver DR, the switching processing unit 22 switches between displaying the real image RI and displaying the virtual image VI in accordance with the switching of the position or orientation of the seat 50 of the vehicle C, which corresponds to the switching of the driving mode of the vehicle C (manual driving mode and automatic driving mode).

[0030] However, if the timing of the completion of the position or orientation change of the seat 50 during a driving mode switch does not coincide with the timing of the completion of the display switch, it is possible that the display switch may be completed some time after the seat 50 switch is complete, or vice versa. In such a case, the timing at which the driver (DR) can perceive that the driving mode has switched is split into two. Therefore, with the current configuration, it may not be possible to strongly impress upon the driver (DR) that the driving mode has switched.

[0031] One of the features of this embodiment is that, corresponding to the above, during the switching between the virtual image VI and the real image RI by the switching processing unit 22, a predetermined switching guidance display is performed by the switching guidance unit 24 of the control unit 15. Specifically, the switching guidance unit 24 outputs a signal to the display control unit 23 for the dynamic display (details described later) of the first or second image corresponding to the virtual image VI and the real image RI, respectively, as the switching guidance, thereby controlling the display content of the first display unit 12b and the second display unit 12a to perform the dynamic display of the first or second image. Note that this process performed by the switching guidance unit 24 is an example of display guidance processing.

[0032] <Switching from manual driving mode to automatic driving mode> Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the behavior of the dynamic display when switching from manual driving mode to automatic driving mode. As already mentioned, vehicle C has a manual driving mode in which the driver DR performs driving operations, and an automatic driving mode in which the computer performs automatic driving. When a predetermined trigger (for example, operation of the automatic / manual switch by the driver DR, entry onto a highway or general road, timing of parking, stopping or driving, etc.) is detected, the vehicle switches between manual driving mode and automatic driving mode.

[0033] In this case, the seat 50 provided in vehicle C is equipped with a seat portion 51 on which the driver DR sits, and a backrest portion 52. In manual driving mode, a known drive control device (not shown) installed in vehicle C reduces the tilt angle of the backrest 52 of the seat 50 where the driver DR is seated (backrest 52 is upright), as shown on the left side of Figure 3. This tilt angle refers to the angle of rotation backward from a state where the angle between the seat surface and the backrest 52 of the seat 50, which is positioned horizontally (parallel to the front-rear direction), is approximately right angle. Alternatively, the height of the seat surface 51 may be increased. These states of the seat 50 are known as the driving position. In contrast, in automatic driving mode, the tilt angle of the backrest 52 increases (backrest 52 is reclined), as shown on the right side of Figure 3. Alternatively, the height of the seat surface 51 may be decreased. These states of the seat 50 are known as the relaxation position (reclining position). In this example, a measuring sensor 40 located at the bottom of the backrest 52 measures the tilt angle and outputs it to the control unit 15. The detection unit 21 acquires the measurement result from the measuring sensor 40 as external information 25 and detects the switching between manual driving mode and automatic driving mode in vehicle C. In this case, the detection unit 21 detects the angle change processing performed in vehicle C, which changes the tilt angle of the backrest 52. If, instead of the measurement sensor 40, the height of the seat surface of the seat 51 is detected by an appropriate sensor, the detection unit 21 acquires the measurement result of that sensor as the external information 25 and detects the switching between manual driving mode and automatic driving mode in vehicle C. In this case, the detection unit 21 will detect the vertical change processing performed in vehicle C, which changes the vertical position of the seat 51.

[0034] As mentioned above, in manual driving mode, the seat 50 is in the driving position as shown on the left side of Figure 3, and the switching processing unit 22 sets it to the virtual image VI display state. In automatic driving mode, the seat 50 is in the relaxed position as shown on the right side of Figure 3, and the switching processing unit 22 sets it to the real image RI display state.

[0035] When switching from manual driving mode to automatic driving mode, the detection unit 21 detects an increase in the tilt angle of the seat 50 (driving position → relaxed position). In response, the switching guidance unit 24 controls the first image corresponding to the previously displayed virtual image VI (in this example, it is the virtual image VI itself, but it may be any other appropriate image corresponding to the virtual image VI) to slide out upward from the background image BK located within the driver's field of view, as shown in the upper part of the thick dashed arrow in the figure, and deviates outside the background image BK as a dynamic display. Subsequently, as shown in the middle part of the thick dashed line, only the background image BK remains (in other words, a state with no image display, where neither the virtual image VI nor the real image RI is displayed). Further on, as shown in the lower part of the thick dashed arrow in the figure, the second image corresponding to the real image RI (in this example, it is the real image RI itself, but it may be any other appropriate image corresponding to the real image RI) slides in from below into the background image BK located within the driver's field of view, as a dynamic display. Ultimately, after the center of the second image roughly coincides with the center of the background image BK, the switching processing unit 22 switches to the display state of the real image RI corresponding to the automatic operation mode.

[0036] <Switching from automatic driving mode to manual driving mode> Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the behavior of the dynamic display when switching from automatic driving mode to manual driving mode.

[0037] As described above, in automatic driving mode, as shown on the left side of Figure 4, the seat 50 is in the relaxed position, and the switching processing unit 22 sets it to the real image RI display state. In manual driving mode, as shown on the right side of Figure 4, the seat 50 is in the driving position, and the switching processing unit 22 sets it to the virtual image VI display state.

[0038] When switching from automatic driving mode to manual driving mode, the detection unit 21 detects a decrease in the tilt angle of the seat 50 (from a relaxed position to a driving position). In response, the switching guidance unit 24 controls the second image corresponding to the previously displayed real image RI (in this example, it is the real image RI itself, but it may be any other appropriate image corresponding to the real image RI) to slide out downwards from the background image BK located within the driver DR's field of view, as shown in the upper part of the thick dashed arrow in the figure, and deviates outside the background image BK as a dynamic display. Subsequently, as shown in the middle part of the thick dashed line, only the background image BK remains (in other words, a state with no image display, where neither the real image RI nor the virtual image VI is displayed). Further on, as shown in the lower part of the thick dashed arrow in the figure, the first image corresponding to the virtual image VI (in this example, it is the virtual image VI itself, but it may be any other appropriate image corresponding to the virtual image VI) slides in from above into the background image BK located within the driver DR's field of view, as a dynamic display. Ultimately, after the center of the first image approximately coincides with the center of the background image BK, the switching processing unit 22 switches to the display state of the virtual image VI corresponding to the manual operation mode.

[0039] <Dynamic display of switching guidance and timing of sheet movement> Another feature of this embodiment is that, when switching between the virtual image VI and the real image RI, the timing of the dynamic display of the switching guidance controlled by the switching guidance unit 24 is synchronized with the timing of the switching of the position or orientation of the sheet 50. This will be explained with reference to Figures 5(a) and 5(b).

[0040] Figure 5(a) is a diagram showing the time chart for switching from manual driving mode to automatic driving mode, as described above using Figure 3. As described above, in manual driving mode, the seat 50 is set to the driving position, and the HUD device 1 displays the virtual image VI via the switching processing unit 22. In this embodiment, when the system switches from manual driving mode to automatic driving mode, the seat 50 starts switching from the driving position to the relaxed position, and the dynamic display of the first image corresponding to the virtual image VI (the virtual image VI itself in the example above) (slide-out in the example above; fade-out in the modified example shown in Figure 6 below) begins. In other words, the timing of the start of the dynamic display and the timing of the start of the seat 50 switching coincide. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the switching of the seat 50, which was started as described above, is completed and the seat is in the relaxed position, the dynamic display of the second image corresponding to the real image RI (the real image RI itself in the example above), which was started after the dynamic display of the first image (with a state of no image display in between), has been completed (slide-in in the example above; fade-in in the modified example shown in Figure 6 below). In other words, the timing of the completion of the dynamic display and the timing of the completion of the switching of the seat 50 coincide.

[0041] Figure 5(b) is a diagram showing the time chart for switching from automatic driving mode to manual driving mode, as described above using Figure 4. As mentioned above, in automatic driving mode, the seat 50 is in a relaxed position, and the HUD device 1 displays the real image RI via the switching processing unit 22. In this embodiment, when the system switches from automatic driving mode to manual driving mode, the seat 50 starts switching from the relaxed position to the driving position, and the dynamic display of the second image corresponding to the real image RI (the real image RI itself in the example above) (slide-out in the example above; fade-out in the modified example shown in Figure 7 below) begins. In other words, the timing of the start of the dynamic display and the timing of the start of the seat 50 switching coincide. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the switching of the seat 50, which was started as described above, is completed and the seat is in the driving position, the dynamic display of the first image corresponding to the virtual image VI (the virtual image VI itself in the example above), which was started after the dynamic display of the second image (with a state of no image display in between), has been completed (slide-in in the example above; fade-in in the modified example shown in Figure 7 below). In other words, the timing of the completion of the dynamic display and the timing of the completion of the switching of the seat 50 coincide.

[0042] In both Figure 5(a) and Figure 5(b) above, as long as the timing of the completion of the dynamic display and the timing of the completion of the switchover of Sheet 50 coincide, the timing of the start of the dynamic display and the timing of the start of the switchover of Sheet 50 do not necessarily have to coincide.

[0043] <Effects of the Embodiment> In this embodiment configured as described above, the vehicle C has two driving modes: a manual driving mode and an automatic driving mode. The control unit 15 performs a display switching process when these two driving modes are selectively switched. In the display switching process, a virtual image VI is made visible to the driver DR in manual driving mode, and a real image RI is made visible to the driver DR in automatic driving mode. The control unit 15 also detects the switching of the seat 50 performed in the vehicle C when switching between the two driving modes using a seat detection process. In the seat detection process, a switch in the position or orientation of the seat 50 corresponding to the switching of the driving mode is detected. Furthermore, the control unit 15 of the HUD device 1 in this embodiment performs a switching guidance process during the switching between the virtual image VI and the real image RI in the display switching process that accompanies the switching between the two operating modes described above. In the switching guidance process, a predetermined switching guidance is performed using the dynamic display of a first image corresponding to the virtual image VI or a second image corresponding to the real image RI. As a result, during the transition from the virtual image VI to the real image RI, and vice versa, the system provides dynamic switching guidance using either the first or second image, thus strongly impressing upon the driver DR the change in driving mode.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment in particular, the timing of the completion of the position or orientation change of the seat 50 detected by the seat detection process, which is performed in conjunction with the switching of the two driving modes described above, coincides with the timing of the completion of the switching guidance for the dynamic display of the first or second image by the switching guidance process. As a result, the completion of the dynamic display is equivalent to the completion of the seat 50 switching, thus making the driver DR reliably and strongly aware of the driving mode switch.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment in particular, the timing of the start of the position or orientation change of the seat 50 detected by the seat detection process, which is performed in conjunction with the switching of the two driving modes described above, coincides with the timing of the start of the switching guidance for the dynamic display of the first or second image by the switching guidance process. As a result, the start of the dynamic display is equivalent to the start of the switching of the seat 50, thus making the driver DR even more reliably and strongly aware of the driving mode change.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in particular, changes in the tilt angle of the backrest 52, the vertical position of the seat 51, etc., are detected in the seat detection process, and the first or second image is slid in and out in the switching guidance process, thereby realizing a specific configuration in which these two processes are executed in conjunction. Alternatively, instead of the slide-in and slide-out of the first or second image described above, the first or second image may be faded in and faded out as shown in the modified example (1) below.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the seat detection process detects a change in the tilt angle of the backrest portion 52 of the seat 50, causing it to tilt backward or straighten up. The switching guidance process then performs a slide-in and slide-out of the first or second image, thereby enabling the two processes to be executed in conjunction.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment in particular, when the display switches from the virtual image VI to the real image RI, the tilt angle of the seat 50 increases, the backrest 52 tilts down, the driver's head DR lowers, and the field of view moves upward. Correspondingly, the first image corresponding to the virtual image VI slides out as it moves upward into the driver's field of view, while the second image corresponding to the real image RI slides in as it moves from below into the driver's field of view. Similarly, when the display switches from the real image RI to the virtual image VI, the tilt angle of the seat 50 decreases, the backrest 52 rises, the driver's head rises, and the field of view moves downward. Correspondingly, the second image corresponding to the real image RI slides out from below the driver's field of view, while the first image corresponding to the virtual image VI slides in from above the driver's field of view. According to this embodiment, as described above, the switching guidance is provided in a manner that matches the change in the height of the driver's field of view due to the change in the posture of the seat 50, so that the driver can be more effectively made aware of the change in driving mode.

[0049] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from its spirit and technical concept. Such modifications will be described in order below.

[0050] (1) When the fade-in and fade-out are synchronized with the sliding of the seat. In the above embodiment, the angle of the backrest portion 52 of the seat 50 is changed when the driving mode is switched, and the virtual image VI and real image RI are slid in and out in accordance with the switching guidance process, but the embodiment is not limited to this. In this modified example, the front-to-back position of the seat portion 51 of the seat 50 is changed (slid) when the driving mode is switched. Then, the virtual image VI and real image RI are faded in and faded out in accordance with the switching guidance process.

[0051] <Switching from manual driving mode to automatic driving mode> Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram corresponding to Figure 3 of the above embodiment, illustrating the behavior of the dynamic display when switching from manual driving mode to automatic driving mode in this modified example. In this modified example, in manual driving mode, a known drive control device (not shown) installed in vehicle C causes the seat portion 51 of seat 50, where the driver DR is seated, to be positioned forward in the longitudinal direction, as shown on the left side of Figure 6 (slid further forward than the position shown on the right side of Figure 6). In this modified example, this state of seat 50 is the driving position. In contrast, in automatic driving mode, the seat portion 51 of seat 50 is positioned backward in the longitudinal direction, as shown on the right side of Figure 6. This state is the so-called relaxation position (reclining position). In this example, an appropriate sensor (not shown) measures the sliding position in the front-rear direction and outputs it to the control unit 15. The detection unit 21 acquires the measurement result as external information 25 and detects the switching between manual driving mode and automatic driving mode in vehicle C. In this case, the detection unit 21 detects the front-rear change processing performed in vehicle C, which changes the front-rear position of the seat 51. In this modified example, as described above, the switching between manual and automatic driving modes may be detected by detecting the height of the seat surface of the seat 51 with an appropriate sensor.

[0052] In Figure 6, in manual driving mode, as shown on the left side of Figure 6, the seat 50 is in the driving position, and the switching processing unit 22 sets it to the virtual image VI display state. In automatic driving mode, as shown on the right side of Figure 6, the seat 50 is in the relaxed position, and the switching processing unit 22 sets it to the real image RI display state.

[0053] When switching from manual driving mode to automatic driving mode, the detection unit 21 detects the retraction of the seat 50 (from driving position to relaxed position) in the front-to-back direction. In response, the switching guidance unit 24 controls the first image corresponding to the previously displayed virtual image VI (in this example, it is the virtual image VI itself, but it may be any other appropriate image corresponding to the virtual image VI) to disappear (fade out) as a dynamic display, gradually decreasing in brightness within the background image BK located within the driver's (DR) field of view, as shown in the upper part of the thick dashed arrow. Subsequently, as shown in the middle part of the thick dashed line, only the background image BK remains (in other words, a state with no image display, where neither the virtual image VI nor the real image RI is displayed). Further on, as shown in the lower part of the thick dashed arrow, the second image corresponding to the real image RI (in this example, it is the real image RI itself, but it may be any other appropriate image corresponding to the real image RI) to appear (fade in) as a dynamic display, gradually increasing in brightness and becoming clearer within the background image BK within the driver's (DR) field of view, as opposed to the above. Ultimately, after the second image is fully and clearly displayed within the background image BK, the switching processing unit 22 switches to the display state of the real image RI corresponding to the automatic driving mode.

[0054] <Switching from automatic driving mode to manual driving mode> Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the behavior of the dynamic display when switching from automatic driving mode to manual driving mode.

[0055] As described above, in automatic driving mode, as shown on the left side of Figure 7, the seat 50 is in the relaxed position, and the switching processing unit 22 sets it to the real image RI display state. In manual driving mode, as shown on the right side of Figure 7, the seat 50 is in the driving position, and the switching processing unit 22 sets it to the virtual image VI display state.

[0056] When switching from automatic driving mode to manual driving mode, the forward movement of the seat 50 (relaxed position → driving position) is detected by the detection unit 21. In response, the switching guidance unit 24 controls the second image corresponding to the previously displayed real image RI (in this example, it is the real image RI itself, but it may be any other appropriate image corresponding to the real image RI) to disappear (fade out) as a dynamic display, gradually decreasing in brightness within the background image BK located within the driver DR's field of view, as shown in the upper part of the thick dashed arrow. Subsequently, as shown in the middle part of the thick dashed line, only the background image BK remains (in other words, a state with no image display, where neither the real image RI nor the virtual image VI is displayed). Further on, as shown in the lower part of the thick dashed arrow, the first image corresponding to the virtual image VI (in this example, it is the virtual image VI itself, but it may be any other appropriate image corresponding to the virtual image VI) to appear (fade in) as a dynamic display, gradually increasing in brightness and becoming clearer within the background image BK within the driver DR's field of view. Ultimately, after the first image is fully and clearly displayed within the background image BK, the switching processing unit 22 switches to the display state of the virtual image VI corresponding to the manual operation mode.

[0057] <Dynamic display of switching guidance and timing of sheet movement> In this modified example, as in the above embodiment, the timing of the dynamic display of the switching guidance controlled by the switching guidance unit 24 when switching between the virtual image VI and the real image RI coincides with the timing of the switching of the position or orientation of the sheet 50. The processing at this time is the same as that shown in Figure 5 above (where "dynamic in" corresponds to fade in and "dynamic out" corresponds to fade out), so the explanation is omitted.

[0058] <Effects of the modified example> In this modified example, the same effects as in the above embodiment are obtained. That is, during the transition from the virtual image VI to the real image RI, and during the transition from the real image RI to the virtual image VI, the switching guidance is provided by the dynamic display of the first or second image, so that the driver DR is strongly impressed upon seeing the change in driving mode. Furthermore, since the completion of the dynamic display indicates that the switching of the seat 50 is complete, the driver DR is reliably and strongly impressed upon seeing the change in driving mode.

[0059] Furthermore, in this modified example, a specific configuration can be realized in which the two processes are executed in conjunction by detecting changes in the front-to-back position of the seat 51 in the seat detection process and fading in and fading out the first or second image in the switching guidance process. Alternatively, instead of fading in and fading out the first or second image as described above, the first or second image may be slid in and slid out as in the embodiment described above.

[0060] Furthermore, in this modified example, the seat detection process detects the rearward movement of the seat portion 51 of the seat 50 and the reverse forward movement, and the switching guidance process performs a fade-in and fade-out of the first or second image, thereby enabling the two processes to be executed in conjunction.

[0061] Furthermore, in this modified example, when the display switches from the virtual image VI to the real image RI, the seat 51 retracts, and the driver DR's position also retracts. Correspondingly, the first image corresponding to the virtual image VI fades out as its brightness decreases, while the second image corresponding to the real image RI gradually becomes clearer as its brightness increases. Similarly, when the display switches from the real image RI to the virtual image VI, the seat 50 moves forward, and the driver DR's position also moves forward. Correspondingly, the second image corresponding to the real image RI fades out as its brightness decreases, while the first image corresponding to the virtual image VI gradually becomes clearer as its brightness increases. According to this modified example, as described above, the switching guidance is provided in a manner that matches the change in the driver's position due to the change in the position of the seat 50, so that the driver can be more effectively made aware of the change in driving mode.

[0062] (2) When the orientation of the concave mirror is changed in conjunction with the dynamic display of the switching guidance. In the above embodiment, as described above, in manual driving mode, the seat 50 is switched to a driving position with a small tilt angle of the backrest 52 and a virtual image VI is displayed, and in automatic driving mode, the seat 50 is switched to a relaxed position with a large tilt angle of the backrest 52 and a real image RI is displayed.

[0063] In this configuration, in the driving position, the display processing is performed so that the driver DR can see the virtual image VI within the range of eyebox Ey1, as shown by the solid line in Figure 8(a). In the relaxed position, the display processing is performed so that the driver DR can see the real image RI within the range of eyebox Ey2, as shown by the solid line in Figure 8(b). The driver DR of vehicle C can see the virtual image VI shown on the far side of the windshield WS and the real image RI shown on the near side by viewing the display light L11, L22 reflected from the windshield WS from a viewpoint within the range of eyebox Ey(Ey1, Ey2). Here, as shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), the center position of eyebox Ey1 is set to be in front of and above vehicle C compared to eyebox Ey2.

[0064] In this modified example, the control unit 15 outputs a control signal to an appropriate drive mechanism (not shown) that rotates the concave mirror 1330 to change its orientation. This executes a concave mirror switching process to switch the orientation of the concave mirror so that the dynamic display of the aforementioned switching guidance is performed at a vertical position corresponding to the change in the driver's eye box Ey between the driving position and the relaxed position.

[0065] As explained above, the seat detection process performed by the detection unit 21 detects a change in the tilt angle of the backrest portion 52 of the seat 50, causing it to tilt backward or straighten up. This change in the seat 50's posture also changes the height position of the driver's eye box Ey. In response to this, in this modified example, the control unit 15 performs a concave mirror switching process to switch the posture of the concave mirror 1330 provided in the reflector 13, so that dynamic display is performed at a vertical position corresponding to the change in the eye box Ey. Since the switching guidance is performed in a manner that matches the position change of the eye box Ey, the driver DR can be reliably made to see the display even when the angle of the backrest portion 52 of the seat 50 is changing.

[0066] (3) Others In the above, the dynamic display of the switching guidance was performed using the aforementioned slide-in and slide-out, and fade-in and fade-out. However, instead of these, zoom-in, which gradually enlarges the display range while narrowing it, and zoom-out, which gradually shrinks the display range while widening it, may also be used.

[0067] Furthermore, as described above, the vehicle display device 1 switches the display of the virtual image VI and the real image RI by switching the illumination of two PGUs (first PGU10b and second PGU10a), but it is not limited to this. For example, one display unit may be configured to include a switching element that switches the polarization of the emitted display light between S-polarization and P-polarization. In this case, the reflecting unit 13 includes a first mirror that reflects S-polarized display light and transmits P-polarized display light, a second mirror that reflects the display light transmitted through the first mirror, and a third mirror that reflects the respective display lights reflected by the first and second mirrors and emits them onto the window shield WS. In manual driving mode, if the driver DR wants to see the virtual image VI, the switching element is switched to emit the display light as S-polarized light, and the image represented by the display light is displayed on the window shield WS by the imaging optical system consisting of the first mirror, the third mirror, and the window shield WS. Also, for example, in automatic driving mode, if the driver D wants to see the real image RI, the switching element is switched to emit the display light as P-polarized light, and the image represented by the display light is displayed on the window shield WS by the imaging optical system consisting of the second mirror, the third mirror, and the window shield WS.

[0068] In addition to the above, the method for switching between displaying the virtual image VI and the real image RI is arbitrary. For example, the distance between the optical focus and the display unit can be changed by sliding the position of one display unit in the direction of the optical axis, thereby switching between displaying the virtual image VI and the real image RI. Alternatively, the axis of the light rays emitted from the display unit can be shifted when displaying the virtual image VI and when displaying the real image RI to form separate optical systems and switch between displaying the virtual image VI and the real image RI.

[0069] Furthermore, if it is desired to adjust the tilt angle of the virtual image VI or real image RI relative to the road surface, the display unit may be equipped with a motor that rotates the display unit by pitch with the optical axis direction as the roll axis. By changing the tilt of the display unit with this motor, it may be possible to display a real image RI that appears to be standing perpendicular to the road surface, or a virtual image VI that appears to be tilted relative to the road surface. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 1. HUD (Head-Up Display) device (vehicle display device) 10a PGU 2 10b 1st PGU 11a 2nd light source 11b 1st light source 12a 2nd display section 12b 1st display section 13 Reflector 15 Control Unit 16 cabinets 17 Opening 18 Cover glass 21 Detection unit 22 Switching Processing Unit 23 Display Control Unit 24 Switching guide section 25 External Information 30 Various Devices 40 measuring sensors 50 seats 51 Seat area 52 Backrest 1310 Second corrector 1320 First corrector mirror 1330 concave mirror BK background image C Vehicle DR Driver Ey ibox Ey1 iBox Ey2 iBox F1 2nd optical focus F2 1st optical focus L11 2nd display light L22 1st display light VI. Illusion RI Real Image WS Windshield< / pgu>

Claims

1. A vehicle display device provided in a vehicle equipped with a seat for passengers and a light-transmitting member, which emits display light from an outlet toward the light-transmitting member to switch between a first display image and a second display image represented by the display light for viewing, A display unit equipped with a display element that transmits light emitted from a light source and displays the first display image or the second display image, A reflecting unit that reflects a first display light or a second display light, respectively, representing the first display image or the second display image displayed on the display unit toward the light-transmitting member, Control unit and It has, The control unit, A display switching process is performed to switch the display so that the first display image is visible in the manual driving mode of the vehicle, and the second display image is visible in the automatic driving mode of the vehicle. In the aforementioned vehicle, a seat detection process detects that a change in the position or posture of the seat has occurred in conjunction with the switching between the manual driving mode and the automatic driving mode, During the switching between the first display image and the second display image by the aforementioned display switching process, a switching guidance process is performed, which provides switching guidance by dynamically displaying the first image or the second image corresponding to the first display image and the second display image, respectively. A vehicle display device characterized by the following features.

2. The control unit, The timing of the completion of the display of the dynamic display in the switching guidance process is matched with the timing of the completion of the switching of the seat position or orientation detected in the seat detection process. The vehicle display device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a vehicle display device.

3. The control unit further, The timing of the start of the dynamic display in the switching guidance process is matched with the timing of the start of the switching of the seat position or orientation detected in the seat detection process. The vehicle display device according to claim 2, characterized in that it is a vehicle display device.

4. The first display image is a virtual image, and the second display image is a real image. A vehicle display device according to any one of the features 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned seat comprises a seat portion and a backrest portion, The control unit, In the seat detection process, it is detected that at least one of the following processes has been performed in the vehicle: an angle change process that changes the tilt angle of the backrest, a front-to-back change process that changes the front-to-back position of the seat, and a vertical change process that changes the vertical position of the seat. In the switching guidance process, at least one of the following is performed as the dynamic display: sliding in and sliding out of the first or second image, fading in and fading out of the first or second image, and zooming in and zooming out of the first or second image. The vehicle display device according to claim 4.

6. The control unit, In the seat detection process, it is detected that the angle change process has been performed in the vehicle. In the aforementioned switching guidance process, the slide-in and slide-out are performed as the dynamic display. The vehicle display device according to claim 5, characterized in that it is a vehicle display device.

7. The control unit, When the display switching process switches from the virtual image to the real image, if the seat detection process detects an increase in the tilt angle, the switching guidance process will perform a slide-out of the first image upwards in the field of view and a slide-in of the second image downwards in the field of view. If the seat detection process detects a decrease in the tilt angle during the display switching from the real image to the virtual image in the display switching process, the switching guidance process will execute a slide-out of the second image downwards from the field of view and a slide-in of the first image from above the field of view. The vehicle display device according to claim 6, characterized in that it is a vehicle display device.

8. The control unit, In the seat detection process, it is detected that the front-to-back change process has been performed in the vehicle. In the aforementioned switching guidance process, the fade-in and fade-out are performed as dynamic displays. The vehicle display device according to claim 5, characterized in that it is a vehicle display device.

9. The control unit, If, during the display switching process from the virtual image to the real image, the seat detection process detects that the seat has moved backward, the switching guidance process will perform a fade-out of the first image and a fade-in of the second image. If, during the display switching process from the real image to the virtual image, the seat detection process detects that the seat has moved forward, the switching guidance process will perform a fade-out of the second image and a fade-in of the first image. The vehicle display device according to claim 8, characterized in that it is a vehicle display device.

10. The aforementioned reflective portion is It includes a concave mirror that reflects the incident first indicator light or the second indicator light toward the light-transmitting member, The control unit further, A concave mirror switching process is performed to switch the orientation of the concave mirror so that the dynamic display is performed at a vertical position corresponding to the change in the occupant's eye box due to the angle change processing in the vehicle. The vehicle display device according to claim 6, characterized in that it is a vehicle display device.

Images