Display control device, head-up display device, and display method

Abstract

The present invention provides a display control device, a head-up display device, and a display method that can display images that are easy for viewers to understand. [Solution] The display control device controls the image V displayed by the head-up display device mounted on the vehicle. The display control device includes a display control unit that displays multiple guidance elements AR1, AR2, and AR3, each providing guidance in the same direction, as image V. Along with displaying the multiple guidance elements AR1, AR2, and AR3, the display control unit also displays connecting elements CN1 and CN2 that connect the multiple guidance elements AR1, AR2, and AR3 below the halfway point in the height direction of the multiple guidance elements AR1, AR2, and AR3.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display control device, a head-up display device, and a display method.

Background Art

[0002] In the head-up display described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of arrows (guidance objects) that guide to the same path are displayed at positions above the road surface (see FIG. 14, paragraphs 0092, 0093, etc. of Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the display of a plurality of arrows may be recognized as independent images that are not related to each other, and there is a possibility that the meaning of the images is difficult to understand.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a display control device, a head-up display device, and a display method capable of displaying an image that is easy for a viewer to understand.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, a display control device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a display control device that controls an image displayed by a head-up display device mounted on a vehicle, including a display control unit that displays a plurality of guidance elements that each guide in the same direction as the image. The display control unit displays the plurality of guide elements and also displays connecting elements as images so as to connect the plurality of guide elements at the lower half of the height of the plurality of guide elements.

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the head-up display device according to the second aspect of this disclosure comprises the display control device.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the method of representation relating to the third aspect of this disclosure is: A method for displaying images shown by a head-up display device mounted on a vehicle, The process includes a display step in which multiple guidance elements, each providing guidance in the same direction, are displayed as images. In the display step, along with the display of the multiple guide elements, connecting elements are displayed as images below the halfway point in the height direction of the multiple guide elements, connecting the multiple guide elements. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to display images that are easy for viewers to understand. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with a head-up display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the guide element, shadow element, and connecting element as seen from the perspective of a viewer according to the same embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the guide element, shadow element, and connecting element as seen from the perspective of a viewer according to the same embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of the display process according to the same embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram of a vehicle according to the same embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows the guidance element and shadow element as seen from the perspective of the viewer according to the same embodiment. [Figure 7]It is a diagram showing a low-load range, a medium-load range, and a high-load range related to cognitive load according to the same embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing a guiding element, a shadow element, and a connecting element as seen from a viewer according to a modified example of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing a guiding element, a shadow element, and a connecting element as seen from a viewer according to a modified example of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing a guiding element and a connecting element as seen from a viewer according to a modified example of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing a guiding element and a connecting element as seen from a viewer according to a modified example of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing a guiding element, a shadow element, and a connecting element as seen from a viewer according to a modified example of the present disclosure.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] A display control device, a head-up display device, and a display method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the head-up display device 100 is installed in the dashboard of the vehicle 200. The head-up display device 100 emits display light L representing an image toward the windshield 201 which is the front glass of the vehicle 200. The display light L is reflected by the windshield 201 and reaches the viewer 1 (mainly the driver of the vehicle 200). Thereby, an image V is displayed as a virtual image superimposed on the scenery in front of the vehicle 200 as seen from the viewer 1.

[0012] The head-up display device 100 includes a display device 10, a folding mirror 20, a concave mirror 30, a display control device 50, and a housing 60.

[0013] The housing 60 is formed of a non-translucent resin or metal and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped hollow shape. An opening is formed in the housing 60 at a position facing the windshield 201. The housing 60 includes a window portion 62 that closes the opening. The window portion 62 is made of a translucent resin such as acrylic through which the display light L passes. The housing 60 houses the display device 10, the concave mirror 30, the folding mirror 20, and the display control device 50.

[0014] The folding mirror 20 and the concave mirror 30 constitute an optical relay that guides the display light L from the display device 10 to the windshield 201. The folding mirror 20 reflects the display light L from the display device 10 toward the concave mirror 30. The folding mirror 20 is a plane mirror. Note that the folding mirror 20 is not limited to a plane mirror and may be a free-form surface mirror. The concave mirror 30 reflects the display light L from the folding mirror 20 while expanding it toward the windshield 201.

[0015] The display device 10 generates display light L for displaying the image V under the control of the display control device 50, and emits the generated display light L toward the folding mirror 20. The display device 10 is configured to be able to display a three-dimensional image by the display light L. The display device 10 uses a light field display. This light field display is also called a raycasting display or an integral photography display. As long as the display device 10 can display a three-dimensional image by the display light L, it is not limited to this example, and may be a volumetric display using a vibrating screen or a rotating screen, a parallax type three-dimensional display, or other autostereoscopic three-dimensional displays. Furthermore, it is not limited to this autostereoscopic three-dimensional display, and may be a stereoscopic display using glasses.

[0016] The display control device 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GDC (Graphics Display Controller), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory), among other components. As shown in Figure 5, the vehicle 200 is equipped with a first onboard camera 211 that photographs the area in front of the vehicle 200, a second onboard camera 212 that photographs the driver's face, a vital sensor 213 that detects vital data such as the driver's heart rate, sweating amount, and brain waves, a car navigation system 214 that provides route guidance for the vehicle 200, and a vehicle behavior information detection unit 215 that detects behavioral information such as the vehicle 200's speed, acceleration, and steering angle.

[0017] The display control device 50 acquires external image data A1 from the first onboard camera 211, which captures the area in front of the vehicle 200; face image data A2 from the second onboard camera 212, which captures the driver's face; vital data A3 from the vital sensor 213; car navigation information A4 from the car navigation system 214; and vehicle behavior information A5 from the vehicle behavior information detection unit 215. The car navigation information A4 includes driving history information indicating that the road the vehicle 200 is traveling on is a road it has traveled on in the past.

[0018] The display control device 50 comprises a display control unit 50A and a load estimation and acquisition unit 50B as functional blocks.

[0019] The display control unit 50A controls the display content of image V via the display device 10. Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the display control unit 50A displays the guidance elements AR1, AR2, AR3, shadow elements SH1, SH2, SH3, and connecting elements CN1, CN2 as image V, superimposed on the actual scenery (the scenery in front of the vehicle 200) within the display range VP, in order to guide the vehicle 200's path.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, each guidance element AR1, AR2, and AR3 is a display that prompts vehicle 200 to change lanes, specifically a display that prompts the vehicle to change lanes from the driving lane LC to the lane change destination LD. Multiple guidance elements AR1, AR2, and AR3 have the same meaning as each other and are arranged from the driving lane LC towards the lane change destination LD. The multiple guidance elements AR1, AR2, and AR3 are arranged in a direction that slopes forward and to the left and right from the perspective of the viewer. Guidance element AR1 is located on the road surface of the lane change destination LD, and guidance element AR3 is located on the road surface of the driving lane LC. Guidance element AR2 is located midway between guidance elements AR1 and AR3 in the forward and to the left and right from the perspective of the viewer.

[0021] Each of the guidance elements AR1, AR2, and AR3 is erected in a direction intersecting the road surface, in this example, in a direction approximately perpendicular to the road surface, and is displayed facing the viewer. Each of the guidance elements AR1, AR2, and AR3 consists of an arrowhead that is approximately "<" shaped.

[0022] Multiple shadow elements SH1, SH2, and SH3 are positioned directly below the guidance elements AR1, AR2, and AR3, respectively, and are displayed as shadows of the guidance elements AR1, AR2, and AR3. Multiple shadow elements SH1, SH2, and SH3 are displayed superimposed on the road surface. The lower end of each guidance element AR1, AR2, and AR3 touches the center of the shadow elements SH1, SH2, and SH3. Shadow elements SH1, SH2, and SH3 are elliptical in shape and are displayed as elongated ellipses in the left-right direction from the viewer's perspective.

[0023] The connecting elements CN1 and CN2 are superimposed on the road surface so as to the viewer, they follow the road surface. Connecting element CN1 connects shadow elements SH1 and SH2 by the shortest distance, and connecting element CN2 connects shadow elements SH2 and SH3 by the shortest distance. Connecting elements CN1 and CN2 are strip-shaped with a width shorter than the semi-major radii of shadow elements SH1, SH2, and SH3, and extend in directions that are inclined in the forward and left / right directions as viewed from the viewer. The connecting elements CN1a and CN2a (see Figure 3), described later, are displayed at a lower brightness than the connecting elements CN1 and CN2 (see Figure 2), described later, when the cognitive load is high, in order to reduce their visibility. When the visibility of the connecting elements CN1a and CN2a is reduced, the actual scenery becomes easier to see.

[0024] As shown in Figure 5, the load estimation and acquisition unit 50B estimates the cognitive load of the observer and acquires the estimated result. Here, cognitive load is a concept that represents the psychological burden and stress experienced by the driver's brain when driving. In this example, cognitive load is estimated from both vital data and vehicle conditions.

[0025] Specifically, the load estimation and acquisition unit 50B estimates the cognitive load of the viewer from at least one of the following pieces of information: external vehicle image data A1, face image data A2, vital data A3, driving history information included in car navigation information A4, and vehicle behavior information A5. In the external vehicle image data A1, it is estimated that the cognitive load increases the more other vehicles there are around vehicle 200. In the facial image data A2, it is estimated that the cognitive load increases the more frequent and fast the viewer's gaze shifts. In the vital data A3, it is estimated that the cognitive load increases the higher the viewer's heart rate or the amount of sweating. In the driving history information, it is estimated that the cognitive load increases when vehicle 200 is driving on a road it has never driven on before, and decreases when vehicle 200 is driving on a road it has driven on before. In the vehicle behavior information A5, it is estimated that the cognitive load increases when vehicle 200's speed or acceleration is high or when the steering angle changes large, and decreases when vehicle 200's speed or acceleration is low or when the steering angle changes small.

[0026] Here, as an example, we will explain how cognitive load can be estimated from four items: driving history information, vehicle speed (vehicle speed) of vehicle 200, heart rate, and external image data A1. By assigning points to each item and summing the points, the cognitive load can be estimated as a numerical value. In the driving history information, if the road that vehicle 200 is currently driving on is a road it is driving on for the first time, it will be assigned "25 points", and if the road that vehicle 200 is currently driving on is a road it has driven on in the past, it will be assigned "0 points". If the vehicle speed is high (for example, 80 km / h or more), the score will be "25 points", if the vehicle speed is medium (for example, 40-80 km / h), the score will be "10 points", and if the vehicle speed is low (for example, less than 40 km / h), the score will be "0 points". A score of "25" is assigned when the heart rate is outside the average range for a healthy adult, and a score of "0" is assigned when the heart rate is within the average range for a healthy adult. In the external vehicle image data A1, the score is set to "25 points" when other vehicles are present around the vehicle, and to "0 points" when no other vehicles are present around the vehicle. The cognitive load is estimated numerically by summing the scores of the four items mentioned above. Furthermore, cognitive load may be estimated based on information other than driving history, speed, heart rate, and external video. For example, steering angle included in vehicle behavior information A5 and electroencephalogram (EEG) included in vital data A3 may be used. In addition, vital data such as heart rate or sweating may be estimated from facial image data A2. By using a variety of information, cognitive load can be estimated with higher accuracy.

[0027] The display control unit 50A compares the cognitive load estimated by the load estimation acquisition unit 50B with the first threshold Th1 and the second threshold Th2. As shown in Figure 7, the first threshold Th1 is set lower than the second threshold Th2. The display control unit 50A determines that the estimated cognitive load is in the low-load range La when the estimated cognitive load is less than the first threshold Th1. The display control unit 50A determines that the estimated cognitive load is in the high-load range Ha when the estimated cognitive load is above the second threshold Th2. The display control unit 50A determines that the estimated cognitive load is in the moderate load range Ma when the estimated cognitive load is greater than or equal to the first threshold Th1 and less than the second threshold Th2. The first threshold Th1 and the second threshold Th2 are compared to the total score of the cognitive load in the above example. For example, the first threshold Th1 is set to 40 points and the second threshold Th2 is set to 70 points.

[0028] Next, the display processing performed by the display control unit 50A will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 4. This display processing is initiated when guiding a lane change. This display processing is executed repeatedly until the lane change is completed, at which point this repetition ends.

[0029] First, the display control unit 50A displays the guide elements AR1, AR2, AR3 and the shadow elements SH1, SH2, SH3, as shown in Figure 6 (step S1). In step S1, the connecting elements CN1 and CN2 are not displayed.

[0030] Next, the load estimation and acquisition unit 50B estimates the cognitive load and acquires the estimated cognitive load (step S2). The display control unit 50A then determines whether the estimated cognitive load is within the low load range La (less than the threshold Th1) (step S3). If the display control unit 50A determines that the estimated cognitive load is within the low load range La (step S3; YES), it terminates the display process while maintaining the display shown in step S1 (Figure 6).

[0031] On the other hand, if the display control unit 50A determines that the estimated cognitive load is outside the low load range La (step S3; NO), it determines whether the estimated cognitive load is within the high load range Ha (threshold Th2 or higher) (step S4). If the display control unit 50A determines that the estimated cognitive load is within the high load range Ha (step S4; YES), it adds connecting elements CN1 and CN2 to the guide elements AR1, AR2, AR3 and shadow elements SH1, SH2, SH3 and displays them (step S5), as shown in Figure 2, and then terminates the display process.

[0032] If the display control unit 50A determines that the estimated cognitive load is outside the high load range Ha (step S4; NO), it assumes that the estimated cognitive load is in the medium load range Ma, and displays the guide elements AR1, AR2, AR3 and shadow elements SH1, SH2, SH3 with additional connecting elements CN1a and CN2a which have lower visibility than the connecting elements CN1 and CN2 (step S6), as shown in Figure 3, and then terminates the display process. If the cognitive load changes during a single lane change, the above display process may be repeatedly executed, thereby switching the content of the image V between steps S1, S5, and S6.

[0033] According to the above display processing, when the viewer's cognitive load is low, the connecting elements CN1, CN2, CN1a, and CN2a are not displayed, so the viewer's central field of vision in front of them is not obstructed. Also, when the viewer's cognitive load is high, the connecting elements CN1 and CN2 are displayed, making it easier to understand the meaning of the image V. Furthermore, when the viewer's cognitive load is moderate, the connecting elements CN1a and CN2a are displayed, thus achieving a balance between understanding the meaning of the image V and not obstructing the viewer's central field of vision.

[0034] In the above display process, image V was displayed to guide the driver to change lanes from the driving lane LC to the left lane. However, when guiding the driver to change lanes from the driving lane LC to the right lane, images V in Figures 2, 3, and 6 are displayed in a symmetrical inversion. Furthermore, if image V is a guide for vehicle 200, it may not only provide guidance for lane changes, but also for right and left turns.

[0035] (effect) According to the embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved. (1) The display control device 50 controls the image V displayed by the head-up display device 100 mounted on the vehicle 200. The display control device 50 includes a display control unit 50A that displays multiple guidance elements AR1, AR2, AR3, each providing guidance in the same direction, as image V. Along with displaying the multiple guidance elements AR1, AR2, AR3, the display control unit 50A also displays connecting elements CN1, CN2, CN1a, CN2a that connect the multiple guidance elements AR1, AR2, AR3 in the lower half of the height direction (up and down direction from the viewer's perspective) of the multiple guidance elements AR1, AR2, AR3. This configuration allows the viewer to perceive each guidance element AR1, AR2, and AR3 not as unrelated, independent images V, but as a single, related image V. This enables the display of an easily understandable image V. Furthermore, since only the lower parts of each guidance element AR1, AR2, and AR3 are connected, rather than the upper parts, the meaning of image V is easier to understand without obstructing the viewer's central field of vision.

[0036] (2) When the display control unit 50A conveys information to the viewer indicating the direction in which the vehicle 200 should travel, it displays multiple guidance elements AR1, AR2, AR3 along with connecting elements CN1, CN2, CN1a, CN2a. With this configuration, the display of connecting elements CN1, CN2, CN1a, and CN2a in the vehicle 200's route guidance creates a sense of unity among multiple guidance elements AR1, AR2, and AR3, resulting in an effect that emphasizes the direction of travel.

[0037] (3) The display control unit 50A is located directly below each of the guide elements AR1, AR2, and AR3 as seen from the viewer's perspective, and displays shadow elements SH1, SH2, and SH3 which are represented as shadows of the guide elements AR1, AR2, and AR3. With this configuration, the shadow elements SH1, SH2, and SH3 make it easier for the viewer to understand the positions of the guidance elements AR1, AR2, and AR3 relative to the road surface.

[0038] (4) The display control device 50 includes a load estimation acquisition unit 50B that acquires the result of estimating the cognitive load of a viewer from at least one of the following: vital data of the viewer A3, vehicle behavior information A5, external video information of the outside of the vehicle 200, face video information of the viewer A2, and driving history information indicating roads that the vehicle 200 has traveled on in the past. The display control unit 50A displays the connecting elements CN1, CN2, CN1a, and CN2a along with the guidance elements AR1, AR2, and AR3 when the cognitive load acquired by the load estimation acquisition unit 50B is equal to or greater than a preset first threshold Th1, and does not display the connecting elements CN1, CN2, CN1a, and CN2a when the guidance elements AR1, AR2, and AR3 are displayed when the cognitive load acquired by the load estimation acquisition unit 50B is less than the first threshold Th1. According to this configuration, depending on the viewer's cognitive load, there may be cases where the connecting elements CN1, CN2, CN1a, and CN2a should not be displayed. For example, if the viewer is driving on a road they have driven on many times before, there are few other vehicles around their vehicle 200, and the viewer's vital data A3, such as heart rate, is stable, resulting in a low cognitive load, the viewer can fully understand the meaning of the information in image V without displaying the connecting elements CN1, CN2, CN1a, and CN2a. Therefore, displaying the connecting elements CN1, CN2, CN1a, and CN2a may cause the viewer to feel annoyed. Accordingly, by estimating the viewer's cognitive load and not displaying the connecting elements CN1, CN2, CN1a, and CN2a when the cognitive load is low, it is possible to present information to the viewer with less annoyance. On the other hand, when the cognitive load is high, displaying the connecting elements CN1, CN2, CN1a, and CN2a gives a sense of unity to the multiple guidance elements AR1, AR2, and AR3, and has the effect of emphasizing the direction of travel.

[0039] (5) When the cognitive load acquired by the load estimation acquisition unit 50B is low load, which is less than the first threshold Th1, the display control unit 50A does not display the connecting elements CN1, CN2, CN1a, CN2a when displaying the guide elements AR1, AR2, AR3. When the cognitive load acquired by the load estimation acquisition unit 50B is high load, which is higher than the first threshold Th1, which is the second threshold Th2, the display control unit 50A displays the connecting elements CN1, CN2 along with the guide elements AR1, AR2, AR3. When the cognitive load acquired by the load estimation acquisition unit 50B is medium load, which is less than the second threshold Th2 and higher than the first threshold Th1, the display control unit 50A displays the connecting elements CN1a, CN2a, which have reduced visibility compared to high load, along with the display of the guide elements AR1, AR2, AR3. With this configuration, when the cognitive load is moderate, the connecting elements CN1a and CN2a are displayed, but care must be taken to ensure that this does not increase the cognitive load. Therefore, by reducing the visibility of the connecting elements CN1a and CN2a during moderate cognitive load, it becomes possible to present information in a way that is easy to understand and less burdensome for the viewer.

[0040] (6) The display control unit 50A reduces the brightness of the connecting elements CN1a and CN2a when there is a moderate load, in order to reduce the visibility of the connecting elements compared to when there is a high load. This configuration allows for reduced visibility of the connecting elements under moderate load.

[0041] (7) The head-up display device 100 includes a display control device 50. This configuration allows for the display of an easily understandable image V.

[0042] (8) The method of displaying the image V shown by the head-up display device 100 mounted on the vehicle 200 includes a display step of displaying a plurality of guidance elements AR1, AR2, and AR3, each providing guidance in the same direction, as image V. In this display step, along with the display of the plurality of guidance elements AR1, AR2, and AR3, connecting elements CN1 and CN2 that connect the plurality of guidance elements AR1, AR2, and AR3 below the halfway point in the height direction of the plurality of guidance elements AR1, AR2, and AR3 are displayed. This configuration allows for the display of an easily understandable image V.

[0043] (modified version) However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and drawings described above. Modifications (including the deletion of components) may be made as appropriate, provided that they do not alter the essence of this disclosure.

[0044] In the above embodiment, each guide element AR1, AR2, and AR3 was composed of an arrowhead with a roughly "<" shape, but any shape is acceptable as long as it guides the vehicle 200 in the direction of travel. In the above embodiment, the shapes of the shadow elements SH1, SH2, and SH3 are not limited to ellipses, but may be formed as circles or polygons. In the above embodiment, the lower ends of each guide element AR1, AR2, AR3 may be separated from the shadow elements SH1, SH2, SH3. The number of guide elements AR1, AR2, AR3 and shadow elements SH1, SH2, SH3 is not limited to three, but may be four or more, or even two.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the brightness of the connecting elements was reduced to decrease their visibility. However, the method for reducing the visibility of connecting elements is not limited to this, and the area of ​​the connecting elements may also be reduced. For example, as shown in Figure 8, in order to reduce the visibility of connecting elements CN1b and CN2b under moderate cognitive load, the area of ​​connecting elements CN1b and CN2b may be reduced compared to connecting elements CN1 and CN2 (see Figure 2) under high cognitive load. Specifically, the width of connecting elements CN1b and CN2b (the length in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which connecting elements CN1b and CN2b extend) is made narrower than the width of connecting elements CN1 and CN2.

[0046] Furthermore, the connecting elements CN1 and CN2 only need to extend between the guide elements AR1, AR2, and AR3 to create an image of connecting them, and may be partially interrupted between the guide elements AR1, AR2, and AR3. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the connecting elements CN1c and CN2c during moderate cognitive load may be formed in a dashed line shape connecting the shadow elements SH1, SH2, and SH3. The connecting element CN1c is located away from the shadow elements SH1 and SH2 and is formed in an elliptical shape midway between the shadow elements SH1 and SH2. The connecting element CN2c is located away from the shadow elements SH2 and SH3 and is formed in an elliptical shape midway between the shadow elements SH2 and SH3. The semi-major radii of the connecting elements CN1c and CN2c extend in the direction of extension of the connecting elements CN1 and CN2 (see Figure 2). The connecting elements CN1c and CN2c are not limited to an elliptical shape; they may also be rectangular, circular, or teardrop-shaped. The luminances of the connected elements CN1b, CN2b, CN1c, and CN2c may be less than or equal to the luminances of the connected elements CN1 and CN2.

[0047] In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the shadow elements SH1, SH2, and SH3 may be omitted. In this case, the connecting elements CN1 and CN2 directly connect the lower ends of the guide elements AR1, AR2, and AR3 to each other without going through the shadow elements SH1, SH2, and SH3.

[0048] In the above embodiment, each guidance element AR1, AR2, and AR3 directly encouraged the vehicle 200 to change its course. However, the guidance is not limited to this, and may indirectly encourage the vehicle 200 to change its course by prohibiting it from proceeding in a predetermined direction. For example, as shown in Figure 11, each guidance element PR1 and PR2 may display a no-entry mark indicating a direction the vehicle should not travel, and provide guidance to a route other than the no-entry route. Each guidance element PR1 and PR2 is a mark with a diagonal line drawn inside a circle, and is displayed so as to be seen from left to right. The connecting element CN1 extends in the left-right direction to connect the lower ends of each guidance element PR1 and PR2. The connecting element CN1 can give the viewer the impression that it is blocking the vehicle 200 from entering.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the display control unit 50A displayed the image V as a still image, but it is not limited to this, and the image V may be played back as an animation. The display control unit 50A may, for example, display the following in order: guide element AR3 and shadow element SH3 → linking elements CN2, CN2a, CN2b, CN2c → guide element AR2 and shadow element SH2 → linking elements CN1, CN1a, CN1b, CN1c → guide element AR1 and shadow element SH1, or it may display them in the reverse order. In addition, the linking elements CN2, CN2a, CN2b, CN2c may be displayed after the guide elements AR1, AR2, AR3 and the shadow elements SH1, SH2, SH3.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the connecting elements CN1 and CN2 connected the lower ends of each guide element AR1, AR2, and AR3 via the shadow elements SH1, SH2, and SH3. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and as shown in Figure 12, the connecting elements CN1 and CN2 may connect the lower halves of each guide element AR1, AR2, and AR3 in the height direction. In this case, the connecting elements CN1 and CN2 may have a three-dimensional shape. Furthermore, the connecting elements CN1 and CN2 may connect to any position in the lower half of the height direction of each guide element AR1, AR2, or AR3. The connecting elements CN1 and CN2 may be formed in a planar shape, a linear shape, or a three-dimensional shape. Furthermore, the connecting elements CN1 and CN2 may be erected so as to intersect with the road surface. In the above embodiment, the connecting element may always be visible, regardless of cognitive load. In the above embodiment, the second threshold Th2 may be omitted. In this case, if the estimated cognitive load is equal to or greater than the first threshold Th1, the guidance elements AR1, AR2, AR3, shadow elements SH1, SH2, SH3, and linking elements CN1, CN2 may be displayed, as shown in Figure 2.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the folded mirror 20 may be omitted, and the display light L from the display device 10 may be directly radiated to the concave mirror 30. Furthermore, the concave mirror 30 may be omitted, and the display light L from the display device 10 may be directly radiated to the windshield 201. In the above embodiment, the head-up display device 100 projected the display light L onto the windshield 201, but it is not limited to the windshield 201; the display light L may also be projected onto a combiner composed of a plate-shaped half-mirror, a hologram element, or the like. In the above embodiment, the vehicle 200 is an autonomously driven vehicle, and during autonomous driving, an image V may be displayed to inform the viewer of the movement of the vehicle 200. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0052] 1…Sighted person 10...Display device 20...Folding mirror, 30...Concave mirror 50...Display control device, 50A...Display control unit, 50B...Load estimation acquisition unit 60...casing, 62...window section 100... Head-up display device 200...Vehicle, 201...Windshield, 211...First onboard camera, 212...Second onboard camera, 213...Vital sensor, 214...Car navigation system, 215...Vehicle behavior information detection unit L...Display light, V...Image, CN1,CN2,CN1a,CN2a,CN1b,CN2b,CN1c,CN2c...Connecting elements, AR1,AR2,AR3,PR1,PR2...Guidance elements, SH1,SH2,SH3...Shadow elements, VP...Display range LC...Driving lane, LD...Lane change destination Ha... High load range, La... Low load range, Ma... Medium load range, Th1... First threshold, Th2... Second threshold A1: Exterior vehicle image data, A2: Face image data, A3: Vital data, A4: Car navigation information, A5: Vehicle behavior information

Claims

1. A display control device that controls the image displayed by a head-up display device mounted on a vehicle, The system includes a display control unit that displays multiple guidance elements, each providing guidance in the same direction, as images. The display control unit displays the plurality of guide elements and also displays connecting elements as images so as to connect the plurality of guide elements at the lower half of the height of the plurality of guide elements. Display control device.

2. The display control unit displays the connecting element along with the display of the plurality of guidance elements when conveying to the viewer information indicating the direction the vehicle should travel or the direction the vehicle should not travel. The display control device according to claim 1.

3. The display control unit is positioned directly below each of the guide elements as seen by the viewer, and displays shadow elements that are represented as shadows of the guide elements. The connecting element is displayed so as to connect the plurality of guide elements via the shadow element. The display control device according to claim 1.

4. The system includes a load estimation acquisition unit that acquires the result of estimating the cognitive load of a viewer from at least one of the following pieces of information: vital data of the viewer, information on the behavior of the vehicle, external video information of the outside of the vehicle, video information of the viewer, and historical information indicating the roads the vehicle has traveled on in the past. The display control unit, When the cognitive load obtained by the load estimation unit is equal to or greater than a preset first threshold, the connecting element is displayed along with the display of the multiple guidance elements. When the cognitive load obtained by the load estimation unit is less than the first threshold, the connecting element is not displayed when the plurality of guidance elements are displayed. The display control device according to claim 1.

5. The system includes a load estimation acquisition unit that acquires the result of estimating the cognitive load of a viewer from at least one of the following pieces of information: vital data of the viewer, information on the behavior of the vehicle, external video information of the outside of the vehicle, video information of the viewer, and historical information indicating the roads the vehicle has traveled on in the past. The display control unit, When the cognitive load obtained by the load estimation unit is low, meaning it is below the first threshold, the connecting element is not displayed when the multiple guidance elements are displayed. When the cognitive load obtained by the load estimation unit is high, such that the cognitive load is higher than the first threshold and above the second threshold, the connecting element is displayed along with the display of the multiple guidance elements. When the cognitive load obtained by the load estimation unit is below the second threshold and above the first threshold, which is a moderate load, the connecting elements are displayed together with the display of the multiple guidance elements, with the visibility of the connecting elements reduced compared to the high load state. The display control device according to claim 1.

6. The display control unit reduces the brightness of the connecting element or reduces the area of ​​the connecting element in order to lower the visibility of the connecting element during the medium load compared to the high load. The display control device according to claim 5.

7. A head-up display device comprising a display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A method for displaying images shown by a head-up display device mounted on a vehicle, The process includes a display step in which multiple guidance elements, each providing guidance in the same direction, are displayed as images. In the display step, along with displaying the plurality of guide elements, connecting elements are displayed as images so as to connect the plurality of guide elements at the lower half of the height of the plurality of guide elements. Display method.

Images