Vehicle display device

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle display device that makes it easier to focus on the displayed image after switching from a display state of a distant image to a display state of a close-up image. [Solution] The instrument panel IP includes an instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 that performs a light-emitting operation, display units 12a and 12b that transmit light emitted from the light source and display a virtual image VI or a real image RI, a reflecting unit 13 that reflects a first display light L22 or a second display light L11 representing the virtual image VI or the real image RI toward the windshield WS, and a first control unit 15a. The first control unit 15a 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, and a visual effect enhancement process that makes the visual effect of the real image RI stronger than the visual effect of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle display device that provides a desired display to the occupants of a vehicle, who are the viewers. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an electronic device described in, for example, Patent Document 1 is known. This electronic device includes a display means mounted in an instrument panel for displaying a first image, a projection optical system with a changeable focal length, and an actuator that changes the focal length of the projection optical system in response to a control signal. It also includes a projection means capable of displaying a virtual image of a second image at a first position near the display means or at a second position far from the vehicle's windshield, and a control means that outputs a control signal to the actuator such that when displaying a virtual image of the second image at the first position, the focal length of the projection optical system is changed to the first focal length, and when displaying a virtual image of the second image at the second position, the focal length of the projection optical system is changed to the second focal length. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6516642 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] However, with the conventional electronic devices described above, when the driver's gaze shifts from a distant display image to a close-up display image, if there is a direct-view image such as a meter on the instrument panel (hereinafter referred to as the instrument panel), the driver's gaze is drawn to that direct-view image such as the meter, making it difficult to focus on the display image.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a vehicle display device that makes it easier to focus on the display image displayed after switching from a display state of a distant display image to a display state of a close-range display image. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a vehicle display device 100 provided for a vehicle C having a driver's seat where the driver DR sits, an instrument panel IP located in front of the driver's seat, and a light-transmitting member WS located above the instrument panel IP, which emits display lights L11 and L22 from an outlet 17 toward the light-transmitting member WS to switch between a first display image VI and a second display image RI represented by the display lights L11 and L22 for viewing, and comprises an instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 that performs a desired light-emitting operation on the instrument panel IP, display units 12a and 12b equipped with display elements that transmit light emitted by light sources 11a and 11b and display the first display image VI or the second display image RI, and the first display image VI or the second display image RI displayed on the display units 12a and 12b The system includes a reflecting unit 13 that reflects a first display light L22 or a second display light L11, each representing I, toward the light-transmitting member WS, and control units 15a and 15b, wherein the control units 15a and 15b perform a display switching process that, in a first state of the vehicle C, causes the first display image VI to be visible in front of the light-transmitting member WS, and in a second state of the vehicle C, causes the second display image RI to be visible behind the viewing position of the first display image VI and in front of the instrument panel IP, and a visual effect enhancement process that, when the display switching process causes a switch from the first display image VI to the second display image RI, makes the visual effect of the second display image RI stronger than the visual effect of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle display device that makes it easier to focus on the second display image when switching from the display state of a first display image at a long distance to the display state of a second display image at a short distance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the first control unit and the second control unit in a vehicle display device. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the driver's seat configuration in manual driving mode. [Figure 4] A diagram showing the driver's seat configuration in autonomous driving mode. [Figure 5] Figure 1 shows the change in brightness value when switching from a virtual image display state to a real image display state. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows the real image as seen by the driver when the brightness value of the real image is controlled by the visual effect enhancement processing unit. [Figure 7] The second figure shows the change in brightness value when switching from a virtual image display state to a real image display state. [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows the actual image as seen by the driver when the brightness value of the instrument panel's light-emitting section is controlled by the visual effect enhancement processing unit. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the relationship between the display brightness of the real image, the display intensity of the background of the real image, the display brightness of the instrument panel's light-emitting section, and the display intensity of the background of the instrument panel's light-emitting section. [Figure 10] A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the first and second control units. [Figure 11] This diagram illustrates the display state when both the distant and near-field images are virtual images. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] A vehicle display device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle display device according to the present embodiment. The vehicle display device 100 is provided in a vehicle C including a driver's seat where a driver DR (occupant) sits, an instrument panel IP (hereinafter referred to as instrument panel IP) located in front of the driver's seat, and a windshield WS (light-transmitting member) located above the instrument panel IP.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle display device 100 includes a head-up display device 1 (hereinafter referred to as HUD device 1) disposed inside the instrument panel IP, an instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 that performs a desired light-emitting operation on the instrument panel IP, and a second control unit 15b that controls at least the luminance value of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20.

[0011] The HUD device 1 in the vehicle display device 100 includes: a first PGU 10b having a first light source 11b that emits light in a visible wavelength range, for example, and a first display unit 12b that transmits the light emitted from the first light source 11b and displays a virtual image VI (first display image) of a display image formed in front of the driver DR; a second PGU 10a having a second light source 11a that emits light in a visible wavelength range, for example, and a second display unit 12a that transmits the light emitted from the second light source 11a and displays a real image RI (second display image) of a display image formed in front of the driver DR; a reflection unit 13 that reflects first display light L22 representing the display image (first display image) displayed on the first display unit 12b and second display light L11 representing the display image (second display image) displayed on the second display unit 12a toward the windshield WS; and a first control unit 15a that controls display content on the first display unit 12b and the second display unit 12a, performs switching control between the first PGU 10b and the second PGU 10a, and the like. All of these components are housed in a housing 16. The housing 16 is provided with an opening 17 (exit) through which the second display light L11 and the first display light L22 exit, and a cover glass 18 for protecting the interior is disposed in the opening 17. The first display unit 12b and the second display unit 12a are examples of a display unit, and the first light source 11b and the second light source 11a are examples of a light source.

[0012] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the first control unit 15a may be configured to control the first PGU 10b and the second PGU 10a with a single first control unit 15a, or the first PGU 10b and the second PGU 10a may each have their own control unit, and the first control unit 15a may be configured to control these individual control units in coordination with each other.

[0013] The instrument panel light-emitting section 20 in the vehicle display device 100 is arranged to be embedded in the instrument panel IP and includes an instrument panel display section (so-called meter) that displays measured values ​​of various instruments such as a speedometer, fuel gauge, tachometer, and distance counter. In addition to the above, the instrument panel light-emitting section 20 may also include decorative lighting sections such as line lighting mounted on the instrument panel for decorative purposes, functional lighting sections for warnings or alerts, a center information display (hereinafter referred to as CID) that displays the above-mentioned instrument panel display section and other content, etc.

[0014] As will be described later, the second control unit 15b in the vehicle display device 100 controls the brightness value of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20, at least as shown above, according to, for example, the display mode of the virtual image VI and real image RI by the HUD device 1 and the environment surrounding the vehicle C.

[0015] In Figure 1, the first control unit 15a and the second control unit 15b are shown as separate control units. However, the first control unit 15a and the second control unit 15b may be configured as an integrated unit, with one control device controlling both the HUD device 1 and the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20.

[0016] <Display light> The HUD device 1 is positioned below the windshield WS of the vehicle C (for example, inside the instrument panel IP) and emits a first display light L22 and a second display light L11, projecting them onto the windshield WS. The first display light L22 is generated by a first light source 11b and a first display unit 12b inside the HUD device 1, and the second display light L11 is generated by a second light source 11a and a second display unit 12a inside the HUD device 1.

[0017] 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 transmitted through the reflector unit 13 and emitted through the opening 17 of the housing 16 and the cover glass 18. The driver DR of vehicle C can see the real image RI on the near side of the windshield WS by viewing the second display light L11 reflected from the windshield WS, and can also see the virtual image VI on the far side of the windshield WS by viewing the first display light L22 reflected from the windshield WS.

[0018] <Illusion and Reality> In Figure 1, the virtual image VI displays information that is highly important to draw the driver's attention to, such as vehicle information like the vehicle's speed and engine RPM, route guidance displays such as turn-by-turn directions and maps, blind spot indicators, and warning displays such as speed limit exceeding warnings, on the other side of the windshield WS from the driver's perspective.

[0019] In Figure 1, the real image RI displays, for example, entertainment content, assistants and agents supporting the driver DR, and characters representing them, on the side in front of the windshield WS as seen from the driver DR. The virtual image VI and real image RI include not only the text and icons representing this information, but also a background area, which in a plan view from the driver DR appears, for example, as roughly rectangular.

[0020] <pgu> In the second PGU 10a, the second light source 11a is, for example, a light-emitting diode mounted on a wiring board that emits light in the visible wavelength range and emits white light. The second display unit 12a is located on the aperture 17 side along the optical path from the second light source 11a and has a TFT-type second display element (not shown in Figure 1) that forms a second display light L11 representing an arbitrary image according to a control signal sent from the first control unit 15a. The second display element is an example of a display element.

[0021] In the first PGU 10b, the first light source 11b is, for example, a light-emitting diode mounted on a wiring board that emits light in the visible wavelength range and emits white light. The first display unit 12b is located on the aperture 17 side along the optical path from the first light source 11b and has a TFT-type first display element (not shown in Figure 1) that forms a first display light L22 representing an arbitrary image according to a control signal sent from the first control unit 15a. The first display element is an example of a display element.

[0022] In addition, in the first PGU10b and the second PGU10a, optical components such as condenser lenses, lenticular lenses, diffusers, and polarizers may be placed at any position downstream of the first light source 11b and the second light source 11a, respectively.

[0023] <Reflector> In Figure 1, the reflective section 13 includes a second correcting mirror 1310 that reflects the second display light L11 emitted from the second display section 12a toward the first correcting mirror 1320, a first correcting mirror 1320 that reflects the second display light L11 emitted from the second correcting mirror 1310 toward the concave mirror 1330, and a concave mirror 1330 that receives the second display light L11 reflected and folded back by the second correcting mirror 1310 and the first correcting mirror 1320, as well as the first display light L22 that has passed through the first correcting mirror 1320, and reflects it toward the aperture 17.

[0024] <Correcting mirrors and concave mirrors> 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.

[0025] The concave mirror 1330 is rotatably mounted and rotates to match the driver's (DR) eye position, freely changing the emission direction of the second display light L11 and the first display light L22 to adjust the image position. In this embodiment, the angle of the display surface is made different depending on whether the second display light L11 displays a real image RI or the first display light L22 displays a virtual image VI. That is, the driver (DR) is made to view the virtual image VI on an oblique image plane with perspective in the front-rear direction of the vehicle C, and the real image RI on an upright image plane. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the virtual image VI is displayed as if inclined with respect to the road surface, and the real image RI is displayed in a nearly perpendicular position to the road surface. In this embodiment, by adjusting the rotational drive of the concave mirror 1330, it is possible to display the images at angles suitable for the real image RI and the virtual image VI, respectively.

[0026] 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 windshield WS, the first corrector mirror 1320, and the concave mirror 1330.

[0027] 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 windshield WS and the concave mirror 1330, along the optical path of the first display light L22.

[0028] The position of the first display unit 12b is outside the focal length of the optical system when the first corrector 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 (between the second corrector mirror 1310 and the first corrector mirror 1320 in this disclosure) when the first corrector mirror 1320, the second corrector mirror 1310, the concave mirror 1330, and the windshield WS are considered as a single optical system.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] Note that in Figure 1, the reflective section 13 may be configured without the second correcting mirror 1310. In this case, the second indicator light L11 emitted from the second PGU 10a will be directly incident on the first correcting mirror 1320.

[0032] Furthermore, although countless light rays 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.

[0033] Furthermore, 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 first display unit 12b are shown as dashed lines, and the light rays emitted from the second display unit 12a are shown as double-dash lines.

[0034] <Department Head> The first control unit 15a and the second control unit 15b are composed of a computer equipped with a CPU that executes various programs stored in advance while utilizing the temporary storage function of the memory, and a memory consisting of a storage device equipped with RAM and ROM. The first control unit 15a controls at least the first PGU 10b and the second PGU 10a in coordination with each other to control the switching 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 the display content of the first display unit 12b, control the display content of the second display unit 12a, etc. The second control unit 15b controls at least the brightness value of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 in coordination with the first control unit 15a according to the display mode of each display image by the HUD device 1 and the environment around the vehicle C.

[0035] <Functional configuration of the control unit> Figure 2 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the first control unit 15a and the second control unit 15b in the vehicle display device 100 according to this embodiment. The first control unit 15a includes a detection unit 21, a display switching processing unit 22, a visual effect enhancement processing unit 24, and a display control unit 23.

[0036] The detection unit 21 acquires information regarding the position or orientation of the driver's seat 50 (see Figures 3 and 4 described later), which is switched in response to the switching between the manual driving mode (first state) and the automatic driving mode (second state) of the vehicle C, as external information 25 using known methods (for example, the reclining angle of the backrest 52 and the front-to-back sliding position of the seat 51, etc., measured by a measurement sensor 40 installed on the driver's seat 50), and detects the switching between various modes such as automatic driving mode, manual driving mode, and driving mode. An example of seat detection processing is the process by which the detection unit 21 detects or inputs that the position or orientation of the driver's seat 50 has been switched in accordance with the switching between manual driving mode and automatic driving mode.

[0037] Furthermore, if necessary, various vehicle information based on the driver's DR operation, such as the position of the shift lever (Drive D for forward driving, Back R for reverse driving, or Parking P for parking), whether or not the brakes were applied, whether or not the accelerator was applied, whether or not the auto brake hold was activated, the locking and closing status of the doors, and whether or not the engine was ON or OFF, as well as surrounding traffic environment information such as the display of the traffic lights ahead (whether they are blue (green) or red, etc.), may also be acquired as external information 25, and the content of such information or changes thereof may be detected.

[0038] The display 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 PGU10b and turns ON the second PGU10a) 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 PGU10a and turns ON the first PGU10b) based on an appropriate trigger.

[0039] In addition, the display switching processing unit 22 may also adjust the rotational drive of the concave mirror 1330 as described above, so that the driver DR can see the virtual image VI on an oblique image plane that has perspective in the front-rear direction of the vehicle C (more specifically, a plane with an inclination such that the upper end is in the background and the lower end is in the foreground; see Figure 1). Alternatively, the display switching processing unit 22 may also show the real image RI on an elevation image plane (more specifically, a plane with almost no inclination that is nearly vertical; see Figure 1).

[0040] A typical example of a trigger for the switching process performed by the display switching processing unit 22 is the switching of the driving mode. For example, when vehicle C is in manual driving mode, where the driver DR performs the driving operations, the virtual image VI is displayed, and when vehicle C is in automatic driving mode, where the computer performs automatic driving, the real image RI is displayed. This process by the display switching processing unit 22 to switch the display state according to the driving mode is an example of display switching processing.

[0041] More specifically, the display switching processing unit 22 performs a display switching from the virtual image VI to the real image RI display state (display switching processing) when, for example, the detection unit 21 detects or inputs a switch from the driver's seat in a first position or first posture corresponding to the manual driving mode to the driver's seat in a second position or second posture corresponding to the automatic driving mode (seat detection processing). Figure 3 shows the state of the driver's seat in the manual driving mode in the vehicle display device 100 according to this embodiment, and Figure 4 shows the state of the driver's seat in the automatic driving mode in the vehicle display device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, in manual driving mode, the seat 50 is in a first position (for example, the seat portion 51 of the seat 50 is relatively forward) or a first posture (for example, the reclining angle of the backrest portion 52 of the seat 50 is relatively small) when the driver DR is performing driving operations. In this state, the HUD device 1 is displaying a virtual image VI. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4, in automatic driving mode, the seat 50 is in a second position (for example, the seat portion 51 of the seat 50 is relatively rearward) or a second posture (for example, the reclining angle of the backrest portion 52 of the seat 50 is relatively large) where the driver DR does not need to perform driving operations and can be in a relaxed state. In this state, the HUD device 1 is displaying a real image RI.

[0043] In other words, the display switching processing unit 22 switches the display state from the virtual image VI to the real image RI when the detection unit 21 detects that the state has changed from the state in Figure 3 to the state in Figure 4.

[0044] In addition to the above-mentioned switching of driving modes, the triggers may also include, for example, when the driver (DR) operates the mode change switch, when entering a highway or general road, or when the vehicle is parked, stopped, or driving.

[0045] The visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 performs a process to make the visual effect of the real image RI stronger than the visual effect of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 when the display 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 the first PGU 10b OFF and the second PGU 10a ON). The specific processing details will be described in more detail later.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The processing of the visual effect enhancement processing unit 24, which is a feature of this embodiment, will be described in detail below.

[0048] <Increase the brightness value of the real image> As a first method, the visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 controls the light intensity of the second light source 11a so that when switching from the display state of the virtual image VI to the display state of the real image RI, the display brightness when the real image RI is made visible is brighter than the display brightness of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20. This process of controlling the light intensity of the second light source 11a is an example of a light source control process. Figure 5 is the first figure showing the change in brightness value when switching from the display state of the virtual image VI to the display state of the real image RI.

[0049] In Figure 5, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents luminance value. The time period before t1 indicates the time when the virtual image VI is displayed in manual driving mode. t1 is the timing when a trigger is detected to switch from the virtual image VI display state to the real image RI display state, that is, the timing when the system switches from manual driving mode to automatic driving mode. More specifically, it is the timing when a switch from the first position or first posture to the second position or second posture is detected in the driver's seat 50. From t1 to t2 is the time period during which the system is switching from the virtual image VI display state to the real image RI display state, that is, the time when the driver's seat 50 is switching (moving) from the first position or first posture to the second position or second posture (hereinafter referred to as the switching period). Processing by the visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 is executed at any timing (first timing) during this switching period. In the case of Figure 5, it is executed at timing t1. Then, from t2 onwards, the time period indicates the time when the real image RI is displayed in automatic driving mode.

[0050] In Figure 5, the solid line graph shows the luminance value of the instrument panel light-emitting section 20, the dashed line graph shows the luminance value of the virtual image VI, and the dashed line graph shows the luminance value of the real image. In addition, among the graphs of the real image RI shown by the dashed line, R old This is the graph in the conventional method when processing by the visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 is not performed, R new This graph shows the result when the processing of this embodiment is performed by the visual effect enhancement processing unit 24. Note that R old This shows two typical examples: one where the brightness value is slightly greater than that of the instrument panel light-emitting section 20, and another where it is slightly less. In both cases, the brightness value of the real image RI is set to be close to the brightness value of the instrument panel light-emitting section 20.

[0051] As shown in the graph in Figure 5, when the virtual image VI (luminance value shown by the dashed line) is turned off (not displayed) and the real image RI (luminance value shown by the dashed line) is turned on (displayed) at timing t1, the visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 controls the second light source 11a so that the display luminance becomes sufficiently brighter than the display luminance of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 (luminance value shown by the solid line). In other words, conventionally, R old The brightness value was controlled to a certain extent, but the visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 uses R new The brightness is controlled to be significantly higher than that of the instrument panel light-emitting section 20.

[0052] Here, Figure 6 shows the real image RI as seen from the driver DR when the brightness value of the real image RI is controlled by the visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 in Figure 5. old In this case, the driver DR is drawn to the instrument panel light-emitting section 20, which is a direct view, but R new In this case, as shown in Figure 6, the brightness value of the real image RI becomes significantly larger than the brightness value of the instrument panel light-emitting section 20, thereby preventing the viewer from being drawn to the instrument panel light-emitting section 20 and making it easier to focus on the real image RI.

[0053] In Figure 5, the brightness value of the virtual image VI is set to zero (i.e., turned off) at timing t1. However, the display state of the virtual image VI may be maintained between t1 and t2, and the brightness value may be set to zero (i.e., turned off) at timing t2.

[0054] Furthermore, the visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 may control the brightness value to be higher towards the lower part of the real image RI. That is, as shown in Figure 6, by increasing the brightness value towards the lower part of the real image RI that is closer to the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20, it is possible to achieve smooth focus shift to the real image RI while enhancing the visual effect of the real image display.

[0055] <Reduce the brightness of the instrument panel's illuminated section> As a second method, the visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 controls the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 so that when switching from the display state of the virtual image VI to the display state of the real image RI, the display brightness of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 becomes dimmer than the display brightness when the real image RI is visible (i.e., it issues a command to the second control unit 15b to lower the brightness value of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20). This process of controlling the display brightness of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 is an example of the light-emitting unit control process. Figure 7 is the second figure showing the change in brightness value when switching from the display state of the virtual image VI to the display state of the real image RI.

[0056] As shown in the graph in Figure 7, when the virtual image VI is turned off and the real image RI is turned on at timing t1, the visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 sets the display brightness of the real image RI to the same level as before (slightly higher than the brightness value of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 before t1, as in the case of Figure 5), and sufficiently reduces the brightness value of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 after t1.

[0057] Here, Figure 8 shows the real image RI as seen from the driver's driver view when the brightness value of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 is controlled by the visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 8, the brightness value of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 becomes significantly smaller than the brightness value of the real image RI, making the real image RI relatively brighter than the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20, which prevents the driver from being drawn to the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 and makes it easier to focus on the real image RI.

[0058] As shown in Figure 7, it is desirable to lower the display brightness of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 to a lower value than the value before the switching period from the virtual image VI display state to the real image RI display state at a predetermined timing (first timing) during the switching period after the switching from the virtual image VI display state to the real image RI display state has started (after t2) at a predetermined timing t3 (for example, a predetermined timing a few seconds after t2) (second timing), and to return the display brightness of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 to the value before the switching period. In other words, after switching to the real image RI display state, the function of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 can be properly maintained by returning the display brightness of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 to its original brightness.

[0059] Furthermore, in Figure 7, as in the case of Figure 5, the display state of the virtual image VI may be maintained from t1 to t2, and the brightness value may be set to zero (i.e., turned off) at the timing of t2.

[0060] <Brightness value is controlled by the ratio of background brightness to display brightness> As a third method, when switching from the display state of a virtual image VI to the display state of a real image RI, the visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 controls at least one of the light intensity of the second light source 11a and the light intensity of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 such that (S / T) ≥ (U / V), where S is the display brightness when the real image RI is made visible, T is the display intensity (or display brightness) when the background of the real image RI is made visible, U is the display brightness of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20, and V is the display intensity (or display brightness) of the background of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the display brightness S of the real image RI, the display intensity T of the background of the real image RI, the display brightness U of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20, and the display intensity V of the background of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20.

[0061] As shown in Figure 9, the visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 reduces the ratio of the display brightness U of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 to the display intensity V of the background of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 (approximately 1.2 in the example shown in Figure 9) to the ratio of the display brightness S of the real image RI to the display intensity T of the background of the real image RI (approximately 1.5 in the example shown in Figure 9). In other words, the background of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 is generally black, and the display intensity V is small, so even if the brightness value of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 is small, a display with relatively high visibility is possible. In contrast, the background of the real image RI is generally the outside scenery, so the display intensity T is large, and the brightness value needs to be increased to some extent in order to improve the visibility of the real image RI. That is, the visibility of the real image RI and the visibility of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 are not only affected by the respective brightness values, but also by the contrast with the respective backgrounds, and by performing the above control that takes these into consideration, the visual effect of the real image RI can be strengthened relatively.

[0062] <Other> As another technique, when the display state of the virtual image VI is switched to the display state of the real image RI, the visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 controls the amount of light from the second light source 11a during the switching period to gradually (continuously or stepwise) increase the brightness value of the real image RI, and gradually (continuously or stepwise) decrease the brightness value of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20. This naturally guides the driver's gaze to the real image RI, making it easier to focus on the real image RI.

[0063] As another method, the visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 controls the display mode of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 so that the number of contents displayed in the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 after switching from the display state of the virtual image VI to the display state of the real image RI is less than the number of contents displayed in the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 before the switch (content count control processing).

[0064] For example, the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 includes the above-mentioned instrument panel display section, decorative illumination section, functional illumination section, etc., and each has one or more display sections for displaying content. When switching of the display state from the virtual image VI to the real image RI is started, the visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 displays, among the display sections that display these contents, only the display of content legally required by law or content that should not be turned off in consideration of safety, and turns off other content. Then, when the switching of the display state from the virtual image VI to the real image RI is completed, the visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 redisplays the content that has been turned off at a predetermined timing after the completion (for example, a predetermined timing at which about several seconds have elapsed since the completion of the display switching).

[0065] <Specific Example> The processing of the above-described visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 will be described with reference to an example of specific luminance values. Table 1 below compares the values of the display luminance S of the real image RI, the display intensity T of the background of the real image RI, the display luminance U of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20, and the display intensity V of the background of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 in daytime, dusk, and nighttime between the conventional method and the method of the present embodiment. The unit of the luminance value in Table 1 is cd / m 2 .

[0066]

Table 1

[0067] As shown in Table 1, regarding the display luminance S of the real image RI, in the daytime (when the vehicle C is traveling in a bright area), for example, 6000 cd / m 2 to 15000 cd / m 2 , in dusk, 1000 cd / m 2 to 1500 cd / m 2 , at night (when vehicle C is traveling in a dark area), 20 cd / m 2 to 30 cd / m 2 By increasing the luminance value to such a range, as described in the first method, it is possible to prevent a user's attention from being attracted to the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20, making it easier to focus on the real image RI.

[0068] Furthermore, the display brightness U of the instrument panel light-emitting section 20 is set to, for example, 100 cd / m² during the daytime. 2 From 20 cd / m² 2 By lowering the brightness value to a certain extent, the visual effect of the real image RI becomes relatively larger than that of the instrument panel light-emitting section 20, as explained in the second method, thus preventing the viewer from being drawn to the instrument panel light-emitting section 20 and making it easier to focus on the real image RI.

[0069] Regarding the display brightness U of the instrument panel light-emitting section 20, since it is displayed against a black background, lowering the brightness value may not have as significant an effect as described above during twilight or nighttime. Therefore, in Table 1, the brightness is not changed.

[0070] In Table 1, regarding the relationship between the display brightness S of the real image RI, the display intensity T of the background of the real image RI, the display brightness U of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20, and the display intensity V of the background of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20, the relationship (S / T)≧(U / V) holds true in the method of this embodiment during the daytime, which does not hold true in the conventional method. In other words, as shown in the third method, the visual effect of the real image RI can be strengthened relatively by considering the contrast with the background.

[0071] For twilight and nighttime conditions, the conventional method holds the relationship (S / T) = (U / V), while the method of this embodiment holds the relationship (S / T) ≥ (U / V). This makes it possible to enhance the visual effect of the real image RI relatively by taking into account the contrast with the background, as shown in the third method.

[0072] As shown in Table 1, to increase the brightness value of the real-image radioisotope during the daytime, a considerably large brightness value (cd / m²) is required. 2 ) needs to be controlled to a certain extent. On the other hand, when increasing the brightness value of the instrument panel light-emitting section 20, the brightness value (cd / m²) needs to be controlled to a certain extent. 2 It has been shown that there is no need to change the ) value. Furthermore, in twilight and at night, the effect can be obtained without significantly increasing the brightness value of the real-image RI.

[0073] Therefore, in order to effectively control the brightness values ​​of the real-image RI and the instrument panel light-emitting section 20, it is desirable to perform at least one of the following during the daytime: a light source control process that controls the amount of light from the second light source 11a so that the display brightness when the real-image RI is visible is brighter than the display brightness of the instrument panel light-emitting section 20, and a light-emitting section control process that controls the instrument panel light-emitting section 20 so that the display brightness of the instrument panel light-emitting section 20 is dimmer than the display brightness when the real-image RI is visible. On the other hand, it is desirable to perform the above light source control process at dusk and at night.

[0074] Furthermore, even during daylight hours, if vehicle C is traveling through a tunnel or similar area, the system will process it as if it were traveling at dusk or night, i.e., in a dark area.

[0075] Next, the operation of the first control unit 15a and the second control unit 15b will be described. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the first control unit 15a and the second control unit 15b. Here, the operation of the first control unit 15a and the second control unit 15b when switching from the display state of the virtual image VI to the display state of the real image RI will be described.

[0076] In Figure 10, first, when the detection unit 21 detects a trigger to switch from the display state of the virtual image VI to the display state of the real image RI (S1), the display switching processing unit 22 starts switching from the virtual image VI to the real image RI (S2). The visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 determines whether the vehicle C is driving in a bright or dark environment based on the measurement results of a sensor such as an illuminometer (S3).

[0077] If vehicle C is traveling in a bright area, the visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 commands the second control unit 15b to lower the brightness value of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 (S4). If vehicle C is traveling in a dark area, the visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 controls the second light source 11a of the second PGU 10a to increase the brightness value of the real image RI (S5). The visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 determines whether the above (S / T) ≥ (U / V) condition is met (S6), and if it is not met, it executes the process of lowering the brightness value of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 in the same way as in S4 (S7).

[0078] When the above processing is performed by the visual effect enhancement processing unit 24, the display switching processing unit 22 completes the switching from the display state of the virtual image VI to the display state of the real image RI (S8). If the second control unit 15b had been controlling the brightness value of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 to decrease, it performs the process to return the brightness value to the brightness value before the display switching (S9), and then terminates the process.

[0079] Furthermore, the visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 executes the process in S4 if (S / T) ≥ (U / V) is not satisfied in S6. However, it may also perform a process to further increase the brightness value of the real image RI that was increased in S5, or it may perform a process to further increase the brightness value of the real image RI that was increased in S5 in addition to the process in S4. Also, depending on the driving environment of vehicle C, it may be difficult to ultimately satisfy (S / T) ≥ (U / V). In that case, it is not necessarily required to satisfy (S / T) ≥ (U / V).

[0080] Furthermore, in the above explanation, it was assumed that the display image visible in front of the windshield WS is a virtual image VI, and the display image visible behind the windshield WS is a real image RI. However, as shown in Figure 11, the display image visible in front of the windshield WS may be a virtual image (virtual image VI: far virtual image), and the display image visible behind the windshield WS may also be a virtual image (virtual image VI': near virtual image). This is particularly effective when the instrument panel light-emitting section 20 is positioned near the windshield WS, which is in front of the instrument panel IP.

[0081] Furthermore, although the above description mainly focused on the processing of the visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 when switching from the display state of the virtual image VI to the display state of the real image RI, the visual effect enhancement processing unit 24 may also perform the same processing on the virtual image VI and the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 when switching from the display state of the real image RI to the display state of the virtual image VI.

[0082] As described above, the vehicle display device 100 according to this embodiment includes an instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 that performs a desired light-emitting operation on the instrument panel IP, a display unit (first display unit 12b, second display unit 12a) equipped with display elements (first display element, second display element) that transmits light emitted from light sources (first light source 11b, second light source 11a) and displays a virtual image VI or a real image RI, a reflecting unit 13 that reflects the first display light L22 or second display light L11 representing the virtual image VI or real image RI displayed on the display unit toward the windshield WS, and a control unit (first control unit 15a, second control unit 15b), wherein in the manual driving mode of the vehicle C, the control unit controls the windshield WS The system performs a display switching process that displays a virtual image VI in front of the head shield WS, and in the vehicle C's automatic driving mode, displays a real image RI behind the viewing position of the virtual image VI but in front of the instrument panel IP. When the display switching process switches from the virtual image VI to the real image RI, it performs a visual effect enhancement process that makes the visual effect of the real image RI stronger than the visual effect of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20. As a result, when switching from manual driving mode to automatic driving mode, the visual effect enhancement process strengthens the visual effect of the real image RI, making it easier to focus on the real image RI without being distracted by the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20.

[0083] Furthermore, if necessary, the first control unit 15a performs a seat detection process to detect or input that the position or posture of the driver's seat has been switched in conjunction with the switching between manual driving mode and automatic driving mode in the vehicle C. In the display switching process, in response to the detection or input of a switch from the first position or first posture of the driver's seat corresponding to manual driving mode to the second position or second posture of the driver's seat corresponding to automatic driving mode in the seat detection process, the display is switched from the virtual image VI to the real image RI. Therefore, when switching from manual driving mode to automatic driving mode, the visual effect of the real image RI can be enhanced by a visual effect enhancement process in conjunction with the switching of the position or posture of the driver's seat.

[0084] Furthermore, if necessary, the first control unit 15a performs a light source control process in the visual effect enhancement process to control the amount of light from the second light source 11a in the real image RI so that the display brightness when the real image RI is visible is brighter than the display brightness of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20. Therefore, when switching from manual driving mode to automatic driving mode, the display brightness of the real image RI can be made brighter than before, thereby enhancing the visual effect of the real image RI.

[0085] Furthermore, if necessary, the first control unit 15a and the second control unit 15b execute a light-emitting unit control process in the visual effect enhancement process to control the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 so that its display brightness becomes dimmer than the display brightness when the real image RI is visible. Therefore, when switching from manual driving mode to automatic driving mode, the display brightness of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 is made dimmer than before, thereby relatively enhancing the visual effect of the real image RI.

[0086] Furthermore, if necessary, the first control unit 15a and the second control unit 15b, in the light-emitting unit control processing, set the display brightness of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 to a lower value than the value before the first timing from a predetermined first timing (during the switching period) after the display switching from the virtual image VI to the real image RI has started, and then, at a predetermined second timing (after the end of the switching period) after the display switching from the virtual image VI to the real image RI has been completed, return the display brightness of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 to the value before the first timing. By making the display brightness of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 dimmer than before the switching at the first timing when switching from manual driving mode to automatic driving mode, the visual effect of the real image RI can be relatively enhanced. In addition, by returning the display brightness of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 to its original value at the subsequent second timing, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the original function of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20.

[0087] Furthermore, if necessary, the first control unit 15a and the second control unit 15b, in the visual effect enhancement process, execute at least one of the following: a light source control process that controls the light quantity of the second light source 11a, and a light source control process that controls the instrument panel light source 20, such that (S / T) ≥ (U / V) with respect to the display brightness S when the real image RI is made visible, the display intensity T when the background of the real image RI is made visible, the display brightness U of the instrument panel light source 20, and the display intensity V of the background of the instrument panel light source 20. In this way, when switching from manual driving mode to automatic driving mode, the display brightness ratio between the real image RI and its background is made greater than the display brightness ratio between the instrument panel light source 20 and its background, thereby relatively enhancing the visual effect of the real image RI.

[0088] Furthermore, if necessary, the first control unit 15a and the second control unit 15b, in the visual effect enhancement processing, execute at least the following: a light source control process that controls the amount of light from the second light source 11a so that the display brightness when the real image RI is visible is brighter than the display brightness of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 when the vehicle C is driving in a bright area; and a light-emitting unit control process that controls the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 so that the display brightness of the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 is darker than the display brightness when the real image RI is visible. When the vehicle C is driving in a dark area, the light source control process is executed. By making the manner of the visual effect enhancement processing when switching from manual driving mode to automatic driving mode different for driving in a bright area and driving in a dark area, the visual effect of the real image RI can be more reliably enhanced and attention can be prevented from being drawn to the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20.

[0089] Furthermore, if necessary, the first control unit 15a and the second control unit 15b execute a content count control process in the visual effect enhancement process to control the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 so that the number of content items displayed in the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 after switching from the virtual image VI to the real image RI is less than the number of content items displayed in the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 before switching from the virtual image VI to the real image RI. By reducing the number of content items displayed in the instrument panel light-emitting unit 20 when switching from manual driving mode to automatic driving mode, the visual effect of the real image RI can be relatively enhanced. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 1 HUD 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 15a First control unit 15b Second Control Unit 16 cabinets 17 Opening 18 Cover glass 20 Instrument panel light-emitting section 21 Detection unit 22 Display switching processing unit 23 Display Control Unit 24 Visual Effects Enhancement Processing Unit 25 External Information 30 Various Devices 40 Measurement sensors 50 sheets 51 Seat area 52 Backrest 100 Vehicle display devices 1310 Second corrector 1320 First correcting mirror 1330 concave mirror C Vehicle DR: Driver (occupant) F1 2nd optical focus F2 1st optical focus IP Instrument Panel L11 2nd display light L22 1st display light VI. Virtual Image (First Display Image) VI' Virtual image (second display image) RI Real Image (Second Display Image) WS Windshield (Light-Transmitting Material)< / pgu>

Claims

1. A vehicle display device provided in a vehicle equipped with a driver's seat where the driver sits, an instrument panel located in front of the driver's seat, and a light-transmitting member located above the instrument panel, 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, The instrument panel includes an instrument panel light-emitting unit that performs a desired light-emitting operation, 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 in the first state of the vehicle, the first display image is visible in front of the light-transmitting member, and in the second state of the vehicle, the second display image is visible behind the viewing position of the first display image and in front of the instrument panel. When the display switching process results in a switch from the first display image to the second display image, a visual effect enhancement process is performed to make the visual effect of the second display image stronger than the visual effect of the instrument panel light-emitting unit. A vehicle display device characterized by the following features.

2. The first state is manual operation mode, The second state described above is the automatic driving mode, The control unit further, In the aforementioned vehicle, a seat detection process is performed to input that a change in the position or posture of the driver's seat has occurred in conjunction with the switching between the manual driving mode and the automatic driving mode. In the display switching process, in response to the input in the seat detection process indicating a switch from the first display image to the second display image, the display is switched from the first display image to the second display image. The vehicle display device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a vehicle display device.

3. The control unit, in the visual effect enhancement process, A light source control process is executed to control the amount of light from the light source of the second display image so that the display brightness when the second display image is visible is brighter than the display brightness of the instrument panel light-emitting section. The vehicle display device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a vehicle display device.

4. The control unit, in the visual effect enhancement process, The instrument panel light-emitting section is controlled by executing a light-emitting section control process so that the display brightness of the instrument panel light-emitting section becomes dimmer than the display brightness when the second display image is visible. The vehicle display device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a vehicle display device.

5. The control unit, in the light-emitting unit control processing, From a predetermined first timing after the start of the display switching from the first display image to the second display image, the display brightness of the instrument panel light-emitting unit is set to a value lower than the value before the first timing, and at a predetermined second timing after the completion of the display switching from the first display image to the second display image, the display brightness of the instrument panel light-emitting unit is returned to the value before the first timing. The vehicle display device according to claim 4.

6. The control unit, in the visual effect enhancement process, Regarding the display brightness D when the second display image is visible, the display intensity C when the background of the second display image is visible, the display brightness B of the instrument panel light-emitting section, and the display intensity A of the background of the instrument panel light-emitting section, D / C ≥ B / A To achieve this, at least one of the following is executed: a light source control process that controls the light intensity of the light source, and a light-emitting unit control process that controls the instrument panel light-emitting unit. The vehicle display device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a vehicle display device.

7. The control unit, in the visual effect enhancement process, When the aforementioned vehicle is traveling in a well-lit area, A light source control process that controls the amount of light from the light source so that the display brightness when the second display image is visible is brighter than the display brightness of the instrument panel light-emitting section, and a light-emitting section control process that controls the instrument panel light-emitting section so that the display brightness of the instrument panel light-emitting section is dimmer than the display brightness when the second display image is visible, wherein at least the light-emitting section control process is executed. When the vehicle is traveling in a dark area, the light source control process is executed. The vehicle display device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a vehicle display device.

8. The control unit, in the visual effect enhancement process, Content count control processing is performed to control the instrument panel light-emitting unit so that the number of content items displayed in the instrument panel light-emitting unit after the display switching from the first display image to the second display image is less than the number of content items displayed in the instrument panel light-emitting unit before the display switching from the first display image to the second display image. The vehicle display device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a vehicle display device.

9. The first display image is a virtual image that is visible in front of the light-transmitting member, and the second display image is a real image that is visible behind the light-transmitting member. A vehicle display device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The aforementioned instrument panel light-emitting section is, Includes at least one of the following: instrument panel display unit, decorative lighting unit, and functional lighting unit. A vehicle display device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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