Indication device

Abstract

While display devices positioned on or inside the dashboard of a vehicle allow drivers to obtain necessary driving information without shifting their gaze to the instrument panel, or so-called dashboard, considerations regarding the placement, brightness, influence of ambient light, and information display of the display device have not been sufficient. This invention provides a more suitable display device or display technology. [Solution] The display device is installed on the dashboard of a vehicle and projects image light toward the windshield glass. A notch 1113 is formed in the housing of the display device.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The display device is arranged, for example, on or inside the dashboard of a vehicle. With the display device, a driver can obtain information necessary for driving without shifting their line of sight to an instrument panel incorporated in the dashboard, a so-called instrument cluster. On the other hand, sufficient consideration has not been given to the arrangement, brightness, influence from external light, information display and the like of the display device.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a more preferable display device or display technology.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, the following display device is provided. The display device is installed on the dashboard of a vehicle, and is a device that projects image light toward the windshield glass. A notch is formed in the housing of the display device.

Effects of the Invention

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

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of an in-vehicle system including a display device. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a device used to acquire vehicle information. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example of a display device. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a configuration in which a display device is installed in a vehicle. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a configuration in which a display device is installed in a vehicle. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a light source structure for a display device. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a layout when a display device is installed in a commercial vehicle. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a layout when a display device is installed in a passenger car. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a layout when a display device is installed in a passenger car. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of the structure of a display device. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the structure of a display device. [Figure 12] Figure 11 shows an example of the structure of a display device. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of a passenger car equipped with the display device shown in Figure 11. [Figure 14] Figure 11 illustrates the advantages of installing the display device shown in Figure 11 in a commercial vehicle. [Figure 15] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the driver's field of view when the display device shown is installed in a commercial vehicle. [Figure 16] This is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the display on the display panel and the display image. [Figure 17] This is a diagram for explaining the driver's field of view when the display device shown in FIG. 11 is mounted on a passenger car. [Figure 18] This is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the display on the display panel and the display image. [Figure 19] This is a diagram for explaining an example of a technique for rotating an image displayed on a display panel. [Figure 20] This is a diagram for explaining an example of a technique for rotating an image displayed on a display panel. [Figure 21] This is a diagram for explaining an example of a technique for rotating an image displayed on a display panel. [Figure 22] This is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of buttons. [Figure 23] This is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of buttons. [Figure 24] This is a diagram showing an example of a user interface related to input on an application screen. [Figure 25] This is a diagram for explaining an example of a technique for guiding a user to an application using a QR Code (registered trademark). [Figure 26] This is a diagram showing an example of a user interface related to output on an application screen. [Figure 27] This is a diagram showing an example of a user interface related to output on an application screen. [Figure 28] This is a diagram showing an example of a user interface related to output on an application screen. [Figure 29] This is a diagram showing an example of a user interface related to output on an application screen. [Figure 30] This is a diagram showing an example of a user interface related to output on an application screen. [Figure 31] This is a diagram showing an example of a database used in processing for generating an output screen of an application. [Figure 32]This figure shows an example of the displayed content. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0015] The display device 1 is connected to the controller 100 of the vehicle 2 via an information transmission path, and the display device 1 and the controller 100 are able to communicate. The controller 100 of the vehicle 2 is an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The display device 1 and the controller 100 of the vehicle 2 communicate via the information transmission path using, for example, a CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network) interface. Alternatively, the display device 1 and the controller 100 of the vehicle 2 may communicate via the information transmission path using an in-vehicle Ethernet or the like. Other connection configurations may also be adopted. For example, when transmitting all information, including video information, through a single information transmission path, the connection between the controller 100 on the vehicle 2 side (the source of video information, etc.) and the display device 1 (in other words, the connection configuration of the information transmission path) may be FPD-Link III, GMSL (Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link), etc.

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

[0017] Figure 2 shows an example of a device used to acquire vehicle information. As shown in Figure 2, vehicle information 4 is acquired using devices such as a camera and various sensors connected to the controller 100 or control device 100. Note that the various devices in Figure 2 can be deleted, other types of devices added, or replaced with other types of devices as appropriate. Also, as an example, the controller 100 of vehicle 2 may also have the function of controlling the display device 1.

[0018] The vehicle speed sensor 901 detects the speed of vehicle 2 and is used to generate speed information as a result of the detection. The shift position sensor 902 detects the current gear and is used to generate gear information as a result of the detection. The steering angle sensor 903 detects the current steering angle and is used to generate steering angle information as a result of the detection. The headlight sensor 904 detects whether the headlights are ON or OFF and is used to generate lamp illumination information as a result of the detection.

[0019] The illuminance sensor 905 and the chromaticity sensor 906 detect ambient light from the vehicle 2 and are used to generate ambient light information as detection results. The distance measuring sensor 907 detects the distance between the vehicle 2 and an external object, or the distance between external objects, and is used to generate distance information as detection results. The infrared sensor 908 detects the presence and distance of objects in the vicinity of the vehicle 2 and is used to generate infrared information as detection results. The engine start sensor 909 detects the ON / OFF status of the engine and is used to generate ON / OFF information as detection results. The acceleration sensor 912 and the gyro sensor 913 detect the acceleration and angular velocity of the vehicle 2 and are used to generate acceleration gyro information representing the attitude and behavior of the vehicle 2.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0035] The wireless communication unit 1015 may be configured with a Wi-Fi communication interface, a Bluetooth® communication interface, a mobile communication interface such as 4G or 5G, etc. As shown in Figure 1, the wireless communication unit 1015 may communicate with external devices via a network 500 connected through a router or relay station 600. An example of an external device is a server 700 connected via network 500. Alternatively, the wireless communication unit 1015 may communicate directly with a terminal device 410, etc. An example of a terminal device 410 is a smartphone, tablet, wireless earphones, headphones, or beacon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0047] The light source 20 functions as a backlight source for the display panel 11. The light source 20 is configured, for example, using a semiconductor light source element, and generates a predetermined light source and supplies it to the display panel 11. Typically, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element is used as the semiconductor light source element. The light source 20 may also be configured by arranging multiple light sources. The light source unit (backlight unit) 12, which will be described later, may be configured using the light source 20 or the like.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0057] Next, we will explain an example of installing an aftermarket display device 1a in each vehicle model. From the standpoint of cost reduction, it is desirable to standardize (share) the structure of the housing, internal optical components, control software, etc., of the display device 1a (for example, a video display device) in each vehicle model in which it is installed.

[0058] On the other hand, because the inclination of the windshield glass 3 differs significantly between commercial vehicles and passenger cars, for example, if the display device 1a is installed as is, problems with the visibility of the displayed image will occur. Below, with reference to the diagram, we will explain examples of cases in which problems with the visibility of the displayed image occur when display devices are standardized.

[0059] Figure 7 shows an example of a display device layout designed to ensure optimal viewing of the displayed image on the steeply sloped windshield glass of a commercial vehicle. Commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses have little to no flat area on the dashboard 7 where the display device 1 can be installed parallel or nearly parallel to the ground on which the vehicle 2 travels. In addition to the limited or absent area on the dashboard 7 as shown in Figure 7, it is necessary to reflect the image light on the steeply sloped windshield glass, which is characteristic of commercial vehicles, and to secure an optical path (image optical path 71) that connects the driver's viewpoint 14 and the displayed image 73.

[0060] In this embodiment, the display device 1a is installed on an inclined surface on the dashboard 7 between the section where the meters and the like are mounted (meter mounting section 72) and the lower end of the windshield glass 3. In particular, from the viewpoint of ensuring the driver's field of view and the stability of the installed device, the layout may be such that the heat dissipation mechanism 1111 of the display device 1a (or the emission surface that emits the image light of the display device 1a) faces the windshield glass 3.

[0061] This layout achieves an optimal image light emission angle of 74° for commercial vehicle specifications. As a result, the driver can view the displayed image from a downward angle. This ensures that the driver has a clear field of view, allowing them to see objects on the road and pedestrians near the road.

[0062] The heat dissipation mechanism 1111, as will be explained later, is a heat sink for cooling the light source and has thickness and weight. Reference numeral 75 indicates the center of gravity of the display device 1a.

[0063] Next, with reference to Figure 8, we will explain the challenges of installing this display device 1a in a passenger car with a shallow-angled windshield glass 3. When the commercial vehicle specification display device 1a described above is installed in a passenger car with a shallow-angled windshield glass 3, as shown in Figure 8, some of the image light emitted from the display device 1a is transmitted through the windshield glass 3 without being reflected towards the viewpoint 14. As a result, the displayed image becomes dark and difficult to see.

[0064] In Figure 8, the emission angle of the image light 84 is the same as the optimal emission angle of the image light 74 in Figure 7. Reference numeral 81 indicates an optical path suitable for viewing the image, and reference numeral 83 indicates the display image that can be viewed through the optical path 81. Reference numeral 86 indicates the optical path of the image light transmitted through the windshield glass.

[0065] As shown in Figure 9, for example, by rotating the display device 1a with respect to the X-axis (the width direction of the vehicle 2), the image light is reflected better by the windshield glass 3, improving the issue of the displayed image being dark and difficult to see. Also, as an example, by moving the display device 1a, the image light is reflected better by the windshield glass 3, improving the issue of the displayed image being dark and difficult to see. In Figure 9, display device 1a shows the display device before movement or rotation, and display device 1c shows the display device after movement or rotation.

[0066] However, at the lower end of the windshield glass 3, the space (gap) between the windshield glass 3 and the dashboard 7 is narrow, causing the heat dissipation mechanism 1111 to physically interfere with the windshield glass 3, preventing it from adopting a posture suitable for viewing the image. As a result, even if the visibility of the displayed image is improved, the driver will still be viewing the displayed image 93, which is displayed on the light path 91 directed towards the front.

[0067] When viewing this display image 93, it may be difficult to secure a clear field of vision in which objects on the road or objects near the road can be seen. In addition, the display device 1a is positioned in a way that obstructs the driver's view, which may be bothersome while driving. In Figure 9, reference numeral 97 indicates an example of the range in which the driver's view is obstructed.

[0068] Next, an example of the structure of this display device 1a will be described with reference to Figure 10. The configuration of the display device 1a is basically the same as that of the display device 1.

[0069] As shown in Figure 10, the display device 1a comprises a light source 20, a reflective mirror 21, a polarization conversion element 22, and a light guide unit 23, and may also include a light diffusion sheet 24a. The light source 20, reflective mirror 21, polarization conversion element 22, and light guide unit 23 may be the same as those described above. The light diffusion sheet 24a is placed on the back side of the display panel 11 and uniformly disperses the incident light from the light guide unit 23. The light diffusion sheet 24a may be replaced with the diffusion plate 24 described above. The back side of the display panel 11 refers to the light incident side where light from the light source enters the display panel 11.

[0070] Here, the light source 20 is placed on a light source substrate 1110, which is a substrate for the light source, and a heat dissipation mechanism 1111, which is a heat sink for cooling the light source, is placed on the back side of the light source substrate 1110. The back side of the light source substrate 1110 refers to the side opposite to the side on which the light source is placed. In this example, a circuit board 1112, on which a configuration for controlling the video display of the display panel 11 is implemented, is placed so as to fit into the back side of the light guide unit 23 (opposite the side that reflects light), and the display panel 11 and the circuit board 1112 are connected via an FPC 1113a. The display device 1a then emits video light IL generated in the display panel 11.

[0071] Next, with reference to Figures 11 and 12, an example of the structure of a display device that incorporates the improvements in commonality described above will be explained. In Figure 11, the X1 axis corresponds to the left-right direction (or width direction) of the display device 1b, the Y1 axis corresponds to the front-back direction of the display device 1b, and the Z1 axis corresponds to the up-down direction of the display device 1b. The configuration of the display device 1b is basically the same as that of the display device 1.

[0072] As shown in Figure 12, a light source 20, a light source substrate 1110, and a heat dissipation mechanism 1111 are arranged on one upper side of the inside of the housing, and a reflective mirror 21 is positioned in the direction of light emission from the light source 20. A polarization conversion element 22 is positioned on the inside of the housing in the direction of propagation of light reflected from the reflective surface of the reflective mirror 21, and a light guide unit 23 is positioned behind the polarization conversion element 22. In other words, the polarization conversion element 22 is positioned between the reflective mirror 21 and the light guide unit 23, and specifically, the polarization conversion element 22 and the light guide unit 23 are positioned sequentially in the direction of propagation of light reflected from the reflective surface of the reflective mirror 21. Furthermore, there is an opening in the direction of emission of light reflected from the reflective surface of the light guide unit 23, and the display panel 11 is positioned so that image light IL can be emitted from this opening. Note that a sheet that transmits image light IL may be placed in the opening of the housing. In addition, a light diffusion sheet 24a is positioned on the light incident side (lower side of the display panel 11) of the display panel 11. Furthermore, the circuit board 1112 is positioned so as to be recessed below the light guide section 23 (to the rear side of the light guide section 23) in the vertical direction of the housing, and the FPC 1113a is positioned so as to follow the inner wall of the housing.

[0073] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, unlike the display device 1a, the display device 1b has a notch 1113 formed in its housing. The notch 1113 is formed on the opposite side from the heat dissipation mechanism 1111 in the front-to-back direction (direction of the Y1 axis), and for example, it is formed on the upper part of the other side of the housing. The notch 1113 may be formed on an R-shaped surface or a C-shaped surface.

[0074] In this example, the display device 1b is configured to be rotatable relative to the mounting surface of the dashboard 7 while mounted on the dashboard 7. As shown in Figure 11, the display device 1b can rotate about a rotation axis 1114 in the vertical direction (Z1 axis direction) that passes through the center position 1115 of the aperture that emits the image light (in other words, the center position of the part of the display panel 11 that emits the image light). The range of rotational angle of the display device 1b is, for example, -180° to +180° around the Z1 axis, with the angle when the display device 1b is mounted on the dashboard 7 so that the Y1 axis direction and the Y axis direction coincide when viewed from above and below being taken as 0°.

[0075] The display device 1b may be mounted on the dashboard 7 via an appropriate mounting member. Here, the mounting member can be configured to allow the display device 1b to be rotated about the Z1 axis and the X1 axis relative to the mounting surface on the dashboard 7.

[0076] Next, an example of the optical path when the display device 1b is installed in a commercial vehicle and a passenger car will be described. Figure 13 shows an example of the display device 1b being installed in a passenger car. As shown in Figure 13, the display device 1b is installed on the dashboard 7 such that the heat dissipation mechanism 1111 is located on the rear side (driver side) of the vehicle 2. That is, when viewed from above, the display device 1b is installed on the dashboard 7 such that the Y1 axis direction and the Y axis direction coincide, and the front of the housing is located on the rear side of the vehicle 2.

[0077] (1) The notch 1113 allows the display device 1b to be positioned closer to the windshield glass 3. In this way, in the vertical and longitudinal directions of the vehicle 2, the image light is emitted towards the upper front side of the display device 1b, and by positioning the display device 1b closer to the windshield glass 3, the image light emitted from the display device 1b is reflected well by the windshield glass 3, meaning that the driver's line of sight is not obstructed by the display device 1a, and the driver can see a display image 1303 with good visibility through an optical path 1301 suitable for viewing the image.

[0078] Furthermore, (2) because the notch 1113 is formed, the position of the display device 1b can be adjusted near the windshield glass 3 so as not to interfere with the windshield glass 3. This allows for good adjustment of the position of the displayed image 1303. For example, the position of the image display (in other words, the downward angle when viewing the image) can be good adjusted along the windshield glass 3 in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0079] Furthermore, (3) the notch 1113 prevents the driver's field of view 1305 from being narrowed. Also, (4) the center of gravity 1115 of the device is shifted towards the rear of the vehicle 2, and as a result, the posture of the display device 1b can be stabilized.

[0080] Furthermore, when the display device 1b is mounted on a commercial vehicle, the layout shown in Figure 7 can be used. In this configuration, the center of gravity of the device is shifted towards the front of the vehicle 2, which in turn stabilizes the posture of the display device 1b. Thus, the display device 1b has a structure that is designed for standardization.

[0081] Next, with reference to Figure 14, the advantages of installing the display device 1b in a commercial vehicle will be explained in detail. Figure 14(a) shows an example in which the display device 1a without a notch is placed in the layout shown in Figure 7. When the driver checks the area 1401 outside the vehicle 2 and below the windshield glass 3, the driver's line of sight 1402 may be obstructed by the display device 1a. As a result, for example, the driver may not be able to see this area which is prone to being a blind spot, and incidents such as objects in this area 1401 being caught in the vehicle may occur.

[0082] In contrast, Figure 14(b) shows an example in which the display device 1b with a notch 1113 is arranged in the layout shown in Figure 7. Since the display device 1b has a notch 1113, when the driver checks the area 1401 which is outside the vehicle 2 and below the windshield glass 3, the driver's line of sight 1403 is not obstructed by the display device 1b. Therefore, compared to the case of display device 1a, the driver is less likely to lose visibility of this area 1401.

[0083] Next, with reference to Figures 15 and 16, the driver's field of view when the display device 1b is installed in a commercial vehicle with a large incline in the windshield glass 3 will be described. As shown in Figure 15, the display device 1b is installed on the dashboard 7, and the display device 1b emits image light toward the windshield glass 3, allowing the driver to view the displayed image 1501.

[0084] As shown in Figure 16, the displayed image 1501 is the image obtained by rotating the image 1502 output to the display panel 11 by 180° around the vertical direction (Z1 axis) of the display device 1b. Therefore, in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) of the vehicle 2, the image output to the display panel 11 on the side closer to the driver becomes the upper image in the displayed image. Also, in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) of the vehicle 2, the image output to the display panel 11 on the side further from the driver becomes the lower image in the displayed image.

[0085] Next, with reference to Figures 17 and 18, the driver's field of view when the display device 1b is mounted on a passenger car with a small tilt of the windshield glass 3 will be described. Figures 17 and 18 show the display device 1b shown in Figures 15 and 16 above rotated 180° around the vertical direction (around the Z1 axis). As shown in Figure 17, the display device 1b is mounted on the dashboard 7, and the display device 1b emits image light toward the windshield glass 3, allowing the driver to view the displayed image 1701.

[0086] However, if the display device 1b is rotated 180° around the Z1 axis, as shown in Figure 18, the video 1702 output to the display panel 11 will also rotate 180° around the Z1 axis as a result of the rotation. Therefore, the displayed video will no longer be displayed correctly.

[0087] Therefore, the display device 1b rotates the video 1702 output to the display panel 11 by 180° around the Z1 axis, so that the displayed video rotates by 180° around a rotation axis passing through the center of the displayed video, and the video can be displayed suitably even when it is mounted on a vehicle that is switched between a commercial vehicle and a passenger vehicle.

[0088] Next, an example of rotating the image displayed on the display panel will be explained with reference to Figures 19 to 21. As shown in Figure 19, the display device 1b may be provided with a display switching button 1901 (button) that rotates the image output to the display panel 11 by 180° around the Z1 axis. The display switching button 1901 may be located on the top of the housing (the side where the image light is emitted). When a user such as a driver presses this display switching button 1901, the control unit 1010 of the display device 1b controls the image and rotates the image displayed on the display panel 11. This allows for the image to be displayed appropriately even when switching between being installed in commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles. In Figure 19, reference numeral 1902 indicates the position of the rotation center, and the position of the rotation center corresponds to the center position of the display. Reference numeral 1903 indicates the direction of rotation of the display, and it can be rotated by -180° or +180° around the Z1 axis.

[0089] Furthermore, the display device 1b may be equipped with an acceleration sensor 2001, and control may be performed using data acquired by the acceleration sensor 2001. Figures 20 and 21 show an example of controlling video using the acceleration sensor 2001.

[0090] Figure 20 shows an example of rotating the image displayed on the display panel 11 when the display device 1b is in the position of a passenger car (where the display device 1b is nearly parallel to the ground), using the position of a commercial vehicle, that is, an inclined position where the side with the heat dissipation mechanism 1111 is located lower than the side without the heat dissipation mechanism 1111, as a reference.

[0091] As shown in the left diagram of Figure 20, the orientation of the display device 1b in a commercial vehicle is used as the reference, and as shown in the right diagram of Figure 20, when the orientation of the display device 1b is changed to that of a passenger car, control may be performed to rotate the image displayed on the display panel 11 by 180° around the Z1 axis shown in Figure 11.

[0092] For example, when the display device 1b is installed in the orientation of a commercial vehicle, the control unit 1010 of the display device 1b presets the sensing value of the acceleration sensor 2001 as a reference tilt. Then, when the control unit 1010 of the display device 1b acquires a sensing value 2002 of the acceleration sensor 2001 that is a predetermined value greater than the preset sensing value of the acceleration sensor 2001, it may perform control to rotate the image displayed on the display panel 11 by 180° around the Z1 axis shown in Figure 11. By performing this control, the display image can be displayed appropriately even when switching from the orientation of the display device 1b mounted in a commercial vehicle to the orientation of the display device 1b mounted in a passenger car.

[0093] The predetermined value is set in advance as a value corresponding to the difference between the angle of inclination of the display device 1b relative to the ground when the display device 1b is mounted on a commercial vehicle and the angle of inclination of the display device 1b relative to the ground when the display device 1b is mounted on a passenger vehicle.

[0094] Figure 21 shows an example of rotating the image displayed on the display panel 11 when the display device 1b is in the position of a commercial vehicle (an inclined position in which the side with the heat dissipation mechanism 1111 is located is lower than the side without the heat dissipation mechanism 1111), using the passenger car position (the display device 1b is in a position that is approximately parallel or nearly parallel to the ground) as a reference.

[0095] As shown in the left diagram of Figure 21, the orientation of the display device 1b in a passenger car is used as the reference, and as shown in the right diagram of Figure 21, when the orientation of the display device 1b is changed to that of a commercial vehicle, control may be performed to rotate the image displayed on the display panel 11 by 180° around the Z1 axis shown in Figure 11.

[0096] For example, when the display device 1b is installed in the orientation of a passenger car, the control unit 1010 of the display device 1b presets the sensing value of the acceleration sensor 2001 as a reference tilt. Then, when the control unit 1010 of the display device 1b acquires a sensing value 2003 of the acceleration sensor 2001 that is a predetermined value greater than the preset sensing value of the acceleration sensor 2001, it may perform control to rotate the image displayed on the display panel 11 by 180° around the Z1 axis shown in Figure 11. By performing this control, the display image can be displayed appropriately even when switching from the orientation of the display device 1b mounted in a passenger car to the orientation of the display device 1b mounted in a commercial vehicle.

[0097] The predetermined value is set in advance as a value corresponding to the difference between the angle of inclination of the display device 1b relative to the ground when the display device 1b is mounted on a passenger car and the angle of inclination of the display device 1b relative to the ground when the display device 1b is mounted on a commercial vehicle.

[0098] Next, an example of button placement will be described with reference to Figures 22 and 23. As shown in Figure 22, in the front-rear, up-down, and left-right directions of the vehicle 2, the buttons 2201 may, for example, be placed on the upper rear side of the housing of the display device 1b. However, if the buttons are placed on the upper front or upper rear side of the housing, when the orientation of the display device 1b is switched, the buttons 2201 will be located on the windshield glass 3 side, making it difficult for the driver or others to operate the buttons 2201. Therefore, as shown in Figure 23, the buttons 2201 may, for example, be placed on the upper central side of the housing. The buttons 2201 may also be placed, for example, on the left and right sides of the display panel 11. In this case, when switching between installations in commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles, the buttons 2201 will not move closer to or further away from the driver, allowing for convenient operation.

[0099] Next, an example of installing the display device 1b in conjunction with a device 2401 such as a smartphone or tablet will be described. The device 2401 includes a control unit, main memory, auxiliary memory, display unit 2402 (for example, a display surface), communication unit, etc., and is configured to communicate with the display device 1b. As an example, the display device 1b and the device may communicate using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0100] The device 2401 has an application installed for operation. The application may be pre-stored on the device 2401. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 25, when communication between the display device 1b and the device 2401 begins, or when the display device 1b is started up, the display device 1b may display a QR code 2501 on the display panel 11 that contains the URL of a website from which to download the application. The user can then read the QR code 2501 with the device 2401 and download the application to the device 2401.

[0101] Figure 24 shows an example of a user interface (UI) for inputting an application screen displayed on the display unit 2402 of the device 2401. For example, application screen 2411 includes user instructions 2412 and a schematic diagram of a vehicle type 2413, displaying a screen that allows the user to select which vehicle type is equipped with the display device 1b from the schematic diagram 2413. Here, application screen 2411 may also display a scroll bar 2414 used for vehicle selection. Based on the displayed screen, the user can select the vehicle type equipped with the display device 1b and input this selection into the device 2401. Similarly, application screen 2421 displays a screen including user instructions 2422 and an input field 2423 for inputting the vehicle type equipped with the display device 1b. The user can input the vehicle type equipped with the display device 1b into the device 2401 using the device's operating device (operation buttons, touch panel, etc.).

[0102] When the user selects or enters a vehicle model, the application screen displays information for installing the display device 1b in that vehicle model. Next, an example of an application screen related to the output displayed on the display unit 2402 of the device 2401 will be described with reference to Figures 26 to 30.

[0103] As shown in Figure 26, the application screen includes, for example, instructions to the user 2612 and a schematic diagram 2613 showing the display device 1b in a properly installed state. Here, the schematic diagram 2613 may, for example, be a schematic diagram showing the display device 1b, the dashboard 7, and the windshield glass 3 from the user's perspective.

[0104] As shown in the left diagram of Figure 27, the application screen, as an example, includes instructions for the user 2712 and a schematic diagram 2713a showing the display device 1b before installation. Note that this schematic diagram 2713a may include an arrow indicating the direction in which the display device 1b is installed. Furthermore, as shown in the right diagram of Figure 27, the application screen, as an example, includes instructions for the user 2712 and a schematic diagram 2713b showing the display device 1b after installation.

[0105] Here, the schematic diagrams (2713a, 2713b) may, for example, be schematic diagrams showing the display device 1b and the dashboard 7 from the width direction of the vehicle 2. The schematic diagrams (2713a, 2713b) may also include information indicating the direction in which the windshield glass 3 is positioned and the direction in which the driver's seat is positioned. The application screen may also display the schematic diagram 2713a before installation and the schematic diagram 2713b after installation alternately and continuously. By checking the schematic diagrams (2713a, 2713b) before and after installation, the user can easily understand how to position the display device 1b.

[0106] The application screens described in Figures 26 and 27 may, as an example, be generated based on the processing described later.

[0107] Furthermore, the current installation status of the display device 1b may be displayed on the application screen, and in conjunction with this, information indicating the direction in which to rotate the display device 1b around the X1 axis in order to adjust the angle of the display panel 11 relative to the windshield glass 3 may also be displayed on the application screen.

[0108] Furthermore, information such as the direction in which the display device 1b is rotated and the rotation angle of the display device 1b may be obtained using the acceleration sensor 2001 provided by the display device 1b, as will be explained in detail later.

[0109] As shown in Figure 28, the application screen may include, for example, instructions to the user 2812 and a schematic diagram 2813 showing the current installation status of the display device 1b. The schematic diagram 2813 may, for example, be a schematic diagram showing the display device 1b, the dashboard 7, and the windshield glass 3 from the user's perspective. This schematic diagram 2813 may include an arrow 2814 indicating the direction in which to rotate the display device 1b around the X1 axis shown in Figure 11 in order to properly adjust the angle of the display panel 11 relative to the windshield glass 3.

[0110] Furthermore, the application screen may, for example, display text indicating the direction in which to rotate the display device 1b instead of the arrow 2814. For example, the application screen may display the text, "Tilt the device so that the display surface faces the glass side." Alternatively, the application screen may, for example, display the angle at which to rotate the display device 1b as a numerical value.

[0111] As shown in the left diagram of Figure 29, the application screen includes, as an example, instructions to the user 2912 and a schematic diagram 2913a showing the display device 1b before rotation begins. Also, as shown in the right diagram of Figure 29, the application screen includes, as an example, instructions to the user 2912 and a schematic diagram 2913b showing the status of the display device 1b during rotation. Note that the schematic diagrams (2913a, 2913b) may include an arrow 2914 indicating the direction in which the display device 1b is rotated around the X1 axis shown in Figure 11.

[0112] Here, the schematic diagrams (2913a, 2913b) may, for example, be schematic diagrams showing the display device 1b and the dashboard 7 from the width direction of the vehicle 2. Also, the schematic diagrams (2913a, 2913b) may include information indicating the direction in which the windshield glass 3 is positioned and the direction in which the driver's seat is positioned. Furthermore, the application screen may alternately and continuously display schematic diagram 2913a of the display device 1b before rotation and schematic diagram 2913b of the display device 1b during rotation. By checking this display, the user can easily understand the direction in which to rotate the display device 1b.

[0113] When the display device 1b is properly installed, or when the display device 1b is properly installed after being rotated around the X1 axis, information indicating that the display device 1b is properly installed may be output to the application screen, as shown in Figure 30. This application screen may include, for example, the characters 3001 and the mark 3002 indicating that it is properly installed. For example, when the display device 1b is properly installed, the words "SUCCESS!!" and a mark indicating that the installation is proper (in this example, a check mark) may be displayed on the application screen, and the user can recognize that the display device 1b is properly installed by checking the screen.

[0114] Furthermore, it is sufficient to make the user aware that the display device 1b has been properly installed, and the display mode may be changed. For example, the word "OK" may be displayed. In addition, notification that the display device 1b has been properly installed may be given through voice output, vibration of the device, etc.

[0115] Next, with reference to Figure 31, an example of a database used in the process of generating the application's output screen will be described. As shown in Figure 31, the database (data table) has fields such as ID, vehicle name, vehicle classification, windshield glass tilt, device orientation, device angle, and registration date, and the corresponding values ​​or content are stored in the records.

[0116] Here, ID is the record identification number. Vehicle name is the vehicle name, the official manufacturer name, or an abbreviation. Vehicle classification is a general classification of the vehicle. Glass tilt is the elevation angle of the windshield glass 3 from the ground. Device orientation is the recommended orientation of the display device 1b. For example, with respect to the display panel 11, the orientation in which the heat dissipation mechanism 1111 is positioned towards the windshield glass 3 is Pattern A, and the orientation in which the heat dissipation mechanism 1111 is positioned towards the driver is Pattern B.

[0117] The device angle is the recommended installation angle for the device, and for example, it is the angle indicating the tilt of the display panel 11 relative to the ground. For example, a value is entered where the counterclockwise rotation angle relative to the X-axis (width direction of the vehicle 2) in the device orientation defined in the record is considered positive. The registration date is the date of registration in the database.

[0118] For example, when a user enters "Aurora" on the application screen, the database field "Vehicle Name" is referenced, the "Device Orientation" and "Device Angle" fields within the matching record are referenced, and the corresponding screen is generated.

[0119] Furthermore, if an ambiguous vehicle search is entered, such as the one shown in the left diagram of Figure 24, the "Device Orientation" field may be referenced and aggregated for all records in the database that match the "Vehicle Classification" field, and a screen corresponding to the record with the most frequent device orientation may be generated. Alternatively, the "Device Angle" field may be referenced for all records in the database that match the "Vehicle Classification" field, the "Device Angle" may be averaged, and a screen corresponding to the record with the closest device angle may be generated.

[0120] Furthermore, the direction in which the display device 1b is rotated, and the rotation angle of the display device 1b, can be determined, for example, from the difference between the angle of the display device 1b relative to the ground, based on the acceleration sensor 2001 mounted on the display device 1b, and the device angle.

[0121] The display device 1b may store a database, and the control unit 1010 of the display device 1b may use this database to generate the application's output screen. Alternatively, the device 2401 may store a database, and the control unit of the device 2401 may use this database to generate the application's output screen. Here, the device 2401 may acquire data from the acceleration sensor 2001 from the display device 1b via communication. Furthermore, the control unit 1010 of the display device 1b and the control unit of the device 2401 may cooperate in processing.

[0122] Next, an example of the content displayed by the display device 1b will be described with reference to Figure 32. The content displayed by the display device 1b includes, as an example, various types of information (3201-3207).

[0123] Information 3201 is real-time information about the direction to proceed and is displayed by an icon. In the example in Figure 32, the current instruction is to turn left. For example, if the instruction is to go straight, an upward-pointing arrow is displayed from the driver's perspective, and if the instruction is to turn right, a right-pointing arrow is displayed from the driver's perspective.

[0124] Information 3202 is the real-time vehicle speed, and in the example in Figure 32, it shows that the current vehicle speed is 100 km / h.

[0125] Information 3203 is information about road signs corresponding to the current vehicle position. This information includes icons for, for example, guide signs, warning signs, regulatory signs, and instructional signs. In the example in Figure 32, an icon for a regulatory sign indicating a speed limit of 100 km / h is displayed.

[0126] Information 3204 is information regarding the shift position of vehicle 2, and in the example in Figure 32, "D" is displayed, which represents drive.

[0127] Information 3205 is information regarding the name of the point (intersection or destination) to be reached in the future. As shown in Figure 32, the actual intersection name or destination name is displayed in the format "Road name ○▽□".

[0128] Information 3206 is information regarding the direction of travel at the point indicated by the information. In the example in Figure 32, the instruction to turn left at “Road name ○▽□” is displayed.

[0129] Information 3207 is information about the remaining distance to the point indicated by the information, and in the example in Figure 32, it shows that it is 10.00 km to the road name ○▽□”.

[0130] Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes various modifications and equivalent configurations within the spirit of the attached claims. For example, the embodiments described above are described in detail for the purpose of explaining the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to having all the configurations described. Also, for example, some of the configurations of the embodiments may be added, deleted, or replaced with other configurations.

[0131] A display device 1b installed in a commercial vehicle may be removed, its orientation changed, and then installed in a passenger vehicle. Similarly, a display device 1b installed in a passenger vehicle may be removed, its orientation changed, and then installed in a commercial vehicle. Therefore, it is sufficient that a notch 1113 is formed in the display device 1b, and good commonality can be achieved even if the display device 1b is not configured to be rotatable around the Z1 axis.

[0132] For example, the display device 1b may be connected to the controller of the vehicle 2, and the controller of the vehicle 2 may share in the operation of a portion of the display device 1b as described above.

[0133] The technology described in this embodiment provides a display device that can display a good virtual image, reducing the driver's eye movement and contributing to safe driving, thereby preventing traffic accidents. This contributes to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, "Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all." [Explanation of Symbols]

[0134] 1. Display device (virtual image display device) 11 Display Panel 20 light source

Claims

1. A display device that is installed on the dashboard of a vehicle and projects image light toward the windshield glass, The housing of the aforementioned display device has a notch formed in it. A display device characterized by the following features.

2. A display device according to claim 1, A heat dissipation mechanism used for cooling the light source is arranged on one side of the housing in the front-to-back direction. The notch is formed on the other side of the housing in the front-rear direction. A display device characterized by the following features.

3. A display device according to claim 1, The aforementioned display device is The housing is rotatable around a rotation axis whose axial direction is in the width direction. A display device characterized by the following features.

4. A display device according to claim 1, The aforementioned display device is The housing is rotatable around a rotation axis with the vertical direction as its axis. A display device characterized by the following features.

5. A display device according to claim 1, A button is located on the housing that, when operated, rotates the displayed image 180° around a rotation axis passing through the center of the displayed image. A display device characterized by the following features.

6. A display device according to claim 1, The aforementioned display device is Equipped with an accelerometer, When the acceleration sensor acquires a sensing value that is a predetermined value greater than a preset sensing value, the display image is rotated 180° around a rotation axis passing through the center of the display image. A display device characterized by the following features.

7. The display device according to claim 1, The aforementioned display device and a device capable of communicating with it, Equipped with, The aforementioned device is The device displays information on the display unit for installing the display device on the vehicle model entered by the user. A system characterized by the following features.

8. The system according to claim 7, The aforementioned device is The information includes, alternately and continuously, a schematic diagram of the display device before installation and a schematic diagram of the display device after installation. A system characterized by the following features.

9. The system according to claim 7, The aforementioned device is The aforementioned information includes information that rotates the display device around a rotation axis with the width direction of the housing as the axial direction. A system characterized by the following features.

10. The system according to claim 7, The aforementioned device is When the display device is properly installed, it displays information indicating that the display device is properly installed. A system characterized by the following features.

Images