Head-up display for vehicle and head-up display system for vehicle

Abstract

To provide a vehicle head-up display which makes dust or dirt less likely to accumulate on a transparent cover.SOLUTION: A vehicle head-up display (42) configured to display a predetermined image to an occupant of the vehicle includes: a housing (422) that is open upward; a transparent cover (423) that covers the opening of the housing (422); an image generation unit having an image generation section (424) which is provided inside an accommodation portion (S1) formed by the housing (422) and the transparent cover and emits light for generating the predetermined image, and reflection part (428) which reflects light so that the light emitted by the image generation section (424) is radiated to a windshield (18); and a cleaner (50) that cleans an outer surface of the transparent cover (423).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a head-up display for a vehicle and a head-up display system for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a head-up display equipped with an optical system for displaying a three-dimensional virtual image using a transparent display medium. This head-up display projects light onto the windshield within the driver's field of vision. Some of the projected light passes through the windshield, while another part is reflected by the windshield. This reflected light is directed toward the driver's eyes. The driver perceives the reflected light as a virtual image that looks like an object on the other side of the windshield (outside the car) against the background of real objects seen through the windshield. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-45103 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a head-up display that displays an image on the windshield as in Patent Document 1, the transparent cover is installed facing upwards. If dust or dirt accumulates on the transparent cover, the image cannot be displayed properly on the windshield. The present invention provides a head-up display for a vehicle in which dust and dirt are less likely to accumulate on a transparent cover. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A head-up display for a vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention includes: A head-up display provided in a vehicle and configured to display a predetermined image toward an occupant of the vehicle, A housing having an upward opening; a transparent cover for covering the opening of the housing; an image generating unit provided inside a storage portion formed by the housing and the transparent cover, the image generating unit having an image generating portion that emits light for generating the predetermined image, and a reflecting portion that reflects the light emitted by the image generating portion so that the light is irradiated onto a windshield; A cleaner is provided for cleaning the exterior surface of the crystal.

[0006] A head-up display for a vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention includes: A head-up display provided in a vehicle and configured to display a predetermined image toward an occupant of the vehicle, an image generating unit that emits light for generating the predetermined image; A reflecting unit including at least a concave mirror that irradiates the light emitted by the image generating unit onto a windshield; A shade portion capable of blocking light from entering the image generating portion, The shade portion is a closed position that blocks an optical path between the image generating unit and the concave mirror; and an open position in which the optical path between the image generating unit and the concave mirror is not blocked.

[0007] A head-up display system for a vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: A head-up display system for a vehicle configured to be provided in a vehicle and to display a predetermined image toward an occupant of the vehicle, A detection unit that detects an object based on information acquired from an on-vehicle sensor and identifies a position of the object; A determination unit that determines whether the object is located outside a blind spot of a driver; The image output unit generates an image showing the object and displays it on a display unit when the determination unit acquires a signal indicating that the object is within the blind spot.

[0008] A head-up display system for a vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: A head-up display system for a vehicle configured to be provided in a vehicle and to display a predetermined image toward an occupant of the vehicle, A camera for acquiring information about the surroundings of the vehicle; a windshield or combiner for displaying images acquired from the cameras; A detection unit that detects an object based on information acquired from an on-vehicle sensor and identifies a position of the object; a determination unit that determines whether the object is located in an area that cannot be viewed by the camera; The image output unit generates an image showing the object and displays it on the windshield or the combiner when the judgment unit acquires a signal indicating that the object is in an area that cannot be seen by the camera. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, a head-up display for a vehicle is provided in which dust and dirt are less likely to accumulate on a transparent cover. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle system including a head-up display (HUD) for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a HUD according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a top view of the HUD. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a HUD according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing the cover member in a closed state. [Figure 6] 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 of a HUD according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a vehicle system including a HUD system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a HUD according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] A top view of a vehicle entering between two buildings onto the road ahead. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart executed by the HUD system. [Figure 11] 1 shows a windshield on which an image is displayed by a HUD. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as the present embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. For the sake of convenience of explanation, the dimensions of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions of each component.

[0012] In addition, in the description of this embodiment, for convenience of description, the "left-right direction", "up-down direction", and "front-rear direction" may be referred to as appropriate. These directions are relative directions set for the HUD (Head-Up Display) 42 shown in FIG. 2. Here, the "left-right direction" is a direction including the "left direction" and the "right direction". The "up-down direction" is a direction including the "upward direction" and the "downward direction". The "front-rear direction" is a direction including the "forward direction" and the "rearward direction". Although the left-right direction is not shown in FIG. 2, it is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-rear direction.

[0013] First, a vehicle system 2 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the vehicle system 2. A vehicle 1 equipped with the vehicle system 2 is a vehicle (automobile) capable of running in an autonomous driving mode.

[0014] 1, the vehicle system 2 includes a vehicle control unit 3, a vehicle display system 4 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "display system 4"), a sensor 5, a camera 6, and a radar 7. The vehicle system 2 further includes an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 8, a GPS (Global Positioning System) 9, a wireless communication unit 10, a storage device 11, a steering actuator 12, a steering device 13, a brake actuator 14, a brake device 15, an accelerator actuator 16, and an accelerator device 17.

[0015] The vehicle control unit 3 is configured to control the running of the vehicle. The vehicle control unit 3 is configured, for example, by at least one electronic control unit (ECU: Electronic Control Unit). The electronic control unit includes a computer system (for example, SoC (System on a Chip) or the like) including one or more processors and one or more memories, and an electronic circuit configured of active elements such as transistors and passive elements. The processor includes, for example, at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit). The CPU may be configured by multiple CPU cores. The GPU may be configured by multiple GPU cores. The memory includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). A vehicle control program may be stored in the ROM. For example, the vehicle control program may include an artificial intelligence (AI) program for autonomous driving. The AI ​​program is a program (trained model) constructed by supervised or unsupervised machine learning (particularly, deep learning) using a multi-layer neural network. The RAM may temporarily store a vehicle control program, vehicle control data, and / or surrounding environment information indicating the surrounding environment of the vehicle. The processor may be configured to load a program specified from various vehicle control programs stored in the ROM onto the RAM and execute various processes in cooperation with the RAM. The computer system may also be configured with a non-von Neumann type computer such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The computer system may also be configured with a combination of a von Neumann type computer and a non-von Neumann type computer.

[0016] The display system 4 includes a headlamp 20 , a road surface drawing device 45 , a HUD 42 , and a display control unit 43 .

[0017] The headlamps 20 are disposed on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle, and include a low beam lamp configured to irradiate a low beam ahead of the vehicle, and a high beam lamp configured to irradiate a high beam ahead of the vehicle 1. Each of the low beam lamp and the high beam lamp has one or more light-emitting elements such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or an LD (Laser Diode), and optical members such as a lens and a reflector.

[0018] The road surface drawing device 45 is disposed in the lamp chamber of the headlamp 20. The road surface drawing device 45 is configured to emit a light pattern toward a road surface outside the vehicle. The road surface drawing device 45 has, for example, a light source unit, a drive mirror, an optical system such as a lens and a mirror, a light source drive circuit, and a mirror drive circuit. The light source unit is a laser light source or an LED light source. For example, the laser light source is an RGB laser light source configured to emit red laser light, green laser light, and blue laser light, respectively. The drive mirror is, for example, a MEMS (MicroElectroMechanical Systems) mirror, a DMD (Digital Mirror Device), a galvanometer mirror, a polygon mirror, or the like. The light source drive circuit is configured to drive and control the light source unit. The light source driving circuit is configured to generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the light source unit based on a signal related to a predetermined light pattern transmitted from the display control unit 43, and then transmit the generated control signal to the light source unit. The mirror driving circuit is configured to drive and control the driving mirror. The mirror driving circuit is configured to generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the driving mirror based on a signal related to a predetermined light pattern transmitted from the display control unit 43, and then transmit the generated control signal to the driving mirror. When the light source unit is an RGB laser light source, the road surface drawing device 45 can draw light patterns of various colors on the road surface by scanning the laser light. For example, the light pattern may be an arrow-shaped light pattern indicating the traveling direction of the vehicle.

[0019] The drawing method of the road surface drawing device 45 may be a raster scan method, a DLP (Digital Light Processing) method, or an LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) method. When the DLP method or the LCOS method is adopted, the light source unit may be an LED light source. The projection method may be adopted as the drawing method of the road surface drawing device. When the projection method is adopted, the light source unit may be a plurality of LED light sources arranged in a matrix. The road surface drawing device 45 may be disposed in the lamp chambers of the left and right headlamps, respectively, or may be disposed on the vehicle roof, bumper, or grille.

[0020] At least a part of the HUD 42 is located inside the vehicle. Specifically, the HUD 42 is installed at a predetermined location inside the vehicle. For example, the HUD 42 may be disposed inside the dashboard of the vehicle. The HUD 42 functions as a visual interface between the vehicle and the occupant. The HUD 42 is configured to display predetermined information (hereinafter, referred to as HUD information) toward the occupant so that the HUD information is superimposed on the real space outside the vehicle (particularly, the surrounding environment in front of the vehicle). In this way, the HUD 42 functions as an AR (Augmented Reality) display. The HUD information displayed by the HUD 42 is, for example, vehicle driving information related to the driving of the vehicle and / or surrounding environment information related to the surrounding environment of the vehicle (particularly, information related to an object existing outside the vehicle).

[0021] 2, the HUD 42 includes a HUD main body 420. The HUD main body 420 includes a housing 422 and an exit window 423. The exit window 423 is a transparent plate that transmits visible light. Inside the housing 422, the HUD main body 420 includes an image generating unit (PGU: Picture Generation Unit) 424, a control board (an example of a control unit) 425, a lens 426, a screen 427, and a concave mirror (an example of a reflecting unit) 428.

[0022] The image generating unit 424 has a light source, optical components, and a display device. The light source is, for example, a laser light source or an LED light source. The laser light source is, for example, an RGB laser light source configured to emit red laser light, green laser light, and blue laser light, respectively. The optical components include a prism, a lens, a diffusion plate, a magnifying glass, and the like as appropriate. The display device is a liquid crystal display, a DMD (Digital Mirror Device), and the like. The drawing method of the image generating unit 424 may be a raster scan method, a DLP method, or an LCOS method. When the DLP method or the LCOS method is adopted, the light source of the HUD 42 may be an LED light source. Note that, when the liquid crystal display method is adopted, the light source of the HUD 42 may be a white LED light source.

[0023] The control board 425 is configured to control the operations of the image generating unit 424, the lens 426, and the screen 427. The control board 425 is equipped with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory, and the processor executes a computer program read from the memory to control the operations of the image generating unit 424, the lens 426, and the screen 427. The control board 425 is configured to generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the image generating unit 424 based on the image data transmitted from the display control unit 43, and then transmit the generated control signal to the image generating unit 424. The control board 425 is also configured to generate each control signal for adjusting the positions of the lens 426 and the screen 427 based on the image data transmitted from the display control unit 43, and then transmit the generated control signal to the lens 426 and the screen 427, respectively. The control board 425 may also control the concave mirror 428 to change its orientation.

[0024] Lens 426 is disposed on the optical path of light emitted from image generating unit 424. Lens 426 includes, for example, a convex lens, and is configured to project the image generated by image generating unit 424 onto screen 427 at a desired size. Lens 426 also includes a drive unit, and is configured to be able to change the distance from image generating unit 424 by translating at a short response speed in response to a control signal generated by control board 425.

[0025] The screen 427 is disposed on the optical path of the light emitted from the image generating unit 424. The light emitted from the image generating unit 424 passes through the lens 426 and is projected onto the screen 427. The screen 427 also includes a drive unit, and is configured to be able to change the distance between the image generating unit 424 and the lens 426 by translating the screen 427 at a short response speed in response to a control signal generated by the control board 425. The image generating unit 424 may include the lens 426 and the screen 427. Furthermore, the lens 426 and the screen 427 do not necessarily have to be provided.

[0026] The concave mirror 428 is disposed on the optical path of the light emitted from the image generating unit 424. The concave mirror 428 reflects the light emitted by the image generating unit 424 and transmitted through the lens 426 and the screen 427 toward the windshield 18. The concave mirror 428 has a reflective surface curved concavely to form a virtual image, and reflects the light image formed on the screen 427 at a predetermined magnification.

[0027] The light emitted from the HUD main body 420 is irradiated onto the windshield 18 (for example, the front window of the vehicle 1). Next, a portion of the light irradiated from the HUD main body 420 onto the windshield 18 is reflected toward the occupant's viewpoint E. As a result, the occupant recognizes the light (predetermined image) emitted from the HUD main body 420 as a virtual image formed at a predetermined distance in front of the windshield 18. In this way, the image displayed by the HUD 42 is superimposed on the real space in front of the vehicle 1 through the windshield 18, so that the occupant can visually recognize the virtual image object I formed by the predetermined image as floating above the road located outside the vehicle.

[0028] In addition, the distance of the virtual image object I (the distance from the occupant's viewpoint E to the virtual image) can be appropriately adjusted by adjusting the positions of the lens 426 and the screen 427. When forming a 2D image (planar image) as the virtual image object I, a predetermined image is projected so as to become a virtual image at a single distance that is arbitrarily determined. When forming a 3D image (stereoscopic image) as the virtual image object I, a plurality of predetermined images that are the same or different from each other are projected so as to become virtual images at different distances.

[0029] The display control unit 43 is configured to control the operations of the road surface drawing device 45, the headlamp 20, and the HUD 42. The display control unit 43 is configured by an electronic control unit (ECU). The electronic control unit includes a computer system (e.g., SoC, etc.) including one or more processors and one or more memories, and an electronic circuit configured of active elements such as transistors and passive elements. The processor includes at least one of a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, and a TPU. The memory includes a ROM and a RAM. The computer system may also be configured by a non-von Neumann type computer such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0030] In this embodiment, the vehicle control unit 3 and the display control unit 43 are provided as separate components, but the vehicle control unit 3 and the display control unit 43 may be configured as an integrated unit. In this regard, the display control unit 43 and the vehicle control unit 3 may be configured as a single electronic control unit. Furthermore, the display control unit 43 may be configured by two electronic control units, an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the headlamp 20 and the road surface drawing device 45, and an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the HUD 42. Furthermore, the control board 425 that controls the operation of the HUD 42 may be configured as a part of the display control unit 43.

[0031] The sensor 5 includes at least one of an acceleration sensor, a speed sensor, and a gyro sensor. The sensor 5 is configured to detect the driving state of the vehicle and output driving state information to the vehicle control unit 3. The sensor 5 may further include a seating sensor that detects whether the driver is sitting in the driver's seat, a face direction sensor that detects the direction of the driver's face, an external weather sensor that detects the external weather conditions, and a human presence sensor that detects whether a person is inside the vehicle.

[0032] The camera 6 is a camera including an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The camera 6 includes one or more external cameras 6A and an internal camera 6B. The external camera 6A is configured to acquire image data showing the surrounding environment of the vehicle and then transmit the image data to the vehicle control unit 3. The vehicle control unit 3 acquires surrounding environment information based on the transmitted image data. Here, the surrounding environment information may include information on objects (pedestrians, other vehicles, signs, etc.) existing outside the vehicle. For example, the surrounding environment information may include information on attributes of objects existing outside the vehicle and information on the distance and position of the objects relative to the vehicle. The external camera 6A may be configured as a monocular camera or as a stereo camera.

[0033] The internal camera 6B is disposed inside the vehicle and configured to acquire image data showing the occupant. The internal camera 6B functions as a tracking camera that tracks the occupant's viewpoint E. Here, the occupant's viewpoint E may be either the viewpoint of the left eye or the viewpoint of the right eye of the occupant. Alternatively, the viewpoint E may be defined as the midpoint of a line segment connecting the viewpoint of the left eye and the viewpoint of the right eye. The display control unit 43 may identify the position of the occupant's viewpoint E based on the image data acquired by the internal camera 6B. The position of the occupant's viewpoint E may be updated at a predetermined cycle based on the image data, or may be determined only once when the vehicle is started.

[0034] The radar 7 includes at least one of a millimeter wave radar, a microwave radar, and a laser radar (e.g., a LiDAR unit). For example, the LiDAR unit is configured to detect the surrounding environment of the vehicle. In particular, the LiDAR unit is configured to obtain 3D mapping data (point cloud data) indicating the surrounding environment of the vehicle, and then transmit the 3D mapping data to the vehicle control unit 3. The vehicle control unit 3 identifies surrounding environment information based on the transmitted 3D mapping data.

[0035] The HMI 8 is composed of an input unit that accepts input operations from the driver, and an output unit that outputs driving information and the like to the driver. The input unit includes a steering wheel, an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, a driving mode changeover switch that changes the driving mode of the vehicle, and the like. The output unit is a display (excluding the HUD) that displays various driving information. The GPS 9 is configured to acquire current location information of the vehicle and output the acquired current location information to the vehicle control unit 3.

[0036] The wireless communication unit 10 is configured to receive information (e.g., travel information, etc.) about other vehicles around the vehicle from the other vehicles and transmit information (e.g., travel information, etc.) about the vehicle to the other vehicles (vehicle-to-vehicle communication). The wireless communication unit 10 is also configured to receive infrastructure information from infrastructure equipment such as traffic lights and marker lights and transmit travel information of the vehicle 1 to the infrastructure equipment (road-to-vehicle communication). The wireless communication unit 10 is also configured to receive information about pedestrians from portable electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, wearable devices, etc.) carried by pedestrians and transmit vehicle travel information of the vehicle to the portable electronic device (pedestrian-to-vehicle communication). The vehicle may directly communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure equipment, or portable electronic devices in an ad-hoc mode, or may communicate via an access point. The vehicle may also communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure equipment, or portable electronic devices via a communication network not shown. The communication network includes at least one of the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and a radio access network (RAN). The wireless communication standard is, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), LPWA, DSRC (registered trademark), or Li-Fi. The vehicle 1 may also communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure equipment, or portable electronic devices using a fifth generation mobile communication system (5G).

[0037] The storage device 11 is an external storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). Two-dimensional or three-dimensional map information and / or a vehicle control program may be stored in the storage device 11. For example, the three-dimensional map information may be composed of 3D mapping data (point cloud data). The storage device 11 is configured to output the map information and the vehicle control program to the vehicle control device 3 in response to a request from the vehicle control device 3. The map information and the vehicle control program may be updated via the wireless communication unit 10 and a communication network.

[0038] When the vehicle runs in the autonomous driving mode, the vehicle control unit 3 automatically generates at least one of a steering control signal, an accelerator control signal, and a brake control signal based on the driving state information, the surrounding environment information, the current position information, the map information, and the like. The steering actuator 12 is configured to receive the steering control signal from the vehicle control unit 3 and control the steering device 13 based on the received steering control signal. The brake actuator 14 is configured to receive the brake control signal from the vehicle control unit 3 and control the brake device 15 based on the received brake control signal. The accelerator actuator 16 is configured to receive the accelerator control signal from the vehicle control unit 3 and control the accelerator device 17 based on the received accelerator control signal. In this way, the vehicle control unit 3 automatically controls the running of the vehicle based on the driving state information, the surrounding environment information, the current position information, the map information, and the like. That is, in the autonomous driving mode, the running of the vehicle is automatically controlled by the vehicle system 2.

[0039] On the other hand, when the vehicle 1 runs in the manual driving mode, the vehicle control unit 3 generates a steering control signal, an accelerator control signal, and a brake control signal in accordance with the driver's manual operation of the accelerator pedal, the brake pedal, and the steering wheel. In this way, in the manual driving mode, the steering control signal, the accelerator control signal, and the brake control signal are generated by the driver's manual operation, so that the running of the vehicle is controlled by the driver.

[0040] Next, the driving modes of the vehicle will be described. The driving modes include an automatic driving mode and a manual driving mode. The automatic driving modes include a fully automatic driving mode, an advanced driving assistance mode, and a driving assistance mode. In the fully automatic driving mode, the vehicle system 2 automatically performs all driving control, including steering control, braking control, and accelerator control, and the driver is not in a state where he can drive the vehicle. In the advanced driving assistance mode, the vehicle system 2 automatically performs all driving control, including steering control, braking control, and accelerator control, and the driver is in a state where he can drive the vehicle but does not drive the vehicle 1. In the driving assistance mode, the vehicle system 2 automatically performs some driving control, including steering control, braking control, and accelerator control, and the driver drives the vehicle under the driving assistance of the vehicle system 2. On the other hand, in the manual driving mode, the vehicle system 2 does not automatically perform driving control, and the driver drives the vehicle without the driving assistance of the vehicle system 2.

[0041] In this manner, the HUD 42 of the present embodiment is provided in the vehicle 1 and configured to display a predetermined image toward the occupant of the vehicle 1. The HUD 42 includes an image generating unit having a housing 422 that opens upward, an exit window 423 (transparent cover) that covers the opening of the housing 422, an image generating unit 424 that is provided inside an image forming chamber S1 (accommodation section) formed by the housing 422 and the exit window 423 and that emits light for generating a predetermined image, and a reflecting unit 428 that reflects the light emitted by the image generating unit 424 so that the light is irradiated onto the windshield 18.

[0042] The HUD 42 of this embodiment further has a cleaner 50 for cleaning the outer surface of the exit window 423. The cleaner 50 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Note that the left side in Figure 2 is the windshield 18 side, and the right side is the driver's seat side. Figure 3 is a top view of the HUD 42.

[0043] The cleaner 50 of this embodiment is a blowing mechanism that blows air onto the outer surface of the exit window 423. The cleaner 50 of this embodiment is an air blower that continuously blows air. The cleaner 50 includes a blower 51, a nozzle 52, and an air guide tube 53. The blower 51 includes a flow straightener 54, an impeller 55, and a motor 56. The airflow generated by the blower 51 is guided to the nozzle 52 via the air guide tube 53, and air is blown from the nozzle 52 onto the outer surface of the exit window 423.

[0044] Blower 51 is provided inside housing 422. Straightener 54 is separated by a partition wall 429 from image formation chamber S1 in which image generator 424, concave mirror 428, etc. are provided. Straightener 54 is provided with impeller 55 and a rotating shaft. An intake port 57 for taking in air from the outside to straightener 54 is provided in a wall of housing 422 that separates straightener 54 from the outside.

[0045] The impeller 55 is rotatably supported by the rectifier 54. The rotating shaft of the impeller 55 is supported by the wall of the housing 422. The rotating shaft of the impeller 55 is connected to the output shaft of the motor 56. When the motor 56 is driven, the impeller 55 rotates. The air flows away from the rotating shaft by centrifugal force caused by the impeller 55, and the air pressed against the rectifier 54 is rectified along the inner wall of the rectifier 54, and the rectified air passes through the air guide tube 53 and is discharged from the nozzle 52. Also, new air flows into the rectifier 54 from the inlet 57.

[0046] Incidentally, since HUD 42 irradiates light onto windshield 18 from below, the outer surface of exit window 423 faces upward. For this reason, dirt such as dust and dirt is likely to accumulate on the outer surface of exit window 423. In addition, exit window 423 faces the narrow space between windshield 18, which is far from the driver's seat, and the dashboard of vehicle 1. For this reason, air flow is unlikely to occur near exit window 423, and dirt is more likely to accumulate. Furthermore, since this exit window 423 is often provided in a position close to the windshield 18, that is, in a position far from the driver's seat, it is difficult for the occupant to notice that dirt has accumulated on the exit window 423. Also, since it is located far from the driver's seat, it is difficult for the occupant to have the will to clean the exit window 423. If dirt remains accumulated on the exit window 423, the light reflected by the concave mirror 428 will be blocked or diffused by the dirt on the exit window 423, making it impossible to display on the windshield 18 with the desired light intensity.

[0047] The inventor realized that dirt easily accumulates on the exit window 423 of the HUD 42, and that there are few opportunities to remove the accumulated dirt. Therefore, he came up with the idea of ​​incorporating a cleaner 50 for cleaning the outer surface of the exit window 423 into the HUD 42. Since the cleaner 50 is incorporated into the HUD 42, dirt can be removed by operating the cleaner 50, and a desired image can be continuously displayed on the windshield 18 with a desired light intensity.

[0048] In this embodiment, the cleaner 50 is a blower mechanism that blows air toward the outer surface of the exit window 423. In addition to the blower mechanism, mechanisms that come into contact with dirt and remove it, such as a brush or wiper, are also known as the cleaner 50. However, while brushes and wipers are suitable for removing relatively heavy foreign matter such as mud and water, relatively light foreign matter such as dust accumulates on the exit window 423. Because the blower mechanism is suitable for removing light foreign matter, the blower mechanism is suitable for mounting on the HUD 42.

[0049] The cleaner 50 may be a non-positive displacement fan or a positive displacement fan as in the above-described embodiment that blows air. Alternatively, the cleaner 50 may be a fan that continuously blows a constant amount of air as in the above-described embodiment, or a mechanism that blows subjectively high-pressure air onto the exit window 423. Furthermore, the cleaner 50 may be a mechanism that has a brush, wiper, or the like and that removes dirt from the outer surface of the exit window 423 by contact.

[0050] In this embodiment, the cleaner 50 blows air onto the outer surface of the exit window 423 from the driver's seat side toward the windshield 18. Dust is unlikely to be carried to the driver's seat side by the air blown from the cleaner 50.

[0051] In this embodiment, the exit window 423 has a concave curved surface shape with a valley V provided between the driver's seat side and the windshield 18 side. The cleaner 50 is configured to blow air toward this valley V. Dirt tends to accumulate in valley V. Valley V is often located halfway between the driver's seat side and the windshield 18 side of the exit window 423, and is an area through which light reflected by the concave mirror 428 often passes. Since the cleaner 50 is configured to blow air toward such valley V, it is easier to effectively maintain a good display by the HUD 42.

[0052] In this embodiment, the cleaner 50 includes a plurality of nozzles 52, an air blower 51 that blows air from the nozzles 52, and an air guide pipe 53 that connects the air blower 51 and the plurality of nozzles 52. The windshield 18 is a flat rectangle whose lateral dimension is longer than the height dimension of the vehicle 1. In order to irradiate light toward the windshield 18, the exit window 423 of the HUD 42 is often also a flat rectangle whose lateral dimension is longer than the front-rear dimension of the vehicle 1. 3, in this embodiment, a plurality of nozzles 52 are provided along the left-right direction of vehicle 1 in accordance with the shape of exit window 423. Since air is sent toward the plurality of nozzles 52 by a single blower 51, the entire surface of exit window 423 can be cleaned while preventing HUD 42 from becoming large.

[0053] In this embodiment, the cleaner 50 is configured to operate when the power supply of the vehicle 1 is turned on. 3, the motor 56 of the cleaner 50 is connected to an ignition switch EG of the vehicle 1. The cleaner 50 is configured to operate when the ignition switch EG of the vehicle is turned ON. HUD 42 is often disposed at a position far from the driver's seat, and it is difficult for the occupant to notice that dirt has accumulated on exit window 423. Therefore, by configuring cleaner 50 to operate when power to vehicle 1 is turned on, exit window 423 can be cleaned when starting to drive vehicle 1 without the occupant having to take the trouble of operating cleaner 50.

[0054] The cleaner 50 may be configured to continue operating after the ignition switch EG is turned ON until the ignition switch EG is turned OFF. Alternatively, the cleaner 50 may be configured to turn OFF when a predetermined time has elapsed after the ignition switch EG is turned ON.

[0055] Alternatively, the cleaner 50 may be turned ON at the same time that the ignition switch EG is turned ON, or the cleaner 50 may be turned ON after a predetermined time has elapsed since the ignition switch EG was turned ON, or the cleaner 50 may be turned ON again after a predetermined time has elapsed since the cleaner 50 was turned ON.

[0056] Alternatively, the cleaner 50 may be configured to be provided inside the housing 422 and to operate in response to the output of a dirt sensor 58 that determines the degree of dirt on the exit window 423 based on the reflection of light emitted from a concave mirror 428 (reflecting portion) at the exit window 423.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, the dirt sensor 58 is provided inside the image forming chamber S1 of the housing 422. The dirt sensor 58 is an optical sensor. If dirt is attached to the exit window 423, the light emitted from the concave mirror 428 is reflected by the dirt. In other words, the greater the amount of dirt attached, the greater the light intensity of the reflected light from the exit window 423. The dirt sensor 58 acquires the light intensity of the reflected light from the exit window 423 and outputs an electric signal according to the light intensity. This makes it possible to estimate the degree of dirt attachment. Therefore, the cleaner 50 is configured to turn on the motor 56 according to the output of the dirt sensor 58. Specifically, the cleaner 50 is configured to turn on the motor 56 when the output from the dirt sensor 58 exceeds a predetermined value.

[0058] With this configuration, the cleaner 50 is not operated all the time, but is operated only when the degree of dirtiness becomes high. For example, when an air blower is used as the blowing mechanism as in the above embodiment, the occupant may feel that the operating noise of the air blower is noisy. Since the cleaner 50 is operated only when the degree of dirtiness is high, the mental burden on the occupant can be reduced.

[0059] Furthermore, the configuration may be such that, when a signal is acquired from the dirt sensor 58 indicating that the exit window 423 is dirty to a predetermined degree or more even after the cleaner 50 is operated, an indicator 59 (notification means) is activated.

[0060] 4, when the output of the dirt sensor 58 exceeds a predetermined value even after the cleaner 50 is operated, the indicator 59 provided on the cleaner 50 may be configured to light up. In cases where dirt has adhered to the exit window 423, for example, the dirt may not be removed even if the cleaner 50 is operated. In such cases, the occupant is notified that the dirt cannot be removed and is informed that the exit window 423 is dirty.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the reflecting section includes only the concave mirror 428, but the reflecting section may include the concave mirror 428 and a plane mirror. The light emitted from the image generating section 424 may be reflected by the plane mirror after passing through the lens 426 and the screen 427, and the light reflected by the plane mirror may be incident on the concave mirror 428. This configuration increases the degree of freedom in designing the light path, making it easier to configure the HUD 42 compact.

[0062] Second Embodiment However, when sunlight is incident on the head-up display of Patent Document 1, the sunlight is concentrated on the image generating section via the concave mirror, which may cause heat to be generated in the image generating section, resulting in deterioration of the image generating section. Therefore, a second embodiment of the present invention provides a head-up display capable of suppressing deterioration of an image generating unit.

[0063] The head-up display according to this embodiment is A head-up display provided in a vehicle and configured to display a predetermined image toward an occupant of the vehicle, an image generating unit that emits light for generating the predetermined image; A reflecting unit including at least a concave mirror that irradiates the light emitted by the image generating unit onto a windshield; A shade portion capable of blocking light from entering the image generating portion, The shade portion is a closed position that blocks an optical path between the image generating unit and the concave mirror; and an open position in which the optical path between the image generating unit and the concave mirror is not blocked.

[0064] The basic configuration of the head-up display of this embodiment is similar to that of the head-up display of the first embodiment described above, and therefore the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0065] The HUD 42 of this embodiment is provided in the vehicle 1 and configured to display a predetermined image toward the occupant of the vehicle 1. The HUD 42 includes an image generating unit having a housing 422 that opens upward, an exit window 423 (transparent cover) that covers the opening of the housing 422, an image generating unit 424 that is provided inside an image forming chamber S1 (accommodation section) formed by the housing 422 and the exit window 423 and that emits light for generating a predetermined image, and a reflecting unit 428 that reflects the light emitted by the image generating unit 424 so that the light is irradiated onto the windshield 18.

[0066] The HUD 42 of this embodiment further includes a cover member 60. The cover member 60 includes a shade portion 62 capable of blocking light from entering the image generation unit 424. The cover member 60 will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. Fig. 4 shows the shade portion 62 in the open position. Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4, showing the shade portion 62 in the closed position.

[0067] The cover member 60 of this embodiment includes a rotating shaft portion 61, a shade portion 62, and a motor 63. The rotating shaft portion 61 is connected to an output shaft of the motor 63. The rotating shaft portion 61 is a long portion extending in the left-right direction of the vehicle 1 (perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 4). The shade portion 62 is a plate-shaped portion. One end of the shade portion 62 is fixed to the rotating shaft portion 61, and extends in the radial direction of the rotating shaft portion 61. In this embodiment, the shade portion 62 is provided between the concave mirror 428 and the screen 427.

[0068] In this embodiment, the shade portion 62 can be moved between a closed position (position shown in Figure 5) in which it blocks the optical path between the image generating unit 424 and the concave mirror 428, and an open position (position shown in Figure 4) in which it does not block the optical path between the image generating unit 424 and the concave mirror 428, by rotating the rotating shaft portion 61 using a motor 63.

[0069] Incidentally, sunlight may enter the inside of the HUD 42 as indicated by the line S in FIG. 4. At this time, the sunlight enters through the exit window 423, is reflected while being condensed by the concave mirror 428, and enters the image generating unit 424 via the screen 427 and the lens 426. The image generating unit 424 includes a liquid crystal element, a light emitting element, a DMD element, and the like. These elements tend to be easily deteriorated by heat. For this reason, if sunlight enters the elements of the image generating unit 424, there is a risk that the image generating unit 424 may be deteriorated. In particular, since the sunlight is condensed by the concave mirror 428, it enters the image generating unit 424 in a state of high energy density, and is likely to generate heat in the image generating unit 424.

[0070] According to the HUD 42 of the present embodiment, the shade portion 62 can be moved between a closed position and an open position. Therefore, when sunlight is incident on the image generating unit 424, by moving the shade portion 62 to the closed position, it is possible to prevent the sunlight from entering the image generating unit 424 and to prevent the image generating unit 424 from being heated by the sunlight. The shade section 62 is provided inside the housing 422. To enable the shade section 62 to move between the open position and the closed position, a large movable area of ​​the shade section 62 must be secured inside the housing 422. However, in this embodiment, the shade section 62 is located between the image generating section 424 and the concave mirror 428. Since the sunlight reflected by the concave mirror 428 is concentrated, the area required to block the sunlight is reduced by providing the shade section 62 at this position. Since the sunlight can be blocked efficiently with the small shade section 62, the movable area of ​​the shade section 62 can also be reduced. Therefore, even if the cover member 60 is provided inside the housing 422, the HUD 42 is unlikely to become large in size. In this way, according to the HUD 42 of the present embodiment, the image generating unit 424 is prevented from being heated by sunlight while preventing an increase in size.

[0071] In this embodiment, the shade portion 62 is configured to move to the closed position when the power of the HUD 42 is turned off, and to move to the open position when the power of the HUD 42 is turned on. As shown in Fig. 4, in this embodiment, the motor 63 is connected to the power switch SW of the HUD 42. The shade portion 62 is also connected to one end of a coil spring 64. The other end of the coil spring 64 is fixed to the inner wall of the housing 422. When the motor 63 is energized, the shade portion 62 rotates counterclockwise against the elastic force of the coil spring 64 and moves to the open position. When the motor 63 is deenergized, the shade portion 62 rotates clockwise due to the elastic force of the coil spring 64, and further clockwise movement is prevented by a stopper 65 fixed to the housing 422, so that the shade portion 62 moves to the closed position.

[0072] In this way, in the HUD 42 of the present embodiment, since sunlight is prevented from entering the image generating unit 424 when the power of the HUD 42 is OFF, the image generating unit 424 is prevented from being heated by sunlight when the HUD 42 is not in use, such as when the vehicle is not in use. In addition, since the shade portion 62 is moved to the open position when the HUD 42 is in use, use of the HUD 42 is not impeded. Furthermore, according to the HUD 42 of this embodiment, the closed position can be maintained by the coil spring 64 and the stopper 65, so that the HUD 42 can be maintained in the closed position without consuming energy when not in use.

[0073] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4 of a HUD 42 according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the shade section 62 may be configured to move to a closed position or an open position depending on the output of a temperature sensor 66 that detects the temperature of the image generating section 424, or an optical sensor 67 that measures the intensity of sunlight or the intensity of light emitted from the image generating section 424.

[0074] 6, the temperature sensor 66 and the light sensor 67 can be provided in the image generating unit 424 or in the housing 422. The motor 63 is connected to a motor control unit 531. The operation of the motor 63 is controlled by the motor control unit 531. The motor control unit 531 may be configured to drive the motor 63 in response to the output of the temperature sensor 66 and the light sensor 67. With this configuration, when the image generating unit 424 is about to be heated by light of a predetermined intensity or more being incident thereon, or when the image generating unit 424 has reached a predetermined temperature or higher, it is possible to block further incidence of sunlight on the image generating unit 424.

[0075] In this configuration, it is preferable that a notification means 68 is configured to operate when the shade portion 62 is moving to the closed position, to notify the user that the HUD 42 is unusable. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the notification means 68 is an indicator. The indicator 68 is turned on to notify the user that the HUD 42 is unusable. When the shade portion 62 is moved to the closed position, it is not preferable to operate the HUD 42 because sunlight would be incident on the image generating portion 424. In such a case, the HUD 42 of this modified example can notify the occupant by the notification means 68 that the HUD 42 cannot be used.

[0076] In this modification, the shade portion 62 is provided with a light-storing member 69. When the shade portion 62 is in the closed position, concentrated sunlight is incident on the light-storing member 69. Therefore, the light-storing member 69 can efficiently store light energy. When the shade portion 62 is in the open position, the light-storing member 69 emits light, thereby enhancing the decorativeness of the HUD 42. Note that instead of or in addition to the light-storing member 69, a solar cell may be provided on the shade portion 62.

[0077] In this modification, the shade unit 62 provided with the light-accumulating member 69 and / or the solar cell is preferably provided at a position closer to the image generating unit 424 than the concave mirror 428. The farther it is located from the concave mirror 428, the higher the degree of concentration of sunlight. If the light-accumulating member 69 and / or the solar cell is provided at a position closer to the image generating unit 424 than the concave mirror 428, sunlight with a higher degree of concentration can be received.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the reflecting section includes only the concave mirror 428, but the reflecting section may include the concave mirror 428 and a plane mirror. The light emitted from the image generating section 424 may be reflected by the plane mirror after passing through the lens 426 and the screen 427, and the light reflected by the plane mirror may be incident on the concave mirror 428. This configuration increases the degree of freedom in designing the path of the light, making it easier to configure the HUD 42 compact.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the shade portion is rotated to move between the open position and the closed position, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The shade portion can be configured as a plate-like member that moves parallel between the open position and the closed position. Alternatively, the shade portion can be configured as a member that is folded when located at the open position and unfolds when located at the closed position.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the light emitted from the image generating unit is reflected by the reflecting unit and enters the windshield has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. A configuration in which the light emitted from the image generating unit is reflected by the reflecting unit and enters a combiner other than the windshield may be adopted. Even in a configuration in which an image is displayed using a combiner, as described above, there is a risk that sunlight will be collected by the reflecting unit and enter the image generating unit. According to the present invention, the image generating unit can be protected by the shade unit.

[0081] <Third embodiment> A third embodiment of the present invention provides a head-up display system for a vehicle that provides more useful information. The basic configuration of the head-up display of this embodiment is similar to that of the head-up display of the first embodiment described above, and therefore the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] 7 is a block diagram of a vehicle system 2A including a HUD system 70 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the HUD system 70 according to this embodiment includes a headlamp 20 having a light source unit 21, a LiDAR 5, and a camera 6, a HUD 42, and a display control unit 43.

[0083] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of the HUD 42 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, the HUD 42 of this embodiment is provided in the vehicle 1 and configured to display a predetermined image toward the occupant of the vehicle 1. The HUD 42 includes an image generating unit having a housing 422 that opens upward, an exit window 423 (transparent cover) that covers the opening of the housing 422, an image generating unit 424 that emits light for generating a predetermined image and is provided inside an image forming chamber S1 (accommodation section) formed by the housing 422 and the exit window 423, and a reflecting unit 428 that reflects the light emitted by the image generating unit 424 so that the light is irradiated to the windshield 18.

[0084] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which the vehicle 1 is about to enter the road ahead from between two buildings, as viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 9, the sensor 5 and the camera 6 are provided at a position different from the driver's seat. In this embodiment, the LiDAR 5 and the camera 6 are provided in the headlamp 20. Since the LiDAR 5 and the camera 6 are provided at a position different from the driver's seat in this way, the field of view of the LiDAR 5 and the camera 6 is different from the field of view of the driver. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 9, the object A is visible to the LiDAR 5, the camera 6, and the driver, but the object B is visible to the LiDAR 5 and the camera 6 but not to the driver.

[0085] Specifically, the headlamp 20 is provided in front of the driver's seat. Therefore, the LiDAR 5 and the camera 6 can capture the object B without being blocked by the building C1, but the object B is blocked by the building C1 and cannot be recognized by the driver. Therefore, according to the HUD system 70 of this embodiment, by executing the process shown in FIG. 10, the object B that cannot be recognized by the driver is displayed on the HUD 42, thereby making it possible to inform the driver. FIG. 10 is a flowchart executed by the display control unit 43 that controls the HUD 42 according to this embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 10 is executed in the situation shown in FIG. 9. The process shown in FIG. 10 is executed by the display control unit 43. The display control unit 43 particularly includes a determination unit 431 that executes step S04, which will be described below, and an image output unit 432 that executes step S06 (see FIG. 7).

[0086] First, the display control unit 43 acquires data sensed by the LiDAR 5 and the camera 6 (step S01). Next, the display control unit 43 determines whether or not there is an object to be displayed on the HUD 42 based on the data acquired from the LiDAR 5 and the camera 6 (step S02). An object to be displayed is a pedestrian, a bicycle, a car, etc. that should be alerted to the driver. In the following description, an object to be displayed is referred to as an object. If it is determined that there is no object (step S02: No), the display control unit 43 returns to step S01 again.

[0087] When it is determined that an object is present (step S02: Yes), the display control unit 43 identifies the position of the object based on the data acquired from the LiDAR 5 and the camera 6 (step S03). For example, the output of the LiDAR 5 includes data on the azimuth angle, solid angle, and distance of the detected object. Therefore, the position of the object can be identified from the output of the LiDAR 5. Alternatively, in the case where the camera 6 is a stereo camera having image sensors provided at two different positions, the position of the object can be identified by comparing images created from both image sensors.

[0088] Next, the display control unit 43 determines whether the object is in the driver's blind spot (step S04). The driver's blind spot is, to be precise, an area defined with the driver's eyes as the starting point. However, in this embodiment, the driver's blind spot is defined with a virtual point a predetermined distance forward from the center position of the headrest of the driver's seat as the starting point. By defining it in this way, the display control unit 43 can treat the driver's blind spot as an area spreading from a fixed point, regardless of fluctuations in the height of the driver's head or the direction of his or her face. In this embodiment, the information indicating the starting point of the driver's blind spot is a fixed value readably recorded in memory.

[0089] When there is no obstacle ahead, the blind spot of the driver is determined based on this virtual starting point and the structure of the vehicle 1, such as the front pillar of the vehicle 1. When the display control unit 43 determines that an obstacle such as a building, a fence, a tree, or another vehicle 1, beyond which the view cannot be seen and which has a certain area, has appeared ahead, the display control unit 43 recalculates the blind spot of the driver taking these obstacles into consideration. When an obstacle appears ahead, the area on the opposite side of the starting point of the obstacle among the areas formed by the straight lines passing through these obstacles from the starting point is newly added as a blind spot. The blind spot information of the driver calculated in this manner is used in step S04.

[0090] The display control unit 43 reads out the blind spot of the driver and determines whether or not the object is located within this area. If it is determined that the object is not located within the blind spot of the driver (step S04: No), the display control unit 43 displays the object in a normal manner (step S05).

[0091] For example, the display control unit 43 displays the object A shown in FIG. 9 in a normal manner by the HUD 42 so as to emphasize it. FIG. 11 shows the windshield 18 on which the image is displayed by the HUD 42. FIG. 11 depicts a state in which a building C1 is seen on the left ahead and a building C2 is seen on the right ahead through the windshield 18. As shown in FIG. 11, for example, the display control unit 43 displays a red frame A' surrounding the object A (pedestrian) on the HUD 42 so that the object A can easily attract the driver's attention. In this way, displaying in a normal manner means displaying an image that emphasizes an object already visible to the driver. Displaying in a normal manner is not limited to displaying a red frame A', and other colors may be used, or a display other than a frame may be performed. However, since the object is already visually recognized by the driver, the display control unit 43 does not display an image showing the object itself.

[0092] On the other hand, if it is determined that the object is located outside the blind spot of the driver (step S04: Yes), the display control unit 43 generates an image showing the object and displays the image on the windshield 18 (step S06). For example, the display control unit 43 displays an image B' showing a pedestrian B in a position that would be visible to the driver if the building C1 did not exist. The image B' showing the pedestrian B may use an output from the camera 6 that captured the image of the pedestrian B, or may simply use a mark showing a pedestrian or a mark showing the presence of some object. The display control unit 43 displays such an image B' in a blinking manner to emphasize that there is a pedestrian (object) B behind the building C1. In this way, when the object is not visible to the driver, the display control unit 43 displays an image B' showing the object. The image B' showing the object is a camera image of the object itself, or an image that imitates the object.

[0093] As described above, the head-up display system 70 for a vehicle according to this embodiment is provided in the vehicle 1 and configured to display a predetermined image toward the occupants of the vehicle 1. The head-up display system 70 for a vehicle is configured as follows: A detection unit 433 that detects an object based on information acquired from the vehicle-mounted sensors 5 and 6 and identifies the position of the object; A determination unit 431 that determines whether an object is within a blind spot of a driver; The image output unit 432 generates an image B' showing the object and displays it on the display unit when a signal is acquired indicating that the determination unit has determined that an object is present within the blind spot.

[0094] According to the vehicle head-up display system 70 of this embodiment, when an object is present in the driver's blind spot, an image showing the object is displayed by the HUD 42, so that the driver can drive based on this information.

[0095] In addition, the vehicle head-up display system 70 according to this embodiment displays on the HUD 42 in different manners depending on whether the judgment unit 431 judges that an object is within the driver's blind spot or not. In this embodiment, when the display control unit 43 determines that an object is outside the driver's blind spot, it generates an image A' that emphasizes the object rather than an image that shows the object itself, and displays this image on the windshield 18. On the other hand, when the display control unit 43 determines that an object is within the driver's blind spot, it generates an image of the object itself or an image B' that shows the object, and displays this image on the windshield 18. This allows the driver to distinguish between objects that the driver cannot see and objects that the driver can see.

[0096] The vehicle head-up display system 70 according to this embodiment also has an in-vehicle sensor 6 provided in the headlamp 20 or the rear combination lamp. The headlamp 20 or the rear combination lamp is provided at a position away from the driver's seat. Therefore, the viewing angle of the sensor 6 is significantly different from that of the driver, so that it is easy to recognize an object located in the driver's blind spot. Therefore, the sensor 6 provided in the headlamp 20 or the rear combination lamp is suitable for the vehicle head-up display system 70.

[0097] The display control unit 43 may be mounted on the vehicle 1 as in the above-described embodiment, or may be mounted on the HUD 42.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the HUD 42 displays an image on the windshield 18, but the present invention is not limited to this. The HUD 42 may display an image on a combiner provided in the vehicle cabin.

[0099] For example, a camera image showing the rear of the vehicle 1 may be displayed on the combiner based on the output of the rear camera 6 that acquires information behind the vehicle 1, and an object that would not normally be visible in the camera image (an object located in the driver's blind spot) may be identified by the rear LiDAR 5 that acquires information behind the vehicle 1, and the display control unit 43 may generate an image showing the object identified by the rear LiDAR 5 and display it overlapping the camera image. In this case, the rear camera 6 and the rear LiDAR 5 are provided at different positions.

[0100] In this manner, the head-up display system 70 for a vehicle according to the modified example of the present invention is provided in the vehicle 1 and configured to display a predetermined image toward the occupants of the vehicle 1. The head-up display system 70 for a vehicle is configured as follows: A camera 6 that acquires information about the surroundings of the vehicle 1; a windshield or combiner for displaying images acquired from the camera; A detection unit 433 that detects an object based on information acquired from the vehicle-mounted sensor 5 and identifies the position of the object; A determination unit 431 that determines whether or not the object is located in an area that cannot be viewed by the camera 6; The image output unit 432 generates an image showing the object and displays it on the windshield or combiner when a signal is received from the determination unit 431 indicating that an object is present in an area not visible from the camera 6.

[0101] The vehicle head-up display system 70 may also include a sensor 5 and a camera 6 that acquire information about the sides of the vehicle 1. By having these sensors 5 and cameras 6 acquire information about the sides of the vehicle 1 that are blind spots for the driver, and displaying the information acquired by the sensors 5 and cameras 6 on the HUD 42, it is possible to provide the driver with even more information about the surroundings of the vehicle 1. Thus, the vehicle head-up display system 70 that includes the sensors 5 and cameras 6 that acquire information about the sides of the vehicle 1 preferably includes a combiner that displays an image from the camera that acquires information about the sides of the vehicle 1.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the driving modes of the vehicle are described as including the fully automated driving mode, the advanced driving assistance mode, the driving assistance mode, and the manual driving mode, but the driving modes of the vehicle should not be limited to these four modes. The driving modes of the vehicle may include at least one of these four modes. For example, the driving modes of the vehicle may be executable in only one of them.

[0103] Furthermore, the classification and display form of the vehicle driving mode may be appropriately changed in accordance with the laws or regulations related to autonomous driving in each country. Similarly, the definitions of the "fully autonomous driving mode", the "advanced driving assistance mode", and the "driving assistance mode" described in the description of the present embodiment are merely examples, and these definitions may be appropriately changed in accordance with the laws or regulations related to autonomous driving in each country.

[0104] This application is based on Japanese patent applications filed on March 19, 2019 (Patent Application No. 2019-51485), March 19, 2019 (Patent Application No. 2019-51486), and March 19, 2019 (Patent Application No. 2019-51487), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Industrial Applicability]

[0105] According to the present invention, a head-up display is provided in which dust and dirt are less likely to accumulate on the transparent cover. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1: Vehicle 2, 2A: Vehicle systems 3: Vehicle control unit 4: Vehicle display system 5: In-vehicle sensors 6A: External camera 6B: Internal camera 7: Radar 10: Wireless communication section 11:Storage device 12: Steering actuator 13: Steering device 14: Brake actuator 15: Brake device 16: Accelerator actuator 17: Accelerator 18: Windshield 20: Headlamp 21: Light source unit 42: Head-up display 43: Display control unit 45:Road surface drawing device 50: Cleaner 51: Blower 52: Nozzle 53:Wind pipe 54: Rectifier 55: Impeller 56: Motor 57: Intake port 58: Sensor 59: Indicator 60: Cover material 61: Rotating shaft 62: Shade section 63: Motor 64: Coil spring 65: Stopper 66: Temperature sensor 67: Optical sensor 68: Indicator 69: Luminous material 70: Head-up display system for vehicles 420: HUD main body 422: Housing 423: Transparent cover 423: Exit window 424: Image generation unit 425: Control board 426: Lens 427: Screen 428: Concave mirror 429: Bulkhead 431: Judgment Department 432: Image output unit 433: Detection section 531: Motor control unit

Claims

1. A head-up display provided in a vehicle and configured to display a predetermined image toward an occupant of the vehicle, an image generating unit that emits light for generating the predetermined image; A reflecting unit including at least a concave mirror that irradiates the light emitted by the image generating unit onto a windshield; A shade portion capable of blocking light from entering the image generating portion, The shade portion is a closed position that blocks an optical path between the image generating unit and the concave mirror; an open position that does not block an optical path between the image generating unit and the concave mirror; A head-up display for a vehicle, wherein the shade portion is provided with a solar cell or a phosphorescent member.

2. When the head-up display is powered off, the shade portion moves to the closed position, The head-up display for a vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the shade portion is configured to move to the open position when the head-up display is powered on.

3. 2. The head-up display for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the shade portion is configured to move to the closed position or the open position in response to an output of a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the image generating portion, or an optical sensor that measures the intensity of sunlight or the intensity of light emitted from the image generating portion.

4. The head-up display for a vehicle according to claim 3, further comprising: a notification means for notifying the driver that the head-up display is unavailable when the shade portion is moved to the closed position.

5. The head-up display for a vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the shade portion on which the phosphorescent member is provided is provided at a position closer to the image generating portion than the concave mirror.

Images