Display control method and display control device

Abstract

To enhance visibility of each display which is displayed on a window shield.SOLUTION: A display control device 100 of a vehicle can perform first image displaying that displays a first image while overlapping the image on a real view that is visible through a wind shield 3 and second image displaying that displays a second image on a variable light-shielding area provided below the window shield 3. The display control device 100 comprises a detecting part 111 that detects height positions of the eyes of a driver seated on a driver's seat in a vehicle 1, and a light-shielding area adjusting part 113 that enlarges or contracts the variable light-shielding area in a vertical direction, on the basis of the detected height positions of the eyes of the driver. The light-shielding area adjusting part 113 enlarges the variable light-shielding area upward in the vertical direction, as the height positions of the eyes of the driver become higher.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display control method and a display control device for controlling a display on a windshield of a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are technologies for controlling the display on the windshield at the front of a vehicle. For example, a technology has been proposed in which a display unit that displays vehicle speed and the like is provided at the bottom of the windshield, the display unit is switchable between a light-blocking state and a light-transmitting state, and the display unit is controlled to the light-blocking state when the vehicle speed reaches or exceeds a predetermined value (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-32852 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, assume that vehicle information such as vehicle speed is displayed in a shaded area at the bottom of the windshield, and that the AR-HUD display is displayed in a HUD display area on the windshield above the shaded area. In this case, the driver while driving will mainly view the real view seen through the HUD display area and the AR-HUD display. For example, depending on the eye height of the driver sitting in the driver's seat, it is expected that the AR-HUD display and the vehicle information display will be close to each other. In this way, if the AR-HUD display and the vehicle information display are close to each other in the vertical direction, it is expected that the vehicle information display will be in the visual angle of the driver while driving, who is mainly looking at the AR-HUD display. In this case, it is expected that the driver will find the vehicle information display in the visual angle annoying. Therefore, it is important to consider this annoyance and improve the visibility of both the AR-HUD display and the vehicle information display so that the driver can appropriately acquire information from both displays.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to improve the visibility of each display displayed on the windshield. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a display control method for a vehicle that can perform a first image display in which a first image is superimposed on an actual scene seen through a windshield, and a second image display in which a second image is displayed in a variable light-blocking area provided below the windshield. This display control method includes a detection step of detecting the eye height position of a driver seated in a driver's seat of the vehicle, and based on the detected eye height position of the driver, The display position of the first image is moved vertically, and Expand or shrink the variable light blocking area vertically. The display position of the second image in the variable light blocking area is moved in the vertical direction. The control step include This control step is performed as the driver's eye height increases. The display position of the first image is moved upward in the vertical direction, Expand the variable light blocking area upwards in the vertical direction The display position of the second image in the variable light blocking area is moved upward in the vertical direction. do. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the visibility of each display displayed on the windshield can be improved regardless of the height position of the driver's eyes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram showing an example of a configuration for realizing display control on a windshield. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the display control device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example in which the AR-HUD display and vehicle information display are performed on the windshield. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display when the AR-HUD display and vehicle information display are performed on the windshield. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the driver's eye position and the visual angle. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the AR-HUD display and vehicle information display on the windshield. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the eye height position of the driver and the amount of light blocking when the light blocking region of the variable light blocking section is set. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the eye height position of the driver and the amount of light blocking when the light blocking region of the variable light blocking section is set. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the eye height position of the driver and the amount of shading d when the shading region of the variable shading section is set. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a display control process in the display control device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] [Example of display control device configuration] Fig. 1 is a simplified diagram showing an example of a configuration for realizing display control on a windshield 3. Note that Fig. 1 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the interior of a vehicle 1 as viewed from the left side in the left-right direction, and only the dashboard 2, windshield 3, and handlebars 4 are shown in the figure.

[0011] An image acquisition unit 10 that captures an image including the face of the driver D1 is provided on the upper surface of the dashboard 2. Although Fig. 1 shows an example in which the image acquisition unit 10 is provided on the upper surface of the dashboard 2, the image acquisition unit 10 may be provided in another position, for example, on the top of the windshield 3.

[0012] The image acquisition unit 10 captures an image of a subject and generates an image (image data) under the control of the control unit 110 (see FIG. 2), and outputs the generated image to the control unit 110. The image acquisition unit 10 is configured, for example, with an imaging element (image sensor) that receives light from the subject that has been collected by a lens, and an image processing unit that performs predetermined image processing on the image data generated by the imaging element. For example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type imaging element can be used as the imaging element.

[0013] Furthermore, on the upper surface of the dashboard 2, near the boundary with the windshield 3, a display unit 20 for realizing a HUD (Head Up Display) of the vehicle 1 is provided.

[0014] The windshield 3 is a shield (for example, a windshield) provided at the front of the vehicle 1, and functions as a display medium for the HUD of the vehicle 1, and is provided with a variable shading unit 30 at the bottom. In addition, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which two display areas R1 and R2 are provided as display areas on the windshield 3.

[0015] The display region R1 is a HUD display region that displays an AR (Augmented Reality)-HUD image. The display region R2 is a HUD display region that displays a HUD image in the shading region of the variable shading unit 30 on the windshield 3. The AR-HUD image refers to an image displayed as a virtual image on the windshield 3 using AR technology. The AR-HUD image displays various information related to roads and vehicles. Display examples of this AR-HUD image are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The display region R2 is expanded or contracted in the vertical direction as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In this embodiment, the display in the display region R1 is referred to as an AR-HUD display, and the display in the display region R2 is referred to as a vehicle information display. The vehicle information is, for example, information required by the driver D1 who drives the vehicle 1 while driving, such as various information related to roads and vehicles. FIGS. 3 and 4 show an example in which vehicle speed and road signs are displayed as vehicle information.

[0016] The windshield 3 may be made of glass or other materials, such as resin materials such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and acrylic.

[0017] For example, the windshield 3 can be made of laminated glass composed of rear glass, front glass, and an interlayer. The rear glass is a transparent glass located on the passenger compartment side of the windshield 3. The front glass is a transparent glass located on the exterior side of the windshield 3. The interlayer is a transparent resin film sandwiched between the rear glass and the front glass. By forming the cross section of the interlayer into a wedge shape, it is possible to control the refraction of light. In other words, the laminated glass is formed so that the rear glass and the front glass form a V-shaped cross section. This allows the windshield 3 to function as a display medium for the HUD.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1 , display unit 20 is a display device, such as a projector or optical system, for realizing an AR-HUD display that projects light P11 and P21 onto display areas R1 and R2 of windshield 3 and uses reflected light P12 and P22 to present a virtual image to driver D1. That is, light P11 and P21 projected from display unit 20 onto display areas R1 and R2 of windshield 3 are reflected by windshield 3, and the reflected light P12 and P22 are directed toward the eyes of driver D1. Reflected light P12 projected onto display area R1 and entered the eyes of driver D1 is perceived as an image (virtual image) that appears on the opposite side of windshield 3 (the vehicle exterior) together with an actual object visible through windshield 3, superimposed on the object. Furthermore, reflected light P22 projected onto display area R2 and entered the eyes of driver D1 appears to be displayed in the light-blocking area of ​​variable shading unit 30, and is therefore perceived as an image (virtual image) that appears on the opposite side of windshield 3. In this way, the display unit 20 realizes the HUD display by displaying a virtual image using the windshield 3. In this embodiment, an image displayed on the windshield 3 so as to be seen from the outside of the windshield 3 will be described as a virtual image. In this embodiment, an image displayed on the windshield 3 so as to be seen from the surface of the windshield 3 will be described as a real image.

[0019] As described above, this embodiment shows an example in which the lower region (display region R2) of the windshield 3 is utilized to deliver light from the lower region (reflection region) to the eyes of the driver D1 using the same principle as a HUD, so that the driver D1 can see a virtual image. That is, this embodiment shows an example in which vehicle information is provided to the driver D1 in combination with an AR-HUD.

[0020] Note that, although this example shows an example in which a virtual image is displayed as vehicle information in the shading area of ​​the variable shading unit 30 using the AR-HUD display, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a diffusion screen or other display member, such as a transparent display panel, may be used in the shading area of ​​the variable shading unit 30, and vehicle information may be displayed so that a real image is displayed on the windshield 3.

[0021] 1 shows an example in which the AR-HUD display and the vehicle information display are realized using one display unit 20, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the AR-HUD display and the vehicle information display may be realized using a plurality of display units. For example, the AR-HUD display and the vehicle information display may be realized by providing two display units, a first display unit for realizing the AR-HUD display and a second display unit for realizing the vehicle information display.

[0022] The variable light blocking section 30 is an area in which the light blocking area can be changed in the up and down direction of the windshield 3 based on the control of the control section 110 (see FIG. 2), and vehicle information is displayed.

[0023] The variable light-blocking region of the variable light-blocking unit 30 can be made of various materials that can be switched between a light-blocking state and a light-transmitting state. For example, photochromic materials, electrochromic light-control glass, light-transmitting liquid crystal, organic electroluminescence (EL), gasochromic light-control sheets, etc. can be used. Photochromic materials are materials that change color when exposed to ultraviolet light and return to transparency when exposed to visible light. Electrochromic light-control glass is a material that can change its light-blocking state by applying a voltage. These materials can be provided on the surface of the windshield 3. When laminated glass is used for the windshield 3, these materials can be used as intermediate films in the windshield 3, or can be provided on the surface of the rear or front glass.

[0024] In this manner, various pieces of information can be displayed in the display areas R1 and R2 of the windshield 3 using the display unit 20 fixed to the dashboard 2. However, because the display unit 20 is fixed, if the eye height of the driver D1 seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle 1 changes, a discrepancy will occur in the various pieces of information displayed in the display areas R1 and R2 of the windshield 3. Therefore, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the eye height of the driver D1 seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle 1 is detected and the position of the image displayed in the display areas R1 and R2 of the windshield 3 is changed based on the eye height. Also, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the shading area of ​​the variable shading unit 30 of the windshield 3 is expanded or reduced in the vertical direction based on the eye height of the driver D1 seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle 1. Note that in this embodiment, the driver's eye height refers to the distance from the ground to the eye position of the driver seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle 1.

[0025] [Example of functional configuration of a display control device] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the display control device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0026] The display control device 100 includes an image acquisition unit 10, a display unit 20, a variable shading unit 30, a control unit 110, and a storage unit 120. The image acquisition unit 10, the display unit 20, and the variable shading unit 30 correspond to the units with the same names shown in FIG.

[0027] The control unit 110 includes a detection unit 111 , a calculation unit 112 , a light-blocked region adjustment unit 113 , and a display control unit 114 .

[0028] The detection unit 111 detects a face and eyes included in the image based on image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 10, and outputs the detection result to the calculation unit 112 and the display control unit 114. Based on the eye positions detected by the detection unit 111 (the eye positions included in the image), the height position of the eyes of the driver seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle 1 can be acquired. Note that the face detection method and the eye detection method can use known detection methods such as a template matching method and a detection method using various feature amounts.

[0029] The calculation unit 112 calculates the amount of shading based on the eye height position of the driver detected by the detection unit 111, and outputs the calculation result to the shading area adjustment unit 113 and the display control unit 114. This calculation method will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 7 to 9.

[0030] The shading area adjustment unit 113 adjusts the shading area of ​​the variable shading unit 30 of the windshield 3 based on the amount of shading calculated by the calculation unit 112. For example, if a photochromic material is used as the material of the variable shading unit 30, the shading area adjustment unit 113 adjusts the shading area of ​​the variable shading unit 30 by applying ultraviolet light to the area corresponding to the amount of shading calculated by the calculation unit 112. Furthermore, for example, if electrochromic light-control glass is used as the material of the variable shading unit 30, the shading area adjustment unit 113 adjusts the shading area of ​​the variable shading unit 30 by applying a voltage to the variable shading unit 30 so as to make the area corresponding to the amount of shading calculated by the calculation unit 112 a shading area.

[0031] The display control unit 114 executes various display controls for images displayed in the display areas R1 and R2 of the windshield 3. For example, the display control unit 114 controls the display unit 20 based on the amount of shading calculated by the calculation unit 112 so that vehicle information is displayed above the shading area of ​​the variable shading unit 30 adjusted by the shading area adjustment unit 113. Furthermore, for example, the display control unit 114 controls the display unit 20 based on the eye height position of the driver detected by the detection unit 111 so that an AR-HUD image is displayed in the display area R1 of the windshield 3.

[0032] The storage unit 120 is a storage medium that stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 120 stores various types of information (for example, a control program, each piece of information shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, and AR-HUD image information) that is required for the control unit 110 to perform various processes. Note that the storage unit 120 can be, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination thereof.

[0033] [Example of AR-HUD image and vehicle information image display] 3 and 4 are diagrams showing display examples in which the AR-HUD display and vehicle information display are performed on the windshield 3. Note that Figs. 3 and 4 show simplified views of the interior of the vehicle 1, and do not show anything other than the dashboard 2, windshield 3, and steering wheel 4. Figs. 3 and 4 also show an example in which the vehicle 1 is traveling on a three-lane road 50. Fig. 3 also shows an example in which the shading area of ​​the variable shading unit 30 is set to the minimum, while Fig. 4 shows an example in which the shading area of ​​the variable shading unit 30 is set to the maximum.

[0034] Here, a state in which the visible light transmittance is such that the driver D1 can see outside the vehicle through the variable shading unit 30 is referred to as a translucent state. For example, a state in which the visible light transmittance is 80% or more can be referred to as a translucent state. Also, a state in which the visible light transmittance is such that the driver D1 is limited in being able to see outside the vehicle through the variable shading unit 30 is referred to as a shading state. For example, this can be referred to as a state in which the visible light transmittance is 20% or less. Note that these values ​​are merely examples and can be set as appropriate based on the preferences of the driver D1, experimental data, etc.

[0035] An AR-HUD image, which is a virtual image of the actual scenery, is displayed on the windshield 3. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the vehicle 1 is traveling on a three-lane road 50, an AR-HUD image 52, which is a virtual image of the actual scenery of the three-lane road 50 and the vehicle 51, is displayed on the windshield 3. The AR-HUD image 52 is an operation assistance image displayed to assist the operation of the driver D1 of the vehicle 1, and is superimposed on the actual scenery. The AR-HUD image 52 is, for example, an arrow image urging the driver to overtake the vehicle 51 ahead or a guidance image guiding the driver to change lanes.

[0036] In this way, when there is a preceding vehicle ahead of the vehicle 1, various images are displayed as AR-HUD images, making it easier for the driver D1 to recognize the presence of the preceding vehicle. Note that the AR-HUD image may be displayed in conjunction with a car navigation device. For example, when the vehicle 1 turns on a road, route guidance can be displayed by superimposing an arrow indicating the direction of the turn on the road. This makes it easier for the driver D1 to understand where the vehicle is traveling.

[0037] Note that the AR-HUD image needs to be displayed superimposed on the actual scene seen by the driver D1 through the windshield 3, and therefore the vertical height of the AR-HUD image needs to be adjusted according to the eye height of the driver D1. Therefore, it is preferable to use a publicly known technique related to AR-HUD display to adjust the vertical position of the display region R1 of the windshield 3 according to the eye height of the driver D1. For example, for a driver whose eye height is high, it is preferable to display the AR-HUD image at a higher position than for a driver whose eye height is low.

[0038] Furthermore, vehicle information, which is a virtual image, is displayed as an HUD image in the lower region (variable shading unit 30) of the windshield 3. Here, the vehicle information is displayed in a region (shaded region) of the variable shading unit 30 that is in a shading state. This shading state of the variable shading unit 30 is a region in which visibility to the outside of the vehicle from inside the vehicle is restricted, and is, for example, a black region. Note that, although an example in which the shading region of the variable shading unit 30 is black is shown here, this is not limiting. For example, it may be a color close to black or another color that can block light.

[0039] In this way, by displaying the vehicle information in the lower region (variable shading portion 30) of the windshield 3, the viewing angle of the vehicle information can be made smaller compared to when a meter or the like that displays the vehicle information is provided on the dashboard 2. In other words, the vehicle information can be displayed at a position closer to the field of vision of the driver D1.

[0040] Furthermore, since the vehicle information is displayed in the shaded portion of the variable shading unit 30, it is preferable to make the background of the vehicle information black. In this way, when the background of the vehicle information is black, the vehicle information displayed on the variable shading unit 30 is displayed with high contrast, making it easier for the driver D1 to see. That is, a high-contrast display with a black background is possible. Furthermore, by making the background of the vehicle information black, light with a higher brightness than that required for HUD display is not required, and power consumption can be reduced. That is, a high-brightness light source is not required, and power consumption can be reduced.

[0041] As described above, the light-blocking area of ​​the variable light-blocking unit 30 can be changed in the vertical direction. Specifically, it is variable by a distance d3 in the vertical direction from the upper end of the fixed area d1. Expanding the light-blocking area of ​​the variable light-blocking unit 30 by the distance d3 results in a maximum area d2. The fixed area d1 can be, for example, a black area around the periphery of the windshield 3. This black area is a strip-shaped black ceramic layer of a predetermined width printed on the passenger compartment side of the windshield 3, and is called black ceramic. In this embodiment, the fixed area of ​​the windshield 3 with a distance of d1 in the vertical direction is referred to as the fixed area d1, and the maximum area of ​​the windshield 3 with a distance of d2 in the vertical direction is referred to as the maximum area d2.

[0042] 3 and 4 show an example in which the variable shading portion 30 is provided so as to extend in the left-right direction of the windshield 3, that is, an example in which the variable shading portion 30 is provided on both the driver's seat side and the passenger's seat side of the windshield 3, but this is not limiting. For example, the variable shading portion 30 may be provided only on the driver's seat side of the windshield 3. In this case, a rectangular variable shading portion 30 that is long in the left-right direction can be provided on the driver's seat side of the windshield 3.

[0043] [Example of the relationship between AR-HUD display and vehicle information display] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the driver's eye positions E10 and E20 and the visual angle.

[0044] The driver's eye position E10 is an example of the eye position of a driver with a high eye position. The driver's eye position E20 is an example of the eye position of a driver with a low eye position. In other words, the driver's eye position E10 is an example of the eye position when a tall person is sitting in the driver's seat, and the driver's eye position E20 is an example of the eye position when a short person is sitting in the driver's seat. The range H1 between the driver's eye positions E10 and E20 means the range in which the AR-HUD image projected on the display area R1 of the windshield 3 is visible. In other words, when the driver's eyes are located in the range H1 between the driver's eye positions E10 and E20, the driver can see the AR-HUD image projected on the display area R1 of the windshield 3. In FIG. 5, the range corresponding to the AR-HUD image corresponding to the driver's eye position E10 is indicated by P31, and the range corresponding to the AR-HUD image corresponding to the driver's eye position E20 is indicated by P32. Further, the range corresponding to the vehicle information image corresponding to the driver's eye position E10 is indicated by P33, and the range corresponding to the vehicle information image corresponding to the driver's eye position E20 is indicated by P34.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the reflection positions of the AR-HUD image and the vehicle information image are on the surface of the windshield 3. However, the look-down angle of the image (virtual image) seen by the driver will be different. For example, although the actual AR-HUD display is slightly off, the position of the virtual image is far away, so the look-down angle of the image (virtual image) seen by the driver will be in approximately the same position. In contrast, the position of the virtual image of the vehicle information display is close, so the up and down positions will often be different depending on the height of the driver's eyes.

[0046] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the driver's eye position is in the range H1 from E10 to E20.

[0047] For example, when a driver at eye position E10 views the actual scene and the AR-HUD image through the windshield 3, the visual angle is VA11. When a driver at eye position E20 views the actual scene and the AR-HUD image through the windshield 3, the visual angle is VA21.

[0048] Here, the AR-HUD display is intended to superimpose information on a real scene (e.g., a road) visible to the driver through the windshield 3. For this reason, the AR-HUD display is adjusted so that information is superimposed on a real scene (e.g., a road) 20 to 100 meters ahead, regardless of the driver's eye height. That is, in the AR-HUD display, an area 20 to 100 meters ahead is set as the superimposed area. In this way, when the superimposition distance is large relative to the eye height position from the ground, the look-down angle is approximately constant regardless of the driver's eye height position. The look-down angle can be calculated using the following formula. The superimposition distance refers to the distance to an object in the real scene on which information is to be superimposed as the AR-HUD display. Look-down angle = tan(distance from ground to eye position / overlap distance)

[0049] In contrast, the vehicle information display is intended to display information at a position relatively close to the driver, so the variable shading unit 30 provides a large looking-down angle for drivers with high eye height, but a small looking-down angle for drivers with low eye height.

[0050] That is, the AR-HUD display has a substantially constant (small) look-down angle even when the driver's eye height changes, whereas the vehicle information display has a significantly different look-down angle depending on the driver's eye height. Also, the AR-HUD display has a long distance in the depth direction, whereas the vehicle information display has a short distance in the depth direction.

[0051] For this reason, when the display on the variable shading unit 30 and the AR-HUD display are used together, the AR-HUD display and the vehicle information display will be closer in the vertical direction for a person whose eye height is lower than for a person whose eye height is higher. An example of the AR-HUD display and the vehicle information display being closer in the vertical direction in this way is shown in Figure 6(B).

[0052] [Example of the relationship between AR-HUD display and vehicle information display] 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating the AR-HUD display and the vehicle information display on the windshield 3. Specifically, the AR-HUD display 71 and the vehicle information display 72 are each shown as a rectangle so that the vertical positions of the AR-HUD display 71 and the vehicle information display 72 on the windshield 3 can be easily understood.

[0053] FIG. 6(B) shows a comparative example in which the shading area of ​​the variable shading unit 30 and the position of the vehicle information display 72 on the variable shading unit 30 are fixed regardless of the height of the driver's eyes. In this case, when the height of the driver's eyes is low, the distance L2 between the AR-HUD display 71 and the vehicle information display 72 becomes short. Therefore, when the line of sight of the driver D1 driving the vehicle 1 is directed toward the AR-HUD display 71, the vehicle information display 72 may be within the driver's visual angle, which may cause the driver D1 to feel annoyed. In other words, when the driver D1 is directing his or her line of sight toward the AR-HUD display 71, the vehicle information display 72 may appear to be approaching from above. Therefore, it is important to increase the visibility of both the AR-HUD display 71 and the vehicle information display 72 in consideration of this annoyance and enable the driver to appropriately acquire information from both displays.

[0054] 6(A) shows an example in which the shading area of ​​the variable shading unit 30 is changed in accordance with the height position of the driver's eyes, and the position of the vehicle information display 72 on the variable shading unit 30 is changed in accordance with the change. As described above, in this embodiment, the shading area of ​​the variable shading unit 30 and the position of the vehicle information display 72 on the variable shading unit 30 are changed in accordance with the height position of the driver's eyes. This makes it possible to increase the distance L1 between the AR-HUD display 71 and the vehicle information display 72, regardless of whether the driver's eye height is high or low. This makes it possible to prevent the vehicle information display 72 from entering the visual angle of the driver D1 driving the vehicle 1 when the driver's line of sight is directed toward the AR-HUD display 71. This improves the visibility of both the AR-HUD display 71 and the vehicle information display 72, allowing the driver to appropriately acquire information from both displays.

[0055] [Shaded area setting example 1] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the height position of the driver's eyes and the amount of shading d when setting a shading region of the variable shading unit 30. In the graph shown in Fig. 7, the horizontal axis represents the height position z of the driver's eyes detected by the detection unit 111, and the vertical axis represents the amount of shading d calculated by the calculation unit 112. Note that the amount of shading d shown in this embodiment means the distance in the up-down direction on the windshield 3.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 7, when the eye height position is below HP1, the light blocking region of variable light blocking unit 30 becomes fixed region d1 (see Figs. 3 and 4). When the eye height position is within the range from HP1 to HP2, the light blocking amount d of the light blocking region of variable light blocking unit 30 is increased according to the eye height position. When the eye height position is HP2 or higher, the light blocking region of variable light blocking unit 30 becomes maximum region d2 (see Figs. 3 and 4).

[0057] [Shaded area setting example 2] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the eye height position of the driver and the amount of shading d when setting the shading region of the variable shading unit 30. Fig. 8 shows an example in which the amount of shading d is increased in a stepwise manner based on the eye height position z of the driver.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 8, when the eye height position z is less than z1, the shading amount d of the shading region of the variable shading unit 30 is set to 0, and is set to a fixed region d1 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). When the eye height position z is within the range of z1 to z4, the shading amount d of the shading region of the variable shading unit 30 is increased according to the eye height position z. When the eye height position z is equal to or greater than z4, the shading amount d of the shading region of the variable shading unit 30 is set to a maximum region d2 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Note that d1 <d11<d12<d13<d2である。

[0059] For example, z1 can be set to 1300 mm, z2 to 1350 mm, z3 to 1400 mm, and z4 to 1450 mm. In this case, for example, d11 can be set to (d1+30) mm, d12 to (d1+60) mm, d13 to (d1+90) mm, and d2 to (d1+120) mm.

[0060] [Shaded area setting example 3] 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the height position of the driver's eyes and the amount of shading d when a shading region of the variable shading unit 30 is set. Specifically, the diagram shows the relationship between the visibility limit distance X, the driver's eye height positions Zb and Z, the distance Lb from position Zb to the upper end VI1 of the shading region of the variable shading unit 30, and the inclination θw of the windshield 3. The amount of shading d is calculated from these relationships using the following equation 1. Note that the visibility limit distance X means the distance from the driver to the visible actual scene region. Specifically, the visibility limit distance X means the distance to the position where the driver sitting in the driver's seat can see when looking down at the ground in front of the vehicle 1, and is the shortest distance from the vehicle 1.

[0061]

number

[0062] Specifically, by calculating the amount of shading d based on Equation 1 while keeping the visibility limit distance X constant, it is possible to make the interval between the AR-HUD display and the vehicle information display, and the visibility limit distance constant depending on the driver's eye height position Z.

[0063] 7 to 9, the amount of shading d of the shading region of the variable shading unit 30 can be set based on the eye height position of the driver. Note that the example shown in Fig. 7 to 9 is just an example, and the amount of shading d of the shading region of the variable shading unit 30 may be set based on other setting contents.

[0064] [Example of display control device operation] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of display control processing in the display control device 100. This display control processing is executed by the control unit 110 based on a program stored in the storage unit 120. It is assumed that the eye position of the driver seated in the driver's seat does not change frequently. For this reason, it is preferable that this display control processing be executed when the ignition key (start key) is turned on by the driver seated in the driver's seat. This display control processing may also be executed when the posture of the driver seated in the driver's seat changes, when the driver's seat is changed, when the driver is changed, etc. These determinations can be made based on image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 10. In FIG. 10, the explanation will be given with appropriate reference to the examples shown in FIGS. 1 to 9.

[0065] In step S201, the detection unit 111 detects a face and eyes included in the face based on image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 10. That is, the height position of the driver's eyes is detected.

[0066] In step S202, the calculation unit 112 calculates the amount of shading d based on the eye height position of the driver detected in step S201. For example, the amount of shading d is calculated by the calculation method shown in Figs. 7 to 9, etc.

[0067] In step S203, the shading area adjustment unit 113 adjusts the shading area of ​​the variable shading unit 30 of the windshield 3 based on the shading amount d calculated in step S202. Furthermore, the display control unit 114 controls the display unit 20 based on the shading amount d calculated in step S202 so that vehicle information is displayed above the shading area of ​​the variable shading unit 30 adjusted by the shading area adjustment unit 113. Furthermore, the display control unit 114 controls the display unit 20 based on the eye height position of the driver detected in step S201 so that an AR-HUD image is displayed in the display area R1 of the windshield 3.

[0068] As described above, in this embodiment, the visibility of both the AR-HUD display and the vehicle information display can be improved by expanding or contracting the shading area of ​​the variable shading unit 30 in the vertical direction based on the eye height position of the driver. Furthermore, the display position of the vehicle information image in the shading area of ​​the variable shading unit 30 is moved in the vertical direction in accordance with the vertical movement of the shading area of ​​the variable shading unit 30. This allows the driver to appropriately acquire information from both the AR-HUD display and the vehicle information display. Furthermore, the driver's driving environment can be improved by appropriately acquiring various pieces of information required while driving.

[0069] [Configuration and Effects of This Embodiment] The display control method according to this embodiment is a display control method for a vehicle 1 that is capable of performing an AR-HUD display (an example of a first image display) in which an AR-HUD image (an example of a first image) is superimposed on an actual scene seen through the windshield 3, and a vehicle information display (a second image display) in which a vehicle information image (an example of a second image) is displayed in a shaded area (an example of a variable shaded area) of a variable shaded unit 30 provided below the windshield 3. This display control method includes a detection step (step S201) of detecting the eye height position of a driver D1 seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle 1, and control steps (steps S202 and S203) of expanding or reducing the shaded area (an example of a variable shaded area) of the variable shaded unit 30 in the vertical direction based on the detected eye height position of the driver D1. In the control steps (steps S202 and S203), the shaded area (an example of a variable shaded area) of the variable shaded unit 30 is expanded upward in the vertical direction as the eye height position of the driver D1 increases.

[0070] According to this configuration, the shading area of ​​the variable shading unit 30 is expanded upward in the vertical direction as the eye height of the driver D1 increases, and the shading area of ​​the variable shading unit 30 is reduced downward in the vertical direction as the eye height of the driver D1 decreases. This increases the distance between the AR-HUD display and the shading area of ​​the variable shading unit 30, preventing the vehicle information display from entering the visual angle of the driver D1 who is mainly looking at the AR-HUD display while driving, and reducing the annoyance felt by the driver D1. Furthermore, the visibility of both the AR-HUD display and the vehicle information display can be improved.

[0071] Furthermore, in the display control method according to this embodiment, the control steps (steps S202, S203) move the display position of the vehicle information image (an example of the second image) in the shading area (an example of the variable shading area) of the variable shading unit 30 upward in the vertical direction as the eye height of the driver D1 increases.

[0072] According to this configuration, the display position of the vehicle information image in the shading area of ​​the variable shading unit 30 is moved up and down in accordance with the vertical movement of the shading area of ​​the variable shading unit 30, thereby increasing the distance between the AR-HUD display and the vehicle information display. This prevents the vehicle information display from entering the visual angle of the driver D1 who is mainly looking at the AR-HUD display while driving, thereby reducing the annoyance felt by the driver D1. Furthermore, the visibility of both the AR-HUD display and the vehicle information display can be improved.

[0073] In addition, in the display control method of this embodiment, the first image can be an assistance image to assist the driver D1 in driving, and the second image can be vehicle information regarding the vehicle 1 that the driver D1 needs while driving.

[0074] According to this configuration, when the driver D1 is looking at the assistance image display while driving, the vehicle information display can be prevented from entering the driver D1's field of view. This can improve the visibility of the assistance image display while the driver D1 is driving. Furthermore, the driver D1 can look at the vehicle information display as needed while driving. In this case, the vehicle information display is displayed closer to the assistance image display than a normal meter display, thereby improving the visibility of the vehicle information display. In other words, the visibility of both the assistance image display and the vehicle information display can be improved.

[0075] Furthermore, in the display control method according to this embodiment, the first image can be a virtual image (e.g., a HUD image) displayed in the HUD display area on the windshield 3, and the second image can be a virtual image (e.g., a HUD image) or a real image displayed in the shading area (an example of a variable shading area) of the variable shading section 30 on the windshield 3.

[0076] According to this configuration, the first image and the second image can be displayed using the HUD display area on the windshield 3, thereby improving the visibility of both of these images.

[0077] Furthermore, in the display control method according to the present embodiment, the first image can be an AR-HUD image displayed in the HUD display area on the windshield 3.

[0078] This configuration can improve the visibility of the AR-HUD image.

[0079] The display control device 100 is a display control device for the vehicle 1 that is capable of performing an AR-HUD display (an example of a first image display) that displays an AR-HUD image (an example of a first image) superimposed on an actual scene seen through the windshield 3, and a vehicle information display (an example of a second image display) that displays a vehicle information image (an example of a second image) in a shaded area (an example of a variable shaded area) of the variable shaded area 30 provided at the bottom of the windshield 3. The display control device 100 includes a detection unit 111 that detects the eye height position of a driver D1 seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle 1, and a control unit 110 (particularly a calculation unit 112 and a shaded area adjustment unit 113) that expands or reduces the shaded area (an example of a variable shaded area) of the variable shaded area 30 in the vertical direction based on the detected eye height position of the driver D1. The control unit 110 expands the shaded area (an example of a variable shaded area) of the variable shaded area 30 upward in the vertical direction as the eye height position of the driver D1 increases.

[0080] According to this configuration, the visibility of both the AR-HUD display and the vehicle information display can be improved by expanding or contracting the shading area of ​​the variable shading unit 30 in the vertical direction based on the eye height position of the driver D1. In other words, since the distance between the AR-HUD display and the vehicle information display can be increased, it is possible to prevent the vehicle information display from entering the visual angle of the driver D1 who is mainly looking at the AR-HUD display while driving, and reduce the annoyance felt by the driver D1.

[0081] Each process described in this embodiment is executed based on a program that causes a computer to execute each processing procedure. Therefore, this embodiment can also be understood as an embodiment of a program that realizes the function of executing each process and a recording medium that stores the program. For example, an update process for adding a new function to a display control device can store the program in the storage device of the display control device. This makes it possible to cause the updated display control device to execute each process described in this embodiment.

[0082] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments merely illustrate some of the application examples of the present invention, and it is not intended that the technical scope of the present invention be limited to the specific configurations of the above embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1 vehicle, 2 dashboard, 3 windshield, 4 steering wheel, 10 image acquisition unit, 20 display unit, 30 variable shading unit, 100 display control device, 110 control unit, 111 detection unit, 112 calculation unit, 113 shading area adjustment unit, 114 display control unit, 120 storage unit

Claims

1. A display control method for a vehicle capable of performing a first image display in which a first image is superimposed on an actual scene seen through a windshield, and a second image display in which a second image is displayed in a variable light-blocking area provided below the windshield, comprising: a detection step of detecting an eye height position of a driver seated in a driver's seat of the vehicle; a control step of vertically moving the display position of the first image based on the detected eye height position of the driver, and vertically expanding or contracting the variable shading area to vertically move the display position of the second image in the variable shading area, In the control step, as the eye height position of the driver increases, the display position of the first image is moved upward in the vertical direction, the variable shading area is expanded upward in the vertical direction, and the display position of the second image in the variable shading area is moved upward in the vertical direction. Display control method.

2. A display control method according to claim 1, the control step maintains a constant vertical distance between a display position of the first image and a display position of the second image in the variable light blocking area. Display control method.

3. 3. The display control method according to claim 1, further comprising: the first image is an assistance image for assisting the driver in driving, The second image is vehicle information related to the vehicle that is required by the driver while driving. Display control method.

4. 4. A display control method according to claim 1, further comprising: the first image is a virtual image displayed in a head-up display (HUD) display area on the windshield, The second image is a virtual image or a real image displayed in the variable shading area of ​​the windshield. Display control method.

5. 5. A display control method according to claim 1, comprising: The first image is an AR (Augmented Reality)-HUD image displayed in a HUD display area on the windshield. Display control method.

6. A display control device for a vehicle capable of performing a first image display in which a first image is superimposed on an actual scene seen through a windshield, and a second image display in which a second image is displayed in a variable light-blocking area provided below the windshield, a detection unit for detecting the eye height position of a driver seated in a driver's seat of the vehicle; a control unit that moves a display position of the first image in an up-down direction based on the detected eye height position of the driver, and expands or reduces the variable shading area in an up-down direction to move a display position of the second image in the variable shading area in an up-down direction, The control unit moves the display position of the first image upward in the vertical direction as the eye height of the driver increases, expands the variable shading area upward in the vertical direction, and moves the display position of the second image in the variable shading area upward in the vertical direction. Display control device.

Images