Display control device, display device, and display control method

Abstract

To suppress a decrease in near image / far image discriminability and then make a display image easier to see.SOLUTION: A display controller which performs display control over images has a control part 140 which controls display modes of the images, which include a near image (D1 to D3) displayed closer based upon a viewer and a far image (F1 to F3) displayed farther. The control part 140 performs visual separation processing including at least one of forms in which: the non-display area between the near image and far image is increased by putting the near image far away from the far image; the near image is not displayed; the near image is reduced; the near image is reduced by changing the display mode; and spaces between display contents arranged adjacently are widened when the near image includes a plurality of display contents.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display control device, a display device, a display control method, etc., that are mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a control device and a control method for a multi-display device having a plurality of display devices.

[0003] The multi-display device of Patent Document 1 (for example, Figures 1 and 19) uses a CID (Center Information Display) that displays map information and the current position of the vehicle, an ICD (Instrumental Cluster Display) that displays a speedometer, etc., and a HUD (Head-Up Display) device.

[0004]

[0002] of Patent Document 1 states, "Conventionally, in systems that use multiple display devices in conjunction with one another, there has been a problem in that when a user is paying attention to information displayed on one display device, it is difficult for the user to notice changes in the information displayed on the other display devices. Furthermore, when the information displayed on each display device is related to one another, it is difficult to grasp the relationship."

[0005] As a solution to this problem, for example, claim 1 states that "attention-guiding information (information that emphasizes a specific image) that induces attention is added." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-71398 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The inventors have investigated a technology for displaying images in multiple display areas with different display distances (near / far mixed display technology), and as a result have found that it is sometimes difficult for a viewer to distinguish between an image that appears close (near image) and an image that appears far away (far image).

[0008] For example, a distant image may be placed near a nearby image. Also, if both the nearby image and the distant image include, for example, multiple display contents that are erected on the road surface, each display content may be perceived individually, and the sense of perspective may be diminished, which may reduce the distinguishability between the nearby display content and the distant display content.

[0009] In this case, the viewer may feel visually annoyed. Also, it cannot be said that the viewer will not perceive important information delayed because they may perceive ADAS (Adaptive Assistant System) information, warning signs superimposed on leading vehicles that require caution (distant information), and vehicle speed indicators that are visible in the foreground as mixed together.

[0010] Here, even if awareness guidance information is added as in the technology of Patent Document 1, it does not provide a fundamental solution to the problem of reduced discrimination between near and far images, that is, the difficulty in distinguishing between near and far images.

[0011] Furthermore, when there are multiple display contents, it becomes difficult to distinguish which of them is a nearby image and which is a distant image, and each display content is perceived separately, resulting in visual annoyance, but this does not provide a fundamental solution to this problem.

[0012] One object of the present invention is to suppress a decrease in the discrimination between a near image and a far image, and to improve the visibility of a displayed image.

[0013] Other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art by referring to the following exemplary aspects and best modes, as well as the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] In order to facilitate an understanding of the outline of the present invention, the following examples are given of embodiments according to the present invention.

[0015] In a first aspect of the present invention, a display control device is a display control device that performs image display control, a control unit for controlling a display mode of the image, the images include a near image displayed closer to the viewer and a far image displayed farther away from the viewer; The control unit When it is determined that the discriminability between the near image and the far image is reduced, or when it is determined that the discriminability should be improved, The distance between the nearby image and the distant image is increased by moving the nearby image farther away from the distant image. The nearby image is hidden. shrinking the neighboring image; The display mode of the nearby image is changed and reduced. When the neighboring image includes a plurality of display contents, the spacing between adjacently arranged display contents is increased. A visual separation process including at least one of the above is performed.

[0016] Since the human field of view has a certain extent, for example, even when a viewer looks at a distant image, a nearby image may also be in the viewer's field of view. Since the distant image and the nearby image have different display distances (for example, the distance to the image or the display surface of the image based on the viewer's viewpoint), they are generally distinguishable from each other based on the difference in display distance, but there are also cases where the difference in distance between the two images is relatively small.

[0017] Furthermore, for example, when there are multiple display contents as distant images and they are displayed together, it becomes difficult to distinguish them from the multiple display contents as nearby images that are visible in the foreground.

[0018] In such a case, for example, if the nearby image is moved farther away from the distant image and the interval between the two images is increased, the two images are separated in position, making it easier to visually separate the nearby image from the distant image.

[0019] Furthermore, temporarily erasing the nearby image is essentially the same as removing the nearby image from the viewer's field of view, i.e., the nearby image is visually sufficiently separated from the distant image.

[0020] Furthermore, by reducing the size of the nearby image (for example, by reducing the size of icons or characters such as figures that make up the nearby image), the visibility of the nearby image is reduced, making it easier to visually separate the nearby image from the distant image. Furthermore, for example, if the distant image and the nearby image contain the same type of display content (icons, etc.), the difference in size makes it easier to perceive the nearby image as visually separated from the distant image. Furthermore, reducing the size of the nearby image also has the effect of increasing the distance between it and the distant image.

[0021] Furthermore, when reducing the size of a nearby image, changing the display mode of the nearby image (preferably including the background) can further promote visual separation of the nearby images. Examples of changes in the display mode include changing the design of characters or figures, or changing the color, brightness, saturation, etc. of components or the background.

[0022] Furthermore, increasing the spacing between display contents for a nearby image reduces the annoyance caused by the perception that multiple display contents are densely arranged, which facilitates visual separation of the nearby image from the distant image. For example, assuming that the distant image also includes multiple display contents, if the display contents for the distant image are densely arranged and the display contents for the nearby image are similarly densely arranged, it is expected that it will be difficult to distinguish between the distant image and the nearby image. In this case, by dispersing the display contents for the nearby image, the difference in the density of the arrangement of the distant image becomes clear, making it easier to visually separate the nearby image from the distant image.

[0023] By performing the visual separation process, it becomes easier to visually separate nearby images (when there are multiple display contents, a group of nearby images) from distant images without causing discomfort. Therefore, even if a nearby image falls within the view range, the viewer can focus on the distant image without being particularly aware of the nearby image, reducing the annoyance. Therefore, an easy-to-view display is realized.

[0024] In a second aspect dependent on the first aspect, When it is determined that the discriminability between the near image and the far image is reduced, or when it is determined that the discriminability should be improved, When the number of display contents included in the distant image is greater than a predetermined threshold, Or, When at least one predetermined display content having high importance is displayed as the distant image, or when the number of the displayed contents exceeds a predetermined threshold, Or, When it is detected that the importance of at least one display content displayed as the distant image has increased, may be.

[0025] In the second aspect, a case where it is determined that the discriminability between a near image and a far image is reduced is exemplified by a case where the number of display contents as far images exceeds a threshold value, and a case where it is determined that the discriminability should be improved is exemplified by a case where the importance (display priority) of the display contents as far images is increased.

[0026] In the illustrated situation, it is desirable for the viewer (such as a driver) to pay attention to the information presented by the distant image, and it is necessary to avoid the nearby image entering the field of view and making it difficult to see. Therefore, visual separation processing is performed on the nearby image to increase the distinguishability of the nearby image from the distant image. This makes it possible to present various types of information in an easy-to-see display.

[0027] In a third aspect dependent from the second aspect, The predetermined display content having high importance is AR display content superimposed on real scenery, Or, Display content for driving assistance information provided by the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) (ADAS display content), may be.

[0028] In the third mode, AR display content and ADAS display content treat distant images as highly important display content. These displays contribute to safe driving and often present important information, so they are treated as important display content.

[0029] In a fourth aspect dependent from the second aspect, When it is detected that the importance of the at least one display content has increased, When the navigation display is on, if the distance to the branch point where steering is required is within a predetermined distance, Or, If the ADAS display content already displayed increases the risk to safe driving, may be.

[0030] The fourth aspect illustrates a case where it may be determined that the importance of the display content as a distant image has increased. When approaching a point where steering (operation of the steering wheel, etc.) is required, or when the risk of the ADAS display content increases, a warning or other notice is displayed, and the viewer (driver, etc.) needs to quickly notice the notice and take appropriate action. Therefore, it is preferable to suppress the annoyance caused by the nearby image entering the field of view. Therefore, in the above case, visual separation processing is performed on the nearby image.

[0031] In a fifth aspect dependent on any one of the first to fourth aspects, The display control device is mounted on a vehicle, The height direction of the vehicle is defined as a vertical direction or an up-down direction, the width direction of the vehicle is defined as a horizontal direction or a left-right direction, and the direction perpendicular to the vertical and horizontal directions is defined as a depth direction, the neighboring image includes first and second display contents arranged horizontally; And, when the first and second display contents are located below the display area of ​​the distant image, The visual separation process includes: The first display content is moved to the left along a horizontal direction, and the second display content is moved to the right along a horizontal direction to increase the spacing between the first and second display content; and When the display area of ​​the first display content is the left display area and the display area of ​​the second display content is the right display area, a process of preventing the display area of ​​the distant image from overlapping the left display area and the right display area of ​​the nearby image in the vertical direction; Or, a process of vertically overlapping the display area of ​​the far image and the right display area of ​​the near image, but not overlapping the left areas; Or, The display area of ​​the distant image and the left display area of ​​the near image may be vertically overlapped, but the right areas may not overlap.

[0032] The fifth aspect specifically illustrates a preferred example of the "processing of widening the spacing between adjacently arranged display contents when the nearby image includes multiple display contents" in the first aspect.

[0033] Widening the spacing can be achieved by moving some display content to the left in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) and moving other display content to the right in the horizontal direction (left-right direction). The display area of ​​the display content moved to the left is the "left display area," and the display area of ​​the display content moved to the right is the "right display area."

[0034] Further, widening the gap between the display contents means that a non-display area (in other words, a space) where no image is displayed is provided between the left display area and the right display area.

[0035] The display area for the distant image is located above this non-display area. If the area of ​​the non-display area is made large enough, the display area for the distant image and the left / right display areas can be prevented from overlapping in the vertical direction (lengthwise).

[0036] It is also possible to prevent only one of the left and right display areas from overlapping vertically with the display area of ​​the distant image.

[0037] In particular, "not overlapping vertically" means that even if the display area of ​​the distant image located at the top is moved (shifted) to the lower position where the nearby image is located, the two areas do not overlap.

[0038] One of the reasons for the visual annoyance is thought to be that the viewer perceives the distant image on the top and the nearby image on the bottom as a "collection of similar images that are cohesive." By distributing the display content of the nearby image to the left and right and inserting a relatively large space between them, it becomes difficult for the viewer to perceive the distant image and the nearby image as a "collection of similar images that are cohesive," and the nearby image becomes more easily visually separated from the distant image.

[0039] Furthermore, if only one of the left and right display areas overlaps vertically with the display area of ​​the distant image, but the other does not, the display content of the nearby image tends to be arranged asymmetrically, giving the impression of novelty in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) but a lack of connection with the distant image in the vertical direction (up-down direction). This makes it less likely that the viewer will perceive the distant image as a single cohesive collection of images. This helps visually separate the nearby image from the distant image.

[0040] In a sixth aspect dependent from the fifth aspect, the display area of ​​the far image and the right display area of ​​the near image overlap in the vertical direction, but when processing is performed to prevent the left areas from overlapping, the area of ​​the right display area is larger than the area of ​​the left display area; The display area of ​​the distant image and the left display area of ​​the near image overlap vertically, but when processing is performed to prevent the right areas from overlapping, the area of ​​the left display area may be larger than the area of ​​the right display area.

[0041] In the sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, when only one of the left and right display areas overlaps vertically with the display area of ​​the distant image, but the other does not overlap, the area of ​​the overlapping display area is set larger than the area of ​​the non-overlapping display area. A larger display area is advantageous in terms of increasing the number of display contents, and also has the advantage of allowing display contents that are long in the horizontal direction to be arranged, with a high degree of freedom in arrangement in that case.

[0042] For example, if there are four display contents as neighboring images, one display content can be displayed in a non-overlapping display area, and the other three display contents can be displayed in overlapping display areas with larger areas, thereby enabling the display contents to be arranged asymmetrically on the left and right.

[0043] A display in which the display content of nearby images is arranged asymmetrically from left to right also has a kind of design element, and gives the viewer the impression that the images are not simply dispersed but are similar in type and novel, so the viewer naturally tends to recognize the nearby image as distinct from the distant image. Furthermore, this asymmetric display, including the non-display area (space area), can also be seen as a kind of design arrangement, and horizontally it tends to give the visual impression of a novel, unified design. On the other hand, vertically (up and down), it gives the impression that it is difficult to perceive the relationship with the distant image.

[0044] Therefore, the viewer is less likely to perceive the distant image as a single cohesive set of images, which helps visually separate the near image from the distant image.

[0045] In a seventh aspect dependent on any one of the first to sixth aspects, The visual separation process includes: The method may further include a process of changing the display of the near image to a display mainly in achromatic colors in contrast to the far image, which is mainly in chromatic colors.

[0046] In the eighth aspect, it is made clear that in the visual separation process for nearby images, the display mode can be changed so that achromatic colors are the main display.

[0047] Distant images include AR images, ADAS images, etc., and are often displayed in chromatic colors such as red, yellow, blue, etc. to easily attract the viewer's attention. This is because the road surfaces on which vehicles travel are often achromatic (for example, dark colors), and the white lines and other markings on the road surfaces are also achromatic, so it is difficult to attract the viewer's attention if they are displayed in similar colors.

[0048] In light of this, the nearby image (including the background) can be given a different impression from the distant image by coloring it primarily with achromatic colors (for example, gray, black, white, and gradations using these colors). This makes it easier to intuitively distinguish the nearby image from the distant image.

[0049] For example, it may be possible to color the background of the display area for a plurality of display contents in a dark color such as gray, while the majority of the display contents are displayed in white characters, figures, etc. (However, this is just an example and is not limiting.) This contributes to realizing an easy-to-read display without causing discomfort.

[0050] In an eighth aspect, the display device comprises: a head-up display device that displays a distant image; A display device or a head-up display device that displays a nearby image by display control by a display control device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects; Includes:

[0051] According to the eighth aspect, it is possible to provide a display device that can suppress a decrease in the distinguishability between a near image and a far image and improve the visibility of a displayed image.

[0052] In a ninth aspect, a display control method includes: A display control method for controlling display of a near image displayed closer to a viewer and a far image displayed farther away, the method comprising: a step of determining whether or not a situation exists in which the discriminability between the near image and the far image is reduced, or whether or not the discriminability should be improved; When the result of the determination is positive, a step of performing a visual separation process including at least one of: increasing a non-display area between the nearby image and the distant image by moving the nearby image further away from the distant image; hiding the nearby image; reducing the nearby image; reducing the nearby image by changing the display mode; and, when the nearby image includes a plurality of display contents, increasing the interval between adjacently arranged display contents. Includes:

[0053] According to the ninth aspect, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the distinguishability between a near image and a far image, and improve the visibility of a displayed image, using a relatively simple technique.

[0054] Those skilled in the art will easily understand that the exemplified embodiments according to the present invention can be further modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0055] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an example of a display device (an in-vehicle display device including a display device and an HUD device) and an example of setting a virtual image display surface by the HUD device. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B are diagrams showing another example of a display device using a display device and a HUD device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display by the display device shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a display device using two HUD devices. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the display device shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6(A) is a diagram showing an example of a display of a nearby image and a distant image before visual separation processing, and FIG. 6(B) is a diagram showing an example of a display of a nearby image and a distant image after visual separation processing. [Figure 7] FIG. 7(A) is a diagram showing an example of the display of a nearby image and a distant image before visual separation processing, and FIGS. 7(B) to (E) are diagrams showing other examples of the display of a nearby image and a distant image after visual separation processing. [Figure 8] Figure 8(A) is a diagram showing an example of the display of a nearby image and a distant image before visual separation processing, and Figure 8(B) is a diagram showing yet another example of the display of a nearby image and a distant image after visual separation processing. [Figure 9] Figure 9(A) is a diagram showing an example of the display of a nearby image and a distant image before visual separation processing, and Figures 9(B) and (C) are diagrams showing yet another example (a modified example of Figure 8(B)) of the display of a nearby image and a distant image after visual separation processing. [Figure 10] Figure 10(A) shows an example of the display of a nearby image and a distant image before visual separation processing, and Figures 10(B) and (C) show how the display mode of the nearby image changes gradually as you approach a branching point where steering is required. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing an example of a distant image determined to be of high importance, and an example of a nearby image after visual separation processing. [Figure 12]Figure 12(A) shows a driving scene in which both the near image and the far image before visual separation processing are visible through the windshield, and Figure 12(B) shows an example of a driving scene in which the importance of the far image has increased and visual separation processing has been performed on the near image. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system for controlling the display of a display device. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a display control procedure for a nearby image. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] The best mode described below is used to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and therefore, those skilled in the art should be aware that the present invention is not unduly limited by the embodiments described below.

[0057] Please refer to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an example of a display device (an in-vehicle display device including a display device and an HUD device) and an example of setting a virtual image display surface by the HUD device.

[0058] 1, the direction along the line segment connecting the viewer's left and right eyes (in other words, the width direction of the vehicle 1) is the left-right direction (or lateral direction), the direction along the line segment that is perpendicular to the left-right direction and perpendicular to the ground or a surface equivalent to the ground (here, road surface 6) is the up-down direction (or longitudinal direction or height direction), and the direction along the line segment that is perpendicular to both the left-right direction and the up-down direction (directions indicating the forward and backward directions of the vehicle 1) is the front-rear direction. The front direction is also sometimes referred to as the depth direction. The left-right direction can also be expressed as the X direction, the up-down direction as the Y direction, and the front-rear direction as the Z direction.

[0059] Furthermore, in this specification, the expressions "near image" and "far image" are used, where a near image is an image displayed closer to the viewer, and a far image is an image displayed further back than the near image. The distances (display distances) from the viewer's viewpoint to each image are different. In other words, the image displayed in the display area (display surface) closer to the viewer is the near image, and the image displayed in the display area (display surface) further back is the far image. The near image can also be referred to as the near-placed image or the near-side image. The far image can also be referred to as the far-placed image or the far-side image.

[0060] The display device here is an in-vehicle display device mounted on a vehicle 1. This in-vehicle display device includes at least one of a display device (including a control unit 140, a display control unit 107, and a display (display device) 108 such as a liquid crystal panel) and a head-up display (HUD) device 100 (including a control unit 140 and a device main body 120). In the example of FIG. 1, both are mounted on the vehicle 1.

[0061] The HUD device 100 is installed in a dashboard (in other words, an instrument panel) 41, for example.

[0062] The device body 120 has a display 150 such as a liquid crystal panel, a screen (display unit) 160 having a display surface 164, and a curved mirror (concave mirror or the like) 170 having a light reflecting surface 179.

[0063] Curved mirror (concave mirror, etc.) 170 reflects light from screen 160 and projects (projects) display light K onto windshield (projected member) 2 provided on vehicle 1. A portion of display light K is reflected from windshield (projected member) 2 and incident on viewpoint (eye) A of a viewer (driver, etc.), and apparent light beams E1 to E3 corresponding to the incident light beams are focused at image points in front of the viewer, thereby displaying a virtual image on virtual image display surface PS. Note that virtual image display surface PS is a virtual (apparent) surface set in real space in front of the viewer, corresponding to display surface 164 on screen 160.

[0064] The virtual image display surface PS may be, for example, an elevation surface a perpendicular to the road surface 6, inclined surfaces b and c inclined relative to the road surface 6, a road surface superimposed surface d superimposed on the road surface 6, and a surface e in which the side closer to the viewer is an elevation surface (including a pseudo elevation surface) and the farther side is an inclined surface. In displays using surfaces other than the elevation surface a, the display distance of the virtual image varies depending on the display position on the virtual image display surface, thereby enabling 3D display.

[0065] Next, reference is made to Fig. 2. Fig. 2(A) and (B) are diagrams showing another example of a display device using a display device and a HUD device. In Fig. 2, parts that are common to Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals. This also applies to other drawings.

[0066] The examples of FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B) have in common that a distant image V1 is displayed by the HUD device 100, and a nearby image V2 is displayed by a display (display device) 108 installed inside the vehicle.

[0067] However, the display (display device) 108 in Fig. 2(B) is provided closer to the viewer (driver) (closer to the steering wheel 4) than in Fig. 2(A). In this respect, there is a structural difference.

[0068] 2(A) and 2(B), a display 151 that displays an original image is provided in the HUD device 100. However, an optical system that guides display light from the display 151 to a curved mirror (concave mirror or the like) 170 is omitted.

[0069] Next, reference is made to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display by the display device shown in Figs.

[0070] 3, three display contents are displayed as nearby images, arranged in a row horizontally (left and right) at intervals on the display (display device) 108. The one on the left is a barcode display D1 showing various information (for example, vehicle temperature and RPM data), the one in the center is a vehicle speed display (displaying "80 km / h") D2, and the one on the right is a display showing the current time (displaying "12:56 pm") D3.

[0071] In addition, a navigation display F1 and a fuel gauge display F2 are displayed as AR displays so as to be superimposed on the real view in front of the vehicle 1. These are displayed on a virtual image display surface 111 set in front of the vehicle 1.

[0072] The distant images F1 and F2 are viewed by the driver (viewer) through the windshield 2. The display areas of the near images D1 to D3 are located below the distant images F1 and F2 from the viewer's (driver's) perspective, and the vertical distance is small. A viewer looking at something far away can see the near images D1 to D3 by slightly lowering their line of sight. However, because the field of view is broad, it can be assumed that the near images D1 to D3 will often fall within the viewer's field of view even when the viewer is looking at the distant images F1 and F2.

[0073] Next, reference is made to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a display device using two HUD devices. In Fig. 4, the nearby image V2 is displayed as a virtual image by the HUD device 101. Furthermore, the nearby image V2 is displayed on the far side of the windshield 2 as seen by the viewer.

[0074] The distant image V1 is displayed as a virtual image by the HUD device 100, similar to the example in Fig. 2. Note that one of the HUD devices may be referred to as a "first HUD device" and the other as a "second HUD device."

[0075] Next, reference is made to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a display by the display device shown in Fig. 4. The display content is the same as that in Fig. 3. However, in Fig. 4, the display (display device) 108 of Fig. 3 is not provided. A display area 113 is set on the instrument panel 41 for convenience, and nearby images D1 to D3 are displayed in this display area 113.

[0076] Next, reference is made to Fig. 6. Fig. 6(A) is a diagram showing a display example of a nearby image and a distant image before visual separation processing, and Fig. 6(B) is a diagram showing a display example of a nearby image and a distant image after visual separation processing.

[0077] In the example of Fig. 6, the control unit 140 (see Fig. 1) can perform visual separation processing on the nearby image. The visual separation processing can be performed, for example, when it is determined that the discriminability between the nearby image and the distant image is reduced, or when it is determined that the discriminability should be improved.

[0078] In the visual separation process, for example, display control may be performed that includes at least one of the following: increasing the distance between the nearby image and the distant image by moving the nearby image further away from the distant image; hiding the nearby image; reducing the nearby image; reducing the nearby image by changing the display mode; and, when the nearby image includes multiple display contents, increasing the distance between adjacently arranged display contents.

[0079] 6A shows a normal display state of the neighboring images (the display state before the visual separation process). This display state is the same as that shown in FIG.

[0080] In Figure 6(B), in addition to F1 and F2, the distant images also include speed limit information F3, a warning sign (text saying "Caution: Strong Winds") F4, and information indicating the distance to the vehicle ahead F5. F3 can be seen as an important navigation display, while F4 and F5 are driving assistance information (ADAS information, ADAS images) provided by the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS).

[0081] Here, the predetermined threshold for the number of display contents as distant images is m (here, m=2).

[0082] In the state of Fig. 6(A), the number of display contents included in the distant image does not exceed the threshold (m=2), but in the state of Fig. 6(B), it exceeds the threshold. When the number of display contents in the distant image exceeds the threshold, the burden on the viewer (driver) to look at each display content and understand its meaning increases.

[0083] Here, if the viewer is looking at the distant images F1 to F5 and nearby images D1 to D3 enter his / her field of view (field of vision), the viewer's burden will further increase. In particular, if D1 to D3 are grasped (perceived) individually (separately), the viewer will feel annoyed. Furthermore, since the viewer needs to individually recognize the information presented by each display content, the viewer's cognitive burden will increase.

[0084] Therefore, the control unit 140 performs visual separation processing on the nearby images. In Fig. 6(B), the display contents D1 to D3 of the nearby images are shifted downward (in the -Y direction). In other words, the display contents D1 to D3 of the nearby images are moved farther away from the display contents F1 to F5 of the distant images, widening the vertical gap (non-display area or space area) between the two images.

[0085] This separates the distant image from the nearby image in terms of position, making it easier to visually separate the nearby image from the distant image.

[0086] Next, reference will be made to Fig. 7. Fig. 7(A) is a diagram showing an example of display of a nearby image and a distant image before visual separation processing, and Figs. 7(B) to (E) are diagrams showing other examples of display of a nearby image and a distant image after visual separation processing.

[0087] Fig. 7(A) is the same as Fig. 6(A). In Fig. 7(B), the display contents D1 to D3 of the nearby images are temporarily erased as a visual separation process. Temporarily erasing the nearby images is essentially the same as the nearby images being outside the viewer's field of view. In other words, the nearby images are visually sufficiently separated from the distant image.

[0088] In Fig. 7(C), a process is performed to reduce the size of the display content of the nearby image. By reducing the size of the nearby image (more specifically, for example, by reducing the size of the graphic icons or characters that make up the nearby image), the visibility of the nearby image is reduced, making it easier to visually separate the nearby image from the distant image. Furthermore, for example, if the distant image and the nearby image contain the same type of display content (icons, etc.), the difference in size makes it easier to perceive the nearby image as visually separated from the distant image. Furthermore, reducing the size of the nearby image also has the effect of increasing the distance between the nearby image and the distant image.

[0089] FIG. 7(D) is similar to FIG. 7(C) in that the nearby image is reduced. However, in FIG. 7(D), the display mode of the nearby image (preferably interpreted broadly as including the background) is changed when the nearby image is reduced. This can further promote visual separation of the nearby image. Examples of changes to the display mode include changing the design of characters or figures, or changing the color, brightness, saturation, etc. of the components or background. In FIG. 7(D), the vehicle speed display D2 is changed to a white display. Furthermore, the barcode display D1 and the time display D3 are changed from chromatic to achromatic. Comparing FIG. 7(C) and FIG. 7(D), the visibility of the display contents D1 to D3 of the nearby image is reduced in FIG. 7(D), which accordingly promotes visual separation from the distant image.

[0090] 7(E), the positions of the display contents D1 to D3 of the nearby image are shifted to increase the spacing between adjacent display contents, thereby reducing the annoyance caused by the perception that multiple display contents are closely spaced, and promoting the visual separation of the nearby image from the distant image.

[0091] In FIG. 7(E), the distant image also includes multiple display contents, and the display contents of the distant image are arranged quite densely. If the display contents of the nearby image were also arranged densely, it would be difficult to distinguish between the distant image and the nearby image. In FIG. 7(E), the display contents D1 to D3 of the nearby image are arranged in a dispersed manner, which clarifies the difference in the density of the arrangement of the distant image and makes it easier to visually separate the nearby image from the distant image. Note that display content D1 has been moved to the left, display content D2 has been moved downward, and display content D3 has been moved to the right.

[0092] In this way, by performing the visual separation process, it is possible to easily visually separate a nearby image (or a group of nearby images when there are multiple display contents) from a distant image without causing discomfort. Therefore, even if a nearby image falls within the view range, the viewer can focus on the distant image without being particularly aware of the nearby image, reducing the annoyance. Therefore, an easy-to-view display is realized.

[0093] Next, reference is made to Fig. 8. Fig. 8(A) is a diagram showing an example of display of a nearby image and a distant image before visual separation processing, and Fig. 8(B) is a diagram showing yet another example of display of a nearby image and a distant image after visual separation processing.

[0094] In Figure 8(A), the display of the distant image is the same as in Figures 6 and 7. A navigation display F1 as an AR display and a fuel gauge display F2 are displayed.

[0095] Meanwhile, the nearby image is displayed in a predetermined display area on the dashboard (instrument panel) 41. In Fig. 8(A), an arrow icon display D4 and a remaining battery capacity display D5 are displayed in the left display area 119, and a vehicle speed display D6 is displayed in the right display area 121. The left display area 119 and the right display area 121 are disposed adjacent to each other with a predetermined interval between them.

[0096] 8(A), notations a1, a2, a3, and a4 indicate the positions of the edges of the display areas: a1 indicates the left edge position of left display area 119 of the near image, a2 indicates the left edge position of display area 111 of the far image, a3 indicates the right edge position of display area 111 of the far image, and a4 indicates the right edge position of right display area 121 of the near image.

[0097] In the example of Figure 8(A), a1 and a2 are located at approximately the same position in the horizontal direction (left and right direction, along the X-axis), and a3 and a4 are located at approximately the same position in the horizontal direction. If the edge position of display area 111 of the distant image and the edge position of display areas 119 and 121 of the nearby images are aligned, the viewer may perceive the distant image and the nearby image as a collection of cohesive images of the same type. This can be one cause of annoyance.

[0098] 8(A), the display area 111 of the distant image (or the display contents F1 and F2 of the distant image) overlaps with the display areas 119 and 121 of the nearby image (or the display contents D5 and D6 of the nearby image) in the vertical direction (up and down, along the Y axis). This can be a cause of visual annoyance.

[0099] In more concrete terms, "overlapping vertically" means that if the display area (or display content) of the distant image located at the top is moved (shifted) to the lower position where the nearby image is located, an overlap (including partial overlap) will occur between the two areas (both contents).

[0100] Next, refer to Figure 8(B). In Figure 8(B), as a result of the visual separation process, left display area 119 (or display contents D4 and D5: first display content) has been moved to the left in the horizontal direction (left-right direction), and right display area 121 (or display content D6: second display content) has been moved to the right in the horizontal direction (left-right direction). As a result, a fairly large, horizontally elongated non-display area (space area, empty area) 123 is provided between left display area 119 and right display area 121.

[0101] The display area 111 of the distant image is located above this non-display area (space area) 123. As in the example of Fig. 8(B), if the area of ​​the non-display area 123 is made large to a certain extent, the display area 111 of the distant image and the display areas 110, 121 on the left and right of the nearby image can be prevented from overlapping in the vertical direction (up and down direction).

[0102] 8(B), a1 is located to the left of a2, and a4 is located to the right of a3. Therefore, even if display area 111 of the distant image located at the top is moved (shifted) to the lower position where the nearby image is located, display area 111 of the distant image will fit within non-display area 123 and will not overlap with left display area 119 and right display area 121. In other words, display contents F1 to F5 of the distant image will not overlap with display contents D4 to D6 of the nearby image in the vertical direction.

[0103] It is also possible to prevent only one of the left and right display areas (119 or 121) from vertically overlapping with the distant image display area 111. An example of this will be described later.

[0104] As mentioned above, one cause of visual annoyance is thought to be the perception of the distant image on the top and the nearby image on the bottom as a "collection of similar images that are cohesive." By distributing the display content of the nearby image to the left and right and inserting a relatively large space between them, it becomes difficult for the viewer to perceive the distant image and the nearby image as a "collection of similar images that are cohesive," and the nearby image becomes more easily visually separated vertically from the distant image. This makes it easier to distinguish between the distant image and the nearby image, reducing annoyance.

[0105] Next, reference will be made to Fig. 9. Fig. 9(A) is a diagram showing an example of display of a nearby image and a distant image before visual separation processing, and Figs. 9(B) and (C) are diagrams showing yet another example (a modified example of Fig. 8(B)) of display of a nearby image and a distant image after visual separation processing.

[0106] 9(A) is the same as FIG. 8(A). In FIG. 9(B), as a result of the visual separation process, the left display area 119 (or display contents D4 and D5: first display content) has been moved to the left in the horizontal direction (left-right direction), and the right display area 125 (or display contents D7 and D6: second display content) has been moved to the right in the horizontal direction (left-right direction). As a result, the distance between the left display area 119 and the right display area 125 has increased. Note that display content D7 is a fuel gauge that indicates the amount of remaining fuel.

[0107] 9(B), the display area 111 of the distant image and the right display area 125 of the near image are arranged so as to overlap vertically, but not to overlap with the left area 119. A non-display area (space area) 127 is provided between the left display area 119 and the right display area 125.

[0108] In FIG. 9(B), a1 is located to the left of a2, and a4 is located to the left of a3.

[0109] 9(B), the area of ​​right-side display area 125, which overlaps vertically, is set larger than the area of ​​left-side display area 119, which does not overlap. A larger display area is advantageous in that it allows for a larger number of display contents and also allows for horizontally long display contents to be arranged, with the added advantage of greater flexibility in arrangement. The left-side display area 119 displays two display contents, D4 and D5, while the right-side display area 125 displays two display contents, D7 and D6, so the number of contents is the same. However, the right-side display area 125 displays the remaining fuel gauge D7, which is quite horizontally long, at an easy-to-read size.

[0110] 9(C), the display area 111 of the distant image and the left display area 131 of the near image are arranged so as to overlap vertically, but not to overlap with the right area 121. A non-display area (space area) 129 is provided between the left display area 131 and the right display area 121.

[0111] An arrow icon D4, a time display D8, a meter display D9 showing the remaining battery power, and a meter display D10 showing the remaining fuel power are displayed in the left display area 131. A vehicle speed display D6 is displayed in the right display area.

[0112] 9(C), the area of ​​the left display area 131, which overlaps vertically, is set larger than the area of ​​the right display area 121, which does not overlap. A larger display area is advantageous in that it allows for an increased number of display contents, and also allows for the arrangement of display contents that are long horizontally, with the added advantage of greater flexibility in arrangement. The display contents displayed in the left display area 131 are four, D4, D8, D9, and D10, and the display content displayed in the right display area 121 is one, D6.

[0113] As shown in the examples of Figures 9(B) and (C), if only one of the left and right display areas overlaps vertically with the display area of ​​the distant image, but the other does not, the display content of the nearby image tends to be arranged asymmetrically, giving the impression of novelty in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) but a lack of connection with the distant image in the vertical direction (up-down direction). This makes it less likely that the viewer will perceive the distant image as a single cohesive collection of images. This helps to visually separate the nearby image from the distant image in the vertical direction.

[0114] Furthermore, by making the left and right display regions different in area, it becomes possible to arrange display contents asymmetrically in the left and right directions, as shown in FIGS. 9(B) and 9(C), for example.

[0115] The arrangement in which the display contents of nearby images are arranged asymmetrically on the left and right also has a certain design element, and gives the viewer the impression that the images are not simply dispersed but are of the same type with a sense of novelty, so the viewer naturally tends to recognize nearby images as distinct from distant images.

[0116] This asymmetrical layout, including the non-display area (space area), can also be seen as a kind of design layout, and in the horizontal direction it is easy to give the visual impression of a unified design.On the other hand, in the vertical direction (up and down), it gives the impression that it is difficult to sense the relationship with the distant image.

[0117] Therefore, the viewer is less likely to perceive the distant image as a single cohesive set of images, which helps visually separate the near image from the distant image.

[0118] Next, let us refer to Fig. 10. Fig. 10(A) is a diagram showing an example of the display of a near image and a far image before visual separation processing, and Fig. 10(B) and (C) are diagrams showing the gradual change in the display mode of the near image as the vehicle approaches a branch point where steering is required.

[0119] In FIG. 10(A), a highway exit 904 can be seen in the distance through the windshield 2. This highway exit 904 corresponds to a branching point where the vehicle needs to be steered. The HUD device displays a pointer J1 at the exit 904 to call attention (or to guide the viewpoint). The nearby display (display contents D1 to D3) is displayed normally.

[0120] In FIG. 10(B), the vehicle is approaching an exit 904, and the distance to the exit 904 is within a predetermined threshold. As a result, a sign display (AR display) 906 is displayed, more clearly indicating the exit 904. Accordingly, a visual separation process is performed on the nearby image. In FIG. 10(B), display content D1 is moved to the left, and display content D3 is moved to the right, thereby widening the space between adjacent display contents. Since the display contents of the nearby image are dispersed and no longer densely arranged, even if the nearby display is included in the field of view (field of vision) when gazing at the distant image, the nearby image is naturally separated from the distant image, reducing annoyance.

[0121] In FIG. 10(C), the vehicle approaches the exit 904. As a result, a display 907 for guiding the vehicle is displayed on the road surface. Accordingly, the display mode of the nearby image is changed. In FIG. 10(C), a gradient background is applied only to the display content D2, so as to impress upon the viewer (such as the driver) the highly important vehicle speed information. Furthermore, the perspective of the nearby image display content D2 is consistent with the distant image display 907 on the road surface for guiding the vehicle (displayed with a unique perspective), maintaining a natural visual perception. On the other hand, by applying a gradient background only to the display content D2, the design of the nearby image display contents D1 to D3 is enhanced, and intuitive distinction between the distant display and the nearby display is improved. Therefore, the display is easy to view.

[0122] Next, reference is made to Fig. 11. Fig. 11(A) and (B) are diagrams showing an example of a distant image determined to be of high importance, and an example of a nearby image after visual separation processing.

[0123] 11A, a speed limit display LS1 is displayed as an AR display. Also, an attention-calling mark M1 is displayed by the ADAS superimposed on the forward vehicle G1. This attention-calling mark M1 corresponds to a distant image of high importance.

[0124] In response to this, visual separation processing is performed on the neighboring images, and the display mode is changed to that shown in Fig. 7(D) above. However, while the speed limit and vehicle speed were 80 km / h in Fig. 7(D), they are 60 km / h in Fig. 11(A).

[0125] 11(B), the preceding vehicle G2 is located far away and does not pose any particular problem. However, a person B1 has entered the road, and the ADAS displays a frame C1 as a warning display. This frame C1 as a warning display corresponds to a distant image with high importance.

[0126] In response to this, visual separation processing is performed on the neighboring images, and the display mode is changed to the same as that shown in FIG. 11(A).

[0127] Next, reference is made to Figure 12. Figure 12(A) shows a driving scene in which both a near image before visual separation processing and a far image are visible through the windshield, and Figure 12(B) shows an example of a driving scene in which the importance of the far image has increased and visual separation processing has been performed on the near image.

[0128] In Fig. 12(A), both the near image and the far image are visible in front of the vehicle through the windshield 2. A leading vehicle G3 is visible in the distance in front of the vehicle. Also, a speed limit display (AR display) LS1 is displayed as a far image.

[0129] Figure 12(B) shows a driving scene that requires more caution than Figure 12(A). The road ahead of the vehicle curves to the left. The vehicle is traveling at high speed. There are also vehicles G4, G5, and G6 ahead, and the driver must pay particular attention to the distance between the vehicle and the nearest vehicle G4.

[0130] The distant image displays a speed limit LS2, a warning mark U1 for the preceding vehicle G4, a mark (following distance mark) W1 that helps maintain a safe distance between vehicles, and multiple arrows W2 that guide the vehicle's course. The multiple arrows W2 are arranged to follow the white lines 9 on the road surface 6. The number of display contents as distant images has increased considerably, and the importance of the display (display priority) has also increased.

[0131] Furthermore, if a nearby image is placed directly below a distant image and the nearby image enters the field of view, there is a high possibility that the cognitive burden on the viewer will increase.

[0132] Therefore, visual separation processing is performed on the nearby image. Here, processing is performed on the three display contents D1 to D3 as the nearby image, widening the gap between adjacent display contents to disperse the dense arrangement into a sparse arrangement. In addition, the three display contents D1 to D3 are surrounded by a frame Q10, and the inside of the frame is colored to give the entire image a background. This makes it easier to visually separate the nearby image from the distant image in a natural way.

[0133] 12B, the neighboring images after the visual separation process are mainly displayed in achromatic colors. The reason for this is as follows.

[0134] As shown in Figure 12(B), distant images include AR images, ADAS images, etc., and are often displayed in chromatic colors such as red, yellow, and blue to easily attract the viewer's attention.

[0135] This is because the road surface 6 on which vehicles travel is often achromatic (e.g., dark), and the white lines 9 and other marks on the road surface are also achromatic, so it is difficult to attract the viewer's attention using similar colors.

[0136] In light of this, the nearby image (including the background) can be given a different impression from the distant image by coloring it primarily with achromatic colors (for example, gray, black, white, and gradations using these colors). This makes it easier to intuitively distinguish the nearby image from the distant image.

[0137] 12(B), the background color S1 of the nearby image is, for example, light gray, the barcode display D1 is displayed in black and white (or a cool color that is a receding color), and the vehicle speed display D2 is displayed in white, resulting in a display that is primarily achromatic. This allows the nearby image to be distinguished from the distant image in a natural way without causing any sense of incongruity, reducing the burden on the viewer.

[0138] Next, reference will be made to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system that controls the display of a display device.

[0139] The in-vehicle display device (display device) 180 has an I / O interface 30, a processor (control device) 172 having a control unit (display control unit) 140, an image processing unit 210, an image display unit 230, a storage unit (memory) 350, and an exterior communication connection device 420.

[0140] The image display unit 230 includes the display control unit 107 and the display 108 shown in FIG. 1, and the display 150 and the display control unit 163 (not shown in FIG. 1) which are components of the HUD device 100.

[0141] The I / O interface 30 is connected to a road information database 403, a vehicle position detection unit 405, an outside vehicle sensor 407, a gaze direction detection unit 409, an eye position detection unit 411, a mobile information terminal 413, and a vehicle ECU 415.

[0142] Vehicle ECU 415 is provided with necessary information as needed from various sensors such as pitch angle sensor 417 and steering angle sensor 419. In addition, I / O interface 420 is connected to external vehicle communication connection device 420.

[0143] The storage unit (memory) 350 also includes, for example, a real object and its position detection module 510, a surrounding environment detection module 512, a vehicle situation detection module 514, an image type determination module 516, an image placement determination module 518, a graphic display module 520, and a display mode determination module 522.

[0144] The display mode determination module 522 includes a display mode determination module 327 for a nearby image (close display) and a display mode determination module 329 for a distant image (distant display).

[0145] The display mode determination module 327 also includes a visual separation processing execution module 328 that executes visual separation processing.

[0146] The processor 172 operates in accordance with the above-mentioned modules, thereby configuring, for example, the control unit 140 and various processing units as functional blocks. The control unit 140 controls the above-mentioned visual separation processing of nearby images, etc.

[0147] Next, reference will be made to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a display control procedure for a nearby image.

[0148] In step S1, the driving situation of the vehicle, the surrounding environment, etc. are detected and various information is acquired. In step S2, the display content of the nearby image is determined based on the various acquired information.

[0149] In step S3, it is determined whether visual separation processing is required when displaying the display content of the nearby image. In other words, it is determined whether the condition for changing the display mode is met. If the result is Y, in step S4, processing for changing the display mode is performed. The visual separation processing may include, for example, increasing the distance of the nearby image from the distant image, hiding it, making it smaller, changing the display mode to make it smaller, changing the color of at least one of the display and background to a mainly achromatic color, increasing the distance between multiple display contents to disperse them, and so on.

[0150] If the answer is N in step S3, the display is performed in the normal display mode in step S5. In step S6, an end determination is made, and if the answer is N, the process returns to step S1, and if the answer is Y, the process ends.

[0151] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the distinguishability between a near image and a far image, and improve the visibility of a displayed image.

[0152] The present invention can be modified and applied in various ways. For example, the visual separation process for neighboring images is not limited to the example described in the above embodiment, and various display modes can be adopted as appropriate.

[0153] In this specification, the term "vehicle" may be broadly interpreted as a vehicle. Terms related to navigation (e.g., AR display, ADAS display, etc.) are also broadly interpreted. HUD devices and display devices (and display devices in a broad sense) also include those used as simulators (e.g., aircraft simulators, simulators as game devices, etc.).

[0154] The present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments, and those skilled in the art will be able to easily modify the above-described exemplary embodiments to the extent that they fall within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 1···vehicle (own vehicle), 2···windshield (projection target member), 6···road surface, 30···I / O interface, 41···instrument panel (dashboard), 100···HUD device, 108···display unit (liquid crystal panel, etc.), 109···display surface of display unit, 120···main body of HUD device, 140···control unit (display control unit), 160···display unit (liquid crystal panel, etc.) of HUD device, 160···screen Lean, 164···Screen display surface, 170···Curved mirror (concave mirror, etc.), 179···Reflecting surface of curved mirror, 210···Image processing unit, 230···Image display unit, 350···Memory unit, 522···Display mode determination module, 327···Display mode determination module for nearby images, 329···Display mode determination module for distant images, 328···Visual separation processing execution module, K···Display light, PS···Image display surface

Claims

1. A display control device that performs image display control, a control unit for controlling a display mode of the image, the images include a near image displayed closer to the viewer and a far image displayed farther away from the viewer; The control unit When it is determined that the discriminability between the near image and the far image is reduced, or when it is determined that the discriminability should be improved, The distance between the nearby image and the distant image is increased by moving the nearby image farther away from the distant image. The nearby image is hidden. shrinking the neighboring image; The display mode of the nearby image is changed and reduced. When the neighboring image includes a plurality of display contents, the spacing between adjacently arranged display contents is increased. performing a visual separation process including at least one of: When it is determined that the discriminability between the near image and the far image is reduced, or when it is determined that the discriminability should be improved, When the number of display contents included in the distant image is greater than a predetermined threshold, Or, When at least one predetermined display content having high importance is displayed as the distant image, or when the number of the displayed contents exceeds a predetermined threshold, Or, When it is detected that importance has increased for at least one display content displayed as the distant image, A display control device.

2. A display control device that performs image display control, a control unit for controlling a display mode of the image, the images include a near image displayed closer to the viewer and a far image displayed farther away from the viewer; The control unit When it is determined that the discriminability between the near image and the far image is reduced, or when it is determined that the discriminability should be improved, The distance between the nearby image and the distant image is increased by moving the nearby image farther away from the distant image. The nearby image is hidden. shrinking the neighboring image; The display mode of the nearby image is changed and reduced. When the neighboring image includes a plurality of display contents, the spacing between adjacently arranged display contents is increased. performing a visual separation process including at least one of: The display control device is mounted on a vehicle, The height direction of the vehicle is defined as a vertical direction or an up-down direction, the width direction of the vehicle is defined as a horizontal direction or a left-right direction, and the direction perpendicular to the vertical and horizontal directions is defined as a depth direction, the neighboring image includes first and second display contents arranged in a horizontal direction; Furthermore, when the first and second display contents are located below the display area of ​​the distant image, The visual separation process includes: The first display content is moved to the left along a horizontal direction, and the second display content is moved to the right along a horizontal direction to increase the spacing between the first and second display contents; and When the display area of ​​the first display content is a left display area and the display area of ​​the second display content is a right display area, a process of preventing the display area of ​​the distant image from overlapping the left display area and the right display area of ​​the nearby image in the vertical direction; Or, a process of vertically overlapping the display area of ​​the far image and the right display area of ​​the near image, but not overlapping the left display area of ​​the near image; Or, A display control device that performs processing to vertically overlap the display area of ​​the distant image and the left display area of ​​the near image, but not to overlap the right display area of ​​the near image.

3. The predetermined display content having high importance is AR display content superimposed on a real scene; Or, Display content for driving assistance information provided by an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) (ADAS display content); The display control device according to claim 1 , wherein:

4. When it is detected that the importance of the at least one display content has increased, When the navigation display is on, if the distance to the branch point where steering is required is within a predetermined distance, Or, If there is an increased risk to safe driving regarding the ADAS display content that is already being displayed, The display control device according to claim 1 , wherein:

5. the display area of ​​the far image and the right display area of ​​the near image overlap in the vertical direction, but when processing is executed to prevent the left display area from overlapping, the area of ​​the right display area is larger than the area of ​​the left display area; the display area of ​​the far image and the left display area of ​​the near image overlap in the vertical direction, but when processing is executed to prevent the right display area from overlapping, the area of ​​the left display area is larger than the area of ​​the right display area; The display control device according to claim 2 .

6. The visual separation process includes: The method further includes a process of changing the display of the near image to a display mainly in achromatic colors, in contrast to the far image mainly in chromatic colors. The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. a head-up display device that displays a distant image; a display device or a head-up display device that displays a nearby image under display control by the display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; A display device comprising:

8. A display control method for controlling display of a near image displayed closer to a viewer and a far image displayed farther away, the method comprising: a step of determining whether or not a situation exists in which the discriminability between the near image and the far image is reduced, or whether or not the discriminability should be improved; When the result of the determination is positive, a step of performing a visual separation process including at least one of: moving the nearby image farther away from the distant image to increase a non-display area between the nearby image and the distant image; hiding the nearby image; reducing the nearby image; reducing the nearby image by changing a display mode; and, when the nearby image includes a plurality of display contents, widening a space between adjacently arranged display contents. Including, When it is determined that the discriminability between the near image and the far image is reduced, or when it is determined that the discriminability should be improved, When the number of display contents included in the distant image is greater than a predetermined threshold, Or, When at least one predetermined display content having high importance is displayed as the distant image, or when the number of the displayed contents exceeds a predetermined threshold, Or, When it is detected that importance has increased for at least one display content displayed as the distant image, A display control method.

Images