Vehicle information display method and device

JP7918127B2Active Publication Date: 2026-09-09AMPERE SAS
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023038216
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-03-13
Publication Date
2026-09-09
Estimated Expiration
2043-03-13

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

【0011】 この発明によれば、ノードまでの距離が所定値(Dc)に達するまではノードの位置に対応した仮想画像が広い表示幅で表示されるので、仮にノードの位置に多少のずれがあったとしても、このずれが目立たなくなり、運転者に違和感を与えにくくなる。

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Abstract

To make a deviation inconspicuous even when coordinates of a node at an intersection for displaying a virtual image 11 such as an arrow of a left / right turn by AR-HUD1 deviate.SOLUTION: Until a distance D between a node indicating an intersection and the own vehicle reaches a prescribed value Dc, a display width W of a virtual image 11 is made to be a relatively large constant width (2 θe) that anticipates the deviation of the node (a). When a prescribed value Dc is reached, the display width W is made to be (2 θc×D / Dc) depending on the distance D by using an angle θc formed by a visual angle reference line L1 at that time and the direction of the node (b). Therefore, as the distance D decreases, the display width W gradually decreases. The display width is made to be the minimum display width Wmin(=2 θmin) when approaching the node (c).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicle information display that displays a virtual image such as route guidance on a node such as an intersection using an AR-HUD (Augmented Reality Head-Up Display). [Background Art]

[0002] In recent years, HUDs (Head-Up Displays), which project and display various types of information necessary during vehicle driving onto the windshield in front of the driver's seat, have been becoming widespread. AR-HUD (Augmented Reality Head-Up Display) is also known as a more advanced technology evolved from HUD. With this AR-HUD, virtual information formed of a virtual image can be displayed superimposed on real information visible through the windshield, so that less movement of the driver's viewpoint or focus is required compared with a general HUD that displays information on the glass surface of the windshield.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for displaying guidance information of a car navigation system via an AR-HUD. For example, a virtual image such as an arrow indicating that the vehicle should turn left or right is displayed. Patent Document 1 describes that, in order to cope with blurring of a virtual image caused by vehicle vibration, for example, the left and right contours of the virtual image are blurred for vibration in the left-right direction. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-142932 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] In digitized road maps, the road network is represented by a combination of nodes and links, each with its own unique number. Nodes represent points such as intersections and other junctions in the road network representation, and these nodes are connected by links to form the road network.

[0006] For example, when displaying left and right turn arrows via AR-HUD at the center of an intersection, a virtual image (a so-called icon) is displayed on the node's location based on the node's coordinates. However, the node's coordinates may be shifted to the left or right of the intersection's center.

[0007] In such cases, if the horizontal display width of the virtual image is small, the virtual image will be displayed at a position far from the center of the intersection, causing discomfort to the driver. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This invention is Obtain the coordinates of the node located in front of the moving vehicle. The vehicle's AR-HUD displays a virtual image superimposed on the forward view seen through the windshield, at the location of the node. A method for displaying vehicle information, Get the distance between the vehicle and the node. Until this distance reaches a predetermined value (Dc), the horizontal display width of the above virtual image will be set to a constant width that takes into account the node displacement. When the above distance reaches a predetermined value (Dc), the angle (θc) between the direction of the node indicated by the coordinates on the horizontal plane and the visual reference line along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is determined. After the above distance reaches a predetermined value (Dc), the horizontal display width of the above virtual image is gradually reduced from twice the angle (θc) in proportion to the decrease in distance.

[0009] Until the distance between the vehicle and the node reaches a predetermined value (Dc), the virtual image corresponding to the node's position is displayed with a relatively wide, fixed width that accounts for any node displacement. Therefore, even if there is a slight discrepancy in the node's position indicated by its coordinates, this discrepancy will not be noticeable. In addition, map data provided by mapmaking companies generally has a fixed maximum value for node coordinate displacement, and the display width of the virtual image is set to cover this node coordinate displacement in at least most cases.

[0010] When the above distance reaches a predetermined value (Dc), the display width becomes twice the size of the angle (θc) at that time, and thereafter, the display width gradually decreases as the distance approaches the node. The above angle (θc) corresponds to the lateral displacement of the node when the above distance reaches the predetermined value (Dc), and at the time the predetermined value (Dc) is reached, the display width is set to a size that covers this displacement. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this invention, until the distance to the node reaches a predetermined value (Dc), a virtual image corresponding to the node's position is displayed with a wide display width. Therefore, even if there is a slight discrepancy in the node's position, this discrepancy becomes less noticeable, making it less likely to cause discomfort to the driver. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] A diagram illustrating the configuration of an information display device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] An explanatory diagram showing an example of a virtual image visible through a windshield. [Figure 3] An explanatory diagram of the angle θc in one embodiment. [Figure 4] An explanatory diagram showing the correction of the display position according to the distance D. [Figure 5] An explanatory diagram showing the change in the display width of a virtual image. [Figure 6] An explanatory diagram showing an example of a virtual image whose display width changes. [Figure 7]A flowchart showing a flow of display position control processing according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] A flowchart showing a flow of display width control processing according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] An explanatory diagram showing another example of a virtual image whose display width changes. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an information display device for a vehicle according to an embodiment. The vehicle according to the embodiment is a general automobile, and includes an AR-HUD (Augmented Reality Head-Up Display) 1 for a driver's seat. The AR-HUD 1 displays virtual information superimposed on real information visible through a windshield 2. In the present invention, any configuration may be employed. For example, a projector is provided below the windshield 2, and a virtual image of the virtual information is generated on a virtual focal plane separated by an appropriate distance (for example, several meters) in front of the driver by light reflected on a surface of the windshield 2 and reaching the driver's eyes. The virtual information may include, as described later, a virtual image indicating right / left turns for route guidance to be displayed superimposed on an intersection, and appropriate information such as a speed limit or an actual vehicle speed.

[0015] The AR-HUD 1 is controlled by a controller 3. That is, a virtual image is generated in the controller 3, and the display position of the virtual image is controlled. Connected to the controller 3 is a car navigation system 4 using so-called GPS that performs route guidance for a vehicle. The car navigation system 4 includes map information, and the map information includes coordinate data of nodes such as intersections. Further, the position of the own vehicle is specified by the car navigation system 4. The illustrated system further includes information acquisition devices such as a radar 5 and a camera 6 for detecting the positions of preceding vehicles, pedestrians, and the like.

[0016] Further, an information display device according to an embodiment using an AR-HUD 1 includes a viewpoint detection camera 7 that detects a driver's viewpoint position to set an appropriate virtual image position of the AR-HUD 1. The viewpoint detection camera 7 constitutes, for example, a part of a driver monitoring system (DMS) that monitors the driver's condition. The viewpoint detection camera 7 is arranged, for example, near the upper edge of the windshield facing the driver's head. The controller 3 processes an image acquired by the viewpoint detection camera 7, thereby detecting the driver's viewpoint position (that is, the pupil position). The detection of the driver's viewpoint position may be performed without using a camera. For example, the viewpoint position may be detected indirectly from the driver's seating position, the driver's height, or the like. The controller 3 corrects the virtual image generated by the AR-HUD 1, that is, the generation position of the object, according to the detected viewpoint position, so that the actual scene viewed by the driver through the windshield 2 and the object of the AR-HUD 1 are correctly overlapped.

[0017] The controller 3 is configured as a partial function of an in-vehicle computer system that performs various controls. In a mode where route guidance is performed by the car navigation system 4, the controller 3 displays, via the AR-HUD 1, a virtual image indicating a right / left turn point, a virtual image indicating a destination, and the like necessary for route guidance. As will be described later, the controller 3 performs acquisition of node coordinates via the car navigation system 4, calculation of a reference display position of a virtual image, calculation of a distance between the own vehicle and a node, correction of a display position of a virtual image according to the distance, correction of a display width of a virtual image according to the distance, and the like.

[0018] Figure 2 is a simplified explanatory diagram showing the view seen through the windshield 2 when a vehicle approaches an intersection that serves as a node. A rectangular display area 1A of the AR-HUD1 exists within a portion of the area visible through the windshield 2. The display area 1A is basically positioned in front of the driver. Note that the border around the outer edge of the display area 1A does not necessarily have to be displayed. As described above, various virtual information necessary during driving is displayed in this display area 1A via the AR-HUD1. For example, an arrow-shaped virtual image 11 (a so-called icon) indicating that a right turn should be made is displayed above the intersection node. The virtual image 11 in the illustrated example has a form in which three arrowhead-shaped symbols 11a are arranged at intervals, as shown in Figure 6. In this example of virtual image 11, the central arrowhead-shaped symbol 11a corresponds to the position of the node. It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the form of virtual image 11 as illustrated in Figures 2 and 6.

[0019] Next, before explaining the display width of the virtual image 11, which is the main part of the present invention, Figures 3 and 4 will be used to explain the shift in the coordinates of the nodes and the correction of the display position of the virtual image 11 corresponding to this shift. In the present invention, the correction of the display position of the virtual image 11 is not necessarily required, but it is preferable to combine the present invention with the correction of the display position of the virtual image 11. However, the method of correcting the display position is not limited to the examples below.

[0020] Figure 3 shows a situation where the vehicle 13 is approaching an intersection where two roads intersect. The "×" marks in the figure indicate the ideal target T position where the virtual image 11 should be displayed, and the "○" marks indicate the coordinate position of node N. In the example in Figure 3, node coordinate N is shifted by, for example, a displacement (length or distance of the displacement) Xe to the left from the ideal target T position (e.g., the center of the intersection). Therefore, the virtual image 11 displayed on node N according to the node coordinate will appear to the left of target T, assuming that the target T is directly in front of the driver of the vehicle 13, because node coordinate N is shifted to the left of target T. In other words, an angular displacement, or bias angle θ, occurs between the direction of target T which is in front of the driver and the direction pointing to node N.

[0021] This deviation angle θ, as shown as characteristic line L12 in Figure 4, increases as the distance D between the vehicle 13 and node N decreases. Characteristic line L12 illustrates the characteristics when the deviation amount Xe is relatively large. In Figure 4, the positive and negative signs of the deviation angle θ are, for example, positive when it appears to be biased to the left, and negative when it appears to be biased to the right.

[0022] To correct the deviation angle θ caused by the coordinate shift of node N, in one embodiment of the information display device, the distance D between the vehicle 13 and node N is acquired, and when this distance D reaches a predetermined value Dc, the angle θc (in other words, the deviation angle at distance Dc) is determined between the direction of node N indicated by the coordinates on the horizontal plane and the visual angle reference line along the front-rear direction of the vehicle 13, and the display position of the virtual image 11 is corrected based on this angle θc. Figure 3 shows the state when the distance D between the vehicle 13 and node N reaches a predetermined value Dc, and at this time, the angle between the direction of node N indicated by the coordinates on the water surface (indicated by line L2) and the visual angle reference line L1 along the front-rear direction of the vehicle 13 is calculated as angle θc.

[0023] The visual reference line L1 is a hypothetical line that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle through the driver's line of sight. Alternatively, for simplicity, the visual reference line L1 may be a hypothetical line that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle through the center of the vehicle 13.

[0024] Figure 4 shows the correction of the display position based on the angle θc at the distance Dc determined in this way. The straight line L11 in the figure represents the correction line determined from the angle θc when the distance D reaches a predetermined value Dc. In the region where the distance D is shorter than the predetermined value Dc, the virtual image 11 is displayed in the direction of the bias angle θ along this correction line L11. In the region where the distance D is farther than the predetermined value Dc, no correction is performed on the display position of the virtual image 11.

[0025] For example, the characteristic line L12 in the figure shows the characteristics of the bias angle θ when no correction is made to the display position, as described above. However, no correction is made to the display position of the virtual image 11 until the vehicle 13 reaches a predetermined distance Dc. Therefore, the virtual image 11 is displayed on node N indicated by the coordinates, and for a driver facing forward, the virtual image 11 is displayed in the direction of the bias angle θ relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle. However, in this case, node N is relatively far away and the bias angle θ is small, so it does not cause any discomfort.

[0026] In the region where the distance D is shorter than a predetermined value Dc, the virtual image 11 is displayed in the direction of the bias angle θ, which is calculated as "θ = θc × (D / Dc)" according to the distance D. In other words, as shown by the correction line L11, the display position is corrected so that the bias angle θ approaches 0 as the distance D approaches 0. In other words, in Figure 3, the direction of the display position of the virtual image 11 gradually approaches the direction of the ideal target T. Therefore, for the driver, the virtual image 11 is visible directly in front of the vehicle's direction of travel, and the discomfort caused by a large bias angle θ, as shown by the characteristic line L12, can be suppressed.

[0027] This type of display position correction can be performed even if the road before entering an intersection is curved. Furthermore, even if target T is not on the visual angle reference line L1, the same display position correction can be performed by determining a correction line toward target T.

[0028] Furthermore, as is clear from the characteristic curve L12 in Figure 4, it is desirable to set the predetermined value Dc before the deviation angle θ, based on the amount of deviation Xe, begins to increase significantly.

[0029] Next, the horizontal display width W of the virtual image 11, which is the main part of the present invention, will be explained based on Figures 5 and 6. The horizontal "display width W" of the virtual image displayed as a virtual image by the AR-HUD1 is defined by the angle (angle range) in the horizontal direction of the image, that is, the left-right direction. More precisely, it is indicated by the angle centered on the driver's viewpoint.

[0030] In this embodiment, similar to the display position correction shown in Figure 3, the distance D between the vehicle 13 and node N is obtained, and when the distance D reaches a predetermined value Dc, the angle θc is determined between the direction of node N indicated by the coordinates on the horizontal plane (L2) and the visual angle reference line L1 along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0031] Then, until the distance D reaches a predetermined value Dc, the horizontal display width W of the virtual image 11 is set to a constant width that takes into account the displacement of node N. In the map data provided by the mapmaking company that forms the basis of the map information of the car navigation system 14, the maximum value of the allowable (in other words, possible) displacement of node coordinates is generally determined. Therefore, a display width W that takes into account this reference displacement is predetermined, based on the maximum value of this displacement or the displacement value obtained by multiplying the maximum value by an appropriate coefficient of less than 1. Alternatively, the magnitude (absolute value) of the displacement may be determined for a large number of nodes in the map data, and the average thereof may be used as the reference displacement. In one preferred embodiment, the deviation angle θ when the distance D is a predetermined value Dc is calculated for the above reference displacement (let this be θe), and it is set to twice the magnitude of this deviation angle θe (2·θe).

[0032] As described above, the virtual image 11 with the display width W set in this way is displayed by the AR-HUD1 in the direction of the bias angle θ along the characteristic line L12 in Figure 4 until the distance D reaches a predetermined value Dc. More specifically, the virtual image 11 is displayed with a size such that it has an angle width θe to the left and right, centered in the direction of the bias angle θ. Therefore, the coordinate shift of the node N is covered. At least, most of the shifts of the majority of nodes are covered. In other words, even if the coordinate of node N is shifted from the center of the intersection by the amount of the above reference, the positional shift of node N becomes less noticeable because the virtual image 11 extends to a position tangent to the visual angle reference line L1 directed toward the center of the intersection.

[0033] When the distance D reaches a predetermined value Dc, the horizontal display width W of the virtual image 11 becomes twice the angle θc at the time the distance Dc is reached (2·θc). In the region where the distance D is shorter than the predetermined value Dc, the display width W gradually decreases from (2·θc) as the distance D decreases. In other words, the display width W becomes "W = 2·θc × D / Dc". In this case as well, the display width W has angles θc on both sides, symmetrically around the aforementioned display position (deviation angle θ). In practice, an appropriate minimum width Wmin (=2·θmin) is set when the distance D approaches 0.

[0034] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the characteristics of the change in display width W superimposed on the characteristic line of the display position shown in Figure 4. The angular width (vertical axis direction in the figure) of the band-shaped area indicated by dots represents the display width W. As shown in the figure, in the region where the distance D is greater than the predetermined value Dc, the display width W is a constant width symmetrical with respect to the characteristic line L12. In the region where the distance D is less than the predetermined value Dc, the display width W is a width that is symmetrical with respect to the correction line L11 indicating the display position and gradually decreases.

[0035] In the example shown in Figure 5, the positional shift of node N is approximately equal to the reference shift described above. Therefore, when the distance D reaches a predetermined value Dc, the display width W hardly changes. In other words, the display width W immediately before and immediately after reaching the predetermined value Dc is approximately the same.

[0036] This setting of the display width W ensures that one end of the virtual image 11 is always visible in the direction of the visual angle reference line L1 (i.e., the direction in front of the driver), making the shift in the coordinate position of node N less noticeable. On the other hand, as the vehicle 13 approaches node N (intersection), the display width W of the virtual image 11 decreases, allowing the location to be indicated with pinpoint accuracy.

[0037] Figure 6 shows an example of a virtual image 11. This is an example of a virtual image 11 indicating a right turn, and as mentioned above, it has a form in which three arrowhead-shaped symbols 11a are arranged at intervals. In this example, the display width W of the virtual image 11 is changed by changing the interval ΔL between each arrowhead-shaped symbol 11a. Figure 6(a) shows the form when the display width W is large, for example having a size of (2·θe). (b) shows the form when the display width W is relatively small, for example having a size of (2·θc×D / Dc). (c) shows the minimum display width Wmin (=2·θmin). In this way, even if the display width W of the entire virtual image 11 increases or decreases, the shape of each arrowhead-shaped symbol 11a does not change. This improves visibility.

[0038] Next, the processes performed by the controller 3 will be explained in more detail with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 shows the control flow for the display position of the virtual image 11 as described in Figures 3 and 4, and Figure 8 shows the control flow for the display width W of the virtual image 11 as described in Figure 5. Both are processed in parallel by the controller 3.

[0039] The process shown in the flowchart of Figure 7 includes calculating the reference display position of the virtual image 11 (steps 1-6) and correcting the display position to approach the ideal target T position (steps 7-13). In the coordinate system below, the x-axis represents the left-right direction of the vehicle, and the y-axis represents the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0040] In the first step, the position coordinates (Xs, Ys) of the vehicle 13 are obtained. In step 2, the coordinates (Xn, Yn) of node N at the intersection in front of the vehicle 13 are obtained. These coordinates are so-called global coordinates. In step 3, the reference display position (θx, θy) where the virtual image 11 should be displayed is calculated based on the relative relationship between the coordinates of node N at this intersection and the position of the vehicle 13. θx is the angle of deviation in the left-right direction with respect to the line of sight reference line L1 directed straight ahead, and θy is the angle of deviation in the up-down direction with respect to the horizontal plane or the reference downward angle. In one example, the display position (θx, θy) is determined based on the center of the rectangular display area 1A of the AR-HUD1 (see Figure 2) that the driver sees. In the case of a virtual image 11 indicating a right or left turn, it may be displayed as if floating at an appropriate height rather than on the road surface. Then, in step 4, the display position of the virtual image 11 by the AR-HUD1 is updated according to the reference display position (θx, θy) obtained in step 2.

[0041] In step 5, the distance D from the position of the vehicle 13 to node N, which indicates the intersection, is obtained, and in step 6, it is determined whether the distance D is less than or equal to a predetermined value Dc. If it is NO, the process returns to step 1 and the above process is repeated. Therefore, until the distance D reaches the predetermined value Dc, the virtual image 11 is displayed on the location of node N indicated by the coordinates. Note that the flowchart in Figure 7 omits the explanation of the correction of the display position based on the detection of the viewpoint position, but in reality, a correction is made according to the detected viewpoint position.

[0042] When the distance D reaches a predetermined value Dc, the process proceeds from step 6 to step 7, where the x-axis bias angle θc at that point is obtained. As mentioned above, this bias angle θc corresponds to the angle θc formed between the direction of node N indicated by the coordinates on the horizontal plane (L2) and the visual angle reference line L1 along the front-rear direction of the vehicle when the distance D reaches the predetermined value Dc. Next, in step 8, the distance D from the position of the vehicle 13 to node N indicating the intersection is obtained, and in step 9, the display position θx in the x-axis direction is calculated based on this distance D. Specifically, it is calculated as "θx = θc × (D / Dc)". Also, since correction of the display position in the vertical direction is unnecessary, the position coordinates Ys of the vehicle 13 in the y-axis direction at that point are obtained (step 10), and the display position in the y-axis direction corresponding to the downward angle, i.e., the bias angle θy, is calculated (step 11). Then, in step 12, the display position of the virtual image 11 by AR-HUD1 is updated according to the display position (θx, θy) calculated in this way.

[0043] In step 13, it is determined whether the distance D has become 0. If not, the process returns to step 8 and the above-described process is repeated. Therefore, until the distance D changes from a predetermined value Dc to 0, the display position θx in the x-axis direction is controlled with characteristics that align with the correction line L11 described above. As a result, the display position θx in the x-axis direction of the virtual image 11 gradually approaches the line of sight reference line L1. When the distance D becomes 0, the display of the virtual image 11 ends. In reality, the display of the virtual image 11 ends at an appropriate point before the distance D becomes 0.

[0044] In the flowchart shown in Figure 8, steps 21 to 23 are the processes performed until the distance D from the vehicle 13 to node N reaches a predetermined value Dc. In step 21, the display width W is set to a predetermined size of (2·θe), taking into account the displacement θe of node N, and the display is started. In step 22, the distance D is obtained, and in step 23, this distance D is compared with the predetermined value Dc. Steps 21 to 23 are repeated until the distance D is equal to or greater than the predetermined value Dc. As a result, the virtual image 11 is displayed with a constant width (2·θe) until the distance D reaches the predetermined value Dc.

[0045] When the distance D reaches a predetermined value Dc, the process proceeds to step 24, where the display width W corresponding to the distance D is calculated as (2·θc×D / Dc) using the deviation angle θc and distance D at the time the predetermined value Dc is reached. In step 25, the virtual image 11 is displayed using this calculated display width W. Then, in step 26, the calculated display width W is compared with the minimum display width Wmin (=2·θmin), and steps 24 and 25 are repeated until the minimum display width Wmin is reached, gradually decreasing the display width W in accordance with the decrease in distance D. Once the minimum display width Wmin is reached, the process proceeds to step 27, where the display of the virtual image 11 continues using the minimum display width Wmin.

[0046] The virtual image displayed by AR-HUD1 is not limited to the form shown in Figure 6, but can be any form. Furthermore, each part of the virtual image may be uniformly enlarged or reduced, or, as illustrated in Figure 6, the dimensions of only a part of it may be enlarged or reduced. Figure 9 shows another example of a virtual image in which the dimensions of a part are enlarged or reduced. This is a virtual image 21 suitable for displaying a location such as a destination, and has a form that combines a pin head 21a with a shape that is a combination of a circle and a triangle, and a base 21b that extends below the pin head 21a, and the display width W of the virtual image 21 is changed by changing the left-right dimension of the base 21b. The shape and size of the pin head 21a are not changed. Figure 9(a) shows the form when the display width W is large, and the base 21b has a size of, for example, (2·θe). Figure 9(b) shows the form when the display width W is relatively small, and the base 21b has a size of, for example, (2·θc×D / Dc). (c) shows the minimum display width Wmin, in which case the seat portion 21b disappears and only the pin head 21a is displayed. In other words, Wmin = 0. Maintaining the shape and size of the pin head 21a in this way improves visibility.

[0047] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and various modifications are possible. In the above embodiment, the predetermined value Dc of the distance D for correcting the display position (Figures 3 and 4) and the predetermined value Dc of the distance D for switching the control of the display width W (Figure 5) are equal, but they may be different values. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the present invention can also be applied in combination with other suitable display position correction techniques. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1…AR-HUD 2…Windshield 3…Controller 4…Car navigation system 7…Camera for viewpoint detection 11,21…Virtual image N... nodes L1…Visual angle reference line L11... Correction line W…Display width

Claims

1. Obtain the coordinates of the node located in front of the moving vehicle. The system displays a virtual image on the node's location, superimposed on the forward view seen through the windshield via the vehicle's AR-HUD. A method for displaying vehicle information, Get the distance between the vehicle and the node. Until this distance reaches a predetermined value (Dc), the horizontal display width of the above virtual image will be set to a constant width that takes into account the node displacement. When the above distance reaches a predetermined value (Dc), the angle (θc) between the direction of the node indicated by the coordinates on the horizontal plane and the visual reference line along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is determined. After the above distance reaches a predetermined value (Dc), the horizontal display width of the virtual image is gradually reduced from twice the angle (θc) in proportion to the decrease in distance. How to display vehicle information.

2. After the above distance reaches a predetermined value (Dc), the display position of the virtual image is corrected based on the above angle (θc). The method for displaying vehicle information according to claim 1.

3. The display width until the above distance reaches a predetermined value (Dc) is twice the angle (θe) calculated as the angle between the node direction and the angular reference line when the above predetermined value (Dc) is reached, corresponding to the amount of deviation of the reference. The method for displaying vehicle information according to claim 1.

4. The above virtual image has a configuration in which multiple arrowhead-shaped symbols are arranged at intervals to guide left and right turns. The display width of the virtual image is changed by altering the spacing between individual arrowhead symbols. The method for displaying vehicle information according to claim 1.

5. The above virtual image has a form that combines a pinhead and a base that extends below the pinhead, for the purpose of indicating a location. To change the display width of the above virtual image, the size of the base is changed without changing the size of the pin head. The method for displaying vehicle information according to claim 1.

6. The above-mentioned visual reference line is a hypothetical line that passes through the center of the vehicle and extends forward and backward. The method for displaying vehicle information according to claim 1.

7. The above visual reference line is a hypothetical line that extends forward and backward through the driver's line of sight. The method for displaying vehicle information according to claim 1.

8. A node coordinate acquisition unit that acquires the coordinates of a node located in front of a moving vehicle, AR-HUD displays virtual objects superimposed on the forward view seen through the windshield, A control unit controls the AR-HUD to display the virtual image as an object on the node position based on the node coordinates, A vehicle information display device equipped with, The above control unit, Get the distance between the vehicle and the node. Until this distance reaches a predetermined value (Dc), the horizontal display width of the above virtual image will be set to a constant width that takes into account the node displacement. When the above distance reaches a predetermined value (Dc), the angle (θc) between the direction of the node indicated by the coordinates on the horizontal plane and the visual reference line along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is determined. After the above distance reaches a predetermined value (Dc), the horizontal display width of the virtual image is gradually reduced from twice the angle (θc) in proportion to the decrease in distance. Vehicle information display device.

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