Display apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a more suitable display apparatus or display technology. The present invention contributes to Sustainable Development Goal "3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages". This display apparatus that is disposed on a dashboard of a vehicle comprises: a light source device that is provided in a housing; and a display panel that is provided to the housing and generates video light on the basis of light emitted from the light source device. The display apparatus further comprises a light-shielding plate that is provided on the housing in the vertical direction and shields at least a part of external light that enters an eye box of a driver of the vehicle.

Description

Display device

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

[0002] There is known a display device or a virtual image display device that projects video light onto a windshield or a front glass of a vehicle such as an automobile to display a virtual image, and displays driving information such as vehicle speed and engine speed, traffic information from navigation, and vehicle information such as remaining fuel and coolant temperature.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-169752

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

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

[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided the following display device. The display device is disposed on a dashboard of a vehicle, and includes a light source device provided in a housing and a display panel provided on the housing and configured to generate video light based on light emitted from the light source device. The display device further includes a light shielding plate provided on the housing in a vertical direction and configured to block at least a part of external light incident on an eyeglass case of a driver of the vehicle.

[0007] According to the present invention, a more suitable display device or display technology can be provided. Incidentally, problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of embodiments.

[0008] This figure shows an example of an in-vehicle system including a display device. This figure shows an example of a device used to acquire vehicle information. This is a block diagram showing an example of a display device. This figure shows an example of a configuration in which a display device is mounted on a vehicle. This figure shows an example of a configuration in which a display device is mounted on a vehicle. This figure shows an example of a light source structure for a display device. This figure shows an example of a configuration in which a display device according to Example 1 is mounted on a vehicle. This is a perspective view showing an example of a light shield plate according to Example 1. This figure shows an example of a configuration in which a display device according to Example 2 is mounted on a vehicle. This figure shows an example of a configuration in which a display device according to Example 3 is mounted on a vehicle. This figure shows an example of a configuration in which a display device according to Example 3 is mounted on a vehicle. This figure shows an example of a configuration in which a display device according to Example 3 is mounted on a vehicle. This is a perspective view of a light shield plate shaped to surround the entire circumference of a display panel. This figure shows an example of a configuration in which a display device according to Example 4 is mounted on a vehicle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0028] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the display device 1. It is mainly used to control the display of projected images (virtual images) on the display device 1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0044] Further, the display device 1 may protect the display panel 11 based on external light information from the illuminance sensor 905 or the like. That is, in order to prevent sunlight from hitting the display panel 11 and burning the display panel 11, the display device 1 may perform an operation of protecting the display panel 11 from sunlight according to the value of the illuminance sensor 905. More specifically, when the intensity of external light or sunlight acquired by the illuminance sensor 905 is strong and there is a risk that the display panel 11 may be burned out, the luminance of the light source 20 is reduced, and the amount of light from the light source 20 incident on the display panel 11 is suppressed, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the display panel 11.

[0045] Each part of FIG. 3 may be implemented by a dedicated circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) as appropriate. In the present embodiment, the configuration has a non-volatile memory 1011, a volatile memory 1012, a storage unit 1013, and a video processing unit 1016, respectively, but the above processing may be made to function by one memory.

[0046] Next, the video display unit 200 will be specifically described. The video display unit (video display unit) 200 projects video light of the video formed on the display panel 11 using light emitted from the light source 20 (in other words, light source light) based on video data. The video display unit 200 may also be referred to as a projection type video display device or a projector. The video display unit 200 includes a light source 20 and a display panel 11 such as a liquid crystal panel LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) having a video display element.

[0047] The light source 20 functions as a backlight source of the display panel 11. The light source 20 is configured using, for example, a semiconductor light source element, generates predetermined light source light, and supplies it to the display panel 11. As the semiconductor light source element, typically an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element is used. The light source 20 may have a configuration in which a plurality of light sources are arranged. The backlight unit is configured using the light source 20 or the like.

[0048] The display panel 11 generates and emits modulated video light based on the light source light. That is, the display panel 11 forms and displays a video on the display screen based on video data, and generates and emits video light corresponding to the video based on the light from the light source 20. The video data of the present embodiment will be described as the video data input from the video processing unit 1016. The display panel 11 forms a video for projection onto the display area 5 by modulating the light from the light source 20 for each pixel according to the video data, and projects it as video light (or projection light).

[0049] Also, the display panel 11 may be a screen plate having a diffusing function, not limited to a liquid crystal panel. As a means for projecting a video onto a screen plate having a diffusing function, means such as a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) or a means for projecting an image of a liquid crystal panel in combination with a projection lens, or a means using a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) may be used.

[0050] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are diagrams showing a configuration example in which the display device 1 is mounted on the vehicle 2. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the display device 1 is mounted on a passenger car. The passenger car is a sports car, sedan, SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle), minivan, etc. in which the angle of the front glass 3 is 20° to 45° with respect to the Y-axis (the front-rear direction or the traveling direction of the vehicle 2). FIG. 5 shows an example of projecting the display device 1 onto some passenger cars and commercial vehicles. In other words, the windshield or the front glass 3 in FIG. 5 is in a raised state. Specifically, it is a light super high wagon, truck, or bus in which the angle of the front glass 3 is 45° to 90° with respect to the Y-axis (the front-rear direction or the traveling direction of the vehicle 2). As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the display device 1 is disposed on the dashboard 7 of the vehicle 2. The display device 1 may be mounted so as to be embedded in the dashboard 7. The dashboard 7 also includes an instrument panel including a meter cluster, for example, in front of the steering wheel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0057] Furthermore, the video display unit 200 is located inside the housing 210, as shown in Figure 7. More specifically, the video display unit 200 is housed in the housing 210 such that the display panel 11 is located on the upper surface 210a of the housing 210. In other words, the video light emitting side of the display panel 11 is positioned flush with the opening of the housing 210. Although not shown in the figure, a light-transmitting cover member that allows the video light emitted from the display panel 11 to pass through may be provided at the opening of the housing 210. The cover member may be made of transparent glass or resin. Also, since the video light emitting surface of the cover member may be touched by the user, a hard coat layer may be provided on the surface to allow for the wiping away of fingerprints and dirt. In addition, the cover member may have IR cut and UV cut functions by vapor deposition or film in order to reduce the energy of sunlight. The video display unit 200 is housed within the housing 210, and the surface of the display panel 11 provided by the video display unit 200 may be exposed to the outside on the upper surface 210a of the housing 210. When a display device 1 with such a configuration is placed on the dashboard 7, the surface of the cover member or the display panel 11 will be exposed to external light such as sunlight or streetlights. As a result, external light (reflected light) reflected from the surface of the cover member or the display panel 11 may enter the eye box (field of view) where the viewpoint 14 of the vehicle occupants, such as the driver, is located, potentially reducing the visibility of the virtual image 10.

[0058] Therefore, it is preferable that the display device 1 includes a light-shielding plate 300 that blocks at least a portion of the ambient light 800, 810 that enters the eye box (viewpoint range) 140 of the occupant (hereinafter referred to as the driver) of the vehicle 2, as shown in an example in Figure 7. This makes it possible to suppress ambient light (reflected light) reflected by the cover member or the surface of the display panel 11 from entering the driver's eye box 140, even when the display device 1 is positioned exposed to the outside of the dashboard 7. As a result, the driver can clearly see the virtual image 10 even when relatively strong ambient light 800, 810 enters the vehicle through the windshield 3. The eye box (viewpoint range) 140 refers to the range of the viewpoint 14 in which the driver can see the virtual image 10 with a predetermined quality. In other words, if the driver's viewpoint 14 is within the eye box 140, the driver can see the virtual image 10 with a predetermined quality. Examples 1 to 3, which are examples of the installation of the light-shielding plate 300, will be described in more detail below.

[0059] <Example 1> Example 1 is an example in which the display device 1 is installed in a commercial vehicle such as a truck or bus. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of how the display device according to Example 1 is installed in a vehicle, and Figure 8 is a perspective view showing an example of a light-shielding plate according to Example 1.

[0060] As explained in Figure 5, in commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses, and in some passenger cars, the angle of the windshield 3 with respect to the Y-axis (the front-to-back direction or direction of travel of the vehicle 2) is sometimes around 45° to 90°. In vehicles 2 in which the windshield 3 is in a so-called upright position, the top surface of the dashboard 7 is often inclined to face the windshield 3. As shown in Figure 7, the display device 1 is mounted on the dashboard 7 of a commercial vehicle, and the surface of the display panel 11 is inclined to face the windshield 3. Also, because the windshield 3 is in an upright position, the image light (light beam) 13 from the display panel 11 is emitted towards the windshield 3 rather than in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Furthermore, the image light 13 emitted from the display panel 11 is reflected by the windshield 3 and incident into the eye box 140 where the driver's viewpoint 14 is located (see Figures 7 and 5). As a result, the driver can see a virtual image 10 outside the windshield 3.

[0061] The light-shielding plate 300, which blocks external light (reflected light), is provided on the housing 210 of the display device 1 so as not to block the image light 13 emitted from the display panel 11. In Embodiment 1, the light-shielding plate 300 is provided on the upper surface 210a of the housing 210 of the display device 1 in the vertical direction of the vehicle 2. Alternatively, the light-shielding plate 300 is positioned between the opening of the display panel 11 or housing 210 and the driver in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 2. This allows the driver to see the virtual image 10 more clearly.

[0062] The light-shielding plate 300 is positioned to block ambient light (indicated by the solid arrow in Figure 7) 800 that enters the eye box 140 along the optical path of the image light 13 emitted from the display panel 11. In other words, the light-shielding plate 300 is positioned to primarily block ambient light 800 that is reflected by the cover member or the display panel 11 and further reflected by the windshield 3 before entering the eye box 140. More specifically, the light-shielding plate 300 is positioned to block ambient light 800 that enters the lower end portion of the eye box 140 in the Z-axis direction. As a result, ambient light 800 that enters the entire eye box 140 is blocked by the light-shielding plate 300.

[0063] Preferably, the light-shielding plate 300 is positioned to block ambient light 800 before it enters the display panel 11. In the example shown in Figure 7, the housing 210 of the display device 1 is arranged such that the surface of the display panel 11 is inclined toward the windshield 3. In such an arrangement of the display device 1, in order to block ambient light 800 before it enters the display panel 11, it is preferable that the light-shielding plate 300 be positioned on the driver side (rear side of the vehicle) of the display panel 11. That is, it is preferable that the light-shielding plate 300 be positioned between the display panel 11 and the user (for example, the driver).

[0064] The orientation of the light shield 300 relative to the housing 210 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably oriented in line with the direction of emission of the image light 13 from the display panel 11. The light shield 300 is preferably provided from the upper surface 210a of the housing 210 along the direction of emission of the image light 13 emitted from the display panel 11. As described above, the image light (luminous flux) 13 from the display panel 11 is emitted at an angle toward the windshield 3 side rather than in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, it is preferable that the light shield 300 is also provided in a state inclined toward the windshield 3 side rather than in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). In the example of Figure 7, the light shield 300 is fixed to the housing 210 in a state inclined toward the windshield 3 side rather than in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface 210a of the housing 210. Furthermore, when it is positioned at an angle with respect to the upper surface 210a of the housing 210, it is preferable that the light shield 300 is positioned close to the user (driver) side of the display panel 11 so as to cover the display panel 11. In other words, it is preferable that the light-shielding plate 300 is positioned so as to overlap a part of the display panel 11 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, it is preferable that the angle of the light-shielding plate 300 (in this example, the angle with respect to the upper surface 210a of the housing 210) matches the emission angle of the image light emitted from the display panel 11. When the emission angle of the image light emitted from the display panel 11 and the angle of the light-shielding plate 300 are matched, the length of the light-shielding plate 300 can be made as short as possible.

[0065] Furthermore, the light-shielding plate 300 only needs to be able to block external light 800, and the fixing structure to the housing 210 is not particularly limited. As an example, as shown in Figure 8, the light-shielding plate 300 is provided with a pair of support walls 301 at both ends (both ends in the width direction of the vehicle 2), and is fixed to the housing 210a at an inclination by these support walls 301. The light-shielding plate 300 and the housing 210 are fixed together, for example, by adhesive, but may also be fixed by screws or the like. Also, the fixing position of the light-shielding plate 300 to the housing 210 does not necessarily have to be the top surface 210a. For example, the support walls 301 provided on the light-shielding plate 300 may be fixed to the side of the housing 210 by screws or the like.

[0066] Furthermore, the material of the light shield 300 is not particularly limited, but for example, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, etc. are preferably used. It is preferable that the surface of the light shield 300, in particular the surface on which the ambient light 800 is incident, is provided with an anti-reflective coating to suppress the reflection of ambient light 800. Moreover, it is preferable that the anti-reflective coating is provided not only on the surface of the light shield 300 but also on the outer surface of the housing 210. This further improves the visibility of the virtual image 10 to the driver.

[0067] The shape and size of the light-shielding plate 300 are not particularly limited, as long as it can block the ambient light 800. In this example, the surface shape of the light-shielding plate 300 is flat, but it may also be curved or wavy. However, it is preferable that the light-shielding plate 300 be made as large as possible without blocking the image light 13. For example, it is preferable that the height h1 of the light-shielding plate 300 (see Figure 8) be as high as possible without blocking the image light 13. This allows the light-shielding plate 300 to block the ambient light 800 more reliably. The light-shielding plate 300 may also be extendable. For example, the length of the light-shielding plate 300 may be adjustable within a range where the image light is not blocked in the direction of the image light emitted from the display panel 11. By adjusting the length of the light-shielding plate 300 according to the direction in which the ambient light 800 is incident, the ambient light 800 can be blocked more reliably.

[0068] Furthermore, in arrangement example 1, the light-shielding plate 300 is positioned to block external light (dotted arrow in Figure 7) 810 that is reflected off the surface of the cover member or display panel 11 and directly incident into the eye box 140. More specifically, the light-shielding plate 300 is positioned to block external light 800 incident on the upper end portion of the eye box 140 in the Z-axis direction. As a result, the light-shielding plate 300 can block external light 810 incident on the entire eye box 140.

[0069] Furthermore, the light-shielding plate 300 can also be said to function as a shielding plate that suppresses the driver's visibility of the surface of the display panel 11. When the display device 1 is placed on the dashboard 7, the driver may be able to directly see the image displayed on the display panel 11 along with the virtual image 10. In this case, there is a risk that the driver's visibility of the virtual image 10 will be reduced. However, in the configuration of arrangement example 1, the visibility of the display panel 11 is suppressed by the light-shielding plate 300. Therefore, the driver can see the virtual image 10 more clearly.

[0070] <Example 2> Example 2 is an example in which the display device 1 is installed in a passenger car. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration in which the display device according to Example 2 is installed in a vehicle.

[0071] As explained in Figure 4, in passenger cars, the angle of the windshield 3 is sometimes around 20° to 45° with respect to the Y-axis (the front-to-back direction or direction of travel of the vehicle 2). In a vehicle 2 in which the windshield 3 is in a so-called horizontal position, the top surface of the dashboard 7 may be inclined to face the opposite side of the windshield 3, i.e., towards the driver (the rear of the vehicle 2), or it may be inclined to face the windshield 3. The display device 1 of Embodiment 2 shown in Figure 9 is mounted on the dashboard 7, and the surface of the display panel 11 is inclined to face the opposite side of the windshield 3. Also, because the windshield 3 is in a horizontal position, the image light (light beam) 13 from the display panel 11 is emitted towards the driver rather than in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Furthermore, the image light 13 emitted from the display panel 11 is reflected by the windshield 3 and incident into the eye box 140 where the driver's viewpoint 14 is located (see Figures 9 and 4). This allows the driver to see the virtual image 10 outside the windshield 3.

[0072] Furthermore, the light-shielding plate 300A according to Embodiment 2 is provided on the upper surface 210a of the housing 210 of the display device 1 so as not to obstruct the video light 13 emitted from the display panel 11. In other words, in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the light-shielding plate 300A is positioned between the windshield 3 and the opening of the display panel 11 or the housing 210. The light-shielding plate 300A itself is the same as the light-shielding plate 300 according to Embodiment 1. The arrangement of the light-shielding plate 300A according to Embodiment 2 will be described below, but explanations that overlap with those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0073] The light-shielding plate 300A is positioned, as in Embodiment 1, to block ambient light 800 that enters the eye box 140 along the optical path of the image light 13 emitted from the display panel 11. In other words, the light-shielding plate 300 is positioned to primarily block ambient light 800 that is reflected by the cover member or the display panel 11 and further reflected by the windshield 3 before entering the eye box 140. More specifically, the light-shielding plate 300A is positioned to block ambient light 800 that enters the lower end portion of the eye box 140 in the Z-axis direction. As a result, ambient light 800 entering the entire eye box 140 is blocked by the light-shielding plate 300A.

[0074] Furthermore, the light-shielding plate 300A is positioned to block the ambient light 800 before it enters the display panel 11. In the example shown in Figure 9, the housing 210 of the display device 1 is arranged such that the surface of the display panel 11 is tilted away from the windshield 3. In this arrangement of the display device 1, the light-shielding plate 300A is positioned closer to the windshield 3 (towards the front of the vehicle) than the display panel 11 in order to block the ambient light 800 before it enters the display panel 11. That is, the light-shielding plate 300A is positioned between the display panel 11 and the windshield 3. Also, the length of the light-shielding plate 300A can be made as short as possible when the emission angle of the image light emitted from the display panel 11 is matched with the angle of the light-shielding plate 300.

[0075] Furthermore, the light-shielding plate 300A is positioned in a direction aligned with the direction of emission of the image light 13 from the display panel 11. In other words, the light-shielding plate 300A is installed on the upper surface 210a of the housing 210 so as to be inclined toward the driver than in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). As described above, the image light (luminous flux) 13 from the display panel 11 is emitted at an angle toward the driver than in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, the light-shielding plate 300A is also installed in a state inclined toward the driver than in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). In the example of Figure 9, the light-shielding plate 300A is fixed to the housing 210 in a state inclined toward the driver than in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the upper surface 210a of the housing 210. Furthermore, the light-shielding plate 300A is positioned close to the windshield 3 side of the opening of the display panel 11 or housing 210 so as to cover the upper part of the display panel 11.

[0076] In addition, in arrangement example 2, the light-shielding plate 300A is positioned to block not only the ambient light 800 but also the ambient light (dotted arrow in Figure 9) 810 that is reflected by the surface of the cover member or display panel 11 and directly enters the eye box 140.

[0077] <Example 3> Figure 10 shows an example of a configuration in which the display device according to Example 3 is mounted on a vehicle. Note that since Example 3 is a modification of Example 2, the differences from Example 2 will be explained in Example 3, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0078] The light-shielding plate 300A in the display device 1 according to Embodiment 2 was positioned on the windshield 3 side of the display panel 11. In contrast, the light-shielding plate 300B in the display device 1 according to Embodiment 3 is positioned on both the windshield 3 side and the driver side of the display panel 11. Specifically, the light-shielding plate 300B according to Embodiment 3 includes a first light-shielding plate 310 and a second light-shielding plate 320. The first light-shielding plate 310 is positioned on the windshield 3 side of the display panel 11, and the second light-shielding plate 320 is positioned on the driver side of the display panel 11. Specifically, in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the first light-shielding plate 310 is positioned between the opening of the display panel 11 or housing 210 and the windshield 3, and the second light-shielding plate 320 is positioned between the opening of the display panel 11 or housing 210 and the driver. The first light-shielding plate 310 has a configuration equivalent to the light-shielding plate 300A described in Embodiment 2, so its description is omitted here. Furthermore, the distance between the position where the first light-shielding plate 310 is placed in the housing 210 and the display panel 11 or the opening of the housing 210, and the distance between the position where the second light-shielding plate 320 is placed in the housing 210 and the display panel 11 or the opening of the housing 210 are not particularly limited and may be the same or different.

[0079] The second light-shielding plate 320, like the first light-shielding plate 310, is positioned in a direction aligned with the direction of emission of the image light 13 from the display panel 11. In other words, the second light-shielding plate 320 is provided so as to be inclined toward the driver from the upper surface 210a of the housing 210, rather than in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The second light-shielding plate 320 is mainly provided to block external light (dotted arrow in Figure 10A) 810 that is reflected by the cover member or the surface of the display panel 11 and directly incident into the eye box 140. Preferably, the height of the second light-shielding plate 320 is equal to or greater than the height of the first light-shielding plate 310. Although the external light 810 is mainly blocked by the first light-shielding plate 310, the presence of the second light-shielding plate 320 ensures that the external light 810 is blocked more reliably. Furthermore, the second light-shielding plate 320 can also be said to function as a shielding plate that suppresses the driver's visibility of the surface of the display panel 11. Therefore, by providing the second light-shielding plate 320 together with the first light-shielding plate 310 on the housing 210, the visibility of the virtual image 10 can be further improved. Also, if the angle of the light-shielding plate 300 is matched with the emission angle of the image light emitted from the display panel 11, the length of the second light-shielding plate 320 can be minimized.

[0080] Furthermore, the display device 1 according to Embodiment 3, which includes a light-shielding plate 300 containing a first light-shielding plate 310 and a second light-shielding plate 320, can be mounted not only in passenger cars but also in commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses. As shown in Figure 10B as an example, the display device 1 according to Embodiment 3 can be mounted on the dashboard 7 of a vehicle 2 with the windshield 3 raised by rotating it 180° horizontally so that the second light-shielding plate 320 is positioned on the windshield 3 side of the display panel 11. In other words, the display device 1 according to Embodiment 3 can be used not only in passenger cars but also in commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses. This makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the display device 1.

[0081] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the greater the angle of the display panel 11 with respect to the horizontal direction (X direction, the front-to-back direction of the vehicle 2), the greater the height of the second light-shielding plate 320 may be relative to the first light-shielding plate 310. For example, as shown in Figure 11A, when the display panel 11 is positioned close to the vertical direction (Z direction, the up-and-down direction of the vehicle 2), that is, when the angle of the display panel 11 with respect to the horizontal direction is relatively large, the height of the second light-shielding plate 320 may be greater than the height of the first light-shielding plate 310. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 11B, when the display panel 11 is positioned close to the horizontal direction (X direction, the front-to-back direction of the vehicle 2), that is, when the display panel 11 is positioned along the horizontal direction, the height of the second light-shielding plate 320 may be lower than the height of the first light-shielding plate 310. In either case, the visibility of the virtual image 10 to the driver can be improved by blocking the ambient light 800 with the first light-shielding plate 310 and the second light-shielding plate 320.

[0082] <Example 4> Figure 12 shows an example of a configuration in which the display device according to Example 4 is mounted on a vehicle. Note that since Example 4 is a modification of Example 3, the differences from Example 3 will be explained in Example 4, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0083] The light-shielding plate 300B of the display device 1 according to Embodiment 3 includes a first light-shielding plate 310 and a second light-shielding plate 320. In the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the first light-shielding plate 310 is positioned between the opening of the display panel 11 or housing 210 and the windshield 3, and the second light-shielding plate 320 is positioned between the opening of the display panel 11 or housing 210 and the driver. In contrast, the light-shielding plate 300C of the display device 1 according to Embodiment 4 includes a first light-shielding plate 310, a second light-shielding plate 320, a third light-shielding plate 330, and a fourth light-shielding plate 340. In the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the first light-shielding plate 310 and the second light-shielding plate 320 are positioned, and in the left-right direction of the vehicle, the third light-shielding plate 330 and the fourth light-shielding plate 340 are positioned. In other words, the light-shielding plate 300C is positioned to surround the opening of the housing 210 or the display area of ​​the display panel 11. The light-shielding plate 300C according to Embodiment 4 is composed of a first light-shielding plate 310, a second light-shielding plate 320, a third light-shielding plate 330, and a fourth light-shielding plate 340, and has a shape that surrounds the entire circumference of the display area (the area from which the video light is emitted) of the display panel 11, and is shaped like a rectangular box. Furthermore, the distance between the positions where the first light-shielding plate 310, the second light-shielding plate 320, the third light-shielding plate 330, and the fourth light-shielding plate 340 are positioned in the housing 210 and the display panel 11 or the opening of the housing 210 is not particularly limited and may be the same or different.

[0084] Furthermore, if the opening of the display panel 11 is polygonal, the number of light-shielding plates 300C may be increased to surround the entire circumference, such as by adding a fifth light-shielding plate and a sixth light-shielding plate. If the opening of the display panel 11 is circular, a circular light-shielding plate may be used. The circular light-shielding plate may be in the shape of a circle that surrounds the entire circumference or in the shape of a circular arc with a portion cut off.

[0085] Because sunlight enters the vehicle from various angles depending on its position relative to the vehicle, some of the light with a horizontal angle may be reflected by the display panel 11 and enter the eye box 140, becoming stray light. In Figure 13A, sunlight (external light) 800a is reflected by the display panel 11, becoming the reflected ray 800b. The ray 800b is reflected by the windshield 3, becoming the reflected ray 800c. In the relative positions of the vehicle and the sun in Figure 13B, sunlight 801a with a different angle is reflected by the display panel 11, becoming the reflected ray 801b. The ray 801b is reflected by the windshield 3, becoming the reflected ray 801c. These rays 800c and 801c then become stray light. On the other hand, by arranging a light-shielding plate 300C that surrounds the entire circumference of the display panel 11 so as not to obstruct the light rays of the display panel 11, external light 800a from the horizontal direction (X direction) can be reflected off the display panel 11 and the windshield 3 and prevented from entering the eye box 140.

[0086] As shown in Figure 14, the light-shielding plate 300C is positioned to match the angle of the main light rays so as not to obstruct the image light rays. In the case of the light-shielding plate 300C in Figure 14, the third light-shielding plate 330 and the fourth light-shielding plate 340 in the left-right direction form a parallelogram, and the higher the height (h1) of the light-shielding plate 300C, the better it can block external light 800a, 801a. The position of the display device 1 is determined by the shape of the windshield 3 and the dashboard 7, and the height (h1) of the light-shielding plate 300C can be adjusted to the optimal height (h1) that is effective against external light 800a, 801a. For example, in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 2, the greater the angle of the display panel 11 with respect to the horizontal direction (X-axis), the higher the height of the second light-shielding plate 320 on the driver's side may be relative to the first light-shielding plate 310 on the windshield 3 side. When the display panel 11 is positioned close to the vertical direction (Z direction, the up-and-down direction of the vehicle 2), that is, when the angle of the display panel 11 with respect to the horizontal direction is relatively large, the height of the second light-shielding plate 320 may be made higher than the height of the first light-shielding plate 310. In the width direction of the vehicle, the heights of the third light-shielding plate 330 and the fourth light-shielding plate 340 in the left-right direction may also be changed. If the display device 1 is positioned in the driver's seat, and the third light-shielding plate 330 is the light-shielding plate on the passenger side where sunlight enters widely from the windshield 3, the height of the third light-shielding plate 330 may be made higher than that of the fourth light-shielding plate 340.

[0087] As shown in Figures 15A and 15B, if the eye box 140 is to be widened, the distance (d1, d2) and angle (θ1, θ2) of the light shield 300 can be adjusted so as not to obstruct the light rays spreading from the video display unit, that is, the light rays spreading from the display panel 11. As shown in Figure 15A, the first light shield 310 on the windshield 3 side is inclined toward the windshield 3 side, and the angle between the first light shield 310 and the top surface of the housing (display panel 11) is θ1. The second light shield 320 on the driver side is inclined toward the driver side, and the angle between the second light shield 320 and the top surface of the housing (display panel 11) is θ2.

[0088] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, the effective area 350 (outlined by a dotted line) of the display panel 11 is the area where the image light beam is actually emitted / displayed, and the dotted line outline is the outermost boundary of the effective area 350. The distance from each light-shielding plate 300 (310, 320, 330, 340) to the opening of the housing 210 or the effective area 350 of the display panel 11 is defined as d. The distances d (d1, d2, d3, d4) may be different for each light-shielding plate 300 (first light-shielding plate 310, second light-shielding plate 320, third light-shielding plate 330, fourth light-shielding plate 340).

[0089] As shown in Figure 15B, for example, the distance d(d1) from the first light-shielding plate 310 to the effective area 350, and the distance d(d2) from the second light-shielding plate 320 to the effective area 350 are preferably set so that each light-shielding plate 300 is at least a predetermined distance (e.g., 3 mm) away from the effective area 350 of the display panel 11. In order to prevent a portion of the image light emitted from the display panel 11 from being blocked by each light-shielding plate 300, it is preferable that each light-shielding plate 300 is positioned at a predetermined distance or more away from the effective area 350. For example, the distance d(d1) from the first light-shielding plate 310 to the effective area 350 is adjustable within a set range that is set in advance with a predetermined distance (e.g., 3 mm) as the lower limit. The distance d1 is appropriately adjusted within the set range according to the height of the first light-shielding plate 310 in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, when the inclination angle θ1 of the first light-shielding plate 310 and the inclination angle θ2 of the second light-shielding plate 320 are set to 50 deg to 90 deg, an effective eye box 140 is obtained while maintaining a high light-shielding effect against sunlight.

[0090] Although the technology of this disclosure has been specifically described above based on embodiments, the technology of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the invention. The embodiments described above can be modified by adding, deleting, or replacing components, except for essential components. Unless otherwise specified, each component may be singular or plural. Combinations of embodiments are also possible.

[0091] For example, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the light-shielding plate is fixed on the housing of the display device was illustrated, but the light-shielding plate may be pivotably mounted on the housing. That is, the light-shielding plate may be mounted in such a way that its inclination angle with respect to the surface of the housing can be changed. Furthermore, the light-shielding plate may be configured to include, for example, a plurality of movable plates that can slide along the surface, and to be able to change its height from the housing.

[0092] The technology described in this embodiment provides an information display device that can display a good virtual image, reduces the driver's eye movement, and contributes to supporting safe driving, thereby preventing traffic accidents. This contributes to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), specifically "Goal 3: Ensure good health and well-being for all."

[0093] 1 Display device (virtual image display device) 11 Display panel 20 Light source 200 Video display unit (video display unit) 210 Housing 300, 300A, 300B Shading plate 310 First shading plate 320 Second shading plate

Claims

1. A display device to be placed on the dashboard of a vehicle, comprising: a light source device provided within a housing; a display panel provided within the housing that generates image light based on light emitted from the light source device; and a light shield provided on the housing in the vertical direction that blocks at least a portion of the external light entering the driver's eye box of the vehicle.

2. A display device according to claim 1, wherein the light-shielding plate is arranged mainly to block external light that enters the eye box along the optical path of the image light.

3. A display device according to claim 1, wherein the light-shielding plate is arranged to block external light incident on the display panel.

4. A display device according to claim 1, wherein the light-shielding plate is arranged along the direction of emission of the image light.

5. In the display device according to claim 1, the display panel is arranged such that the surface of the display panel is inclined toward the windshield side of the vehicle, the light-shielding plate is arranged at least between the display panel and the driver.

6. In the display device according to claim 1, the display panel is arranged so as to be inclined toward the driver, the light-shielding plate is arranged at least between the display panel and the vehicle's windshield.

7. A display device according to claim 1, wherein the light-shielding plate includes a first light-shielding plate disposed between the display panel and the vehicle's windshield, and a second light-shielding plate disposed between the display panel and the driver.

8. A display device according to claim 7, wherein the second light-shielding plate also functions as a shielding plate that prevents the driver from viewing the surface of the display panel.

9. A display device according to claim 7, wherein when the display panel is positioned close to the vertical direction of the vehicle, the second light-shielding plate is higher than the first light-shielding plate.

10. A display device according to claim 1, wherein when the emission angle of the image light emitted from the display panel is matched with the angle of the light shielding plate, the length of the light shielding plate is minimized.

11. A display device according to claim 7, wherein, in the width direction of the vehicle, the light shield further comprises a third light shield and a fourth light shield, and the first light shield, the second light shield, the third light shield and the fourth light shield are arranged to surround the opening of the housing or the display area of ​​the display panel.

Images