Display device, vehicle, display system, mobile body, and image display unit accommodating device

Abstract

A display device according to the present disclosure comprises: an image display unit that displays a plurality of images; a plurality of optical systems; a wall member inside which the image display unit and at least first and second optical systems among the plurality of optical systems are located; and a housing having a viewing portion. The plurality of optical systems correspond to the plurality of images on a one-to-one basis, and each of the plurality of optical systems forms a formed image of the corresponding image. When viewed from a first angle via the viewing portion, a first formed image formed by the first optical system is visible, and when viewed from a second angle via the viewing portion, a second formed image formed by the second optical system is visible.

Description

Display device, vehicle, display system, moving body, and image display unit housing device

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device that displays an image of an image, a vehicle, a display system, and a moving body including the same. The present invention also relates to an image display unit housing device.

[0002] A virtual image presentation device that forms a virtual image of an image and allows a user to view the virtual image is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 7528348

[0004] The display device of the present disclosure includes an image display unit that displays a plurality of images, a plurality of optical systems, a wall member in which at least the first and second optical systems among the image display unit and the plurality of optical systems are located inside, and a housing having a viewing unit. The plurality of optical systems correspond one-to-one to the plurality of images, and each of the plurality of optical systems forms a conjugate image of the image. When viewed from a first angle through the viewing unit, the first conjugate image formed by the first optical system is visible, and when viewed from a second angle through the viewing unit, the second conjugate image formed by the second optical system is visible. The vehicle, display system, and moving body of the present disclosure include the above display device. The image display unit housing device of the present disclosure is a device in which a display unit can be installed.

[0005] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0006] This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the display device in the first embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating a display device mounted on a vehicle. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the image display unit and optical system in the first embodiment used in the display device. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the image display unit and optical system in the second embodiment used in the display device. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the image display unit and optical system in the third embodiment used in the display device. This is a diagram illustrating the case in which the display device is used by two people, a first and a second viewer. This is a diagram illustrating the setting of the second display position (first display position) using the input position detection unit in the display device. This is a diagram illustrating the first movement direction of the image (second movement direction of the image) when the viewer's eye position is shifted left or right from the normal position in the display device of the first embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating the first movement direction of the image (second movement direction of the image) when the viewer's eye position is shifted up or down from the normal position in the display device of the first embodiment. This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the display device in the second embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating the movement direction of the optical system when the viewer's eye position is shifted upward in the vertical direction from the normal position in the display device of the second embodiment. This figure illustrates the direction of movement of the optical system in the display device of the second embodiment when the position of the viewer's eyes is shifted downward in the vertical direction from the normal position. This figure illustrates distortion correction in the display device. This figure illustrates a third modified form of the display device.

[0007] Hereinafter, one or more embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. In each figure, components denoted by the same reference numerals are identified as identical components, and their descriptions are omitted where appropriate. In this specification, general reference numerals are used without subscripts, while individual components are indicated by subscripts.

[0008] Conventionally, there has been a demand for a display device that can be used by multiple users. Therefore, the display device in this embodiment comprises an image display unit, a plurality of optical systems, and a housing. The image display unit displays a plurality of images. The plurality of optical systems correspond one-to-one with the plurality of images, and each of the plurality of optical systems forms an image of the image. The housing houses the image display unit and at least two of the plurality of optical systems, namely first and second optical systems, and has a window. When viewed from a first angle through the window, the first image formed by the first optical system is visible, and when viewed from a second angle through the window, the second image formed by the second optical system is visible. In such a display device, the image display unit displays a plurality of images, and each of the plurality of optical systems forms an image (image) of each of the plurality of images, so that a single display device can be used by multiple users. Hereinafter, such a display device will be described in more detail with respect to several embodiments.

[0009] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the display device in the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the display device mounted on a vehicle. The upper part of Figure 2 is an overall schematic diagram of the vehicle, and the lower part of Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the front part of the vehicle interior. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the image display unit and optical system in the first embodiment used in the display device. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the image display unit and optical system in the second embodiment used in the display device. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the image display unit and optical system in the third embodiment used in the display device. In Figures 3 to 5, each upper part is a cross-sectional view, and each lower part is a diagram illustrating the optical path and polarization state of the optical system. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the case in which the display device is used by two people, a first and a second viewer. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the setting of the second display position (first display position) using the input position detection unit in the display device. The upper part of Figure 7 shows the input process, and the upper part of Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining the difference between the input position detected by the input position detection unit and the center position of the input position detection unit. Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining the first movement direction of the image (second movement direction of the image) when the position of the viewer's eyes is shifted left or right from the normal position in the display device of the first embodiment. The upper part of Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the case when the position of the eyes of the first viewer CR1 is shifted to the right from the normal position. The lower part of Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the case when the position of the eyes of the second viewer CR2 is shifted to the left from the normal position. Figure 9 is a diagram for explaining the first movement direction of the image (second movement direction of the image) when the position of the viewer's eyes is shifted up or down from the normal position in the display device of the first embodiment. Figure 9 shows the case when the position of the viewer's eyes is shifted down from the normal position.

[0010] A display device in one embodiment of this disclosure may be a non-wearable device for the viewer. That is, the display device may not be worn by the viewer but may be fixed to the environment. For example, the display device may be fixed to a wall, column or ceiling, etc. The display device may also be fixed to the interior of a vehicle. The disclosure may also be worn by the viewer. If worn by the viewer, the display device may have a mounting part (not shown) so that the viewing window is fixed at the position of the viewer's eyes.

[0011] The display device 1000a in the first embodiment includes, for example, an image display unit 11, a plurality of optical systems 12 (12-1, 12-2), and a housing HS having a viewing window WD, as shown in Figure 1. In the example shown in Figure 1, the plurality of optical systems 12 are two first and second optical systems 12-1 and 12-2. Note that there may be three or more of the plurality of optical systems 12. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 1, the display device 1000a also includes an input unit 61, a control processing unit 62, a storage unit 63, a detection unit 64, an input position detection unit 65, and an investigation unit 66.

[0012] The display device 1000a may be used independently or incorporated into any other device. Here, as an example, the display device 1000a may be mounted on a mobile device, for example, as shown in Figure 2. The mobile device may be a vehicle VC, an aircraft, or a ship. The vehicle VC is not limited to a passenger car, but may be a large vehicle such as a truck, bus, or trolleybus, or a motorcycle. The vehicle VC may generally consist of wheels, a power source for driving the wheels, and a cabin (passenger compartment) where the occupants are seated. When mounted on a vehicle VC, the display device 1000a may be mounted on the vehicle VC as a cluster 41 on the vehicle VC's dashboard (instrument panel), for example. Alternatively, the display device 1000a may be mounted on the vehicle VC as a HUD (Head Up Display) 42, for example. Alternatively, for example, the display device 1000a may be mounted on the vehicle VC as the CID (Center Information Display) 43 of the vehicle VC. Alternatively, for example, the display device 1000a may be mounted on the vehicle VC as the PID (Passenger Information Display) 44 of the vehicle VC. Alternatively, for example, the display device 1000a may be mounted on the vehicle as the rearview mirror 45 of the vehicle VC. As an example of this disclosure, a display system may be configured comprising the display device 1000a and a camera that captures the scenery around a moving object. Here, the scenery around the moving object may be at least one of the front, rear, side, above, and below the moving object. The display device 1000a may be able to communicate with the camera CAB and may display images captured by the camera CAB on the image display unit. The vehicle VC is equipped with a camera CAB that captures images of the area behind the vehicle VC, and the display device 1000a, which functions as a rearview mirror 45, displays the image captured by the camera CAB. Alternatively, for example, the display device 1000a may be mounted on the vehicle VC as digital side mirrors 46R and 46L. The digital side mirror 46R is positioned on the right A-pillar of the vehicle VC, and the digital side mirror 46L is positioned on the left A-pillar of the vehicle VC.The vehicle VC is equipped with a camera CAR that captures the right rear of the vehicle VC, and the display device 1000a, which functions as a digital side mirror 46R, displays the image captured by the camera CAR. The vehicle VC is also equipped with a camera CAL that captures the left rear of the vehicle VC, and the display device 1000a, which functions as a digital side mirror 46L, displays the image captured by the camera CAL. Alternatively, for example, the display device 1000a may be mounted on the vehicle VC as a Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) 47 of the vehicle VC. The upper part of Figure 5 shows an RSE 47 located at the rear of the headrest area of ​​the driver's seat FS, but the display device 1000a as an RSE 47 may be located at the rear of the headrest area of ​​the passenger seat. Alternatively, for example, the display device 1000a may be mounted on the vehicle VC as a door mirror (not shown) of the vehicle VC.

[0013] When the display device 1000a is used as one of the clusters 41, HUD 42, CID 42, and PID 43, a viewing window WD (not shown in Figure 2) is formed and provided on the dashboard. The dashboard may house or contain an image display unit 11 and at least two first and second optical systems 12-1 and 12-2 from the plurality of optical systems 12. The viewing window WD may be a window (opening) for viewing the image (image formed) displayed (formed) by the display device 1000a. The dashboard corresponds to an example of a housing having a wall member in which the image display unit and at least two first and second optical systems from the plurality of optical systems are located on the inside, and a window.

[0014] In the case of the HUD42, the vehicle VC's windshield (windshield) WS is used as the so-called combiner of the HUD42. Alternatively, for example, the windshield WS is provided with a semi-transparent mirror 51 that reflects image light near the dashboard, and the semi-transparent mirror 51 functions as the combiner of the HUD42. The image light that becomes the image emitted from the viewing window enters the combiner and is viewed by the viewer CR. In the case of the HUD42, the combiner is included in the optical system 12 (12-1, 12-2).

[0015] When the display device 1000a is used as one of the rearview mirror 45, digital side mirrors 46R, 46L, RSE 47, and door mirrors, the rearview mirror 45, digital side mirrors 46R, 46L, RSE 47, and door mirrors each have a viewing window WD and are equipped with a hollow, box-shaped housing HS (not shown). The housing HS may include a window frame member that forms an opening which becomes the viewing window WD, an image display unit 11, and a wall member on which at least two first and second optical systems 12-1, 12-2 of the plurality of optical systems 12 are located on the inside. The housing HS may also include a window frame member that forms an opening which becomes the viewing window WD, an image display unit 11, and a wall member that houses at least two first and second optical systems 12-1, 12-2 of the plurality of optical systems 12.

[0016] A window member may be fitted and fixed into the viewing window WD. The window member is made of a material that transmits visible light. Such materials include, for example, polycarbonate resin and acrylic resin. In this case, the image display unit 11, the first and second optical systems 12-1 and 12-2, and the window member (viewing window) are arranged in the order of image display unit 11, first and second optical systems 12-1 and 12-2, and window member (viewing window). Note that the window member is not required. In other words, the viewing window WD may or may not have a window member. The viewing window WD may function as a viewing unit.

[0017] The image display unit 11 is connected to the control processing unit 62 and displays a plurality of images according to the control of the control processing unit 62. The image display area of ​​the image display unit 11 may be greater than or equal to the sum of the sizes of the plurality of images to be displayed on the image display unit 11. More specifically, the image display unit 11 is a device that has a display surface 111, as shown in Figure 3, and displays a visible light image on this display surface 111. The image may be a still image or a moving image. The image display unit 11 displays a first linearly polarized image. For example, a polarizing plate may be placed in front of the display surface 111. The first linearly polarized light may be S-polarized light or P-polarized light orthogonal to S-polarized light. In this embodiment, the first linearly polarized light is S-polarized light as an example, and the second linearly polarized light is P-polarized light as an example, but is not limited to this. For example, S-wave polarization in the following description may be read as P-wave polarization, and P-wave polarization may be read as S-wave polarization. The image display unit 11 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display device (LCD). Alternatively, for example, the image display unit 11 may be an organic photoluminescence display device.

[0018] The image display unit 11 may include an illuminator that illuminates the display surface 111 in a planar manner. The illuminator is also called a backlight. The illuminator may be an edge-lit backlight or a direct-lit backlight. The light source of the illuminator may be a cold cathode fluorescent lamp, a halogen lamp, or a xenon lamp, or it may be a light-emitting diode (LED), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a semiconductor laser (LD), etc. The image display unit 11 is not limited to a liquid crystal display device (LCD) including a liquid crystal panel (transmissive display panel). The image display unit 11 may be a self-emissive image display unit 11 including, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a semiconductor laser (LD), etc.

[0019] The multiple optical systems 12 (12-1, 12-2) correspond one-to-one with the multiple images displayed on the image display unit 11, and each of the multiple optical systems 12 (12-1, 12-2) forms an image (imaging image) of the image. The image is either a real image or a virtual image. In this embodiment, as described above, the multiple optical systems 12 consist of two first and second optical systems, so the image display unit 11 displays two first and second images, the first optical system forms an imaging image (first imaging image) of the first image, and the second optical system forms an imaging image (second imaging image) of the second image. The first and second optical systems 12-1 and 12-2 are similar and will be described more specifically below as a single optical system 12. The same applies to the image display units 21, 31 and optical systems 22, 32 in the second and third embodiments described later.

[0020] In the example shown in Figure 3, the optical system 12 comprises a first phase difference plate 13, a semi-transparent mirror 14, a second phase difference plate 15, and a reflective polarizer 16. These optical elements 13 to 16 are arranged sequentially in this order with respect to the display surface 111 of the image display unit 11, moving away from the display surface 111.

[0021] The first phase difference plate 13 is an optical element that emits light with a phase difference between mutually orthogonal polarization components in incident visible light. The first phase difference plate 13 is positioned opposite the display surface 111 of the image display unit 11. In this embodiment, the first phase difference plate 13 is a quarter-wave plate that provides a 90° phase difference, emits linearly polarized incident light as circularly polarized light, and emits circularly polarized light as linearly polarized light.

[0022] Here, "facing" in this context means that they are opposite each other. When A faces B, other members may or may not be interposed between member A and member B. In other words, when member A faces member B, in this context, member A is interpreted as being located on one side of member B.

[0023] The semi-transparent mirror 14 is an optical element that reflects a portion of the incident visible light and transmits the remainder. The transmittance of the semi-transparent mirror 14 may be about 50%, and the reflectance of the semi-transparent mirror 14 may be about 50%, but is not limited to these values. The semi-transparent mirror 14 is positioned opposite the first phase difference plate 13 and is spaced at a predetermined distance (11th interval) from the first phase difference plate 13. The semi-transparent mirror 14 may have a function to collect or focus light. Specifically, the semi-transparent mirror 14 may have a function to collect or focus light that has been incident on and reflected by the semi-transparent mirror 14. The semi-transparent mirror 14 may have a concave surface facing the second phase difference plate 15. That is, the semi-transparent mirror 14 may have a convex surface facing the first phase difference plate 13.

[0024] The second phase difference plate 15, like the first phase difference plate 13, is an optical element that emits light with a phase difference between mutually orthogonal polarization components in incident visible light. The second phase difference plate 15 is positioned opposite the semi-transparent mirror 14 and is spaced at a predetermined distance (12th interval) from the semi-transparent mirror 14. In this embodiment, the second phase difference plate 15, like the first phase difference plate 13, is a quarter-wave plate and provides a phase difference of 90°.

[0025] The reflective polarizer 16 is an optical element that reflects a predetermined polarization of incident visible light and transmits a predetermined other polarization. On the surface of the reflective polarizer 16 facing the second phase difference plate 15, it reflects a first linearly polarized light (S-polarized light in the above example) and transmits a second linearly polarized light (P-polarized light in the above example) that is orthogonal to the first linearly polarized light. The reflective polarizer 16 faces the second phase difference plate 15 and is arranged at a predetermined distance (13th interval) from the second phase difference plate 15. The reflective polarizer 16 comprises, for example, a plate-shaped substrate that transmits visible light and a plurality of parallel metal fine wires formed on the substrate. The plurality of metal fine wires are referred to as a so-called wire grid. The substrate is made of, for example, glass, acrylic resin, and polycarbonate resin. The plurality of metal fine wires are made of, for example, aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), and titanium oxide (TiO). ２ It is made of a metal (including alloys) such as ). Such a reflective polarizing plate 16 reflects polarization components parallel to the wire grid (the extension direction of the thin metal wires) and transmits polarization components perpendicular to the wire grid.

[0026] The image display unit 11 is positioned between the focal point of the optical system 12 and the position of the first phase difference plate 13 when the optical system 12 forms a virtual image. The virtual image is formed and visible to the viewer's eye. When the optical system 12 forms a real image, the image display unit 11 is positioned further away from the first phase difference plate 13 than the focal point of the optical system 12. The real image may be projected onto a predetermined screen and visible to the viewer, or it may be formed as a floating image in the air and visible to the viewer.

[0027] In this configuration, as shown in the lower part of Figure 3, the light of the image displayed on the image display unit 11 (image light) is incident on the first phase difference plate 13 of the quarter-wave plate as first linearly polarized light (S-polarized light in the above example), and is emitted from the first phase difference plate 13 as circularly polarized light (for example, circularly polarized light that is clockwise in the direction of propagation). The circularly polarized image light emitted from the first phase difference plate 13 is incident on the semi-transparent mirror 14, where a portion is reflected and the remainder is transmitted. The circularly polarized image light that has passed through the semi-transparent mirror 14 is incident on the second phase difference plate 15 of the quarter-wave plate, and is emitted from the second phase difference plate 15 as first linearly polarized light (S-polarized light) from circularly polarized light. The first linearly polarized (S-polarized) image light emitted from the second phase difference plate 15 is incident on the reflective polarizer 16, reflected by the reflective polarizer 16, and its propagation direction is folded back. The first linearly polarized (S-polarized) image light reflected by the reflective polarizer 16 is incident on the second phase difference plate 15 of the quarter-wave plate, where it is converted from the first linearly polarized (S-polarized) light to circularly polarized light (for example, circularly polarized light rotated clockwise in the direction of propagation) and emitted. The circularly polarized image light emitted from the second phase difference plate 15 is incident on the semi-transparent mirror 14, where a portion is reflected and the propagation direction is folded back again, and the remainder is transmitted. The circularly polarized (for example, circularly polarized light rotated counterclockwise in the direction of propagation) image light reflected by the semi-transparent mirror 14 is incident on the second phase difference plate 15 of the quarter-wave plate, where it is converted from circularly polarized light to second linearly polarized (P-polarized) light and emitted. The second linearly polarized (P-polarized) image light emitted from the second phase difference plate 15 is incident on the reflective polarizer 16 and transmitted through the reflective polarizer 16. In this display unit 10, the image light emitted from the optical system 12 is 25% of the light intensity of the image light displayed on the image display unit 11.

[0028] Although the display device 1000a includes the image display unit 11 and optical system 12 (12-1, 12-2) described above (image display unit 11 and optical system 12 in the first embodiment), the display device 1000a may be replaced with the image display unit 21 and optical system 22 (22-1, 22-2) in the second embodiment, or with the image display unit 31 and optical system 32 (32-1, 32-2) in the third embodiment. Furthermore, the display device 1000a is not limited to these and may include optical systems with other configurations.

[0029] In this second embodiment, the image display unit 21 is the same as the image display unit 11 in the first embodiment, so its description will be omitted.

[0030] The optical system 22 forms the image (imaged image) of the image displayed on the image display unit 21. As shown in Figure 4, for example, the optical system 22 includes a first reflective polarizer 23, a first phase difference plate 24, a semi-transparent mirror 25, a second phase difference plate 26, and a second reflective polarizer 27. These optical elements 23 to 27 are arranged sequentially in this order with respect to the display surface 211 of the image display unit 21, moving away from the display surface 211.

[0031] The first reflective polarizer 23 is an optical element that reflects a predetermined polarization of incident visible light and transmits a predetermined other polarization, similar to the reflective polarizer 16 in the first embodiment. The first reflective polarizer 23 is positioned to face the display surface 211 of the image display unit 21. The first reflective polarizer 23 may have a function to collect or focus light. Specifically, the first reflective polarizer 23 may have a function to collect or focus light that is incident on and reflected by the first reflective polarizer 23. The first reflective polarizer 23 may have a concave surface (first concave surface) facing the first phase difference plate 24, and the first concave surface may transmit a first linearly polarized light (S-polarized light in the above example) and reflect a second linearly polarized light (P-polarized light) perpendicular to the first linearly polarized light. The first reflective polarizing plate 23 comprises, for example, a plate-shaped substrate that transmits visible light and has the concave surface formed thereon, and a plurality of fine metal wires formed on the substrate and parallel to each other on the concave surface.

[0032] The first phase difference plate 24, like the first phase difference plate 13 in the first embodiment, is an optical element that emits light with a phase difference between mutually orthogonal polarization components in incident visible light. The first phase difference plate 24 is positioned opposite the first reflective polarizer 23 and is spaced at a predetermined distance (21st interval) from the first reflective polarizer 23. In this embodiment, the first phase difference plate 24 is a quarter-wave plate and provides a phase difference of 90°.

[0033] The semi-transparent mirror 25, like the semi-transparent mirror 14 in the first embodiment, is an optical element that reflects a portion of the incident visible light and transmits the remainder. The transmittance of the semi-transparent mirror 25 may be about 50%, and the reflectance of the semi-transparent mirror 25 may be about 50%, but is not limited to these values. The semi-transparent mirror 25 is positioned opposite the first phase difference plate 24 and is located at a predetermined distance (22nd interval) from the first phase difference plate 24.

[0034] The second phase difference plate 26, like the first phase difference plate 13 in the first embodiment, is an optical element that emits light with a phase difference between mutually orthogonal polarization components in incident visible light. The second phase difference plate 26 is positioned opposite the semi-transparent mirror 25 and is spaced at a predetermined distance (23rd interval) from the semi-transparent mirror 25. In this embodiment, the second phase difference plate 26, like the first phase difference plate 24, is a quarter-wave plate and provides a 90° phase difference.

[0035] The second reflective polarizer 27, like the reflective polarizer 16 of the first embodiment, is an optical element that reflects a predetermined polarization of incident visible light and transmits a predetermined other polarization. The second reflective polarizer 27 is positioned opposite the second phase difference plate 26 and is spaced at a predetermined interval (24th interval) from the second phase difference plate 26. On the surface facing the second phase difference plate 26, the second reflective polarizer 27 reflects a first linearly polarized light (S-polarized light in the above example) and transmits a second linearly polarized light (P-polarized light) that is orthogonal to the first linearly polarized light. The second reflective polarizer 27 comprises, for example, a plate-shaped substrate that transmits visible light and a plurality of parallel metal wires formed on the substrate. An absorptive polarizer may be used instead of the second reflective polarizer 27. An absorptive polarizer is an optical element that absorbs a predetermined polarization of incident visible light and transmits a predetermined other polarization. Absorption polarizers may be, for example, iodine-based polarizers in which an iodine compound is adsorbed and oriented on a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, or dye-based polarizers in which a dichroic organic dye is adsorbed and oriented on a PVA film.

[0036] The image display unit 21 is positioned between the focal point of the optical system 22 and the position of the first reflective polarizer 23 when the optical system 22 forms a virtual image. The virtual image is formed and visible to the viewer's eye. When the optical system 22 forms a real image, the image display unit 21 is positioned further away from the first reflective polarizer 23 than from the focal point of the optical system 22. The real image may be projected onto a predetermined screen and visible to the viewer, or it may be formed as a floating image in the air and visible to the viewer.

[0037] In this configuration, as shown in the lower part of Figure 4, the light of the image displayed on the image display unit 21 (image light) is incident on the first reflective polarizer 23 as first linearly polarized light (S-polarized light in the above example) and passes through the first reflective polarizer 23. The first linearly polarized (S-polarized) image light emitted from the first reflective polarizer 23 is incident on the first phase difference plate 24 of the quarter-wave plate, where it is converted from first linearly polarized light to circularly polarized light (for example, circularly polarized light that is clockwise in the direction of propagation) and emitted. The circularly polarized image light emitted from the first phase difference plate 24 is incident on the semi-transparent mirror 25, where a portion is reflected and the propagation direction is folded back, and the remainder is transmitted. The circularly polarized image light that has passed through the semi-transparent mirror 24 is incident on the second phase difference plate 26 of the quarter-wave plate, where it is converted from circularly polarized light to first linearly polarized light (S-polarized light) and emitted. The first linearly polarized (S-polarized) image light emitted from the second phase difference plate 26 is incident on the second reflective polarizer plate 27 and reflected by the second reflective polarizer plate 27. On the other hand, the circularly polarized (for example, counterclockwise circularly polarized in the direction of propagation) image light reflected by the semi-transparent mirror 25 is incident on the first phase difference plate 24 of the quarter-wave plate, and is emitted from the first phase difference plate 24 as second linearly polarized (P-polarized) light. The second linearly polarized (P-polarized) image light emitted from this first phase difference plate 24 is incident on the first reflective polarizer plate 23, is reflected by the first reflective polarizer plate 23, and the propagation direction is folded back again. The second linearly polarized (P-polarized) image light reflected by the first reflective polarizer 24 is incident on the first phase difference plate 24 of the quarter-wave plate, where it is converted from second linearly polarized (P-polarized) to circularly polarized (for example, counterclockwise circularly polarized) light in the direction of propagation and emitted. The circularly polarized image light emitted from the first phase difference plate 24 is incident on the semi-transparent mirror 25, where a portion is reflected and the remainder is transmitted. The circularly polarized image light that has passed through the semi-transparent mirror 25 is incident on the second phase difference plate 26 of the quarter-wave plate, where it is converted from circularly polarized to second linearly polarized (P-polarized) light and emitted. The second linearly polarized (P-polarized) image light emitted from the second phase difference plate 26 is incident on the second reflective polarizer 27 and transmitted through the second reflective polarizer 27. In this display unit 20, the image light emitted from the optical system 22 is 25% of the light intensity of the image light displayed on the image display unit 21.

[0038] In the third embodiment described above, the image display unit 31 is the same as the image display unit 11 in the first embodiment, so its description will be omitted.

[0039] The optical system 32 forms the image (imaged image) of the image displayed on the image display unit 31. The optical system 22, as shown in Figure 5 for example, includes a first reflective polarizer 33, a first phase difference plate 34, a semi-transparent mirror 35, a second phase difference plate 36, and a second reflective polarizer 37. These optical elements 33 to 37 are arranged sequentially in this order with respect to the display surface 311 of the image display unit 31, in a direction away from the display surface 311. The first reflective polarizer 33, the first phase difference plate 34, the semi-transparent mirror 35, and the second phase difference plate 36 are the same as the first reflective polarizer 23, the first phase difference plate 24, the semi-transparent mirror 25, and the second phase difference plate 26 in the display unit 20 of the second embodiment, so their explanation is omitted.

[0040] The second reflective polarizer 37 is an optical element that, like the reflective polarizer 16 of the first embodiment, reflects a predetermined polarization of incident visible light and transmits a predetermined other polarization. The second reflective polarizer 37 is positioned opposite the second phase difference plate 36. The second reflective polarizer 37 has a concave surface (second concave surface) opposite the second phase difference plate 36, and at the second concave surface, it reflects first linearly polarized light (S-polarized light in the above example) and transmits second linearly polarized light (P-polarized light) that is orthogonal to the first linearly polarized light. The second reflective polarizer 37 comprises, for example, a plate-shaped substrate that transmits visible light and forms the second concave surface, and a plurality of fine metal wires formed on the substrate and parallel to each other at the second concave surface.

[0041] The image display unit 31 is positioned between the focal point of the optical system 32 and the position of the first reflective polarizer 33 when the optical system 32 forms a virtual image. The virtual image is formed and visible to the viewer. When the optical system 32 forms a real image, the image display unit 31 is positioned further away from the first reflective polarizer 33 than from the focal point of the optical system 32. The real image may be projected onto a predetermined screen and visible to the viewer, or it may be formed as a floating image in the air and visible to the viewer.

[0042] In this configuration, as shown in the lower part of Figure 5, the light of the image displayed on the image display unit 31 (image light) is emitted from the second reflective polarizer 37 through two optical paths, the first and second, because the second reflective polarizer 37 has a second concave surface facing the second phase difference plate 36.

[0043] In the first optical path, as shown in the upper part of the lower section of Figure 5, the first linearly polarized light (S-polarized light in the above example) is incident on the first reflective polarizer 33 and passes through the first reflective polarizer 33. The first linearly polarized (S-polarized) image light emitted from the first reflective polarizer 33 is incident on the first phase difference plate 34 of the quarter-wave plate, where it is converted from first linearly polarized light to circularly polarized light (for example, circularly polarized light that rotates clockwise in the direction of propagation) and emitted. The circularly polarized image light emitted from the first phase difference plate 34 is incident on the semi-transparent mirror 35, where a portion is reflected and the propagation direction is folded back, and the remainder is transmitted. The circularly polarized image light that has passed through the semi-transparent mirror 35 is emitted from the second reflective polarizer 37 in the second optical path, as will be described later. On the other hand, the circularly polarized image light (for example, circularly polarized light rotating counterclockwise in the direction of propagation) reflected by the semi-transparent mirror 35 is incident on the first phase difference plate 34 of the quarter-wave plate, where it is converted from circularly polarized light to second linearly polarized light (P-polarized light) and emitted. This second linearly polarized (P-polarized) image light emitted from the first phase difference plate 34 is incident on the first reflective polarizer 33, where it is reflected and its propagation direction is folded back again. This second linearly polarized (P-polarized) image light reflected from the first reflective polarizer 33 is incident on the first phase difference plate 34 of the quarter-wave plate, where it is converted from second linearly polarized light (P-polarized light) to circularly polarized light (for example, circularly polarized light rotating counterclockwise in the direction of propagation) and emitted. This circularly polarized image light emitted from the first phase difference plate 34 is incident on the semi-transparent mirror 35, where a portion is reflected and the remainder is transmitted. The circularly polarized image light that passes through the semi-transparent mirror 35 is incident on the second phase difference plate 36 of the quarter-wave plate, where it is converted from circularly polarized light to second linearly polarized light (P-polarized light) and emitted. This second linearly polarized (P-polarized) image light emitted from the second phase difference plate 36 is incident on the second reflective polarizer 37 and passes through the second reflective polarizer 37.

[0044] In the second optical path, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 5, the circularly polarized image light that has passed through the semi-transmissive mirror 35 is incident on the second retardation plate 36 of the quarter-wave plate, and is emitted from the second retardation plate 36 as the first linearly polarized light (S-polarized light) from the circularly polarized light. The image light of the first linearly polarized light (S-polarized light) emitted from the second retardation plate 36 is incident on the second reflective polarizing plate 37, is reflected by the second reflective polarizing plate 37, and the propagation direction is folded back. The image light of the first linearly polarized light (S-polarized light) reflected by the second reflective polarizing plate 37 is incident on the second retardation plate 36 of the quarter-wave plate, and is emitted from the second retardation plate 36 as circularly polarized light (for example, clockwise circularly polarized light in the propagation direction) from the first linearly polarized light (S-polarized light). The circularly polarized image light emitted from the second retardation plate 36 is incident on the semi-transmissive mirror 35, and part of it is reflected by the semi-transmissive mirror 35 and the propagation direction is folded back again, and the remaining part is transmitted. The image light of the circularly polarized light (for example, counterclockwise circularly polarized light in the propagation direction) reflected by the semi-transmissive mirror 35 is incident on the second retardation plate 36 of the quarter-wave plate, and is emitted from the second retardation plate 36 as the second linearly polarized light (P-polarized light) from the circularly polarized light. The image light of the second linearly polarized light (P-polarized light) emitted from the second retardation plate 36 is incident on the second reflective polarizing plate 37 and passes through the second reflective polarizing plate 37.

[0045] In this display unit 30, with respect to the light amount of the image light displayed on the image display unit 31, in the first optical path, the image light is emitted from the optical system 32 with a light amount of 25 [%], and in the second optical path, the image light is emitted from the optical system 32 with a light amount of 25 [%]. Therefore, with respect to the light amount of the image light displayed on the image display unit 31, the image light is emitted from the optical system 32 with a light amount of 50 (= 25 + 25) [%].

[0046] Such optical systems 12 (12-1, 12-2), 22 (22-1, 22-2), and 32 (32-1, 32-2) of the first to third aspects fold the optical path, so when forming an image of the same size, the thickness can be made thinner compared to the case where the optical path is not folded.

[0047] The optical systems 12, 22, and 32 can form a virtual image so that it can be visually recognized through the viewing window. In other words, the virtual image can be visually recognized by looking through the viewing window. Further, it can be said that the virtual image cannot be visually recognized without passing through the viewing window.

[0048] Returning to FIG. 1, the input unit (first input unit) 61 is connected to the control processing unit 62 and is a device that receives an input of the display position (first display position) of at least one of the plurality of imaging images formed one-to-one for the plurality of images. More specifically, the input unit 61 receives an input of the first display position by receiving an input of the amount of movement (first movement amount) for moving the first display position. Since the first display position of the imaging image is based on the display position (second display position) of the image displayed on the image display unit 11, the first display position can be represented by the second display position, and the first movement amount can be represented by the amount of movement (second movement amount) for moving the second display position. That is, it can also be said that the input unit 61 is a device that receives an input of the second movement amount. The input unit 61 outputs the received second movement amount (first movement amount) to the control processing unit 62, and the second movement amount (first movement amount) is set in a first position control unit 623 described later in the control processing unit 62. More specifically, the input unit 61 includes, for example, a first sub-input unit for inputting an increase in the second movement amount and a second sub-input unit for inputting a decrease in the second movement amount. When the second movement amount (first movement amount) increases, the second display position (first display position) moves, for example, in a positive direction defined in advance along the movement direction, and when the second movement amount decreases, the second display position moves, for example, in a direction opposite to the positive direction (negative direction) along the movement direction. The movement direction is the direction in which the second display position (first display position) moves. The first sub-input unit includes, for example, a slide switch, and the increase amount of the second movement amount is input by the slide amount. Alternatively, for example, the first sub-input unit includes a rotary switch, and the increase amount of the second movement amount is input by the rotation amount. Similarly, the second sub-input unit includes, for example, a slide switch, and the decrease amount of the second movement amount is input by the slide amount. Alternatively, for example, the second sub-input unit includes a rotary switch, and the decrease amount of the second movement amount is input by the rotation amount. The increase amount may be the increase amount with respect to the current position at the second display position (first display position), or may be the increase amount with respect to a preset default second display position. The decrease amount may be the decrease amount with respect to the current position at the second display position (first display position), or may be the decrease amount with respect to a preset default second display position.

[0049] In this embodiment, the input unit 61 receives input for a first display position in the first image of the first image, and input for a first display position in the second image of the second image. The input unit 61 includes, for example, a first image input unit that receives input for a first display position in the first image of the first image, and a second image input unit that receives input for a first display position in the second image of the second image. Alternatively, for example, the input unit 61 includes a switching input unit that switches between input for the first image and input for the second image, and a position input unit that receives input for a first display position. The default second display position in the first image is, for example, the center position of the first image display area for displaying the first image in the image display area on the display surface 111 of the image display unit 11. If the first image display area is rectangular, the center position of the first image display area is the intersection of the two diagonals. The default second display position for the second image is, for example, the center of the display area for the second image on the display surface 111 of the image display unit 11. If the display area for the second image is rectangular, the center of the display area for the second image is the intersection of the two diagonals.

[0050] The detection unit 64 is connected to the control processing unit 62 and, in accordance with the control of the control processing unit 62, detects the position of the viewer CR's eyes for at least one of the multiple image-formed images that are formed one-to-one for each of the multiple images. The detection unit 64 outputs the detected position of the viewer CR's eyes to the control processing unit 62. The detection unit 64 includes, for example, an eye tracker that tracks the position of the eyes. The position of the eyes may be defined as, for example, the position of the right eye, or for example, the position of the left eye, or for example, the center position of both eyes (the average position of the position of the right eye and the position of the left eye (the average value of each position coordinate)), and may be defined as appropriate in advance. Since the angle at which the viewer CR views the display device 1000a can be estimated based on the position of the viewer CR's eyes, the second display position (first display position) can be determined based on the position of the viewer CR's eyes. The angle at which the viewer CR views the display device 1000a is the angle between the normal direction of the image plane of the image formed by the display device 1000a and the viewer CR's line of sight. Furthermore, if the display device 1000a is mounted on a vehicle and the vehicle is equipped with an eye tracker to detect occupant drowsiness and psychological state, this eye tracker may be used as the detection unit 64 of the display device 1000a.

[0051] In this embodiment, the detection unit 64 detects the eye position of a first viewer CR1 who views the first image of the first image, and detects the eye position of a second viewer CR2 who views the second image of the second image. The detection unit 64 includes, for example, a first image detection unit that detects the eye position of the first viewer CR1 who views the first image of the first image, and a second image detection unit that detects the eye position of the second viewer CR2 who views the second image of the second image.

[0052] The input position detection unit 65 has an operating surface and is a device that detects the input position on the operating surface when an input operation is performed. The input position detection unit 65 is connected to the control processing unit 62 and, in accordance with the control of the control processing unit 62, detects the input position and outputs the detected input position to the control processing unit 62. The input position detection unit 65 is equipped with, for example, a touch sensor such as a resistive type or a capacitive type.

[0053] Such an input position detection unit 65 may be combined with the image formed by the image display unit 11 and the optical system 12 (12-1, 12-2) to constitute a so-called touch panel (touch panel display). In this case, each position on the operating surface corresponds to each position on the display surface 111 of the image display unit 11 (each position in the image). The input position detection unit 65 is formed to transmit visible light wavelengths because the image formed is viewed through the input position detection unit 65. When a touch panel display is configured, the input position detection unit 65 may be placed in the viewing window WD, or on the window member. For example, the display device 1000a is used as CID 43, and the input position detection unit 65 is placed on the window member in the CID 43.

[0054] The image formation device may include a first sub-input button for inputting an increase in the second movement amount (first movement amount) and a second sub-input button for inputting a decrease in the second movement amount. The increase in the second movement amount is input by inputting the position of the operating surface corresponding to the display position (third display position) of the first sub-input button. The decrease in the second movement amount is input by inputting the position of the operating surface corresponding to the display position (fourth display position) of the second sub-input button. In this embodiment, for example, first and second sub-input buttons are provided for the first and second images (first and second image formation images), respectively. Alternatively, for example, in addition to the first and second sub-input buttons, a switch button is further provided to switch between the first image (first image formation image) and the second image (second image formation image). If such first and second sub-input buttons are provided, the input position detection unit 67 can also accept input of the second movement amount (first movement amount), so the display device 1000a may include at least one of the input unit 61 and the input position detection unit 65.

[0055] The investigation unit 66 is connected to the control processing unit 62 and, in accordance with the control of the control processing unit 62, is a device that investigates at least one of the position and posture of the viewer CR sitting in the seat for at least one of the multiple image-formed images that are formed one-to-one for each of the multiple images. The investigation unit 66 outputs at least one of the investigated position and posture to the control processing unit 62. The investigation unit 66 includes, for example, a detection sensor that detects at least one of the position and posture. Alternatively, for example, the investigation unit 66 includes a second input unit that receives input for the adjustment amount of at least one of the position and posture. The seat position is represented by the position of the seat surface along the normal to the image plane in the image IM formed by the image display unit 11 and the optical system 12. More specifically, the display device 1000a is mounted on, for example, a vehicle, the seat is a vehicle seat, and the seat position is represented by the position of the seat surface (front-to-back position) in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. In this case, the line segment along the normal is projected onto the line segment along the vehicle length. The seat posture is represented by the height and inclination angle (first inclination angle) of the seat surface and the inclination angle (second inclination angle) of the seat back. The second input unit includes a seat position input unit for inputting a first adjustment amount for the seat position, a seat surface height input unit for inputting a second adjustment amount for the height of the seat surface, a seat surface inclination angle input unit for inputting a third adjustment amount for the first inclination angle of the seat surface, and an SB inclination angle input unit for inputting a fourth adjustment amount for the second inclination angle of the seat back. As the seat position is moved forward, the position of the viewer's eyes moves forward. As the seat surface is raised, the height of the viewer's eyes increases. As the rear of the seat surface is lowered relative to the front, the height of the viewer's eyes decreases. As the seat back is made vertical, the viewer's eyes move forward and become higher. Since the position of the viewer's eyes can be estimated from at least one of the aforementioned position and posture, a second display position (first display position) can be determined based on at least one of the aforementioned position and posture.

[0056] In this embodiment, the investigation unit 66 investigates at least one of the position and posture of the first viewer CR1, who views the first image of the first image, in the first seat where he is seated, and investigates at least one of the position and posture of the second viewer CR2, who views the second image of the second image, in the second seat where he is seated. The investigation unit 66 includes, for example, a first image investigation unit that investigates at least one of the position and posture of the first viewer CR1 in the first seat where he is seated, and a second image investigation unit that investigates at least one of the position and posture of the second viewer CR2 in the second seat where he is seated.

[0057] The storage unit 63 is connected to the control processing unit 62 and is a circuit that stores various predetermined programs and various predetermined data in accordance with the control of the control processing unit 62.

[0058] The various predetermined programs mentioned above include, for example, a control processing program, which includes, for example, a control program, a first image control program, a first position control program, a first processing program, a second processing program, and a third processing program. The control program is a program that controls each part 11, 61, 63-66 of the display device 1000a according to the function of each part. The first image control program is a program that controls the image to be displayed on the image display unit 11. The first position control program is a program that controls the image display unit 11 so that, for at least one of the multiple image-formed images formed one-to-one with the multiple images, the second display position of the image that becomes the image-formed image moves within the image display area on the display surface 111 of the image display unit 11. The first processing program is a program that, for at least one of the multiple image-formed images that are formed one-to-one with the multiple images, determines a second movement amount (first movement amount) based on the position of the viewer CR's eyes, detected by the detection unit 64, and sets it in the first position control program. The second processing program may be a program that, when the image-formed image is displayed on the image display unit 11, determines the display position of the image-formed image based on the difference between the input position detected by the input position detection unit 65 and the central position of the input position detection unit 65 for at least one of the multiple image-formed images that are formed one-to-one with the multiple images, and sets it in the first position control program. The third processing program is a program that determines a second movement amount (first movement amount) for at least one of the position and posture of the viewer CR in their seat, which are examined by the investigation unit 66 for each of the plurality of image-formed images that are formed one-to-one for the plurality of images, and sets this amount in the first position control program.

[0059] The various predetermined data mentioned above include, for example, the second movement amount (first movement amount) received by the input unit 61, and data necessary for executing each of these programs, such as the first to third conversion information. The first conversion information is information that converts the position of the eyes of the viewer CR viewing the image, detected by the detection unit 64, into the second movement amount for at least one of the multiple image-forming images formed one-to-one for each of the multiple images. The second conversion information is information that converts the difference obtained by the second processing program into the second movement amount for at least one of the multiple image-forming images formed one-to-one for each of the multiple images. The third conversion information is information that converts at least one of the position and posture of the viewer CR viewing the image, examined by the investigation unit 66, into the second movement amount for at least one of the multiple image-forming images formed one-to-one for each of the multiple images. These first to third conversion pieces of information are, for example, created in advance from multiple samples and stored in the storage unit 63.

[0060] Such a storage unit 63 may include, for example, a non-volatile memory element such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or a rewritable non-volatile memory element such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). Furthermore, the storage unit 63 may include RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like, which serves as the working memory of the so-called control processing unit 62 that stores data generated during the execution of the predetermined program. In addition, the storage unit 63 may be configured to include a hard disk drive or solid-state drive (SSD) with a relatively large storage capacity.

[0061] The control processing unit 62 controls each part 11, 61, 63-66 of the display device 1000a according to the function of each part, displays multiple images on the image display unit 11 to form multiple image-formed images, and controls the first display position (second display position of the image displayed on the image display unit 11) of at least one of the multiple image-formed images that are formed one-to-one with the multiple images. The control processing unit 62 is configured, for example, with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and its peripheral circuits. When the control processing program is executed, the control processing unit 62 is functionally configured with a control unit 621, a first image control unit 622, a first position control unit 623, a first processing unit 624, a second processing unit 625, and a third processing unit 626.

[0062] The control unit 621 controls each part 10 (20, 30), 61, 63-65 of the display device 1000b according to the function of each part, and is in charge of the overall control of the display device 1000b.

[0063] The first image control unit 622 controls the image display unit 11 so as to display a plurality of images on the display surface 111 of the image display unit 11. For example, some or all of the plurality of images may display the same content. Alternatively, for example, the plurality of images may display different content from each other. For example, the first image control unit 622 controls the image display unit 11 so as to display the plurality of images sequentially in a line along one direction. The first image control unit 622 may also display the plurality of images along one direction by forming a non-image display area between two adjacent images. A non-image display area that does not display a significant image is, for example, an area having a predetermined width in the one direction and extending in a direction perpendicular to the one direction. The one direction is, for example, the horizontal direction (left-right direction, X direction) when the display device 1000a is installed. Alternatively, for example, the one direction is the vertical direction (up-down direction, Y direction) when the display device 1000a is installed. Alternatively, for example, the direction of movement is diagonal (upward to the right or downward to the right) when the display device 1000a is installed.

[0064] For example, the first image control unit 622 controls the image display unit 11 to display a still image stored in the storage unit 63. Alternatively, for example, the first image control unit 622 controls the image display unit 11 to display a video stored in the storage unit 63. Alternatively, for example, if the display device 1000a is used as a rearview mirror 45, the first image control unit 622 controls the image display unit 11 to display an image captured by the camera CAB.

[0065] In this embodiment, the plurality of images are two first and second images. In this case, the first image control unit 622 controls the image display unit 11 to display the first image, which is the first image-formed image, on one side in one direction, and the second image, which is the second image-formed image, on the other side in the same direction. When the first and second images are displayed on the image display unit 11 in this way, for example, as shown in Figure 6, the first viewing position VP1 for viewing the first image-formed image VI1 of the first image is located on the opposite side of the window member (viewing window WD) from the arrangement position of the optical system 12-1, and is located on the other side in the same direction. The first viewing position VP1 corresponds to the position of the eye of the first viewer CR1. The second viewing position VP2 for viewing the second image-formed image VI2 of the second image is located on the opposite side of the window member (viewing window WD) from the arrangement position of the optical system 12, and is located on one side in the same direction. The second viewing position VP2 corresponds to the eye position of the second viewer CR2. Therefore, at the first viewing position VP1, when viewed from a first angle through the viewing window WD, the first image VI1 formed by the first optical system 12 (12-1) is visible, and at the second viewing position VP2, when viewed from a second angle through the viewing window WD, the second image VI2 formed by the second optical system 12 (12-2) is visible. In Figure 6, the line segment CL is a straight line passing through the center position of the display surface 111 in the image display unit 11 and the center position of the viewing window, respectively. In Figure 6, the housing HS equipped with the viewing window WD and the viewing window WD are shown with dashed lines. For example, a display device 1000a mounted as a CID in a vehicle VC can be cited. In this case, if the vehicle VC is right-hand drive, the first viewer CR1 who views the first image VI1 at the first viewing position VP1 is the driver seated in the driver's seat. The second viewer CR2 who views the second image VI2 at the second viewing position VP2 is the driver seated in the driver's seat.

[0066] If the display device 1000a further includes a window member that forms a viewing window, the image display unit 11, the optical system 12, and the window member may be arranged such that the first distance from the first central position of the first image to the third central position of the viewing window is different from the second distance from the second central position of the second image to the third central position.

[0067] Alternatively, the input position detection unit 65 may form a touch panel display. In this case, the image displayed at a distance from the input position detection unit 65 can be operated by the input position detection unit 65. In this case, the image display unit 11, the first optical system 12-1, and the input position detection unit 65 are arranged such that the first central position in the first image is located on a first virtual line passing through the second central position on the operating surface of the input position detection unit 65 and the position of the eyes of the viewer CR viewing the first image, and the image display unit 11, the second optical system 12-2, and the input position detection unit 65 are arranged such that the third central position in the second image is located on a second virtual line passing through the second central position on the operating surface of the input position detection unit 65 and the position of the eyes of the viewer CR viewing the second image. In this case, the input position detection unit 65 can be operated appropriately even when the viewer CR is looking at the first image or the second image.

[0068] The first processing unit 624 uses the first conversion information to determine a second movement amount (first movement amount) for at least one of the multiple image-formed images that are formed one-to-one for each of the multiple images, based on the position of the viewer CR's eyes, as detected by the detection unit 64, when viewing the image-formed image. The first processing unit 624 notifies the first position control unit 623 of the determined second movement amount and sets the second movement amount in the first position control unit 623. The second display position (first display position) is set by setting the second movement amount.

[0069] In this embodiment, the first processing unit 624 uses the first conversion information to determine the second displacement amount (first displacement amount) of the first image based on, for example, the position of the eyes of the first viewer CR1 detected by the detection unit 64, which acts as the detection unit for the first image. The first processing unit 624 notifies the first position control unit 623 of the determined second displacement amount of the first image and sets the second displacement amount of the first image in the first position control unit 623. Then, the first processing unit 624 uses the first conversion information to determine the second displacement amount (first displacement amount) of the second image based on, for example, the position of the eyes of the second viewer CR2 detected by the detection unit 64, which acts as the detection unit for the second image. The first processing unit 624 notifies the first position control unit 623 of the determined second displacement amount of the second image and sets the second displacement amount of the second image in the first position control unit 623.

[0070] When the image is displayed on the image display unit 11, the second processing unit 625 may determine the display position of at least one of the multiple image forms one-to-one with respect to the multiple images, based on the difference between the input position detected by the input position detection unit 65 and the center position of the input position detection unit 65, and set it in the first position control unit 623.

[0071] More specifically, for at least one image, the second processing unit 625 displays a position-setting image RIS stored in the storage unit 63 on the image display unit 11, for example, as shown in the upper part of Figure 7. The position-setting image RIS is, for example, a monochrome image such as blue or green. This position-setting image RIS may have a marker MK at its center to indicate the central position of the image RIS. The central position of the position-setting image RIS is the intersection of two diagonals when the image RIS is rectangular. The viewer CR inputs an input operation on the operating surface of the input position detection unit 65 by, for example, touching the central position of the position-setting image RIS in the image. If there is no marker MK, the viewer CR may touch a position that they suspect to be the central position. In this case, the first display position (second display position) may be adjusted by repeated trial and error.

[0072] When an input operation is performed, the input position detection unit 65 detects the input position IP of the operating surface that was operated on, and outputs this detected input position IP to the control processing unit 62. When the input position IP is input from the input position detection unit 65, the second processing unit 625 calculates the difference ΔSD between the input position IP detected by the input position detection unit 65 and the central position CP of the input position detection unit 65, for example, as shown in the lower part of Figure 7. The second processing unit 625 uses the second conversion information to calculate the second movement amount (first movement amount) based on this calculated difference ΔSD. The difference ΔSD comprises, for example, a difference component ΔSDx in the horizontal direction (left-right direction, x direction) and a difference component ΔSDy in the vertical direction (up-down direction, y direction). The second transformation information comprises information that transforms the difference component ΔSDx in the x direction into the second movement amount in the x direction of the second movement amount (second x transformation information), and information that transforms the difference component ΔSDy in the y direction into the second movement amount in the y direction of the second movement amount (second y transformation information). The second movement amount may be represented by the second movement amount in the x direction and the second movement amount in the y direction. The second processing unit 625 then notifies the first position control unit 623 of the obtained second movement amount, thereby setting the second movement amount in the first position control unit 623. The second display position (first display position) is set by setting the second movement amount.

[0073] Furthermore, the first and third processing units 624 and 626 may also express the second movement amount as a second movement amount in the x direction and a second movement amount in the y direction.

[0074] In this embodiment, when the image is displayed on the image display unit 11, the second processing unit 625 determines the second display position of the first image based on the difference between the input position detected by the input position detection unit 65 and the center position of the input position detection unit 65, in response to the input operation of the first viewer CR, and sets it in the first position control unit 623. Then, when the image is displayed on the image display unit 11, the second processing unit 625 determines the second display position of the second image based on the difference between the input position detected by the input position detection unit 65 and the center position of the input position detection unit 65, in response to the input operation of the second viewer CR, and sets it in the first position control unit 623.

[0075] In one embodiment, the central position or a position presumed to be the central position in the image of the position setting image RIS is touched, and the difference △SD between the input position IP detected by the input position detection unit 65 and the central position CP of the input position detection unit 65 is calculated. However, it is not limited to the central position, but can be any predetermined position. For example, the predetermined position may be the position of an edge in the image. For example, the predetermined position may be the position of a corner in the image. For example, a marker MK in the position setting image RIS may be displayed at the left edge of the image RIS, the position of the left edge in the image of the image RIS (the position in the image corresponding to the marker MK of the image RIS) is touched, the difference △SD between the input position IP detected by the input position detection unit 65 and the position of the left edge of the input position detection unit 65 is calculated, and the second movement amount (first movement amount) can be calculated based on the difference △SD. For example, a predetermined position in the image when viewed from a predetermined direction (e.g., the front direction) is associated with a predetermined position in the input position detection unit 65. When viewed from a direction other than the predetermined direction (e.g., an oblique direction), the predetermined position in the image or a position presumed to be the predetermined position is touched, and the difference ΔSD between the input position IP detected by the input position detection unit 65 and the predetermined position in the input position detection unit 65 is calculated. Based on this difference ΔSD, a second movement amount (first movement amount) may be determined.

[0076] The third processing unit 626 uses the third conversion information to determine a second movement amount (first movement amount) for at least one of the position and posture of the viewer CR in the seat, which was examined by the investigation unit 66, for each of the multiple image-formed images that are formed one-to-one for the multiple images. The third processing unit 626 notifies the first position control unit 623 of the determined second movement amount and sets the second movement amount in the first position control unit 623. The setting of the second movement amount sets the second display position (first display position). In one example, when the display device 1000a is mounted as a CID 43 in a right-hand drive vehicle, if the seat position is shifted forward from the default position, the third conversion information includes a second movement amount that is shifted to the left of the default second display position, and the third processing unit 626 uses this third conversion information to convert the seat position into a second movement amount that is shifted to the left of the default second display position. In another example, in the case described above, if the seat position shifts to the rearward side from the default position, the third conversion information includes a second movement amount that shifts to the right of the default second display position, and the third processing unit 626 uses this third conversion information to convert the seat position into a second movement amount that shifts to the right of the default second display position.

[0077] In this embodiment, the third processing unit 626 uses the third conversion information to determine the second displacement (first displacement) of the first image based on at least one of the position and posture of the first viewer CR1 in the first seat (e.g., driver's seat) as investigated by the investigation unit 66. The third processing unit 626 notifies the first position control unit 623 of the determined second displacement of the first image and sets the second displacement of the first image in the first position control unit 623. Then, the third processing unit 626 uses the third conversion information to determine the second displacement (first displacement) of the second image based on at least one of the position and posture of the second viewer CR2 in the second seat (e.g., passenger seat) as investigated by the investigation unit 66. The third processing unit 626 notifies the first position control unit 623 of the determined second displacement of the second image and sets the second displacement of the second image in the first position control unit 623.

[0078] The first position control unit 623 controls the image display unit 11 to move the second display position of at least one of the multiple image-formed images that are formed one-to-one with the multiple images, within the image display area on the display surface 111 of the image display unit 11.

[0079] More specifically, in this embodiment, the first position control unit 623 controls the second display position of the first image so that it matches the second movement amount input by the input unit 61 based on the input operation of the first viewer CR1. Then, the first position control unit 623 controls the second display position of the second image so that it matches the second movement amount input by the input unit 61 based on the input operation of the second viewer CR2.

[0080] When the first processing unit 624 sets the second movement amount of the first image, the first position control unit 623 controls the second display position of the first image so that it matches the second movement amount determined by the first processing unit 624. Then, when the first processing unit 624 sets the second movement amount of the second image, the first position control unit 623 controls the second display position of the second image so that it matches the second movement amount determined by the first processing unit 624.

[0081] When the second processing unit 625 sets the second movement amount of the first image, the first position control unit 623 controls the second display position of the first image so that it matches the second movement amount determined by the second processing unit 625. Then, when the second processing unit 625 sets the second movement amount of the second image, the first position control unit 623 controls the second display position of the second image so that it matches the second movement amount determined by the second processing unit 625.

[0082] When the third processing unit 626 sets the second movement amount of the first image, the first position control unit 623 controls the second display position of the first image so that it matches the second movement amount determined by the third processing unit 626. Then, when the third processing unit 626 sets the second movement amount of the second image, the first position control unit 623 controls the second display position of the second image so that it matches the second movement amount determined by the third processing unit 626.

[0083] For example, as shown in the upper part of Figure 8, if the position of the eyes of the first viewer CR1 is to the right in the left-right direction from the first normal position FP1 when viewing the first image, the first position control unit 623 shifts the first image to the left by a second amount from the default second display position of the first image and displays it on the image display unit 11. As a result, the first display position of the first image VI1 is shifted to the left by a first amount from the first display position of the first image when the first image is displayed at the default second display position of the first image. When the first image is displayed in the left half of the image display area of ​​the image display unit 11, the default second display position of the first image is the center position in the left half of the image display area. The first normal position FP1 is a preset position in which the first image is properly visible when the first image is displayed at the default second display position of the first image. Alternatively, for example, as shown in the lower part of Figure 8, if the position of the eyes of the second viewer CR2 is to the right in the left-right direction from the second normal position FP2 when viewing the second image, the first position control unit 623 shifts the second image to the left by a second amount from the default second display position of the second image and displays it on the image display unit 11. As a result, the first display position of the second image VI2 is shifted to the left by a first amount from the first display position of the second image when the second image is displayed at the default second display position of the second image. When the second image is displayed in the right half of the image display area of ​​the image display unit 11, the default second display position of the second image is the center position in the right half of the image display area. The second normal position FP2 is a preset position in which the second image is properly visible when the second image is displayed at the default second display position of the second image. In this manner, the first position control unit 623 displays the image on the image display unit 11, shifted by the second amount in the opposite direction to the shift direction of the viewer CR relative to the normal position FP.

[0084] Alternatively, for example, as shown in Figure 9, if the position of the viewer's eyes in the CR is shifted upward in the vertical direction from the normal position, the first position control unit 623 shifts the image downward by a second amount from the default second display position and displays it on the image display unit 11. As a result, the first display position of the image-formed image VID is shifted downward by a first amount from the first display position of the image-formed image when the image is displayed at the default second display position. Alternatively, for example, if the position of the viewer's eyes in the CR is shifted downward in the vertical direction from the normal position, the first position control unit 623 shifts the image upward by a second amount from the default second display position and displays it on the image display unit 11. As a result, the first display position of the image-formed image VI is shifted upward by a first amount from the first display position of the image-formed image when the image is displayed at the default second display position. In this manner, the first position control unit 623 displays the image on the image display unit 11, shifting it by the second amount in the opposite direction to the displacement direction of the viewer CR relative to the normal position FP.

[0085] Note that the housing HS and the viewing window WD are not shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0086] In the first embodiment, the first image control unit 622 displays each image on the image display unit 11 at a second display position controlled by the first position control unit 623.

[0087] In a display device 1000a with this configuration, multiple images, in this embodiment, two first and second images, are displayed on the image display unit 11. The image light of the first image forms a first image VI1 by the first optical system 12-1 and is viewed by the first viewer CR1. The image light of the second image forms a second image by the second optical system 12-2 and is viewed by the second viewer CR2. As a result, one display device 1000a can be used by multiple users, in this case two first and second viewers CR1 and CR2.

[0088] When the viewer CR inputs a second movement amount (first movement amount) from the input unit 61, the second display position of the image in the image display area of ​​the image display unit 11 is changed. As a result, the display device 1000a can display the first image at the first display position desired by the viewer CR. Therefore, even when the viewer CR views the display device 1000a from a position shifted from the normal position FP, the visibility of the image (image) can be improved. When the viewer CR is seated, the second display position of the image in the image display area of ​​the image display unit 11 is changed according to the second movement amount corresponding to the position of the viewer CR's eyes detected by the detection unit 64. As a result, the display device 1000a can automatically display an appropriate image to the viewer CR and can display an appropriate image for each viewer CR seated in the seat. Therefore, even when the viewer CR views the display device 1000a from a position shifted from the normal position FP, the visibility of the image (image) can be improved. When at least one of the seat position and posture is changed, the second display position of the image in the image display area of ​​the image display unit 11 is changed according to a second amount of movement corresponding to at least one of the seat position and posture investigated by the investigation unit 66. As a result, the display device 1000a can display an appropriate image for each viewer CR seated in the seat. Therefore, even when the viewer CR views the display device 1000a from a position FP that is off-center, the visibility of the image (imaged image) can be improved. When an image for position setting is displayed and the input position detection unit 65 accepts an input operation, the second display position of the image in the image display area of ​​the image display unit 11 is changed according to a second amount of movement corresponding to the difference between the input position detected by the input position detection unit 65 and the center position of the input position detection unit 65. As a result, the display device 1000a can adjust the first display position of the imaged image while the viewer CR is viewing the imaged image, and display the imaged image at the first display position desired by the viewer CR. Therefore, even when the viewer CR is off-center and viewing the display device 1000a, the visibility of the image (image formation) can be improved. After the second display position is changed according to the detection result of the detection unit 64, the second display position may be fine-tuned by the viewer CR using the input unit 61. After the second display position is changed according to the detection result of the input position detection unit 65, the second display position may be fine-tuned by the viewer CR using the input unit 61.After the second display position is changed according to the results of the investigation unit 65, the second display position may be fine-tuned by the viewer CR using the input unit 61.

[0089] As described above, the display device 1000a in the first embodiment can be used by multiple users. When a user (viewer) CR views the display device 1000a from a position FP that is not aligned with the normal position, the display device 1000a can improve the visibility of the image by moving the first display position (second display position of the image) of the image.

[0090] Next, another embodiment will be described.

[0091] (Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the display device 1000a displays multiple images on an image display unit 11 as a single device, but in the second embodiment, the display device 1000b displays multiple images using multiple devices, and at least one of the first display positions of each of the multiple image-formed images formed by the optical system from the multiple images is individually movable.

[0092] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the display device in the second embodiment. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the direction of movement of the optical system when the position of the viewer's eyes is shifted upward in the vertical direction from the normal position in the display device of the second embodiment. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the direction of movement of the optical system when the position of the viewer's eyes is shifted downward in the vertical direction from the normal position in the display device of the second embodiment. In Figures 11 and 12, the upper diagrams are schematic diagrams showing the case where the viewer's eyes are in the normal position. The lower diagram of Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the case where the viewer's eyes are shifted upward from the normal position. The lower diagram of Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the case where the viewer's eyes are shifted downward from the normal position. Note that in Figures 11 and 12, for the sake of drawing, the position of the viewer's eyes is shown shifted away from the image display unit 11 (rearward) from the normal position that anticipates the formed images VIF, VIU, and VID.

[0093] The display device 1000b in the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, for example, comprises a plurality of image display units 11 (11-1, 11-2), a plurality of optical systems 12 (12-1, 12-2), and a housing HS having a viewing window WD. In the example shown in Figure 10, the plurality of image display units 11 are two first and second image display units 11-1, 11-2, and the plurality of optical systems 12 are two first and second optical systems 12-1, 12-2. Note that there may be three or more of each of the plurality of image display units 11 and the plurality of optical systems 12. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 10, the display device 1000b further comprises a moving unit 70 (70-1, 70-2), an input unit 71, a control processing unit 72, a storage unit 73, a detection unit 74, an input position detection unit 75, and a search unit 76. The number of moving units 70 corresponds to the number of image-formed images that move the first display position. Here, the first image-formed image of the first image and the second image-formed image of the second image are moved individually, and the moving units 70 consist of two first and second moving units 70-1 and 70-2. The multiple image display units 11 (11-1, 11-2) and multiple optical systems 12 (12-1, 12-2) in the display device 1000b of this second embodiment are the same as the image display units 11 and optical systems in the display device 1000a of the first embodiment, except that instead of one image display unit 11 displaying multiple images, one image display unit 11 displays one image, so their explanation is omitted. The input unit 71, detection unit 74, input position detection unit 75, and investigation unit 76 in the display device 1000a of the second embodiment are the same as those in the display device 1000a of the first embodiment, except that the input unit 71 sets the second movement amount to the second position control unit 723, which will be described later, instead of setting the second movement amount to the first position control unit 623. Therefore, their description will be omitted. The display device 1000b of the second embodiment may, like the display device 1000a of the first embodiment, include an image display unit 21 and optical system 22 in the second embodiment, or an image display unit 31 and optical system 32 in the third embodiment, instead of the image display unit 11 and optical system 12 in the first embodiment, or it may include an optical system with a different configuration.

[0094] The moving unit 70 is connected to the control processing unit 72 and is a mechanism that moves at least one of the image display unit 11 and the optical system 12 according to the control of the control processing unit 72. In this embodiment, the first moving unit 70-1 is connected to the control processing unit 72 and is a mechanism that moves at least one of the first image display unit 11-1 and the first optical system 12-1 according to the control of the control processing unit 72. The second moving unit 70-2 is connected to the control processing unit 72 and is a mechanism that moves at least one of the second image display unit 11-2 and the first optical system 12-2 according to the control of the control processing unit 72. The first and second moving units 70-1 and 70-2 are similar and will be described together as the moving unit 70.

[0095] In the moving unit 70, at least one of the units moves such that the second display position of the image moves along the display surface 111 of the image display unit 11 in a direction parallel to the display surface 111. If the direction in which at least one unit moves is called the direction of movement, then the direction of movement is, for example, the horizontal direction (left-right direction, X direction) when the display device 1000b is installed. Alternatively, for example, the direction of movement is the vertical direction (up-down direction, Y direction) when the display device 1000b is installed. Alternatively, for example, the direction of movement is the diagonal direction (upward to the right direction or downward to the right direction) when the display device 1000b is installed. The moving unit 70 includes, for example, an X-stage in which the stage moves in one direction. The X-stage is fixedly attached to, for example, a support that supports the image display unit 11 and the optical system 12 such that the one direction is along the direction of movement. When the image display unit 11 moves, the image display unit 11 is fixedly attached to the stage, and the optical system 12 is fixedly attached to the support. When the optical system 12 moves, the optical system 12 is fixedly mounted on the stage, and the image display unit 11 is fixedly mounted on the support. When the image display unit 11 and the optical system 12 move, the image display unit 11 and the optical system 12 are fixedly mounted on the stage. When each of the optical elements 13 to 16 constituting the optical system 12 is moved individually, an X-stage is provided for each optical element 13 to 16 to be moved. The same applies to the example of the moving unit 70 described later. Alternatively, for example, the moving unit 61 includes a rack and pinion. The pinion of the rack and pinion is mounted on the output shaft of a motor, such as a stepping motor. The motor is fixedly mounted on the support such that the extension direction of the rack of the rack and pinion is along the direction of movement. When the motor operates and the pinion rotates, the rack moves along its extension direction. When the image display unit 11 moves, the image display unit 11 is fixedly mounted on the rack, and the optical system 12 is fixedly mounted on the support. When the optical system 12 is moved, the optical system 12 is fixedly mounted on the rack, and the image display unit 11 is fixedly mounted on the support. When the image display unit 11 and the optical system 12 are moved, the image display unit 11 and the optical system 12 are fixedly mounted on the rack.

[0096] The moving unit 70 may move at least one of the image display unit 11 and the optical system 12 in two linearly independent first and second directions. For example, the moving unit 70 moves at least one of the two in the horizontal direction (X direction) and the vertical direction (Y direction). In this case, the moving unit 70 includes, for example, an XY stage in which the stage moves in the X direction and the Y direction, respectively. Alternatively, for example, the moving unit 70 includes a first rack and pinion that moves its rack in the X direction and a second rack and pinion that moves its rack in the Y direction.

[0097] The storage unit 73 is connected to the control processing unit 72 and is a circuit that stores various predetermined programs and various predetermined data in accordance with the control of the control processing unit 72. The various predetermined programs include, for example, a control processing program, and the control processing program includes, for example, a control program, a second image control program, a second position control program, a first processing program, a second processing program, and a third processing program. The control program, first processing program, second processing program, and third processing program in this second embodiment are the same as the control program, first processing program, second processing program, and third processing program in the first embodiment, except that the first to third processing programs set the second movement amount in the second position control program instead of setting the second movement amount in the first position control program, so their explanation will be omitted. The second image control program is a program that controls each image to be displayed on each of the plurality of image display units 11 (11-1, 11-2). In this embodiment, the second image control program controls the first image displayed on the first image display unit 11-1 and the second image displayed on the second image display unit 11-2. The second position control program controls the movement unit 70 according to a second movement amount (first movement amount) so that at least one of the image display unit 11 and the optical system 12, which form an image that moves the first display position, moves along the display surface 111 of the image display unit 11 in a direction parallel to the display surface 111. Here, the second position control program controls the first moving unit 70-1 according to a second amount of movement (first amount of movement) so that at least one of the first image display unit 11-1 and the first optical system 12-1 moves along the display surface of the first image display unit 11-1 in a direction parallel to the display surface, and controls the second moving unit 70-2 according to a second amount of movement (first amount of movement) so that at least one of the second image display unit 11-2 and the second optical system 12-2 moves along the display surface of the second image display unit 11-2 in a direction parallel to the display surface. The various predetermined data include data necessary for executing each of these programs.

[0098] The control processing unit 72 controls each part 11, 70, 71, 73-76 of the display device 1000b according to the function of each part, and displays each of the multiple images on each of the multiple image display units 11 in a one-to-one relationship to form multiple image-formed images. The control processing unit 72 is a circuit for controlling the first display position (second display position of the image displayed on the image display unit 11) of at least one of the multiple image-formed images that are formed one-to-one with the multiple images. When the control processing program is executed, the control processing unit 72 is functionally configured with a control unit 721, a second image control unit 722, a second position control unit 723, a first processing unit 724, a second processing unit 725, and a third processing unit 726. The control unit 721, first processing unit 724, second processing unit 725, and third processing unit 726 in these second embodiments are the same as the control unit 621, first processing unit 624, second processing unit 625, and third processing unit 626 in the first embodiment, except that the first to third processing units 724 to 726 set the second movement amount in the second position control unit 723 instead of setting the second movement amount in the first position control unit 623, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0099] The second image control unit 722 controls each image to be displayed on each of the multiple image display units 11 (11-1, 11-2). In this embodiment, the second image control unit 722 controls the first image to be displayed on the first image display unit 11-1 and controls the second image to be displayed on the second image display unit 11-2.

[0100] The second position control unit 723 controls the movement unit 70 according to a second movement amount (first movement amount) so that at least one of the image display unit 11 and the optical system 12, which form an image that moves the first display position, moves along the display surface 111 of the image display unit 11 in a direction parallel to the display surface 111. Here, the second position control unit 723 controls the first movement unit 70-1 according to a second movement amount (first movement amount) so that at least one of the first image display unit 11-1 and the first optical system 12-1 moves along the display surface of the first image display unit 11-1 in a direction parallel to the display surface, and controls the second movement unit 70-2 according to a second movement amount (first movement amount) so that at least one of the second image display unit 11-2 and the second optical system 12-2 moves along the display surface of the second image display unit 11-2 in a direction parallel to the display surface.

[0101] More specifically, when the input unit 71 receives input for the second movement amount of the first image and the second movement amount is set, the second position control unit 723 controls the first movement unit 70-1 so that it becomes the second movement amount input by the input unit 71. As a result, the first display position of the first image is moved. When the input unit 71 receives input for the second movement amount of the second image and the second movement amount is set, the second position control unit 723 controls the second movement unit 70-2 so that it becomes the second movement amount input by the input unit 71. As a result, the first display position of the second image is moved.

[0102] When the first processing unit 724 sets the second movement amount of the first image, the second position control unit 723 controls the first movement unit 70-1 so that it matches the second movement amount determined by the first processing unit 724. This causes the first display position of the first image to move. When the first processing unit 724 sets the second movement amount of the second image, the second position control unit 723 controls the second movement unit 70-2 so that it matches the second movement amount determined by the first processing unit 724. This causes the first display position of the second image to move.

[0103] When the second processing unit 725 sets the second movement amount of the first image, the second position control unit 723 controls the first movement unit 70-1 so that it matches the second movement amount determined by the second processing unit 725. This causes the first display position of the first image to move. When the second processing unit 725 sets the second movement amount of the second image, the second position control unit 723 controls the second movement unit 70-2 so that it matches the second movement amount determined by the second processing unit 725. This causes the first display position of the second image to move.

[0104] When the third processing unit 726 sets the second movement amount of the first image, the second position control unit 723 controls the first movement unit 70-1 so that it matches the second movement amount determined by the third processing unit 726. This causes the first display position of the first image to move. When the third processing unit 726 sets the second movement amount of the second image, the second position control unit 723 controls the second movement unit 70-2 so that it matches the second movement amount determined by the third processing unit 726. This causes the first display position of the second image to move.

[0105] For example, when only the image display unit 11 of the image display unit 11 and optical system 12 is moved by the moving unit 70, the second position control unit 723 controls the moving unit 70 according to the second amount of movement so that the image display area on the display surface 11 of the image display unit 11 is located at the second display position of the image in the first embodiment, and moves the image display unit 11 by the moving unit 70. In this case, the diameter of the optical system 12 should be sized to cover the movement range of the image display unit 11.

[0106] Alternatively, for example, in the case where only the optical system 22 of the image display unit 21 and optical system 22 in the second embodiment is moved by the moving unit 70, as shown in Figure 11, if the position of the viewer CR's eye is higher in the vertical direction than the normal position FP, the second position control unit 723 controls the moving unit 70 according to a second amount of movement so that the optical axis of the optical system 22 is shifted upward and diagonally on the viewer CR side, as shown in the lower part of Figure 11, relative to the optical axis AXN when the viewer CR is positioned at the normal position FP, as shown in the upper part of Figure 11, and moves the optical system 12 by the moving unit 70. As a result, the first display position of the image VIU is shifted downward by a first amount of movement from the first display position of the image VIF when the viewer CR is positioned at the normal position FP. As shown in Figure 12, if the position of the viewer's eye CR is lower in the vertical direction than the normal position, the second position control unit 723 controls the movement unit 70 according to a second movement amount so that the optical axis of the optical system 22 is shifted downward and obliquely on the viewer's CR side, as shown in the lower part of Figure 12, relative to the optical axis AXN when the viewer CR is in the normal position FP as shown in the upper part of Figure 12, and moves the optical system 12 by the movement unit 70. As a result, the first display position of the image VID is shifted upward by a first movement amount compared to the first display position of the image VIF when the viewer CR is in the normal position FP.

[0107] Alternatively, for example, when both the image display unit 11 and the optical system 12 are moved by the moving unit 70, the second position control unit 723 controls the moving unit 70 according to the second amount of movement so that the second amount of movement is shared between the image display unit 11 and the optical system 12, and moves the image display unit 11 and the optical system 12 respectively by the moving unit 70.

[0108] In a display device 1000b with this configuration, multiple images are displayed in a one-to-one correspondence on each of the multiple image display units 11. In this embodiment, the first image is displayed on the first image display unit 11-1, and the image light of the first image forms a first image VI1 by the first optical system 12-1, which is viewed by the first viewer CR1. The second image is displayed on the second image display unit 11-2, and the image light of the second image forms a second image by the second optical system 12-2, which is viewed by the second viewer CR2. As a result, one display device 1000b can be used by multiple users, in this case two first and second viewers CR1 and CR2.

[0109] When the viewer CR inputs a second movement amount (first movement amount) from the input unit 71, the second display position of the image in the image display unit 11 is changed. As a result, the display device 1000b can display the first image at the first display position desired by the viewer CR. Therefore, even when the viewer CR views the display device 1000b from a position shifted from the normal position FP, the visibility of the image (image) can be improved. When the viewer CR sits down, the second display position of the image in the image display unit 11 is changed according to the second movement amount corresponding to the position of the viewer CR's eyes detected by the detection unit 74. As a result, the display device 1000b can automatically display an appropriate image to the viewer CR, and can display an appropriate image for each viewer CR seated in the seat. Therefore, even when the viewer CR views the display device 1000b from a position shifted from the normal position FP, the visibility of the image (image) can be improved. When at least one of the seat position and posture is changed, the second display position of the image on the image display unit 11 is changed according to a second amount of movement corresponding to at least one of the seat position and posture investigated by the investigation unit 76. This allows the display device 1000b to display an appropriate image for each viewer CR seated in the seat. Therefore, even when the viewer CR views the display device 1000b from a position FP that is off-center, the visibility of the image (imaged image) can be improved. When an image for position setting is displayed and an input operation is received by the input position detection unit 75, the second display position of the image on the image display unit 11 is changed according to a second amount of movement corresponding to the difference between the input position detected by the input position detection unit 75 and the center position of the input position detection unit 75. This allows the display device 1000b to allow the viewer CR to adjust the first display position of the imaged image while viewing the image, and to display the imaged image at the first display position desired by the viewer CR. Therefore, even when the viewer CR is off-center and viewing the display device 1000b, the visibility of the image (image formation) can be improved. After the second display position is changed according to the detection result of the detection unit 74, the second display position may be fine-tuned by the viewer CR using the input unit 71. After the second display position is changed according to the detection result of the input position detection unit 75, the second display position may be fine-tuned by the viewer CR using the input unit 71.After the second display position is changed according to the results of the investigation unit 75, the second display position may be fine-tuned by the viewer CR using the input unit 71.

[0110] As described above, the display device 1000b in the second embodiment can be used by multiple users. When a user (viewer) CR views the display device 1000b from a position FP that is not aligned with the normal position, the display device 1000b can improve the visibility of the image by moving the first display position (second display position of the image) of the image.

[0111] In addition, in the display devices 1000a and 1000b of the first and second embodiments described above, distortion correction may be performed to deform the image from a rectangle to a trapezoid according to the second display position of the image (first display position of the image-formed image) (first deformation form).

[0112] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating distortion correction in the first modified form of the display device. The upper part of Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the case where distortion correction is performed. The lower part of Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the case where distortion correction is not performed.

[0113] When the viewer CR looks at the display device from directly in front, the rectangular image displayed on the image display unit 11 is viewed by the viewer CR with virtually no distortion. On the other hand, when the viewer CR looks at the display device at an angle, for example, as shown on the left side of the lower part of Figure 13, the rectangular image displayed on the image display unit 11 is distorted into a trapezoid shape according to the position of the viewer CR's eyes, as shown on the right side of the lower part of Figure 13. Figure 13 shows the case when the viewer CR looks at the image at an angle from below the installation position of the display device.

[0114] To address this, the first and second image control units 622 and 722 in the display devices 1000a and 1000b display the image on the image display unit 11 in a trapezoidal shape corresponding to the position of the viewer CR's eyes, using known and conventional means, for example, as shown on the left side of the upper part of Figure 13. For example, if distortion correction is not applied and the image is displayed as an x ​​x y rectangle, as shown on the lower part of Figure 13, and the image is perceived by the viewer CR as a trapezoid of (x + △x) x (y + △y), then the first and second image control units 622 and 722 display the image on the image display unit 1 as a trapezoid of (x - △x) x (y - △y). As a result, the image is perceived by the viewer CR as an x ​​x y rectangle, as shown on the right side of the upper part of Figure 13.

[0115] Furthermore, in the display devices 1000a and 1000b of the first and second embodiments described above, the second display position of the image (second movement amount, first display position of the image-formed image) may be stored in the storage units 63 and 73, respectively (second modified form).

[0116] For example, the display devices 1000a and 1000b are mounted on the vehicle VC so that the image can be viewed by the occupants. The display devices 1000a and 1000b further include setting units that perform setting processing to set the first display position (second display position of the image) of the image to the first and second position control units 623 and 723, respectively.

[0117] In the first embodiment, the input unit 61 corresponds to an example of a setting unit that performs setting processing to set the display position of at least one image from each of the multiple image-forming images formed one-to-one for the multiple images to the image control unit. The detection unit 64 and the first processing unit 624 correspond to another example of a setting unit that performs setting processing to set the display position of at least one image from each of the multiple image-forming images formed one-to-one for the multiple images to the image control unit. The input position detection unit 65 and the second processing unit 625 correspond to another example of a setting unit that performs setting processing to set the display position of at least one image from each of the multiple image-forming images formed one-to-one for the multiple images to the image control unit. The investigation unit 66 and the third processing unit 626 correspond to another example of a setting unit that performs setting processing to set the display position of at least one image from each of the multiple image-forming images formed one-to-one for the multiple images to the image control unit.

[0118] In the second embodiment, the input unit 71 corresponds to an example of a setting unit that performs setting processing to set the display position of at least one image from each of the multiple image-forming images formed one-to-one for the multiple images to the image control unit. The detection unit 74 and the first processing unit 724 correspond to another example of a setting unit that performs setting processing to set the display position of at least one image from each of the multiple image-forming images formed one-to-one for the multiple images to the image control unit. The input position detection unit 75 and the second processing unit 725 correspond to another example of a setting unit that performs setting processing to set the display position of at least one image from each of the multiple image-forming images formed one-to-one for the multiple images to the image control unit. The investigation unit 76 and the third processing unit 726 correspond to another example of a setting unit that performs setting processing to set the display position of at least one image from each of the multiple image-forming images formed one-to-one for the multiple images to the image control unit.

[0119] The setting unit performs the setting process before the occupant drives the vehicle, and the control units 621 and 721 store display position information representing the second display position (second movement amount) of the image in the storage units 63 and 73, respectively. The setting process may be performed automatically, for example, by detecting the boarding of the vehicle and the start of use of the vehicle VC, or it may be performed by instruction from the occupant.

[0120] The control units 621 and 721 may store the display position information in the storage units 63 and 73, respectively, in association with an identifier (crew member ID) that identifies and distinguishes the crew member. The crew member ID is, for example, the crew member's name. This allows for the storage of display position information for each individual crew member for multiple crew members.

[0121] If the display position information is stored in the storage units 63 and 73, the setting unit may output the second display position (second movement amount) of the image represented by the display position information stored in the storage units 63 and 73 to the first and second position control units 623 and 723 to set it. This allows the image to be displayed at a second display position corresponding to the occupant.

[0122] The display devices 1000a and 1000b may further include recognition units 68 and 78 for recognizing occupants, as shown by dashed lines in Figures 1 and 10, respectively. Each of the recognition units 68 and 78 includes, for example, an input unit for receiving input of an occupant ID. Alternatively, for example, each of the recognition units 68 and 78 includes a facial recognition device for authenticating an occupant based on the occupant's face. The facial recognition device includes a facial recognition storage unit that stores characteristic quantities for identifying and distinguishing the occupant's face in association with the occupant's occupant ID; a facial recognition detection unit that detects the occupant's characteristic quantities; and a facial recognition processing unit that searches the facial recognition storage unit for an identifier of the occupant corresponding to the occupant's characteristic quantities detected by the facial recognition detection unit and extracts it. Alternatively, for example, the recognition units 68 and 78 each include a recognition storage unit that stores the weight of an occupant and the occupant ID of the occupant in association with each other, a weighing scale that measures the weight of the occupant, and a recognition processing unit that searches the recognition storage unit for and extracts the occupant ID of the occupant corresponding to the weight of the occupant measured by the weighing scale.

[0123] The control units 621 and 721 each store the display position information in the storage units 63 and 73, associating it with the crew ID corresponding to the crew member recognized by the recognition units 68 and 78. The control units 621 and 721 each retrieve the display position information associated with the crew ID corresponding to the crew member recognized by the recognition units 68 and 78 from the storage units 63 and 73, and output the second display position (second movement amount) of the image represented by the retrieved display position information to the first and second position control units 623 and 723 for setting.

[0124] According to this, the system can automatically identify and recognize the occupants, and display the image at a second display position corresponding to the occupants.

[0125] Furthermore, in the display devices 1000a and 1000b of the first and second embodiments described above, among the multiple image-formed images, the remaining image-formed images, excluding the image-formed image that is viewed by the viewer CR performing the input operation, may include an image representing the operation status (third modified form).

[0126] The images displayed on the image display unit 11 are images in which some or all of the multiple images display the same content. That is, the images are image-formed images in which some or all of the multiple image-formed images formed by each of the multiple images display the same content. The content comprises one or more operable elements. The first and second image control units 622 and 722 each include an operation status element, which is an element representing the operation status, in the content of the remaining images among the images displaying the same content, excluding the image in which the element is being operated.

[0127] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating a third modified form of the display device. For example, the image displaying the same content is a position setting image RIS, and the operable element is a marker KM indicating the central position of the image RIS. For example, as shown in Figure 14, while the marker MK in the position setting image RIS, which becomes the first image VI1 viewed by the first viewer CR1, is being input, the first and second image control units 622 and 722 control the image display units 11 and 11-1 to display the position setting image RIS, which becomes the first image VI1 viewed by the first viewer CR1, as is, and control the image display units 11 and 11-2 to display an operation status element in addition to the position setting image RIS, which becomes the second image VI2 viewed by the second viewer CR2. The operation status element is, for example, a message indicating the operation status such as "Operating". Whether the first viewer CR1 and the second viewer CR2 perform an input operation are, for example, input by the first and second viewer CR1 and CR2 from the input position detection units 65 and 75 before the position setting image RIS is displayed on the image display unit 11. The start and end of the input operation are, for example, input by the first and second viewer CR1 and CR2 from the input position detection units 65 and 75. This allows the presence of a viewer CR performing an input operation to be notified to other viewer CRs.

[0128] Furthermore, if the multiple images display different content, the first and second image control units 622 and 722 may each control the image display unit 11 to maintain the content in the remaining images among the multiple images, excluding the image in which the element is being manipulated. For example, when a second viewer CR2 is viewing the car navigation screen, while the marker MK in the position setting image RIS, which becomes the first image VI1 viewed by the first viewer CR1, is being input, the first and second image control units 622 and 722 control the image display units 11 and 11-1 to display the position setting image RIS, which becomes the first image VI1 viewed by the first viewer CR1, as is, and control the image display units 11 and 11-2 to display the car navigation image, which becomes the second image VI2 viewed by the second viewer CR2, as is. In this case, the remaining images are viewed as they are.

[0129] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0130] For example, the above description concerns a display device equipped with an image display unit, but is not limited to this. For example, the present disclosure may describe a device that does not have an image display unit but is equipped with an optical system. For example, the housing of a display device may have a mounting section on which an image display unit can be installed. The mounting section may be located on a part of the wall surface of the housing, on the inside of the housing, or inside the housing. In this case, the image display unit may be located on the inside of the housing or inside the housing. Alternatively, the mounting section may be located on the outside of the housing. That is, the image display unit may be located on the outside of the housing. In this case, the housing may have an opening in which a part of the wall surface is cut out. The mounting section may be positioned relative to the housing so that display light emitted from the image display unit installed in the mounting section is guided to the inside of the housing through the opening. The mounting section may be positioned relative to the housing so that display light emitted from the image display unit installed in the mounting section is guided to the inside of the housing through the opening. The mounting section may be connected to the outer wall of the housing, or it may be connected to the outer wall of the housing so as to block at least a part of the opening. A light-transmitting member may be placed in the opening, and this member may be, for example, glass or resin. For example, Figure 1 shows a display device in which an image display unit is installed in the installation section, but the device may not have an image display unit installed in the installation section. In this case, the device may be an image display unit housing device having a housing that includes a viewing section, an optical system, and an installation section in which an image display unit can be installed. The configuration of the display device of each embodiment described above may also be realized in the image display unit housing device. That is, the position of the installation section of the image display unit housing device may be defined so that when an image display unit is installed in the installation section, it becomes the configuration of each embodiment described above. Furthermore, the housing of the image display unit housing device may have an opening, and the image display unit may be insertable through the opening. In this case, the image display unit housing device may have the same configuration as the display device, except that the housing has an opening and the image display unit can be inserted from the outside.

[0131] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-232922, filed on 27 December 2024, the contents of which are included in this application.

[0132] In order to express the present invention, the embodiments have been adequately and fully described above with reference to the drawings. However, those skilled in the art should recognize that it is easy to modify and / or improve upon the above embodiments. Therefore, unless such modifications or improvements implemented by those skilled in the art fall outside the scope of the claims, such modifications or improvements shall be considered to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0133] 1000a, 1000b Display storage 11 Image display unit 11-1, 11-2 First and second image display unit 12 Optical system 12-1, 12-2 First and second optical system 70-1, 70-2 First and second movement unit 61, 71 Input unit 62, 72 Control processing unit 63, 73 Storage unit 64, 74 Detection unit 65, 75 Input position detection unit 66, 76 Investigation unit 621, 721 Control unit 622, 722 First and second image control unit 623, 723 First and second position control unit 624, 724 First processing unit 625, 725 Second processing unit 626, 726 Third processing unit

Claims

1. A display device comprising: an image display unit for displaying multiple images; a plurality of optical systems; a wall member on which the image display unit and at least the first and second optical systems of the plurality of optical systems are located on the inside; and a housing having a viewing section, wherein the plurality of optical systems correspond one-to-one with the plurality of images, each of the plurality of optical systems forms an image of the images, a first image formed by the first optical system is visible when viewed from a first angle through the viewing section, and a second image formed by the second optical system is visible when viewed from a second angle through the viewing section.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the image display unit, the first and second optical systems and the viewing unit are arranged in the order of the image display unit, the first and second optical systems and the viewing unit, the image display unit displays a first image which becomes the first image image on one side in one direction, and displays a second image which becomes the second image image on the other side in the same direction, the first viewing position for viewing the first image image is located on the opposite side of the viewing unit from the arrangement position of the optical system and on the other side in the same direction, and the second viewing position for viewing the second image image is located on the opposite side of the viewing unit from the arrangement position of the optical system and on one side in the same direction.

3. The display device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the image display unit comprises a single device that displays the plurality of images along one direction on a single display surface.

4. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image display unit comprises a single device that displays the plurality of images along one direction by forming a non-image display area between two adjacent images on a single display surface.

5. The display device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the image display unit, the optical system, and the viewing unit are arranged such that the first distance from the first central position of the first image to the third central position of the viewing unit is different from the second distance from the second central position of the second image to the third central position.

6. The display device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the image display unit comprises a plurality of devices for displaying each of the plurality of images.

7. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein some or all of the plurality of images are images that display the same content, the content comprises one or more operable elements, and the image display unit includes an operation status element, which is an element representing the operation status, in the content of the remaining images among the images that display the same content, excluding the image in which the element is being operated.

8. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of images are images that display different content from each other, the content comprises one or more operable elements, and the image display unit maintains the content in the remaining images of the plurality of images, excluding the image in which the element is being manipulated.

9. A display device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an operation surface associated with a first position on the display surface of an image display unit, and an input position detection unit for detecting a second position on the operation surface that has been operated on.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein the image display unit, the first optical system, and the input position detection unit are arranged such that the first central position in the first image is located on a first virtual line passing through the second central position on the operating surface of the input position detection unit and the position of the viewer's eyes viewing the first image, and the image display unit, the second optical system, and the input position detection unit are arranged such that the third central position in the second image is located on a second virtual line passing through the second central position on the operating surface of the input position detection unit and the position of the viewer's eyes viewing the second image.

11. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the image display unit and the plurality of optical systems are mounted in a vehicle so that each of the plurality of image-formed images can be viewed one-to-one by each of the plurality of occupants.

12. A vehicle equipped with the display device described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A display system comprising a display device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and a camera capable of communicating with the display device, wherein the image display unit displays an image captured by the camera.

14. A mobile body comprising the display system described in claim 13.

15. An image display unit housing device comprising: an installation section capable of housing an image display unit for displaying multiple images; a plurality of optical systems; a wall member on which the image display unit and at least the first and second optical systems of the plurality of optical systems are located on the inside; and a housing having a viewing section, wherein the plurality of optical systems correspond one-to-one with the plurality of images, each of the plurality of optical systems forms an image of the images, a first image formed by the first optical system is visible when viewed from a first angle through the viewing section, and a second image formed by the second optical system is visible when viewed from a second angle through the viewing section.

Images