WO2018185956A1

WO2018185956A1 - Virtual-image display device

Info

Publication number: WO2018185956A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/036819
Authority: WO
Inventors: 智岸上; 道盛　厚司; 彰太中原
Original assignee: 三菱電機株式会社
Priority date: 2017-04-03
Filing date: 2017-10-11
Publication date: 2018-10-11
Also published as: JP6896064B2; JPWO2018185956A1; JP7062038B2; JP2020204773A

Abstract

A virtual-image display device (100) is provided with a picture projection part (111) for emitting picture light, a screen part (120, 120a) including a screen on which the picture light is projected and an image is formed, an image casting part (140) for generating a virtual image by casting the image, and a control part (130) for changing the position of the screen, the screen including a first screen (121, 122R) and a second screen (122L), a first image being formed on the first screen, the first image being cast as a first virtual image, a second image being formed on the second screen, the second image being cast as a second virtual image, and the control part (130) moving the second screen (122L) in a projection direction (S, C1) of the picture light that passes through an end part (1220) of the second screen (122L) on the first screen (122R) side thereof from among the picture light emitted from the picture projection part (111).

Description

Virtual image display device

The present invention relates to a display device for displaying a virtual image such as a head-up display used in an automobile or a train.

Generally, a head-up display for a vehicle (Head Up Display, hereinafter referred to as HUD) displays information such as driving support information as a virtual image in front of the front window as viewed from the driver. The driving support information is, for example, speed display or navigation information. The driver can visually recognize the foreground of the vehicle and driving support information. The foreground of the vehicle and the driving support information are superimposed. For this reason, the driver can shorten the movement time of the line of sight or the adjustment time of the focus during driving. This can reduce driver fatigue or improve safety. “Foreground” is the scenery seen in front.

The driver will drive while watching the surrounding conditions. For this reason, a driver | operator's viewpoint is not fixed but moves to various places. Further, the distance from the position of the driver's eyes to the viewpoint varies from a short distance to a long distance. In addition, when the driving support information displayed as a virtual image indicates a target object, it can be displayed easily for the driver by changing the distance at which the virtual image is displayed according to the distance to the target object. Therefore, a method capable of changing the distance from the driver to the virtual image has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

For example, in Patent Document 1, an image formed on a screen by scanning light from a light source is visually recognized by a driver as a virtual image by a reflecting means, and the distance of the virtual image is controlled by moving the screen.

In addition, when looking at the foreground from the driver, objects close to the driver are visible on the lower side, objects far away from the driver are visible on the upper side, and the road ahead is tilted when viewed from the driver. It is visually recognized in the state. Therefore, even when the route guidance is displayed as a virtual image with an arrow, a method of performing a more natural display by tilting the virtual image has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 2).

In Patent Document 2, an image displayed on two display panels is made visible to a driver as a virtual image through a reflecting mirror as a magnifying optical system and a windshield of a vehicle, and one of the two display panels is displayed. By rotating and tilting, the virtual image visually recognized by the driver is tilted.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-176130 (page 3-8, FIG. 1) Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-053691 (page 6-14, FIG. 1 and FIG. 2)

However, the driving support information as a virtual image may indicate various information such as a speedometer, a route guidance arrow, or a marker for alerting, and an appropriate virtual image distance (that is, a driver) It is required to display the driving support information as a virtual image so that the distance from the eye to the position of the virtual image) and the inclination of the virtual image (that is, the display angle of the virtual image).

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a virtual image display device capable of changing the position of a virtual image in accordance with information displayed as a virtual image. .

The virtual image display device of the present invention is a virtual image display device used in the vehicle, displaying a virtual image visually recognized by a person riding in the vehicle superimposed on a landscape, and a video projection unit for emitting video light; A screen unit including a screen on which the image light is projected to form an image, a projection unit that generates the virtual image by projecting the image, and a control unit that changes the position of the screen, The screen includes a first screen and a second screen, a first image is formed on the first screen, the first image is projected as a first virtual image, and the second screen A second image is formed on the second image, and the second image is projected as a second virtual image. The control unit causes the second screen to pass through the image light emitted from the image projection unit. The second screen of It is moved in the projection direction of the image light passing through the end portion of the first screen side down and said.

According to the present invention, the position of the virtual image can be changed according to information displayed as a virtual image.

It is a figure which shows typically an example of a structure of the virtual image display apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the structure of the control part of a virtual image display apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the structure of the screen drive part of a virtual image display apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the structure of the expansion mirror drive part of a virtual image display apparatus. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows the positional relationship of a light source part and a screen in the state in which the image light is radiate | emitted toward the screen part from the light source part. It is a figure which shows an example of the virtual image displayed by a virtual image display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the other example of the virtual image displayed by a virtual image display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the further another example of the virtual image displayed by the virtual image display apparatus. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows the further another example of the virtual image displayed by the virtual image display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the further another example of the virtual image displayed by the virtual image display apparatus. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows the other example of the virtual image displayed by a virtual image display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between a virtual image distance and a projection distance. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the reciprocal number of a virtual image distance, and the reciprocal number of a projection distance. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control method of the screen for displaying a virtual image in the position of virtual image distance. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows the other example of a screen part. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows schematically the structure of the video display part of the virtual image display apparatus concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows the other example of the screen part shown by Fig.16 (a) and (b). 6 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating a control unit of a modification of the virtual image display device according to

Embodiments

1 and 2. FIG.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
<Configuration of Virtual Image Display Device 100>
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a configuration of a virtual image display device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the control unit 130 of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the screen driving unit 142 in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the magnifying mirror driving unit 141 in FIG.
FIG. 5A shows the light source unit 111, the screen 121, and the screen 122 (shown in FIG. 5A) in a state in which video light is emitted from the light source unit 111, which is a video projection unit, toward the screen unit 120. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of screen 122L) in an example. FIG. 5A shows the light source unit 111 and the screen unit 120 as viewed in the x-axis direction.
FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship among the light source unit 111, the screen 121, and the screen 122 in a state where image light is emitted from the light source unit 111 toward the screen unit 120. FIG. 5B is a diagram of the light source unit 111 and the screen unit 120 viewed in the y-axis direction.

In the present embodiment, the x-axis shown in each figure is the left-right direction when the driver 500 as the user of the virtual image display device 100 sees the front through the windshield 300 from within the vehicle 600 (also referred to as “own vehicle”). The right side (that is, the right direction) indicates the positive direction. In the present embodiment, the y-axis shown in each figure indicates the vertical axis when the driver 500 looks forward from inside the vehicle 600 through the windshield 300, and the upper side (that is, the upper direction) indicates the positive direction. Show. In the present embodiment, the z-axis shown in each figure indicates an axis in the depth direction (front-rear direction) when the driver 500 looks forward from inside the vehicle 600 through the windshield 300, and the back side (front side) is positive. Indicates direction. In the present embodiment, the x-axis direction and the z-axis direction are horizontal directions, and the y-axis direction is a vertical direction. However, depending on the state of the vehicle 600, the x-axis direction and the z-axis direction do not necessarily coincide with the horizontal direction, and similarly, the y-axis direction does not necessarily coincide with the vertical direction. The user of the virtual image display device 100 is not limited to the driver 500. The user of the virtual image display device 100 includes a person who is on board, such as a passenger.

The virtual image display device 100 superimposes and displays a virtual image (formed in the

virtual image areas

401 and 402 in FIG. 1) visually recognized by the driver 500 of the vehicle 600 on the landscape. The virtual image display device 100 is mounted on the dashboard 610 of the vehicle 600, for example. However, the virtual image display device 100 is not limited to the head-up display, and the installation location is not limited to the dashboard.

The virtual image display device 100 includes a video display unit 110, a control unit 130 (screen control unit) that controls the video display unit 110, and a magnifying mirror 140 as a reflection mirror. The video display unit 110 includes a light source unit 111 as a video projection unit, and a screen unit 120 including a screen 121 and a screen 122 whose position can be changed. Further, the virtual image display device 100 includes a screen driving unit 142 (FIGS. 2 and 3) that changes the position of the screen. Further, the virtual image display device 100 may include a magnifying mirror driving unit 141 (FIGS. 2 and 4) that changes the position of the magnifying mirror.

The screen driving unit 142 may include a motor, a driving circuit thereof, a driving mechanism, and the like as means for changing the position and inclination of the screen 122 of the screen unit 120. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the light source unit 111 is provided in the video display unit 110, but may be provided outside the video display unit 110.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the screen unit 120 includes a screen 122R as a first screen (also referred to as a “right screen” or a “first movable screen”) and a second screen. Screen 122L (also referred to as “left screen” or “second movable screen”) and a screen 121 (also referred to as “upper screen” or “reference screen”) as a third screen. In the present embodiment, a set of

screens

122R and 122L is referred to as “screen 122” or “movable screen 122”. In the present embodiment, the image formed on the screen 121 is projected toward the windshield 300 by the magnifying mirror 140, and as a result, a virtual image is displayed at a certain position (virtual image area 401) close to the driver 500. . The image formed on the screen 122 is projected toward the windshield 300 by the magnifying mirror 140, and as a result, a virtual image is displayed at a position (virtual image area 402) far from the driver 500 and changeable. As described above, the magnifying mirror 140 projects the image formed on the

screens

121 and 122 toward the windshield 300, and thus is also referred to as a “projection unit”.

The light source unit 111 has a light exit port 111 a and emits image light from the light exit port 111 a toward the screen unit 120. The light source unit 111 emits image light like a projector, for example. “Video light” is light having video information, that is, light modulated based on video information. The image light emitted from the light source unit 111 has information on an image displayed as a virtual image. Note that the video light can include information on a still image, for example.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the projection direction M (ie, the projection direction of the central ray of the image light) is the center between the upper projection direction U and the lower projection direction B in the y-axis direction. In the range, the image light is emitted from the light source unit 111 and projected onto the screen unit 120.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the range between the right projection direction R and the left projection direction L with the projection direction C (that is, the projection direction of the central ray of the image light) as the center in the x-axis direction. Thus, image light is emitted from the light source unit 111 and projected onto the screen unit 120. Here, the projection direction C of the image light is the direction of the central ray of the image light.

Video light emitted from the light source unit 111 is projected onto a screen (for example, the

screen

121 or 122 or all of them) in the screen unit 120. An image based on the image light is formed on a screen in the screen unit 120. Video light that has entered the screen unit 120 from the light source unit 111 side passes through the screen in the screen unit 120.

As described above, image light is projected onto the screen unit 120. The

screens

121 and 122 are transmissive screens. “Projection” means emitting image light or displaying an image with image light. Here, the video includes a virtual image. Therefore, “projection” is used for emitted video light or video (including virtual images) displayed by video light.

The screen 121 in the screen unit 120 is a virtual image screen for displaying a virtual image at a short distance (that is, at a position close to the driver 500). The screen 122 is a virtual image screen for displaying a virtual image at a long distance (that is, at a position far from the driver 500).

The screen drive unit 142 is a screen drive unit that moves (slides) the screen 122 in the projection direction S of the image light within the screen unit 120. The screen driving unit 142 may include a motor, a driving circuit thereof, a driving mechanism, and the like. As shown in FIG. 3, the screen driving unit 142 includes a first screen moving unit 145R that moves the screen (first movable screen) 122R along the projection direction S, and a screen (second movable screen) 122L. Is moved along the projection direction S. The second screen moving unit 145L. Each of the first screen moving unit 145R and the second screen driving unit 145L includes, for example, a screen support unit that is a support mechanism that supports the

screen

122R or 122L so as to be movable (slidable) in the projection direction S, and the screen 122R. Alternatively, a driving force generating means such as a motor for generating a driving force for moving 122L and a driving force transmission mechanism such as a gear for transmitting the driving force to the

screen

122R or 122L are provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the screen driving unit 142 includes a first screen rotating unit 146R that changes the inclination of the screen 122R by rotating the screen 122R around a central axis parallel to the x axis, A second screen rotation unit 146L that changes the inclination of the screen 122L by rotating the 122L around a central axis parallel to the x-axis may be included. Each of the first screen rotation unit 146R and the second screen rotation unit 145L is, for example, a support shaft that rotatably supports the

screen

122R or 122L around a central axis parallel to the x axis (FIG. 5A). 1221), a driving force generating means such as a motor for generating a driving force for rotating the

screen

122R or 122L, and a driving force transmission mechanism such as a gear for transmitting the driving force to the

screen

122R or 122L.

Further, the magnifying mirror driving unit 141 can have a driving mechanism and a driving circuit. As shown in FIG. 4, the magnifying mirror driving unit 141 rotates the magnifying mirror 140 around the support shaft to change the inclination of the magnifying mirror 140 and the magnifying mirror 140 in the projection direction S. You may have the magnifying mirror moving part 143 moved along. The magnifying mirror rotating unit 144 generates a driving force such as a spindle that rotatably supports the magnifying mirror 140 about a central axis parallel to the x axis, and a motor that generates a driving force for rotating the magnifying mirror 140. And a driving force transmission mechanism such as a gear for transmitting the driving force to the magnifying mirror 140. The magnifying mirror moving unit 143 is driven by, for example, a magnifying mirror support unit that is a support mechanism that supports the magnifying mirror 140 so as to be movable (slidable) in the projection direction, and a motor that generates a driving force for moving the magnifying mirror 140. Force generating means and a driving force transmission mechanism such as a gear for transmitting this driving force to the magnifying mirror 140 are provided.

In FIG. 5A, the screen 122 is movable in the projection direction S. The projection direction S is the projection direction of the image light at the end portion 1220 of the screen 122 on the screen 121 side. The screen 122 moves in parallel to the projection direction S. The projection direction S is inclined with respect to the projection direction M of the central ray of the image light beam. Here, the central ray is a ray passing through the center of the light beam. In FIG. 5A, the projection direction S is inclined in the + y-axis direction with respect to the projection direction M, for example.

The magnifying mirror 140 includes a reflecting surface (specifically, a concave surface) having a negative power. The magnifying mirror 140 forms a first virtual image in the virtual image area 402 by reflecting the image light transmitted through the screen 122R (that is, by projecting an image formed on the screen 122R), and transmits the screen 122L. The second virtual image is formed in the virtual image area 402 by reflecting the captured image light (that is, by projecting the image formed on the screen 122L), and the image light transmitted through the screen 121 is reflected ( That is, a third virtual image is formed in the virtual image area 401 (by projecting the image formed on the screen 121).

The magnifying mirror 140 enlarges the image light transmitted through the screen unit 120 and projects it toward the windshield 300. The windshield 300 is a windshield of the vehicle 600, for example. The windshield 300 reflects the image light from the magnifying mirror 140 and guides it to the driver 500 as the user of the virtual image display device 100.

In other words, the magnifying mirror 140 projects the image light transmitted through the screen unit 120. That is, the magnifying mirror 140 projects the image formed on the screen unit 120 as a virtual image. Thus, the magnifying mirror 140 is a projection unit having a function of projecting the image formed on the screen unit 120. The projection unit can include a plurality of mirrors. That is, the magnifying mirror 140 can have a plurality of mirrors.

In this embodiment, as an example, a case where the virtual image display device 100 is a windshield type head-up display will be described. However, the virtual image display device 100 can also be applied to a combiner type head-up display. In the case of a combiner type head-up display, the combiner replaces the magnifying mirror 140 and the windshield (for example, the windshield 300), enlarges the image formed on the screen of the screen unit 120, reflects it, and drives it. To the person 500.

The image formed on the

screens

122 and 122 of the screen unit 120 is displayed as a virtual image in the virtual image forming area 400 including the

virtual image areas

401 and 402. The virtual image forming area 400 is located in front of the windshield 300 when viewed from the driver 500. The

virtual image areas

401 and 402 are planar areas where virtual images are displayed.

The image on the screen 121 is displayed as a virtual image in the virtual image area 401. When the screen (for example, the

screen

122R or 122L or both of them) in the screen unit 120 is positioned at the first position 122a, the image on the screen is a virtual image in the virtual image area 402a in the virtual image area 402. Is displayed. The virtual image area 402 is a display position (for example,

virtual image areas

402a, 402b, or 402c) of a virtual image based on video light transmitted through the screen 122 (for example, the

screen

122R or 122L, or both).

In the configuration of FIG. 1, the image formed on the screen of the screen unit 120 is displayed as a virtual image in the virtual image forming region 400 by being inverted upside down. Therefore, the images formed on the

screens

121 and 122 by the image light projected from the light source unit 111 to the screen unit 120 are vertically inverted images by the magnifying mirror 140, and a virtual image based on the vertically inverted image is a virtual image forming region. 400 is formed.

When the screen in the screen unit 120 moves from the first position 122a to the second position 122b (moves in the direction parallel to the projection direction S toward the light source unit 111), the virtual image area 402b farther than the virtual image area 402a. The virtual image moves. That is, the first position 122a corresponds to the virtual image area 402a, and the second position 122b corresponds to the virtual image area 402b.

The

screens

122R and 122L are rotatable. For example, when the screen is tilted such that the lower side of the screen (screen 122R and / or 122L) in the screen unit 120 is positioned at the second position 122b, the virtual image area A tilted virtual image is displayed at the position 402c. Here, the virtual image in the virtual image area 402c does not incline straight (that is, inclines while being flat), but is in a curved state in which the convex portion is directed in the distance direction toward the driver 500 as shown in FIG. That is, it is inclined in a curved surface state.

In the screen configuration shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the image formed on the screen 121 is displayed in the virtual image area 401 shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the image formed on the screen 121 is displayed at a lower position in the virtual image forming area 400 and at a position closer to the driver 500 than the virtual image area 402. Since the screen 121 does not move, the position of the virtual image area 401 does not change. In the virtual image area 401, for example, information that the driver 500 confirms in a timely manner such as speed information is displayed. However, the present invention is also applicable to a virtual image display device configured so that the screen 121 can move or rotate.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the screen unit 120 includes a screen 122R and a screen 122L which are divided into left and right. The position and inclination of the screen 122R and the screen 122L are changed independently of each other. Therefore, the virtual image area 402 is also divided into left and right when looking forward from the driver 500. In the virtual image area 402, a first virtual image having a virtual image distance and a virtual image inclination corresponding to the position and inclination of the screen 122R and a second virtual image having a virtual image distance and a virtual image inclination corresponding to the position and inclination of the screen 122L are displayed. Is done. However, the present invention can also be applied to a virtual image display device in which the screen 122 is not divided or a virtual image display device in which the screen 122 is divided into three or more.

As a method for displaying a virtual image displayed in the virtual image area 402, for example, AR (Augmented Reality) technology is used. The AR technology is a technology for displaying digital information superimposed on a real landscape. The AR display is a display method in which digital information is superimposed on an actual landscape using AR technology.

In the AR display used in the present embodiment, a virtual image superimposed on the background (that is, the actual landscape) is displayed at the tip of the driver's 500 line of sight. Specifically, not only the position of the virtual image in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction, but also the distance (z-axis direction) of the virtual image is matched with the background (that is, the position and shape of the virtual image according to the position or shape of the background, And setting the distance from the driver to the virtual image), the driver 500 can easily recognize the information indicated by the virtual image. For example, it is possible to separately adjust the virtual image distances of the left and right virtual images according to the distance of an object such as a pedestrian or an obstacle detected by a camera outside the vehicle or a sensor (for example, the camera 151 in FIG. 3). .

The virtual image distance L1, that is, the distance from the eyes of the driver 500 to the position of the

virtual image area

402a, 402b, or 402c in the virtual image forming region 400 is the focal length f of the magnifying mirror 140 and the screen mirror 120 from the magnifying mirror 140. It is determined by the projection distance D to the screen. The virtual image distance L1 is a distance in a direction parallel to the z axis.

The relationship between the virtual image distance L1, the focal length f of the magnifying mirror 140, and the projection distance D can be approximately expressed by Expression (1).
1 / f = 1 / D + 1 / L1 (1)
Here, since the relationship between the projection distance D and the virtual image distance L1 is not linear, the virtual image area shown in FIG. A curved virtual image is displayed as in 402c.

The driver 500 can view the scenery in front of the windshield 300 and the virtual image superimposed on the scenery at the same time.

The reflecting surface of the magnifying mirror 140 may be a free-form surface. If the reflecting surface of the magnifying mirror 140 is formed with a curved surface having an appropriate shape according to the curvature of the windshield 300, the magnifying mirror 140 can correct image distortion due to the curvature of the windshield 300.

The control unit 130 can change (for example, move and rotate) the tilt (that is, the reflection angle of the image light) and the position of the magnifying mirror 140 by controlling the magnifying mirror driving unit 141. The control unit 130 can change (for example, move and rotate) the position and inclination of the screen (specifically, the

screens

122R and 122L) in the screen unit 120 by controlling the screen driving unit 142. Specifically, the control unit 130 can control at least one of the position and the inclination of the screen 122R, and can control at least one of the position and the inclination of the screen 122L. The configuration of the control unit 130 will be described later.

The configuration of the apparatus until the image light emitted from the light source unit 111 reaches the driver 500 is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. For example, the image light may be reflected by a reflecting surface other than the magnifying mirror 140 or the windshield 300. The screen in the screen unit 120 is not limited to the transmissive type, and may be a reflective type. The configuration of the apparatus can be changed in consideration of the empty space of the dashboard 610 and the size of optical components such as the magnifying mirror 140.

<Configuration of Control Unit 130>
As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 130 includes a video data conversion unit 131, a light source control unit 132, a virtual image control unit 133, and a projection position control unit 134. The control unit 130 may include a screen driving unit 142 (including a screen driving circuit) and a magnifying mirror driving unit 141 (including a magnifying mirror driving circuit).

The video data converter 131 converts the video signal data that is the source of the video displayed as a virtual image into a format that can be handled by the light source controller 132 and the virtual image controller 133. The video signal data includes, for example, data such as a virtual image video, a video magnification ratio, and distance data indicating a virtual image display distance or a virtual image display distance in a perspective direction.

The video data converter 131 can receive video signal data generated inside the virtual image display device 100. For example, the video data conversion unit 131 can receive the video signal data generated by the control unit 130.

The virtual image display device 100 or the control unit 130 receives, for example, information on the traveling speed of the vehicle 600 or information on the outside air temperature from an external device. The virtual image display device 100 or the control unit 130 generates video signal data including a virtual image video based on the information. The virtual image display device 100 or the control unit 130 passes the generated video signal data to the video data conversion unit 131.

Also, for example, the video data conversion unit 131 can receive video signal data generated by a device external to the virtual image display device 100. A device external to the virtual image display device 100 is, for example, a part that controls the vehicle 600 or a navigation system.

Also, the video data conversion unit 131 can receive video signal data from the outside of the vehicle 600 (for example, video signal data can be received by a communication device). The video signal data received from the outside of the vehicle 600 is data generated based on information received via the Internet, for example.

The video data converter 131 sends the video signal data S1 and S2 to the light source controller 132 and the virtual image controller 133.

The light source control unit 132 controls the emission of image light from the light source unit 111. The light source control unit 132 receives the video signal data S <b> 1 from the video data conversion unit 131. The light source control unit 132 generates video data that is a basis of video light emitted from the light source unit 111 based on the video signal data S1. When the light source control unit 132 generates video data, the size of the video or the display position of the video is determined in consideration of the direction and / or depth of the virtual image to be displayed. Thereby, video data is generated. The light source control unit 132 sends the generated video data to the light source unit 111 as a control signal S3.

The light source unit 111 emits image light. The light source unit 111 emits video light based on the control signal S3. The light source unit 111 receives the control signal S3 from the light source control unit 132. The control signal S3 is a signal for controlling the light source unit 111 based on the video data.

The virtual image control unit 133 generates a control signal S4 (instruction information indicating the position and / or the inclination) for controlling the position or the inclination (that is, the position and / or the inclination) of the screen 122. The virtual image control unit 133 receives the video signal data S <b> 2 from the video data conversion unit 131. The virtual image control unit 133 sends a control signal S4 to the screen drive unit 142 based on the video signal data S2.

For example, in FIG. 1, in order to display a long-distance virtual image, the virtual image is distant by moving the screen in the screen unit 120 (for example, the screen 122R and / or 122L, or both) to the second position 122b. It is displayed at the position of the virtual image area 402b of the distance. As a result, it appears to the driver 500 that the virtual image is displayed far away.

The virtual image distance L1 from the driver 500 to the virtual image is determined by the optical path length from the magnifying mirror 140 to the screen 122, the magnification rate of the magnifying mirror 140, and the like. The optical path length from the second position 122b for a long distance to the magnifying mirror 140 is longer than the optical path length from the first position 122a for a short distance to the magnifying mirror 140. For this reason, the far-distance virtual image area 402b is located farther from the driver 500 than the short-distance virtual image area 402a.

The virtual image control unit 133 determines the distance from the driver 500 to the virtual image area 402a and the distance from the driver 500 to the virtual image area 402b based on the video signal data S2 from the video data conversion unit 131. The distance from the driver 500 to the

virtual image areas

402a and 402b is determined based on information other than the video signal data S2 (for example, landscape information S7 such as image information captured by the camera 151 or detection information detected by the sensor). It may be broken. However, in this case, a process for associating the video displayed on the virtual image display device 100 with the distance information is necessary.

The screen driving unit 142 adjusts the position of the screen (for example, the

screen

122R or 122L, or both) in the screen unit 120. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the screen driving unit 142 is provided in the control unit 130, but a part of the screen driving unit 142 (for example, a motor driving circuit) is the control unit 130 or the video display unit. It may be provided in other places such as the inside of 110. The screen driving unit 142 may be provided outside the control unit 130.

The screen driving unit 142 adjusts the position and inclination of the screen 122 based on the control signal S4. Thereby, the virtual image is a perspective direction based on the position of the driver's eyes according to the position and / or inclination of the screen (for example, the screen 122R and / or 122L, or both) in the screen unit 120. (For example, an arbitrary position between the virtual image area 402a and the virtual image area 402b) or inclination (for example, the angle of the virtual image area 402c) changes. Here, the “perspective direction” is the traveling direction (z-axis direction) of the vehicle 600 in the example shown in FIG. The screen driving unit 142 receives the control signal S4 from the virtual image control unit 133. The control signal S4 is position information for adjusting the position of the screen 122 or inclination information for adjusting the inclination of the screen 122.

The projection position control unit 134 generates a control signal S5 (that is, instruction information indicating the position and / or the tilt) for changing the position or the tilt (that is, the reflection angle) of the magnifying mirror 140. The projection position control unit 134 receives a signal S <b> 6 for adjusting the magnifying mirror 140 from the input device 150.

The input device 150 is a user operation device such as an input button, a switch, or a dial, for example. The input device 150 is provided in the vehicle 600 for controlling the projection position of the virtual image. The input device 150 is operated by the driver 500, for example.

The projection position control unit 134 converts the signal S6 into a control signal S5. The control signal S5 is a signal for changing the position or tilt of the magnifying mirror 140. The projection position control unit 134 sends a control signal S5 to the magnifying mirror driving unit 141.

The magnifying mirror driving unit 141 adjusts the position or inclination of the magnifying mirror 140. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the magnifying mirror driving unit 141 is provided inside the control unit 130, but a part of the magnifying mirror driving unit 141 (for example, a motor driving circuit) is connected to the control unit 130 or an image. It may be provided in another place such as the inside of the display unit 110. The magnifying mirror driving unit 141 may be provided outside the control unit 130.

The magnifying mirror driving unit 141 adjusts the position or tilt of the magnifying mirror 140 based on the control signal S5. The position or inclination (for example,

virtual image area

402a, 402b, or 402c) where the virtual image is displayed changes according to the control signal S5. Thereby, even when the viewpoint of the driver 500 changes due to the difference in the physique of the driver 500 or the seat position setting, the position and inclination of the virtual image can be adjusted so that the virtual image can be visually recognized. The driver 500 can adjust the optimum virtual image position using the input device 150 while confirming the virtual image. The magnifying mirror driving unit 141 receives the control signal S5 from the projection position control unit 134. The control signal S5 is a signal for adjusting the position or tilt of the magnifying mirror 140. However, the present invention can also be applied to a virtual image display device that does not include the magnifying mirror driving unit 141 and in which the position of the magnifying mirror 140 is fixed.

<Screen configuration>
As shown in FIG. 5A, the screen 121 is adjacent to the screen 122 in the y-axis direction. Specifically, the screen 121 is provided on the upper side of the screen 122 in the y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 5B, the screen 121 extends in the x-axis direction in the range from the projection direction R to the projection direction L. The screen 121 is fixed in the screen unit 120.

The screen 122 is provided below the screen 121 in the y-axis direction. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, in the screen unit 120, the screen 121 is disposed on the upper side and the screen 122 is disposed on the lower side with the projection direction S as a boundary. The projection direction S is a direction parallel to a straight line passing through the lower end of the screen 121 and the light emission port 111a. The projection direction S is also the direction of the light beam that passes through the end portion 1220 on the screen 121 side of the screen 122 in the image light emitted from the light source unit 111. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, in the screen unit 120, with the projection direction C as a boundary, the screen 122R is arranged on the right side, and the screen 122L is arranged on the left side. The projection direction C is the same as the z-axis direction.

The screen 122 is located closer to the light source unit 111 than the screen 121. The lower end of the screen 121 in the y-axis direction is located on an extension line in the projection direction S.

It is desirable that the upper end (end portion 1220) of the screen 122 in the y-axis direction substantially coincides with a straight line passing through the lower end of the screen 121 and the light exit port 111a or is located below the straight line. In FIG. 5A, the upper end of the screen 122 is located on an extension line in the projection direction S.

The screen 122 is movable between the first position 122a and the second position 122b. In the example shown in FIG. 5B, the screen 122R is movable between the first position 122Ra and the second position 122Rb. The first position 122Ra shown in FIG. 5B corresponds to the first position 122a shown in FIG. 5A, and the second position 122Rb shown in FIG. This corresponds to the second position 122b shown in a).

Similarly, in the example shown in FIG. 5B, the screen 122L is movable between the first position 122La and the second position 122Lb. The first position 122La shown in FIG. 5B corresponds to the first position 122a shown in FIG. 5A, and the second position 122Lb shown in FIG. This corresponds to the second position 122b shown in a).

The

screens

122R and 122L can move independently of each other.

The moving direction of the screen 122 is parallel to the projection direction S as shown by the arrow in FIG. Specifically, the screen 122R has a straight line passing through the lower end of the screen 121 and the light emission port 111a in the y-axis direction (in FIG. 5A, the light emission is performed between the upper end portion 1220 of the screen 122R in the y-axis direction and the light emission port. It moves parallel to the straight line passing through the mouth 111a. Similarly, the screen 122L is a straight line passing through the lower end of the screen 121 and the light exit port 111a in the y-axis direction (in FIG. 5A, the upper end portion 1220 of the screen 122L in the y-axis direction and the light exit port 111a. And a straight line passing through Therefore, the position of the image light projected on the upper end side of the screen 122 is projected on the upper end side of the screen 122 even when the position of the screen 122 is changed. However, it is desirable that the moving directions of the

screens

122R and 122L move below the straight line passing through the lower end of the screen 121 and the light emission port 111a, and the movement direction of the

screens

122R and 122L may not be strictly parallel to the projection direction S. If the screen 122 moves below the straight line passing through the lower end of the screen 121 and the light exit port 111a, when the

screen

122R or 122L is moving, the video light projected from the light source unit 111 to the screen 121 is It can be prevented from being blocked by the

screen

122R or 122L.

Furthermore, the moving direction of the screen 122R is parallel to the projection direction C as indicated by an arrow in FIG. The projection direction C is parallel to the z-axis direction. However, the moving direction of the screen 122R may not be strictly parallel to the projection direction C. Similarly, the moving direction of the screen 122L is parallel to the projection direction C as indicated by an arrow in FIG. However, the moving direction of the screen 122L may not be strictly parallel to the projection direction C.

The screen 122 rotates around a support shaft 1221 located near the upper end in the y-axis direction. That is, the screen 122R rotates around the support shaft near the upper end in the y-axis direction as the rotation center. Similarly, the screen 122L rotates about a support shaft near the upper end in the y-axis direction as a rotation center. The

screens

122R and 122L can rotate independently of each other. Thereby, the

screens

122R and 122L can change the inclination independently of each other.

The

screens

122R and 122L can be tilted so as to be positioned at, for example, the third position 122c by rotating about the upper end side as the rotation center. Thereby, the

screens

122R and 122L are inclined so that the lower side in the y-axis direction approaches the light source unit 111. Since the upper end side of the screen 122 is the center of rotation, the image light projected on the upper end side of the screen 122 is projected on the upper end side of the screen 122 even when the inclination of the screen 122 is changed.

The control unit 130 changes the distance from the screen 122R to the magnifying mirror 140 by controlling the screen driving unit 142 so as to move the position of the screen 122R, and the position of the first virtual image (virtual image in the virtual image area 402). To change. Similarly, the control unit 130 changes the distance from the screen 122L to the magnifying mirror 140 by controlling the screen driving unit 142 so as to move the position of the screen 122L, and the second virtual image (the virtual image in the virtual image area 402). ) Position. The controller 130 can control the positions of the

screens

122R and 122L in the screen unit 120 separately. Thus, the control unit 130 determines the virtual image distance (first virtual image distance) from the eye position of the driver 500 to the first virtual image position and the eye position of the driver 500 to the second virtual image position. The position of the screen 122R and the position of the screen 122L can be controlled so that the virtual image distance (second virtual image distance) is different from each other.

The control unit 130 determines the first from the position of the eyes of the driver 500 to the position of the first virtual image in accordance with information to guide the driver 500 (for example, contents such as caution information provided to the driver 500). And the second virtual image distance from the eye position of the driver 500 to the second virtual image position can be controlled.

The control unit 130 can separately control the inclination of the

screens

122R and 122L in the screen unit 120. Thereby, the control unit 130 can control the inclination of the screen 122R and the inclination of the screen 122L so that the inclination of the first virtual image and the inclination of the second virtual image are different from each other.

The control unit 130 can control the angle formed by the first virtual image and the second virtual image according to the information guided to the driver 500. The angle formed by the first virtual image and the second virtual image is, for example, in FIG. 1 when the first virtual image is displayed at the position of the virtual image area 402a and the second virtual image is displayed at the position of the virtual image area 402c. Is an angle formed by the surface of the virtual image area 402a and the surface of the virtual image area 402c. In other words, from the driver 500, by adjusting the angle formed by the first virtual image and the second virtual image, the driver 500 determines the inclination of the surface on which the first virtual image is displayed and the second virtual image. The difference from the inclination of the displayed surface can be visually recognized.

Next, some examples of the operation of the virtual image display device 100 will be described.
<Virtual image display example 1;
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual image displayed by the virtual image display device 100.
The example shown in FIG. 6 is an example of displaying a warning for a pedestrian and a vehicle ahead. As shown in FIG. 6, the virtual image generated by the virtual image display device 100 is superimposed on the landscape when the driver 500 looks in the forward direction.

FIG. 6 shows a state where a pedestrian 701 as an object is about to cross the road from the right end 700R of the road at a position close to the vehicle 600 (own vehicle). At the same time, FIG. 6 shows a state where a vehicle 702 (another vehicle), which is another object, is about to enter the road from the left end 700L of the road at a position far from the vehicle 600 (the host vehicle).

In FIG. 6, the virtual image display device 100 displays a virtual image for alerting as a target for alerting the pedestrian 701 and the vehicle 702 that may enter a traveling route. Specifically, for the pedestrian 701, a warning mark 410 that is a virtual image is displayed on the virtual image area 402Ra that is a short distance. For the vehicle 702, a warning mark 411 that is a virtual image is displayed in a virtual image area 402Lb that is a long distance away.

In other words, the control unit 130 controls the screen driving unit 142 to control the first virtual image from the position of the eyes of the driver 500 to the position of the first virtual image (in the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the virtual image area 402Ra). The position of the screen 122R (FIG. 5 (FIG. 5 (a)) is different from the distance and the second virtual image distance from the eye position of the driver 500 to the position of the second virtual image (the virtual image area 402Lb in the example shown in FIG. 6). In the example shown in b), the first position 122Ra) and the position of the screen 122L (in the example shown in FIG. 5B, the second position 122Lb) are controlled.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 130 determines the driver 500 in accordance with information to guide the driver 500 (in the example shown in FIG. 6, alerting the pedestrian 701 and the vehicle 702 ahead). The first virtual image distance from the eye position to the first virtual image position (ie, virtual image area 402Ra) and the first virtual image distance from the driver 500 eye position to the second virtual image position (ie, virtual image area 402Lb). The difference between the virtual image distance of 2 is controlled.

The virtual image distance at which the virtual image area 402Ra is displayed is, for example, up to a pedestrian 701 measured or estimated (calculated) from image data or detection data by a camera or sensor (for example, the camera 151 in FIG. 2) mounted on the vehicle 600. Determine based on the distance. Similarly, the virtual image distance at which the virtual image area 402Lb is displayed is also determined based on the distance to the vehicle 702.

The display size of the warning marks 410 and 411 is determined based on the distance and the distance and size of the object (in the example shown in FIG. 6, the pedestrian 701 and the vehicle 702). The position (the vertical and horizontal directions with respect to the object) is determined as a position close to the object in the line-of-sight direction when the driver 500 views the object.

In the virtual image area 401 that is a short distance from the driver 500, the traveling speed of the vehicle 600 or information on the traveling road (the road name in the example shown in FIG. 6) is displayed. Note that it is not necessary to completely match (match) the object that the driver 500 is looking at (the object that is on the line of sight) with the display position of the virtual image. By displaying the virtual image at the position, the driver 500 can easily see the object.

As described above, by displaying the warning marks 410 and 411 that are virtual images near the target object, the driver 500 can easily recognize the target object and the warning marks 410 and 411 at the same time. The recognition rate of the arousing marks 410 and 411 is improved. In addition, since the virtual image display device 100 can display virtual images at different distances in the left and right virtual image areas, it is possible to perform alerting on objects located at different distances at appropriate display positions. .

When the maximum virtual image distance that can be displayed by the virtual image display device 100 is shorter than the distance to the object (that is, the distance in the z-axis direction), the virtual image can be displayed at a display position that matches the distance to the object. Have difficulty. In this case, for example, in the range of the virtual image distance that can be displayed by the virtual image display device 100, the similar relationship between the distance A1 from the virtual image area 402Ra to the pedestrian 701 and the distance A2 from the virtual image area 402Lb to the vehicle 702 is maintained. As described above, the virtual image distance of the virtual image area 402Ra and the virtual image distance of the virtual image area 402Lb are set, and the warning marks 410 and 411 are displayed. That is, in FIG. 6, the similar relationship between the distance A3 from the virtual image area 402Lb to the virtual image area 402Ra and the distance A4 from the vehicle 702 to the pedestrian 701 is maintained.

The object corresponding to the virtual image is an object for displaying the virtual image. In this example, the pedestrian 701 and the vehicle 702 are objects corresponding to virtual images.

The same applies to the case where the minimum virtual image distance that can be displayed by the virtual image display device 100 is larger than the distance from the eyes of the driver 500 of the vehicle to the target. In this case, for example, the virtual image area 402Lb is moved within the range of the virtual image distance that can be displayed by the virtual image display device 100. For example, in FIG. 6, the similar relationship between the distance A3 from the virtual image area 402Lb to the virtual image area 402Ra and the distance A4 from the vehicle 702 to the pedestrian 701 is maintained. That is, the virtual image distance of the virtual image area 402Ra is determined so that the similarity between the virtual image distance A1 from the virtual image area 402Ra to the pedestrian 701 and the virtual image distance A2 from the virtual image area 402Lb to the vehicle 702 is maintained.

That is, when one of two virtual images having different virtual image distances is outside the displayable range of the virtual image display device 100, the virtual image display device 100 operates as follows. The virtual image display device 100 changes and displays the virtual image distance between the two virtual images in a displayable range of the virtual image display device 100 while ensuring a difference in the virtual image distance between the two virtual images (corresponding to the distance A3 in FIG. 6). . In other words, the control unit 130 secures a distance (difference between two position coordinates) A3 from the virtual image area 402Lb to the virtual image area 402Ra in FIG. 6 and at a position where both the virtual image area 402Lb and the virtual image area 402Ra can be displayed. The screen driving unit 142 is controlled so as to move the virtual image area 402Lb and the virtual image area 402Ra. By doing so, the two virtual images can be displayed simultaneously while ensuring the difference in the virtual image distance between the two virtual images (A3 in FIG. 6).

If there are more than two objects, for example, two priority objects (for example, two objects with high risk or two objects close to the vehicle 600) are selected. It may be displayed.

Also, if there is only one object to be alerted, it is only necessary to display the alert mark if it can be displayed at a position close to the object. If the warning mark cannot be displayed near the target object, the target mark (for example, an intersection position or a mark indicating a specific distance) is displayed in addition to the warning mark. The driver 500 can easily recognize the sense of distance to the target object by the difference in the distance between the mark distance and the target object mark.

<Virtual image display example 2: Route guidance at intersections>
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of a virtual image displayed by the virtual image display device 100.
The example shown in FIG. 7 is an example in which route guidance is displayed when making a right turn at an intersection that is an object. As shown in FIG. 7, the virtual image generated by the virtual image display device 100 is superimposed on the landscape when the driver 500 of the vehicle 600 (own vehicle) looks in the forward direction.

On the road 700, a right turn is possible at a position close to the vehicle 600, and there is an intersection at a position far from the vehicle 600. In this case, the virtual image display device 100 displays a virtual image as route guidance for making a right turn at a distant intersection. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the slope of the road surface and the slope of the virtual image area 402Lc when the driver 500 looks in the forward direction are the same.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, a route guidance arrow 421 that is a virtual image for guiding a route along which the vehicle 600 should travel (in the example shown in FIG. 7, the left lane) is displayed in the virtual image area 402 </ b> Lc so as to be visually recognized at an angle. Has been. In the virtual image area 402Rb, a guide arrow 422 that is a virtual image is displayed at the same distance as the distance from the vehicle 600 to the intersection.

That is, the control unit 130 controls the screen driving unit 142 to control the inclination of the first virtual image (in the example shown in FIG. 7, the guide arrow 422) and the second virtual image (in the example shown in FIG. 7). The inclination of the screen 122R and the inclination of the screen 122L are controlled so that the inclination of the route guidance arrow 421) is different from each other.

<Virtual image display example 3; Route guidance at intersections>
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating still another example of the virtual image displayed by the virtual image display device 100.
FIG. 8 is an example in which route guidance is displayed at the time of a right turn at an intersection, which is an object, as in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the virtual image generated by the virtual image display device 100 is superimposed on the landscape when the driver 500 of the vehicle 600 (own vehicle) looks in the forward direction. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the content displayed in the left virtual image area 402Lc is different from the example shown in FIG.

In the virtual image area 402Lc, a display content 423 including map information 423a that is a simplified schematic map including a right turn intersection in the foreground, a route guidance arrow 423b, and a vehicle mark 423c that represents the current position of the vehicle 600 is a virtual image. Is displayed. By displaying the display content 423 at an angle, the driver 500 can easily compare with the front background.

The guide arrow 422 in the right virtual image area 402Rb indicates the distance to the right turn intersection when the distance to the right turn intersection is within the virtual image distance range that can be displayed by the virtual image display device 100 (distance range in which a virtual image can be displayed). In addition, the virtual image distance is adjusted and displayed. Until the distance to the right turn intersection is within the virtual image distance range that can be displayed by the virtual image display device 100, the virtual image distance is the longest, the display size is reduced, and the display position is adjusted to the line of sight of the driver 500. Change it. In addition, by changing the sharpness and display color of the image depending on whether it is outside the virtual image distance range or within the virtual image distance range, it is determined whether or not the distance between the object (intersection) and the guide arrow 422 matches the driver 500. You may make it recognize.

<Example 4 of virtual image display>
FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating still another example of the virtual image displayed by the virtual image display device 100. FIG. FIGS. 9A and 9B show an example in which route guidance is displayed when a vehicle 600 (own vehicle) traveling in the left lane turns right at an intersection 427, as in FIG. Here, the intersection 427 is an object. In the example shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the vehicle mark 424 indicating the current position of the vehicle 600 is displayed as a virtual image in the right virtual image areas 402Rd and 402Re as shown in FIG. And different.

In the example shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the control unit 130 reduces the scale of the virtual image distance B1 (or B1 ′) that is the distance from the eyes of the driver 500 to the virtual image area 402Lc where the virtual image is displayed. Based on the indicated instruction information, a second virtual image distance B2 (or B2 ′) that is a distance from the eyes of the driver 500 to the virtual image areas 402Rd and 402Re where the virtual image is displayed is determined.

9 (a) and 9 (b) are display examples when guiding a right turn at an intersection 427. FIG. In the virtual image area 402Lc on the left side of FIGS. 9A and 9B, the approximate map 425 of the intersection 427 to be guided is inclined (that is, the long distance point is inclined so that it can be seen at a higher position than the short distance point). ) It is displayed as a virtual image. The lower side of the schematic map 425 is displayed as a short distance position, and the upper side is displayed as a long distance position. In the virtual image areas 402Rd and 402Re on the right side of FIGS. 9A and 9B, a vehicle mark 424 indicating the position of the vehicle is displayed as a virtual image.

FIG. 9 (a) shows a case where the vehicle is away from the intersection 427 to be guided. In this case, the vehicle mark 424 is displayed as a virtual image at a position closer to the intersection 427 to be guided. FIG. 9B shows a case where the vehicle approaches an intersection 427 guided by the own vehicle. In this case, the vehicle mark 424 is substantially equal to the position of the virtual image distance B1 ′ of the guide arrow 426 when the guide arrow 426 of the schematic map 425 on the left is displayed as a virtual image (that is, substantially equal to the virtual image distance B1 ′). Near the position of the virtual image distance B2 ').

Further, FIG. 9B shows that the intersection 427 is a right turn point with the tip of the vehicle mark 424 turned to the right.

The shape of the vehicle mark 424 is not limited to the shape shown in the figure, and may be another shape such as an icon or an arrow similar to the shape of the car. When approaching a guidance intersection, change the shape of the vehicle mark 424 (for example, change the right arrow indicating a right turn) or highlight the vehicle mark 424 (for example, increase the brightness). The driver 500 may be surely notified that it is a point to turn right.

9 (a) and 9 (b), the approximate map 425 is displayed with an inclination. Therefore, the approximate map 425 is a virtual image having a continuous shape from the short distance position 425a to the long distance position 425b. 9A and 9B, the approximate map 425 does not move. For this reason, the virtual image distance (that is, the distance from the driver's eye to the point on the virtual image) of an arbitrary point on the approximate map 425 changes between FIG. 9 (a) and FIG. 9 (b). Absent.

Note that the distance difference, which is the difference between the virtual image distance at the lower (near distance) position 425a of the approximate map 425 and the virtual image distance at the upper (far distance) position 425b, may be different from the actual distance difference. . Therefore, the virtual image distance of the point on the approximate map 425 is different from the actual distance. In FIGS. 9A and 9B, the vehicle mark 424 is displayed at a position corresponding to the virtual image distance of the vehicle position 424a on the approximate map 425 in the virtual image area 402Re. That is, the virtual image distance B2 (or B2 ′) of the own vehicle mark 424 is the same as the virtual image distance B1 (or B1 ′) of the position 424a of the own vehicle on the approximate map 425.

That is, in this virtual image display example, the virtual image distance B1 (or B1 ′) of the point of guidance display indicated by the route guidance arrow 426 and the virtual image distance B2 (or B2 ′) of the vehicle mark 424 that is a display indicating the own vehicle. Are matched, that is, matched. Here, the point of guidance display is a position where the vehicle turns. The route guidance arrow 426 is displayed as a virtual image in the virtual image area 402Lc on the left screen shown in an inclined manner. The virtual image on the left screen is displayed from the short distance position 425a to the long distance position 425b. The own vehicle mark 424 indicating the own vehicle is displayed in the virtual image area 402Re on the right screen. Accordingly, there is an effect that it is easy to grasp the sense of distance with respect to the guidance position with the virtual image in the virtual image area 402Lc, and the route guidance can be easily performed for the driver 500.

Further, in the virtual image display device 100, a distance range (a range in the z-axis direction) in which a virtual image can be displayed is a limited narrow range. For example, the distance range in which a virtual image can be displayed is determined by the specification or design of the apparatus. Therefore, for example, the distance between the two virtual images (for example, the approximate map 425 and the vehicle mark 424) is determined within the distance range in which the virtual image can be displayed according to the distance between the two objects that display the virtual image. May be. This process is performed as follows, for example.

First, the virtual image distance of a virtual image (for example, the approximate map 425) with respect to one of the two objects (for example, the intersection 427) is determined within a distance range in which the virtual image can be displayed. Next, the virtual image distance of the virtual image (for example, the own vehicle mark 424) with respect to the other object (for example, the own vehicle) of the two objects is set, for example, between the distance between the two objects and the two virtual images. The virtual image distance is determined so that the similarity relationship with the distance is maintained.

Alternatively, the distance between the two virtual images may be determined as follows. In the example of FIGS. 9A and 9B, the virtual image distance B1 (or B1 ′) of the virtual image of the route guidance on the left screen is determined in accordance with the inclination state and the display position. The virtual image distance B2 (or B2 ′) of the virtual image of the vehicle mark 424 on the right screen is controlled according to the virtual image distance B1 (or B1 ′). That is, the distance between the position of the vehicle mark 424 in FIG. 9A and the position of the vehicle mark 424 in FIG. 9B is set according to the distance from the vehicle to the intersection 427.

As described above, the control unit 130 determines the virtual image distance of the vehicle mark 424 in accordance with the scale of the virtual image distance of the approximate map 425 on the left screen, and displays the virtual image at a position having the determined virtual image distance.

<Virtual image display example 5: Route guidance by tilt difference>
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating still another example of the virtual image displayed by the virtual image display device 100.
The example shown in FIG. 10 is an example of displaying guidance for a sloping road such as an entrance to a highway. As shown in FIG. 10, the virtual image generated by the virtual image display device 100 is superimposed on the landscape when the driver 500 of the vehicle 600 (own vehicle) looks in the forward direction.

The road 700 which is the object shown in FIG. 10 is branched into a right-side uphill (ie, uphill) road and a left-side flat (ie, almost horizontal) road. The virtual image area 402Rc and the virtual image area 402Lc are inclined according to the background road 700 (that is, the road surface). Specifically, the virtual image area 402Lc is inclined more greatly than the virtual image area 402Rc.

That is, the control unit 130 controls the screen driving unit 142 to tilt the first virtual image (in the example shown in FIG. 10, the virtual image of the route guidance arrow 432) and the second virtual image (shown in FIG. 10). In the example, the inclination of the screen 122R and the inclination of the screen 122L are controlled so that the inclination of the virtual image of the map information 431, which is an approximate map, is different from each other.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 130 controls the screen driving unit 142 to respond to information that guides the driver 500 (in the example shown in FIG. 10, guidance for a sloping road). Thus, the angle formed by the first virtual image (that is, the virtual image of the route guide arrow 432) and the second virtual image (that is, the virtual image of the map information 431) is controlled. Specifically, the control unit 130 controls the screen driving unit 142 to control the screen 122L so that it is more inclined with respect to the vertical direction than the screen 122R.

The second virtual image is displayed on the horizontal road surface on the left side. The first virtual image is displayed on the right road surface having an angle (uphill gradient) with respect to the left horizontal road surface. The route guidance arrow 432 has tilt information for tilting and displaying so as to correspond to the road surface on the right side. The left road surface is horizontal, for example. The map information 431 does not have tilt information for tilting and displaying the virtual image so as to correspond to the road surface on the left side, or tilt information indicating that there is no tilt, or the tilt is greater than the tilt of the first virtual image. It has inclination information indicating that it is small.

In the virtual image display device 100, based on the inclination information, the inclination of the first virtual image on the right road surface is made larger than the inclination of the second virtual image on the left road surface. In the virtual image display device 100, the screen 122L is tilted at a predetermined angle in order to display the map information 431 along the road surface. The control unit 130 of the virtual image display device 100 controls the screen driving unit 142 to tilt the screen 122R based on the tilt information of the route guide arrow 432. The inclination amount of the screen 122R is larger than the inclination amount of the screen 122L. That is, the control unit 130 of the virtual image display device 100 controls the difference in tilt between the screen 122R and the screen 122L based on the difference in tilt information.

In this example, the object corresponding to the virtual image is the left and right road surfaces. The control unit 130 controls the position or inclination of the screen 122R and the screen 122L corresponding to the position and inclination of the object corresponding to the virtual image. That is, the control unit 130 associates the position and inclination of the virtual image with the position and inclination of the left and right road surfaces.

In the virtual image area 402Lc, simplified map information 431 relating to the left flat road is displayed. In the virtual image area 402Rc, simplified map information and a route guidance arrow 432 regarding the right uphill road are displayed.

When the route guidance arrow 432 can be displayed at a place where the virtual image distance and the inclination of the route guidance arrow 432 are equal to the distance and the inclination of the climbing portion on the right side of the road 700 and coincide with the line of sight of the driver 500, the virtual image area 402Rc The display of the simplified map information and the simplified map information 431 of the virtual image area 402Lc may be omitted.

When the virtual image is inevitably displayed at a distance or position deviated from the road 700 due to the restriction of the virtual image display device 100, it is desirable to display the above simplified map information together with the arrow. In particular, by displaying the map information 431 of the virtual image area 402Lc simultaneously with the route guidance arrow 432, one route guidance (shown in FIG. 10) is obtained from the inclination difference between the virtual image in the virtual image area 402Lc and the virtual image in the virtual image area 402Rc. In the example, it becomes easier to recognize that the right side of the road 700 indicates climbing. Therefore, when displaying virtual images with different inclinations on the right and left sides, it is not always necessary to match the inclination angle of the background, and the driver 500 recognizes which one of the inclinations on the right and left sides is steeper. If possible.

<Virtual image display example 6; Expressway information>
FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating other examples of virtual images displayed by the virtual image display device 100. FIG.
The example shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B is an example in which information such as SA (service area) or PA (parking area) is displayed while traveling on a highway. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the virtual image generated by the virtual image display device 100 is superimposed on the landscape when the driver 500 looks in the forward direction.

11 (a) and 11 (b) show the scenery when the vehicle is traveling in the center lane on a three-lane highway. In the tilted virtual image area 402Rc, a list display 441 which is a virtual image indicating SA and PA is displayed. In the list display 441, SA and PA are displayed in the upper and lower three stages, and are displayed in an inclined manner. Therefore, the SA shown in the upper stage is displayed far away, and the PA shown in the lower stage is displayed nearby. The positional relationship of the list display 441 in the virtual image area 402Rc is matched with the actual positional relationship of SA and PA. That is, the SA or PA that is close to the vehicle 600 is displayed at a short distance (that is, the near side position), and the SA or PA that is far from the vehicle 600 is displayed at a long distance (ie, the far side). Position). As a result, the driver 500 can easily grasp whether the actual SA and PA are far from or near the current position.

In FIG. 11A, the upper SA display is darker (ie, highlighted) than the middle SA and the lower PA. Specifically, the upper virtual image display is displayed brighter than the middle and lower virtual image displays, or the upper virtual image display is displayed in a more conspicuous color (for example, a color closer to the primary color). . Thereby, it can be shown that it is SA (that is, the target location) that is scheduled to stop by, and it can be shown that it is SA that is selected in need of information.

The virtual image area 402Lb is displayed at the same virtual image distance as the virtual image distance at which the SA shown in the upper part of the list display 441 is displayed. Therefore, the virtual image distance of the virtual image area 402Lb is set far. Detailed information 442 in the virtual image area 402Lb indicates SA information. Specifically, the detailed information 442 displays distance information to the SA from the current position of the vehicle 600 and facility information of the SA.

FIG. 11B shows the background at a position where the vehicle 600 is closer to the target location SA than the position of FIG. In this case, a list display 441b in a state approaching SA is displayed in the virtual image area 402Rc. In the position of FIG. 11 (b), since it has passed the PA shown in the middle and lower stages of FIG. 11 (a), the SA as the target location is displayed in the lower level and is located farther than the SA as the target location. PA and SA to be displayed are newly displayed in the middle and upper stages. In the virtual image area 402La, detailed information 442b is displayed at the virtual image distance corresponding to the lower virtual image distance on which the target location SA is displayed.

<Method of determining screen settings from virtual image distance>
In some of the display examples described above, the virtual image distance of the virtual image generated by the virtual image display device 100 is adjusted to be the same as the distance to the background object. In order to perform such display, it is necessary to set the position of the screen 122 appropriately. This method will be described below.

The relationship between the virtual image distance L1 and the projection distance D (distance from the magnifying mirror 140 to the screen 122) is approximately shown by the above equation (1). However, the above equation (1) is an equation that approximately represents the shape of the magnifying mirror 140 as a sphere. Accordingly, in reality, the magnifying mirror 140 or a combiner that replaces the magnifying mirror 140 is not a spherical surface but a free-form surface, and thus the expression (1) cannot be used as it is.

Therefore, the relationship between the virtual image distance L1 and the projection distance D needs to be derived in advance by an optical simulation considering the shape of the magnifying mirror 140, or the relationship needs to be obtained by actual measurement. The relation between the derived virtual image distance L1 and the projection distance D is approximated to obtain a relational expression in advance. The virtual image display device 100 obtains the projection distance D from the required virtual image distance L1 using a relational expression obtained in advance, and controls the position and inclination of the screen 122 so as to be the projection distance D.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the virtual image distance L1 and the projection distance D.
As the projection distance D increases, the amount of change in the virtual image distance L1 increases. This characteristic is similar to the relationship of equation (1), but not the same as the relationship of equation (1). Therefore, when the relationship between the virtual image distance L1 and the projection distance D is approximated by a polynomial as it is, the approximation error becomes large especially in a range where the change amount of the virtual image distance L1 is large.

Therefore, in order to make the approximation error as small as possible, approximation is performed as follows, for example.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the reciprocal of the virtual image distance L1 (that is, 1 / virtual image distance L1) and the reciprocal of the projection distance D (that is, 1 / projection distance D).
As shown in FIG. 13, the relationship between the reciprocal of the virtual image distance L1 and the reciprocal of the projection distance D is close to proportional. By approximating this relationship with, for example, a cubic or quartic polynomial, the relationship between the two can be accurately approximated. The order of the polynomial may be selected in a timely manner based on the virtual image distance L1 and the projection distance D obtained in advance. Similarly, whether or not to use an approximate expression other than a polynomial may be selected in a timely manner based on the virtual image distance L1 and the projection distance D obtained in advance.

It should be noted that the relationship between the virtual image distance L1 and the projection distance D may be held in a table and used. In this case, in a range where the change in the virtual image distance L1 is large (that is, the sensitivity is high) with respect to the change in the projection distance D, it is desirable that the relationship between the two is finely tabulated.

<Screen setting flow>
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for controlling the screen 122 for displaying a virtual image at the position of the virtual image distance L1.
The virtual image distance L1 of the virtual image generated by the virtual image display device 100 is determined by the control unit 130, for example.

In step S10, the video data converter 131 changes the virtual image display position to the virtual image distance L1.

In step S20, the virtual image control unit 133 sets the virtual image distance L1 based on the video signal data S2 from the video data conversion unit 131.

In step S30, the virtual image control unit 133 calculates the projection distance D using the virtual image distance L1 set in step S20 and the above-described equation (1).

In step S40, the virtual image control unit 133 calculates setting values for the position and tilt of the screen 122 based on the projection distance D calculated in step S30.

In step S50, the virtual image control unit 133 controls the position and inclination of the screen 122 through the screen driving unit 142 based on the setting value obtained in step S40. Thereby, the virtual image generated by the virtual image display device 100 is displayed at the virtual image distance L1.

In calculating the set value of the screen 122 in step S40, it is necessary to consider the inclination of the screen 122, the projection angle of the image light from the light source unit 111, and the like. For example, the setting value of the screen 122 includes design information such as the projection angle of the image light from the light source unit 111, the distance from the screen 122 to the light source unit 111, the tilt of the screen 122, the moving amount and direction of the position of the screen 122, and the like. It can be obtained using. Note that the control unit 130 may hold the relationship between the projection distance D and the position and inclination of the screen 122 as a table.

<Modification of Embodiment 1>
FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams showing another example of the screen unit 120.
In the modification of the first embodiment, a configuration and operation different from the configuration and operation of the screen unit 120 in the virtual image display device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

In the screen portion 120a shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the screen 122R and the screen 122L are arranged with respect to the projection direction C1 instead of the projection direction C as shown in FIGS. The screen portion 120 shown in FIG. The projection direction C1 is inclined with respect to the projection direction C on the xz plane. The screen unit 120 a can be applied to the video display unit 110 shown in FIG. 1 instead of the screen unit 120.

Further, the

screens

122R and 122L shown in FIG. 15B are different from the

screens

122R and 122L shown in FIG. 5B in that the lengths in the x-axis direction are different from each other. Specifically, the screen 122R is longer than the screen 122L in the x-axis direction.

The moving direction of the screen 122 is parallel to the projection direction C1, as indicated by an arrow in FIG. Specifically, the screen 122R moves in parallel with a straight line passing through the boundary between the screen 122R and the screen 122L and the light exit port 111a. Similarly, the screen 122L moves in parallel with a straight line passing through the boundary between the screen 122R and the screen 122L and the light exit port 111a. Therefore, the image light from the light source unit 111 is not affected by the movement and inclination of the divided screens (that is, the

screens

122R and 122L).

In the example shown in FIG. 5B, a virtual image is divided at the front as viewed from the driver 500 (for example, with the center as a boundary). On the other hand, in the example shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the dividing position of the two screens (that is, the boundary between the screen 122R and the screen 122L) is either left or right (that is, the x-axis direction). By offsetting, the virtual image can be prevented from being divided when viewed from the driver 500. Therefore, for example, a tilted guide arrow may be displayed on the front of the driver 500, and comparison information that shows supplementary information, a distance difference, or a tilt difference may be displayed on the screen 122L.

In the example of FIGS. 15A and 15B, the divided positions of the two screens are offset to the left side, but may be offset to the right side. The offset amount can be an arbitrary amount. Since a gap is generated at the screen division position such as between the screen 121 and the screen 122 and between the screen 122R and the screen 122L, an area corresponding to the screen division position is an image from the light source unit 111. It is desirable to limit the video information so that no light is output.

<Effects of Embodiment 1 and its Modification>
As described above, the screen in the screen unit 120 is divided into three parts, and the position and inclination of two of the screens (that is, the

screens

122R and 122L) can be changed according to information displayed as a virtual image. Therefore, a distance difference and a tilt difference can be provided between the first virtual image and the second virtual image generated by the virtual image display device 100. Thereby, guidance display etc. can be displayed clearly.

In addition, the moving direction of the screen 122 is set to a direction that takes into consideration the projection direction of the image light from the light source unit 111, thereby preventing the image light from being blocked by another screen when the screen 122 is moved. Can do.

In addition, since the image light can be prevented from being blocked by another screen, the image light from one light source unit 111 can be projected onto a plurality of divided screens. Thereby, a virtual image can be displayed at a plurality of virtual image distances and inclinations with a small number of light source units.

In in-vehicle applications, moving mechanism parts are often avoided in terms of reliability and the like, but in this embodiment, the position and inclination of a light part such as a screen is changed, so that the virtual image display device is moved. Reliability is easy to secure compared to other methods.

Further, by approximating the relationship between the virtual image distance L1 and the projection distance D in advance, a virtual image can be displayed with high accuracy at the desired virtual image distance L1.

Since the distance difference and the inclination difference displayed by the virtual image display device can be expressed, even if the virtual image distance and the inclination of the virtual image do not completely coincide with the background, the distance difference and the inclination between the screen 122R and the screen 122L. Due to the difference, the driver can easily understand the relationship between the background and the virtual image. Therefore, the installation position adjustment of the virtual image display device 100 and the virtual image display position adjustment are simplified, and even if the driver displays the image at a favorite position, the display can be easily understood.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIGS. 16A and 16B are diagrams schematically showing the configuration of the video display unit of the virtual image display device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
Specifically, FIG. 16A is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship among the light source unit 111, the screen 121, and the screen 122 in a state where image light is emitted from the light source unit 111 toward the screen unit 120b.
Specifically, FIG. 16B illustrates the light source unit 111 in a state where image light is emitted from the light source unit 111 toward the screen unit 120b, a screen 122R as a first screen (also referred to as a right screen), The positional relationship of a screen 122L (also referred to as a left screen) as a second screen, a screen 121 (also referred to as an upper screen) as a third screen, and a screen 123 (also referred to as an inclined screen) as a fourth screen is shown. FIG.

In the present embodiment, the x-axis shown in each figure indicates the left-right axis when the driver 500 looks forward, and the right side (that is, the right direction) indicates the positive direction. In the present embodiment, the y-axis shown in each figure indicates the vertical axis when the driver 500 looks forward, and the upper side (that is, the upward direction) indicates the positive direction. In the present embodiment, the z-axis shown in each drawing indicates the axis in the depth direction (front-rear direction) when the driver 500 looks forward, and the back side (front side) indicates the positive direction. In the present embodiment, the x-axis direction and the z-axis direction are horizontal directions, and the y-axis direction is a vertical direction. However, depending on the state of the vehicle 600, the x-axis direction and the z-axis direction do not necessarily coincide with the horizontal direction, and similarly, the y-axis direction does not necessarily coincide with the vertical direction.

In the second embodiment, a configuration and operation different from the configuration and operation of the virtual image display device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described below. In the virtual image display device according to the second embodiment, the configuration other than the video display unit is the same as that of the first embodiment. The video display unit of the virtual image display device according to the second embodiment is applicable to the video display unit 110 shown in FIG.

16A and 16B, the video display unit of the virtual image display device according to Embodiment 2 includes a light source unit 111 and a screen unit 120b.

In addition to the screen 122R as the first screen, the screen 122L as the second screen, and the screen 121 as the third screen, the screen portion 120b shown in FIGS. This is different from the screen portion 120 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B in that it has a screen 123 (also referred to as an inclined screen) as the screen. The screen unit 120 b can be applied to the video display unit 110 shown in FIG. 1 instead of the screen unit 120.

In this embodiment, a set of the screen 122R, the screen 122L, and the screen 123 is referred to as a “screen 122”.

As shown in FIG. 16A, the image light is emitted from the light source unit 111 in the range between the upper projection direction U and the lower projection direction B with the projection direction M as the center in the y-axis direction. Projected onto the screen part 120b.

As shown in FIG. 16B, image light is emitted from the light source unit 111 in a range between the right projection direction R and the left projection direction L around the projection direction C in the x-axis direction. It is projected on the screen part 120b. The screen 121 extends in the x-axis direction in the range from the projection direction R to the projection direction L.

The screen 122 is adjacent to the screen 121 in the y-axis direction. Specifically, the screen 122 is provided below the screen 121 in the y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 16A, in the screen portion 120b, the screen 121 is disposed on the upper side and the screen 122 is disposed on the lower side with the projection direction S as a boundary. Further, as shown in FIG. 16B, in the screen portion 120b, the screen 122R is disposed on the right side and the screen 122L is disposed on the left side with the projection direction C as a boundary. It is arranged between 122R and the screen 122L. Furthermore, the screen 122R, the screen 122L, and the screen 123 are arranged in the x-axis direction.

When the screen portion 120b is viewed in the x-axis direction, the screen 123 is fixed in an inclined state with respect to the

screens

122R and 122L. However, when the screen portion 120b is viewed in the x-axis direction, the

screens

122R and 122L can be inclined so as to be parallel to the screen 123.

The magnifying mirror 140 reflects the video light transmitted through the screen 122R as a first virtual image, reflects the video light transmitted through the screen 122L as a second virtual image, and sets the video light transmitted through the screen 121 as a third virtual image. The image light reflected and transmitted through the screen 123 is reflected as a fourth virtual image.

The screen 123 has a trapezoidal shape. Thereby, it can match | combine with the shape on xy plane of the image light radiate | emitted from the light source part 111. FIG.

The upper side of the screen 123 corresponds to the lower virtual image display on the near side as viewed from the driver 500, and the lower side of the screen 123 corresponds to the upper virtual image display on the far side as viewed from the driver 500. is doing. When performing perspective display, since it is generally natural to display a long distance in a small size, the lower size of the screen 123 corresponding to the long-distance display area (specifically, the length in the x-axis direction). ) Is smaller than the size of the upper side of the screen 123 (specifically, the length in the x-axis direction). By determining the shape of the screen 123 according to the projection direction from the light source unit 111, the moving directions of the

screens

122R and 122L installed on both sides of the screen 123 can be matched with the projection direction. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the image light projected on the screen 123 from being blocked by the

screen

122R or 122L.

The screen 122R is movable between the first position 122Ra and the second position 122Rb. Specifically, the control unit 130 controls the distance from the screen 122R to the magnifying mirror 140 by moving the position of the screen 122R, and changes the position of the second virtual image. In this case, the moving direction of the screen 122R is parallel to the projection direction S shown in FIG. Specifically, the screen 122R moves in parallel with a straight line passing through the lower end of the screen 121 and the light exit port 111a in the y-axis direction. However, the moving direction of the screen 122R may not be strictly parallel to the projection direction S as long as it moves below the straight line passing through the lower end of the screen 121 and the light exit port 111a.

Furthermore, the moving direction of the screen 122R is parallel to the projection direction C3 as shown by the arrow in FIG. The projection direction C3 is parallel to the side surface of the screen 123 (specifically, the side surface in the + x axis direction). However, the moving direction of the screen 122R may not be strictly parallel to the projection direction C3.

The screen 122L is also movable between the first position 122La and the second position 122Lb. Specifically, the control unit 130 controls the distance from the screen 122L to the magnifying mirror 140 by moving the position of the screen 122L, and changes the position of the third virtual image. In this case, the moving direction of the screen 122L is parallel to the projection direction S shown in FIG. Specifically, the screen 122L moves in parallel with a straight line passing through the lower end of the screen 121 and the light emission port 111a in the y-axis direction. However, the moving direction of the screen 122L may not be strictly parallel to the projection direction S as long as it moves below the straight line passing through the lower end of the screen 121 and the light exit port 111a.

Furthermore, the moving direction of the screen 122L is parallel to the projection direction C2 as indicated by an arrow in FIG. The projection direction C2 is parallel to the side surface of the screen 123 (specifically, the side surface in the −x axis direction). However, the moving direction of the screen 122L may not be strictly parallel to the projection direction C2.

The screen 122R rotates with the upper end in the y-axis direction as the center of rotation. The screen 122R can be tilted so as to be positioned at the third position 122c shown in FIG. 16A by rotating about the upper end side as the rotation center. Thereby, even when the screen 122R rotates, the image light projected on the upper end side of the screen 122R is projected on the upper end side of the screen 122R even when the inclination of the screen 122R is changed.

Similarly to the screen 122R, the screen 122L rotates with the upper end in the y-axis direction as the rotation center. The screen 122L can be tilted so as to be positioned at the third position 122c shown in FIG. 16A by rotating about the upper end side as the rotation center. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 16B, the screen 122L can be tilted so as to be positioned at the third position 122Lc by rotating about the upper end side as the rotation center. The third position 122Lc shown in FIG. 16B corresponds to the third position 122c shown in FIG. Thereby, even when the screen 122L rotates, the image light projected on the upper end side of the screen 122L is projected on the upper end side of the screen 122L even when the inclination of the screen 122L is changed.

The

screens

122R and 122L rotate independently of each other. Thereby, the

screens

122R and 122L can change the inclination independently of each other.

When tilting the screen 122R, the lower side of the screen 122R moves away from the projection direction C3 due to the rotation of the screen 122R, and a large gap is generated between the screen 122R and the screen 123. Therefore, it is desirable to control the light source unit 111 so that the image light is not projected into the gap. Similarly, when the screen 122L is tilted, the lower side of the screen 122L is separated from the projection direction C2 by the rotation of the screen 122L, and a large gap is generated between the screen 122L and the screen 123. Therefore, it is desirable to control the light source unit 111 so that no image light is emitted in the gap.

<Modification of Embodiment 2>
17 (a) and 17 (b) are diagrams showing another example of the screen portion 120b shown in FIGS. 16 (a) and 16 (b).
In the modification of the second embodiment, a configuration and operation different from the configuration and operation of the screen unit 120b in the virtual image display device according to the second embodiment will be described below.

17A and 17B, the arrangement of the

screens

122R and 122L is different from the

screens

122R and 122L shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. The screen unit 120 c can be applied to the video display unit 110 shown in FIG. 1 instead of the screen unit 120.

As shown in FIG. 17B, the screen 122R is arranged perpendicular to the projection direction C3. In other words, the screen 123 has a side surface 123R (first side surface) facing the screen 122R, and the screen 122R is arranged perpendicular to the side surface 123R of the screen 123. As a result, when the screen 122R is tilted, the gap between the screen 122R and the screen 123 does not increase, so that it is difficult for image light to enter the gap. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform control so that the image light from the light source unit 111 does not enter the gap according to the inclination of the screen 122R. However, the screen 122R may not be arranged strictly perpendicular to the projection direction C3 and the side surface 123R.

As shown in FIG. 17B, the screen 122L is arranged perpendicular to the projection direction C2. In other words, the screen 123 has a side surface 123L (second side surface) facing the screen 122L, and the screen 122L is disposed perpendicular to the side surface 123L of the screen 123. As a result, when the screen 122L is tilted, the gap between the screen 122L and the screen 123 does not increase, so that it is difficult for image light to enter the gap. Therefore, it is not necessary to control the image light from the light source unit 111 so as not to enter the gap according to the inclination of the screen 122L. However, the screen 122L may not be arranged strictly perpendicular to the projection direction C2 and the side surface 123L. The moving directions of the

screens

122R and 122L are the same as those shown in FIGS. 16 (a) and 16 (b).

When the

screens

122R and 122L are tilted, the left and right (that is, the outside in the x-axis direction) regions of the virtual image viewed from the driver are viewed far away. Therefore, it is desirable to make the content of the virtual image easy to see for the driver.

<Effects of Embodiment 2 and Modifications>
As described above, the screen in the screen unit 120 is divided into four parts, and the position and inclination of two of the screens (that is, the

screens

Further, since the screen 123 is provided between the screen 122R and the screen 122L, the image in the x-axis direction is not interrupted when viewed from the driver 500, and an inclined route guidance arrow is displayed in front of the driver 500. And visibility can be improved.

In addition, when the screen 122 is moved by setting the screen 123 to a trapezoidal shape that matches the projection direction and setting the moving direction of the screen 122 to a direction that considers the projection direction of the image light from the light source unit 111, It is possible to prevent the image light projected on the screen 123 from being blocked by the

screen

122R or 122L.

In addition, since the image light can be prevented from being blocked by another screen, the image light from one light source unit 111 can be projected onto a plurality of divided screens. Thereby, a virtual image can be displayed on several virtual image distance and inclination with few light source parts, and a virtual image display apparatus can be reduced in size.

In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the configuration example of the screen unit is shown, but the configuration of the screen unit is not limited to these. For example, the two screens may be divided vertically instead of dividing horizontally. In addition, the screen configuration may be an asymmetrical screen configuration instead of a symmetrical screen configuration, and various screen combinations are possible.

In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, terms such as “parallel” or “vertical” indicating the positional relationship between parts or the shape of the part are used, and the expressions “parallel” and “vertical” are used. Includes a range that takes into account manufacturing tolerances or assembly variations.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

The features in the embodiments described above and the features in the modifications can be appropriately combined with each other.

<Modification of

Embodiments

1 and 2>
FIG. 18 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating a control unit 130 of a modified example of the virtual image display device 100 according to the first and second embodiments. The control unit 130 shown in FIG. 2 uses a memory 91 as a storage device that stores a program as software, and a processor 92 as an information processing unit that executes the program stored in the memory 91 (for example, a computer Can be realized. In this case, the control unit 130 shown in FIG. 2 can be realized by the memory 91 shown in FIG. 18 and the processor 92 that executes the program. Further, a part of the control unit 130 illustrated in FIG. 18 may be realized by the memory 91 illustrated in FIG. 18 and the processor 92 that executes a program.

Based on each of the embodiments described above, the contents of the invention will be described as an appendix below.

<Appendix 1>
A screen portion having a first screen and a second screen;
A video projection unit that emits video light toward the screen unit;
A reflection mirror that reflects the image light transmitted through the first screen as a first virtual image and reflects the image light transmitted through the second screen as a second virtual image;
A virtual image display device comprising: a screen control unit that controls at least one of the position and the tilt of the first screen and controls at least one of the position and the tilt of the second screen.

<Appendix 2>
The screen control unit controls the distance from the first screen to the reflection mirror by moving the position of the first screen, and changes the position of the first virtual image. 2. The virtual image display device according to 1.

<Appendix 3>
The screen control unit controls the distance from the second screen to the reflection mirror by moving the position of the second screen, and changes the position of the second virtual image. 3. The virtual image display device according to 1 or 2.

<Appendix 4>
The screen portion has a third screen provided on the upper side of the first screen and the second screen in the vertical direction,
The virtual image display device according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, wherein the reflection mirror reflects the image light transmitted through the third screen as a third virtual image.

<Appendix 5>
The video projection unit has a light exit port,
The virtual image display device according to appendix 4, wherein the first screen moves in parallel with a straight line passing through a lower end of the third screen in the vertical direction and the light exit port.

<Appendix 6>
6. The virtual image display device according to appendix 5, wherein the second screen moves in parallel with a straight line passing through a lower end of the third screen in the vertical direction and the light exit port.

<Appendix 7>
The virtual image display device according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, wherein the first screen rotates around an upper end in a vertical direction.

<Appendix 8>
The virtual image display device according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, wherein the second screen rotates about an upper end in a vertical direction as a rotation center.

<Appendix 9>
The screen controller includes a first virtual image distance from a user's eye position to the first virtual image position and a second virtual image distance from the user's eye position to the second virtual image position. The virtual image display device according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, wherein the position of the first screen and the position of the second screen are controlled to be different from each other.

<Appendix 10>
The screen control unit determines the second virtual image from the first virtual image distance from the user's eye position to the first virtual image position and the user's eye position according to information to be guided to the user. The virtual image display device according to any one of appendices 1 to 9, wherein a difference from the second virtual image distance to the position is controlled.

<Appendix 11>
The screen control unit controls the tilt of the first screen and the tilt of the second screen so that the tilt of the first virtual image and the tilt of the second virtual image are different from each other. The virtual image display device according to any one of appendices 1 to 10.

<Appendix 12>
The said screen control part controls the angle which said 1st virtual image and said 2nd virtual image comprise according to the information guided to a user, It is any one of the additional notes 1-11 characterized by the above-mentioned. Virtual image display device.

<Appendix 13>
The screen portion has a fourth screen,
The virtual image display device according to any one of appendices 1 to 12, wherein the reflection mirror reflects the image light transmitted through the fourth screen as a fourth virtual image.

<Appendix 14>
The first screen, the second screen, and the fourth screen are arranged in a horizontal direction,
The virtual image display device according to appendix 13, wherein the fourth screen is disposed between the first screen and the second screen.

<Appendix 15>
The fourth screen has a first side facing the first screen;
The virtual image display device according to appendix 13 or 14, wherein the first screen is disposed perpendicular to the first side surface.

<Appendix 16>
The fourth screen has a second side facing the second screen;
The virtual image display device according to any one of appendices 13 to 15, wherein the second screen is arranged perpendicular to the second side surface.

<Appendix 17>
The virtual image display device according to any one of appendices 13 to 16, wherein the fourth screen is inclined with respect to the first screen and the second screen.

100 virtual image display device, 110 video display unit, 111 light source unit (video projection unit), 120, 120a, 120b, 120c screen unit, 121 screen (reference screen), 122 screen (movable screen), 122R screen (first movable) Screen, right screen), 122L screen (second movable screen, left screen), 123 screen, 122a first position, 122b second position, 122c third position, 130 controller, 131 video data converter, 132 light source control unit, 133 virtual image control unit, 134 projection position control unit, 140 magnifying mirror (projection unit), 141 magnifying mirror driving unit, 142 screen driving unit, 150 input device, 300 windshield, 400 virtual image display area, 401, 402a, 4 02b, 402c Virtual image area, 500 driver, 600 vehicle (own vehicle), 610 dashboard, 700 road, 701 pedestrian, 702 vehicle, S1, S2 video signal data, S3, S4, S5 control signal, S6 signal.

Claims

In a virtual image display device used for the vehicle, a virtual image visually recognized by a person riding in the vehicle is displayed superimposed on the landscape.
An image projection unit for emitting image light;
A screen unit including a screen on which the image light is projected to form an image;
A projection unit that generates the virtual image by projecting the image;
A control unit for changing the position of the screen,
The screen includes a first screen and a second screen;
A first image is formed on the first screen, the first image is projected as a first virtual image, a second image is formed on the second screen, and the second image The image is projected as a second virtual image,
The control unit is configured to project the video light passing through the second screen through an end of the second screen on the first screen side of the video light emitted from the video projection unit. A virtual image display device characterized by being moved to.
The virtual image display device according to claim 1, wherein the projection direction is inclined with respect to a central ray of the luminous flux of the video light emitted from the video projection unit.
3. The virtual image display device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit moves the second screen based on a position of an object in the landscape on which the virtual image is superimposed.
3. The virtual image display according to claim 1, wherein the control unit moves the second screen based on a virtual image distance that is a distance from the eyes of the person on the board to the virtual image. 4. apparatus.
The virtual image display device according to claim 4, wherein the virtual image distance is a distance to a second virtual image corresponding to the second image.
The control unit includes a first virtual image distance that is a distance from the eyes of the person on the board to the first virtual image and a distance from the eyes of the person on the board to the second virtual image. 3. The virtual image display device according to claim 1, wherein the second screen is moved with respect to the first screen based on a difference between the virtual image distance and the virtual image distance.
The ratio of the distance to the virtual image corresponding to the object with respect to the distance to the object in the landscape is a scale of the virtual image distance,
The said control part moves the said 2nd screen based on the reduced scale of the 1st virtual image distance which is the distance from the eyes of the said passenger to the said 1st virtual image. 3. The virtual image display device according to 1 or 2.
The virtual image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit rotates the second screen around the end portion.
The said control part rotates the said 2nd screen centering | focusing on the upper edge part or lower edge part with respect to the said vehicle of the said 2nd screen, The any one of Claim 1 to 7 characterized by the above-mentioned. The virtual image display device according to item.
10. The virtual image according to claim 1, wherein the control unit rotates the second screen based on an inclination of an object in the landscape on which the virtual image is superimposed. Display device.
The virtual image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control unit rotates the second screen based on an inclination of the virtual image.
The virtual image display device according to claim 11, wherein the inclination of the virtual image is an inclination of the second virtual image.
The said control part rotates the said 2nd screen with respect to the said 1st screen based on the difference of the inclination of a said 1st virtual image, and the inclination of a said 2nd virtual image. 10. The virtual image display device according to any one of 1 to 9.
14. The virtual image display device according to claim 13, wherein the first virtual image is displayed while being superimposed on a horizontal road surface, and the second virtual image is displayed while being superimposed on a sloped road surface.
15. The virtual image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first screen is fixedly arranged.