JPWO2018185956A1 - Virtual image display - Google Patents

Abstract

The virtual image display device (100) includes an image projection unit (111) that emits image light, a screen unit (120, 120a) including a screen on which an image is formed by projecting image light, and projecting the image. And a control unit (130) for changing the position of the screen, wherein the screen comprises a first screen (121, 122R) and a second screen (122L). 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 is formed on the second screen. The image is projected as a second virtual image, and the control unit (130) causes the second screen (122L) to display the second screen (122L) of the image light emitted from the image projection unit (111). The first screen The move to the projection direction of the image light (S, C1) passing through the ends of the over emissions (122R) side (1220).

Description

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

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

  The driver drives while watching the surrounding situation. Therefore, the driver's viewpoint moves to various places without being fixed. Further, the distance from the driver's eye position 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, by changing the distance at which the virtual image is displayed in accordance with the distance to the target object, the driver can easily display the virtual image. 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 Literature 1, an image formed on a screen by scanning light from a light source is visually recognized as a virtual image by a driver by a reflection unit, and the distance of the virtual image is controlled by moving the screen.

  Also, when the driver looks at the foreground, objects closer to the driver are visible on the lower side, objects farther 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 where it is. Therefore, even when the route guidance is displayed as an arrow as a virtual image, a method of performing a more natural display by inclining the virtual image has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 2).

  In Patent Literature 2, an image displayed on two display panels is visually recognized by a driver as a virtual image through a reflector as an enlargement 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.

JP-A-2015-176130 (page 3-8, FIG. 1) JP-A-2006-053691 (pages 6 to 14, FIGS. 1 and 2)

  However, the driving assistance 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, the 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 problem, and has as its object to provide a virtual image display device capable of changing a 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 for the vehicle, which displays a virtual image visually recognized by a person riding the vehicle in a superimposed manner, and a video projection unit that emits image light. A screen unit that includes 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 a 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 thereon, and the second image is projected as a second virtual image, and the control unit causes the second screen to display the second screen out of the image light emitted from the image projection unit. The second screen of And wherein said moving the projection direction of the image light passing through the end of the first screen side.

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

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a configuration of a virtual image display device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the structure of the control part of a virtual image display device. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the structure of the screen drive part of a virtual image display device. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the structure of the magnifying-mirror drive part of a virtual image display device. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows the positional relationship of a light source part and a screen in the state in which image light is emitted toward a screen part from a light source part. It is a figure showing an example of a virtual image displayed by a virtual image display. It is a figure showing other examples of a virtual image displayed by a virtual image display device. It is a figure showing still another example of a virtual image displayed by a virtual image display device. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows another example of the virtual image displayed by a virtual image display device. It is a figure showing still another example of a virtual image displayed by a virtual image display device. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows the other example of the virtual image displayed by a virtual image display device. It is a figure showing an example of the relation between a virtual image distance and a projection distance. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the reciprocal of a virtual image distance, and the reciprocal of a projection distance. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control method of the screen for displaying a virtual image at the position of a 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 roughly the structure of the video display part of the virtual image display device concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows another example of the screen part shown to Fig.16 (a) and (b). FIG. 9 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating a control unit of a modified example of the virtual image display device according to the first and second embodiments.

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 a configuration of control unit 130 in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the screen driving unit 142 of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the magnifying mirror driving unit 141 of FIG.
FIG. 5A illustrates the light source unit 111, the screen 121, and the screen 122 in a state where the image light is emitted from the light source unit 111 serving as the image projection unit toward the screen unit 120 (shown in FIG. 5A). It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the screen 122L in an example. FIG. 5A is a diagram of the light source unit 111 and the screen unit 120 viewed in the x-axis direction.
FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between 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 view 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 drawing is the horizontal direction when driver 500 as a user of virtual image display device 100 looks ahead through windshield 300 from inside 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 driver 500 looks forward through windshield 300 from inside vehicle 600, and the upper side (that is, the upper side) indicates the positive direction. Show. In the present embodiment, the z-axis shown in each drawing indicates an axis in the depth direction (front-back direction) when driver 500 looks forward from inside vehicle 600 through windshield 300, and the back side (front side) is positive. Indicates the 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 match the horizontal direction, and similarly, the y-axis direction does not need to match the vertical direction. The user of the virtual image display device 100 is not limited to the driver 500. Users of the virtual image display device 100 include, for example, occupants such as passengers.

  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. The virtual image display device 100 is mounted on a 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 an image display unit 110, a control unit 130 (screen control unit) that controls the image display unit 110, and an enlargement mirror 140 as a reflection mirror. The image display unit 110 includes a light source unit 111 as an image 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 inside the video display unit 110, but may be provided outside the video display unit 110.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, screen unit 120 includes screen 122R (also referred to as “right screen” or “first movable screen”) as a first screen and a screen 122R as a second screen. Screen 122L (also referred to as “left screen” or “second movable screen”) and a screen 121 as third screen (also referred to as “upper screen” or “reference screen”). In the present embodiment, a set of the screens 122R and 122L is referred to as a “screen 122” or a “movable screen 122”. In the present embodiment, the image formed on screen 121 is projected toward windshield 300 by magnifying mirror 140, and as a result, a virtual image is displayed at a fixed position (virtual image area 401) near driver 500. . The image formed on the screen 122 is projected by the magnifying mirror 140 toward the windshield 300. 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, since the magnifying mirror 140 projects the images formed on the screens 121 and 122 toward the windshield 300, it is also referred to as a “projecting unit”.

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

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

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

  The image light emitted from the light source unit 111 is projected on 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. Image 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, the image light is projected onto the screen unit 120. The screens 121 and 122 are transmission screens. “Projection” refers to emitting image light or displaying an image using image light. Here, the video includes a virtual image. Therefore, “projection” is used for the emitted image light or an image (including a virtual image) displayed by the image 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 driving unit 142 is a screen driving unit that moves (slides) the screen 122 in the projection direction S of the image light in 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. And a second screen moving unit 145L that moves the image along the projection direction S. Each of the first screen moving unit 145R and the second screen driving unit 145L includes, for example, a screen supporting unit that is a supporting mechanism that supports the screen 122R or 122L so as to be movable (slidable) in the projection direction S, and the screen 122R. Or a driving force generating means such as a motor for generating a driving force for moving the 122L, and a driving force transmission mechanism such as a gear for transmitting the driving force to the screen 122R or 122L.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the screen driving unit 142 includes a first screen rotation unit 146R that changes the inclination of the screen 122R by rotating the screen 122R about a central axis parallel to the x-axis, A second screen rotation unit 146L that changes the tilt of the screen 122L by rotating the 122L about a central axis parallel to the x-axis may be provided. Each of the first screen rotation unit 146R and the second screen rotation unit 145L supports, for example, a support shaft rotatably supporting the screen 122R or 122L about 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 transmitting mechanism such as a gear for transmitting the driving force to the screen 122R or 122L.

  Further, the magnifying mirror driving section 141 can include a driving mechanism, a driving circuit, and the like. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the magnifying mirror driving unit 141 includes a magnifying mirror rotating unit 144 that changes the inclination of the magnifying mirror 140 by rotating the magnifying mirror 140 about a support shaft, and moves the magnifying mirror 140 in the projection direction S. And a magnifying mirror moving unit 143 that moves along. The magnifying mirror rotating unit 144 generates a driving force such as a support shaft 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 includes, for example, a magnifying mirror supporting unit that is a support mechanism that supports the magnifying mirror 140 movably (slidably) in the projection direction, and a drive such as a motor that generates a driving force to move the magnifying mirror 140 It has a force generating means and a driving force transmitting mechanism such as a gear for transmitting the driving force to the magnifying mirror 140.

  In FIG. 5A, the screen 122 is movable in the projection direction S. The projection direction S is a projection direction of the image light at the end 1220 of the screen 122 on the screen 121 side. The screen 122 moves 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 light flux of the image light. 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 reflection surface having a negative power (specifically, a concave surface). 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 first virtual image through the screen 122L. The second virtual image is formed in the virtual image area 402 by reflecting the projected 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 magnifies the image light transmitted through the screen unit 120 and projects the magnified image light toward the windshield 300. The windshield 300 is, for example, a windshield of the vehicle 600. The windshield 300 reflects the image light from the magnifying mirror 140 and guides it to the driver 500 as a 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 an image formed on the screen unit 120. The projection unit can include a plurality of mirrors. That is, the magnifying mirror 140 can include a plurality of mirrors.

  In the present embodiment, as an example, a case where 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 the 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 the image, and drives the vehicle. To the person 500.

  The images formed on the screens 122 and 122 of the screen unit 120 are displayed as virtual images 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 on which virtual images are displayed.

  The image on the screen 121 is displayed in the virtual image area 401 as a virtual image. When a screen (for example, the screen 122R or 122L or both) in the screen unit 120 is located at the first position 122a, an image on the screen is displayed as 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, a virtual image area 402a, 402b, or 402c) of a virtual image based on image 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 upside down as a virtual image in the virtual image forming area 400. Therefore, the image formed on the screens 121 and 122 by the image light projected from the light source unit 111 to the screen unit 120 becomes an image inverted upside down by the magnifying mirror 140, and a virtual image based on the image inverted upside down is a virtual image forming area. 400 are formed.

  When the screen in the screen unit 120 moves from the first position 122a to the second position 122b (moves in a 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 (the screens 122R and / or 122L or both) in the screen unit 120 is located at the second position 122b, a virtual image area is formed. An inclined virtual image is displayed at a position 402c. Here, the virtual image in the virtual image area 402c does not tilt straight (that is, tilts as a plane), but as shown in FIG. 1, a curved state in which the convex portion is directed in a distance direction toward the driver 500 ( That is, it is inclined in a curved 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 screen 121 is displayed at a lower position in virtual image forming area 400 and at a position closer to driver 500 than 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 checks 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 has a screen 122R and a screen 122L that are divided into right and left. 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 right and left when the driver 500 looks ahead. In the virtual image area 402, a first virtual image having a virtual image distance and a virtual image inclination according to the position and the inclination of the screen 122R and a second virtual image having a virtual image distance and a virtual image inclination according to the position and the inclination of the screen 122L are displayed. Is done. However, the present invention is also applicable 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 of displaying a virtual image displayed in the virtual image area 402, for example, an AR (Augmented Reality) technique is used. The AR technology is a technology for displaying digital information superimposed on a real scene. AR display is a display method in which digital information is superimposed on a real scene using AR technology.

  In the AR display used in the present embodiment, a virtual image superimposed on a background (that is, a real scene) is displayed in front of the line of sight of the driver 500. Specifically, not only the position of the virtual image in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction, but also the distance of the virtual image (z-axis direction) is matched with the background (that is, the position and shape of the virtual image, By 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 an outside camera 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 area 400 is the focal length f of the magnifying mirror 140 and the distance from the magnifying mirror 140 to the screen section 120. 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 among 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, when the screen (for example, the screen 122R or 122L or both of them) in the screen unit 120 is inclined, the virtual image area shown in FIG. A virtual image curved like 402c is displayed.

  The driver 500 can visually recognize the scene in front of the windshield 300 and the virtual image superimposed on the scene at the same time.

  The reflection surface of the magnifying mirror 140 may be formed as a free-form surface. If the reflecting surface of the magnifying mirror 140 is formed with a curved surface having an appropriate shape in accordance with 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 the inclination of the screens (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 device 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 reflection surface other than the magnifying mirror 140 or the windshield 300. Further, the screen in the screen unit 120 is not limited to the transmission type, and may be a reflection 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 conversion unit 131 converts video signal data that is a source of a video displayed as a virtual image into a format that can be handled by the light source control unit 132 and the virtual image control unit 133. The video signal data includes, for example, data for a virtual image, a magnification of the image, and distance data indicating a display distance of the virtual image in a display direction of the virtual image or a perspective direction.

  The video data conversion unit 131 can receive video signal data generated inside the virtual image display device 100. Further, 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 or the like 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.

  Further, 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. The external device of the virtual image display device 100 is, for example, a part that controls the vehicle 600 or a navigation system.

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

  The video data conversion unit 131 sends the video signal data S1 and S2 to the light source control unit 132 and the virtual image control unit 133.

  The light source control unit 132 controls emission of image light from the light source unit 111. The light source control unit 132 receives the video signal data S1 from the video data conversion unit 131. The light source control unit 132 generates video data serving as 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 the video data, the size of the video or the position where the video is displayed 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 image 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 or the tilt or both) for controlling the position or the tilt of the screen 122 (that is, the position or the tilt or both). The virtual image controller 133 receives the video signal data S2 from the video data converter 131. The virtual image controller 133 sends a control signal S4 to the screen driver 142 based on the video signal data S2.

  For example, in FIG. 1, the virtual image is moved to the second position 122b by moving the screen (for example, the screen 122R or 122L or both) to the second position 122b in order to display the virtual image at a long distance. The distance is displayed at the position of the virtual image area 402b. As a result, the driver 500 looks as if the virtual image is displayed at a distance.

  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 of the magnifying mirror 140, and the like. The optical path length from the second position 122b for long distance to the magnifying mirror 140 is longer than the optical path length from the first position 122a for short distance to the magnifying mirror 140. Therefore, the distant 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 determination of the distance from the driver 500 to the virtual image areas 402a and 402b is performed 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 a sensor). May be. However, in this case, a process of associating the image displayed on the virtual image display device 100 with the distance information is required.

  The screen driving unit 142 adjusts the position of a screen (for example, the screen 122R or 122L, or both) in the screen unit 120. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the screen driving unit 142 is provided inside the control unit 130, but a part of the screen driving unit 142 (for example, a motor driving circuit) includes the control unit 130 or the image display unit. It may be provided in another place 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 the inclination of the screen 122 based on the control signal S4. Accordingly, the virtual image is in a near-far 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 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 an inclination (for example, an angle of the virtual image area 402c) changes. Here, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the “far and near direction” is the traveling direction (z-axis direction) of the vehicle 600. 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 or the inclination or both of them) for changing the position or the inclination (that is, the reflection angle) of the magnifying mirror 140. The projection position control unit 134 receives a signal S6 for adjusting the magnifying mirror 140 from the input device 150.

  The input device 150 is, for example, a user operation device such as an input button, a switch, or a dial. The input device 150 is provided on 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 the inclination of the magnifying mirror 140. The projection position control unit 134 sends the 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 illustrated 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) includes 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 section 141 adjusts the position or inclination of the magnifying mirror 140 based on the control signal S5. In accordance with the control signal S5, the position or inclination at which the virtual image is displayed (for example, the virtual image area 402a, 402b, or 402c) changes. Thus, even when the viewpoint of the driver 500 changes due to a difference in the physique of the driver 500 or the setting of the seat position, the position and the inclination of the virtual image can be adjusted so that the virtual image can be visually recognized. The driver 500 can adjust the optimal virtual image position using the input device 150 while checking the virtual image. The magnifying mirror driving section 141 receives the control signal S5 from the projection position control section 134. The control signal S5 is a signal for adjusting the position or the inclination of the magnifying mirror 140. However, the present invention is also applicable to a virtual image display device that does not include the magnifying mirror driving unit 141 and has a fixed position of the magnifying mirror 140.

<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 above the screen 122 in the y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 5B, the screen 121 extends in the x-axis direction in a 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 shown 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 exit 111a. The projection direction S is also the direction of the light beam of the image light emitted from the light source unit 111 that passes through the end 1220 of the screen 122 on the screen 121 side. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, in the screen section 120, a screen 122R is arranged on the right side and a screen 122L is arranged on the left side with respect to the projection direction C. 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 is. The lower end of the screen 121 in the y-axis direction is located on an extension of the projection direction S.

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

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

  Similarly, in the example shown in FIG. 5B, the screen 122L is movable between a first position 122La and a 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 FIG.

  The screens 122R and 122L are movable independently of each other.

  The moving direction of the screen 122 is parallel to the projection direction S as indicated by an arrow in FIG. Specifically, the screen 122R is formed by a straight line passing through the lower end of the screen 121 in the y-axis direction and the light output port 111a (in FIG. 5A, the upper end 1220 of the screen 122R in the y-axis direction is (A straight line passing through the mouth 111a). Similarly, the screen 122L has a straight line passing through the lower end of the screen 121 in the y-axis direction and the light exit 111a (in FIG. 5A, the upper end 1220 of the screen 122L in the y-axis direction and the light exit 111a). Move in parallel with the straight line that passes 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 a straight line passing through the lower end of the screen 121 and the light exit 111a, and do not have to be strictly parallel to the projection direction S. If the screen 122 moves below a straight line passing through the lower end of the screen 121 and the light emission port 111a, when the screen 122R or 122L is moving, the image light projected from the light source unit 111 to the screen 121, Blocking by the screen 122R or 122L can be prevented.

  Further, 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 the 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 as a center of rotation. That is, the screen 122R rotates around the support shaft near the upper end in the y-axis direction as the center of rotation. Similarly, the screen 122L rotates around a support shaft near the upper end in the y-axis direction as a center of rotation. The screens 122R and 122L are rotatable independently of each other. Thereby, the screens 122R and 122L can change the inclination independently of each other.

  The screens 122 </ b> R and 122 </ b> L can be tilted so as to be located at, for example, the third position 122 c by rotating about the upper end side as the center of rotation. Accordingly, the screens 122R and 122L are inclined such 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 to move the position of the screen 122R, and changes 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). ) To change the position. The control unit 130 can separately control the positions of the screens 122R and 122L in the screen unit 120. Thereby, the control unit 130 controls the virtual image distance (first virtual image distance) from the position of the driver 500's eyes to the position of the first virtual image and the virtual image distance from the position of the driver 500's eyes to the position of the second virtual image. The position of the screen 122R and the position of the screen 122L can be controlled such that the virtual image distances (second virtual image distances) are different from each other.

  The control unit 130 may control the first position from the position of the eyes of the driver 500 to the position of the first virtual image in accordance with the information to guide the driver 500 (for example, the content of attention information or the like provided to the driver 500). Between the virtual image distance of the driver 500 and the second virtual image distance from the position of the eyes of the driver 500 to the position of the second virtual image 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 such 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, a case where 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 in FIG. Is the angle formed by the plane of the virtual image area 402a and the plane of the virtual image area 402c. In other words, from the driver 500, the inclination of the surface on which the first virtual image is displayed and the second virtual image are adjusted by the driver 500 by adjusting the angle between the first virtual image and the second virtual image. The difference from the displayed inclination of the surface can be visually recognized.

Next, several examples of the operation of the virtual image display device 100 will be described.
<Example 1 of virtual image display; alert>
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 in which an alert is displayed for a pedestrian, a vehicle, and the like in front. As shown in FIG. 6, a virtual image generated by the virtual image display device 100 is superimposed on a landscape when the driver 500 looks in a forward direction.

  FIG. 6 shows a state where a pedestrian 701, which is an object, is trying 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 in which 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 (own vehicle).

  In FIG. 6, the virtual image display device 100 performs a virtual image display for alerting as a target of alerting that the pedestrian 701 and the vehicle 702 may enter a traveling course. Specifically, the reminder mark 410, which is a virtual image, is displayed on the virtual image area 402Ra, which is a short distance from the pedestrian 701. For the vehicle 702, an alert mark 411 as a virtual image is displayed in a virtual image area 402Lb which is a long distance.

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

  Further, in the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the control unit 130 responds to the information to guide the driver 500 (in the example illustrated in FIG. 6, alerts the pedestrian 701 and the vehicle 702 ahead) to the driver 500. The first virtual image distance from the eye position to the first virtual image position (that is, the virtual image area 402Ra) and the first virtual image distance from the driver 500 eye position to the second virtual image position (that is, the virtual image area 402Lb). 2 is controlled.

  The virtual image distance at which the virtual image area 402Ra is displayed is, for example, up to the pedestrian 701 measured or estimated (calculated) from image data or detection data by a camera or a sensor (for example, the camera 151 in FIG. 2) mounted on the vehicle 600. Is determined based on the distance of 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 alert marks 410 and 411 is determined based on the distance and the distance and the size of the object (the pedestrian 701 and the vehicle 702 in the example shown in FIG. 6), and the alert marks 410 and 411 are displayed. The position (up, down, left, and right with respect to the object) is determined to be a position closer to the object in the line of sight when the driver 500 looks at the object.

  In the virtual image area 401, which is a short distance from the driver 500, information such as the traveling speed of the vehicle 600 or traveling road information (road name in the example shown in FIG. 6) is displayed. Note that it is not necessary to completely match (match) the target object (the object on the line of sight) that the driver 500 is looking at with the display position of the virtual image, but rather, it is slightly shifted from the target object, such as the lower side of the target object. By displaying the virtual image at the position where the driver 500 moves, the driver 500 can easily recognize the target object.

  As described above, by displaying the reminder marks 410 and 411, which are virtual images, at positions close to the target object, the driver 500 can easily visually recognize the target object and the reminder marks 410 and 411 at the same time. The recognition rate of the alert 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 call attention to an object located at a different distance from an appropriate display position. .

  Note that 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, a similarity 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 in the range of the virtual image distance that can be displayed by the virtual image display device 100. Thus, 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 alert marks 410 and 411 are displayed. That is, in FIG. 6, the similarity 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 the virtual image.

  The same applies to a 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 own 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 on the virtual image display device 100. For example, in FIG. 6, the similarity 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 such that the similarity relationship 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 the 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 distances of the two virtual images in a displayable range of the virtual image display device 100 while securing the difference between the virtual image distances of the two virtual images (corresponding to the distance A3 in FIG. 6). . In other words, the control unit 130 secures the distance (difference between the two position coordinates) A3 from the virtual image area 402Lb to the virtual image area 402Ra in FIG. 6, and moves the virtual image area 402Lb and the virtual image area 402Ra to a position where both 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, two virtual images can be displayed simultaneously while securing the difference (A3 in FIG. 6) between the virtual image distances of the two virtual images.

  When 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.

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

<Example 2 of virtual image display; route guidance at intersection>
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of the 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 scene 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 near 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 illustrated in FIG. 7, the inclination of the road surface and the inclination of the virtual image area 402Lc when the driver 500 looks in the forward direction are the same as each other.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, a route guidance arrow 421 that is a virtual image for guiding a route to which the vehicle 600 should travel (in the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the left lane) is displayed in the virtual image area 402Lc so as to be visually recognized as being tilted. Have been. In the virtual image area 402Rb, a guide arrow 422 that is a virtual image is displayed at a position 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 (the guide arrow 422 in the example shown in FIG. 7) 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) differs from each other.

<Example 3 of virtual image display; route guidance at intersection>
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing still another example of the virtual image displayed by the virtual image display device 100.
FIG. 8 shows an example in which route guidance is displayed at the time of turning right at an intersection which is an object, similarly to FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the virtual image generated by the virtual image display device 100 is superimposed on the scene 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, display contents 423 including map information 423a, which is a simplified schematic map including a right-turn intersection in the foreground, a route guidance arrow 423b, and a vehicle mark 423c indicating the current position of the vehicle 600 are displayed as virtual images. Is displayed in. By displaying the display content 423 at an angle, the driver 500 can easily compare the display content 423 with the front background.

  The guide arrow 422 in the virtual image area 402Rb on the right side 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 on the virtual image display device 100 (the distance range in which the virtual image can be displayed). The virtual image distance is adjusted accordingly 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 driver's 500 gaze. You can change it. Further, by changing the sharpness and the display color of the image depending on whether the distance is outside the virtual image distance range or within the virtual image distance range, the driver 500 determines whether or not the distance between the object (intersection) and the guide arrow 422 matches. May be recognized.

<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 of displaying route guidance when the vehicle 600 (own vehicle) traveling in the left lane makes a right turn at the intersection 427, as in FIG. Here, the intersection 427 is an object. In the example shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the point that the own vehicle mark 424 indicating the current position of the vehicle 600 is displayed as a virtual image in the virtual image areas 402Rd and 402Re on the right side is an example shown in FIG. And different.

  In the example illustrated 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 images are displayed is determined.

  FIGS. 9A and 9B are display examples when guiding a right turn at the intersection 427. FIG. In the virtual image area 402Lc on the left side of FIGS. 9A and 9B, the simplified map 425 of the intersection 427 to be guided is inclined (that is, the far point is inclined so that it can be seen at a higher position than the near point). ) 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. 9A shows a case where the own vehicle is separated from the intersection 427 to be guided. In this case, the vehicle mark 424 is displayed as a virtual image at a position closer than 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 own vehicle mark 424 is located near the position of the virtual image distance B1 'of the guide arrow 426 when the guide arrow 426 of the left schematic map 425 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 ').

  Furthermore, FIG. 9B shows that the intersection 427 is a point where the vehicle turns right with the tip of the own vehicle mark 424 facing right.

  Note that the shape of the own vehicle mark 424 is not limited to the illustrated shape, and may be another shape such as an icon or an arrow similar to the shape of the vehicle. When approaching the guidance intersection, the shape of the own vehicle mark 424 is changed (for example, a right arrow indicating a right turn is changed) or the own vehicle mark 424 is highlighted (for example, the brightness is changed). (Increase the color, change the color), and notify the driver 500 that it is the point to turn right.

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

  Note that the distance difference, which is the difference between the virtual image distance of the lower (closer) position 425a on the schematic map 425 and the virtual image distance of the upper (far) position 425b, may be different from the actual distance difference. . Therefore, the virtual image distance of a point on the schematic map 425 is different from the actual distance. 9A and 9B, the own vehicle mark 424 is displayed in the virtual image area 402Re at a position corresponding to the virtual image distance of the position 424a of the own vehicle on the schematic map 425. 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 schematic map 425.

  That is, in this virtual image display example, the virtual image distance B1 (or B1 ′) of the point of the guidance display indicated by the route guidance arrow 426 and the virtual image distance B2 (or B2 ′) of the own vehicle mark 424 indicating the own vehicle. With, that is, match. Here, the point of the 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, which is shown as being tilted. The virtual image on the left screen is displayed from a short distance position 425a to a 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. Thus, there is an effect that the sense of distance to the guidance position can be easily grasped by the virtual image in the virtual image area 402Lc, and the route guidance can be performed easily for the driver 500.

  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 range in which a virtual image can be displayed is determined by the specifications or design of the device. Therefore, for example, the distance between two virtual images (for example, the schematic map 425 and the own vehicle mark 424) is determined within a distance range in which the virtual image can be displayed according to the distance between the two objects displaying the virtual images. May be. This processing is performed, for example, as follows.

  First, the virtual image distance of the virtual image (for example, the schematic 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 one of the two objects (for example, the own vehicle) is calculated, for example, between the distance between the two objects and the two virtual images. The virtual image distance is determined so that the similarity with the distance is maintained.

  Alternatively, the distance between two virtual images may be determined as follows. In the examples 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 according to the tilt situation 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 own vehicle mark 424 in FIG. 9A and the position of the own vehicle mark 424 in FIG. 9B is set according to the distance from the own vehicle to the intersection 427.

  As described above, the control unit 130 determines the virtual image distance of the own vehicle mark 424 according to the scale of the virtual image distance of the schematic map 425 on the left screen, and displays the virtual image at the position having the determined virtual image distance.

<Example 5 of virtual image display; route guidance by inclination difference>
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing still another example of the virtual image displayed by the virtual image display device 100.
The example shown in FIG. 10 is an example in which guidance for an inclined road such as an entrance of a highway is displayed. As shown in FIG. 10, a virtual image generated by the virtual image display device 100 is superimposed on a landscape when the driver 500 of the vehicle 600 (own vehicle) looks in a forward direction.

  The road 700, which is the object shown in FIG. 10, is branched into a right-side ascending (ie, uphill) road and a left-side flat (ie, substantially 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 more inclined than the virtual image area 402Rc.

  In other words, the control unit 130 controls the screen driving unit 142 to control the inclination of the first virtual image (the virtual image of the route guidance arrow 432 in the example shown in FIG. 10) 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 inclinations of the virtual information (the virtual image of the map information 431) are different from each other.

  Further, in the example illustrated in FIG. 10, the control unit 130 controls the screen driving unit 142 to respond to information to guide the driver 500 (in the example illustrated in FIG. 10, guidance for a sloped road). Thus, the angle formed by the first virtual image (that is, the virtual image of the route guidance 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 the screen 122L is inclined more greatly in the vertical direction than the screen 122R.

  The second virtual image is displayed on the left horizontal road surface. 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 displaying it inclining so as to correspond to the right road surface. The road surface on the left side is, for example, horizontal. The map information 431 has no tilt information for displaying the virtual image in an inclined manner so as to correspond to the left road surface, or tilt information indicating that there is no tilt, or the tilt is smaller than the tilt of the first virtual image. It has inclination information indicating that it is small.

  In the virtual image display device 100, 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 based on the inclination information. In the virtual image display device 100, the screen 122L is inclined 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 tilts the screen 122R based on the tilt information of the route guidance arrow 432 by controlling the screen driving unit 142. The tilt amount of the screen 122R is larger than the tilt amount of the screen 122L. That is, the control unit 130 of the virtual image display device 100 controls the difference in the inclination between the screen 122R and the screen 122L based on the difference in the inclination information.

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

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

  If the virtual image distance and the inclination of the route guidance arrow 432 are equal to the distance and inclination of the right climbing portion of the road 700 and the route guidance arrow 432 can be displayed at a position that matches 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 it is necessary to display a virtual image at a distance or a position shifted from the road 700 due to restrictions of the virtual image display device 100, it is preferable that the above-described simplified map information is also displayed together with an arrow. In particular, by displaying the map information 431 of the virtual image area 402Lc at the same time as the route guidance arrow 432, one of the route guides (shown in FIG. 10) is obtained from the difference in inclination between the virtual image in the virtual image area 402Lc and the virtual image in the virtual image area 402Rc. In the example, it is easy to recognize that the right side of the road 700) indicates the climb. Therefore, when displaying virtual images having 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 of the right and left inclinations is steeper. Good if possible.

<Virtual image display example 6: Expressway information>
FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating another example of a virtual image displayed by the virtual image display device 100. FIG.
The examples shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B are examples 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.

  The examples shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B show scenes when traveling on a central lane on a three-lane highway. A list display 441 which is a virtual image indicating SA and PA is displayed in the inclined virtual image area 402Rc. In the list display 441, the SA and the PA are displayed in the upper and lower three rows, and are displayed in a tilted manner. Therefore, the SA shown in the upper row is displayed at a distance, and the PA shown in the lower row is displayed near. The positional relationship between the list display 441 in the virtual image area 402Rc and the actual positional relationship between SA and PA are matched. That is, the SA or PA at a position close to the vehicle 600 is displayed at a short distance position (that is, a position on the near side), and the SA or PA at a position far from the vehicle 600 is displayed at a position at a long distance (that is, a rear position). Position). This makes it easier for the driver 500 to grasp whether the actual SA and PA are far or near from the current position.

  In FIG. 11A, the display of the upper SA is displayed darker (that is, highlighted) as compared with the middle SA and the lower PA. Specifically, the upper virtual image display is displayed brighter than the middle and lower virtual image displays, and the upper virtual image display is displayed in a color that is more conspicuous than the middle and lower virtual displays (for example, a color closer to the primary color). . Thus, it is possible to indicate that the SA is to be dropped in (that is, the destination), and it is possible to indicate that the SA is selected because information is required.

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

  FIG. 11B illustrates a background at a position where the vehicle 600 is closer to the target location SA than the position illustrated in FIG. In this case, a list display 441b approaching SA is displayed in the virtual image area 402Rc. In the position of FIG. 11B, since the vehicle has passed the PAs shown in the middle and lower parts of FIG. 11A, the SA as the destination is displayed in the lower part, and is located farther than the SA as the destination. PA and SA are newly displayed in the middle and upper rows. In the virtual image area 402La, the detailed information 442b is displayed at the virtual image distance corresponding to the lower virtual image distance where the SA as the destination is displayed.

<How to determine 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 appropriately set the position of the screen 122. Hereinafter, this method will be described.

  The relationship between the virtual image distance L1 and the projection distance D (the distance from the magnifying mirror 140 to the screen 122) is approximately expressed 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. Therefore, since the magnifying mirror 140 or a combiner or the like in place of the magnifying mirror is actually not a spherical surface but a free-form surface, equation (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 in consideration of the shape of the magnifying mirror 140, or to obtain the relationship by actual measurement. The relation between the derived virtual image distance L1 and the projection distance D is approximated, and a relational expression is obtained 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 the inclination of the screen 122 so that the projection distance D is obtained.

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 is 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 directly approximated by a polynomial or the like, an approximation error increases particularly in a range where the amount of change in the virtual image distance L1 is large.

Therefore, in order to minimize the approximation error, approximation is performed as follows, for example.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing 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 a proportional relationship. By approximating this relationship with, for example, a third-order or fourth-order polynomial, it is possible to accurately approximate the relationship between the two. The degree of the polynomial may be appropriately selected based on the virtual image distance L1 and the projection distance D obtained in advance. Similarly, whether or not to use an approximation other than the polynomial may be appropriately selected according to the virtual image distance L1 and the projection distance D obtained in advance.

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

<Screen setting flow>
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control method of 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 conversion unit 131 changes the display position of the virtual image 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 set values of the position and the inclination 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 the inclination of the screen 122 through the screen driving unit 142 based on the setting values 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 set value of the screen 122 includes design information such as a projection angle of image light from the light source unit 111, a distance from the screen 122 to the light source unit 111, an inclination of the screen 122, a moving amount and a direction of the position of the screen 122, and the like. Can be determined 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 First Embodiment>
FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams illustrating another example of the screen unit 120. FIG.
In the modification of the first embodiment, a configuration and an operation different from the configuration and the operation of the screen unit 120 in the virtual image display device 100 according to the above-described first embodiment will be described below.

  15A and 15B, the screen unit 120a shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B is different from the screen unit 120A in that the screen 122R and the screen 122L are arranged not by the projection direction C but by the projection direction C1. ) Is different from the screen unit 120 shown in FIG. The projection direction C1 is inclined with respect to the projection direction C on the xz plane. The screen unit 120a can be applied to the image display unit 110 shown in FIG.

  Further, the screens 122R and 122L shown in FIG. 15B differ 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 the 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 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 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 illustrated in FIG. 5B, the virtual image is divided at the front (for example, with the center as a boundary) viewed from the driver 500. 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). , It is possible to prevent the virtual image from being divided when viewed from the driver 500. Therefore, for example, an inclined guide arrow may be displayed on the front of the driver 500, and supplementary information, a difference in distance, or comparison information that indicates the difference in inclination may be displayed on the screen 122L.

  In the examples of FIGS. 15A and 15B, the division positions of the two screens are offset to the left, but may be offset to the right. The offset amount can be an arbitrary amount. At the split positions of the screen such as between the screen 121 and the screen 122 and between the screen 122R and the screen 122L, since a gap is generated at least, an area corresponding to the split position of the screen is an image from the light source unit 111. It is desirable to restrict the image information so that light is not output.

<Effects of Embodiment 1 and Modifications thereof>
As described above, the screen in the screen unit 120 is arranged in three parts, and the position and the inclination of two of the screens (that is, the screens 122R and 122L) can be changed according to the information displayed as the virtual image. As a result, 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. This makes it possible to easily display the guidance display and the like.

  In addition, by setting the moving direction of the screen 122 to a direction in consideration of the projection direction of the image light from the light source unit 111, it is possible to prevent the image light from being blocked by another screen when the screen 122 is moved. Can be.

  Further, 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 with a plurality of virtual image distances and inclinations with a small number of light source units.

  In automotive applications, movable components are apt to be avoided in terms of reliability and the like, but in this embodiment, since the position and inclination of a light component such as a screen are changed, it is necessary to move the virtual image display device. Reliability is easier to secure than a simple system.

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

  Since the distance difference and the inclination difference displayed on the virtual image display device can be expressed, even if the virtual image distance and the inclination of the virtual image do not completely match the background, the distance difference and the inclination between the screen 122R and the screen 122L. Due to the difference, the relationship between the background and the virtual image can be easily transmitted to the driver. Therefore, the adjustment of the installation position of the virtual image display device 100 and the adjustment of the display position of the virtual image are simplified, and the driver can easily display the display at a desired position.

Embodiment 2 FIG.
FIGS. 16A and 16B are diagrams schematically illustrating a configuration of a video display unit of a virtual image display device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
Specifically, FIG. 16A is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between 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 shows 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 between 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 drawing indicates an axis in the left-right direction when the driver 500 looks forward, and the right side (that is, the right direction) indicates the forward direction. In the present embodiment, the y-axis shown in each figure indicates the vertical axis when driver 500 looks forward, and the upper side (that is, the upper direction) indicates the forward direction. In the present embodiment, the z-axis shown in each drawing indicates an axis in the depth direction (front-back direction) when driver 500 looks forward, and the back side (front side) indicates the forward 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 match the horizontal direction, and similarly, the y-axis direction does not need to match the vertical direction.

  In the second embodiment, configurations and operations different from those of the virtual image display device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described below. The configuration of the virtual image display device according to the second embodiment 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 video display unit 110 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the video display unit of the virtual image display device according to the second embodiment has a light source unit 111 and a screen unit 120b.

  The screen unit 120b shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B includes a screen 122R as a first screen, a screen 122L as a second screen, and a screen 121 as a third screen, and a fourth screen 121R. 5A and 5B in that it has a screen 123 (also referred to as an inclined screen). The screen unit 120b can be applied to the image display unit 110 shown in FIG.

  In the present 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, video light is emitted from the light source unit 111 in a 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. Is projected on the screen unit 120b.

  As shown in FIG. 16B, video light is emitted from the light source unit 111 in a range between the right projection direction R and the left projection direction L with the projection direction C as a center in the x-axis direction, It is projected on the screen part 120b. The screen 121 extends in the x-axis direction in a 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 section 120b, the screen 121 is arranged on the upper side and the screen 122 is arranged on the lower side with the projection direction S as a boundary. Further, as shown in FIG. 16B, in the screen unit 120b, a screen 122R is disposed on the right side, a screen 122L is disposed on the left side with respect to the projection direction C, and the screen 123 is a screen 123. It is arranged between 122R and the screen 122L. Further, 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 image light transmitted through the screen 122R as a first virtual image, reflects the image light transmitted through the screen 122L as a second virtual image, and uses the image 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 is possible to match the shape of the image light emitted from the light source unit 111 on the xy plane.

  The upper side of the screen 123 corresponds to the lower virtual image display which is a short distance side when viewed from the driver 500, and the lower side of the screen 123 corresponds to the upper virtual image display which is a long distance side when viewed from the driver 500. are doing. In the case of performing the perspective display, since it is generally natural to display the distance at a small distance, the size of the lower side of the screen 123 corresponding to the display area on the far side (specifically, the length in the x-axis direction) ) Is smaller than the upper size 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. This can prevent the image light projected on the screen 123 from being blocked by the screen 122R or 122L.

  The screen 122R is movable between a first position 122Ra and a 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 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 the screen 122R moves below a straight line passing through the lower end of the screen 121 and the light emitting port 111a.

  Further, the moving direction of the screen 122R is parallel to the projection direction C3 as indicated 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 exit 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 the screen 122L moves below a straight line passing through the lower end of the screen 121 and the light exit port 111a.

  Further, the moving direction of the screen 122L is parallel to the projection direction C2 as indicated by the 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 around the upper end in the y-axis direction as a center of rotation. The screen 122R can be inclined so as to be positioned at the third position 122c shown in FIG. Thus, 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 around the upper end in the y-axis direction as the center of rotation. The screen 122L can be inclined so as to be positioned at the third position 122c shown in FIG. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 16B, the screen 122L can be tilted to be located at the third position 122Lc by rotating about the upper end side as the center of rotation. The third position 122Lc shown in FIG. 16B corresponds to the third position 122c shown in FIG. Thus, 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 the screen 122R is inclined, the lower side of the screen 122R separates 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 inclined, the lower side of the screen 122L separates from the projection direction C2 due to 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 as not to emit image light in the gap.

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

  In the screen section 120c shown in FIGS. 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 120c can be applied to the video display unit 110 shown in FIG.

  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. Thus, when the screen 122R is tilted, the gap between the screen 122R and the screen 123 does not increase, so that it becomes difficult for the 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 122R. However, the screen 122R may not be 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 arranged perpendicular to the side surface 123L of the screen 123. Thus, when the screen 122L is tilted, the gap between the screen 122L and the screen 123 does not increase, so that it becomes difficult for the image light to enter the gap. Therefore, there is no need 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 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) area of the virtual image viewed from the driver is viewed far away. Therefore, it is desirable that the content of the virtual image be a content that is easy for the driver to see.

<Effects of Embodiment 2 and Modifications thereof>
As described above, the screen in the screen unit 120 is arranged into four parts, and the positions and inclinations of two of the screens (that is, the screens 122R and 122L) can be changed according to the information displayed as the virtual image. As a result, 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. This makes it possible to easily display the guidance display and the like.

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

  Also, when the screen 123 is moved by setting the screen 123 to a trapezoidal shape corresponding to the projection direction and setting the moving direction of the screen 122 to a direction in consideration of the projection direction of the image light from the light source unit 111, The image light projected on the screen 123 can be prevented 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, virtual images can be displayed at a plurality of virtual image distances and inclinations with a small number of light source units, and the virtual image display device can be downsized.

  In automotive applications, movable components are apt to be avoided in terms of reliability and the like, but in this embodiment, since the position and inclination of a light component such as a screen are changed, it is necessary to move the virtual image display device. Reliability is easier to secure than a simple system.

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

  Since the distance difference and the inclination difference displayed on the virtual image display device can be expressed, even if the virtual image distance and the inclination of the virtual image do not completely match the background, the distance difference and the inclination between the screen 122R and the screen 122L. Due to the difference, the relationship between the background and the virtual image can be easily transmitted to the driver. Therefore, the adjustment of the installation position of the virtual image display device 100 and the adjustment of the display position of the virtual image are simplified, and the driver can easily display the display at a desired position.

  In each of the above-described embodiments and the modifications, the configuration example of the screen unit has been described, but the configuration of the screen unit is not limited thereto. For example, the two screens may not be divided right and left, but may be divided vertically. Instead of a symmetric screen configuration, an asymmetric screen configuration may be used, and various combinations of screens are possible.

  In each of the above embodiments and modifications, terms indicating the positional relationship between components or the shape of the components, such as “parallel” or “vertical”, 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 of the above-described embodiments and the features of the modifications can be appropriately combined with each other.

<Modifications of First and Second Embodiments>
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 illustrated 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). ). In this case, control unit 130 shown in FIG. 2 can be realized by memory 91 shown in FIG. 18 and processor 92 executing a program. In addition, 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.

  The contents of the invention will be described below as supplementary notes based on the above embodiments.

<Appendix 1>
A screen unit having a first screen and a second screen;
An image projection unit that emits image light toward the screen unit,
A reflecting 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 screen controller that controls at least one of the position and the inclination of the first screen and controls at least one of the position and the inclination of the second screen.

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

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

<Appendix 4>
The screen unit includes a third screen provided above the first screen and the second screen in a vertical direction,
The virtual image display device according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 3, wherein the reflecting mirror reflects the image light transmitted through the third screen as a third virtual image.

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

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

<Appendix 7>
7. The virtual image display device according to claim 1, wherein the first screen rotates around an upper end in a vertical direction as a rotation center.

<Appendix 8>
8. The virtual image display device according to claim 1, wherein the second screen rotates around an upper end in a vertical direction as a rotation center. 9.

<Appendix 9>
The screen control unit may determine that a first virtual image distance from the position of the user's eyes to the position of the first virtual image and a second virtual image distance from the position of the user's eyes to the position of the second virtual image are different. The virtual image display device according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 8, wherein a position of the first screen and a position of the second screen are controlled to be different from each other.

<Appendix 10>
The screen control unit is configured to determine a first virtual image distance from a position of the user's eyes to a position of the first virtual image and a position of the second virtual image from a position of the user's eyes according to information to guide a user. 10. The virtual image display device according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 9, wherein a difference from the second virtual image distance to the position is controlled.

<Supplementary Note 11>
The screen control unit controls the inclination of the first screen and the inclination of the second screen such that the inclination of the first virtual image and the inclination of the second virtual image are different from each other. 11. The virtual image display device according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 10.

<Appendix 12>
The screen controller according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 11, wherein the screen controller controls an angle formed by the first virtual image and the second virtual image according to information to guide a user. Virtual image display device.

<Appendix 13>
The screen unit has a fourth screen,
The virtual image display device according to any one of supplementary notes 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,
14. The virtual image display device according to claim 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 attachment 13 or 14, wherein the first screen is arranged 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 supplementary notes 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 supplementary notes 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 control unit, 131 video data conversion unit, 132 light source control unit, 133 virtual image control unit, 134 projection position control unit, 140 magnifying mirror (projection unit), 141 magnifying mirror drive unit, 142 screen drive 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.

The virtual image display device of the present invention is a virtual image display device used for the vehicle, which displays a virtual image visually recognized by a person riding the vehicle in a superimposed manner, and a video projection unit that emits image light. A screen unit that includes 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 a 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 thereon, and the second image is projected as a second virtual image, and the control unit causes the second screen to display the second screen out of the image light emitted from the image projection unit. The second screen of Is moving in the first projection direction of the image light passing through the end portion of the screen side, the projection direction is inclined with respect to the center ray of the light beam of the emitted the image light from the image projection unit It is characterized by having.

Claims (15)

In the virtual image display device used in the vehicle, a virtual image visually recognized by a person riding the vehicle is displayed in a manner superimposed on the landscape,
An image projection unit that emits 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 is formed on the second screen. The image is projected as a second virtual image,
The control unit is configured to control the second screen to project a projection direction of the image light passing through an end of the second screen, on the first screen side, of the image light emitted from the image projection unit. A virtual image display device, wherein the virtual image display device is moved.   The virtual image display device according to claim 1, wherein the projection direction is inclined with respect to a center ray of a light flux of the image light emitted from the image 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 scene on which the virtual image is superimposed. 4.   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 an eye of the occupant 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 is configured to control a first virtual image distance that is a distance from the occupant's eye to the first virtual image and a second virtual image distance that is a distance from the occupant's eye to the second virtual image. The virtual image display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second screen is moved with respect to the first screen based on a difference from the virtual image distance of (2). The scale of the virtual image distance is the ratio of the distance to the virtual image corresponding to the object to the distance to the object in the landscape,
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 boarding person to the said 1st virtual image. The said screen is characterized by the above-mentioned. 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.   8. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit rotates the second screen around an upper end or a lower end of the second screen with respect to the vehicle. A virtual image display device according to the item.   The virtual image according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control unit rotates the second screen based on an inclination of an object in the scene 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 a tilt 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 control unit rotates the second screen with respect to the first screen based on a difference between a tilt of the first virtual image and a tilt of the second 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 on a horizontal road surface, and the second virtual image is displayed on a sloped road surface.   15. The virtual image display device according to claim 1, wherein the first screen is fixedly arranged.

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