Display device

A display device includes a plurality of display units and a reflector. The plurality of display units emits display light representing an image to be displayed from a display screen. The reflector is disposed to face the display screen of each of the plurality of display units and reflects the display light emitted from each of the plurality of display units.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a display device for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND ART

A display device is mounted on a vehicle.

SUMMARY

A display device for a vehicle includes a plurality of display units and a reflector. The plurality of display units emits display light representing an image to be displayed from a display screen. The reflector is disposed to face the display screen of each of the plurality of display units and configured to reflect the display light emitted from each of the plurality of display units.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In recent years, in-vehicle display devices have been increasing in size. In a case where the size increase of the in-vehicle display device is achieved by one large display panel, it is necessary to customize (i.e., newly develop and newly manufacture) a large display panel in accordance with the size of a vehicle in which the in-vehicle display device is mounted, which results in high cost.

In addition, as a result of detailed studies by the inventors, in a case where the size increase of the in-vehicle display device is achieved by arranging a plurality of display units, a gap is formed between the display units, thus causing a seam in an image displayed on the in-vehicle display device. That is, the image is not seamless.

The present disclosure provides a display device to make it difficult to see a seam between display units.

A display device for a vehicle includes a plurality of display units and a reflector. The plurality of display units emits display light representing an image to be displayed from a display screen. The reflector is disposed to face the display screen of each of the plurality of display units and configured to reflect the display light emitted from each of the plurality of display units.

In the display device of the present disclosure configured as described above, display light emitted from each of the plurality of display units is reflected on the reflector and emitted into a vehicle interior. Thereby, a virtual image is projected onto the reflector, and an occupant in the vehicle interior can visually recognize the virtual image. In this manner, the display device of the present disclosure does not allow the occupant in the vehicle interior to directly visually recognize the plurality of display units disposed in a state where there is a step therebetween. That is, in the display device of the present disclosure, the display light is reflected on the reflective surface of the reflector, so that a plurality of display images by the plurality of display units can be displayed in a state where there is no step between the display images. Therefore, the display device of the present disclosure can make it difficult to see a seam (joint) between two adjacent display units in the virtual image visually recognized by the occupant.

First Embodiment

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

A display device1of the present embodiment is mounted in, for example, an autonomous vehicle capable of both autonomous driving and manual driving and includes an irradiator2and a reflecting mirror3as illustrated inFIG.1.

The irradiator2emits display light DL representing an image to be displayed from a display screen. The irradiator2is mounted on a lower surface LS of a meter hood MF, which is disposed below a windshield WS of the vehicle and is formed to project toward the rear of the vehicle, such that the display screen faces downward.

The reflecting mirror3is installed below the irradiator2and reflects display light DL, emitted from the display screen of the irradiator2, toward the rear of the vehicle. As a result, an occupant of the vehicle can visually recognize the image displayed on the display device1. A rectangle VI indicated by a broken line shows a position of a virtual image visually recognized by the occupant of the vehicle.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the meter hood MF is attached so as to bridge between an A-pillar PL1on the left side of the vehicle and an A-pillar PL2on the right side of the vehicle.

The reflecting mirror3extends along a width direction D1of the vehicle so as to bridge between the A-pillar PL1and the A-pillar PL2below the meter hood MF. The surface of the reflecting mirror3is formed to be a curved surface instead of a flat surface.FIG.1is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I inFIG.2.

The organic EL displays11,12,13,14,15include display plates21,22,23,24,25and circuit boards31,32,33,34,35respectively.

The display plates21,22,23,24,25are formed in a thin plate shape in which a plurality of organic EL elements are arranged in a matrix. The circuit boards31,32,33,34,35are wiring boards on which various electronic components for controlling the display plates21,22,23,24,25are mounted, respectively. The display plates21,22,23,24,25are connected to the circuit boards31,32,33,34,35by flexible flat cables, respectively.

The display plates21,22,23,24,25are fixed to the lower surface LS of the meter hood MF with the surface opposite to the display screen in contact with the lower surface LS of the meter hood MF. The display plate21, the display plate22, the display plate23, the display plate24, and the display plate25are arranged in the order from the left-side A-pillar PL1along an extending direction D2in which the meter hood MF extends from the left-side A-pillar PL1toward the right-side A-pillar PL2.

The display plate22is installed to cover the right end portion of the display plate21and the left end portion of the display plate23. The display plate24is installed to cover the right end portion of the display plate23and the left end portion of the display plate25. Thus, the display plates21,22,23,24,25are installed such that there are no gaps between the display plate21and the display plate22, between the display plate22and the display plate23, between the display plate23and the display plate24, and between the display plate24and the display plate25.

The display plate21displays an image shot by a left rear camera that shoots an image of a situation of the left rear of the vehicle. That is, the display plate21displays an image of an electronic mirror that functions as a left side mirror. When another vehicle is approaching from the left rear of the vehicle, the display plate21displays a left-rear approach image indicating the approach.

The display plate22displays various pieces of travel information (e.g., a traveling speed, a traveling mode, a traveling distance, a remaining battery, etc.) of the vehicle.

The display plate23displays an image output from a navigation device. For example, the display plate23displays an image indicating the current location of the vehicle, an image for guiding a route from the current location to a destination, and the like.

The display plate24displays an entertainment video (e.g., a moving image output from a moving image reproduction device or a television tuner) and information (e.g., current set temperature, etc.) related to an air conditioner controller that controls an in-vehicle air conditioner.

The display plate25displays an image shot by a right rear camera that shoots a situation of the right rear of the vehicle. That is, the display plate25displays an image of an electronic mirror that functions as a right-side mirror. In addition, when another vehicle is approaching from the right rear of the vehicle, the display plate25displays a right-rear approach image indicating the approach.

As described above, the surface of the reflecting mirror3is formed to be a curved surface. Thus, as illustrated inFIG.4, the display light DL forming each of display images DG1, DG2, DG3, DG4, DG5displayed on the organic EL displays11,12,13,14,15is reflected on the reflecting mirror3, whereby the virtual images VI1, VI2, VI3, VI4, VI5visually recognized by the occupant of the vehicle are distorted with respect to the display images DG1, DG2, DG3, DG4, DG5, respectively.

Therefore, as illustrated inFIG.5, each of the display plates21,22,23,24,25emits display light DL for forming corrected display images CG1, CG2, CG3, CG4, CG5corrected to cancel the distortion of the virtual images VI1, VI2, VI3, VI4, VI5.

Therefore, the display light DL forming each of the corrected display images CG1, CG2, CG3, CG4, CG5displayed on the display plates21,22,23,24,25is reflected on the reflecting mirror3, whereby the undistorted virtual images VI11, VI12, VI13, VI14, VI15are visually recognized by the occupant of the vehicle as illustrated inFIG.6.

The display device1configured as described above includes the organic EL displays11,12,13,14,15and the reflecting mirror3. Each of the organic EL displays11to15emits display light DL representing an image to be displayed from the display screen. The reflecting mirror3reflects the display light DL emitted from the organic EL displays11to15.

The organic EL displays11to15is installed on the lower surface LS of the meter hood MF, which is installed in the vehicle interior of the vehicle and protrudes from the front toward the rear of the vehicle, such that the display screens of the organic EL displays11to15face downward. The reflecting mirror3is disposed below the organic EL displays11to15in a state where a reflective surface that reflects the display light DL is inclined obliquely with respect to an irradiation direction of the display light DL.

As described above, in the display device1, the display light DL emitted from each of the organic EL displays11to15is reflected on the reflecting mirror3and is emitted into the vehicle interior. As a result, the virtual image is projected onto the reflecting mirror3, and the occupant in the vehicle interior can visually recognize the virtual image. In this manner, the display device1does not allow the occupant in the vehicle interior to directly visually recognize the organic EL displays11to15disposed with a step between the organic EL displays. That is, in the display device1, the display light DL is reflected on the reflective surface of the reflecting mirror3, so that a plurality of display images by the organic EL displays11to15can be displayed in a state where there is no step between the display images. Hence the display device1can make it difficult to see a seam (joint) between the two organic EL displays adjacent to each other in the virtual image visually recognized by the occupant.

Since being able to make it difficult to see the joint between the organic EL displays as described above, the display device1can eliminate the need for optical bonding. Furthermore, since not allowing the occupant in the vehicle interior to directly visually recognize the organic EL displays11to15as described above, the display device1can eliminate the need for anti-glare processing and anti-reflection processing.

Each of the organic EL displays11to15causes the organic EL element itself to emit light, so that a backlight is not required unlike a liquid crystal display. Thus, each of the organic EL displays11to15can display a deep black image by stopping light emission by the organic EL element. On the other hand, in the liquid crystal display, the light of the backlight slightly leaks from the black part of the display image, and hence the black part of the image appears whitish.

Therefore, the display device1displays in black at least a part around the joint between the two adjacent organic EL among the display screens of the organic EL displays11to15, so that the joint between the two organic EL displays can be made more difficult to see.

In the embodiment described above, each of the organic EL displays11to15corresponds to a display unit, and the reflecting mirror3corresponds to a reflector.

Second Embodiment

Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, portions different from the first embodiment will be described. Common configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The display device1of the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that the shape of the reflecting mirror3is changed.

As illustrated inFIG.7, the reflecting mirror3of the second embodiment includes a first reflector41, a second reflector42, and a third reflector43. Surfaces41a,42a,43aof the first reflector41, the second reflector42, and the third reflector43are curved surfaces.

The first reflector41, the second reflector42, and the third reflector43are each formed in a rectangular shape. The first reflector41and the third reflector43are coupled such that the first short side of the first reflector41and the first short side of the third reflector43coincide with each other. Third reflector43and second reflector42are coupled such that the second short side of third reflector43coincides with the first short side of second reflector42.

The coupling portion between the first reflector41and the third reflector43is bent so as to form an obtuse angle by the surface41aof the first reflector41and the surface43aof the third reflector43. A coupling portion between the third reflector43and the second reflector42is bent so as to form an obtuse angle by the surface43aof the third reflector43and the surface42aof the second reflector42.

In the display device1configured as described above, the meter hood MF is formed to bridge between the vicinity of the A-pillar PL1installed on the left side of the vehicle and the vicinity of the A-pillar PL2installed on the right side of the vehicle. The reflecting mirror3is formed to bridge between the vicinity of the A-pillar PL1and the vicinity of the A-pillar PL2. The surface41aof the reflecting mirror3in the vicinity of the A-pillar PL1and the surface42aof the reflecting mirror3in the vicinity of the A-pillar PL2are disposed to form an obtuse angle by the surfaces43aof the reflecting mirror3except for the surfaces41a,42a.

The display device1can thus direct the first reflector41disposed in the vicinity of the A-pillar PL1and the second reflector42disposed in the vicinity of the A-pillar PL2toward the occupant on the driver seat or the passenger seat. As a result, the display device1can make the images displayed on the first reflector41and the second reflector42easily visible to the occupant on the driver seat or the passenger seat.

The first reflector41displays an image of an electronic mirror functioning as a left side mirror and displays a left-rear approach image. Thus, the display device1can make it easy for the occupant on the driver seat or the passenger seat to recognize information regarding the left rear of the vehicle. Similarly, the second reflector42displays an image of an electronic mirror functioning as a right-side mirror and displays a right-rear approach image. Thus, the display device1can make it easy for the occupant on the driver seat or the passenger seat to recognize information regarding the right rear of the vehicle.

In the embodiment described above, the A-pillar PL1corresponds to a first A-pillar, the A-pillar PL2corresponds to a second A-pillar, the surface41acorresponds to a first reflective surface, the surface42acorresponds to a second reflective surface, and the surface43acorresponds to a third reflective surface.

Third Embodiment

A display device101of the present embodiment is mounted in a vehicle and includes a controller102, an irradiator103, a reflector104, and a detector122(cf.FIGS.8and9).

The controller102is a portion integrally controlling the display device101and has a microcomputer including a central processing unit (CPU)120and semiconductor memory (hereinafter referred to as memory121) such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and flash memory.

The CPU120executes a program stored in the memory121. Each function of the display device101is achieved by the CPU120executing a program stored in a non-transitory tangible storage medium. In the present embodiment, the memory121corresponds to the non-transitory tangible storage medium storing the program. By the execution of the program, a method corresponding to the program is performed. The display device101may include one microcomputer or a plurality of microcomputers. A technique for achieving the functions of the display device101is not limited to software, and some or all of the functions may be achieved using an electronic circuit. In this case, the electronic circuit may be configured as a digital circuit, an analog circuit, or a combination thereof.

The irradiator103includes a plurality of (as an example, five) display units106provided in a lower portion of a meter hood150. Hereinafter, these display units106are also referred to as first to fifth display units106A to106E. The irradiator103emits display light toward the reflector104described above by the plurality of display units106. The meter hood150is a wall-shaped portion that is located below the front windshield151, extends from the right end to the left end of a dashboard, and protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle. The reflector104is provided below the meter hood150, and the plurality of display units106face downward so as to face the reflector104.

The reflector104is a plate-shaped portion located below the meter hood150, is provided to face the meter hood150, and reflects the display light emitted from the plurality of the display units106toward the rear of the vehicle. As a result, an entire image107that is a virtual image is projected into a dark space behind the reflector4, and the entire image107can be visually recognized by a person in the vehicle (hereinafter, the occupant).

The detector122includes a sensor that detects the brightness of external light incident on the plurality of display units106and the reflector104from the outside of the display device101. The sensor may be provided below the meter hood150, for example. The detector122may detect brightness of external light incident on one of the plurality of display units106and the reflector104. The detector122outputs a signal indicating the detection result of the brightness of the external light to the controller102.

[2. Configuration of Irradiator]

The irradiator103includes a plurality of circuit boards135corresponding to the respective display units106(cf.FIG.10). Each circuit board135is connected to the display element of the display unit106corresponding to the circuit board135by a flexible flat cable134, and a plurality of electronic components for controlling the display element are mounted. The circuit board135of each display unit106is connected to the controller102, and the controller102controls irradiation of display light on each display unit106via the circuit board135.

As an example, each display unit106is formed in a rectangular thin plate shape and has a front surface160and a back surface161(cf.FIGS.11and12). The front surface160has a display area163and a non-display area164. The display area163has a rectangular shape and is provided apart from the edge of the front surface160. Meanwhile, the non-display area164is an elongated area located between the edge of the front surface160and the display area163and extending along the edge of the front surface160.

A plurality of display elements (not illustrated) are arranged in a matrix inside each display unit106, and the plurality of display elements are configured to emit display light via the display area163on the front surface160. In the present embodiment, as an example, each of the display units106is configured as an organic EL display, and organic EL elements are arranged as the display elements inside each of the display units106. Naturally, each display unit106may be configured as a display device except for the organic EL display, such as a liquid crystal display. On the other hand, wiring or the like to a plurality of display elements is provided inside the non-display area164in each display unit106, and display light is not emitted from the non-display area164.

[3. Configuration of Plurality of Display Units]

The first to fifth display units106A to106E are provided such that the back surface161abuts on or approaches the lower surface of the meter hood150, the front surface160faces the reflector104, and the first to fifth display units are arranged in a line in the vehicle width direction from the right end to the left end of the dashboard of the vehicle (cf.FIGS.13to15). As an example, the first to fifth display units106A to106E are arranged in order from the left end to the right end. In addition, the first display unit106A located on the leftmost side and/or the fifth display unit106E located on the rightmost side may be disposed at a position separated from the end of the dashboard.

Here, among the first to fifth display units106A to106E, those located in front of positions of a driver and an occupant in the passenger seat are defined as specific display units (cf.FIGS.13to16). Specifically, the second display unit106B facing a steering wheel152of the vehicle and the fourth display unit106D are the specific display units. The first, third, and fifth display units106adjacent to the specific display unit are defined as adjacent display units.

The specific display units1066,106D and the adjacent display units106A,106C,106E adjacent to both sides of the specific display units106B,106D are arranged such that the specific display units106B,106D are located closer to the reflector4than the adjacent display units106A,106C,106E and have edge portions overlapping with each other (cf.FIGS.14and15). That is, the specific display units106B,106D and the adjacent display units106A,106C,106E may be arranged such that the display areas163overlap each other (cf.FIGS.11and12). In addition, for example, the specific display units106B,106D and the adjacent display units106A,106C,106E may be arranged such that only the non-display areas164overlap each other, or the display areas163do not overlap each other, and the display area163and the non-display area164overlap each other.

For example, only the second display unit106B or the fourth display unit106D may be used as the specific display unit. In this case, each of the two display units106not adjacent to the specific display unit may be disposed in a state where the edge portions do not overlap with the other display units106.

Each display unit106is provided with a polarizing plate166in contact with the front surface160(cf.FIGS.11and12). The polarizing plate166covers at least the entire display area163. A circularly polarizing plate may be used as the polarizing plate166. Hereinafter, a surface forming the edge of each display unit106is referred to as an end surface162. The end surface162extends from the edge of the front surface160to the edge of the back surface161.

A portion of each display unit106overlapping another display unit106adjacent to the display unit106will be referred to as an overlapping portion169(cf.FIGS.14and15). That is, one overlapping portion169corresponding to one adjacent display unit106is formed in each of the first and fifth display units106A,106E. On the other hand, two overlapping portions169respectively corresponding to the two adjacent display units106are formed in each of the second to fourth display units1066to106D.

Of a boundary line between the display area163and the non-display area164in each display unit106, a section close to another adjacent display unit106is defined as a proximity section165. The proximity section165includes a section closest to another display unit106on the boundary line. Further, the proximity section165may include, for example, a section extending along the overlapping portion169with another display unit106and/or a section located in the overlapping portion169on the boundary line. That is, in each of the first and fifth display units106A,106E, one proximity section165corresponding to one adjacent display unit106is formed. On the other hand, in each of the second to fourth display units106B to106D, two proximity sections165corresponding to two adjacent display units106are formed.

In each display unit106, the polarizing plate166is disposed to straddle the entire region of one or two proximity sections165and cover a portion extending along the proximity section165in the non-display area164. In the present embodiment, as an example, in each display unit106, the polarizing plate166covers the entire display area163and the entire non-display area164.

The polarizing plate166may not be provided in all the display units106in the above manner. That is, for example, in each of two or more adjacent (in other words, continuously arranged) display units106, the polarizing plate166may be provided to straddle the proximity section165corresponding to any one of the display units106in the above manner. For example, in at least one of the first to fifth display units106A to106E, the polarizing plate166may be provided to straddle at least one proximity section165in the above manner. Each display unit106may not be provided with the polarizing plate166in the above manner.

Reflection reduction processing168for reducing reflection of light is performed to define a reflection suppressor on the respective overlapping portions169in the first to fifth display units106A to106E (cf.FIGS.11and12). Specifically, for example, the reflection reduction processing168may be performed by applying a dark (e.g., black) paint.

Here, an area including the edge (in other words, the area in contact with the end surface162) on each of the front surface160and the back surface161of each display unit106is defined as an edge area167(cf.FIG.10). More specifically, the edge area167may include all or a part of the non-display area164.

In the end surface162of each display unit106, an area close to another adjacent display unit106is defined as a first area162A. The first area162A may include, for example, an area located in the overlapping portion169of the end surface162with another display unit106. In the edge area167of the front surface160of each display unit106, a portion in contact with the first area162A is defined as a second area167A. For example, the second area167A may be located in the overlapping portion169. In the edge area167of the back surface161of each display unit106, a portion in contact with the first area162A is defined as the third area167B. For example, the third area167B may be located in the overlapping portion169.

That is, the first to third areas162A,167A,167B are provided in the overlapping portions169in the first to fifth display units106A to106E, respectively. In each overlapping portion169, the reflection reduction processing168for reducing reflection of light is performed on at least two of the first to third areas162A,167A,167B. Specifically, for example, the reflection reduction processing168may be performed on the first and second areas162A,167A (cf.FIG.11), or the reflection reduction processing168may be performed on the first to third areas162A,167A,167B (cf.FIG.12).

The reflection reduction processing168may not be performed on all the overlapping portions169. That is, for example, in each of two or more adjacent display units106, the reflection reduction processing168may be performed on the overlapping portion169corresponding to any one of these display units106. For example, in at least one of the first to fifth display units106A to106E, the reflection reduction processing168may be performed on at least one overlapping portion169. For example, in each display unit106, the reflection reduction processing168may be performed over the entire circumference. For example, the reflection reduction processing168may not be performed on each display unit106.

[6. Configuration of Outer Peripheral Frame]

The irradiator103includes an outer peripheral frame130surrounding the first to fifth display units106A to106E (cf.FIGS.14and15). The outer peripheral frame130is a frame-shaped portion protruding from the lower surface of the meter hood150. The outer peripheral frame130may be a part of the meter hood150. That is, the outer peripheral frame130may be formed by partially protruding the lower surface of meter hood150. In the outer peripheral frame130surrounding the plurality of display units106, a surface facing the reflector104is defined as a top surface131. In the present embodiment, as an example, the top surface131is substantially parallel to the front surface160of each display unit106.

Each display units106has the same thickness (hereinafter also described as d), and the distance between the front surface160and the top surface131of each display unit106(hereinafter also referred to as a top surface distance132) is D/2 or less. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the second and fourth display units106B,106D are configured as specific display units and are located closer to the reflector104than the remaining display units106A,106C,106E. Thus, the front surfaces160of the second and fourth display units106B,106D are located closer to the reflector104than the top surface131, and the top surface distance132of each of the front surfaces160is D/2. On the other hand, the top surface131is located closer to the reflector104than the front surfaces160of the first, third, and fifth display units106A,106C,106E, and the top surface step132of each of the front surfaces160is D/2.

A step or an inclination may be formed on the top surface131, and the top surface distance132between each display unit106and a portion of the top surface131adjacent to the display unit106may be adjusted to be D/2 or less. For example, the top surface distance132may be D/2 or less in at least one of the plurality of display units106.

In order to reduce a difference between the appearance of the top surface131and the appearance of the front surface160of each of the plurality of display units106not emitting the display light (hereinafter, the front surface160at the time of non-display), surface treatment133corresponding to the appearance of the front surface160is performed on the top surface131.

Specifically, for example, a pattern may be formed on the top surface131by embossing, or a geometric pattern or the like may be formed on the top surface131. For example, in order to reduce a difference in reflection characteristic between the top surface131and the front surface160at the time of non-display, a polarizing plate similar to that provided in each display unit106may be attached to the top surface131, coating, plating, printing, or vapor deposition may be performed, or a sheet or a film may be attached. The reflection characteristic may be, for example, a reflectance or a gloss value. For example, in order to reduce a difference in color and/or gloss between the top surface131and the front surface160at the time of non-display, coating, plating, printing, or vapor deposition may be performed on the top surface131, or a sheet or a film may be attached.

The top surface distance132in the outer peripheral frame130may be larger than D/2. The top surface131may not be subjected to the surface treatment133. The display device101may not include the outer peripheral frame130.

As described above, the controller102controls each of the first to fifth display units105A to105E so as to emit display light toward the reflector104, thereby displaying the entire image107that is a virtual image (cf.FIG.16). Hereinafter, each image projected by the display light of each display unit106is referred to as an individual image170.FIG.16illustrates a part of the entire image107, and the part is made up of two individual images170. The individual images170of the respective display units106are displayed so as to be adjacent to each other in the vehicle width direction and arranged in a line. The entire image107is formed by combining these individual images170. In the present embodiment, the display units106are arranged such that the edge portions overlap each other. Thus, the gap between the individual images170of the two adjacent display units106is narrowed, and generation of a seam between the individual images170is reduced.

Here, a portion constituting the background in the entire image107and each individual image170is defined as a background image171. In each individual image170, a portion adjacent to another individual image170is defined as an adjacent region172. That is, in the present embodiment, one adjacent region172exists in the individual image170projected by each of the first and fifth display units106A,106E located at the ends, and two adjacent regions172exist in the individual image170projected by each of the remaining display units106B to106D. Hereinafter, a direction in which the individual images170are arranged (in other words, in the vehicle width direction) is defined as a horizontal direction, and a direction orthogonal to the horizontal direction is defined as a vertical direction.

The controller102controls each display unit106so as to set the background image171in the entire image107(in other words, each individual image170) to a dark color (e.g., black). The present invention is not limited thereto, and the controller102may control the display units106that project two or more individual images170adjacent to each other (in other words, arranged continuously) so as to set the background images171of these individual images170to a dark color.

The controller102controls each display unit106so that a plurality of image elements173arranged irregularly are displayed in the entire adjacent region172in each individual image170. Specifically, the plurality of image elements173are arranged in the entire region of each adjacent region172, and the position of each image element173in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction is determined irregularly. Each image element173has substantially the same color and shape but has irregularly determined lengths in the horizontal and vertical directions. Thereby, a horizontal interval and a vertical interval between two adjacent image elements173are determined irregularly.

For example, one of the horizontal interval and the vertical interval of each image element173may be determined irregularly. However, it is preferable that the horizontal interval of each image element173be determined irregularly. This can effectively restrict a seam from being conspicuous. For example, one or both of the horizontal length and the vertical length of each image element173may be the same. For example, the color and/or shape of each image element173may be determined irregularly. For example, the color, shape, and size of each image element173may be the same, and the position and interval of each image element173may be determined irregularly.

The controller102may not cause the plurality of image elements173to be displayed in each of the adjacent regions172of all the individual images170. That is, in each of two or more adjacent individual images170, the controller102may cause the plurality of image elements173to be displayed in the manner described above in the adjacent region172included in each of the individual images170and adjacent to another individual image170.

Furthermore, the controller102measures the brightness of the external light incident on the plurality of display units106and/or the reflector104based on the signal from the detector122. The controller102controls each display unit106so that the entire image107with image quality corresponding to the brightness of the external light is displayed.

Specifically, the controller102may adjust, for example, the color of the background image171or the luminance of the entire image107in accordance with the measurement result. More specifically, for example, when the setting sun or the morning sun is incident on the plurality of display units106and/or the reflectors104, and the measured value of the brightness of the external light is high, the controller102may improve the brightness of the color of the background image171or may improve the luminance of the entire image107.

The controller102may not adjust the image quality of the entire region of the entire image107. That is, the controller102may control the display unit106that projects two or more adjacent individual images170so that these individual images170have image quality corresponding to the measured brightness of the external light.

A case is assumed where display units of different models are used as some of the plurality of display units106. In such a case, the controller102preferably adjusts the image quality of the individual image projected by each display unit106in accordance with, for example, the appearance of the surface of each model and/or the characteristic of the display light.

All or some of the control for darkening the background image171, the display of the plurality of image elements173in the adjacent region172, and the adjustment of the image quality corresponding to the brightness of the incident light detected by the detector122may be omitted.

(1) According to the above embodiment, the individual images170projected by the specific display units106B,106D and the adjacent display units106A,106C,106E can be brought closer to each other. This can reduce the generation of a gap at the boundary between these individual images170.

The edge portions of the adjacent display units106A,106C,106E are hidden by the edge portions of the specific display units1066,106D. Hence it is possible to reduce the reflection of the external light or the display light toward the reflector104at the edge portion of each of the adjacent display units106A,106C,106E and to reduce the reflection of the edge portions in the reflector104.

The second and fourth display units1066,106D, which are specific display units, are located in front of the driver seat and the passenger seat, respectively. Thus, even if the end surface162of the second display unit106B is reflected in the reflector104, a direction in which the end surface162spreads is similar to the line-of-sight direction of the driver, the end surface162is inconspicuous to the driver. The end surface162of the fourth display unit106D also produces a similar effect in relation to the occupant in the passenger seat.

Therefore, it is possible to restrict a seam from being visible in the entire image107.

(2) The entire image107is displayed in a dark space below the meter hood150(in other words, the inside of the dashboard). The background image171in the entire image107is formed using a dark color. Thus, for example, even when a gap is generated at the boundary between the individual images170, or the edge portion of the display unit106is projected onto the reflector104, it is possible to make the gap or the edge portion inconspicuous. Therefore, it is possible to restrict a seam from being visible in the entire image107.

(3) The plurality of irregularly arranged image elements173are displayed in the adjacent region172in each of the adjacent individual images170, which makes the boundary between these individual images170difficult to see. Thereby, for example, even when a gap is generated at the boundary between the individual images170or the edge portion of the display unit106is projected, it is difficult for the occupant to notice the gap or the edge portion. Therefore, it is possible to restrict a seam from being visible in the entire image107.

(4) The image quality of the entire image107is adjusted in accordance with the brightness of the external light detected by the detector122. Thus, for example, even when bright external light is incident on each of the plurality of display units106and the reflector104, and the edge portion of the display unit106or an image therearound is projected in the entire image107, these can be made inconspicuous.

(5) The polarizing plate166is disposed on the front surface160of the display unit106so as to straddle proximity section165at the boundary between the display area163and the non-display area164. Thus, it is possible to reduce the reflection of light, emitted from each of the plurality of display units106and external light, toward the reflector104in the non-display area164around the proximity section165. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the reflection of the non-display area164in the reflector104, and to thereby restrict a seam from being visible in the entire image107.

(6) In the overlapping portion169of the display unit106, the reflection reduction processing168is performed on at least two of the first to third areas162A,167A,167B. It is thus possible to effectively reduce the reflection of light emitted from each of the plurality of display units106and external light toward the reflector104in the overlapping portion169of the display unit106. As a result, it is possible to reduce the reflection of the overlapping portion169in the reflector104and to thereby restrict a seam from being visible in the entire image107.

(7) The top surface distance132between the front surface160of the display unit106and the top surface131of the outer peripheral frame130is equal to or less than D/2. That is, the step between the front surface160and the top surface131is adjusted so as not to be large. Therefore, it is possible to reduce reflection of light emitted from each of the plurality of display units106and external light toward the reflector104in the edge portion of the display unit106and the outer peripheral frame130and to reduce the reflection in the vicinity of the outer periphery of the individual image170in the reflector104.

(8) The top surface131of the outer peripheral frame130is subjected to the surface treatment133corresponding to the appearance of the front surface160of the display unit106not emitting the display light. This makes it possible to reduce a difference in appearance between the top surface131and the front surface160. Therefore, even if the top surface131is reflected in the reflector104, it is possible to restrict the top surface131from being conspicuous.

(9) Further, by providing outer peripheral frame130, alignment can be easily performed at the time of attaching each display unit106to the lower surface of meter hood150, and the rigidity of the irradiator103can be enhanced.

Fourth Embodiment

First, an overall configuration of a display device according to the present fourth embodiment will be described.

As illustrated inFIG.17, a display device201of the present fourth embodiment is mounted in a vehicle203that is an automobile and displays various images such as characters, symbols, and videos for an occupant such as a driver. That is, the display device201is an in-vehicle display.

The display device201is disposed on a dashboard205in front of a driver seat and a passenger seat. Specifically, the dashboard205is disposed below a windshield (i.e., front window)207, and the dashboard205includes, on its upper surface, an instrument panel (i.e., IP panel)209to which various instruments are attached. The IP panel209has a visor211, which is a light shielding plate, to face the driver seat and the passenger seat (i.e., the rear side of the vehicle203). The visor211protrudes to the rear side of the vehicle203.

The display device201is disposed below the visor211, and an image displayed on the display device201is visually recognizable to the occupant seated on the driver seat or the passenger seat. The displayed image is a virtual image (i.e., display image) as described later, and hence the occupant visually recognizes the virtual image.

[2. Configuration of Display Device]

Next, a mechanical configuration of the display device201will be described in detail.

As illustrated inFIG.17, the display device201includes a display215that emits light, a reflecting mirror217that reflects light, and a display control device (i.e., the controller)219to be described later with reference toFIG.19.

The display215and the reflecting mirror217constitute a display unit221having a mechanical configuration for displaying an image by light, and the display unit221is disposed on the dashboard205. The display control device219may be disposed at a position away from the display unit221.

The display215is a device capable of displaying various images such as characters, symbols, and videos by generated light. That is, the display215is capable of displaying various images such as characters, symbols, and videos based on a control signal from the display control device219.

As the display215, for example, it is possible to employ a device having the shape of a flat plate and capable of displaying an image by using an LED such as an organic LED. The LED is an abbreviation for light-emitting diode. As the display215, a liquid crystal display including a backlight may be employed.

The display215is attached to the lower surface of the visor211and is disposed with a display surface223, which is a surface for displaying an image, facing downward. That is, the display215is configured to emit light toward the reflecting mirror217disposed below the display215.

The reflecting mirror217is, for example, a flat mirror that reflects the light emitted from the display215and is inclined at an angle of, for example, 40 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction such that the position becomes lower toward the driver side (i.e., the right side ofFIG.17). The surface of the reflecting mirror217on the display215side is a reflective surface225that reflects light.

In particular, in the present fourth embodiment, a mirror capable of adjusting a reflectance, which is a ratio of light reflection, is used as the reflecting mirror217. For example, as the reflecting mirror217, a gas chromic mirror, an electrochromic mirror, a mirror including a liquid crystal shutter, or the like can be employed. As will be described later, the reflecting mirror217can adjust its own reflectance by a control signal from the display control device219.

As illustrated inFIG.18, the reflecting mirror217has a trapezoidal planar shape elongated in a right-left direction, and a display region227in which an image of the display215is displayed is provided on the surface (i.e., reflective surface)225of the front side of the reflecting mirror217. The surface shape of the display region227is the same as the surface shape (e.g., rectangular) of the display215.

As illustrated inFIG.17described above, in the display device201, more specifically, in the display unit221, the display215is disposed on the front side of and above the reflecting mirror217with the display surface223that displays an image facing downward, so that the image displayed by the display unit221is visually recognizable to the driver by being reflected on the reflecting mirror217.

Specifically, when the light of the image, which is a real image, from the display215is reflected on the reflective surface225on the front side of the reflecting mirror217, the driver who sees the reflected light recognizes as if the real image is at a predetermined position on the back side of the reflecting mirror217. That is, a virtual image that is not actually present is recognized at a predetermined position in the line-of-sight direction of the driver. In other words, the image that can be viewed by the reflecting mirror217is a virtual image formed on the back side of the reflecting mirror217. InFIG.17, the virtual image is denoted by K.

As will be described in detail later, in the present fourth embodiment, since the light emitted from the display215to the reflecting mirror217is reflected toward the driver side in accordance with the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217, the brightness (i.e., luminance) of the virtual image formed on the back side of the reflecting mirror217changes in accordance with the reflectance. The luminance of the virtual image also changes depending on the brightness (i.e., luminance) of the image displayed on display215.

That is, in the display device201using the reflecting mirror217as thus described, the luminance of the virtual image formed by the reflecting mirror217can be set by the luminance of the display215and the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217.

[3. Electrical Configuration of Display Device]

Next, an electrical configuration of the display device201and the like will be described.

As illustrated inFIG.19, the display device201includes the display control device219that controls the display device201, and a vehicle control device229that controls an operation such as the traveling of the vehicle203is connected to the display control device219.

The display control device219includes a known microcomputer (i.e., microcomputer)231including a CPU231a, ROM231b, RAM231c, and semiconductor memory231dsuch as flash memory. The display control device219is configured such that each function is achieved by the CPU231aexecuting a program stored in a non-transitional tangible recording medium. In the present fourth embodiment, the semiconductor memory231dcorresponds to the non-transitional tangible recording medium storing the program.

The number of microcomputers231included in the display control device219may be one or more. Various functions achieved by the display control device219are not limited to being achieved by the CPU231aexecuting a program, and some or all of the functions may be achieved using one or a plurality of pieces of hardware.

As the display unit221described above, the display215and the reflecting mirror217are connected to the display control device219. A sensor unit233that detects the state and the surrounding situation of the vehicle203and the like is connected to the display control device219. Examples of the sensor unit233include an illuminance sensor235, a temperature sensor237, a vehicle exterior camera239, a vehicle interior camera241, and the like.

The illuminance sensor235is disposed in a vehicle interior and detects brightness (e.g., illuminance) in the vehicle interior. In addition to the illuminance sensor235, a known solar sensor can be used. With these sensors, it is possible to detect the influence and degree of solar radiation from the outside of the vehicle.

The temperature sensor237is, for example, disposed on or in the vicinity of the display215of the display device201and directly or indirectly detects the temperature of the display215. When the temperature sensor237is disposed on the display215, the temperature of the display215can be detected directly. When the temperature sensor237is disposed in the vicinity of the display215, for example, in the vicinity of the display215in the display unit221, the IP panel209, the visor211, the dashboard205, or the like, the temperature of the display215can be detected indirectly. That is, the temperature sensor237may be disposed at a place where the temperature of the display215can be directly detected or estimated.

As the vehicle exterior camera239, for example, a known charge-coupled device (CCD) camera or the like can be employed. Since an image of the surroundings of the vehicle203can be shot by the vehicle exterior camera239, a light source such as a lamp from which light comes into the vehicle interior can be detected based on the shot image.

As the vehicle interior camera241, for example, a known CCD camera or the like can be employed. Since an image of the occupant or the like in the vehicle interior can be shot by the vehicle interior camera241, the seating position of the occupant, the occupant wearing sunglasses, and the like can be detected based on the shot image. In addition, it is possible to detect brightness in the vehicle interior and lighting states (e.g., luminance etc. of various display devices based on the image.

The vehicle control device229described above can perform various known controls for controlling the traveling state of the vehicle203, for example, controls of an engine and a brake. In the vehicle203that performs autonomous driving, the vehicle control device229can control the autonomous driving of the vehicle203. Examples of the autonomous driving include autonomous driving at or above a level at which the driver can take his/her hand off the steering wheel249(e.g., seeFIG.17).

In the present fourth embodiment, the operation of the display215can be controlled by transmitting a control signal from the display control device219to the display215. That is, it is possible to display images such as various characters, symbols, and videos on the display215. In addition, it is possible to control luminance at the time of displaying an image.

The operation of the reflecting mirror217can be controlled by transmitting a control signal from the display control device219to the reflecting mirror217. That is, the reflectance indicating the degree of reflection of light can be adjusted by the reflecting mirror217.

A signal indicating the brightness detected by the illuminance sensor235is output from the illuminance sensor235to the display control device219.

A signal indicating the temperature detected by the temperature sensor237is output from the temperature sensor237to the display control device219.

A signal indicating an image of the outside of the vehicle shot by the vehicle exterior camera239is output from the vehicle exterior camera239to the display control device219.

A signal indicating an image of the inside of the vehicle shot by the vehicle interior camera241is output from the vehicle interior camera241to the display control device219.

The semiconductor memory stores, for example, various types of data for controlling the brightness (i.e., luminance) of the display215and controlling the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217. For example, data such as how to control the luminance of the display215and the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217in order to obtain the luminance of the target virtual image is stored. Further, data such as how to control the luminance of the display215and the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217in accordance with the surrounding brightness is stored.

[4. Processing of Display Control Device]

Next, among the processing performed by the display control device219, processing of control for adjusting the luminance of the virtual image to target luminance will be described. The present processing is repeatedly performed every predetermined period while the vehicle203is traveling, stopped, or the like, that is, when an ignition switch is turned on.

As illustrated inFIG.20, the microcomputer231acquires a signal from the illuminance sensor235in step (i.e., SinFIG.20)100. The microcomputer231detects brightness around the illuminance sensor235(e.g., in the vehicle interior) based on a signal from the illuminance sensor235. When the brightness around the vehicle203(i.e., the brightness in the surrounding environment) changes such as the brightness in the daytime and the nighttime, the brightness in the vehicle interior also normally changes in the same manner, so that the brightness around the vehicle203can also be detected by the illuminance sensor235.

In subsequent S110, the microcomputer231determines whether or not the brightness around the vehicle203or in the vehicle interior, that is, the brightness in the surroundings has become darker than before, based on a value indicating brightness (e.g., illuminance). When a positive determination is made here, the microcomputer231proceeds to S120, and on the other hand, when a negative determination is made, the microcomputer231temporarily terminates the present processing.

The microcomputer231determines, for example, whether or not the brightness in the vehicle interior has come into a dark state such as in the nighttime from a bright state in the daytime. Specifically, the microcomputer231uses a value indicating brightness (e.g., illuminance) to determine whether or not the brightness in the vehicle interior has changed from a value indicating brightness in the daytime to a value indicating brightness in the nighttime in a dark place such as a tunnel with less lighting. Hereinafter, the nighttime or a dark place is referred to as nighttime or the like.

Since the brightness of the environment outside the vehicle203normally changes gradually, a determination value for determining the brightness is determined in advance, and the microcomputer231determines the brightness depending on whether or not the brightness is equal to or greater than the determination value. That is, here, for example, the daytime is set in the case of brightness equal to or greater than the determination value, and the nighttime or the like is set in the case of brightness less than the determination value.

In step S120, the microcomputer231controls the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217and the luminance of the image displayed on the display215in order to reduce the luminance of the virtual image. That is, when the surroundings become dark, and the virtual image is displayed with high luminance as in a case where the surroundings are bright, the driver or the like feels that the display is bright, and hence, the microcomputer231performs control for reducing the luminance of the virtual image.

When the display215is an LED, the microcomputer231controls the luminance of the LED itself, and when the display215is a liquid crystal display, the microcomputer231controls the luminance of the backlight. Hereinafter, the control of the luminance of the LED itself and the control of the luminance of the backlight are simply referred to as the control of the luminance of the display215.

Here, Table 1 below shows methods (a) to (d) for reducing the luminance of the virtual image when the brightness changes from the state in the daytime to the state in the nighttime or the like, that is, when the surroundings become dark.

As described in Table 1, in the case of (A), the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217is maintained to be the reflectance in the daytime, and the luminance of the display215is made lower than that in the daytime. That is, the microcomputer231reduces the luminance of the virtual image by reducing the luminance of the display215. When the luminance of the display215is reduced, the power consumption of the display215can be reduced.

In the case of (B), the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217is made lower than the reflectance in the daytime, and the luminance of the display215is maintained to be the luminance in the daytime. That is, the microcomputer231reduces the luminance of the virtual image by reducing the reflectance.

In the case of (C), the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217is made significantly lower than the reflectance in the daytime, and the luminance of the display215is made higher than the luminance in the daytime. That is, although the luminance of the display215increases, the microcomputer231reduces the luminance of the virtual image by greatly reducing the reflectance.

In the case of (D), the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217is made higher than the reflectance in the daytime, and the luminance of the display215is made significantly lower than the luminance in the daytime. That is, although the reflectance increases, the microcomputer231reduces the luminance of the virtual image by significantly reducing the luminance of the display215.

In the fourth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(4a) The present fourth embodiment includes the display unit221having the display215and the reflecting mirror217and the display control device219.

With such a configuration, in the fourth embodiment, when the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217is high, and the trouble as described above is likely to occur, the reflectance can be adjusted so as to restrict the occurrence of such a trouble.

That is, in the fourth embodiment, the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217can be controlled in accordance with the brightness in the surroundings that are a space affecting the visual recognition of the display using the reflecting mirror217. For example, the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217can be controlled in accordance with the brightness around the vehicle203in the daytime or in the nighttime or the like, and thus the brightness in the vehicle interior. Therefore, reflection of scenery or the like around the vehicle203can be restricted. The seamless feeling can be enhanced to improve the appearance and look of the display215and the like. Furthermore, generation of a double image and stray light can be restricted.

Thus, when the area (quantity) of the portion where light is reflected and displayed on the reflecting mirror217(i.e., the display area (quantity)) is increased, for example, even when the display area (quantity) of one reflecting mirror217is increased, or the total display area (quantity) is increased using the plurality of reflecting mirrors217, the problem described above becomes less conspicuous by controlling the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217, so that it is possible to effectively reduce the problem.

(4b) In the present fourth embodiment, the display control device219can control the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217and control the luminance of the display215.

Therefore, it is possible to control the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217and the luminance of the display215in accordance with the brightness around the vehicle203or in the vehicle interior due to the daytime or due to the nighttime or the like, for example, in accordance with the brightness around the reflecting mirror217.

Examples of the control of the reflectance include control for increasing, reducing, or maintaining the reflectance. Examples of the control of the luminance of the display215include control for increasing, reducing, or maintaining the luminance.

(4c) In the present fourth embodiment, in order to display the virtual image (i.e., display image) with target brightness (i.e., luminance), for example, in order to set the luminance of the virtual image to a predetermined low luminance, it is possible to perform control combining the control of the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217and the control of the luminance of the display215.

For example, when the surroundings of the vehicle203become dark in the nighttime or the like, and thus the vehicle interior around the display215becomes dark, the control combining the reflectance control of the reflecting mirror217and the luminance control of the display215can be performed so as to reduce the luminance of the virtual image. For example, it is possible to perform control for increasing the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217and reducing the luminance of the display215.

This can reduce the glare of the virtual image and enhance the visibility of the virtual image. When the luminance of the display215is reduced in this manner, the power consumption of the display215can be reduced.

When the brightness in the vehicle interior becomes brighter than before, control for increasing the luminance of the virtual image may be performed. For example, control for reducing the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217and increasing the luminance of the display215may be performed. As a result, when the surroundings are bright, the visibility of the virtual image can be enhanced.

In the relationship between the present fourth embodiment and the present disclosure, the display device201corresponds to a display device, the display215corresponds to a display unit, the reflecting mirror217corresponds to a reflector, and the display control device219corresponds to a controller.

Fifth Embodiment

A basic configuration of a fifth embodiment is similar to that of the fourth embodiment, and hence a difference from the fourth embodiment will be mainly described below. The same reference numerals as those in the fourth embodiment denote the same configuration, and the preceding description will be referred to.

In the present fifth embodiment, at least the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217is controlled in accordance with the presence or absence of a light source such as an artificial light existing around the vehicle203and/or the proximity state of the light source.

(5a) First, the outline of the control will be described.

For example, while the vehicle203is traveling, there is light from a headlight that enters the vehicle interior at a low angle from the lateral side or the rear of the vehicle203. In addition, as illustrated inFIG.21, there is light of a lighting lamp253entering the vehicle interior from the surroundings of the vehicle203via the front window207or the side window251in a tunnel or on an expressway.

Such light is reflected on the reflecting mirror217, and reduces the visibility of an image (i.e., the display image that is the virtual image) displayed on the display device201especially when the surroundings are dark such as in the nighttime or the like.

Therefore, in the present fifth embodiment, in order to enhance the driver's visibility, the reflectance and the like of the reflecting mirror217are controlled as illustrated inFIG.22below.

(5b) Next, the control processing of the present fifth embodiment will be described.

As illustrated inFIG.22, in S200, the microcomputer231acquires a shot image from the vehicle exterior camera239, for example.

In subsequent S210, the microcomputer231determines whether or not there is light of the headlight or light of the lighting lamp253(i.e., light source) around the vehicle203from the image shot by the vehicle exterior camera239. That is, the microcomputer231determines whether or not the light of the headlight or the lighting lamp253is falling on the vehicle203. When a positive determination is made here, the microcomputer231proceeds to S220, and on the other hand, when a negative determination is made, the microcomputer231temporarily terminates the present processing.

The light of the headlight and the light of the lighting lamp253can be discriminated because only a part of the light is bright with respect to the darkness in the surroundings.

In S220, since the light from the headlight and the light from the lighting lamp253are reflected on the reflecting mirror217, and the visibility of the display image is reduced, the microcomputer231performs control for reducing the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217.

In subsequent S230, in order to enhance the visibility of the display image, the microcomputer231performs control for increasing the luminance of the display215and temporarily terminates the present processing.

Although the presence or absence of the light source is determined in S210above, it may be determined whether or not the light source is approaching (i.e., whether or not the light source is in the proximity state) separately from S210or in addition to S210. Whether or not the light source is in proximity can be determined by, for example, whether or not the brightness is increasing for the same light source.

By the control described above, the present fifth embodiment has a similar effect to that of the present fourth embodiment.

Further, in the present fifth embodiment, when light from a light source around the vehicle203(i.e., external light) enters the vehicle interior, that is, when external light in the surroundings is reflected in the reflecting mirror217, and the visibility of the display image is reduced, control is performed to reduce the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217and increase the luminance of the display215.

As a result, the reflection of external light in the surroundings is reduced, the complexity of viewing the display image is reduced, and moreover, since the luminance of the display image is sufficiently maintained, so that a remarkable effect of improving the visibility of the display image is obtained.

When the light source in the surroundings becomes nonexistent or when the light source becomes distant, control opposite to the above control may be performed. That is, control for increasing the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217and reducing the luminance of the display215may be performed.

(5c) Next, an experimental example in which the effect of the present fifth embodiment is confirmed will be described.

Here, a nighttime state was assumed. That is, a state where there is no sunlight was assumed. As described in Table 2 below, when the luminance of incidence of an external light source by a spotlight was set, and the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217and the luminance of the display215were adjusted, the luminance of the display image and the luminance of the external light reflection on the reflecting mirror217were measured. Table 2 below also shows the results of the measurement.

As is apparent from Table 2, in a comparative example illustrated in the upper part of Table 2 (i.e., without adjustment), when there was an external light source of 100 cd/m2, the reflectance was maintained at 50% without controlling the reflectance, and the luminance of the display215was also maintained at 30 cd/m2without controlling the luminance. In this case, the luminance of the display image was 15 cd/m2, and the luminance of the portion in which external light was reflected was 50 cd/m2.

In contrast, in the present fifth embodiment illustrated in the lower part of Table 2 (i.e., with adjustment), when there is an external light source of 100 cd/m2, the reflectance is reduced from 50% to 10%, and the luminance of the display215is increased to 150 cd/m2. In this case, the luminance of the display image was ensured at 215 cd/m2, and the luminance of the portion in which the external light was reflected was reduced to 10 cd/m2.

As described above, in the present fifth embodiment, when there is an external light source, the reflectance is reduced, and the luminance of the display215is increased, so that the luminance of the display image can be sufficiently ensured, and the reflection of external light can be reduced. Therefore, it can be seen that the effect of improving the visibility of the display image can be obtained.

Sixth Embodiment

A basic configuration of a sixth embodiment is similar to that of the fourth embodiment, and hence a difference from the fourth embodiment will be mainly described below. The same reference numerals as those in the fourth embodiment denote the same configuration, and the preceding description will be referred to.

In the present sixth embodiment, the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217and the like are controlled in accordance with the opening and closing of a sunroof or a roof of an open car. Details will be described below.

In the display control device219of the present sixth embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.23, the microcomputer231determines whether or not a specific device that affects brightness in the vehicle interior has been activated in S300. The microcomputer231determines, for example, whether or not a switch or the like for opening the sunroof or the roof of the open car has been operated. When a positive determination is made here, the microcomputer231proceeds to S310, and on the other hand, when a negative determination is made, the microcomputer231temporarily terminates the present processing.

In S310, it is considered that the sunroof or the roof of the open car is opened, the bright external light outside the vehicle interior enters the vehicle interior, and the brightness inside the vehicle interior increases. Thus, in this state, the external light is reflected on the reflecting mirror217to cause a decrease in the visibility of the display image, and hence the microcomputer231performs control for reducing the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217.

In subsequent S230, in order to enhance the visibility of the display image, the microcomputer231performs control for increasing the luminance of the display215and temporarily terminates the present processing.

The present sixth embodiment has a similar effect to that of the present fifth embodiment. The processing described above may not be performed in the nighttime or the like.

In the aboveFIG.23, the case has been described as an example where the roof of the sunroof or the open car is opened and the brightness in the vehicle interior is increased. However, when the roof of the sunroof or the open car is closed and the brightness in the vehicle interior is reduced, contrary to the above control, control for increasing the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217and control for reducing the luminance of the display215may be performed.

Seventh Embodiment

A basic configuration of a seventh embodiment is similar to that of the fourth embodiment, and hence a difference from the fourth embodiment will be mainly described below. The same reference numerals as those in the fourth embodiment denote the same configuration, and the preceding description will be referred to.

The present seventh embodiment is a form in which the reflectance and the like of the reflecting mirror217are controlled when, for example, a relaxation mode or an entertainment display mode is set in an autonomous driving state, a parking state, or the like in a vehicle having a driving support function.

The relaxation mode is a mode in which the amount of light of the indoor light is reduced to relax the occupant, for example, in the nighttime or the like. The entertainment display mode is a mode in which a television, a movie, a game, or the like is displayed on a display (e.g., entertainment display) except for the in-vehicle display device201.

In the present seventh embodiment, for example, in a case where a roof display, an entertainment display, or other indirect lighting in the vehicle interior is used, when an image is not displayed on the display device201, control for reducing the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217is performed.

The roof display is, for example, a display disposed on a ceiling or the like for an occupant in a rear seat. The entertainment display is an entertainment display that displays a television, a movie, a game, or the like.

Hereinafter, the control of the present seventh embodiment will be described.

In the display control device219of the present seventh embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.24, the microcomputer231determines whether or not a specific device that affects eyesight has been activated in S400. The microcomputer231determines, for example, whether or not the roof display, the entertainment display, or other indirect lighting in the vehicle interior is being used (i.e., in an on-state). When a positive determination is made here, the microcomputer231proceeds to S410, and on the other hand, when a negative determination is made, the microcomputer231temporarily terminates the present processing.

In step S410, the microcomputer231determines whether or not an image is displayed on the display215. When a negative determination is made here, the microcomputer231proceeds to S420, and on the other hand, when a positive determination is made, the microcomputer231temporarily terminates the present processing.

In S420, the microcomputer231performs control for reducing the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217and temporarily terminates the present processing.

The present seventh embodiment has a similar effect to that of the present fourth embodiment.

Further, in the present seventh embodiment, in a case where the roof display or the entertainment display is being used, when the display device201is not displayed, the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217is reduced, so that there is an effect that viewing of each display is hardly hindered. In addition, even when other indirect lighting is on, the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217is reduced, so that the light of the indirect lighting is less likely to be reflected on the reflecting mirror217.

Hence there is an advantage that the atmosphere in the vehicle interior is hardly impaired. That is, since the reflection of each display or indirect lighting in the reflecting mirror217is reduced, there is an advantage that complexity due to viewing of extra light is reduced and a sense of immersion in a video or the like is increased.

In a case where the relaxation mode has been set, when the display device201is not displayed, the complexity described above can be reduced and the relaxation effect can be enhanced by reducing the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217.

FIG.24illustrates an example in which the control for reducing the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217is performed when the roof display, the entertainment display, or the indirect lighting is being used and the display device201is not displayed. However, contrary to the above control, when the roof display, the entertainment display, or the indirect lighting is not being used, the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217may be increased to return to a normal state.

Eighth Embodiment

A basic configuration of an eighth embodiment is similar to that of the fourth embodiment, and hence a difference from the fourth embodiment will be mainly described below. The same reference numerals as those in the fourth embodiment denote the same configuration, and the preceding description will be referred to.

The present eighth embodiment is a form in which at least the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217is controlled in accordance with the temperature of the display215and/or in the vicinity of the display215or an index corresponding to the temperature.

(8a) First, the outline of the control will be described.

For example, when some of various devices disposed on the IP panel209of the vehicle203reach a certain temperature or higher, there is a risk that a part may be damaged or deformed, or malfunction occurs. Examples of the devices include, in addition to the display215, a meter, a CID, a head-up display, and the like. CID is an abbreviation for center information display.

For example, when the vehicle203is left unattended for a long period of time under a clear sky in midsummer, the temperature in the vehicle interior and the temperature of the IP panel209may rise due to the influence of solar radiation, and there is a possibility that the failures of the various devices described above occur.

Therefore, in the present eighth embodiment, in such a case, control is performed to reduce the luminance of the display215in order to reduce self-heating in the display215and reduce a temperature rise in the display215and the vicinity thereof.

However, when the luminance of the display215is simply reduced, the visibility of the display image may be reduced, and hence the visibility is improved by performing control for increasing the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217as necessary.

As the above temperature measure, a method of increasing the reflectance in advance is also conceivable, but in this case, there are various problems such as an increase in the reflection of the surrounding scenery described above. Therefore, in the present eighth embodiment, control is performed to increase the reflectance when there is a need for the temperature measurement.

Examples of the vicinity of the display215include a range in which the temperature of the device in the vicinity of the display215can be changed more than a predetermined temperature range when the luminance of the display215is controlled. The device in the vicinity can be determined by an experiment or the like for examining a temperature change.

It is conceivable that the temperature sensor237is disposed on the display215so as to detect the temperature of the display215itself. The temperature sensor237may be disposed at a position in the vicinity of the display215, for example, at a predetermined position such as the dashboard205, the IP panel209, or the visor211, and the temperature in the vicinity of the display215may be detected.

Alternatively, in addition to the method of directly detecting the temperature of the display215or the vicinity thereof, the temperature of a position (e.g., other positions such as a ceiling) considered to have a correspondence relationship with the temperature of the display215or the vicinity thereof may be measured, and the temperature of the display215or the vicinity thereof may be estimated from the measured temperature.

Examples of the index corresponding to the temperature include a solar radiation amount and a solar radiation time. For example, when the solar radiation time is a predetermined value or more, it can be estimated that the temperature of the display215is a predetermined value or more.

(8b) Next, the content of the control performed by the display control device219will be described.

As illustrated inFIG.25, in S500, the microcomputer231acquires the temperature of the display215or the vicinity thereof based on a signal from the temperature sensor237.

In subsequent S510, the microcomputer231determines whether or not the temperature of the display215or the vicinity thereof has risen to a predetermined temperature or higher at which a malfunction may occur in the device. When a positive determination is made here, the microcomputer231proceeds to S520, and on the other hand, when a negative determination is made, the microcomputer231temporarily terminates the present processing.

In S520, since the temperature of the display215or the vicinity thereof has excessively risen, the microcomputer231performs control for reducing the luminance of the display215in order to restrict the temperature rise.

In subsequent S530, since the visibility decreases due to a decrease in the luminance of the display215, the microcomputer231performs control for increasing the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217in order to enhance the visibility and temporarily terminates the present processing.

By the control described above, the present eighth embodiment has a similar effect to that of the present fourth embodiment.

Further, in the present eighth embodiment, when the temperature of the display215or the vicinity thereof rises, control for reducing the luminance of the display215is performed, and control for increasing the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217is performed. As a result, the temperature rises of the display215and the devices in the vicinity thereof can be reduced, so that the occurrence of the failures of the various devices can be restricted, and moreover, the visibility can also be ensured.

When the temperature of the display215or the vicinity thereof falls below a predetermined temperature, control opposite to the above control may be performed. That is, control for increasing the luminance of the display215may be performed, and control for reducing the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217may be performed.

(8c) Next, Experimental Example a and Experimental Example b in which the effect of the present eighth embodiment was confirmed will be described.

Experimental Example a

In Experimental Example a, a state was assumed where the heat received due to solar radiation was small in the daytime, and the temperature in the vehicle interior hardly rose.

As described in Table 3 below, when the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217and the luminance of the display215were set, the luminance of the display image on the reflecting mirror217was measured. Table 3 below also shows the results of the measurement.

In Table 3 and Table 4 below, “Environmental temperature (ΔT-SUN)” indicates a temperature at which the temperature of the display215rises above a predetermined reference temperature T1due to solar radiation. “Self-heating (ΔT)” indicates a temperature at which the temperature of the display215rises from a predetermined reference temperature T2when display is performed on the display215.

TABLE 3[When influence of temperature of surrounding environment,such as heat received due to solar radiation, is small][During daytime lighting]ReflectingDisplayDisplayEnvironmentalmirrorplateimageinfluenceSelf-heating(Reflectance)(Luminance)(Luminance)(ΔT-SUN)(ΔT)Without50%600 cd/m2300 cd/m2+5° C.+20° C.reflectanceadjustment

As is clear from Table 3, when the heat received due to solar radiation (i.e., environmental influence) is small, the luminance of the display215is set to a value as high as 600 cd/m2as an initial value in order to sufficiently brighten the display.

In a case where the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217is not adjusted, that is, in a case where the reflectance is maintained at 50%, the luminance of the display image is as high as 300 cd/m2, indicating good visibility.

It is not necessary to excessively increase the luminance of the display image. When the environmental influence is small, the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217may not be adjusted (i.e., changed).

In the case of Experimental Example a, since the environmental influence is small, it can be seen that the overall temperature change of the environmental influence and the self-heating is as small as 25° C. even when the luminance of the display215is high.

Experimental Example b

In Experimental Example b, it was assumed that the heat received due to solar radiation was large in the daytime, and the temperature in the vehicle interior was likely to rise.

As described in Table 4 below, when the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217and the luminance of the display215were adjusted, the luminance of the display image on the reflecting mirror217was measured. Table 4 below also shows the results of the measurement.

As is clear from Table 4, it can be seen that in a case where the heat received due to solar radiation (i.e., environmental influence) is large, even when the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217is not adjusted, that is, even when the reflectance is maintained at 50%, the luminance of the display215is set to as low as 200 cd/m2, whereby it is possible to reduce the overall temperature change. However, in this case, since the luminance of the display image is as low as 100 cd/m2, the visibility is also low.

On the other hand, it can be seen that in a case where the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217is increased from 50% to 90%, the luminance of the display image can be increased to as high as 180 cd/m2even when the luminance of the display215is set to be as low as 200 cd/m2, and hence it is possible to improve the visibility. It can also be seen that in this case, the overall temperature change can be reduced.

Here, the luminance of the display215is maintained regardless of whether or not to adjust the reflectance, but the luminance of the display215may be decreased in the case of increasing the reflectance.

As described above, in the present eighth embodiment, when the heat received due to solar radiation is large, the luminance of the display215is reduced, and the reflectance is increased. Therefore, it can be seen that it is possible to obtain the effect of restricting the occurrence of the malfunction due to the temperature of the device described above and ensuring the visibility of the display image.

Ninth Embodiment

A basic configuration of a ninth embodiment is similar to that of the fourth embodiment, and hence a difference from the fourth embodiment will be mainly described below. The same reference numerals as those in the fourth embodiment denote the same configuration, and the preceding description will be referred to.

In the ninth embodiment, the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217is controlled in accordance with (9a) manual driving by the driver or autonomous driving not by the driver, (9b) the line-of-sight movement of the driver, (9c) whether or not the driver is wearing sunglasses, and (9d) whether or not an occupant is in the passenger seat.

Hereinafter, a specific description will be given.

(9a) First, an example of controlling the reflectance in accordance with manual driving by the driver and autonomous driving not by the driver will be described.

As illustrated inFIG.26, in the display control device219, in S600, the microcomputer231determines whether or not the vehicle203is in an autonomous driving state based on, for example, a signal from the vehicle control device229. When a positive determination is made here, the microcomputer231proceeds to S610, and on the other hand, when a negative determination is made, the microcomputer231temporarily terminates the present processing.

As the level of the autonomous driving, a level at which the driver's hand can be separated from the steering wheel249or higher is considered.

In S610, since the vehicle is in the autonomous driving state, the microcomputer231performs control for reducing the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217and temporarily terminates the present processing.

As described above, in the case of the autonomous driving, the necessity of the display related to the driving on the display device201is reduced, and hence it is possible to reduce the complexity due to excessive light entering the visual field of the driver from the display device201by performing the control described above.

When the autonomous driving is switched to the manual driving, it is possible to perform control for increasing the reduced reflectance and return the reflectance to the reflectance corresponding to the manual driving.

(9b) Next, an example of controlling the reflectance in accordance with the line-of-sight movement of the driver will be described.

As illustrated inFIG.27, the microcomputer231acquires, for example, an image of the vehicle interior camera241in S700.

In subsequent S710, the microcomputer231detects the direction of the line of sight of the driver based on the image. The control to detect the direction of the line of sight is known, and hence the description thereof will be omitted.

In subsequent S720, the microcomputer231determines whether or not the driver is viewing the display area of the display device201, that is, the display region227of the reflective surface225of the reflecting mirror217based on the detected direction of the line of sight. When a positive determination is made here, the microcomputer231proceeds to S730, and on the other hand, when a negative determination is made, the microcomputer231proceeds to S740

In S730, since the driver is viewing the display area, the microcomputer231performs control for increasing the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217and temporarily terminates the present processing. Thereby, the luminance of the display image increases, so that the visibility is improved.

On the other hand, in S740, the microcomputer231determines whether or not the driver is viewing the front of the vehicle203. When a positive determination is made here, the microcomputer231proceeds to S750, and on the other hand, when a negative determination is made, the microcomputer231temporarily terminates the present processing.

In S750, since the driver is viewing the front of the vehicle203, the microcomputer231performs control for reducing the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217and temporarily terminates the present processing. As a result, the light from the reflecting mirror217can be restricted from entering the visual field of the driver, so that the complexity for the driver can be reduced.

(9c) Next, an example of controlling the reflectance in accordance with whether or not the driver is wearing sunglasses will be described.

As illustrated inFIG.28, the microcomputer231acquires, for example, an image of the vehicle interior camera241in S800.

In subsequent S810, the microcomputer231determines whether or not the driver is wearing sunglasses based on the image. When a positive determination is made here, the microcomputer231proceeds to S820, and on the other hand, when a negative determination is made, the microcomputer231temporarily terminates the present processing. Whether or not the driver is wearing the sunglasses can be determined by known image recognition processing.

In S820, since the driver is wearing sunglasses, the microcomputer231performs control for increasing the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217and temporarily terminates the present processing. Thereby, the luminance of the display image increases, so that the visibility is improved.

(9d) Next, an example of controlling the reflectance in accordance with whether or not the occupant is in the passenger seat will be described.

As illustrated inFIG.29, the microcomputer231acquires, for example, an image of the vehicle interior camera241in S900.

In subsequent S910, the microcomputer231determines whether or not the occupant is seated in the passenger seat based on the image. When a negative determination is made here, the microcomputer231proceeds to S910, and on the other hand, when a positive determination is made, the microcomputer231temporarily terminates the present processing. Whether the passenger seat is seated can be determined by known image recognition processing.

In S920, since the occupant is not seated on the passenger seat, the microcomputer231performs control for reducing the reflectance of the reflecting mirror217of the display device201for the passenger seat and temporarily terminates the present processing.

As a result, the light from the reflecting mirror217on the passenger seat side can be restricted from entering the visual field of the driver, so that the complexity for the driver can be reduced.

Tenth Embodiment

First, an overall configuration of a display device of the present tenth embodiment will be described.

As illustrated inFIG.30, a display device301of the present tenth embodiment is a device that is mounted in a vehicle303, which is an automobile, and displays various images to a driver, for example.

The display device301is disposed on a dashboard305in front of the driver seat. Specifically, the dashboard305is disposed below a windshield307, and the dashboard305includes on its upper side an instrument panel (i.e., IP panel)309to which various instruments are attached on an upper surface. On the driver seat side of the IP panel309, a visor311, which is a light shielding plate, protrudes toward the driver seat side.

The display device301is disposed below the visor311, and an image displayed on the display device301is visually recognizable to the driver seated on the driver seat. The displayed image is a virtual image as described later, and hence the driver visually recognizes the virtual image.

[2. Configuration of Display Device]

Next, the configuration of the display device301will be described in detail. As illustrated inFIG.30, the display device301includes a light irradiator313, a shooting unit315, a transmission reflector317, and a display unit319.

The light irradiator313is configured to irradiate the position of the driver viewing the display device301with, for example, infrared light. As the light irradiator313, for example, an infrared LED (i.e., IR-LED) can be employed. IR is an abbreviation for infrared, and LED is an abbreviation for light-emitting diode.

InFIG.30, the range (i.e., irradiation range) of the infrared light emitted from the light irradiator313is indicated by a range of a predetermined angle sandwiched by upper and lower solid lines. This irradiation range is a range in which the face and the upper body of the driver are irradiated through the space of the steering wheel321, and is, for example, a conical range.

As the infrared light, for example, infrared light having a wavelength within a range of 0.7 μm to 1000 μm can be employed. For example, near-infrared light having a wavelength of 0.7 μm to 2.5 μm can be employed.

The shooting unit315is a camera that shoots an image of the driver, here, an infrared camera. The shooting unit315is disposed to receive reflected light of infrared rays emitted from the light irradiator313. That is, the shooting unit315is configured to receive reflected light of infrared light emitted to the driver and shoot an image of the driver by using the reflected light.

InFIG.30, an imageable range (i.e., the shooting range) of the shooting unit315is indicated by a range of a predetermined angle sandwiched by upper and lower broken lines. This shooting range is a range in which an image of the face and the upper body of the driver is shot through the space of the steering wheels321and is slightly different from the irradiation range. The shooting range is, for example, a conical range.

The transmission reflector317is a flat member and is a so-called cold mirror having optical characteristics of reflecting visible light and transmitting infrared light. Here, for example, the transmission reflector317is configured to reflect visible light having a wavelength of 380 nm to 780 nm and transmit the near-infrared light.

The transmission reflector317can transmit infrared light emitted from the light irradiator313between the front side (i.e., the right side ofFIG.30) that is the driver side and the back side (i.e., the left side ofFIG.30) that is an opposite side of the front side, and can transmit reflected light that is infrared light obtained by reflecting the infrared light by the driver. Moreover, in the transmission reflector317, at least a part (e.g., all) of light incident from the front side, that is, light (e.g., visible light) that falls on a surface323of the front side of the transmission reflector317, is reflected on the surface323toward the driver side.

The transmission reflector317is disposed between the position of the driver and the light irradiator313/the shooting unit315with the front side facing the driver side.

The transmission reflector317is inclined at an angle of, for example, 40 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction such that the position becomes lower toward the driver side.

As illustrated inFIG.31, one shooting unit315is disposed on the back side of the substantially center of the transmission reflector317, and a pair of light irradiators313is disposed on both left and right sides of the shooting unit315.

The planar shape of the transmission reflector317is a trapezoid long in the right-left direction, and a display region325in which an image of the display unit319is displayed is provided on a surface323of the front side of the transmission reflector317. The surface shape of the display region325is the same as the surface shape (e.g., rectangular) of the display unit319.

The display unit319is an LED display plate having the shape of a flat plate and capable of displaying various images such as characters, symbols, and videos based on an electric signal from a control device (not illustrated). That is, it is a device capable of displaying an image by an LED.

The display unit319is attached to the lower surface of the visor311and is disposed with a display surface319a, which is a surface for displaying an image, facing downward. That is, the display unit319is configured to display an image toward the transmission reflector317disposed below the display unit319. A display surface319aof the display unit319is inclined at an angle of, for example, 5 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction such that the position becomes higher toward the driver side.

As described above, since the display unit319is disposed on the front side and above the transmission reflector317with the display surface319afor displaying an image facing downward, the image displayed by the display unit319is visually recognizable to the driver by being reflected on the transmission reflector317. In other words, the display unit319and transmission reflector317are disposed at such positions that the displayed image is visually recognizable to the driver.

As described above, in the present tenth embodiment, the display unit319is disposed on the lower side of the visor311on the front side (i.e., the driver side) of the transmission reflector317so as not to hinder the driver from visually recognizing the transmission reflector317. Similarly, the light irradiator313and the shooting unit315are disposed on the back side (i.e., the front-top side of the vehicle303) of the transmission reflector317so as not to hinder the visual recognition of the image by the driver.

Hereinafter, the configuration including the light irradiator313and the shooting unit315may be referred to as a shooting mechanism327, and the shooting mechanism327has the function of the DSM described above. The light irradiator313and the shooting unit315are integrally disposed on a support substrate327a, for example.

[3. Function of Display Device]

Next, the function of the display device301will be described in detail.

As illustrated inFIG.30, when the transmission reflector317is irradiated with infrared light from the light irradiator313, the infrared light is transmitted through the transmission reflector317and falls on the driver.

The infrared light emitted to the driver is reflected on the driver, and the reflected light (i.e., infrared light) passes through the transmission reflector317and enters the shooting unit315. Therefore, the shooting unit315can shoot an image of the driver using the reflected light.

As described above, even when transmission reflector317is disposed on the driver side of the light irradiator313and the shooting unit315, a shot image of the driver can be acquired.

When an image is displayed on the display unit319above the front side of the transmission reflector317, light (i.e., visible light) indicating the image is reflected toward the driver side on the surface323of the front side of the transmission reflector317. As a result, the driver can visually recognize the image displayed by the transmission reflector317.

Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.32, when the light of the image, which is the real image from display unit319, is reflected on the surface323of the front side of the transmission reflector317, the driver who sees the reflected light recognizes as if the real image is at a predetermined position on the back side of the transmission reflector317. That is, a virtual image that is not actually present is recognized at a predetermined position in the line-of-sight direction of the driver.

That is, in the present tenth embodiment, the image viewable by the transmission reflector317is a virtual image formed on the back side of the transmission reflector317.

The angles formed by the real image and the virtual image with respect to the surface323of the transmission reflector317are the same θ, and the distance between the surface323of the transmission reflector317and the real image and the distance between the surface323of the transmission reflector317and the virtual image are the same.

In the present tenth embodiment, the light irradiator313and the shooting unit315are disposed between the formation position of the virtual image indicated by K inFIG.30and transmission reflector317.

In the tenth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(10a) In the display device301of the present tenth embodiment, the display unit319is disposed closer to the driver than the transmission reflector317, and the image displayed on the display unit319is reflected on the transmission reflector317toward the driver side. Therefore, the driver looking at the transmission reflector317looks as if the image on the display unit319is behind the transmission reflector317, that is, on the opposite side of the position of the driver. That is, the image of the display unit319can be seen as a virtual image on the back side of the transmission reflector317, which is the destination of the driver's line of sight.

Furthermore, in the display device301, since the light irradiator313and the shooting unit315are disposed behind (i.e., on the back side of) the transmission reflector317, when an image is displayed as a virtual image by the transmission reflector317, the display region325of the image in the transmission reflector317is hardly limited due to the presence of the light irradiator313and the shooting unit315.

For example, as illustrated side by side in the upper column ofFIG.33, the configuration of the present disclosure can be applied to the display devices301having various shapes including the display unit319, the transmission reflector317, and the display region325having various shapes. That is, with the light irradiator313and the shooting unit315being disposed on the back side of the transmission reflector317, the maximum display region325can be ensured without reducing the display region325. The right end of the upper column is the display device301of the present tenth embodiment, and the display devices301at the center or the left end are modifications thereof.

In contrast, the display devices of comparative examples are illustrated side by side in the lower column ofFIG.33, and since the light irradiator313and the shooting unit315are disposed in front of (i.e., on the driver seat side of) the display region325, the visible display region325is small, which is not preferable. In the upper column and the lower column ofFIG.33, the display devices having substantially similar shapes are vertically arranged and compared.

Moreover, in the display device301according to the present tenth embodiment, it is not necessary to dispose the light irradiator313and the shooting unit315by cutting out the periphery of the transmission reflector317, or to dispose the light irradiator and the shooting unit by embedding the light irradiator313and the shooting unit315in the transmission reflector317itself, so that the device configuration can be simplified.

For example, as illustrated in the upper column ofFIG.34, in the present tenth embodiment, since the light irradiator313and the shooting unit315are disposed on the back side of the transmission reflector317, it is not necessary to perform special processing on the transmission reflector317, and the configuration of the display device301can be simplified.

In contrast, the display device of the comparative example is illustrated in the lower column ofFIG.34, and since the light irradiator313is disposed by cutting out a part of the member constituting the display region325or the shooting unit315is embedded in the member constituting the display region325, the configuration becomes complicated and is not preferable.

As described above, according to the configuration of the present tenth embodiment, there is an effect that the display of the display device301is less likely to be hidden, and moreover, the configuration of the display device301can be simplified.

(10b) In the present tenth embodiment, the light emitted from the light irradiator313is infrared light, and the light reflected on the surface323of the front side of the transmission reflector317is visible light.

Therefore, even when the driver is irradiated with infrared light, an image of the driver can be shot with little influence on the driver's driving or the like. In addition, by the shooting using infrared light, it is possible to suitably grasp the state of the driver even when the surroundings are dark.

The image displayed on the display unit319with visible light is reflected on the surface323of the front side of the transmission reflector317, so that the driver can easily recognize the image.

(10c) In the present tenth embodiment, the light irradiator313and the shooting unit315are disposed between the formation position of the virtual image and the transmission reflector317. In the case of such a configuration, when the driver views the virtual image, the driver focuses on the virtual image. Therefore, there is an advantage that the light irradiator313and the shooting unit315look blurred, and the light irradiator313and the shooting unit315are difficult to see.

Only one of the light irradiator313and the shooting unit315may be disposed between the formation position of the virtual image and the transmission reflector317.

Next, modifications of the tenth embodiment and the like will be described.

(1) In the tenth embodiment, the infrared LED has been shot as an example of the light irradiator313, and the infrared camera has been shot as an example of the shooting unit315, but visible light may be employed instead of infrared rays.

For example, a lamp that emits visible light may be employed as the light irradiator313, and a camera (e.g., a CCD camera) that shoots an image using normal visible light may be employed as the shooting unit315.

(2) In the tenth embodiment, a cold mirror that transmits infrared light and reflects visible light has been employed as transmission reflector317, but other configurations may be employed.

As a configuration of the cold mirror, as illustrated inFIG.35, a material having a property of transmitting infrared light and reflecting visible light may be coated on a surface of a light transmissive substrate317athrough which visible light and infrared light are transmitted, or an optical film having the property may be attached. That is, the layer317bhaving the property described above may be provided on the surface of the substrate317a. The whole transmission reflector317may be made of a material having the above properties.

As the transmission reflector317, for example, a half mirror capable of transmitting and reflecting visible light can be employed. In this case, a configuration of a lamp or a camera that shoots an image using visible light is employed.

Furthermore, as the transmission reflector317, for example, a member capable of selectively transmitting and selectively reflecting light in accordance with a deflection direction can be employed. That is, it is possible to employ a configuration in which light in a certain polarization direction is transmitted and light in another polarization direction is reflected. Examples of the light in various deflection directions include P waves, S waves, and circularly polarized light.

(3) As illustrated inFIG.35, a layer318capable of changing optical characteristics may be provided on the surface of the front or back side of the transmission reflector317. For example, a liquid crystal shutter capable of changing light transmittance may be provided.

In the relationship between the present tenth embodiment and the present disclosure, the light irradiator313corresponds to a light irradiator, the shooting unit315corresponds to a shooting unit, the transmission reflector317corresponds to a reflector, the display unit319corresponds to a display unit, the shooting mechanism327corresponds to a shooting mechanism, the pseudo display unit329corresponds to a pseudo display unit, and the restriction unit331corresponds to a restriction unit.

Eleventh Embodiment

A basic configuration of an eleventh embodiment is similar to that of the tenth embodiment, and hence a difference from the tenth embodiment will be mainly described below. The same reference numerals as those in the tenth embodiment denote the same configuration, and the preceding description will be referred to.

In the present eleventh embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS.36to38, transmission reflector317includes a pseudo display unit329that reduces visual recognition of the light irradiator313and the shooting unit315. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given.

For example, as illustrated inFIG.36, in the display region325on the surface323of the front side of the transmission reflector317, the pseudo display unit329is provided to cover a range in which the light irradiator313and the shooting unit315are visible when viewed from the driver.

Specifically, in order to make the light irradiator313and the shooting unit315inconspicuous, the transmission reflector317is provided with the pseudo display unit329that displays display content (i.e., content) brighter in color than the surroundings. That is, when the virtual image by the display unit319is displayed in the display region325, the light irradiator313and the shooting unit315are made inconspicuous by brightening the color of the virtual image in the range of the pseudo display unit329. That is, the light irradiator313and the shooting unit315are disguised by colors.

In a case where an infrared LED is used as the light irradiator313, the infrared LED may shine red. In such a case, as illustrated inFIG.37, in the display region325on the surface323of the front side of the transmission reflector317, the pseudo display unit329made of red content is provided to cover a range in which the light irradiator313is visible when viewed from the driver.

Alternatively, as illustrated inFIG.38, in the display region325on the surface323of the front side of the transmission reflector317, the pseudo display unit329including content of a geometric pattern is provided to cover a range in which the light irradiator313is visible when viewed from the driver.

In addition to the above, the pseudo display unit329including content of gradation or a multicolor pattern may be provided.

The present eleventh embodiment has a similar effect to that of the present tenth embodiment. Further, in the present eleventh embodiment, since the light irradiator313and the shooting unit315are difficult to see, there is an effect of reducing discomfort when the driver views the display on the display device301.

Twelfth Embodiment

A basic configuration of a twelfth embodiment is similar to that of the tenth embodiment, and hence a difference from the tenth embodiment will be mainly described below. The same reference numerals as those in the tenth embodiment denote the same configuration, and the preceding description will be referred to.

In the present twelfth embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.39, the restriction unit331that restricts the irradiation range of the light emitted from the light irradiator313and the shooting range of the shooting unit315is provided on the back side of the transmission reflector317. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given.

As illustrated inFIG.39, on the back side of the transmission reflector317, a light adjuster331amade of, for example, a Fresnel lens or the like for adjusting the traveling direction of light and the like is provided to cover an irradiation range L1of the light irradiator313, that is, a range L1of a predetermined angle sandwiched by two solid lines, and a shooting range L2of the shooting unit315, that is, a range L2of a predetermined angle sandwiched by two broken lines. Here, the range covering the irradiation range L1and the shooting range L2are ranges covering the irradiation range L1and the shooting range L2when viewed from the driver side.

That is, the light adjuster331ahaving an optical shape for adjusting the irradiation range L1and the shooting range L2is provided on the surface of the back side of the transmission reflector317. The transmission reflector317may not be a member having a constant thickness such as a flat plate or a curved plate, and irregularities may be formed on the back side by the light adjuster331aor the like.

Similarly, a light shielding layer331bthat blocks transmission of light is provided on the back side of the transmission reflector317so as to surround the irradiation range L1of the light irradiator313and the shooting range L2of the shooting unit315when viewed from the driver side.

That is, the light shielding layer331bis provided around the light adjuster331a, and the light adjuster331aand the light shielding layer331bconstitute the restriction unit331.

One of the light adjuster331aand the light shielding layer331bmay be employed as the restriction unit331. The restriction unit331may be provided only on one of the light irradiator313and the shooting unit315.

The present twelfth embodiment has a similar effect to that of the present tenth embodiment. Further, in the present twelfth embodiment, since the restriction unit331is provided on the back side of the transmission reflector317, it is possible to irradiate a necessary range with light (e.g., infrared light) and to shoot an image in the necessary range.

Thirteenth Embodiment

A basic configuration of a thirteenth embodiment is similar to that of the tenth embodiment, and hence a difference from the tenth embodiment will be mainly described below. The same reference numerals as those in the tenth embodiment denote the same configuration, and the preceding description will be referred to.

In the present thirteenth embodiment, as illustrated in the upper column ofFIG.40, a plurality of shooting mechanisms327each including the light irradiator313and the shooting unit315are provided on the back side of the transmission reflector317, and each shooting mechanism327is disposed in accordance with the shooting position and/or the shooting direction of the shooting target.

For example, in the display device301in the upper column ofFIG.40, the shooting mechanism327on the left side is disposed on the left side of the transmission reflector317so as to shoot an image of the passenger in the passenger seat, and the shooting direction of the shooting unit315, that is, the shooting range is set so as to shoot an image of the face of the passenger in the passenger seat. The shooting range is a range of a predetermined angle (i.e., shooting view angle) surrounded by a solid line.

Further, the shooting mechanism327on the central side inFIG.40is disposed on the central side of the transmission reflector317so as to shoot an image of the passenger on the rear seat, and the shooting direction of the shooting unit315, that is, the shooting range, is set so as to shoot an image of the face of the passenger on the rear seat.

Moreover, the shooting mechanism327on the right side ofFIG.40is disposed on the right side of the transmission reflector317so as to shoot an image of the driver, and the shooting direction of the shooting unit315, that is, the shooting range, is set so as to shoot an image of the face of the driver.

The present thirteenth embodiment has a similar effect to that of the present tenth embodiment. Further, the present thirteenth embodiment has an advantage that when there are a plurality of shooting targets, each shooting mechanism327can be disposed at a position most suitable for shooting in accordance with the position of each shooting target and the like.

There is also an advantage that the shooting mechanism327having different sizes, shapes, and performances can be disposed freely. For example, there is an advantage that various sizes of lenses for telephoto or wide angle, different types of camera modules, and the like can be appropriately employed depending on the shooting target.

On the other hand, although a comparative example is illustrated in the lower column ofFIG.40, in the comparative example, in a case where a plurality of shooting mechanisms327are disposed, it is necessary to dispose the plurality of shooting mechanisms327on the front side of the display region325of the image. Therefore, there are a disadvantage that the display region325is limited, a disadvantage that the placement of the shooting mechanism327is limited, and a disadvantage that the shooting mechanism327is conspicuous, which are not preferable.

Fourteenth Embodiment

A basic configuration of a fourteenth embodiment is similar to that of the tenth embodiment, and hence a difference from the tenth embodiment will be mainly described below. The same reference numerals as those in the tenth embodiment denote the same configuration, and the preceding description will be referred to.

In the present fourteenth embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.41, a first optical element333that adjusts a state of light emitted from the light irradiator313and a second optical element335that adjusts a state of light incident on the shooting unit315are provided on the back side of the transmission reflector317. Examples of the state of light include a light direction, a light condensing state, and the like.

Examples of the first optical element333and the second optical element335include a mirror, a lens, a MEMS module, and the like. By these elements, a shooting view angle, a focal point, and an optical axis direction may be adjusted. Only one of the first optical element333and the second optical element335may be provided. MEMS is an abbreviation for micro-electro mechanical system.

In addition, in the present fourteenth embodiment, a first drive unit337that mechanically drives the light irradiator313and a second drive unit339that mechanically drives the shooting unit315are provided on the back side of the transmission reflector317.

Examples of the first drive unit337and the second drive unit339include an actuator such as a motor, a shake reduction mechanism that reduces a shake at the time of shooting, and the like. Only one of the first drive unit337and the second drive unit339may be provided.

The present fourteenth embodiment has a similar effect to that of the present tenth embodiment. Further, in the present fourteenth embodiment, since the first optical element333, the second optical element335, the first drive unit337, and the second drive unit339are disposed on the back side of the transmission reflector317, there is an advantage that the placement thereof is less limited.

Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

For example, in the above embodiment, the form in which the organic EL display emits display light has been described, but the organic EL display is not limited to the organic EL display, and any display plate (e.g., liquid crystal display) that can emit display light for displaying an image may be used.

In the above embodiment, the plurality of display units106are arranged in a line along the vehicle width direction. However, the direction in which the plurality of display units106are arranged is determined appropriately. The plurality of display units106may be arranged so as to form a plurality of lines. That is, the plurality of display units106may be arranged to form a matrix. A similar configuration to that of the above embodiment may be applied to the plurality of display units106arranged in the row direction and the plurality of display units106arranged in the column direction. Even in the case of having such a configuration, a similar effect can be obtained.

The display device101according to the above embodiment may be configured to project a virtual image not onto the reflector104below the meter hood150but, for example, onto a front windshield or a combiner provided to protrude to a dashboard. Even in the case of having such a configuration, a similar effect can be obtained.

(a) The present disclosure is not limited to the in-vehicle display described above but can be applied to various display devices such as various meters, air conditioner panels, and navigation displays.

(b) The present disclosure can be applied to various devices capable of performing display by using reflection of light, in addition to a reflecting mirror such as an in-vehicle display. For example, the present invention can be applied to a combiner or the like which is a display member of a head-up display.

(c) In the present disclosure, the reflectance of the reflecting mirror, that is, the reflectance of the reflective surface of the reflecting mirror, does not need to be uniform over the entire reflective surface and may be appropriately set in accordance with the function or environment, for example, an external light source around the vehicle, solar radiation, temperature, occupant, and the like.

For example, the reflective surface may be divided into a plurality of areas, and an arbitrary reflectance may be set for each area. That is, a reflectance difference may be set between the areas.

The reflectance may be set so as to change stepwise in a specific direction on the right, left, top, bottom, center, outer periphery, or the like of the reflective surface. For example, the reflectance may be set to gradually increase or decrease. For example, a reflectance difference may be set to occur in a specific direction.

(d) Examples of the brightness in the surroundings include brightness in the surroundings that are a range (i.e., space) that affects the visual recognition of the display of the reflecting mirror. Examples thereof include brightness around the vehicle, brightness in the interior, and brightness around the reflective surface side of the reflecting mirror. Examples thereof include brightness of a space in which a person (e.g., occupant) who views an image displayed on the reflecting mirror, such as a driver, is present.

(e) The controller and the technique of the display device according to the present disclosure may be achieved by a dedicated computer provided by constituting a processor and a memory programmed to execute one or more functions embodied by a computer program.

Alternatively, the controller and the technique of the display device according to the present disclosure may be achieved by a dedicated computer provided by constituting a processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits.

Alternatively, the controller and the technique of the display device according to the present disclosure may be achieved using one or more dedicated computers constituted by a combination of a processor and a memory programmed to execute one or more functions and a processor formed of one or more hardware logic circuits.

The computer program may store a computer-readable non-transitional tangible recording medium as an instruction to be executed by the computer. The technique for achieving the functions of the respective units included in the controller of the display device does not necessarily include software, and all the functions may be achieved using one or a plurality of pieces of hardware.

(f) In addition to the controller of the display device described above, the present disclosure can be achieved in various forms such as a system including the controller as a component, a program for causing a computer to function as the controller, a non-transitional tangible recording medium such as a semiconductor memory in which the program is recorded, and a control method.

(a) The present disclosure is not limited to a display device having a configuration (i.e., shooting mechanism) for shooting an image of a passenger of a vehicle but can also be applied to a device for shooting an image of a person who operates the device and recognizing the person when the person operates the device with a gesture. Further, the present disclosure can be applied to security applications for performing human recognition, monitoring, shooting, and the like.

(b) Examples of the passenger of the vehicle include the driver, the passenger in the passenger seat, and the passenger in the rear seat.

(c) The pseudo display unit is not limited to that of the above embodiment so long as being able to make the light irradiator and the shooting unit inconspicuous.

A plurality of functions of one component in the above embodiment may be achieved by a plurality of components, or one function of one component may be achieved by a plurality of components. A plurality of functions of a plurality of components may be achieved by one component, or one function achieved by a plurality of components may be achieved by one component. A part of the configuration of the above embodiment may be omitted. At least a part of the configuration of the above embodiment may be added to or replaced with the configuration of another embodiment.