Patent Grant
11009781
This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-063909, filed on Mar. 29, 2018.
This disclosure relates generally to a display system, a control device, a control method, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, and a movable object, and more particularly relates to a display system configured or designed to project a virtual image, a control device with an adjustment unit to be used for the display system, a control method for the display system, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, and a movable object with the display system.
A document 1 (JPH06-87043 U) discloses a display device for vehicle. This display device for vehicle is configured to project a display image onto a windbreak glass with a combiner. The display device for vehicle is disposed below the windbreak glass, and includes a light emission display means having a light source, a lens that is a collimator, and a transmissive display body. The display device for vehicle moves, based on a vehicle speed, the light emission display means (e.g., the lens) forward or backward in a direction in which the light is emitted toward the combiner to change an image forming position of a virtual image to be displayed. The display device for vehicle therefore can change a visual distance between the virtual image and an observer (an eye-box) that observes the virtual image.
In case where a luminance of the light source is constant, if to change the visual distance the lens is merely moved forward or backward as the display device for vehicle disclosed by the document 1, the observer observing the virtual image may feel uncomfortable as if the luminance of the virtual image has changed. Thus, the display quality of the virtual image may be reduced and the visibility of the virtual image may be also reduced.
The present disclosure is directed to a display system, a control device, a control method, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, and a movable object, which can suppress a reduction in display quality and visibility of a virtual image.
A display system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an image producing unit, a projection unit and an adjustment unit. The image producing unit has a display surface and is configured to produce an image on the display surface. The projection unit is configured to project a virtual image to a target space with an output light of the image producing unit. The virtual image corresponds to the image produced by the image producing unit. The display system is configured to change a visual distance between an eye-box and the virtual image. The adjustment unit is configured to adjust brightness of the virtual image according to the visual distance.
A control device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes the adjustment unit to be used for the above-mentioned display system. The control device is provided separately from a display device including the image producing unit and the projection unit.
A control method according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for a display system. The display system includes an image producing unit and a projection unit. The image producing unit has a display surface, and configured to produce an image on the display surface. The projection unit is configured to project a virtual image to a target space with an output light of the image producing unit. The virtual image corresponds to the image produced by the image producing unit. The display system is configured to change a visual distance between an eye-box and the virtual image. The control method includes adjusting brightness of the virtual image according to the visual distance.
A non-transitory computer-readable medium according to an aspect of the present disclosure has stored thereon a computer program which, upon execution by a computing system, causes the computing system to perform a control method for a display system. The display system includes: an image producing unit having a display surface, and configured to produce an image on the display surface; and a projection unit configured to project a virtual image to a target space with an output light of the image producing unit. The virtual image corresponds to the image produced by the image producing unit. The display system is configured to change a visual distance between an eye-box and the virtual image. The control method includes adjusting brightness of the virtual image according to the visual distance.
A movable object according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: the above-mentioned display system; and a reflective member configured to reflect light emitted from the projection unit.
The figures depict one or more implementations in accordance with the present disclosure, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.
(1) Overview
An exemplary embodiment described below is merely one of various embodiments according to the present disclosure. The exemplary embodiment described below may be made various modifications based on designs or the like, as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Also since
A display system 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in
As shown in
However the display system 1 is not necessarily applied to the Head-Up Display for the automobile 100, but may be also applied to the Head-Up Display for movable objects (such as a two-wheel vehicle, a train, an aircraft, a construction machine and a ship) other than the automobile 100. Alternatively the display system 1 is not limited to the Head-Up Display, but may be applied to an Augmented Reality (AR) display device that superimposes information on the real world.
As shown in
Herein the display system 1 of the present embodiment further includes an adjustment unit 50 (refer to
According to the present disclosure, in case where the visual distance L0 is changed, it is possible to more reduce a possibility that the observer (user 200) feels uncomfortable as if the luminance of the virtual image 300 has changed, compared with the case of the above Document 1 where the display device for vehicle merely moves the lens forward or backward. Thus, the present disclosure can suppress a reduction in display quality and visibility of the virtual image 300.
(2) Details
(2.1) Whole Configuration
Hereinafter, the display system 1 of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to
Also hereinafter, as one example, the adjustment unit 50 explained in the column of the above “(1) Overview” is assumed to be provided in a controller 5 of the display device 4.
(2.2) Display Device
The display device 4 is disposed inside a vehicle cabin of the automobile 100 to project the image 7 (refer to
The image producing unit 2 is configured to output light to form the image 7. In the present embodiment, as one example, the image producing unit 2 includes a liquid crystal panel 21 (Liquid Crystal Display: LCD) and a light source device 22, as shown in
In the image producing unit 2, when the light source device 22 emits light while the image 7 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 21, the light emitted forward by the light source device 22 passes through the liquid crystal panel 21, and is output forward from the front face of the liquid crystal panel 21. In this case, since the light output forward from the front face of the liquid crystal panel 21 is light that has reflected the image 7 displayed on the liquid crystal panel 21, it results in that light forming the image 7 is output as an “output light” from the image producing unit 2.
Herein a longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal panel 21 corresponds to a longitudinal direction of the image 7 to be projected, and a lateral direction of the liquid crystal panel 21 corresponds to a lateral direction of the image 7 to be projected. The longitudinal direction of the image 7 to be projected corresponds to a longitudinal direction of the virtual image 300 (refer to
The projection unit 3 is configured to reflect the output light of the image producing unit 2 to project the image 7. In the present embodiment, since the display device 4 is the Head-Up Display as above and projects the image 7 onto the windshield 101 (refer to
In the present embodiment, as one example, the projection unit 3 as shown in
The projection unit 3 firstly condenses the output light of the image producing unit 2 with the fixed lens 322, and then diffuses the output light with the drive lens 321 to be reflected by the mirror 31, thereby the reflected light being output toward the windshield 101. The mirror 31 is a concave mirror, as one example. To make the output light of the image producing unit 2 incident onto the mirror 31, the mirror 31 is disposed on the side opposite to the light source device 22, of the liquid crystal panel 21, namely, in front of the liquid crystal panel 21.
According to the configuration as above, the projection unit 3 properly modifies the size of the image 7 produced by the image producing unit 2 and projects the modified image as a projection image onto the windshield 101 that is an object, and the virtual image 300 is therefore projected (formed) onto the target space 400. The “virtual image” mentioned herein means that when the light rays output from the display device 4 are diffused by a reflective member such as the windshield 101, the image is formed with the diffused light rays as if a real object exists.
In the display device 4, the virtual image 300 in the target space 400 is formed onto a virtual screen 501 intersecting with an optical axis 500 of the display device 4, as shown in FIG. 2. In the present embodiment, the optical axis 500 is along a road surface 600 in front of the automobile 100, in the target space 400 (in front of the automobile 100). The virtual screen 501 where the virtual image 300 is formed is arranged substantially vertically with respect to the road surface 600. For example, in case where the road surface 600 is a horizontal plane, the virtual image 300 is displayed along a vertical plane.
Accordingly, the user 200 driving the automobile 100, as shown in
The controller 5 controls the image producing unit 2 (including the liquid crystal panel 21 and the light source device 22). Also the controller 5 controls the drive unit 6. The controller 5 for example includes a microcomputer mainly with a Central Processing Unit (CPU) and a memory. In other words, the controller 5 is realized by a computer (processor) including the CPU and the memory, and the computer, when the CPU executes a computer program stored in the memory, functions as the controller 5. The computer program is for example assumed to be stored in advance in the memory of the controller 5, but at least part of the computer program may be provided through a telecommunication network such as the Internet or a non-transitory storage medium such as a memory card.
The controller 5 controls the image producing unit 2 to produce the arbitrary image 7 on the display surface 210. That is, the controller 5 can allow the liquid crystal panel 21 to display (plot) arbitrary video contents by software processing, and accordingly the arbitrary image 7 can be produced on the display surface 210. For example upon projection of the virtual image 300 as in
As shown in
If the drive lens 321 is moved in a direction of shortening an interval between itself and the image producing unit 2, the visual distance L0 increases. This reason is that magnification of the zoom lens 32 becomes larger by shortening the interval. However, only if the interval is merely shortened, a display field angle (viewing angle) of the virtual image 300 when viewed from the user 200 also becomes larger, as shown in
To solve this problem, the controller 5 decreases the size of the image 7 to be displayed on the image producing unit 2 in accordance with the movement of the drive lens 321 in order to keep constant the display field angle between before and after the movement of the drive lens 321 performed for increasing the visual distance L0 (refer to
Herein the size of the image 7 to be displayed on the display surface 210 of the image producing unit 2 means a size of an image that is displayed with pixels to be used for displaying the contents, of a plurality of pixels constituting the display surface 210.
The controller 5 of the present embodiment, as shown in
The detector X1 is configured to detect an ambient light illuminance (e.g., a light illuminance in the target space 400 outside the automobile 100, the target space 400 including a region for forming the image of the display device 4), and transmit information on the detected light illuminance to the controller 5.
The detector X1, as shown in
(2.3) Adjustment Unit
Hereinafter, the configuration of the adjustment unit 50 of the controller 5 will be mainly described in more detail. Explanations of the basic control processing regarding plotting of the video contents in the image producing unit 2 and driving of the drive unit 6 as described above may be appropriately omitted in this column.
As shown in
The controller 5 performs control of changing the visual distance L0 with the drive unit 6, by receiving an operation input from the user 200 through an operation unit (not shown), or automatic control in accordance with the video contents to be displayed. The adjustment unit 50 is configured to adjust the brightness of the virtual image 300 (i.e., execute adjustment processing) according to the change in the visual distance L0. In this embodiment, the adjustment unit 50 increases the brightness of the virtual image 300, as the visual distance L0 is increased. Also the adjustment unit 50 changes a luminance of the display surface 210 to adjust the brightness of the virtual image 300. In other words, the controller 5 changes, in accordance with the driving quantity of the drive unit 6, both of the size of the image 7 to be displayed on the liquid crystal panel 21 and the optical quantity of the light to be output from the liquid crystal panel 21.
The storage unit 53 is a data-rewritable memory, and more preferably a nonvolatile memory. For example, the storage unit 53 stores in advance therein: first data where the driving quantities and sizes of the image 7 are made associated with each other; and second data where the driving quantities and the optical quantities (target values) of the backlight (light source device 22) are made associated with each other. The first data is preferably data in which the driving quantity is proportional to the variation in the size of the image 7, as mentioned above. The second data is preferably data obtained by analyzing in advance an optical quantity distribution relating to the light source device 22 by a test and the like. In particular, light intensity (candela) of the light, emitted from the light source device 22 to the display surface 210, may have variations in some extent rather than be completely uniform on the whole area of the display surface 210. For example, the light intensity becomes larger, as it approaches a central area of the display surface 210. Thus, the virtual image 300 projected may be changed in a luminance, also depending on a display position of the image 7 on the display surface 210 (e.g., whether the display position is the central area, an upper area or a lower area, of the display surface 210, or the like). For this reason, the optical quantity distribution of the light source device 22 with respect to the area of the display surface 210 is one of parameters important for the adjustment processing to be performed by the adjustment unit 50 according to the change in the visual distance L0. Accordingly the second data preferably includes a plurality of respective optical quantities (target values) corresponding to a plurality of display positions (X-Y coordinate values) of the image 7 on the display surface 210, with respect to each driving quantity.
In particular, as described above, the controller 5 changes the size of the image 7 to be displayed on the image producing unit 2 in accordance with the movement of the drive lens 321 in order to keep constant the display field angle between before and after the movement of the drive lens 321 for increasing (or decreasing) the visual distance L0. However, when the size of the image 7 is for example downsized, it narrows the usage area to be used for displaying the image 7 on the display surface 210. Therefore, if, without the adjustment unit 50, the optical quantity of the light source device 22 is unchanged, it would result in reducing the luminance of the virtual image 300 viewed by the user 200.
On the other hand, the adjustment unit 50 generates a control signal based on the second data so that, even if the visual distance L0 is changed, the luminance of the virtual image 300 is kept substantially constant, that is, the luminance of the virtual image 300 falls within a prescribed target range. The controller 5 outputs the control signal to the image producing unit 2 to adjust the brightness of the virtual image 300. Accordingly, even if the size of the image 7 is changed for keeping constant the display field angle of the virtual image 300, the display system 1 can suppress the virtual image 300 from being blurred and dimly seen due to the change in the brightness of the virtual image 300 viewed from the user 200. The display system 1 therefore can suppress a reduction in display quality and visibility of the virtual image 300.
The adjustment unit 50 preferably controls the optical quantity of the light source device 22 so as to be gradually increased exponentially (as drawing a curve), rather than proportionally, from the current optical quantity to the target value of the optical quantity determined based on the second data.
Also the adjustment unit 50 periodically receives the detection value from the detector X1, regardless of the presence or absence of the change in the visual distance L0, and adjusts the luminance of the virtual image 300 based on the detection value. For example when the ambient light illuminance is changed due to day time or night time, or that the automobile 100 has entered a tunnel, there is a possibility that the visibility of the virtual image 300 may be reduced. So, the storage unit 53 stores in advance therein data where detection values and the optical quantities (target values) of the light source device 22 are made associated with each other. To prevent the reduction in the visibility, the adjustment unit 50 controls, based on the data in the storage unit 53, the light source device 22 so that the current optical quantity substantially matches with the target value of the optical quantity corresponding to the detection value received from the detector X1 to adjust the luminance of the virtual image 300. The adjustment unit 50 further controls the light source device 22 to adjust the luminance of the virtual image 300, when receiving a prescribed operation input from the user 200 through the operation unit (not shown) in addition to such the automatic luminance adjustment.
The input unit 51 is electrically connected to an output terminal of the A/D converter X12 of the detector X1 with a signal line S11 (refer to
The output unit 52 is electrically connected to the image producing unit 2 with a signal line S12 (refer to
When changing the visual distance L0, the adjustment unit 50 preferably adjusts the brightness of the virtual image 300 also in consideration of the detection value received from the detector X1. For example, the second data may include respective kinds of data tables that are set for the day time, the night time and the tunnel or the like. The adjustment unit 50 may select a kind of data table set for the night time, when for example determining that it is the night time now based on the received detection value, and then determine, with reference to the kind of data table, the optical quantity (target value) of the light source device 22 corresponding to the driving quantity of the drive unit 6.
The controller 5 is electrically connected to an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) installed in the automobile 100, and configured to transmit to and receive various electrical signals to and from the ECU.
(2.4) Operation of Adjustment Unit
Hereinafter, operation of the adjustment unit 50 will be explained with reference to a flowchart of
First, when determining to carry out change of the visual distance L0, the controller 5 determines (calculates) the driving quantity of the drive unit 6 (herein a displacement quantity of the drive lens 321) corresponding to a difference between the first distance L1 and the second distance L2 (Step S1). When the driving quantity is determined, the controller 5 refers to the first data in the storage unit 53 and determines a reduced size of the image 7 corresponding to the driving quantity (Step S2). Then the controller 5 starts an execution of the adjustment processing by the adjustment unit 50 (Step S3).
The adjustment unit 50 refers to the second data in the storage unit 53 and then selects, using the last detection value received from the detector X1, the kind of data table corresponding to the current light illuminance (Step S4). The adjustment unit 50 determines, based on the selected kind of data table, the driving quantity and the optical quantity (target value) of the light source device 22 corresponding to the display position of the image 7 on the display surface 210 (Step S5).
When the displacement quantity of the drive lens 321, the size of the image 7 and the target value of the optical quantity are determined, the controller 5 transmits the control signal including those information to the drive unit 6 and the image producing unit 2 (Step S6). More specifically the controller 5 controls and allows the drive unit 6 to move the drive lens 321 closer to the fixed lens 322 by the determined displacement quantity (refer to an arrow in
As a result, the virtual image 300(301) at a position separated by the first distance L1 from the eye-box 800 is moved farther away from the eye-box 800, thereby reaching a position separated by the second distance L2 from the eye-box 800 (refer to the virtual image 300(302) in
(3) Variation
Next, variations of the exemplary embodiment described above will be enumerated one after another. Hereinafter, the exemplary embodiment described above may be referred to as a “basic example”. Optionally any of the variations below may be adopted in combination with the above basic example and/or the other variation as appropriate.
(3.1) First Variation
In the basic example, the adjustment unit 50 is configured to change the luminance of the display surface 210 to adjust the brightness of the virtual image 300. However, the adjustment unit 50 is not limited to such the configuration, but may be configured to change lightness of colors (color tone) of the contents in the image 7 to adjust the brightness of the virtual image 300. Optionally the adjustment unit 50 may be configured to change properly both of the luminance of the display surface 210 and the lightness of colors of the contents to adjust the brightness of the virtual image 300. The liquid crystal panel 21 may be for example an LCD capable of displaying full colors.
More specifically the adjustment unit 50 changes the lightness of colors in accordance with the contents included in the image 7. For example when explained using
The adjustment unit 50 may determine a target value for the lightness of colors based on only the display color of the first virtual image 300A, or based on a correlation with the display color of the second virtual image 300B, which has been displayed near the first virtual image 300A, and the visual distance L0 of which is unchanged.
Alternatively the adjustment unit 50 may change the contents themselves (display information) of the virtual image 300, when changing the visual distance L0. For example, the adjustment unit 50 may display, while the visual distance L0 is set to the first distance L1, the virtual image 300 including both contents of the vehicle speed information and the navigation information, but, when it is changed to the second distance L2, the virtual image 300 including only the contents of the vehicle speed information with erasing the contents of the navigation information. In this case, the adjustment unit 50 may also change the lightness of colors together with the change in the contents themselves.
(3.2) Second Variation
In the basic example, when changing the visual distance L0, the controller 5 changes the size of the image 7 to keep constant the display field angle of the virtual image 300 between before and after the movement of the drive lens 321. However, the controller 5 is not limited to such the configuration, but the display field angle of the virtual image 300 may be changed between before and after the movement of the drive lens 321.
For example when increasing the visual distance L0, the adjustment unit 50 may change the size of the image 7 to make the display field angle of the virtual image 300 smaller, contrary to the increase of the visual distance L0. The adjustment unit 50 may properly determine, based on the contents in the image 7, whether or not the display field angle of the virtual image 300 should be kept constant.
(3.3) Third Variation
In the basic example, the image producing unit 2 includes the liquid crystal panel 21 (LCD) with the backlight, but is not limited to the configuration including the LCD. As shown in
The irradiation unit 24 is a scanning-type optical irradiation unit, and irradiates the screen 23 with light beam. Accordingly, the image 7 (refer to
The irradiation unit 24 includes a light source 241 outputting laser light, a scanning unit 242 performing scanning with the laser light of the light source 241, and a lens 243. The light source 241 includes a laser module outputting the laser light. The scanning unit 242 performs the scanning with the laser light of the light source 241, thereby the light beam for scanning the display surface 230 being radiated to the screen 23. Herein the scanning unit 242 performs so-called Raster scan of scanning two-dimensionally with respect to a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction of the display surface 230. That is, the scanning unit 242 forms the two-dimensional image by scanning with a beam spot formed on the display surface 230. The scanning unit 242 includes, for example, a fine scanning mirror using Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS). That is, the scanning unit 242 includes an optical element (mirror part) that reflects the laser light, and turns the optical element to reflect the laser light of the light source 241 in a direction in accordance with a turning angle (deflection angle) of the optical element. Accordingly, the scanning unit 242 scans with the laser light of the light source 241. The scanning unit 242 makes the optical element turn around two axes (orthogonal to each other) to realize the Raster scan of scanning two-dimensionally with the laser light.
The display device 4 of the present variation includes a projection unit 3A with a first mirror 33 and a second mirror 34. The first mirror 33 and the second mirror 34 are arranged in that order on an optical path of the light beam output from the image producing unit 2A. The first mirror 33 reflects the output light of the image producing unit 2A toward the second mirror 34. The second mirror 34 reflects the output light reflected by the first mirror 33, of the image producing unit 2A, toward the windshield 101. The first mirror 33 is a convex mirror and the second mirror 34 is a concave mirror.
In the present variation, the screen 23 is a target to be driven by the drive unit 6. To change the visual distance L0, the controller 5 controls the drive unit 6 to drive the screen 23. Under the control of the controller 5, the drive unit 6 moves the screen 23 to be closer to or more separated from the lens 243, thereby can increasing or decreasing the visual distance L0 between the eye-box 800 and the virtual image 300.
The adjustment unit 50 of the controller 5 is configured to adjust the brightness of the virtual image 300 (i.e., execute the adjustment processing) according to the change in the visual distance L0. The controller 5 changes, in accordance with the driving quantity of the drive unit 6, both of the size of the image 7 to be displayed on the screen 23 and the optical quantity of the light to be output from the light source 241.
Also in the present variation, the display system 1 can suppress the reduction in the display quality and the visibility of the virtual image 300 to be generated due to the change of the visual distance L0.
(3.4) Fourth Variation
In the basic example, the adjustment unit 50 is provided in the controller 5 of the display device 4. Optionally the adjustment unit 50 may be however provided separately from the display device 4. For example as shown in
The display system 1 includes the display device 4 and the control device 10. The display device 4 includes an image producing unit 2, a projection unit 3, a drive unit 6, a controller 5 (having control functions other than a function of the adjustment unit 50), a detector X1, and a communication interface (capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the control device 10). The controller 5 of the display device 4 controls, when receiving from the control device 10 a control signal for adjusting the luminance of the virtual image 300, the image producing unit 2 in accordance with the control signal. In this case, for example, the control device 10 may be an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) installed in the automobile 100, and the function of the adjustment unit 50 may be provided in the ECU.
(3.5) Other Variations
For the image producing unit 2, an organic light emitting diode (electroluminescence) panel may be used, for example.
Upon the change of the visual distance L0, the target to be driven by the drive unit 6 may be for example a mirror or the liquid crystal panel 21, instead of the drive lens 321 in the basic example or the screen 23 in the Third Variation.
Also, the same function as that of the controller 5 (mainly the adjustment unit 50) in the present disclosure may be implemented as a computer program, or a non-transitory storage medium that stores the computer program thereon, for example. The agent that implements the adjustment unit 50 includes a computer system. The computer system includes, as principal hardware components, a processor and a memory. The function of the agent that implements the adjustment unit 50 is performed by making the processor execute the computer program stored in the memory of the computer system. The computer program may be stored in advance in the memory of the computer system. Alternatively, the computer program may also be downloaded through a telecommunications line or be distributed after having been stored in some computer-readable non-transitory storage medium. Examples of the computer-readable non-transitory storage media include a memory card, an optical disc, and a hard disk drive. The processor of the computer system is made up of a single or a plurality of electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a largescale integrated circuit (LSI). Those electronic circuits may be integrated together on a single chip or distributed on multiple chips without limitation. Those multiple chips may be integrated together in a single device or distributed in multiple devices without limitation.
Also the controller 5 in the basic example is implemented in a single device, but not limited to such the configuration. For example, at least some functions of the controller 5 may be distributed in a plurality of devices. Similarly at least some functions of the illuminance sensor X10, the amplifier X11 and the A/D converter X12 of the detector X1 may be distributed in a plurality of devices. Furthermore, at least some functions of the controller 5 may be implemented as a cloud computing system as well.
(4) Resume
As apparent from the foregoing description, a display system (1) according to a first aspect includes an image producing unit (2, 2A), a projection unit (3, 3A) and an adjustment unit (50). The image producing unit (2, 2A) has a display surface (210, 230) and is configured to produce an image (7) on the display surface (210, 230). The projection unit (3, 3A) is configured to project a virtual image (300) to a target space (400) with an output light of the image producing unit (2, 2A). The virtual image (300) corresponds to the image (7) produced by the image producing unit (2, 2A). The display system (1) is configured to change a visual distance (L0) between an eye-box (800) and the virtual image (300). The adjustment unit (50) is configured to adjust brightness of the virtual image (300) according to the visual distance (L0). According to the first aspect, the display system (1) can suppress a reduction in display quality and visibility of the virtual image (300).
In a display system (1) according to a second aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with the first aspect, the adjustment unit (50) is preferably further configured to adjust the brightness of the virtual image (300) according to an ambient light illuminance. According to the second aspect, the display system (1) can more suppress the reduction in the display quality and visibility of the virtual image (300).
In a display system (1) according to a third aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with the first aspect or the second aspect, the adjustment unit (50) is preferably configured to change a luminance of the display surface (210, 230) to adjust the brightness of the virtual image (300). According to the third aspect, the display system (1) can more suppress, with a simple constitution, the reduction in the display quality and visibility of the virtual image (300).
In a display system (1) according to a fourth aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to third aspects, the adjustment unit (50) is preferably configured to change lightness of colors of contents in the image (7) produced by the image producing unit (2, 2A) to adjust the brightness of the virtual image (300). According to the fourth aspect, the display system (1) can more suppress, with a simple constitution, the reduction in the display quality and visibility of the virtual image (300).
In a display system (1) according to a fifth aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to fourth aspects, the adjustment unit (50) is preferably configured to increase the brightness of the virtual image (300), as the visual distance (L0) is increased. According to the fifth aspect, the display system (1) can suppress the reduction in the display quality and visibility of the virtual image (300) (e.g., the virtual image 300 is blurred and dimly seen) due to the increase in the visual distance (L0).
In a display system (1) according to a sixth aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to fifth aspects, a display field angle of the virtual image (300) projected by the projection unit (3, 3A) is preferably constant, regardless of a change in the visual distance (L0). According to the sixth aspect, the display system (1) can reduce occurrence of a situation that the an observer that observes the virtual image (300) feels uncomfortable due to the increase in the display field angle of the virtual image (300) together with the increase in the visual distance (L0) for example. Note that “constant” mentioned herein is not necessarily “strictly constant”. The display field angle may be substantially constant within a prescribed range including an acceptable slight error.
In a display system (1) according to a seventh aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with the sixth aspect, the adjustment unit (50) is preferably configured to adjust the brightness of the virtual image (300) according to the visual distance (L0) so as to make the brightness of the virtual image (300) fall within a prescribed target range. According to the seventh aspect, the display system (1) can suppress the brightness of the virtual image (300) viewed from the observer from changing due to that the size of the image (7) is changed to keep constant the display field angle of the virtual image (300), for example.
In a display system (1) according to an eighth aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to seventh aspects, the projection unit (3) preferably includes a zoom lens (32) that is an optical element and allows the output light to pass therethrough. The projection unit (3) is preferably configured to modify a location of the zoom lens (32) to change the visual distance (L0). According to the eighth aspect, the display system (1) can realize the change of the visual distance (L0) with a simple constitution.
In a display system (1) according to a ninth aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to eighth aspects, the eye-box (800) is preferably a space region where eyes of an observer that observes the virtual image (300) are located.
In a display system (1) according to a tenth aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to ninth aspects, the display system (1) is preferably applied to a movable object (e.g., automobile 100). The target space (400) is a space in front of a windshield (101) of the movable object.
In a display system (1) according to an eleventh aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to tenth aspects, the adjustment unit (50) is preferably configured to change display information of contents in the image (7) produced by the image producing unit (2) to adjust the brightness of the virtual image (300).
In a display system (1) according to a twelfth aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the image producing unit (2) preferably includes: a liquid crystal panel (21), a front face of which constitutes the display surface (210); and a light source device (22) serving as a backlight for the liquid crystal panel (21). According to the twelfth aspect, the display system (1) with the liquid crystal panel (21) can suppress the reduction in the display quality and visibility of the virtual image (300).
A control device (10) according to a thirteenth aspect includes the adjustment unit (50) to be used for the display system (1) of any one of the first to twelfth aspects. The control device (10) is provided separately from a display device (4) including the image producing unit (2, 2A) and the projection unit (3, 3A). According to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to provide the control device (10), which can suppress the reduction in the display quality and visibility of the virtual image (300).
A control method according to a fourteenth aspect is a control method for a display system (1). The display system (1) includes an image producing unit (2, 2A) and a projection unit (3, 3A). The image producing unit (2, 2A) has a display surface (210, 230) and is configured to produce an image (7) on the display surface (210, 230). The projection unit (3, 3A) is configured to project a virtual image (300) to a target space (400) with an output light of the image producing unit (2, 2A). The virtual image (300) corresponds to the image (7) produced by the image producing unit (2, 2A). The display system (1) is configured to change a visual distance (L0) between an eye-box (800) and the virtual image (300). The control method includes adjusting brightness of the virtual image (300) according to the visual distance (L0). According to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to provide the control method, which can suppress the reduction in the display quality and visibility of the virtual image (300).
A computer program according to a fifteenth aspect causes a computing system to perform the control method for the display system (1) of the fourteenth aspect. According to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to provide a function, which can suppress the reduction in the display quality and visibility of the virtual image (300).
A non-transitory computer-readable medium according to a sixteenth aspect has stored thereon a computer program which, upon execution by a computing system, causes the computing system to perform a control method for a display system (1). The display system (1) includes an image producing unit (2, 2A) and a projection unit (3, 3A). The image producing unit (2, 2A) has a display surface (210, 230) and is configured to produce an image (7) on the display surface (210, 230). The projection unit (3, 3A) is configured to project a virtual image (300) to a target space (400) with an output light of the image producing unit (2, 2A). The virtual image (300) corresponds to the image (7) produced by the image producing unit (2, 2A). The display system (1) is configured to change a visual distance (L0) between an eye-box (800) and the virtual image (300). The control method includes adjusting brightness of the virtual image (300) according to the visual distance (L0).
A movable object (e.g., automobile 100) according to a seventeenth aspect includes the display system (1) of any one of the first to twelfth aspects and a reflective member (e.g., windshield 101) configured to reflect light emitted from the projection unit (3, 3A). According to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to provide the movable object, which can suppress the reduction in the display quality and visibility of the virtual image (300).
Since the configurations of the two to twelfth aspects are not essential for the display system (1), any of the configurations may be appropriately omitted.
While various embodiments have been described herein above, it is to be appreciated that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure presently or hereafter claimed.
The entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-063909 mentioned above are incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2018-063909 | Mar 2018 | JP | national |
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| Entry |
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| Notice of Refusal dated Oct. 23, 2019 issued in Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-063909 along with English translation. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20190302583 A1 | Oct 2019 | US |
