WO2012080806A2 - Light source device for vehicle - Google Patents
Light source device for vehicle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2012080806A2 WO2012080806A2 PCT/IB2011/003002 IB2011003002W WO2012080806A2 WO 2012080806 A2 WO2012080806 A2 WO 2012080806A2 IB 2011003002 W IB2011003002 W IB 2011003002W WO 2012080806 A2 WO2012080806 A2 WO 2012080806A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- light
- light source
- vehicle
- driver
- source device
- Prior art date
Links
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 abstract description 17
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 8
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000004394 hip joint Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
- B60K35/20—Output arrangements, i.e. from vehicle to user, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
- B60K35/29—Instruments characterised by the way in which information is handled, e.g. showing information on plural displays or prioritising information according to driving conditions
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
- G02B27/01—Head-up displays
- G02B27/0101—Head-up displays characterised by optical features
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
- B60K2360/18—Information management
- B60K2360/188—Displaying information using colour changes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
- B60K2360/18—Information management
- B60K2360/191—Highlight information
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
- B60K2360/20—Optical features of instruments
- B60K2360/31—Virtual images
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
- B60K2360/20—Optical features of instruments
- B60K2360/33—Illumination features
- B60K2360/334—Projection means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
- G02B27/01—Head-up displays
- G02B27/0101—Head-up displays characterised by optical features
- G02B2027/011—Head-up displays characterised by optical features comprising device for correcting geometrical aberrations, distortion
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
- G02B27/01—Head-up displays
- G02B27/0101—Head-up displays characterised by optical features
- G02B2027/0118—Head-up displays characterised by optical features comprising devices for improving the contrast of the display / brillance control visibility
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a light source device for a vehicle.
- JP-A-2010-176591 discloses a display device for a vehicle which conveys information to the driver by reflecting light from LEDs on the windshield glass.
- Japanese Patent No. 3626229 discloses a drive support system for a vehicle which alerts the driver of danger outside the vehicle by emitting light from a light source in the vehicle in such a manner that the light is reflected on the windshield in a position corresponding to the detected danger.
- JP-A-2009-274542 discloses a headup display device that sets the color of the background that is displayed on the front windshield based on the body color of the preceding vehicle.
- JP-A-2010-149734 discloses a headup display device that detects the background color around the virtual image that is projected on the windshield and displays information in the complementary color of the detected background color. 1
- the present invention provides a light source device for a vehicle which can improve the visibility of light.
- One aspect of the present invention provides a light source device for a vehicle that includes a light source and is characterized in that the light from the light source is emitted to a target area which is an area on a windshield where an image formed by the light is seen against a body of the vehicle. Or the light from the light sourcemay be also emitted to an area outside the target area and under a line segment where a horizontal plane that passes through the eye point of the driver and the windshield intersect.
- the light is emitted to a target area which is an area on the windshield where an image formed by the light is seen against a body of the vehicle, the visibility of the light can be improved.
- FIG. 1 is a view that illustrates an example of the installation position of a light source panel 10
- FIG. 2 is a view that illustrates an example of the installation position of the light source panel 10
- FIG. 3 is a view that illustrates the definition of an eye point 30
- FIG. 4 is a view that illustrates an example of the installation position of the light source panel 10
- FIG. 5 is a view that illustrates an example of the structure of the light source panel 10
- FIG. 6 is a view that illustrates an example of the structure of the light source panel 10
- FIG. 7 is a view that illustrates an ⁇ example of the structure of the light source panel 10
- FIG. 8 is a view that illustrates an example of the installation position of the light source panel 10
- FIG. 9 is a view that illustrates an example of the installation position of the light source panel 10.
- a light source panel according to this embodiment is incorporated in a right-hand drive vehicle and is used in an information transmission system for a vehicle that conveys information to the driver by reflecting a virtual image that is formed by light on the windshield glass is described as an example.
- FIGs. 1 and 2 are views, each of which illustrates an example of the installation position of a light source panel.
- reference numeral 1 indicates a vehicle
- reference numeral 10 indicates a light source panel
- reference numeral 20 indicates a front windshield glass
- reference numeral 21 indicates a bonnet
- reference numeral 22 indicates an instrument panel
- reference numeral 23 indicates a meter panel
- reference numeral 24 indicates a steering wheel
- reference numeral 25 indicates a defroster outlet
- reference numeral 30 indicates the driver's eye point
- reference numeral 31 indicates a virtual image that is formed by the light from the light source panel 10
- reference numeral 32 indicates a light path of ambient light
- reference numeral 33 indicates a light path of the light from the light source panel 10. As shown in FIG.
- the light source panel 10 is installed in the instrument panel 22, especially, in such a position that the driver can recognize the virtual image 31 in the lowermost area of his or her peripheral visual field.
- the light source panel 10 may be located on the front windshield glass 20 side with respect to the meter panel 23 (in other words, on the far side of the instrument panel 22 as viewed from the eye point 30).
- the light " source panel 10 may be located on either in front of (refer to FIG. 1) or behind (refer to FIG. 2) the defroster outlet 25 as viewed from the eye point 30.
- the light source panel 10 is installed in the instrument panel 22 in such a manner that the ambient light 32 does not reach the eye point 30.
- the light source panel 10 may be located below the surface of the instrument panel 22 (in other words, in the instrument panel 22) with its light-emitting face (light-reflecting face) inclined toward the driver.
- the light source panel 10 may be embedded in the instrument panel 22. This arrangement makes a real image, in other words, the light source, invisible to the driver and from other vehicles.
- the eye point 30 is a point at a height of 635 (mm) vertically above a seating reference point 34, the location of the hip joint of the mannequin seated in the driver's seat based on ISO 6549-1980 (refer to Notification of Details of Safety Standards for Road Transport Vehicles [2005.11.09], Appendix 81 (Technical Standards for Left Front Side- View Mirror), which is disclosed in '3 ⁇ 4ttp://www.mlit.go.jp/jidosha/kijyun/saimokubetten/saibet_081_00.pdf').
- FIG. 4 is a view that illustrates another example of the installation position of the light source panel.
- reference numeral 35 indicates the driver's line of sight.
- the light source panel 10 is located generally in front of the driver on the instrument panel 22.
- the light source panel 10 has light sources 10a that are arranged in a curved configuration so that the virtual image 31 can be horizontal as viewed by the driver (from the eye point 30).
- FIGs. 5, 6 and 7. one example of the structure of the light source panel 10 is described with reference to FIGs. 5, 6 and 7.
- the light source panel 10 has a plurality of light sources 10a (such as LEDs or bulbs) arranged in an array of rows and columns.
- the light source panel 10 has a light emission plate 10b that is located at a given distance from the light sources 10a to emit the light from the light sources 10a to the outside.
- the near side (the driver side) of the light source panel 10 is ⁇ curved in a concave configuration which conforms with the curvature (curve) of the cross-section of the area of the front windshield glass 20 in which the virtual image 31 is displayed, the cross-section being taken along the horizontal direction.
- the individual light sources 10a are arranged in the light source panel 10 in a curved configuration which conforms with the curvature (curve) of the cross-section of the area of the front windshield glass 20 in which the virtual image 31 is displayed.
- the light source panel 10 is shaped such that a distance dL is greater than a distance dR when it is installed (refer to FIG. 5).
- the light source panel 10 has a minimum length (width) at its left end L as viewed by the driver (from the eye point 30), gradually increases in length (width) toward its right end and has a maximum length (width) at its right end R (refer to FIG. 6).
- the shape of the light source panel 10 and the arrangement of the light sources 10a enable the virtual image 31 to be projected on the front windshield glass 20 horizontally as viewed by the driver.
- the distance dL is the distance from the light source 10a which is located at the near left corner when the installed light source panel 10 is viewed by the driver (from the eye point 30) to the position on the front windshield glass 20 on which the light from the light source 10a is projected.
- the distance dR is the distance from the light source 10a which is located at the near right corner when the installed light source panel 10 is viewed by the driver (from the eye point 30) to the position on the front windshield glass 20 where the light from the light source 10a is reflected.
- the light sources 10a are arranged such that the distance dL is greater than the distance dR.
- FIGs. 8 and 9 are views, each of which illustrates another example of the installation position of the light source panel.
- reference numeral 36 indicates a horizontal line that passes through the eye point 30.
- reference numeral 26 indicates a rear-view mirror, and reference numeral 27 indicates an A-pillar.
- the light source panel 10 is located in such a position that the virtual image 31 is seen by the driver at an angle of depression a of 5 degrees or less below the horizontal line 36.
- the light source panel 10 is located in such a position on the instrument panel 22 that some or entire portion of the virtual image 31 is seen against the bonnet 21 of the vehicle l as viewed from the eye point 30.
- the present invention is not limited thereto.
- the light source panel 10 may be located in such a position on the instrument panel 22 that the virtual image 31 is projected in an area under the horizontal line 36 on the front windshield glass 20 as long as at least a portion of the virtual image 31 is seen against the bonnet 21 of the vehicle 1 as viewed from the eye point 30.
- the present invention is not limited thereto and is applicable to a left-hand drive vehicle.
- the light sources 10a are installed in the instrument panel 22 in accordance with the curvature of the area on the front windshield glass 20 to which the light from the light sources 10a is emitted.
- This enables the virtual image 31 to be projected linearly on the front windshield glass 20 without cumbersome adjustment of the light emission angle.
- the light source panel 10 is installed in the instrument panel 22 with the light-emitting face of its light emission plate 10b inclined toward the driver. This prevents ambient light from being reflected toward the driver. In other words, these arrangements make the light from the light sources 10a more visible to the driver and lead to improvement in information transmission efficiency without cumbersome adjustment.
- the light from the light sources 10a is emitted to an area on the front windshield glass 20 where the virtual image 31 is seen against the bonnet 21 of the vehicle 1 as viewed from the eye point 30 (bonnet area).
- the light from the light sources 10a is emitted to the area outside the bonnet area and under a line segment where a horizontal plane (the horizontal line 36) that passes through the eye point 30 and the front windshield glass 20 intersect. This enables the virtual image 31 to be projected in a position which does not interfere with the driver's line of sight. In other words, these arrangements improve the visibility of the light.
- the light source device for a vehicle according to the present invention is useful for automobile production industry, and suitable for the use in conveying information to the driver with light using the windshield glass.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Instrument Panels (AREA)
- Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)
- Arrangements Of Lighting Devices For Vehicle Interiors, Mounting And Supporting Thereof, Circuits Therefore (AREA)
Abstract
According to this embodiment, a light source panel 10 is located in such a position on an instrument panel 22 that some or entire portion of an virtual image 31 is seen against a bonnet 21 of a vehicle 1 as viewed from the eye point 30 of the driver. In addition, the light source panel 10 is installed on the instrument panel 22 such that the virtual image 31 is displayed in an area under a horizontal line 36 on the front windshield glass 20.
Description
LIGHT SOURCE DEVICE FOR VEHICLE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a light source device for a vehicle.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-176591 (JP-A-2010-176591) discloses a display device for a vehicle which conveys information to the driver by reflecting light from LEDs on the windshield glass. Japanese Patent No. 3626229 discloses a drive support system for a vehicle which alerts the driver of danger outside the vehicle by emitting light from a light source in the vehicle in such a manner that the light is reflected on the windshield in a position corresponding to the detected danger.
[0003] Other related art documents include Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-274542 (JP-A-2009-274542) and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-149734 (JP-A-2010-149734). JP-A-2009-274542 discloses a headup display device that sets the color of the background that is displayed on the front windshield based on the body color of the preceding vehicle. JP-A-2010-149734 discloses a headup display device that detects the background color around the virtual image that is projected on the windshield and displays information in the complementary color of the detected background color. 1
[0004] However, according to JP-A-2010-176591 and Japanese Patent No. 3626229, the light that is reflected from the windshield glass is sometimes difficult to see depending on the background around the light.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides a light source device for a vehicle which can
improve the visibility of light.
[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a light source device for a vehicle that includes a light source and is characterized in that the light from the light source is emitted to a target area which is an area on a windshield where an image formed by the light is seen against a body of the vehicle. Or the light from the light sourcemay be also emitted to an area outside the target area and under a line segment where a horizontal plane that passes through the eye point of the driver and the windshield intersect.
[0007] According to the above aspect, because the light is emitted to a target area which is an area on the windshield where an image formed by the light is seen against a body of the vehicle, the visibility of the light can be improved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The foregoing and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals are used to represent like elements and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a view that illustrates an example of the installation position of a light source panel 10;
FIG. 2 is a view that illustrates an example of the installation position of the light source panel 10;
FIG. 3 is a view that illustrates the definition of an eye point 30;
FIG. 4 is a view that illustrates an example of the installation position of the light source panel 10;
FIG. 5 is a view that illustrates an example of the structure of the light source panel 10; FIG. 6 is a view that illustrates an example of the structure of the light source panel 10; FIG. 7 is a view that illustrates an~example of the structure of the light source panel 10; FIG. 8 is a view that illustrates an example of the installation position of the light source panel 10; and
FIG. 9 is a view that illustrates an example of the installation position of the light source panel 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0009] Description is hereinafter made of an embodiment of a light source device for a vehicle according to the present invention with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited by the embodiment.
[0010] In the following, a case where a light source panel according to this embodiment is incorporated in a right-hand drive vehicle and is used in an information transmission system for a vehicle that conveys information to the driver by reflecting a virtual image that is formed by light on the windshield glass is described as an example.
[0011] FIGs. 1 and 2 are views, each of which illustrates an example of the installation position of a light source panel. In FIGs. 1 and 2, reference numeral 1 indicates a vehicle, reference numeral 10 indicates a light source panel, reference numeral 20 indicates a front windshield glass, reference numeral 21 indicates a bonnet, reference numeral 22 indicates an instrument panel, reference numeral 23 indicates a meter panel, reference numeral 24 indicates a steering wheel, reference numeral 25 indicates a defroster outlet, reference numeral 30 indicates the driver's eye point, reference numeral 31 indicates a virtual image that is formed by the light from the light source panel 10, reference numeral 32 indicates a light path of ambient light, and reference numeral 33 indicates a light path of the light from the light source panel 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the light source panel 10 is installed in the instrument panel 22, especially, in such a position that the driver can recognize the virtual image 31 in the lowermost area of his or her peripheral visual field. For example, the light source panel 10 may be located on the front windshield glass 20 side with respect to the meter panel 23 (in other words, on the far side of the instrument panel 22 as viewed from the eye point 30). For example, the light" source panel 10 may be located on either in front of (refer to FIG. 1) or behind (refer to FIG. 2) the defroster outlet 25 as viewed from the eye point 30.
[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the light source panel 10 is installed in the instrument panel 22 in such a manner that the ambient light 32 does not reach the eye point 30. For example, the light source panel 10 may be located below the surface of the instrument panel 22 (in other words, in the instrument panel 22) with its light-emitting face (light-reflecting face) inclined toward the driver. For example, the light source panel 10 may be embedded in the instrument panel 22. This arrangement makes a real image, in other words, the light source, invisible to the driver and from other vehicles.
[0013] Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the eye point 30 is a point at a height of 635 (mm) vertically above a seating reference point 34, the location of the hip joint of the mannequin seated in the driver's seat based on ISO 6549-1980 (refer to Notification of Details of Safety Standards for Road Transport Vehicles [2005.11.09], Appendix 81 (Technical Standards for Left Front Side- View Mirror), which is disclosed in '¾ttp://www.mlit.go.jp/jidosha/kijyun/saimokubetten/saibet_081_00.pdf').
[0014] FIG. 4 is a view that illustrates another example of the installation position of the light source panel. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 35 indicates the driver's line of sight. For example, the light source panel 10 is located generally in front of the driver on the instrument panel 22. The light source panel 10 has light sources 10a that are arranged in a curved configuration so that the virtual image 31 can be horizontal as viewed by the driver (from the eye point 30). Here, one example of the structure of the light source panel 10 is described with reference to FIGs. 5, 6 and 7.
[0015] As shown in FIG. 5, the light source panel 10 has a plurality of light sources 10a (such as LEDs or bulbs) arranged in an array of rows and columns. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the light source panel 10 has a light emission plate 10b that is located at a given distance from the light sources 10a to emit the light from the light sources 10a to the outside.
[0016] As shown in FIG. 5, the near side (the driver side) of the light source panel 10 is ^curved in a concave configuration which conforms with the curvature (curve) of the cross-section of the area of the front windshield glass 20 in which the virtual image 31 is displayed, the cross-section being taken along the horizontal direction. The individual
light sources 10a are arranged in the light source panel 10 in a curved configuration which conforms with the curvature (curve) of the cross-section of the area of the front windshield glass 20 in which the virtual image 31 is displayed. The light source panel 10 is shaped such that a distance dL is greater than a distance dR when it is installed (refer to FIG. 5). The light source panel 10 has a minimum length (width) at its left end L as viewed by the driver (from the eye point 30), gradually increases in length (width) toward its right end and has a maximum length (width) at its right end R (refer to FIG. 6). The shape of the light source panel 10 and the arrangement of the light sources 10a enable the virtual image 31 to be projected on the front windshield glass 20 horizontally as viewed by the driver. Here, the distance dL is the distance from the light source 10a which is located at the near left corner when the installed light source panel 10 is viewed by the driver (from the eye point 30) to the position on the front windshield glass 20 on which the light from the light source 10a is projected. The distance dR is the distance from the light source 10a which is located at the near right corner when the installed light source panel 10 is viewed by the driver (from the eye point 30) to the position on the front windshield glass 20 where the light from the light source 10a is reflected. In other words, the light sources 10a are arranged such that the distance dL is greater than the distance dR.
[0017] FIGs. 8 and 9 are views, each of which illustrates another example of the installation position of the light source panel. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 36 indicates a horizontal line that passes through the eye point 30. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 26 indicates a rear-view mirror, and reference numeral 27 indicates an A-pillar. The light source panel 10 is located in such a position that the virtual image 31 is seen by the driver at an angle of depression a of 5 degrees or less below the horizontal line 36. In addition, the light source panel 10 is located in such a position on the instrument panel 22 that some or entire portion of the virtual image 31 is seen against the bonnet 21 of the vehicle l as viewed from the eye point 30.
[0018] While an example in which the light source panel 10 is located in such a position that the virtual image 31 is seen by the driver at an angle of depression a of 5
degrees or less below the horizontal line 36 is described in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. The light source panel 10 may be located in such a position on the instrument panel 22 that the virtual image 31 is projected in an area under the horizontal line 36 on the front windshield glass 20 as long as at least a portion of the virtual image 31 is seen against the bonnet 21 of the vehicle 1 as viewed from the eye point 30.
[0019] While an example in which the light source panel 10 is installed on the driver side in the instrumental panel in a right-hand drive vehicle is described in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto and is applicable to a left-hand drive vehicle.
[0020] As has been described in detail in the foregoing, according to this embodiment, the light sources 10a are installed in the instrument panel 22 in accordance with the curvature of the area on the front windshield glass 20 to which the light from the light sources 10a is emitted. This enables the virtual image 31 to be projected linearly on the front windshield glass 20 without cumbersome adjustment of the light emission angle. In addition, the light source panel 10 is installed in the instrument panel 22 with the light-emitting face of its light emission plate 10b inclined toward the driver. This prevents ambient light from being reflected toward the driver. In other words, these arrangements make the light from the light sources 10a more visible to the driver and lead to improvement in information transmission efficiency without cumbersome adjustment.
[0021] According to this embodiment, the light from the light sources 10a is emitted to an area on the front windshield glass 20 where the virtual image 31 is seen against the bonnet 21 of the vehicle 1 as viewed from the eye point 30 (bonnet area). This eliminates the influence of changes in the background outside the vehicle and makes the light from light sources 10a more visible to the driver. In addition, the light from the light sources 10a is emitted to the area outside the bonnet area and under a line segment where a horizontal plane (the horizontal line 36) that passes through the eye point 30 and the front windshield glass 20 intersect. This enables the virtual image 31 to be projected
in a position which does not interfere with the driver's line of sight. In other words, these arrangements improve the visibility of the light.
[0022] As described in the foregoing, the light source device for a vehicle according to the present invention is useful for automobile production industry, and suitable for the use in conveying information to the driver with light using the windshield glass.
Claims
1. A light source device for a vehicle comprising a light source,
wherein the light from the light source is emitted to a target area which is an area on a windshield where an image formed by the light is seen against a body of the vehicle.
2. The light source device for a vehicle according to claim 1,
wherein the light from the light source is also emitted to an area, which is outside the target area and under a line segment where a horizontal plane that passes through the eye point of the driver and the windshield intersect.
3. An information transmission system for a vehicle that conveys information to the driver by reflecting a virtual image formed by light on a windshield, comprising:
a light source device that is provided with a plurality of light sources that emit the light, wherein the light source device is installed in an instrumental panel so as to emit the light to an area on the windshield where at least a portion of the virtual image is seen against the bonnet of the vehicle as viewed from the eye point of the driver.
4. The information transmission system for a vehicle according to claim 3,
wherein the light source device emits the light to an area under a line segment where a horizontal plane that passes through the eye point of the driver and the windshield intersect.
5. The information transmission system for a vehicle according to claim 3 or 4,
wherein the light source device is provided with a light emission plate to emit the light from the light sources to the outside, and the light emission plate has an light-emitting face that is inclined toward the driver.
6. The information transmission system for a vehicle according to any one of claims 3 to
5, . . wherein the plurality of light sources are arranged in a curved configuration that conforms with the curve of the windshield to which the light is emitted.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2010-279215 | 2010-12-15 | ||
JP2010279215A JP2012126252A (en) | 2010-12-15 | 2010-12-15 | Light source device for vehicle |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2012080806A2 true WO2012080806A2 (en) | 2012-06-21 |
WO2012080806A3 WO2012080806A3 (en) | 2012-08-16 |
Family
ID=45491635
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/IB2011/003002 WO2012080806A2 (en) | 2010-12-15 | 2011-12-12 | Light source device for vehicle |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
JP (1) | JP2012126252A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012080806A2 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8937536B2 (en) | 2010-12-08 | 2015-01-20 | Toyota Jishosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Vehicle information transmission device |
US9222636B2 (en) | 2010-12-08 | 2015-12-29 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Vehicle information transmission device |
WO2023186717A1 (en) | 2022-03-30 | 2023-10-05 | Saint-Gobain Glass France | Head-up display for a vehicle window |
WO2023186715A1 (en) | 2022-03-30 | 2023-10-05 | Saint-Gobain Glass France | Head-up display for a vehicle window |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP3626229B2 (en) | 1994-10-13 | 2005-03-02 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Vehicle driving support system |
JP2009274542A (en) | 2008-05-14 | 2009-11-26 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | Head up display device |
JP2010149734A (en) | 2008-12-25 | 2010-07-08 | Yazaki Corp | Head-up display |
JP2010176591A (en) | 2009-01-30 | 2010-08-12 | Mazda Motor Corp | Display device for vehicle |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3276813A (en) * | 1964-07-14 | 1966-10-04 | Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co | Glare shielding and instrument viewing arrangement |
FR2906505B1 (en) * | 2006-10-03 | 2008-12-12 | Renault Sas | INFORMATION DISPLAY ARRANGEMENT WITHIN A MOTOR VEHICLE INTERIOR. |
JP2009217682A (en) * | 2008-03-12 | 2009-09-24 | Yazaki Corp | Display for vehicle |
FR2935325B1 (en) * | 2008-08-29 | 2010-09-24 | Faurecia Interieur Ind | AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE TRIM PANEL COMPRISING A ZONE FORMING ANTI-REFLECTION PICTOGRAM AND AN ASSOCIATED MOTOR VEHICLE |
-
2010
- 2010-12-15 JP JP2010279215A patent/JP2012126252A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2011
- 2011-12-12 WO PCT/IB2011/003002 patent/WO2012080806A2/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP3626229B2 (en) | 1994-10-13 | 2005-03-02 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Vehicle driving support system |
JP2009274542A (en) | 2008-05-14 | 2009-11-26 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | Head up display device |
JP2010149734A (en) | 2008-12-25 | 2010-07-08 | Yazaki Corp | Head-up display |
JP2010176591A (en) | 2009-01-30 | 2010-08-12 | Mazda Motor Corp | Display device for vehicle |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8937536B2 (en) | 2010-12-08 | 2015-01-20 | Toyota Jishosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Vehicle information transmission device |
US9222636B2 (en) | 2010-12-08 | 2015-12-29 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Vehicle information transmission device |
WO2023186717A1 (en) | 2022-03-30 | 2023-10-05 | Saint-Gobain Glass France | Head-up display for a vehicle window |
WO2023186715A1 (en) | 2022-03-30 | 2023-10-05 | Saint-Gobain Glass France | Head-up display for a vehicle window |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2012080806A3 (en) | 2012-08-16 |
JP2012126252A (en) | 2012-07-05 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20130258693A1 (en) | Light source device for vehicle | |
RU2531790C1 (en) | Vehicle data transfer device | |
US9222636B2 (en) | Vehicle information transmission device | |
US8810381B2 (en) | Vehicular heads up display with integrated bi-modal high brightness collision warning system | |
EP2650162B1 (en) | Information conveyance device for use in vehicle | |
US20130241747A1 (en) | Vehicle information transmitting device | |
US20070210906A1 (en) | Signaling Device For Displaying Warning And/Or Informational Alerts In Vehicles | |
CN102822723B (en) | Apparatus for displaying information in a motor vehicle | |
WO2014171060A1 (en) | Head-up display device | |
TWI243118B (en) | On vehicle display and light-guiding plate | |
US20210316611A1 (en) | Display apparatus comprising a self-illuminated screen element, motor vehicle comprising a display apparatus, and associated operating method | |
WO2012080806A2 (en) | Light source device for vehicle | |
US8783920B1 (en) | Systems for indicating visibility of a blind spot to a driver | |
EP2441620A1 (en) | Device for viewing front-lateral area of vehicle | |
JP2008189201A (en) | Vehicular visibility assist device | |
US20160167515A1 (en) | Driver assistance system | |
US20140104318A1 (en) | Display device for vehicle | |
EP3327484B1 (en) | Reflection protection for a head up display system | |
JP2019172147A (en) | Rear view mirror device, on-vehicle display device, and on-vehicle display system | |
US8177283B2 (en) | Glass for a vehicle dashboard | |
JP5614366B2 (en) | Vehicle information transmission device | |
US20180321490A1 (en) | Head up display with facetted windshield | |
JP2012123628A (en) | Information transmission device for vehicle | |
CN114715027A (en) | Display device of vehicle front part and vehicle | |
US7901119B2 (en) | Vehicle |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application |
Ref document number: 11808708 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A2 |
|
DPE1 | Request for preliminary examination filed after expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed from 20040101) | ||
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase |
Ref document number: 11808708 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A2 |