Display device and display method

Abstract

The invention provides a display device and a display method. The display device includes a display unit and a control unit. The display unit is disposed on an operation unit of the steering device. The control part is electrically connected with the display part and used for controlling the display mode of the display part according to the temperature of the operation part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device and a display method. Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, a steering wheel heater having a heater device for heating a steering wheel inside is disclosed. The purpose of mounting such a steering wheel heater is to heat to a temperature suitable for a driver to hold and operate when using a vehicle in a low-temperature environment such as winter, so as to perform comfortable driving.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-096739 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, in the prior art, it is impossible to visually confirm whether the current temperature condition of the steering wheel is a temperature suitable for holding, and there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of driver convenience.

[0008] One of the purposes of the present disclosure is to solve the above problems and provide a display device that can improve driver convenience.

[0009] Solutions to the Problems

[0010] The display device according to the present disclosure includes a display unit and a control unit. The display unit is disposed on an operation unit of a steering device. The control unit is electrically connected to the display unit and is configured to control a display mode of the display unit according to a temperature of the operation unit.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] The display device in the present disclosure can enable a driver to recognize the current temperature condition of the steering wheel, thereby improving driver convenience. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] Figure 1 is a front view showing an example of a steering wheel provided with the display device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 is a front view showing another example of a steering wheel provided with the display device according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the display device according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware structure of the control unit according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of the functional structure of the control unit according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the display device according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the behavior of the display device when holding the steering wheel according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of the situation where the emission color of the display device according to the first embodiment changes.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of the situation where the emission area of the display device according to the first embodiment changes.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of the situation where the characters displayed by the display device according to the first embodiment during light emission change.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the display device when determining that a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of heating according to a modification of the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing an example of the case where the temperature state is displayed through the vehicle's instrument according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the display device when displaying the temperature according to the elapsed time according to the second embodiment.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the passage of time and the change in the emission state according to the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the display device when calculating the heating time according to the third embodiment.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a flowchart showing an example of the display operation of the display device in summer according to the fourth embodiment.

[0029] Figure 17It is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation in the fifth embodiment where, when the driver's grip is detected before a specified time has elapsed, actual temperature display is performed by another display unit.

[0030] Figure 18 It is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation in Modification 1 of the fifth embodiment where, when the driver's grip is detected before heating is completed, display is performed by another display unit.

[0031] Figure 19 It is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation in Modification 2 of the fifth embodiment where, when the driver's grip is detected before a specified time has elapsed, predicted temperature display is performed by another display unit.

[0032] Figure 20 It is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation in Modification 3 of the fifth embodiment where, when the driver's grip is detected before the upper limit temperature is reached, display is performed by another display unit.

[0033] Figure 21 It is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation in the sixth embodiment where, when the display on the display unit has stopped, it is confirmed whether the vehicle is traveling.

[0034] Figure 22 It is a flowchart showing another example of a processing operation in the modification of the sixth embodiment where, when the display on the display unit has stopped, it is confirmed whether the vehicle is traveling. Detailed Embodiments

[0035] Hereinafter, one or more embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement positions and connection methods of the constituent elements, steps, order of steps, etc. in the embodiments disclosed below are all examples and are not intended to limit the display device related to the present disclosure. In addition, structures denoted by the same reference numerals in the respective drawings represent the same or substantially the same structures, and their descriptions are appropriately omitted. Furthermore, in the embodiments disclosed below, unnecessary detailed descriptions are sometimes omitted. For example, descriptions of well-known matters and descriptions of substantially the same structures are sometimes omitted. This is to avoid hindering the understanding of those skilled in the art due to overly lengthy descriptions.

[0036] (First Embodiment)

[0037] Figure 1 And Figure 2It is a front view showing an example of the steering wheel 999 of the display device 100 according to the first embodiment. The steering wheel 999 is an operation part of a steering control device for steering a vehicle and is held by a driver during driving. In the present disclosure, in the steering wheel 999 (operation part), the part held by the driver during driving (a part or all of the rim 300) is referred to as a grip part. The steering wheel 999 has, for example, a wheel-shaped (ring-shaped) rim 300, a hub 400 disposed substantially at the center of a circular space formed inside the rim 300, and spokes 200 formed in a substantially T-shape connecting the inner peripheral surface of the rim 300 and the hub 400. As an example, the hub 400 supports the spokes 200. In addition, the spokes 200 support the rim 300. As another example, the hub 400 may also independently support the spokes 200 and the rim 300 respectively. In addition, the shape of the steering wheel 999 is not limited to a ring shape and may also be a D shape or an H shape.

[0038] The display device 100 is arranged on Figure 1 the rim 300, and is arranged on Figure 2 the spokes 200, but the arrangement position of the display device 100 is not limited to this. For example, the display device 100 may also be arranged on a part of the hub 400. In Figure 1 it, the display device 100 deformed (formed) in a ring shape along the rim 300 is arranged on the upper part of the rim 300, and in Figure 2 it, two substantially rectangular display devices 100 are arranged on the spokes 200 substantially parallel to the spokes 200, but the shape, number, and arrangement are not limited to this. The display device 100 only needs to be arranged so that the driver can visually recognize the current temperature condition of the steering wheel 999, and its shape, number, and arrangement can be freely determined respectively. In addition, more specifically, the display part described later provided in the display device 100 only needs to be arranged on the steering wheel 999. In addition, this driver is the driver before touching the steering wheel 999. For example, it is a driver in a state of sitting on the driver's seat, but it may also be a driver who opens the door and stands or is about to sit down before sitting, or a driver who observes the interior of the vehicle through the window. For example, a circular (for example, formed in an arc shape) display device 100 may be arranged on the lower side of the rim 300. In addition, a steering switch 500 may be arranged on the spokes 200, and the display device 100 may be arranged inside the steering switch 500. By installing the display device 100 on the steering wheel 999, the current temperature condition of the steering wheel 999 can be visually recognized intuitively.

[0039] Figure 31 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the display device 100 involved in the first embodiment. The display device 100 is composed of an LED bar (light-emitting unit, display unit) 110 and a control unit 120, and the control unit 120 is composed of a steering ECU (Electronic Control Unit) electrically connected to the LED bar 110. The control unit 120 controls the display mode of the LED bar 110 according to the temperature of the steering wheel 999 (for example, the current temperature). In this embodiment, the display device 100 uses the LED bar 110 as a light-emitting element as the display unit, but any light-emitting element or display element such as a liquid crystal display or a fluorescent lamp can also be used as the display unit. The temperature detection unit 600, i.e., thermistor, built into the steering wheel 999, the heater 700, i.e., the heating pad, covering the rim 300, the grip detection unit 800, i.e., the grip detection (hereinafter referred to as HOD: Hands On Detection) pad, arranged on the steering wheel 999 for detecting the grip of the driver, and the steering switch 500 are similarly connected to the control unit 120 and controlled by the control unit 120. The HOD pad is, for example, wound around the rim 300. The HOD pad has an electrode and an electrostatic capacitance sensor, the electrode being provided at a position touched by a person through the skin of the rim 300, and the electrostatic capacitance sensor being used to capture changes in electrostatic capacitance generated between the human body and the electrode.

[0040] In addition, it is not necessary to carry all of these elements on the steering wheel 999 at the same time. In addition, other systems may also be connected. For example, it may be that the control unit 120 does not have the timing function 120b described later, but another timing system is carried on the display device 100 or the vehicle equipped with the display device 100, and the timing system is connected to the control unit 120. In addition, it may be that not all systems are connected to the same control unit 120, and each system can be connected to each control unit separately. In addition, the control unit 120 may not be configured on the steering wheel 999, that is, the control unit 120 is not limited to the case where it is implemented by the steering ECU, and each system may be controlled by a comprehensive ECU such as a cockpit domain controller (CDC) for controlling the entire vehicle. In addition, as the control unit 120, the substrate of the steering switch 500 may also be used to replace the substrate of the steering ECU, as long as the light-emitting unit can be controlled according to the temperature, and the design can be appropriately changed. In addition, the heater 700 and the grip detection unit 800 are not limited to a split structure, but may also be a dual-use structure.

[0041] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit 120 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4As shown, the control unit 120 includes at least one processor 121, a main storage device 122, an auxiliary storage device 123, and a communication interface 124, and has the same hardware structure as a general computer. The processor 121, the main storage device 122, the auxiliary storage device 123, and the communication interface 124 are communicably connected via a bus 129, for example.

[0042] The at least one processor 121 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but other processors may be additionally or alternatively provided for the CPU. As other processors, various processors such as a CPU, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and a dedicated arithmetic circuit implemented by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) can be appropriately used. The main storage device 122 is a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The main storage device 122 temporarily stores data required for various processes performed by the storage processor 121. The auxiliary storage device 123 is a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory). The auxiliary storage device 123 stores programs, parameters, etc. for implementing various processes performed by the processor 121. The communication interface 124 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information (control signals and / or data) to and from the outside of the control unit 120. The communication interface 124 communicates with the LED bar 110, the steering switch 500, the temperature detection unit 600, the heater 700, and the grip detection unit 800, respectively. In addition, the communication interface 124 can transmit and receive information to and from other ECUs mounted on the vehicle 1 via an in-vehicle network including CAN (Controller Area Network), Ethernet (registered trademark), USB (Universal Serial Bus (registered trademark)), etc. in the vehicle, or can communicate with an information processing device outside the vehicle via a telecommunication line such as the Internet.

[0043] Figure 5FIG. 0 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 120 according to the first embodiment. The control unit 120 implements each function of the control unit 120, including a light emission control function 120a, a time measurement function 120b, a temperature detection function 120c, and a grip detection function 120d, by, for example, a processor 121 executing a program loaded from an auxiliary storage device 123 into a main storage device 122.

[0044] The light emission control function 120a controls the light emission mode (display mode) of the LED strip 110. As an example, when the heater 700 is turned on, the light emission control function 120a causes the LED strip 110 to emit light. As an example, the light emission control function 120a represents the temperature state of the steering wheel 999 by controlling the light emission mode of the LED strip 110. For example, the light emission control function 120a causes the LED strip 110 to emit light in a color corresponding to the current temperature of the steering wheel 999. As an example, when the light emission control function 120a detects that the driver has gripped the steering wheel 999, the light emission control function 120a turns off the LED strip 110.

[0045] The time measurement function 120b measures the elapsed time since the temperature display started on the display device 100.

[0046] The temperature detection function 120c obtains the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 based on the output of the temperature detection unit 600. In addition, the acquisition of the current temperature can be performed, for example, by correcting the measured value based on the positional relationship, material, etc. between the measurement position of the temperature detection unit 600 such as a thermistor and the grip portion of the steering wheel 999. In addition, the temperature detection unit 600 can also be used as the temperature detection unit for temperature control of the heater 700. In other words, the temperature detection unit 600 can be used for both temperature detection of the rim 300 of the steering wheel 999 and temperature detection of the heater 700.

[0047] The grip detection function 120d determines whether the driver is gripping the steering wheel 999 based on the output of the grip detection unit 800 (using an HOD pad in this embodiment). Specifically, the grip detection function 120d determines whether the driver's hand is in contact with the steering wheel 999 based on the change in capacitance detected by the HOD pad.

[0048] In addition, for example, the grip detection function 120d may determine that it is "gripped" when the driver's hand has been in contact with the steering wheel 999 for a predetermined time or longer stored in the auxiliary storage device 123 or the like. Alternatively, for example, the grip detection function 120d may also determine that it is "gripped" when the driver's hand comes into contact with a specified part, which is predetermined as a part assumed to be gripped by the driver in a driving posture or the like and stored in the auxiliary storage device 123 or the like. Alternatively, it may be that when the driver's hand makes contact through the HOD pad provided at a specified part assumed to be gripped by the driver in a driving posture or the like, the grip detection function 120d determines that it is "gripped".

[0049] Next, a processing operation of one mode according to the present disclosure performed by the control unit 120 will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 6 It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing according to the first embodiment. The display device 100 executes the Figure 6 illustrated routine triggered by the switch of the heater 700 being turned on. In addition, the start of the routine is not limited to the on / off of the heater switch. For example, the display device 100 may also start the routine when the door is opened or the door is unlocked, etc., as long as the routine can be started before the driver grips the steering wheel 999. At this time, the temperature is displayed using the LED strip 110 during a specified time. The specified time can be appropriately determined. The specified time is preferably a time sufficient to complete heating by the heater 700, but is not limited thereto. The display device 100 may also calculate the specified time at the same time as the start of the routine, and the details will be described later.

[0050] In the control according to the present embodiment, as Figure 6 shown, when the routine starts, in step S101, the control unit 120 causes the LED strip 110 to emit light and starts measuring the elapsed time since the start of the light emission, that is, the start of the temperature display.

[0051] Next, in step S102, the control unit 120 determines whether the driver is gripping the steering wheel 999 (operation handle) based on the grip detection unit 800 (using the HOD pad in this embodiment). When it is determined that the driver is gripping the steering wheel 999 (Yes in step S102), the process proceeds to step S108, and the control unit 120 turns off the LED strip 110. In step S108, the display device 100 ends the temperature display. In Figure 7 the state change of the LED strip 110 when grip is detected is shown. Figure 7 It is a diagram showing an example of the behavior of the display device 100 when the steering wheel 999 is gripped according to the first embodiment. As Figure 7As shown in (a) of FIG. , the display device 100 according to the present embodiment emits light for temperature display when the steering wheel 999 is not held by the driver. However, as Figure 7 shown in (b) of FIG. , when it is detected that the steering wheel 999 is held by the driver, the light emission for temperature display is stopped.

[0052] In addition, in the control according to one aspect of the present disclosure, regardless of the order of the illustrated flowchart, the grip detection is performed in parallel, and regardless of which step, as long as the grip is detected, the temperature display is ended. This is because there is no need to display the current temperature to the driver after the grip. If the display device 100 according to the present embodiment detects the grip, the temperature display is ended, thereby enabling power saving.

[0053] When the control unit 120 determines that the driver is not holding the steering wheel 999 (No in step S102), the process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, the display device 100 uses the temperature detection unit 600 to measure the current temperature of the steering wheel 999. In step S104, the control unit 120 causes the LED strip 110 to emit light in a color corresponding to the current temperature obtained in step S103. By causing the LED strip 110 to emit light in a color corresponding to the current temperature, the display device 100 can enable the driver to visually recognize the current temperature of the steering wheel 999.

[0054] Specifically, the light emission control corresponding to the current temperature will be described. Figure 8 is a diagram showing a situation of a change in the light emission color of the display device 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 (a) to (c) of FIG. show a situation of a change in the light emission color corresponding to the current temperature. In a low temperature state, the light emission color of the LED strip 110 of the display device 100 is a cold color such as light blue ( Figure 8 in (a) of FIG. ). On the other hand, as the temperature rises, its light emission color becomes a warm color such as yellow or orange ( Figure 8 in (b) of FIG. ). Moreover, in an appropriate temperature state after the steering wheel 999 is fully heated, the light emission color of the LED strip 110 becomes a predetermined specific color such as red ( Figure 8 in (c) of FIG. ). The display device 100 changes the light emission color of the LED strip 110 according to the current temperature as described above, thereby presenting the current temperature of the rim 300 to the driver. In addition, the change in color is preferably a step change, but it may also be a switching change in which the light emission color of the LED strip 110 is light blue before being fully heated and the light emission color is switched to red or the like after the rim 300 is fully heated. In addition, the relationship between the temperature and the light emission color is arbitrary and can be appropriately changed.

[0055] Here, the appropriate temperature state after the steering wheel 999 is fully warmed up is a target temperature (e.g., 38°C) at which a driver touching or holding the steering wheel 999 at this temperature does not feel uncomfortable, or a temperature state that is preset within a range of this temperature and stored in the auxiliary storage device 123 or the like. In addition, the appropriate temperature state can also be specified based on any one of the output value of the heater 700, the temperature value of the steering wheel 999, and the elapsed time since the start of heating.

[0056] In addition, a structure is also considered in which the light-emitting area is changed according to the current temperature additionally or alternatively with respect to the change in the light-emitting color. Figure 9 FIG. is a diagram showing a case where the light-emitting area of the display device 100 according to the first embodiment changes. In the low-temperature state, the light-emitting area of the LED strip 110 of the display device 100 is about one-tenth of its overall area ( Figure 9 (a) of FIG.), but as the temperature rises, about half of the overall area becomes the light-emitting area ( Figure 9 (b) of FIG.), and in the appropriate temperature state after the steering wheel 999 is fully warmed up, the light-emitting area of the LED strip 110 is equal to the overall area ( Figure 9 (c) of FIG.). The display device 100 increases or decreases the light-emitting area of the LED strip 110 according to the current temperature as described above, thereby presenting the current temperature of the rim 300 to the driver. In addition, the current temperature can also be presented by the color area. For example, in the low-temperature state, the light-emitting area of light blue is larger, but as the temperature rises, the light-emitting area of red increases, etc.

[0057] In addition, a structure is also considered in which the characters displayed on the LED strip 110 are changed according to the current temperature. Figure 10 FIG. is a diagram showing a case where the characters displayed by the display device 100 according to the first embodiment change during light emission. For example, when the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 is low, such as 6°C, the number displayed on the LED strip 110 of the display device 100 is 06°C ( Figure 10 (a) of FIG.), but as the temperature rises, the characters displayed according to the current temperature, such as 13°C, change ( Figure 10 (b) of FIG.), and in the appropriate temperature state of, for example, 38 degrees after the steering wheel 999 is fully warmed up, the LED strip 110 displays the character 38°C, for example ( Figure 10 (c) of FIG.). The display device 100 presents the current temperature of the rim 300 to the driver by changing the characters displayed on the LED strip 110 according to the current temperature as described above. In addition, the LED strip 110 can also display a message or icon indicating the meaning of the appropriate temperature state in the appropriate temperature state instead of the display of the current temperature. In addition, the structure for changing the displayed characters can also be combined with at least one of the above-described light-emitting color, light-emitting area, and color area.

[0058] In addition, regarding changes in the case where the state of light emission changes according to the current temperature, changes in style, pattern, blink speed, etc. can be cited. As long as the driver can visually observe and understand the temperature change, the form is not limited. When the blink speed changes according to the current temperature, for example, it can be conceived that when the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 is a low temperature such as 6°C, the LED bar 110 of the display device 100 does not light up, but when the current temperature rises to 13°C or the like, it starts to blink, and the blink speed becomes faster as the current temperature rises. In an appropriate temperature state of, for example, 38 degrees after the steering wheel 999 is fully warmed up, for example, the blink speed of the LED bar 110 becomes the fastest, or it stops blinking and lights up. In addition, when the style and pattern of light emission change, for example, when the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 is a low temperature such as 6°C, the LED bar 110 of the display device 100 does not light up, but as the current temperature rises, horizontal or vertical lines that emit light at equal intervals are gradually added to the display. For example, in an appropriate temperature state of 38 degrees, it becomes a grid pattern to show the driver the temperature of the grip rim 300.

[0059] In step S105, the control unit 120 determines whether the driver is holding the steering wheel 999 based on the grip detection unit 800 (using the HOD pad in this embodiment) in the same manner as in S102. When it is determined that the driver is holding the steering wheel (Yes in step S105), the display device 100 ends the temperature display in the same process as in the case of Yes in step S102. When it is determined that the driver is not holding the steering wheel (No in step S105), the process proceeds to step S106.

[0060] In step S106, the control unit 120 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the display device 100 started the temperature display. Regarding the predetermined time, for example, the correlation with temperature can be measured, or based on the material, size of the steering wheel 999, the heating performance of the heater 700, etc., the correlation with temperature can be calculated, predetermined, and stored in the auxiliary storage device 123, etc. For example, the predetermined time can also be corrected according to the ambient temperature, etc. When the predetermined time has not elapsed (No in step S106), the process returns to step S103 to perform temperature measurement. When the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S106), in step S107, the control unit 120 causes the LED bar 110 to blink to prompt the driver that the temperature display has ended. In addition, as long as the driver can be notified of the end of the temperature display, the form is not limited. Therefore, instead of blinking, at least one of the display color, blink speed, display area, and display pattern of the LED bar 110 can be changed, for example, the color can be changed to purple. After prompting the end of the temperature display in step S107, in step S108, the LED bar 110 is turned off and the temperature display is closed.

[0061] (Modification example)

[0062] In addition, instead of determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the display device 100 was turned on, it is also possible to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of heating was detected. Figure 11 FIG. is a flowchart showing the operation of the display device 100 when it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of heating according to the modification example of the first embodiment. Regarding the control of the same content as Figure 6 the same reference numerals are used and the description thereof is omitted.

[0063] Figure 11 The flowchart of Figure 6 adds a step S201 for determining whether the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 has reached the target temperature, which is a heating completion determination, between step S104 and step S105 of the flowchart of Figure 6 . Here, the target temperature refers to the temperature in an appropriate temperature state after the steering wheel 999 has been fully heated (for example, 38° C.), and this target temperature is predetermined and stored in the auxiliary storage device 123 or the like in advance. When it is determined that the temperature measured by the temperature detection unit 600 has not reached the target temperature (No in step S201), the control unit 120 repeats the temperature measurement in step S103 and the step of changing the emission color in step S104. When the temperature measured by the temperature detection unit 600 reaches the target temperature and becomes a temperature suitable for gripping the rim 300 of the steering wheel 999 (Yes in step S201), the control unit 120 ends the temperature measurement step and the step of changing the emission color, starts measuring the elapsed time since the temperature measured by the temperature detection unit 600 reached the target temperature, and enters step S105. After that, the control unit 120 is the same as

[0064] In addition, in Figure 6 or Figure 11In step S108, after the temperature display is turned off in step S108, the display device 100 can also be used to display other vehicle information. For example, the display device 100 can also display the mode status of autonomous driving. Regarding vehicle information, the in-vehicle air conditioner status, vehicle speed, fuel consumption, etc. can be cited, but it is not limited thereto.

[0065] In addition, it is preferable to implement the display of the temperature status through the LED strip 110 arranged on the steering wheel 999, but it can also be implemented through the instrument 900 as shown, for example. Figure 12 For example, the display device 100 can configure a display symbol 901 that changes the lighting situation according to the current temperature on the instrument 900. The display device 100 only needs to be configured to enable the driver to visually recognize the current temperature status of the steering wheel 999, and the position of its display part (for example, the LED strip 110) can be freely determined.

[0066] (Structure and effects of the embodiment)

[0067] Next, the structure and its effects of the first embodiment will be described.

[0068] The display device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an LED strip 110 arranged on the steering wheel 999, the LED strip 110 having one or more light-emitting elements for emitting light to display information; and a control unit 120 electrically connected to the LED strip 110 for controlling the lighting of the LED strip 110 according to the current temperature of the steering wheel 999.

[0069] According to the above structure, the driver can visually confirm the current temperature status of the steering wheel without holding the steering wheel 999 with his own hands. In addition, by arranging the display device 100 on the steering wheel, the driver can intuitively and easily understand the temperature of the steering wheel.

[0070] In addition, in the display device 100, the steering wheel 999 has a temperature detection unit 600 for detecting the temperature of the steering wheel 999. The control unit 120 processes the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 600 as the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 and controls the operation of the LED strip 110 according to the detected temperature.

[0071] According to the above structure, the display device 100 detects the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 and controls the LED strip 110 with the corresponding temperature, so that the more accurate temperature of the steering wheel 999 can be displayed to the driver. Thus, the driver can identify the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 with higher accuracy.

[0072] In addition, in the display device 100, the control unit 120 causes at least one of the color of the light emitted by the LED strip 110, the blinking speed, the light-emitting area, and the light-emitting pattern to change according to the current temperature of the steering wheel 999.

[0073] According to the above structure, the display device 100 can enable the driver to visually recognize the change in the current temperature condition. Thus, the driver can visually recognize the change in temperature.

[0074] In addition, in the display device 100, the rim 300 of the steering wheel 999 has a grip detection unit 800 for detecting the driver's grip on the rim 300. If the grip detection unit 800 detects the driver's grip on the rim 300, the control unit 120 causes the LED strip 110 to stop emitting light.

[0075] According to the above structure, the display device 100 can detect the start of the driver's driving action and stop the unnecessary temperature display.

[0076] In addition, in the display device 100, the steering wheel 999 has a heater 700 for heating the steering wheel 999. After the heating of the steering wheel 999 by the heater 700 is completed, if a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 120 causes the LED strip 110 to stop emitting light corresponding to the current temperature for temperature display.

[0077] According to the above structure, it is possible to stop unnecessary light emission after the driver recognizes that sufficient warming has occurred, thereby achieving power saving.

[0078] In addition, in the display device 100, after the heating of the steering wheel 999 by the heater 700 is completed and a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 120 changes at least one of the color of the light emitted by the LED strip 110, the blinking speed, the light-emitting area, and the light-emitting pattern, and then stops the light emission based on the temperature display.

[0079] According to the above structure, the display device 100 can enable the driver to recognize that the display device 100 has ended the light emission corresponding to the temperature.

[0080] In addition, in the display device 100, the LED strip 110 is used to display vehicle information other than the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 during the period when it is not used to display the current temperature of the steering wheel 999.

[0081] According to the above structure, it is possible to display multiple vehicle information through one light-emitting component, thereby reducing costs.

[0082] In addition, in the display device 100, the temperature detection unit 600 is used for both the temperature detection of the rim 300 of the steering wheel 999 and the temperature detection of the heater 700.

[0083] According to the above structure, in addition to the temperature detection of the rim 300, it is also used for the temperature detection of the heater 700. Thus, the temperature control of the heater 700 can be performed by the control unit 120, achieving the effects of high-precision temperature display and preventing the steering wheel 999 from overheating. Moreover, since only one temperature detection unit 600 is required, cost can be reduced.

[0084] In addition, in the display device 100, the control unit 120 and the light-emitting unit may also be built into the steering switch 500 disposed on the spoke 200 of the steering wheel 999.

[0085] According to the above structure, the display device 100 can be integrally formed with the steering switch 500, so that cost can be reduced compared with the case of being separately formed.

[0086] (Second Embodiment)

[0087] Next, the processing operation of the display device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 13 It is a flowchart of the processing according to the second embodiment, showing an example of the operation of the display device 100 when displaying temperature according to the elapsed time. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the parts equivalent to those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof may be omitted sometimes.

[0088] As Figure 13 shown, specifically, the detection process of the current temperature in the second embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the timing function 120b of the control unit 120 measures the elapsed time since the switch of the heater 700 is turned on. In the display device 100 according to the second embodiment, when the switch of the heater 700 is turned on, the timing function 120b of the control unit 120 starts measuring the elapsed time.

[0089] When the steering wheel 999 is not held (No in step S102), in step S301, the control unit 120 estimates the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 according to the elapsed time. For example, the control unit 120 uses a table or a relational expression representing the relationship between the elapsed time and the temperature of the steering wheel 999, which is predefined and stored in the auxiliary storage device 123 or the like, to estimate the current temperature. Then, in step S104, the control unit 120 causes the LED bar 110 to emit light in a color corresponding to the estimated temperature. The control unit 120 repeats step S301 and the steps from step S104 to step S106 until the value of the elapsed time is estimated to be such that the temperature of the steering wheel 999 has risen sufficiently. Figure 14An example is shown in which the light emission of the display device 100 changes over time. The case where the emission color changes according to the temperature estimated based on the elapsed time is represented as Figure 14 (a) to (c) of. For example, when the estimated temperature is low at an elapsed time of 1 [s] or the like, the emission color of the LED strip 110 of the display device 100 is, for example, a cool color such as light blue ( Figure 14 (a) of. On the other hand, this emission color changes to a warm color such as yellow or orange over time, in other words, as the estimated temperature rises ( Figure 14 (b) of. Moreover, when the estimated temperature becomes an appropriate temperature state such as 38 °C after sufficient time has elapsed, the emission color of the LED strip 110 changes to a predetermined specific color such as red ( Figure 14 (c) of. The display device 100 changes the emission color of the LED strip 110 according to the temperature estimated based on the elapsed time as described above, thereby presenting the current temperature of the rim 300 to the driver. In addition, it may be that the step of estimating the current temperature is not provided, and the control unit 120 uses the elapsed time as a temperature index and controls the emission of the LED strip 110 according to the elapsed time. That is, not limited to the case of controlling the emission mode of the LED strip 110 according to the temperature converted based on the elapsed time, the control unit 120 may also control the emission mode of the LED strip 110 according to the elapsed time measured by the timing function 120b of the control unit 120. In this case, the correspondence relationship between the elapsed time and the emission mode can be predetermined and stored in the auxiliary storage device 123.

[0090] In addition, the display device 100 according to the present embodiment can be appropriately combined with the modification of the first embodiment described above. For example, in Figure 13 the flowchart of, it is also possible to implement the step of judging the completion of heating ( Figure 11 step S201 of.

[0091] (Structure and effects of the embodiment)

[0092] Next, the structure and effects of the second embodiment will be described.

[0093] In the display device 100 according to the second embodiment, the steering wheel 999 has a heater 700 for heating the rim 300. The control unit 120 measures the elapsed time since the heater 700 was turned on, estimates the temperature of the steering wheel 999 based on the elapsed time, and controls the emission of the LED strip 110 using the estimated temperature as the current temperature of the steering wheel 999.

[0094] Based on the above structure, the display device 100 can perform temperature display based on the elapsed time without setting a step of measuring using the temperature detection unit 600, so that costs can be reduced. In addition, the driver can visually identify the current temperature of the steering wheel 999.

[0095] (Third Embodiment)

[0096] Next, the processing operation according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 15 It is a flowchart of the processing according to the third embodiment, showing an example of the operation of the display device 100 in the case of calculating the heating time. In the following description, the description of parts equivalent to the foregoing embodiments may be omitted.

[0097] As Figure 15 shown, specifically, the change amount corresponding to the case where the control unit 120 emits light is different from that in the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the steering wheel 999 has a temperature detection unit 600 for measuring the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 (the temperature when the switch is turned on). In addition, the timing function 120b of the control unit 120 measures the elapsed time since the switch of the heater 700 was turned on. In the third embodiment, when the processing operation is started by turning on the switch of the heater 700 or the like, in step S401, the control unit 120 measures the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 and obtains the target temperature of the steering wheel 999 from, for example, the auxiliary storage device 123 or the like in the same manner as in the foregoing embodiments. In step S402, the control unit 120 calculates the required heating time for reaching the target temperature based on the temperature when the switch is turned on obtained in step S401 and the target temperature of the steering wheel 999. In addition, in the calculation of the required heating time, a table or relational expression indicating the correspondence relationship between the temperature when the switch is turned on, the target temperature, and the required heating time may also be used. Regarding this table and relational expression, for example, it can be calculated by measurement or based on the material, size of the steering wheel 999, the heating performance of the heater 700, etc., and only needs to be predefined and stored in the auxiliary storage device 123 or the like.

[0098] Next, when it is determined that the steering wheel 999 is not being held (No in step S102), in step S403, the control unit 120 estimates the temperature based on the relationship between the elapsed time and the required heating time. At this time, the current temperature can be estimated based on the elapsed time relative to the required heating time. For example, when the temperature of the steering wheel 999 is 0 degrees at the time when the switch of the heater 700 is turned on, the target temperature is 38 degrees, and the required heating time is 1 minute, if the elapsed time is 30 seconds, the temperature of the steering wheel 999 is estimated to be about 15 degrees. In addition, the temperature-time correlation is not limited to this and can be appropriately determined. The control unit 120 estimates the current temperature in step S403 and controls the lighting situation based on the current temperature estimated in step S104. The control unit 120 repeats step S403 and the steps from step S104 to step S106 until the required heating time calculated in step S401 is reached. In addition, instead of performing the determination process of the elapse of the specified time from the completion of the required heating time, the required heating time and the specified time, or their total time, can be calculated in step S401, and the LED strip 110 is caused to blink after the total time of the required heating time and the specified time has elapsed.

[0099] (Structure and effects of the embodiment)

[0100] Next, the structure and its effects of the third embodiment will be described.

[0101] In the display device 100 according to the third embodiment, the steering wheel 999 has a heater 700 for heating the steering wheel 999 and a temperature detection unit 600 for detecting the temperature of the steering wheel 999. The control unit 120 calculates the heating time required to reach a specified temperature from the current temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 600 and measures the elapsed time since the heater 700 was turned on. The control unit 120 calculates the current estimated temperature based on the elapsed time relative to the required heating time and controls the lighting of the LED strip 110 using the estimated temperature as the current temperature of the steering wheel 999.

[0102] According to the above structure, since the control unit 120 estimates the temperature based on the elapsed time relative to the required heating time, it is possible to perform time-temperature display with higher accuracy.

[0103] (Fourth embodiment)

[0104] Figure 16 An example of the display operation in summer of the display device 100 according to one aspect of the present disclosure, that is, the processing operation in the high-temperature state of the steering wheel 999, is shown. In the above-described embodiment, the current temperature state after heating the steering wheel 999 by the heater 700 in a low-temperature environment is shown, but it can also be asFigure 16 As in the flowchart, when the temperature of the steering wheel 999 becomes such that it cannot be held by hand in a high-temperature environment in summer, the control unit 120 performs a display until it reaches an appropriate temperature. Next, reference will be made to Figure 16 to describe its control content. In the following description, parts equivalent to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted sometimes.

[0105] The display device 100 starts operating, for example, when the driver opens the vehicle door to get into the vehicle. In addition, when the door is not opened, it may start operating before the driver holds the steering wheel 999, for example, when the engine is started or the door is unlocked. In addition, it is desirable to perform this process in a high-temperature environment in midsummer, but it may also start this process always when the door is opened, or it may be set that the steering ECU or other ECUs are equipped with a calendar function, for example, it starts operating only on dates recognized as summer, such as from June to August, and can be appropriately changed.

[0106] When the process starts, in step S103, the control unit 120 measures the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 through the temperature detection unit 600. In step S501, the control unit 120 determines whether the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature based on the current temperature obtained in step S103. This upper limit temperature is a threshold value for determining whether it is a high-temperature environment in summer, and is, for example, predefined and stored in the auxiliary storage device 123 or the like. As an example, the upper limit temperature is measured as a temperature at which the driver cannot directly touch it with the hand or a temperature at which it feels uncomfortable when touched with the hand, or the upper limit temperature can be calculated based on the material, size, etc. of the steering wheel 999. That is, if the current temperature is below the upper limit temperature ("No" in step S501), it is determined that temperature display is not required, and the control unit 120 does not turn on the LED bar 110, and the temperature display ends. On the other hand, if it is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature ("Yes" in step S501), it indicates that the steering wheel 999 is in a high-temperature state, so the control unit 120 turns on the LED bar 110.

[0107] The subsequent operations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment. The high-temperature state of the steering wheel 999 can be indicated by red flashing, or it can be that every time the temperature cools down, the colors are displayed in a graded manner in the order of red → orange → yellow → light blue (warm color → cold color). In addition, similar to the first embodiment, the method of indicating the temperature change is not limited to color. By changing the emission color or the like as the current temperature changes, the temperature state of the steering wheel 999 can be indicated to the driver, and the driver can avoid a high-temperature state where it cannot be directly touched by hand through visual observation.

[0108] (Structure and effects of the embodiment)

[0109] Next, the structure and its effects of the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0110] In the display device 100 according to the fourth embodiment, when the temperature of the steering wheel 999 detected by the temperature detection unit 600 is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature, the control unit 120 controls the light emission of the LED strip 110 according to the current temperature of the steering wheel 999.

[0111] According to the above structure, the display device 100 can notify the driver that they may feel uncomfortable due to holding the steering wheel 999 that cannot be held in the high temperature of midsummer, and can enable the driver to visually identify whether the temperature has become a temperature at which it can be held. Thus, the possibility that the driver feels uncomfortable by holding the hot steering wheel can be reduced.

[0112] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0113] In the above first to fourth embodiments, examples in which it can be determined that driving has started based on the grip are shown. However, in reality, it is also possible to assume a situation where the steering wheel is temporarily held without driving, such as when the steering wheel is still cold when sitting in the driver's seat and holding the steering wheel, and then the grip is immediately released. However, in the first to fourth embodiments, if the temperature display is completely ended triggered by the grip, the following situation may occur: even if the steering wheel is still cold after being gripped once, for example, the temperature cannot be grasped.

[0114] On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment, even if the steering wheel is gripped, the temperature display will continue when the temperature display is required. Next, the processing operation of the display device 100 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 17 It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of actually displaying the temperature by another display unit when the grip of the driver is detected before a predetermined time has elapsed in the embodiment.

[0115] In the fifth embodiment, even if the LED strip 110 as the first display unit is turned off, when the temperature display is required, the in - instrument temperature display symbol 901 as the second display unit (indicating Figure 12(The display symbol set in the instrument 900) continues to display the temperature. In addition, the second display unit may also be an LED for temperature display provided separately from the first display unit in the vehicle interior. Alternatively, the second display unit may also be an image for temperature display that is variably displayed within any display in the vehicle interior. In addition, the second display unit is arranged at a position where the user can visually confirm the position of the first display unit. In the fifth embodiment, the in-instrument temperature display symbol 901 is arranged within the instrument 900 where the driver who can visually confirm the LED bar 110 can visually confirm it in the forward-facing state.

[0116] When Figure 6 step S102 or step S105 is "Yes", execute Figure 17 the process to replace Figure 6 the process. That is, when the grip detection unit 800 (grip detection part) detects that the driver grips the steering wheel 999 in step S102 or step S105 of Figure 6 , start Figure 17 the process. After the process of S607 in Figure 17 , Figure 6 and Figure 17 the process ends. In addition, it is also possible to end Figure 17 the process at the time point when the process of Figure 6 starts. In addition, Figure 17 the start of the flowchart is not limited to Figure 6 the case where the temperature display ends according to the grip. It may also be the case where when the temperature display using the LED bar 110 ends in a state where the steering wheel 999 has not reached the required temperature, start Figure 17 the flowchart.

[0117] As Figure 6 the flowchart shows, in step S102 and step S105, when the grip detection unit 800 detects that the driver grips the steering wheel 999, the control unit 120 turns off the LED bar 110 (S108).

[0118] As Figure 17 the flowchart shows, after turning off the LED bar 110 in step S108, the control unit 120 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the display device 100 started displaying the temperature using the LED bar 110 in Figure 6 S101 (S601). When the predetermined time has elapsed (S601: "Yes"), the control unit 120 ends Figure 17In the flowchart shown, the temperature display symbol 901 inside the instrument does not display temperature. When the specified time has not elapsed (S601: "No"), the control unit 120 causes the temperature display symbol 901 inside the instrument to emit light (S602). In step S602, before causing the temperature display symbol 901 inside the instrument to emit light, the control unit 120 measures the temperature using the temperature detection unit 600, and causes the temperature display symbol 901 inside the instrument to start emitting light in a light emission color representing the current temperature. In addition, the specified time mentioned here is the same as the specified time used in Figure 6 step S106 of

[0119] Next, the control unit 120 uses the temperature detection unit 600 to measure the temperature of the steering wheel 999 (S603). Based on the temperature measured by the temperature detection unit 600, the control unit 120 changes the light emission color of the temperature display symbol 901 inside the instrument (S604).

[0120] After that, the control unit 120 determines again whether the specified time has elapsed since the start of temperature display on the display device 100 (S605). When the specified time has elapsed (S605: "Yes"), the temperature display symbol 901 inside the instrument is caused to blink to announce the end of temperature display (S606), and the temperature display using the temperature display symbol 901 inside the instrument is ended (S607). When the specified time has not elapsed (S605: "No"), the process returns to step S603. When the specified time has not elapsed, it is considered that the steering wheel 999 has not been sufficiently heated, so it is equivalent to a case where temperature display is required.

[0121] Through the above control, the grip detection unit 800 detects the driver's grip on the steering wheel 999. Even when the display of the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 using the LED strip 110 has ended, the current temperature is displayed through other display units such as the temperature display symbol 901 inside the instrument. As a result, even when the temperature display using the LED strip 110 has ended, the driver can visually observe through other display units to grasp the actual current temperature of the steering wheel 999.

[0122] (Modification Example 1)

[0123] Figure 18 It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of displaying through other display units when the driver's grip is detected before the heating is completed, which relates to Modification Example 1 of the fifth embodiment. When it is "Yes" in S102 of Figure 11 , the process of Figure 18 is executed instead of the process of Figure 11 . After the processing of S607 of Figure 18 , Figure 11 andFigure 18 The process ends. Additionally, it is also possible to end Figure 18 the process at the time point when the Figure 11 process starts. As a specific difference from Figure 17 , it can be cited that when it is "Yes" in S105 of Figure 11 , Figure 18 is not executed, and that in Figure 17 the control unit 120 determines that time has passed, but in Figure 18 it is determined that heating is completed. Additionally, in each figure, structures marked with the same reference numerals represent the same or substantially the same structures, and their descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0124] When it is detected in step S102 of the Figure 11 flowchart that the driver holds the steering wheel 999, the control unit 120 turns off the LED bar (step S108).

[0125] Next, the control unit 120 determines whether the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 has reached the target temperature and heating is completed (S701). When heating is completed (S701: "Yes"), the control unit 120 Figure 18 ends the flowchart shown, and does not display the temperature using the in - instrument temperature display symbol 901. When heating is not completed (S701: "No"), the control unit 120 causes the in - instrument temperature display symbol 901 to emit light in place of the temperature display using the LED bar 110 (S602). In step S602, before causing the in - instrument temperature display symbol 901 to emit light, the control unit 120 measures the temperature using the temperature detection unit 600, and causes the in - instrument temperature display symbol 901 to start emitting light in a luminous color representing the current temperature.

[0126] Next, the control unit 120 uses the temperature detection unit 600 to measure the temperature of the steering wheel 999 (S603). The control unit 120 changes the luminous color of the in - instrument temperature display symbol 901 based on the temperature measured by the temperature detection unit 600 (S604).

[0127] After that, the control unit 120 determines whether heating of the steering wheel 999 is completed (S705). When heating is completed (S705: "Yes"), the in - instrument temperature display symbol 901 blinks to announce the end of temperature display (S606), and the temperature display using the in - instrument temperature display symbol 901 ends (S607). When heating is not completed (S705: "No"), it returns to step S603. When heating is not completed, it is considered that the steering wheel 999 has not been sufficiently heated, so it is equivalent to the case where temperature display is required.

[0128] (Variant Example 2)

[0129] Figure 19 This is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of predicting temperature display by another display unit when the driver's grip is detected before a specified time has elapsed, which relates to Modification 2 of the fifth embodiment. In Figure 13 , Figure 15 , if it is "Yes" in S102 or S105 of Figure 19 , the process of Figure 13 , Figure 15 is executed instead of the process of Figure 19 . After the process of S607 in Figure 13 , Figure 15 and Figure 19 end. In addition, it is also possible to end Figure 19 at the time when the process of Figure 13 or Figure 15 starts. As a specific difference from Figure 17 , it can be cited that the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 is predicted based on the elapsed time.

[0130] In Figure 13 , Figure 15 , in the steps S102 and S105 of the flowchart, when the driver's grip on the steering wheel 999 is detected, the control unit 120 turns off the LED bar 110 (step S108).

[0131] Next, the control unit 120 determines whether a specified time has elapsed since the temperature display started on the display device 100 (S801). If the specified time has elapsed (S801: "Yes"), the control unit 120 ends Figure 19 the flowchart shown, and does not perform temperature display using the in - instrument temperature display symbol 901. If the specified time has not elapsed (S801: "No"), the control unit 120 causes the in - instrument temperature display symbol 901 to emit light instead of using the LED bar 110 for temperature display (S602). In step S602, the control unit 120 predicts the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 based on the elapsed time, and starts emitting light in the emission color representing the current temperature.

[0132] Next, the control unit 120 predicts the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 based on the elapsed time since the temperature display started (S803). The control unit 120 changes the emission color of the in - instrument temperature display symbol 901 based on the temperature predicted according to the elapsed time (S604).

[0133] Thereafter, the control unit 120 determines again whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature display started on the display device 100 (S805). If the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in S805), the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 is made to blink to announce the end of the temperature display (S606), and the temperature display using the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 is ended (S607). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (No in S805), the process returns to step S803. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, it is considered that the steering wheel 999 has not been sufficiently heated, so it is equivalent to the case where temperature display is required.

[0134] (Modification Example 3)

[0135] Figure 20 FIG. is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation in which, when a grip of the driver is detected before reaching the upper limit temperature in Modification Example 3 of the fifth embodiment, display is performed by another display unit. In Figure 16 when it is Yes in S105 of Figure 20 the process of Figure 16 is executed instead of Figure 20 the process of Figure 16 and Figure 20 the process ends after the process of Figure 20 In addition, it is also possible to end Figure 16 the process at the time point when the process of Figure 17 starts. As a specific difference from

[0136] when the grip detection unit 800 detects the driver's grip on the steering wheel 999 in step S105 of the flowchart of Figure 16 the control unit 120 turns off the LED strip 110 (step S108).

[0137] Next, the control unit 120 determines whether the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature (S901). If the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 is not equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature (No in S901), the control unit 120 turns off the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 (S607), and then ends Figure 20 the flowchart shown, and does not perform temperature display using the in-meter temperature display symbol 901. If the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature (Yes in S901), the control unit 120 makes the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 blink to replace the temperature display using the LED strip 110 (S608).

[0138] Next, the control unit 120 measures the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 through the temperature detection unit 600 (S609), returns to step S901, and repeats the above S901, S608, and S609 until the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 becomes below the upper limit temperature.

[0139] (Structure and effects of the embodiment)

[0140] Next, the structure and its effects of the fifth embodiment will be described.

[0141] The display device 100 according to the fifth embodiment includes: an LED strip 110 provided on the steering wheel 999; and an in-instrument temperature display symbol 901 disposed at a position in the vehicle interior different from the LED strip 110. When the temperature of the steering wheel 999 has not reached the target temperature and the display using the LED strip 110 has ended, the control unit 120 performs a temperature corresponding display through the in-instrument temperature display symbol 901.

[0142] According to the above structure, even if the temperature display of the LED strip 110 ends before the steering wheel 999 reaches the target temperature, the driver can understand the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 through other display units such as the in-instrument temperature display symbol 901. Thus, even if the temperature display using the LED strip 110 ends, the driver can visually recognize the current temperature of the steering wheel 999.

[0143] Alternatively, the steering wheel 999 may have a grip detection unit 800. When the grip detection unit 800 detects that the driver grips the steering wheel 999 and turns off the LED strip 110, the control unit 120 performs a temperature display using the in-instrument temperature display symbol 901.

[0144] Thereby, even if the LED strip 110 is turned off before reaching the target temperature due to the driver's grip, a temperature display is performed through the in-instrument temperature display symbol 901 and the like. Therefore, even if the temperature display using the LED strip 110 ends, the driver can visually recognize the current temperature of the steering wheel 999. In addition, the LED strip 110 can be used as a status display of a driving assistance device for assisted driving, and the driver can recognize the current temperature through the in-instrument temperature display symbol 901.

[0145] (Sixth embodiment)

[0146] Next, the processing operation of the display device 100 according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 21 It is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation for confirming whether the vehicle is traveling when the display on the display unit has stopped in the embodiment. For example, whenFigure 6 If the LED bar is turned off in S102 or S105 of the flowchart of Figure 21 , execute the process of Figure 16 to replace the process of

[0147] In the sixth embodiment, when it is detected by the gripping detection unit 800 in the first to fourth embodiments that the grip is detected and the temperature display of the LED bar 110 (display unit) stops but the running of the vehicle cannot be confirmed, the LED bar 110 is used again to perform the display corresponding to the temperature. In addition, the processing operation related to the sixth embodiment can be combined with the processing operation related to the fifth embodiment and executed in parallel, for example. Further, in the sixth embodiment, when the temperature display is restarted after the running cannot be confirmed after the grip is made, it is not limited to the case where the temperature display is performed by the LED bar 110 (first display unit), and it may be performed by other display units such as the in-vehicle meter temperature display symbol 901 (second display unit).

[0148] Next, use Figure 21 to explain the sixth embodiment.

[0149] Figure 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of restarting the temperature display by the display device 100 when the running state cannot be confirmed after detecting the driver's grip in the first embodiment shown in Figure 6 . In the sixth embodiment, the temperature display is restarted using the LED bar 110. In addition, it is not limited to the case where the temperature display is ended according to the grip in Figure 6 , and it may also be the case where when the temperature display using the LED bar 110 ends in a state where the steering wheel 999 has not reached the required temperature, start Figure 21 of the flowchart.

[0150] When the driver's grip on the steering wheel 999 is detected in step S102 or S105 of the flowchart of Figure 6 , the control unit 120 turns off the LED bar 110 (step S108).

[0151] After step S108, as shown in Figure 21 , the control unit 120 determines whether the vehicle has started running (S1001). If it is determined that the vehicle has started running (the "Yes" in S1001), end Figure 6 and Figure 21 of the process.

[0152] As a means for confirming the running state of the vehicle in step S1001, consider starting from Figure 6The flowchart starts from obtaining GPS information until S1001. If the position of the vehicle has not changed, it is determined that the vehicle has not moved. Additionally, in Figure 21 In S1001, GPS information for a certain period is obtained. If the position of the vehicle has not changed, it can be determined that the vehicle has not moved. Additionally, for example, the speed of the vehicle is obtained through a vehicle speed sensor provided in the vehicle. If the speed has not changed relative to 0 km / s after the start of the flowchart in Figure 21 , it can be determined that the vehicle has not moved. Furthermore, if the speed and moving distance of the vehicle are less than the threshold values, it can also be determined that the vehicle has not moved. The method for determining the driving state is not limited to these, and well-known techniques can also be used. Additionally, the determination of the driving state can also start after the ignition switch is turned on and before the start of the flowchart in Figure 6 .

[0153] When it is determined in step S1001 that the vehicle has not moved (the "No" of S1001), next, the control unit 120 detects whether the current driver is holding the steering wheel 999 through the grip detection unit 800 (S1002). When holding (the "Yes" of S1002), return to step S1001 and determine the driving state again. When not holding (the "No" of S1002), it is determined that the temperature display of the LED bar 110 can be performed, and the process in Figure 21 ends and returns to Figure 6 the process of S101, and the flowchart in Figure 6 is executed again.

[0154] In the above structure, it is described that when the LED bar is turned off in S102 or S105 of the flowchart in Figure 6 , the processing operations of the flowchart in Figure 21 are executed, but it is not limited to this. For example, when it is "Yes" in step S102 of Figure 11 (detecting the grip on the steering wheel before the heating is completed), the processing operations of Figure 21 are executed. Additionally, when it is "Yes" (detecting the grip on the steering wheel before the specified time has passed) in step S102 or S105 of the flowchart in Figure 13 , Figure 15 , the processing operations of Figure 21 are executed.

[0155] (Variant example)

[0156] Additionally, when the grip of the driver on the steering wheel 999 is detected in S105 of the flowchart in Figure 16 , the processing operations of the sixth embodiment can also be implemented. Figure 22It is a flowchart showing another example of the processing operation for confirming whether the vehicle has traveled when the display of the LED strip 110 has stopped, which relates to a modification of the sixth embodiment. When Figure 16 is "Yes" in S105, the process of Figure 22 is executed to replace the process of Figure 16 In the modification of the sixth embodiment, when it is determined that the vehicle's travel cannot be confirmed ("No" in S1001) and the driver is not holding the steering wheel 999 ("No" in S1002), the process of Figure 22 ends and returns to Figure 16 S103.

[0157] (Structure and effects of the embodiment)

[0158] Next, the structure and its effects of the sixth embodiment will be described.

[0159] The display device 100 according to the sixth embodiment includes an LED strip 110 provided on the steering wheel 999 and a control unit 120. When the temperature of the steering wheel 999 has not reached the target temperature and the temperature corresponding display using the LED strip 110 (display unit) has stopped, the control unit 120 confirms the driving state of the vehicle. When the control unit 120 fails to detect the vehicle's travel, it performs a temperature corresponding display using the LED strip 110.

[0160] According to the above structure, even when the steering wheel 999 has not reached the target temperature and the temperature display has temporarily stopped, if the vehicle is not traveling, the display device 100 will restart the temperature display using the LED strip 110. Thus, when the vehicle is not traveling, the LED strip 110 provided on the steering device performs the temperature display again. Therefore, even when the temperature display of the LED strip 110 has temporarily stopped, the driver can visually and intuitively grasp the current temperature of the steering wheel 999.

[0161] In addition, the steering wheel 999 has a grip detection unit 800. In addition, even if the temperature display of the LED strip 110 stops due to the grip detection unit 800 detecting a grip, if the vehicle's travel cannot be detected, the control unit 120 will perform a temperature corresponding display using the LED strip 110.

[0162] According to the above structure, even if the grip detection unit 800 detects that the driver grips the steering wheel 999 and the temperature display of the LED strip 110 stops, if the vehicle is not moving, the display device 100 will use the LED strip 110 again to start the temperature display. Thus, for example, when the driver has gripped the steering wheel 999 and the temperature display of the LED strip 110 stops, if the vehicle is not moving, the driver can also visually and intuitively grasp the current temperature of the steering wheel 999.

[0163] In addition, even if the temperature display of the LED strip 110 stops because the grip detection unit 800 detects a grip, if the vehicle's movement cannot be detected and the driver does not grip the steering wheel 999, the control unit 120 will also use the LED strip 110 to perform a display corresponding to the temperature.

[0164] According to the above structure, even if the grip detection unit 800 detects that the driver grips the steering wheel 999 and the temperature display using the LED strip 110 stops, when the vehicle is not moving and the driver removes their hand from the steering wheel 999, the display device 100 uses the LED strip 110 again to start the temperature display. Thus, even if the driver has, for example, gripped the steering wheel 999, the display device 100 can confirm the lack of driving intention based on the driving state and the grip state. In the case of a lack of driving intention, the display device 100 uses the LED strip 110 again to enable the driver to visually and intuitively grasp the current temperature of the steering wheel 999.

[0165] The display device 100 according to the present disclosure can be applied to any moving body including the above-mentioned vehicle. Examples of such a moving body include ships, airplanes, drones, robots, vehicles, etc. The vehicle can be, for example, a sedan, a truck, a bus, a motorcycle, an electric scooter, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, an aircraft, etc.

[0166] In addition, in the above embodiment, "determining whether it is A" can be "determining that it is A", or "determining that it is not A", or "determining both A and not A".

[0167] The program executed by the control unit 120 of the above embodiment can be provided by being recorded in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, FD, CD-R, DVD, SD card, etc. in the form of an installable or executable file.

[0168] Alternatively, it can be configured such that the program executed by the control unit 120 of the above embodiment is stored in a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and the program is provided by downloading via the network. Alternatively, it can be configured to provide or distribute the program executed by the control unit 120 via a network such as the Internet.

[0169] Alternatively, it can also be configured such that the program executed by the control unit 120 of the above-described embodiment is provided in a manner pre-programmed into a ROM or the like.

[0170] Alternatively, the program executed by the control unit 120 of the above-described embodiment has a modular structure including the above-described respective functions, and a functional unit that realizes the above-described respective functions by reading the program from an auxiliary storage device 123 or the like through a processor 121 and executing the program is loaded onto the main storage device 122 as actual hardware, and the above-described respective functional units are generated on the main storage device 122.

[0171] According to at least one of the above-described embodiments, the driver can be made to recognize the current temperature condition of the steering wheel 999, thereby improving the convenience for the driver.

[0172] Several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope equivalent to the invention described in the claims.

[0173] (Supplementary Note)

[0174] Through the description of the above embodiments, the following technology is disclosed. (1)

[0176] A display device, comprising:

[0177] A display unit disposed at an operation unit of a steering device; and

[0178] A control unit electrically connected to the display unit and configured to control a display mode of the display unit according to a temperature of the operation unit. (2)

[0180] In the display device described in the above (1),

[0181] A grip portion in the operation unit has a grip detection unit that detects a grip of the grip portion by a user,

[0182] When the grip detection unit detects a grip, the control unit causes the display unit to stop performing temperature-dependent display. (3)

[0184] In the display device described in the above (1) or the above (2),

[0185] The operation unit has a heater that heats a grip portion of the operation unit gripped by a user.

[0186] When a predetermined time has elapsed after the heating of the operation unit by the heater is completed, the control unit causes the display unit to stop displaying in accordance with the temperature. (4)

[0188] In the display device according to any one of (1) to (3) above,

[0189] The operation unit has a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the operation unit.

[0190] The control unit sets the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit as the temperature of the operation unit. (5)

[0192] In the display device according to any one of (1) to (3) above,

[0193] The operation unit has a heater that heats a grip portion of the operation unit gripped by a user.

[0194] The control unit measures the elapsed time since the heater was turned on and estimates the temperature of the operation unit based on the elapsed time. (6)

[0196] In the display device according to any one of (1) to (3) above,

[0197] The operation unit has a heater that heats a grip portion of the operation unit gripped by a user.

[0198] The control unit measures the elapsed time since the heater was turned on and uses the elapsed time as the temperature of the operation unit. (7)

[0200] In the display device according to any one of (1) to (3) above,

[0201] The operation unit has a heater that heats a grip portion of the operation unit gripped by a user.

[0202] The control unit measures the elapsed time since the heater was turned on, determines the required heating time based on the target temperature, and sets the temperature estimated based on the elapsed time relative to the required heating time as the temperature of the operation unit. (8)

[0204] In the display device according to any one of the above (1) to the above (7),

[0205] The control unit changes at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display of the display unit as control of the display mode corresponding to the temperature of the operation unit. (9)

[0207] In the display device according to any one of the above (3), or at least the above (3) of the above (4) to the above (8),

[0208] After the elapse of the specified time and after changing at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display of the display unit, the control unit causes the display unit to stop the temperature-corresponding display. (10)

[0210] In the display device according to any one of the above (2), the above (3), or at least the above (2) or the above (3) of the above (4) to the above (8),

[0211] The display unit is used to display vehicle information other than the temperature of the operation unit during the period when the temperature-corresponding display of the operation unit is not performed. (11)

[0213] In the display device according to any one of the above (4), or at least the above (4) of the above (8) to the above (10),

[0214] When the temperature detection unit detects that the temperature of the operation unit is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature, the control unit controls the display of the display unit according to the temperature of the operation unit. (12)

[0216] In the display device according to any one of the above (4), or at least the above (4) of the above (8) to the above (11),

[0217] The operation unit has a heater that heats a grip portion held by a user in the operation unit,

[0218] The temperature detection unit is also used for temperature detection of the grip portion and temperature detection of the heater. (13)

[0220] In the display device according to any one of the above (1) to the above (12),

[0221] At least one of the control unit and the display unit is built into a steering switch disposed on a spoke of the operation unit. (14)

[0223] In the display device according to any one of (1) to (13) above,

[0224] When the heater that heats the grip portion held by the user in the operation unit is turned on, or when the door of the moving body equipped with the steering control device is opened, the control unit starts to control the display mode of the display unit corresponding to the temperature of the operation unit. (15)

[0226] A display method is a display method executed by a control unit. The control unit is arranged in the operation unit of a steering control device mounted on a vehicle and is electrically connected to a display unit arranged in the operation unit. The display method includes the following steps:

[0227] A temperature measurement step of measuring the temperature of the operation unit; and

[0228] A display control step of controlling the display mode of the display unit according to the temperature of the operation unit. (16)

[0230] In the display method according to (15) above,

[0231] It further includes an elapsed time measurement step. In the elapsed time measurement step, the elapsed time from when the switch of the heater that heats the grip portion held by the user in the operation unit is turned on is measured,

[0232] In the display control step, the display unit is controlled according to the temperature corresponding to the elapsed time. (17)

[0234] In the display method according to (15) above,

[0235] It further includes the following steps: an elapsed time measurement step of measuring the elapsed time from when the switch of the heater that heats the grip portion held by the user in the operation unit is turned on; and

[0236] A heating time calculation step of calculating the heating time required to reach a target temperature from the temperature when the switch of the heater that heats the grip portion is turned on,

[0237] In the display control step, the display unit is controlled according to the temperature estimated based on the elapsed time relative to the required heating time. (18)

[0239] In the display method according to any one of (15) to (17) above,

[0240] In the display control step, at least one of the display color, blink speed, display area, and display pattern of the display unit is changed according to the temperature of the operation unit. (19)

[0242] A display device includes:

[0243] At least one processor; and

[0244] A memory that stores at least one program executed by the at least one processor,

[0245] wherein the at least one processor is configured to implement the display method described in any one of the above (15) to the above (18) by executing the at least one program. (20)

[0247] A program for causing a computer to execute the display method described in any one of the above (15) to the above (18). (21)

[0249] A recording medium (Computer Program Product) that records the program described in the above (20) to be executed by a computer. (22)

[0251] In the display device described in any one of the above (1) to (14),

[0252] The display unit of the operation unit disposed on the steering control device is set as a first display unit,

[0253] When the temperature of the operation unit has not reached the target temperature and the display by the first display unit has ended, the control unit performs temperature-corresponding display through a second display unit disposed at a position different from the first display unit in the vehicle interior. (23)

[0255] In the display device described in the above (3),

[0256] A grip portion in the operation unit has a grip detection portion that detects a user's grip on the grip portion,

[0257] The display unit of the operation unit disposed on the steering control device is set as a first display unit,

[0258] When the gripping detection unit detects gripping, the control unit causes the first display unit to stop displaying corresponding to the temperature. When the temperature of the operation unit has not reached the target temperature and the first display unit has stopped displaying corresponding to the temperature due to the gripping detection unit detecting gripping, the control unit performs display corresponding to the temperature through a second display unit disposed at a different position from the first display unit in the vehicle interior. (24)

[0260] In the display device described in the above (22) or (23),

[0261] The second display unit is disposed at a position where it can be visually confirmed by a user who can visually confirm the first display unit. (25)

[0263] In the display device described in any one of the above (1) to (14) and (22) to (24),

[0264] When the temperature of the operation unit has not reached the target temperature and the display unit has stopped displaying corresponding to the temperature, and when the traveling of the moving body equipped with the steering control device cannot be detected, the control unit causes the display unit to start displaying corresponding to the temperature again. (26)

[0266] In the display device described in the above (3),

[0267] The gripping portion in the operation unit has a gripping detection unit that detects a user's gripping of the gripping portion.

[0268] When the temperature of the operation unit has not reached the target temperature and the display unit has stopped temperature display due to the gripping detection unit detecting gripping, and when the traveling of the moving body equipped with the steering control device cannot be detected, the control unit causes the display unit to start displaying corresponding to the temperature again. (27)

[0270] In the display device described in the above (2) or (26),

[0271] When it is determined that the user is not gripping the gripping portion, the control unit also causes the display unit to start displaying corresponding to the temperature again.

Claims

1. A display device comprising: A display unit disposed on an operating portion of the steering device; and The control unit is electrically connected to the display unit and is used to control the display mode of the display unit according to the temperature of the operation unit.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The gripping portion in the operation portion includes a gripping detection portion, and the gripping detection portion detects the gripping of the gripping portion by a user. When the grip detection unit detects gripping, the control unit causes the display unit to stop displaying information corresponding to the temperature.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The operation portion includes a heater for heating a grip portion of the operation portion that is gripped by a user. The control unit causes the display unit to stop displaying information corresponding to the temperature when a predetermined time has elapsed after the heater finishes heating the operation unit.

4. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The operation portion includes a temperature detection portion, and the temperature detection portion detects the temperature of the operation portion. The control unit sets the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit as the temperature of the operation unit.

5. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The operation portion includes a heater, and the heater heats a grip portion of the operation portion that is gripped by a user. The control portion measures an elapsed time from when the heater is turned on, and estimates a temperature of the operation portion based on the elapsed time.

6. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The operation portion includes a heater for heating a grip portion of the operation portion that is gripped by a user. The control portion measures an elapsed time from when the heater is turned on, and uses the elapsed time as the temperature of the operation portion.

7. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The operation portion includes a heater for heating a grip portion of the operation portion that is gripped by a user. The control unit measures an elapsed time from when the heater is turned on, determines a required heating time based on a target temperature, and sets a temperature estimated based on the elapsed time relative to the required heating time as a temperature of the operation unit.

8. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The control unit changes at least one of a color, a blinking speed, a display area, and a display pattern displayed by the display unit as control of a display mode according to a temperature of the operation unit.

9. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The control unit stops the display unit from displaying the display according to the temperature after the predetermined time has elapsed and after changing at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display on the display unit.

10. The display device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The display unit is used to display vehicle information other than the temperature of the operation unit while not performing a display corresponding to the temperature of the operation unit.

11. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: At least one of the control unit and the display unit is built in a steering switch disposed on a spoke of the operation unit.

12. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: When a heater for heating a grip portion of the operating portion gripped by a user is turned on, or when a door of a mobile body equipped with the steering device is opened, the control unit starts controlling a display mode of the display unit according to a temperature of the operating unit.

13. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The display unit disposed on the operating unit of the steering device is set as a first display unit, When the temperature of the operation unit does not reach the target temperature and the display by the first display unit is stopped, the control unit displays a display corresponding to the temperature using a second display unit disposed at a location different from the first display unit in the vehicle interior.

14. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The gripping portion in the operation portion includes a gripping detection portion, and the gripping detection portion detects the gripping of the gripping portion by a user. The display unit disposed on the operating unit of the steering device is set as a first display unit, When the holding detector detects holding, the control unit causes the first display unit to stop displaying the temperature; when the temperature of the operating unit does not reach the target temperature and the first display unit stops displaying the temperature because the holding detector detects holding, the control unit displays the temperature through a second display unit that is arranged in a position different from the first display unit in the vehicle interior.

15. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: When the temperature of the operating unit does not reach the target temperature and the control unit stops the display unit from displaying the temperature, and when the travel of the mobile body equipped with the steering device cannot be detected, the control unit restarts the display unit from displaying the temperature.

16. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The gripping portion in the operation portion includes a gripping detection portion, and the gripping detection portion detects the gripping of the gripping portion by a user. When the temperature of the operating unit does not reach the target temperature and the display unit stops displaying the temperature due to the grip detection unit detecting grip, the control unit causes the display unit to start displaying the temperature again when the movement of the mobile body equipped with the steering device cannot be detected.

17. The display device according to claim 2 or 16, wherein: Furthermore, when it is determined that the user is not holding the holding portion, the control unit causes the display unit to resume displaying information corresponding to the temperature.

18. A display method, the display method being executed by a control unit, the control unit being arranged at an operating unit of a steering device mounted on a vehicle and being electrically connected to a display unit arranged at the operating unit, the display method comprising the following steps: a temperature measuring step of measuring the temperature of the operating part; as well as The display control step controls the display mode of the display unit according to the temperature of the operation unit.

19. The display method according to claim 18, wherein: The method further includes a step of measuring an elapsed time, in which an elapsed time from when a switch of a heater for heating a grip portion of the operation portion gripped by a user is turned on is measured. In the display control step, the display unit is controlled based on a temperature corresponding to the elapsed time.

20. The display method according to claim 18, wherein: The following steps are also included: an elapsed time measuring step of measuring an elapsed time from when a switch of a heater for heating a grip portion of the operation portion gripped by a user is turned on; as well as a heating time calculation step of calculating a heating time required for reaching a target temperature from a temperature when a switch of a heater for heating the holding portion is turned on, In the display control step, the display unit is controlled based on a temperature estimated based on the elapsed time with respect to the required heating time.

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