Information processing apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an information processing apparatus, which aims to emphasize and display specific information in vehicle information related to a vehicle displayed on a display part compared with other vehicle information. An information processing device is provided with a control unit that increases the brightness of a display unit provided in a vehicle in front of a driver's seat, and that performs an operation of displaying a specific layer on the display unit in an overlapping manner, the specific layer is a layer in which the opacity of a specific portion for displaying specific information among the vehicle information relating to the vehicle displayed on the display unit is reduced compared to the opacity of other portions for displaying other vehicle information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-57568 discloses a meter display device capable of improving the visibility of information obtained based on the position of a pointer. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] Furthermore, there are cases where the visibility of a portion of information displayed on a display unit in a vehicle, such as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-57568, is to be improved. For example, if only the overall brightness of the display unit is increased in such a case, other information other than the portion for which visibility is to be improved will also be emphasized, making the content displayed on the display unit annoying to the driver.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device capable of emphasizing and displaying specific information among vehicle information related to a vehicle displayed on a display unit, compared with other vehicle information.

[0006] Methods for solving problems

[0007] The information processing device involved in the first embodiment includes a control unit that increases the brightness of a display unit arranged in the vehicle in front of the driver's seat and displays a specific layer in an overlapping manner on the display unit, wherein the specific layer is a layer that reduces the opacity of a specific part displaying specific information among vehicle-related vehicle information displayed on the display unit compared to the opacity of other parts displaying other vehicle information.

[0008] In the information processing device according to the first aspect, the control unit increases the brightness of the display unit and displays a specific layer superimposed on the display unit, wherein the opacity of a specific portion displaying specific information is reduced compared to the opacity of other portions displaying other vehicle information. Thus, according to this information processing device, by increasing the brightness of the specific information displayed on the display unit relative to the brightness of the other vehicle information, the specific information within the vehicle information displayed on the display unit can be emphasized relative to the other vehicle information.

[0009] In the information processing device according to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the control unit causes the display unit to display the specific information based on the fact that a permission condition for changing the driving performance of the vehicle is satisfied.

[0010] In the information processing device according to the second aspect, the control unit causes the display unit to display specific information based on the fact that a permission condition for changing the vehicle's driving performance has been satisfied. Thus, according to this information processing device, in an environment where the vehicle's driving performance can be changed, specific information within the vehicle information displayed on the display unit can be highlighted compared to other vehicle information.

[0011] The information processing device involved in the third embodiment is that, in the first or second embodiment, the specific information is an upshift indicator that notifies the driver of the vehicle of the timing of upshifting, and the control unit displays the upshift indicator at the top of the vehicle information displayed on the display unit.

[0012] In the information processing device according to the third embodiment, the specific information is an upshift indicator that informs the driver of the timing of an upshift. Furthermore, the control unit displays the upshift indicator at the top of the vehicle information displayed on the display unit. Thus, according to this information processing device, by increasing the brightness of the upshift indicator displayed on the display unit relative to the brightness of other vehicle information, the upshift indicator can be highlighted in the vehicle information displayed on the display unit. Furthermore, according to this information processing device, by displaying the upshift indicator at the top of the vehicle information displayed on the display unit, the driver can understand the timing of the upshift without excessively reducing his or her vision while the vehicle is driving.

[0013] The information processing device involved in the fourth embodiment is that, in the third embodiment, the upshift indicator has a plurality of indicator lights, the plurality of indicator lights are arranged along a predetermined direction on the display unit and are successively lit up as the engine speed of the vehicle increases, and the control unit gradually lights up the indicator lights from both ends in the predetermined direction toward the center as the engine speed increases, and changes the lighting color of the indicator lights according to the engine speed.

[0014] In the information processing device according to the fourth aspect, the upshift indicator includes a plurality of indicator lights arranged in a predetermined direction on the display unit and illuminated successively as the engine speed increases. Furthermore, the control unit causes the indicator lights to illuminate gradually from both ends toward the center in the predetermined direction as the engine speed increases, and changes the color of the indicator lights in accordance with the engine speed. Thus, according to this information processing device, by changing the color of the indicator lights in accordance with the engine speed, the driver can recognize that the timing for an upshift is approaching.

[0015] The information processing device according to a fifth aspect is the information processing device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the control unit changes the lighting colors of all the indicator lights to a color dedicated to lighting all the indicator lights when lighting all the indicator lights.

[0016] In the information processing device according to the fifth aspect, when all the multiple indicator lights are illuminated, the control unit changes the illumination color of all the indicator lights to a color specific to the illumination of all the indicator lights. Thus, according to this information processing device, by illuminating all the indicator lights with the specific color, the driver can recognize that the time for an upshift has arrived.

[0017] Effects of the Invention

[0018] As described above, in the information processing device according to the present disclosure, specific information among the vehicle information related to the vehicle displayed on the display unit can be highlighted and displayed in comparison with other vehicle information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 A block diagram showing the hardware structure of a vehicle.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a flowchart showing the flow of a specific process.

[0021] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific layer.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a first explanatory diagram for explaining the change in the lighting color of the indicator lamp.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a second explanatory diagram for explaining the change in the lighting color of the indicator lamp.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a third explanatory diagram for explaining the change in the lighting color of the indicator lamp. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Hereinafter, the vehicle 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0026] Figure 1 FIG is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the vehicle 10. Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 10 includes a meter ECU 20. The meter ECU 20 is an example of an "information processing device."

[0027] The meter ECU 20 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21 as a hardware processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, a memory 24, an in-vehicle communication interface (I / F) 25, an input / output I / F 26, and a wireless communication I / F 27. The CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, memory 24, in-vehicle communication I / F 25, I / O I / F 26, and wireless communication I / F 27 are interconnected via an internal bus 28 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0028] The CPU 21 executes various programs or controls various components. Specifically, the CPU 21 loads programs from the ROM 22 or storage 24 and executes them using the RAM 23 as a workspace. The CPU 21 controls the various components described above and performs various computations according to the programs stored in the ROM 22 or storage 24.

[0029] The ROM 22 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 23 temporarily stores programs and data as a work area.

[0030] The memory 24 is composed of a storage device such as eMMC (embedded Multi Media Card) or UFS (Universal Flash Storage) as a non-temporary recording medium, and stores various programs and various data. The memory 24 stores an information processing program 24A. The information processing program 24A is used to cause the CPU 21 to execute a specific process described later (see Figure 2 ) procedures.

[0031] The in-vehicle communication I / F 25 is an interface for connecting to other ECUs 30. This interface uses a communication standard based on the CAN protocol. The in-vehicle communication I / F 25 is connected to the external bus 29. In addition to the ECU 30, multiple ECUs are provided for each function of the vehicle 10.

[0032] The input / output I / F 26 is an interface for communicating with the vehicle-mounted device 40 mounted on the vehicle 10 .

[0033] The in-vehicle device 40 is various devices mounted on the vehicle 10. As examples of the in-vehicle device 40, the vehicle 10 includes a sensor group 42 and a monitor 44.

[0034] Sensor group 42 includes sensors for detecting the state of vehicle 10 and surrounding conditions, such as 3D-LiDAR, millimeter wave sensors, infrared sensors, turn signal sensors, accelerator position sensors, vehicle speed sensors, steering angle sensors, angular velocity sensors, GPS (Global Positioning System) sensors, illumination sensors, gyro sensors, and acceleration sensors. Sensor group 42 outputs detection results from each sensor to instrument ECU 20, ECU 30, and the like.

[0035] The monitor 44 is provided on the instrument panel arranged in front of the driver's seat of the vehicle 10 and is a liquid crystal monitor for displaying instructions for operations related to functions of the vehicle 10 and images related to explanations of the functions. The monitor 44 is an example of a "display unit."

[0036] The wireless communication I / F 27 is a wireless communication module for communicating with external devices and uses communication standards such as 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0037] Furthermore, the CPU 21 of the meter ECU 20 includes an acquisition unit 21A and a control unit 21B as functional components. Each functional component is implemented by the CPU 21 reading and executing an information processing program 24A stored in the memory 24 .

[0038] The acquisition unit 21A acquires various information. For example, the acquisition unit 21A acquires data input from the ECU 30 via the in-vehicle communication I / F 25 and data input from the sensor group 42 via the input / output I / F 26 as various information.

[0039] The control unit 21B performs display control related to the display of the monitor 44. For example, as the display control, the control unit 21B appropriately changes the display content of the monitor 44 or adjusts the brightness of the monitor 44.

[0040] Figure 2This is a flowchart showing the flow of a specific process executed by the meter ECU 20. The specific process is executed by the CPU 21 reading the information processing program 24A from the memory 24, expanding it into the RAM 23, and executing it. As an example, the specific process is automatically and repeatedly executed every time a fixed time period elapses.

[0041] exist Figure 2 In step S10 shown, the CPU 21 determines whether the permission condition for changing the driving performance of the vehicle 10 has been met. Here, when the CPU 21 determines that the permission condition has been met (step S10: Yes), the CPU 21 proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, when the CPU 21 determines that the permission condition has not been met (step S10: No), the specific processing is terminated. In this embodiment, as an example of changing the driving performance of the vehicle 10, the permission condition is set to a condition for increasing the speed at which the maximum speed limiter of the vehicle 10 works. As an example, when the current location of the vehicle 10 measured by the GPS sensor included in the sensor group 42 belongs to a predetermined driving area, the CPU 21 determines that the permission condition has been met. The predetermined driving area is, for example, a racing track for motor sports and a rally track.

[0042] In step S11, CPU 21 causes monitor 44 to display an upshift indicator 54 (see FIG. 3 , etc.) as vehicle information related to vehicle 10, which notifies the driver of vehicle 10 of the timing of an upshift. CPU 21 then proceeds to step S12. Upshift indicator 54 is an example of "specific information." In vehicle 10, based on CPU 21 causing monitor 44 to display upshift indicator 54, other ECUs 30 modify the driving performance of vehicle 10. This allows, for example, turbo hysteresis to be reduced, the upper speed limit at which the vehicle 10's maximum speed limiter operates to be increased, or the cooling fan output to be maximized.

[0043] In step S12, the CPU 21 increases the brightness of the monitor 44. As an example, the CPU 21 increases the brightness value of the entire monitor 44 by a predetermined amount. Then, the CPU 21 proceeds to step S13.

[0044] In step S13, the CPU 21 displays a specific layer 60 on the monitor 44 in an overlapping manner. The specific layer 60 is a specific portion 62 (see FIG. 1 ) for displaying the upshift indicator 54 in the vehicle information displayed on the monitor 44. Figure 3B ) and the other portion 64 (refer to Figure 3B ) and the opacity is reduced compared to the layer (refer to Figure 3B). Then, the CPU 21 ends the specific processing.

[0045] Next, use Figures 3A to 3C Next, an example in which the specific layer 60 is superimposed on the monitor 44 will be described.

[0046] Figure 3A 4 shows the vehicle information displayed on the monitor 44. Figure 3A In FIG. 5 , gear position information 50 , rotation speed information 52 , and an upshift indicator 54 are displayed as vehicle information.

[0047] The gear position information 50 indicates the gear position of the vehicle 10. Figure 3A In FIG. 5 , “3” is displayed as the gear position information 50 , indicating that the gear position is the 3rd gear.

[0048] The rotation speed information 52 indicates the engine rotation speed of the vehicle 10. Figure 3A In FIG. 5 , “4000 r / min” is displayed as the rotation speed information 52 , indicating that the engine rotation speed is 4000 revolutions per minute.

[0049] The upshift indicator 54 includes a plurality of indicator lamps 55 arranged in the left-right direction on the monitor 44 and lighting up successively as the engine speed of the vehicle 10 increases. Figure 3A In the figure, 14 rectangular indicator lights 55 are shown, seven on the left and seven on the right, with the center portion of the monitor 44 serving as the boundary. Hereinafter, the seven indicator lights 55 on the left side of the upshift indicator 54 will sometimes be referred to as the left indicator light group 56, and the seven indicator lights 55 on the right side will sometimes be referred to as the right indicator light group 58. The left-right direction is an example of a "predetermined direction." Furthermore, the multiple indicator lights 55 are not limited to being arranged in the left-right direction on the monitor 44; they may also be arranged in the up-down direction. In this case, the up-down direction is an example of a "predetermined direction."

[0050] In addition, Figure 3A In FIG, all the indicator lights 55 are represented by white hollows, indicating that all the indicator lights 55 are not lit.

[0051] Figure 3B A specific layer 60 is shown. The specific layer 60 is Figure 3A The specific layer 60 has the same size and shape as the monitor 44 shown. The specific layer 60 is a layer for reducing the transmittance of light emitted from the monitor 44. The specific layer 60 is generated by combining the three color elements of hue, lightness, and saturation, for example.

[0052] like Figure 3BAs shown, the specific layer 60 is configured to include a rectangular specific portion 62 and other portions 64 other than the specific portion 62. The specific portion 62 covers the display area of the upshift indicator 54 on the monitor 44 when the specific layer 60 is superimposed on the monitor 44. The specific portion 62 is formed in a size and shape that can cover the display area of the upshift indicator 54.

[0053] Here, the opacity of the specific portion 62 is lower than the opacity of the other portions 64. In this embodiment, the specific layer 60 is overall set to an opacity that reduces the transmittance of light emitted from the monitor 44 by a predetermined amount. Then, a hole is opened in the portion that covers the display area of the up-shift indicator 54 when the specific layer 60 is superimposed on the monitor 44, thereby creating the specific portion 62. This creates an opacity of "0" in the specific portion 62, and does not reduce the transmittance of light emitted from the display area of the up-shift indicator 54 when the specific layer 60 is superimposed on the monitor 44.

[0054] Figure 3C Shows the Figure 3B The particular layer 60 shown is superimposed on Figure 3A An example of the display of the situation on the monitor 44 is shown. Figure 3C As shown, the specific layer 60 and the monitor 44 are overlapped so that their respective ends, specifically, the four corners, are aligned. Figure 3C In the monitor 44 shown in FIG. 1 , the specific portion 62 covers the display area of the upshift indicator 54, thereby preventing the transmittance of the light emitted from the display area to the monitor 44 from being reduced. In addition, in the monitor 44, the other portion 64 overlaps the area outside the display area, thereby preventing the transmittance of the light emitted from the monitor 44 from being reduced. Figure 3C , the portion surrounding the up-shift indicator 54 is expressed as a white hollow and the other portions are expressed in a colored manner, thereby showing that the transmittance of light emitted only from the display area of the up-shift indicator 54 on the monitor 44 is not reduced.

[0055] Next, use Figures 4 to 6 Next, the change in the lighting color of the indicator light 55 will be described.

[0056] Figure 4 This is a first explanatory diagram for explaining the change in the lighting color of the indicator light 55. Figures 4 to 6 On the monitor 44 shown, similarly to FIG. 3 , the gear position information 50 , the rotation speed information 52 , and the upshift indicator 54 are displayed as vehicle information.

[0057] Here, in Figure 4 In the example, "6000 r / min" is displayed as the speed information 52, indicating that the engine speed is 6000 revolutions per minute. Figure 4 In the example, as the engine speed increases, the fourth indicator lights 55 from the left of the left indicator light group 56 and the fourth indicator lights 55 from the right of the right indicator light group 58 are lit. At this time, as a function of the control unit 21B, the CPU 21 gradually lights the indicator lights 55 from the left and right ends of the monitor 44 toward the center. Figure 4 In the case of , first, CPU 21 lights up the first indicator light 55 from the left of the left indicator light group 56 and the first indicator light 55 from the right of the right indicator light group 58. Next, CPU 21 further lights up the second indicator light 55 from the left of the left indicator light group 56 and the second indicator light 55 from the right of the right indicator light group 58. Next, CPU 21 further lights up the third indicator light 55 from the left of the left indicator light group 56 and the third indicator light 55 from the right of the right indicator light group 58. Then, CPU 21 finally lights up the fourth indicator light 55 from the left of the left indicator light group 56 and the fourth indicator light 55 from the right of the right indicator light group 58, thereby forming Figure 4 The lighting status shown.

[0058] In addition, Figure 4 In FIG. 5 , the fourth indicator lamps 55 from the left of the left indicator lamp group 56 and the fourth indicator lamps 55 from the right of the right indicator lamp group 58 are expressed by vertical line hatching, thereby indicating that these indicator lamps 55 are lit in green.

[0059] Figure 5 This is a second explanatory diagram for explaining the change in the lighting color of the indicator light 55 .

[0060] Here, in Figure 5 In the example, "6500 r / min" is displayed as the speed information 52, indicating that the engine speed is 6500 revolutions per minute. Figure 5 As the engine speed increases, the fifth to sixth indicator lights 55 from the left of the left indicator light group 56 and the fifth to sixth indicator lights 55 from the right of the right indicator light group 58 are lit with a different lighting color from the indicator lights 55 from the left to the fourth of the left indicator light group 56 and the indicator lights 55 from the right to the fourth of the right indicator light group 58.

[0061] In for Figure 5 In the case of Figure 4Then, the CPU 21 further turns on the sixth indicator light 55 from the left of the left indicator light group 56 and the sixth indicator light 55 from the right of the right indicator light group 58, thereby forming a state in which the left indicator light group 56 and the right indicator light group 58 are in the fifth position from the left. Figure 5 At this time, as a function of the control unit 21B, the CPU 21 changes the lighting color of the indicator light 55 according to the engine speed. Specifically, the CPU 21 lights up the fifth to sixth indicator lights 55 from the left of the left indicator light group 56 and the fifth to sixth indicator lights 55 from the right of the right indicator light group 58 in orange. Figure 5 , the fifth to sixth indicator lights 55 from the left of the left indicator light group 56 and the fifth to sixth indicator lights 55 from the right of the right indicator light group 58 are represented by grid-like shadows, thereby indicating that these indicator lights 55 are lit with a different lighting color from the other indicator lights 55 represented by vertical line shadows.

[0062] Figure 6 This is a third explanatory diagram for explaining the change in the lighting color of the indicator light 55 .

[0063] Here, in Figure 6 In the example, "6800 r / min" is displayed as the speed information 52, indicating that the engine speed is 6800 revolutions per minute. Figure 6 In the embodiment of the present invention, as the engine speed increases, all the indicator lights 55 in the left indicator light group 56 and the right indicator light group 58 are lit.

[0064] In for Figure 6 In the case of Figure 5 From the lighting state shown, all the indicator lights 55 in the left indicator light group 56 and the right indicator light group 58 are lit, thereby becoming Figure 6 At this time, as a function of the control unit 21B, the CPU 21 changes the lighting color of all the indicator lights 55 to a special color for lighting all the indicator lights 55 when all the indicator lights 55 are lit. Specifically, the CPU 21 lights up all the indicator lights 55 with a blue lighting color that has not been used in the lighting state so far. In this way, Figure 6 On the monitor 44 shown in FIG. 1 , all the indicator lights 55 of the upshift indicator 54 are illuminated, thereby notifying the user that the timing for upshifting from the 3rd gear to the 4th gear has arrived. Figure 6 In FIG. 5 , all the indicator lights 55 in the left indicator light group 56 and the right indicator light group 58 are expressed in black, thereby indicating that these indicator lights 55 are lit in a blue lighting color.

[0065] As described above, in the meter ECU 20, the CPU 21 increases the brightness of the monitor 44 and displays the specific layer 60 superimposed on the monitor 44. This specific layer 60 is a layer in which the opacity of the specific portion 62 displaying the up-shift indicator 54 is reduced compared to the opacity of the other portion 64 displaying other vehicle information. Thus, according to the meter ECU 20, by increasing the brightness of the up-shift indicator 54 displayed on the monitor 44 relative to the brightness of the other vehicle information, the up-shift indicator 54 can be emphasized in the vehicle information displayed on the monitor 44 compared to the other vehicle information.

[0066] Furthermore, in the meter ECU 20, the CPU 21 causes the monitor 44 to display the upshift indicator 54 based on the fact that the permission condition for changing the driving performance of the vehicle 10 has been satisfied. Thus, according to the meter ECU 20, in an environment where the driving performance of the vehicle 10 can be changed, the upshift indicator 54 can be highlighted in the vehicle information displayed on the monitor 44 compared to other vehicle information.

[0067] Furthermore, in the meter ECU 20, the CPU 21 displays the upshift indicator 54 at the top of the vehicle information displayed on the monitor 44. Thus, according to the meter ECU 20, by displaying the upshift indicator 54 at the top of the vehicle information displayed on the monitor 44, the driver can grasp the timing of upshifting without excessively decreasing his or her vision while the vehicle 10 is traveling.

[0068] The upshift indicator 54 includes multiple indicator lights 55 that illuminate successively as the engine speed increases. Furthermore, in the meter ECU 20, the CPU 21 gradually illuminates the indicator lights 55 from the left and right ends of the monitor 44 toward the center as the engine speed increases, and changes the color of the indicator lights 55 in accordance with the engine speed. Thus, the meter ECU 20 changes the color of the indicator lights 55 in accordance with the engine speed, allowing the driver to recognize that the timing for an upshift is approaching.

[0069] Furthermore, in the meter ECU 20, when all the indicator lights 55 are illuminated, the CPU 21 changes the illumination color of all the indicator lights 55 to a color specific to the illumination of all the indicator lights 55. Thus, according to the meter ECU 20, by illuminating all the indicator lights 55 in a specific color, the driver can be informed that the timing for an upshift has arrived.

[0070] (other)

[0071] In the above embodiment, the CPU 21 determines that the permission condition has been met when the current location of the vehicle 10, as measured by the GPS sensor included in the sensor group 42, falls within the predetermined driving area. However, the timing at which the CPU 21 determines that the permission condition has been met is not limited to this. For example, the CPU 21 may also determine that the permission condition has been met when a predetermined input operation for changing the driving performance of the vehicle 10 is performed on the vehicle 10.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the specific portion 62 is generated by forming a hole in the portion of the specific layer 60 that covers the display area of the up-shift indicator 54 when the specific layer 60 is superimposed on the monitor 44. However, the specific portion 62 is not limited to being formed by forming a hole in the specific layer 60. For example, the specific portion 62 may be generated by applying a gradation of lightness, darkness, or other color that is different from other portions of the specific layer 60 that covers the display area of the up-shift indicator 54 when the specific layer 60 is superimposed on the monitor 44.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the brightness value set for the entire monitor 44 may be set in multiple levels, and the CPU 21 may change the degree to which the brightness of the monitor 44 is increased according to the driver's selection.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the CPU 21 may change at least one of the brightness of the monitor 44 and the opacity of the specific layer 60 based on environmental information indicating the environment outside the vehicle 10. For example, the CPU 21 may increase the brightness of the monitor 44 and decrease the opacity of the specific layer 60 when the amount of light received by the illuminance sensor included in the sensor group 42 falls below a predetermined amount.

[0075] The lighting color of the indicator light 55 described in the above embodiment is merely an example, and the lighting color is not particularly limited.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the upshift indicator 54 is used as an example of specific information, but specific information is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the upshift indicator 54, specific information may also include the gear position information 50 in the vehicle information displayed on the monitor 44, information related to the alarm device that warns the driver, and information related to predetermined measuring instruments. Furthermore, specific information is not limited to a single piece of vehicle information; for example, it may include multiple pieces of vehicle information, such as the gear position information 50 and the upshift indicator 54. Furthermore, if the specific information includes multiple pieces of vehicle information, the specific portion 62 is arranged in the specific layer 60 according to the number of pieces of specific information. In other words, the specific layer 60 may include two or more portions with a lower opacity than the other portions 64.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the area of the specific portion 62 in the specific layer 60 may be dynamically changed as the engine speed of the vehicle 10 increases. For example, the CPU 21 may expand the area of the specific portion 62 in the specific layer 60 in accordance with the number of lights of the indicator lamp 55 in the upshift indicator 54. In this case, the CPU 21 Figure 4 In the example shown, the portion covering the fourth indicator light 55 from the left of the left indicator light group 56 and the fourth indicator light 55 from the right of the right indicator light group 58 is set as the specific portion 62. Figure 5 When the fifth to sixth indicator lights 55 from the left of the left indicator light group 56 and the fifth to sixth indicator lights 55 from the right of the right indicator light group 58 are turned on as in the example shown, the CPU 21 may also enlarge the specific portion 62 to cover the indicator lights 55 from the left to the sixth of the left indicator light group 56 and the indicator lights 55 from the right to the sixth of the right indicator light group 58.

[0078] In addition, the specific processing that the CPU21 loads the software (program) and executes in the above-mentioned embodiment can also be executed by various processors other than the CPU. As hardware processors in this case, FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array: Field Programmable Logic Gate Array) and other PLDs (Programmable Logic Device: Programmable Logic Device) whose circuit structure can be changed after manufacturing, and ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuit: Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and other processors with a circuit structure specially designed for executing specific processing, i.e., dedicated electrical circuits, etc. can be exemplified. In addition, the specific processing can be executed by one of these various processors, or by a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, multiple FPGAs, and a combination of a CPU and an FPGA, etc.). In addition, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is a circuit formed by combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the information processing program 24A is described as being pre-stored (installed) in the storage 24, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The information processing program 24A may also be provided as being recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory device. Furthermore, the information processing program 24A may be downloaded from an external device via a network.

Claims

1. An information processing device, wherein: A control unit is provided for increasing the brightness of a display unit in a vehicle arranged in front of a driver's seat and causing a specific layer to be displayed in an overlapping manner on the display unit, wherein the specific layer is a layer in which the opacity of a specific portion for displaying specific information among vehicle-related vehicle information displayed on the display unit is reduced compared to the opacity of other portions for displaying other vehicle information.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein The control unit causes the display unit to display the specific information based on the fact that a permission condition for changing the driving performance of the vehicle is satisfied.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein The specific information is an upshift indicator for notifying the driver of the vehicle of the timing of upshifting, The control portion displays the upshift indicator at the uppermost portion among the vehicle information displayed on the display portion.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein: The upshift indicator includes a plurality of indicator lights arranged along a predetermined direction on the display unit and lighting up successively as the engine speed of the vehicle increases. The control unit gradually illuminates the indicator lamps from both ends in the predetermined direction toward the center as the engine speed increases, and changes the illumination color of the indicator lamps according to the engine speed.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: When all the plurality of indicator lights are turned on, the control unit changes the lighting colors of all the indicator lights to a color dedicated to turning all the indicator lights on.

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