Display control device and display control procedure

Abstract

Display control device (3), comprising: a pedal actuation detection unit (11) for detecting pedal actuation of a vehicle, including brake pedal actuation and accelerator pedal actuation; and a display mode switching unit (12) to switch a type of figure representing a measuring instrument of measuring instruments displayed on an instrument panel (4) of the vehicle, the presentation information of which relates to pedal actuation, depending on a result of the detection of pedal actuation, indicating whether the brake pedal actuation is detected, the accelerator pedal actuation is detected or neither the brake pedal actuation nor the accelerator pedal actuation is detected by the pedal actuation detection unit.

Description

AREA OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display control device and a display control method. BACKGROUND ON THE STATE OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0002] The following patent literature 1 discloses a brake light indicator device which displays the signs “brake” in a dedicated display area on an instrument panel of a vehicle when an actuation of a brake pedal by a driver of the vehicle is detected.

[0003] DE 11 2013 007 563 T5 describes a device for controlling / regulating a pedal force comprising: a force application unit for adding a force to a pedal operated by a driver; and an information transmission unit for converting a pedal lowering amount detected by a stroke sensor into visual information and transmitting the lowering amount to the driver by displaying the visual information in an actuation amount display section.

[0004] DE 11 2016 007 121 T5 describes a technique for managing a transfer of operating authority for an actuator of a vehicle.

[0005] DE 11 2016 002 612 T5 describes a vehicle control device, a vehicle control procedure and a vehicle control program for switching a level of self-driving automation.

[0006] DE 11 2020 006 903 T5 describes an information processing device comprising: an information acquisition unit that obtains driving information about the driving of a vehicle containing an instrument panel; and a display pattern change unit that changes a display pattern of the instrument panel according to a change in the driving information. LIST OF CITED PUBLICATION LITERATURE

[0007] Patent Literature 1: JP 2005-67576 A SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAL PROBLEM

[0008] The brake light indicator device disclosed in patent literature 1 has the problem that the dedicated display area for showing the signs “brake” must be provided on the instrument panel of the vehicle.

[0009] The present disclosure serves to solve the problem described above, and one of its objectives is to provide a display control device and a display control method capable of informing a driver whether or not a pedal operation is being performed by the driver of a vehicle without providing a dedicated display area on an instrument panel of the vehicle. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0010] A display control device according to the present disclosure comprises a pedal actuation detection unit for detecting pedal actuation of a vehicle, including brake pedal actuation and accelerator pedal actuation; and a display mode switching unit for switching between a type of figure representing a measuring instrument, from measuring instruments displayed on an instrument panel of the vehicle, the display information of which relates to pedal actuation, depending on a result of the pedal actuation detection, indicating whether brake pedal actuation is detected, accelerator pedal actuation is detected, or neither brake pedal actuation nor accelerator pedal actuation is detected by the pedal actuation detection unit. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to inform a driver whether or not a pedal operation is being performed by the driver of a vehicle without providing a dedicated display area on an instrument panel of the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a configuration representation that depicts a display control device 3 according to a first embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a hardware configuration representation that depicts the hardware of the display control device 3 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a hardware configuration representation of a computer in a case where the display control device 3 is implemented by software, firmware or the like. Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a display control procedure, which is a process performed by the display control device 3 according to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram that illustrates a display mode of a speedometer when a brake pedal is activated. Fig. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the display mode of the speedometer when an actuation of an accelerator pedal is detected. Fig. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the display mode of the speedometer when neither the application of the brake pedal nor the application of the accelerator pedal is detected. Fig. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram that illustrates a display mode of a speedometer when a brake pedal is activated. Fig. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram that illustrates the display mode of the speedometer when the application of the accelerator pedal is detected. Fig. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the speedometer display mode when neither the application of the brake pedal nor the application of the accelerator pedal is detected. Fig. Figure 11 is a configuration representation that depicts a display control device 3 according to a second embodiment. Fig. Figure 12 is a hardware configuration representation that depicts the hardware of the display control device 3 according to the second embodiment. Fig. Figure 13A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display mode of a speedometer when an application of the brake pedal is detected. Fig. Figure 13B is an explanatory diagram that illustrates a state during the switching of the speedometer display mode, and Fig. Figure 13C is an explanatory diagram illustrating the speedometer display mode when neither the application of the brake pedal nor the application of the accelerator pedal is detected. Fig. Figure 14A is an explanatory diagram illustrating the speedometer display mode when neither the application of the brake pedal nor the application of the accelerator pedal is detected. Fig. Figure 14B is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state during the switching of the speedometer display mode, and Fig. 14C is an explanatory diagram that illustrates the display mode of the speedometer when the application of the accelerator pedal is detected. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0012] In order to explain the present disclosure in more detail, some embodiments for the implementation of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First embodiment

[0013] Fig. Figure 1 is a configuration representation that depicts a display control device 3 according to a first embodiment.

[0014] Fig. Figure 2 is a hardware configuration representation that depicts the hardware of the display control device 3 according to the first embodiment.

[0015] A brake pedal sensor 1 monitors the actuation of a vehicle's brake pedal and outputs brake pedal actuation information, indicating whether or not a driver is depressing the brake pedal, to the display control unit 3. An accelerator pedal sensor 2 monitors the actuation of a vehicle's accelerator pedal and outputs accelerator pedal actuation information, indicating whether or not the driver is depressing the accelerator pedal, to the display control unit 3.

[0016] The display control device 3 causes an instrument panel 4 of the vehicle to display a speedometer, a tachometer, a fuel gauge, a water thermometer, a distance meter or the like on an instrument panel 4.

[0017] The display control unit 3 informs the driver whether or not pedal operation is being carried out by the driver of the vehicle, without providing a dedicated display area on the instrument panel 4 of the vehicle.

[0018] In a case where the display area of ​​instrument panel 4 is limited, if the dedicated display area is intended for showing symbols such as "Brake" on the vehicle's instrument panel 4, the area for displaying other information becomes relatively narrow, and the driver could have difficulty checking other information. Since the display control unit 3 does not need to provide the dedicated display area on the vehicle's instrument panel 4, the area for displaying other information does not become relatively narrow.

[0019] The instrument panel 4 is a dashboard mounted in front of the driver's seat of the vehicle, on which the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, water thermometer, distance meter or the like are displayed.

[0020] At the in Fig. The instrument panel 4 shown in Figure 1 is a so-called digital measuring device, but it can also be an analog measuring device.

[0021] The in Fig. The display control unit 3 shown in Figure 1 is equipped with a pedal actuation detection unit 11 and a display mode switching unit 12. The pedal actuation detection unit 11 is, for example, a Fig. 2. Pedal actuation detection circuit 21 is implemented as shown.

[0022] The pedal actuation detection unit 11 acquires the brake pedal actuation information from the brake pedal sensor 1 and acquires the accelerator pedal actuation information from the accelerator pedal sensor 2.

[0023] The pedal actuation detection unit 11 detects the pedal actuation of the vehicle.

[0024] This means that the pedal actuation detection unit 11 detects the actuation of the brake pedal when the brake pedal actuation information indicates that the driver is performing the depressing actuation of the brake pedal.

[0025] The pedal actuation detection unit 11 detects the actuation of the accelerator pedal when the accelerator pedal actuation information indicates that the driver is performing the depress operation of the accelerator pedal.

[0026] The pedal actuation detection unit 11 outputs a detection result of the pedal actuation to the display mode switching unit 12.

[0027] The display mode switching unit 12 is, for example, provided by a Fig. The display mode switching circuit 22 shown in section 2 is implemented.

[0028] The display mode switching unit 12 ensures that the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, water thermometer, distance meter or the like is displayed on the instrument panel 4.

[0029] The display mode switching unit 12 switches a display mode of a measuring instrument whose display information relates to pedal actuation from measuring instruments displayed on the instrument panel 4, depending on the detection result of the pedal actuation by the pedal actuation detection unit 11.

[0030] The speedometer or tachometer can be conceived as the measuring device whose presentation information relates to the pedal operation.

[0031] Therefore, the display mode switching unit 12 switches the display mode of the speedometer or the display mode of the tachometer depending on the detection result of the pedal actuation by the pedal actuation detection unit 11.

[0032] In Fig. 1 It is assumed that the pedal actuation detection unit 11 and the display mode switching unit 12, which are components of the display control device 3, are each implemented by dedicated hardware, as shown in Fig. 2 shown. That is, it is assumed that the display control device 3 is implemented by the pedal actuation detection circuit 21 and the display mode switching circuit 22.

[0033] The pedal actuation detection circuit 21 and the display mode switching circuit 22 each correspond, for example, to a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or a combination thereof.

[0034] The components of the display control device 3 are not limited to those implemented by dedicated hardware, and the display control device 3 may also be implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.

[0035] The software or firmware is stored in a computer's main memory in the form of a program. The computer refers to hardware that executes programs and corresponds, for example, to a central processing unit (CPU), a central processing unit, a processing unit, a computing unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), or the like.

[0036] Fig. 3 is a hardware configuration representation of the computer in a case where the display control device 3 is implemented by software, firmware or the like.

[0037] In a case where the display control device 3 is implemented by software, firmware, or the like, a program that causes the computer to execute each operation performed by the pedal actuation detection unit 11 and the display mode switching unit 12 is stored in a working memory 31. A processor 32 of the computer executes the program stored in the working memory 31.

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates an example where each of the components of the display control device 3 is implemented by dedicated hardware, and Fig. Figure 3 illustrates an example where the display control unit 3 is implemented by software, firmware, or the like. However, this is merely an example, and some components in the display control unit 3 may be implemented by dedicated hardware, while the remaining components may be implemented by software, firmware, or the like.

[0039] Next, a description of how the in Fig. The display control unit shown in section 1 is explained in section 3.

[0040] Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a display control procedure, which is a process performed by the display control device 3 according to the first embodiment.

[0041] The brake pedal sensor 1 monitors the actuation of the vehicle's brake pedal.

[0042] The brake pedal sensor 1 outputs the brake pedal actuation information, indicating that the depress actuation is being performed, to the pedal actuation detection unit 11 of the display control unit 3 when the driver performs the depress actuation of the brake pedal.

[0043] The brake pedal sensor 1 outputs the brake pedal actuation information, indicating that the depress actuation is not being performed, to the pedal actuation detection unit 11 when the driver does not perform the depress actuation of the brake pedal.

[0044] The brake pedal sensor 2 monitors the operation of the vehicle's accelerator pedal.

[0045] The accelerator pedal sensor 2 outputs the accelerator pedal actuation information, indicating that the depress actuation is being performed, to the pedal actuation detection unit 11 when the driver performs the depress actuation of the accelerator pedal.

[0046] The accelerator pedal sensor 2 outputs the accelerator pedal actuation information, indicating that the depress actuation is not being performed, to the pedal actuation detection unit 11 when the driver does not perform the depress actuation of the accelerator pedal.

[0047] The pedal actuation detection unit 11 acquires the brake pedal actuation information from brake pedal sensor 1 and acquires the accelerator pedal actuation information from accelerator pedal sensor 2 (step ST1 in Fig. 4).

[0048] The pedal actuation detection unit 11 detects the actuation of the brake pedal when the brake pedal actuation information indicates that the driver is performing the depress actuation of the brake pedal (YES at step ST2 in Fig. 4) (Step ST3 in Fig. 4).

[0049] The pedal actuation detection unit 11 does not detect brake pedal actuation if the brake pedal actuation information indicates that the driver is not performing the depress actuation of the brake pedal (NO at step ST2 in Fig. 4).

[0050] The pedal actuation detection unit 11 detects the accelerator pedal actuation when the accelerator pedal actuation information indicates that the driver is performing the depress operation of the accelerator pedal (YES at step ST4 in Fig. 4), provided that the application of the brake pedal is not detected (step ST5 in Fig. 4).

[0051] The pedal actuation detection unit 11 does not detect the accelerator pedal actuation if it indicates that the driver is not performing the depressive accelerator pedal actuation (NO at step ST4 in Fig. 4). That is, the pedal actuation detection unit 11 does not detect either the actuation of the brake pedal or the actuation of the accelerator pedal (step ST6 in Fig. 4).

[0052] The pedal actuation detection unit 11 outputs a detection result of the pedal actuation to the display mode switching unit 12.

[0053] In the Fig. The display control unit 3 shown in Figure 1 detects the accelerator pedal actuation, assuming that the depressing of the brake pedal and the depressing of the accelerator pedal do not occur simultaneously. If the accelerator pedal actuation unit 11 does not detect the depressing of the brake pedal, the accelerator pedal actuation information indicates that the driver is depressing the accelerator pedal. However, this is only an example, and the pedal actuation detection unit 11 can also detect the accelerator pedal actuation even if the depressing of the brake pedal is detected, provided the accelerator pedal actuation information indicates that the driver is depressing the accelerator pedal.

[0054] The display mode switching unit 12 ensures that the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, water thermometer, distance meter or the like is displayed on the instrument panel 4.

[0055] The display mode switching unit 12 switches a display mode of a measuring instrument whose presentation information relates to pedal actuation from measuring instruments displayed on the instrument panel 4, depending on the pedal actuation detection result by the pedal actuation detection unit 11 (step ST7 in Fig. 4).

[0056] The switching processing of the display mode performed by the display mode switching unit 12 is explained in detail below.

[0057] The display mode switching unit 12 acquires the pedal actuation detection result from the pedal actuation detection unit 11.

[0058] If the pedal actuation detection result indicates that the brake pedal actuation has been detected, the display mode switching unit 12 causes the instrument panel 4 to display the speedometer as in Fig. 5 is displayed.

[0059] Fig. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the display mode of the speedometer when the accelerator pedal is activated.

[0060] On the in Fig. The instrument panel 4 shown in Figure 5 displays an Eco-Meter (shown as "ECO" in the drawing), which indicates the level of energy savings achieved; a "D" symbol, indicating that the transmission is in drive mode D; "50 km / h," indicating the vehicle's speed; "123456 km," indicating the vehicle's total distance traveled (hereinafter referred to as "ODO"); and "345.6 km," indicating a partial distance traveled (hereinafter referred to as "TRIP"). Of course, each of the readings "50 km / h," "123456 km," and "345.6 km" is only an example.

[0061] On the in Fig. In the instrument panel 4 shown, an environment control graphic is displayed around the vehicle graphic, showing objects and the like that are present in the vicinity of the vehicle.

[0062] A multitude of dot patterns arranged in an arc around "50 km / h" constitute an initial speed indicator graphic, showing that the vehicle's speed is "50 km / h".

[0063] The first speedometer graph, which is a group of numerous dot patterns, indicates that the driver is applying the brake pedal. In other words, when the driver applies the brake pedal, the display mode switching unit 12 ensures that the instrument panel 4 displays the first speedometer graph.

[0064] If the pedal actuation detection result indicates that the accelerator pedal actuation has been detected, the display mode switching unit 12 causes the instrument panel 4 to display the speedometer as in Fig. 6 is displayed.

[0065] Fig. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display mode of the speedometer when the accelerator pedal is activated.

[0066] On the in Fig. The instrument panel 4 shown in section 6 displays the Eco-Meter, the symbol “D” indicating that the gear position is driving position D, “50 km / h” indicating the speed of the vehicle, “123456 km” indicating the ODO, and “345.6 km” indicating the TRIP.

[0067] On the in Fig. In the instrument panel 4 shown in Figure 6, the ambient area control graphic is displayed around the vehicle graphic.

[0068] A multitude of rod-shaped figures displayed in an arc around "50 km / h" is a secondary speed indicator graphic, showing that the vehicle's speed is "50 km / h".

[0069] The second speedometer graphic, which is a group of numerous bar-shaped figures, indicates that the driver is pressing the accelerator pedal. In other words, when the driver presses the accelerator pedal, the display mode switching unit 12 causes the instrument panel 4 to display the second speedometer graphic.

[0070] If the pedal actuation detection result indicates that neither the brake pedal nor the accelerator pedal is being detected, the display mode switching unit 12 causes the instrument panel 4 to display the speedometer, as shown in Fig. 7 shown.

[0071] Fig. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the display mode of the speedometer when neither the application of the brake pedal nor the application of the accelerator pedal is detected.

[0072] On the in Fig. The instrument panel 4 shown in section 7 displays the Eco-Meter, the symbol “D” indicating that the gear position is driving position D, “50 km / h” indicating the speed of the vehicle, “123456 km” indicating the ODO, and “345.6 km” indicating the TRIP.

[0073] On the in Fig. In the instrument panel 4 shown in Figure 7, the ambient area control graphic is displayed around the vehicle graphic.

[0074] A curved line figure displayed in an arc around "50 km / h" is a third speed indicator graphic that shows that the vehicle's speed is "50 km / h".

[0075] The third speedometer graph, which is the curved line figure, indicates that the driver is neither pressing the brake pedal nor the accelerator pedal. In other words, if the driver is neither pressing the brake pedal nor the accelerator pedal, the display mode switching unit 12 causes the instrument panel 4 to display the third speedometer graph.

[0076] In the Fig. In the display control unit 3 shown, the display mode switching unit 12 changes the shape of the speed display graphic depending on the result of the pedal actuation detection by the pedal actuation detection unit 11. However, this is only an example, and the display mode switching unit 12 can change a color of the speed display graphic or a color of “50 km / h”, indicating the speed of the vehicle, for example, depending on the result of the pedal actuation detection by the pedal actuation detection unit 11.

[0077] In the Fig. In the display control unit 3 shown in Figure 1, the display mode switching unit 12 switches the display mode of the speedometer depending on the result of the pedal actuation detection by the pedal actuation detection unit 11. However, this is only an example, and the display mode switching unit 12 can also switch the display mode of the speedometer depending on the result of the pedal actuation detection by the pedal actuation detection unit 11.

[0078] Fig. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram that illustrates the display mode of the speedometer when the application of a brake pedal is detected.

[0079] On the in Fig. The instrument panel shown in diagram 8 displays "3500 rpm", indicating an engine speed. Of course, "3500 rpm" is just an example.

[0080] A multitude of dot patterns arranged in an arc around "3500 rpm" constitute a first speed indicator graphic, showing that the engine speed is "3500 rpm".

[0081] The first tachometer graph, which is a group of numerous dot patterns, indicates that the driver is applying the brake pedal. In other words, when the driver applies the brake pedal, the display mode switching unit 12 ensures that the instrument panel 4 displays the first tachometer graph.

[0082] Fig. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram that illustrates the display mode of the speedometer when the application of the accelerator pedal is detected.

[0083] On the in Fig. The instrument panel 4 shown in section 9 displays “3500 rpm”, indicating the engine speed.

[0084] A multitude of rod-shaped figures displayed in an arc around "3500 rpm" is a second speed indicator graphic, indicating that the engine speed is "3500 rpm".

[0085] The second tachometer graph, which is a group of numerous bar-shaped figures, indicates that the driver is pressing the accelerator pedal. In other words, when the driver presses the accelerator pedal, the display mode switching unit 12 causes the instrument panel 4 to display the second tachometer graph.

[0086] Fig. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the speedometer display mode when neither the application of the brake pedal nor the application of the accelerator pedal is detected.

[0087] On the in Fig. The instrument panel 4 shown in section 10 displays “3500 rpm”, indicating the engine speed.

[0088] A curved line figure displayed in an arc around "3500 rpm" is a third speed indicator graphic, indicating that the engine speed is "3500 rpm".

[0089] The third tachometer graph, which is the curved line figure, indicates that the driver is neither pressing the brake pedal nor the accelerator pedal. In other words, if the driver is neither pressing the brake pedal nor the accelerator pedal, the display mode switching unit 12 causes the third tachometer graph to be displayed on the instrument panel 4.

[0090] In the first embodiment described above, the display control unit 3 is equipped with the pedal actuation detection unit 11, which detects the vehicle's pedal actuation, and the display mode switching unit 12, which switches the display mode of the measuring device whose presentation information relates to the pedal actuation from measuring devices displayed on the vehicle's instrument panel 4, depending on the pedal actuation detection result by the pedal actuation detection unit 11. Therefore, the display control unit 3 can inform the driver whether or not the pedal actuation was performed by the vehicle's driver without providing a dedicated display area on the vehicle's instrument panel 4. Second embodiment

[0091] In a second embodiment, a display control device 3 is described which, when the detection result of a pedal actuation changes by a pedal actuation detection unit 11, displays an animation that shows a transition between display modes at the time when a display mode switching unit 13 switches from a display mode before a change in the detection result to a display mode after a change in the detection result.

[0092] Fig. Figure 11 is a configuration diagram showing the display control unit 3 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 11 denote the same reference symbols as in Fig. 1 the same or corresponding parts, so that their description is unnecessary.

[0093] Fig. Figure 12 is a hardware configuration representation that depicts the hardware of the display control unit 3 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 12 denote the same reference symbols as in Fig. 2 the same or corresponding parts, so that their description is unnecessary.

[0094] The display mode switching unit 13 is, for example, provided by a Fig. The display mode switching circuit shown in 12 is implemented in 23.

[0095] The display mode switching unit 13 causes a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, water thermometer, odometer, or the like to be displayed on the instrument panel 4, as is the case with the in Fig. The case is as shown in the display mode switching unit 12.

[0096] The display mode switching unit 13 switches a display mode of a measuring device whose presentation information relates to a pedal actuation from measuring devices displayed on the instrument panel 4, depending on the detection result of the pedal actuation by the pedal actuation detection unit 11, as is the case with the in Fig. The case is as shown in the display mode switching unit 12.

[0097] The display mode switching unit 13 shows, unlike the one in Fig. 1. Display mode switching unit 12, an animation is shown which shows a transition between display modes at the time of switching from the display mode before the change in the detection result to the display mode after the change in the detection result when the detection result of the pedal actuation changes by the pedal actuation detection unit 11.

[0098] In Fig. 11 It is assumed that the pedal actuation detection unit 11 and the display mode switching unit 13, which are components of the display control device 3, are each implemented by dedicated hardware, as shown in Fig. Figure 12 shows that the display control device 3 is implemented by a pedal actuation detection circuit 21 and the display mode switching circuit 23.

[0099] The pedal actuation detection circuit 21 and the display mode switching circuit 23 each correspond, for example, to a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA or a combination thereof.

[0100] The components of the display control device 3 are not limited to those implemented by dedicated hardware, and the display control device 3 may also be implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.

[0101] In a case where the display control device 3 is implemented by software, firmware or the like, a program that causes the computer to execute each operation performed by the pedal actuation detection unit 11 and the display mode switching unit 13 is stored in a working memory 31 located in Fig. 3 is shown. Then the in Fig. 3 The processor 32 shown executes the program stored in the main memory 31.

[0102] Fig. Figure 12 illustrates an example where each of the components of the display control device 3 is implemented by dedicated hardware, and Fig. Figure 3 illustrates an example where the display control unit 3 is implemented by software, firmware, or the like. However, this is merely an example, and some components in the display control unit 3 may be implemented by dedicated hardware, while the remaining components may be implemented by software, firmware, or the like.

[0103] Next, a description of how the in Fig. The display control unit 3 shown in section 11 is explained.

[0104] However, this one is similar to the one in Fig. 1. Display control device 3 shown, with the exception of the display mode switching unit 13, so that mainly the operation of the display mode switching unit 13 is described here.

[0105] The pedal actuation detection unit 11 repeatedly performs a detection processing of the vehicle's pedal actuation and repeatedly outputs the detection result of the pedal actuation to the display mode switching unit 13.

[0106] The display mode switching unit 13 switches the display mode of the measuring device whose presentation information relates to the pedal operation each time the pedal actuation result is received from the pedal actuation detection unit 11, depending on the pedal actuation result received by the pedal actuation detection unit 11.

[0107] The display mode switching unit 13 shows, unlike the one in Fig. 1. Display mode switching unit 12, an animation is shown which shows a transition between the display modes at the time of switching from the display mode before the change in the detection result to the display mode after the change in the detection result when the detection result of the pedal actuation changes by the pedal actuation detection unit 11.

[0108] The following section describes in detail the switching process of the display mode, which is carried out by the display mode switching unit 13.

[0109] The display mode switching unit 13 determines whether or not the pedal actuation detection result changes by comparing the pedal actuation detection results repeatedly output by the pedal actuation detection unit 11.

[0110] When the detection result of the pedal actuation changes, the display mode switching unit 13 specifies a mode of changing the detection result.

[0111] The following modes (1) to (6) are conceivable, for example, as the mode for changing the detection result of the pedal actuation. (1) Change from brake pedal actuation “present” to pedal actuation “not present” (2) Change from pedal actuation “not present” to brake pedal actuation “present” (3) Change from accelerator pedal actuation “present” to pedal actuation “not present” (4) Change from pedal actuation “absent” to accelerator pedal actuation “present” (5) Change from brake pedal actuation “present” to accelerator pedal actuation “present” (6) Change from accelerator pedal actuation “present” to brake pedal actuation “present”

[0112] Pedal actuation “not present” means that neither the actuation of the brake pedal nor the actuation of the accelerator pedal is detected.

[0113] When the mode of change of the acquisition result is specified, the display mode switching unit 13 displays an animation showing a transition between the display modes at the time of switching from the display mode before the change of the acquisition result to the display mode after the change of the acquisition result.

[0114] That is, if the mode for changing the acquisition result is, for example, mode (1), the display mode switching unit 13 displays the animation that shows the transition between the display modes by changing the display mode of the Fig. 13B shown speedometer during switching from the display mode of the Fig. 13A shows the speedometer display mode of the in Fig. The speedometer shown in 13C is displayed.

[0115] Fig. Figure 13A is an explanatory diagram illustrating the speedometer display mode when the brake pedal is detected.

[0116] Fig. Figure 13B is an explanatory diagram that illustrates a state during switching between the speedometer display modes.

[0117] Fig. 13C is an explanatory diagram illustrating the speedometer display mode when neither the application of the brake pedal nor the application of the accelerator pedal is detected.

[0118] A dotted line figure that arcs around "50 km / h" in the display mode of the Fig. 13B, which depicts the speedometer, shows a fourth speed display graphic indicating that the vehicle's speed is "50 km / h".

[0119] When a dotted figure is extended in a circumferential direction, a dashed line figure is obtained, and when the dashed line figure is extended in the circumferential direction, a curved line figure is obtained. Therefore, the appearance of the fourth speed indicator graphic, which is a group of multiple dashed line figures, lies between the appearance of the first speed indicator graphic, which is a group of multiple dotted figures, and the appearance of the third speed indicator graphic, which is a curved line figure. Therefore, by displaying the first speed indicator graphic, the fourth speed indicator graphic, and the third speed indicator graphic in that order using the display mode switching unit 13, the display appears as shown in the animation.

[0120] For example, if the mode for changing the acquisition result is mode (4), the display mode switching unit 13 displays the animation that shows the transition between the display modes by changing the display mode of the Fig. 14B shown speedometer during switching from the display mode of the Fig. 14A shown speedometer in the display mode of the in Fig. The speedometer shown in 14C is displayed.

[0121] Fig. Figure 14A is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display mode of the speedometer when neither the application of the brake pedal nor the application of the accelerator pedal is detected.

[0122] Fig. Figure 14B is an explanatory diagram showing a state during switching between the display modes of the speedometer.

[0123] Fig. 14C is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display mode of the speedometer when the application of the accelerator pedal is detected.

[0124] A multitude of rod-shaped figures, arranged in an arc around "50 km / h" in the display mode of the Fig. The fifth speedometer graphic shown in Figure 14B indicates that the vehicle's speed is "50 km / h".

[0125] The line width of the multitude of rod-shaped figures contained in the fifth speed indicator graphic is greater than the line width of any multitude of rod-shaped figures contained in the second speed indicator graphic. Therefore, the appearance of the fifth speed indicator graphic, which is a group of rod-shaped figures with a large line width, lies between the appearance of the third speed indicator graphic, which is a curved line figure, and the appearance of the second speed indicator graphic, which is a group of rod-shaped figures with a small line width. Therefore, by displaying the third speed indicator graphic, the fifth speed indicator graphic, and the second speed indicator graphic in that order, the display mode appears as if drawn in an animation by the display mode switching unit 13.

[0126] In the second embodiment described above, the display control unit 3 is configured such that the display mode switching unit 13 displays the animation indicating the transition between the display modes at the moment when the display mode switching unit 13 switches from the display mode before the change in the detection result to the display mode after the change in the detection result, when the detection result of the pedal actuation by the pedal actuation detection unit 11 changes. Therefore, the display control unit 3 can not only inform the driver whether or not the pedal actuation is being performed by the driver of the vehicle, but also inform the driver of the transition in pedal actuation without providing the dedicated display area on the instrument panel 4 of the vehicle.

[0127] It should be noted that the embodiments in the present disclosure can be freely combined, any component of any embodiment can be modified, or any component can be omitted in any embodiment. COMMERCIAL APPLICABILITY

[0128] The present disclosure is suitable for the display control device and the display control method. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0129] 1: Brake pedal sensor, 2: Accelerator pedal sensor, 3: Display control unit, 4: Instrument panel, 11: Pedal actuation detection unit, 12, 13: Display mode switching unit, 21: Pedal actuation detection circuit, 22, 23: Display mode switching circuit, 31: Working memory, 32: Processor

Claims

[1] Display control device (3), comprising: a pedal operation detection unit (11) for detecting a pedal operation of a vehicle, including a brake pedal operation and an accelerator pedal operation; and a display mode switching unit (12) for switching a type of a figure representing a meter from meters displayed on an instrument panel (4) of the vehicle, whose presentation information relates to the pedal operation, depending on a result of detection of the pedal operation, indicating whether the brake pedal operation is detected, the accelerator pedal operation is detected, or neither the brake pedal operation nor the accelerator pedal operation is detected by the pedal operation detection unit. [2] The display control device according to claim 1, wherein the measuring device whose presentation information relates to the pedal operation is a speedometer or a tachometer. [3] The display control device according to claim 1, wherein the display mode switching unit displays an animation indicating a transition between types of the figure representing the meter when switching from the type of figure representing the meter before the result of detection changes to the type of figure representing the meter after the result of detection changes when the result of detection of the pedal operation by the pedal operation detecting unit changes. [4] A display control method comprising: Performing detection of a pedal operation of a vehicle, including a brake pedal operation and an accelerator pedal operation, by a pedal operation detection unit (11); and Switching, by a display mode switching unit (12), of the type of figure representing the meter, from meters displayed on an instrument panel (4) of the vehicle, whose presentation information relates to the pedal operation, depending on a result of detection of the pedal operation, indicating whether the brake pedal operation is detected, the accelerator pedal operation is detected, or neither the brake pedal operation nor the accelerator pedal operation is detected by the pedal operation detection unit.

Images