Display device and program

Abstract

To provide a display device which is easily attached and adjusted, allowing recognition of the information being displayed without gazing.SOLUTION: A display device is provided which includes a display part for display according to the control by a display control part, and an attaching means for attaching the display part at such position as a vehicle driver can scarcely observe when gazing frontward during driving. A position that is scarcely observed may be a position, for example, corresponding to a peripheral part of sight of field.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device or the like that enables a driver to recognize a change in display without gazing at the display device or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] A head-up display is known as an in-vehicle display device. This head-up display projects a display image onto a reflector (such as a combiner) provided on the windshield or dashboard, and provides various information to the driver (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-242346 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Normally, such head-up displays project images onto an area where the driver can focus their gaze while driving, which means that a large projection device needs to be firmly attached to the vehicle to ensure forward visibility and meet safety standards.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a display device that is easy to install and adjust, and allows the user to recognize displayed information without staring. This object can be achieved, for example, by a combination of features recited in the independent claims in the claims. The dependent claims, for example, define further advantageous embodiments of the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a display device that includes a display unit that displays information according to control by a display control unit, and an attachment means for attaching the display unit in a position where the display unit is dimly visible when the driver of the vehicle gazes ahead while driving. In this way, the driver can recognize changes in the display on the display unit without gazing at the display device.

[0007] The "forward" direction may be, for example, the direction of the driver's line of sight while driving on a straight road, particularly when looking at a vehicle 40 to 50 meters ahead. "Gazing" may be, for example, the state of focusing one's attention on an object and gazing at it with concentrated vision.

[0008] "Dimly" may be, for example, a state in which something is not clearly visible, but is vaguely visible, and a "dimly visible position" may be, for example, a position in which the details of the displayed information are difficult to see. A "dimly visible position" may be, for example, a position that is within the field of view of the vehicle driver when he or she gazes forward, but is not in focus, and is particularly preferably a position that is shifted approximately 10 degrees or more in the vertical direction from the direction of the line of sight when facing forward. A "dimly visible position" may be the left or right part of the field of view, but is preferably the top or bottom part of the central field of view.

[0009] The mounting means may be configured to mount the display unit at a position where it can be dimly seen, and the display unit and the mounting means may be directly connected, but it is preferable to connect them via a separate member that intervenes between them. It is particularly preferable to store a display control unit in a part of the separate member, and connect the stored display control unit to the display unit to control the display on the display unit.

[0010] (2) The position where the image is dimly seen should preferably be in the peripheral vision, so that the change in the image can be recognized in the peripheral vision.

[0011] (3) In the present invention, the display unit may be configured to transmit light at least in a non-display state. In this way, when no display is being displayed on the display unit, the display unit does not block the driver's view ahead, and the driver can see behind the display unit and obtain information in a vague range.

[0012] (4) It is more preferable that the display unit is a transmissive display element. This eliminates the need to firmly mount a large projection device on the vehicle, and makes installation and adjustment easier. For example, it is particularly preferable that the display unit is a transmissive color liquid crystal display, a transmissive monochrome liquid crystal display, a transmissive electroluminescence (EL) display, or the like.

[0013] (5) The mounting means may be configured to mount the display unit so as to be located in front of a transparent part in the vehicle. The transparent part may be, for example, the windshield of the vehicle. In this way, when no display is being made on the display unit, the display unit does not block the driver's forward view, and sufficient visibility can be secured, contributing to safe driving. The display unit may be of a transparent type. If an apparatus such as a display unit is mounted and is of a non-transparent type, the driver will find it difficult to pay attention to it, since there is only a stationary object present. In contrast, in the case of a transparent type, the scenery ahead is seen to be transparent and flowing, so that the driver can obtain information through the transparent display unit as if he or she were trying to obtain various information through the windshield. On the other hand, if there is a change, it is displayed superimposed on the scenery, which is likely to cause discomfort, and it is easy to recognize the difference from the surrounding windshield.

[0014] The front surface of the transmission part may be, for example, on the dashboard above the meter hood, but (6) the mounting means is particularly preferably configured to mount the display part so as to be located lower than the sun visor in the retracted state, so that the display part can be positioned in a dimly visible position in the upper part of the driver's field of vision when the driver looks ahead.

[0015] (7) In this case, it is more preferable that the mounting means includes a clip that clamps the sun visor in the stored state from the front side of the vehicle. In this way, the display device can be easily mounted to the vehicle. Also, since the structure of the sun visor is generally the same regardless of the vehicle model, the display device can be mounted to various vehicle models. Also, since the display device is mounted by being clamped from the front side with the clip, it is possible to prevent the driver from being injured if the driver hits the display device due to an accident or the like by easily falling off the sun visor.

[0016] (8) The mounting means may be configured to mount the display unit in front of a non-transparent portion of the vehicle. In this way, the display unit can be positioned in a position that is dimly visible when the driver gazes ahead without blocking the driver's forward field of vision.

[0017] The non-transparent portion may be, for example, an A-pillar or an air conditioner outlet, but (9) the mounting means is particularly preferably such that the display unit is mounted on the front of the vehicle's meter hood. In this way, the display unit can be positioned in a position that is dimly visible at the bottom of the vehicle driver's field of vision when the driver gazes ahead. The meter hood is often located in the lower part of the vehicle in front of the driver, which is particularly easy to mount and provides good visibility as it blocks direct sunlight. In addition, when the display unit is configured using a transmissive display element, the various meters and display devices arranged inside the meter hood can be viewed through the display device.

[0018] (10) The display control unit may have a function of controlling the display unit to change the display of the first region, which occupies at least a part of the display unit, to a degree that allows the driver to recognize the change from a non-display state to a display state when the first region is dimly visible when the driver gazes ahead. In this way, the driver can recognize that there has been some change in the display even without gazing at the display device, due to the visual characteristics of the dimly visible range. The first region may be the entire surface of the display unit.

[0019] (11) The display control unit may have a function of controlling the display unit to display in the first region with different visual effects according to the content of the information to be presented. The content of the information to be presented may be, for example, the type of information, urgency, etc. In this way, the driver can recognize the type of information, urgency, etc., without changing the direction of his / her line of sight. As the "visual effects," the information may be displayed in the first region in different colors according to the content of the information to be presented, but it is particularly preferable to display in the first region in different display patterns according to the content of the information to be presented. For example, the information may be displayed in a pattern such as blinking or a flowing movement from side to side, depending on the content of the information. It is said that there is a tendency for color vision to be lost in positions that are dimly visible, and in this way, a change in pattern can make it easier for the driver to recognize the difference than a change in color.

[0020] (12) The display unit may have a second area different from the first area, and may have a function of controlling the display unit so that the second area is more difficult to see than the first area when the driver is looking ahead. For example, the "display that is difficult to see" may be, for example, information that cannot be seen without looking at the second area at all times. Specifically, for example, various information related to the vehicle and surrounding conditions, such as numbers and letters, may be displayed. It is particularly preferable to display the information at all times in the second area and update the display content periodically. In this way, if the driver intentionally looks at the second area, the displayed information can be confirmed at any time. In addition, unless the driver switches his / her viewpoint to the information displayed at all times in the second area, the information displayed in the second area is difficult for the driver looking ahead to see, so that the constant display in the second area is unlikely to interfere with driving.

[0021] (13) The display control unit may have a function for changing the display state in the first region more rapidly than the change in the display state in the second region. In this way, it is possible to make it easier for the driver to notice a rapid change in the first region, which is in contrast to the constant display of the second region. "Rapidly" includes, for example, control so that the size, brightness, color, etc. change significantly compared to the display of the second region, but it is particularly preferable to control so that the display changes in a short period of time compared to the display change in the second region.

[0022] (14) The display control unit may have a function of controlling the display state of the first area to change when information to be focused on is displayed in the second area. In this way, the driver can easily notice a change in the dim area due to a change in the display state of the first area, and as a result of noticing this, the driver turns his or her gaze from the forward direction to the first area. Then, since the second area is located near the first area, the gaze can be guided to the second area. Using the display change in the first area as a kind of bait, the driver can be informed that information to be focused on is displayed in the second area, and can be guided to gaze at the display in the second area to check detailed information.

[0023] (15) It is particularly preferable that the display control unit has a function of displaying in the first area different visual effects depending on the content of the information to be focused on that is displayed in the second area. In this way, the driver can recognize the type of information based on the visual effects of the display in the first area and determine whether to focus on the second area. As a visual effect that differs depending on the content of the information, for example, the above-mentioned "visual effects" may be used.

[0024] (16) In the above cases of (14) and (15), the display control unit may have a function of controlling the display unit to display information for guiding the line of sight from the first area to the position in the second area where the information to be focused on is displayed. In this way, it is possible to reliably guide the line of sight from the first area to the second area. The "display for guiding the line of sight" may be, for example, a line segment connecting the areas, displaying the areas in the same color, flashing in sync, etc.

[0025] (17) In order to solve the above problems, the program of the present invention may cause a computer to function as a display control unit in any of the above devices. According to the program of the present invention, the display can be controlled so that the driver can recognize changes in the display of the display unit without gazing at the display device, due to the characteristics of vision in the dim range. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a display device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a structure of a sun visor 300 for a vehicle. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the display device 1 according to the first embodiment is attached to a sun visor 300 by an attachment member 12, as viewed from the side. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the display device 1 according to the first embodiment is attached to a sun visor 300 by an attachment member 12, as viewed from the rear. [Diagram 5] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a main body unit 11. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic diagram showing a display area in a display unit 13. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a display device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the rear side positioned opposite to the driver when the display device 1 is attached to a vehicle. [Figure 8] 10 is a schematic side view of a state in which a display device 1 according to a second embodiment is attached to a meter hood 320 by a mounting member 12. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a display device 1 according to a second embodiment is attached to a meter hood 320 by a mounting member 12, as viewed from behind. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a display device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the display device 1 includes a main body 11, an attachment member 12, and a display unit 13. The display device 1 is used by being attached to a sun visor 300 installed near the boundary between the windshield of a vehicle and the ceiling above the driver's seat.

[0028] The sun visor 300 is a sunshade used in a vehicle to protect the driver's eyes from direct sunlight and ensure visibility. The size of the sun visor 300 varies depending on the vehicle, but generally includes a light shielding plate 301 having a width of 250 to 400 mm, a length of 150 to 250 mm, and a thickness of about 20 to 30 mm. As shown in FIG. 2, the sun visor 300 is configured by rotatably supporting an L-shaped shaft 303 on a bracket 302 fixed to the ceiling of the vehicle, and rotatably attaching the light shielding plate 301 to the shaft 303. Therefore, the light shielding plate 301 can be rotated so as to hang down parallel to the windshield of the vehicle or at a desired inclination angle in the front, rear, left and right directions, and the entire light shielding plate 301 can also be rotated about 90 degrees from the windshield side so as to hang down parallel to the door glass or at a desired inclination angle in the front, rear, left and right directions.

[0029] When not in use, the sun visor 300 is held in a stored state in which the light shielding surface of the light shielding plate 301 is parallel to the ceiling of the vehicle and the long side of the light shielding plate 301 is approximately parallel to the windshield. The display device 1 is attached to the light shielding plate 301 of the sun visor 300 in the stored state.

[0030] The main body 11 of the display device 1 has a height approximately equal to the thickness of a sun visor equipped in a typical vehicle, and is provided with a case main body 111 having a depth approximately equal to or less than the distance from the end of the sun visor 300 held in a stored state on the vehicle front side (i.e., the side supported by the shaft 303) to the boundary between the vehicle windshield and the ceiling above the driver's seat. A display unit 13 is provided at the bottom of the case main body 111, and an attachment member 12 is provided on the front surface of the case main body 111 (i.e., the surface located on the driver's side when attached to the sun visor 300).

[0031] The display unit 13 is disposed at the bottom of the case body 111. The width and height of the display unit 13 are approximately equal to or less than the light shielding plate 301 of the sun visor 300. Specifically, the width is preferably 400 mm or less and the height is preferably 250 mm or less. The display unit 13 is a transmissive color liquid crystal display, and when no information is displayed, the display unit 13 transmits light. Conventional head-up displays are mainly projector type, and general-purpose products have a reflective film attached to the glass, which does not comply with safety standards. However, by using a transmissive color liquid crystal display, an image can be displayed directly on the display, eliminating the need to attach a film to the glass and eliminating the hassle of installing a projector. In addition, in a display method in which an image is projected from a projector onto a screen, the image may be easy to see or difficult to see depending on the relationship between the projection direction and the viewpoint, but in a direct display method using a transmissive liquid crystal display, the display does not become difficult to see depending on the viewpoint. Furthermore, by making the size of the display unit 13 approximately the same as or smaller than the sun visor 300, the display unit 13 is less likely to interfere with surrounding structures (for example, the rearview mirror 310 or side glass).

[0032] The mounting member 12 in this embodiment is two clips 121 and 122 protruding from the front surface of the case body 111. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the display device 1 mounted to the sun visor 300 of the vehicle by the mounting member 12. FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the display device 1 mounted to the sun visor 300 of the vehicle by the mounting member 12. The clips 121 and 122 are provided at positions separated in the horizontal direction, and clamp the end of the sun visor 300 in the stored state from the front side of the vehicle (i.e., the windshield side) to mount the display device 1 to the sun visor 300. In this way, the sun visor 300 and the display device 1 can be easily mounted to the vehicle. Furthermore, since the structure of the sun visor 300 described above is generally common regardless of the vehicle model, the display device can be mounted to various vehicle models. In addition, since the display device 1 is attached to the sun visor 300 from the windshield side by clipping it, if the driver hits the display device 1 due to an accident or the like, the display device 1 easily falls off the sun visor 300, making it difficult for the driver to suffer serious injury. In addition, since the sun visor 300 is arranged so as not to interfere with the rearview mirror 310 or the glass on the side of the vehicle, even if the display unit 13 protrudes below the sun visor 300, the display unit 13 does not interfere with the rearview mirror 310 or the glass on the side of the vehicle, and does not interfere with the position adjustment of the rearview mirror 310 or the rearward visibility through the rearview mirror 310. In addition, since the display unit 13 does not block the driver's forward visibility, it can be installed while satisfying safety standards.

[0033] When attaching the display device 1 to the sun visor 300, the attachment work can be made easier by shifting the sun visor 300 from the stored state of the light shielding plate 301. When attachment is complete, the sun visor 300 is returned to the stored state. When attachment is complete, the case body 111 is hidden behind the sun visor 300, and the display unit 13 is located lower than the sun visor in the stored state. Only the display unit 13 is visible to the driver.

[0034] In this way, the display unit can be arranged in a position where it is dimly visible when the vehicle driver gazes ahead. "Dimly" refers to a state where something is in the field of vision but not clearly visible, and is vaguely visible, and corresponds to a position that is shifted approximately 10 degrees or more in the vertical direction from the line of sight when the driver is sitting in the driver's seat and looking at a vehicle 40 to 50 meters ahead on a straight road. The area of ​​approximately 20 degrees from the fovea is called the central field of vision. The other area is called the peripheral field of vision, and the more central the field of vision, the higher the spatial resolution. The area directly below the stored sun visor 300 corresponds to the peripheral field of vision, which is located above the line of sight. With the configuration in which the display unit 13 is arranged in a position where it is dimly visible, the driver can recognize changes in the display on the display unit 13 without gazing at the display device 1.

[0035] 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main body 11. The rear surface of the case main body 111 (i.e., the surface facing away from the driver when the case main body 111 is attached to the sun visor 300) is provided with an SD memory card slot 117, into which an SD memory card 20 having map data and the like recorded therein can be inserted. In addition, a DC jack 110 is provided on the rear surface of the case main body 111. The DC jack 110 is for connecting a cigarette plug cord (not shown), and is connected to a cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle via the cigarette plug cord so that power can be supplied. In addition, operation buttons 114 including a power switch, a USB terminal 115, and the like are provided on the side surface of the case main body 111. A personal computer can be connected via the USB terminal 115 to perform version upgrades of software applications, and the like.

[0036] The following devices and components are disposed inside the case body 111. That is, a microwave receiver 112 is disposed inside the back side of the case body 111. The microwave receiver 112 receives microwaves of a predetermined frequency band, and when it receives microwaves of the set frequency band, it detects the signal level of the received microwaves. Specifically, it uses an RSSI voltage, which is the signal level and corresponds to the field strength. The above-mentioned predetermined frequency band is, for example, a frequency band that includes the frequency of microwaves emitted from a vehicle speed measuring device. Also, a GPS receiver 113 is disposed inside the top side of the case body 111, which receives a GPS signal and determines the current position.

[0037] The display device 1 of this embodiment has a navigation function that guides the user along a route to a set destination, and a target notification function that serves as a target notification device that notifies the user of surrounding targets such as vehicle speed measuring devices and other traffic monitoring points. These navigation and target notification functions are stored in the EEPROM of the control unit 118 as programs executed by a computer included in the control unit 118, and are realized by the computer's execution of the programs.

[0038] That is, the control unit 118 executes a predetermined process based on information input from the various input devices (GPS receiver 113, microwave receiver 112, operation button 114, SD memory card slot 117, USB terminal 115, etc.) and outputs predetermined information, warnings, and messages using the output devices (display unit 13, SD memory card slot 117, USB terminal 115, etc.). This predetermined process is for executing each of the above functions, and accesses database 116 and SD memory card 20 as necessary.

[0039] Here, the database 116 can be realized by a non-volatile memory (for example, an EEPROM) within the microcomputer of the control unit 118 or attached externally to the microcomputer.

[0040] In database 116, certain landmarks, maps, and other information required for implementing each function are registered at the time of shipment, and data on landmarks added later can be updated through a specified process. The process for updating this information may be performed, for example, by inserting an SD memory card storing the additional data into SD memory card slot 117 and transferring the data from the SD memory card to database 116. This data update can also be performed using a personal computer or other external device connected via USB terminal 115.

[0041] Specifically, database 116 stores road network information for navigation. The information for navigation stored in database 116 may include all information for the entire country at the time of shipment, or map data, etc. may be provided for each region stored in SD memory card 20, and the user may prepare an SD memory card storing the necessary map data, etc., and insert it into SD memory card slot 117 for use. The map data, etc. stored in SD memory card 20 may be transferred to database 116 for storage, or control unit 118 may access SD memory card 20 and read it out from there for use.

[0042] The control unit 118 can read road network information around the current position from the database 116 and use this road network information to search for a route from one position to another. The database 116 also includes a telephone number database that stores telephone numbers in association with location information and names of homes, businesses, facilities, etc., and an address database that stores addresses in association with location information of those addresses. The database 116 also stores location information of traffic monitoring points such as speed measuring devices together with their types.

[0043] Next, the function of the display unit 13 will be described in detail. The display unit 13 displays information, warnings, messages, etc. according to the control of the control unit 118. The display unit 13 includes a first region 131 and a second region 132. As shown in FIG. 6, the first region 131 is a region near the left and right ends of the display unit 13. The first region is usually not displayed and the front is transparent, while at the timing when information should be presented to the driver, when the driver gazes ahead and the first region 131 is dimly visible, the display is changed to an extent that the driver can recognize that the display has changed from a non-display state to a display state. Specifically, based on the display control by the control unit 118, the display of the first region 131 is significantly changed in size, brightness, color, etc. compared to the display of the second region, or the display changes in a short time compared to the display change of the second region. This changes the display, making it easier for the driver to view the display of the first region 131 even in a dimly visible state.

[0044] The second area 132 is an area in the center of the display unit 13. In this second area, various information on the vehicle and surrounding conditions, such as vehicle speed, engine RPM, coolant temperature, and other information obtained by OBD (On-board diagnostics), as well as distances to targets in a target notification function and a navigation function, which will be described later, are displayed by numbers and letters. Information that cannot be seen without careful attention is constantly displayed in the second area, and the display contents are updated periodically as needed. Since the information is constantly displayed, when the driver is gazing ahead and the display unit 13 is in a position where it is dimly visible, the display in the second area 132 is less visible than the display in the first area, and it is difficult to recognize changes in the display.

[0045] If the driver intentionally gazes at the second area 132, the driver can check the various pieces of information displayed at any time. In addition, unless the driver switches his / her viewpoint to the information constantly displayed in the second area 132, the driver who is gazing ahead cannot see the information displayed in the second area 132, so the constant display in the second area 132 is unlikely to interfere with driving.

[0046] When the display unit 13 is not displaying anything, the display unit 13 does not block the driver's view ahead, ensuring a sufficient field of vision and contributing to safe driving. In addition, if a device such as the display unit 13 is attached and is a non-transparent type, the driver is unlikely to be aware of it because there is only a stationary object. In contrast, in the case of a transparent type, the scenery ahead is seen to be transparent and flowing, so the driver can obtain information through the transparent display unit as if he or she were trying to obtain various information through the windshield. On the other hand, if there is a change, it is displayed superimposed on the scenery, which is likely to cause a sense of incongruity, and it is easy to recognize the difference from the surrounding windshield.

[0047] To realize the target notification function, the control unit 118 operates as follows. That is, when the microwave receiver 112 receives microwaves of a predetermined frequency, such as microwaves emitted from a vehicle speed measurement device, the control unit 118 outputs an alarm by displaying on the display unit 13. Specifically, the control unit 118 controls the display unit 13 so that a red arrow in the first area 131 of the display unit 13 is instantly changed from a non-display state to a display state. At the same time, the control unit 118 controls the display unit 13 so that the display of the vehicle speed in the second area 132 flashes in synchronization with the red arrow in the first area 131, in order to guide the driver's line of sight, who recognizes the change in the display of the first area, to a location in the second area 132 of the display unit 13 where the vehicle speed is displayed.

[0048] Further, the control unit 118 operates as follows to realize a navigation function that provides route (path) guidance to the set destination. That is, a destination setting menu is displayed on the display unit 13, and the user is prompted to select a destination setting method, and the destination is set according to the operation of the operation button 114. The destination setting menu is displayed so that a destination search by phone number and a destination search by address can be selected. When it is detected that a search by phone number has been selected, a phone number input screen is displayed, and location information corresponding to the input phone number is obtained from the database 116. When it is detected that a search by address has been selected, a selection input screen for an address is displayed, and location information corresponding to the input address is obtained from the database 116. Then, the acquired location information is set as the location information of the destination, and a recommended route from the current position to the destination is obtained based on the road network information stored in the database 116. A known method such as the Dijkstra algorithm can be used as a method for calculating this recommended route.

[0049] When approaching an intersection where a right or left turn should be made, a green arrow is displayed flashing in the first area 131 on the side of the turn direction, and the distance to the intersection is displayed in the second area 132. Then, in order to guide the driver's line of sight to the display of the distance to the intersection where the driver will turn, the display of the distance to the intersection in the second area 132 is displayed flashing in sync with the green arrow in the first area 131. Also, when the driver approaches a set destination, green arrows are displayed flashing in the first area 131 on both the left and right sides, and the distance to the destination is displayed in the second area. Then, in order to guide the driver's line of sight to the display of the distance to the destination, the display of the distance to the destination in the second area 132 is displayed flashing in sync with the green arrow in the first area 131.

[0050] As described above, at the timing when information should be presented to the driver, such as when approaching a target object, an intersection, etc., the display of the first area is changed to such an extent that the driver can recognize that the first area has changed from a non-display state to a display state when the driver gazes ahead while the first area is vaguely visible. At the same time, a display is made to guide the driver's line of sight from the first area to the second area.

[0051] In this way, the driver can easily notice the change in the display state of the first area 131 due to the characteristics of vision in a dimly visible range, and when the driver notices the change and decides to obtain more detailed information, he or she can turn the driver's gaze, which had been fixed on the road ahead, to the first area 131. The display that guides the driver's gaze from the first area 131 to the second area 132 allows the driver to move the gaze smoothly. In this way, the display change in the first area 131 serves as a bait, so to speak, to inform the driver that information that the driver should pay attention to is displayed in the second area 132, and the driver can be guided to gaze at the display in the second area 132 to check the detailed information.

[0052] In addition, by displaying in first area 131 in different colors or patterns when a warning about the landmark notification function is displayed in second area 132 and when a warning about the navigation function is displayed in second area 132, the driver can recognize whether the information to be focused on displayed in second area 132 is related to the landmark notification function or the navigation function without changing the direction of the driver's line of sight. Then, based on that recognition, the driver can determine whether to focus on second area 132 or not.

[0053] Second Embodiment The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The display device 1 according to this embodiment is characterized in that the display unit 13 is mounted so as to be located in front of the meter hood of the vehicle (i.e., between the meter hood and the driver). Note that, apart from the changes resulting from the adoption of such a configuration, the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment described above, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0054] 7 is a perspective view of the exterior of a display device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the rear side located opposite the driver when the display device 1 is attached to a vehicle. The display device 1 of this embodiment includes a main body 11, an attachment member 12, and a display unit 13, as in the first embodiment. The display unit 13 is provided at the bottom of a case main body 111 forming the housing of the main body 11. The attachment member 12 is configured as a hook protruding from the center of the rear of the case main body 111, as shown in FIG. 7, in order to position the display unit 13 in front of the meter hood 320. The bottom surface of the hook is flat and is provided without any step with the bottom surface of the case main body 111.

[0055] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the display device 1 attached to the meter hood 320 of the vehicle by the attachment member 12, as viewed from the side. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the display device 1 attached to the meter hood 320 of the vehicle by the attachment member 12, as viewed from the rear of the vehicle. The bottom surfaces of the case body 111 and the attachment member 12 are fixed to the upper edge surface of the meter hood 320 by adhesive tape. In this way, the display device 1 can be easily attached to the vehicle so that the display unit 13 is located in front of the meter hood 320. In this way, the display unit 13 can be arranged in the lower part of the forward field of vision that is dimly visible when the vehicle driver gazes forward, without blocking the driver's forward field of vision. In addition, even if the display unit 13, which is a transmissive color liquid crystal display, is arranged in front of the meter hood 320, various meters and display devices arranged in the meter hood 320 can be seen through the display device. In general vehicles, the meter hood 320 is often located in the lower part in front of the driver, which is easy to install and has good visibility because direct sunlight is blocked. In addition, since the display unit 13 does not block the driver's forward visibility, it can be installed while satisfying safety standards. In the case of a so-called center meter type vehicle in which instruments such as the speedometer are not located in front of the driver's seat as usual, but in the center between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, even if the display unit 13 is located in front of the front panel of the meter hood 320, the meter hood in a center meter type vehicle configured so that it is not within the range that is dimly visible when the driver gazes forward is not considered to be the meter hood 320 assumed in this invention.

[0056] [Modifications of the embodiment] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications and improvements within the scope of the present invention that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0057] For example, in the above embodiment, a transmissive color liquid crystal display is used as an example of a display unit provided in the display device, but other transmissive display elements may be used. For example, a black and white transmissive liquid crystal display, a transmissive electroluminescence (EL) display, or other display elements may be used. Also, a configuration may be adopted in which an image is projected from a projector, and a transmissive display surface (e.g., a screen) may be provided as the display unit.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the "dimly visible position" where the display unit is placed is not limited to the upper or lower part of the forward field of vision that is dimly visible when the vehicle driver gazes forward, but may be, for example, either the left or right area of ​​the central field of vision in the peripheral vision. In this case, in order not to block the driver's field of vision, it is preferable to provide a mounting member suitable for placing the display unit in the right area of ​​the central field of vision in a right-hand drive vehicle, or the left area of ​​the central field of vision in a left-hand drive vehicle, as the dimly visible position.

[0059] The "dimly visible position" where the display unit is disposed may be, for example, above the meter hood (on the dashboard) when the display unit is disposed on the entire surface of a transparent portion (for example, a windshield) as in the first embodiment, or may be in front of a non-transparent portion, such as the front surface of the meter hood as exemplified in the second embodiment.

[0060] The control unit may also control the display state of the first area to be changed when the information to be focused on is displayed in the second area. When changing the display state of the first area, it is particularly preferable to display in the first area different visual effects according to the content of the information to be focused on that is displayed in the second area.

[0061] As a visual effect performed in the display of the first region, in addition to displaying in different colors according to the contents of the information described in the above embodiment, different display patterns may be used according to the contents of the information. For example, depending on the contents of the information, it is good to display in a pattern such as blinking or a flowing movement from side to side. It is said that there is a tendency for color vision to be lost in a dimly visible position, and a change in pattern can make it easier for the driver to recognize the difference than a change in color.

[0062] In addition, the display that guides the gaze from the first area to the second area may be a synchronized flashing display as described in the above embodiment, or the display of the first area and the display of the information to be focused on in the second area may be displayed in the same color, connected by a line segment, or a combination of these.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the display unit includes the first region and the second region. However, the second region does not have to be provided. In this case, the first region may cover the entire surface of the display unit.

[0064] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the display device has a landmark notification function and a navigation function, but one or both of these functions may be provided by an external device, and the display device may be configured to function as an external display means for the external device.

[0065] In the second embodiment, the hook is provided as the mounting member, but the bottom surface of the case body may function as the mounting member without providing the hook. In this case, the bottom surface of the case body may be attached to the top surface of the dashboard via adhesive tape or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 11 Main body 12 Mounting material 13 Display section 20 SD memory card 110 DC Jack 111 Case body 112 Microwave Receiver 113 GPS receiver 114 Operation Button 115 USB port 116 Databases 117 SD memory card slot 118 Control Unit 121 clips 122 clips 123 Hook 131 First area 132 Second area 300 Sun visor 301 Shading plate 302 Bracket 303 Shaft 310 Rearview mirror 320 Meter Hood

Claims

1. a display unit having a first area located in front of a vehicle driver and a second area located in front of the vehicle driver and in which predetermined information to be provided to the vehicle driver is displayed; The first area transmits light at least in a non-display state, and changes from the non-display state to a display state at a timing when the predetermined information displayed in the second area should be provided to the vehicle driver. A display device comprising:

2. In the second area, information that is updated as needed is displayed as the predetermined information, In the first area, a display is performed to guide the line of sight of the vehicle driver to the second area at a timing when the display state is changed.

2. The display device according to claim 1 .

3. In the second area, first information and second information can be displayed as the predetermined information, In the first area, a display mode different from a display mode when the first information is displayed in the second area and a display mode when the second information is displayed in the second area are performed.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

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