Display device and display method

Abstract

To improve convenience of a driver.SOLUTION: A display device includes a display part and a control unit. The display part is disposed in an operation part of a steering device. The control unit is electrically connected to the display part and controls a display mode of the display part in accordance with the temperature of the operation part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a steering heater having a heater device for heating a steering wheel inside. Such a steering heater is mounted for the purpose of heating to a temperature suitable for the gripping operation by the driver in order to drive comfortably when using the vehicle in a low temperature environment such as in winter.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, it is impossible to visually confirm whether the current temperature situation of the steering wheel is a temperature suitable for gripping, and there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of the convenience of the driver.

[0005] One of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide a display device that solves the above problems and can improve the convenience of the driver.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The display device according to the present disclosure includes a display unit and a control unit. The display unit is disposed on an operation unit of a steering device. The control unit is electrically connected to the display unit and controls a display mode of the display unit according to a temperature of the operation unit.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] The display device in the present disclosure can make the current temperature situation of the steering wheel recognizable to the driver, thereby improving the convenience for the driver.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, one or more embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments disclosed below, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, order of steps, etc. are all examples, and are not intended to limit the display device according to the present disclosure. In each figure, components with the same reference numerals are shown to be the same or substantially the same components, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Note that in the embodiments disclosed below, detailed descriptions that are not necessary may be omitted. For example, descriptions of well-known matters or descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid preventing those skilled in the art from understanding due to the description becoming unnecessarily redundant.

[0010] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are front views showing an example of a steering wheel 999 including a display device 100 according to an embodiment. The steering wheel 999 is an operation unit of a steering device for steering a vehicle and is gripped by a driver during driving. In the present disclosure, in the steering wheel 999 (operation unit), a portion (part or all of the rim 300) that is gripped by the driver during driving is referred to as a gripping portion. The steering wheel 999 has, for example, a rim 300 that is ring-shaped (annular), a hub 400 disposed substantially at the center of a circular space formed inside the rim 300, and spokes 200 formed in a substantially T-shape connecting the inner peripheral surface of the rim 300 and the hub 400. As an example, the hub 400 supports the spokes 200. Also, the spokes 200 support the rim 300. As another example, the hub 400 may independently support each of the spokes 200 and the rim 300. Note that the shape of the steering wheel 999 is not limited to a ring shape, and may be a D shape or an H shape.

[0011] The display device 100 is arranged on the rim 300 in FIG. 1 and on the spoke 200 in FIG. 2, but the arrangement location of the display device 100 is not limited to this. For example, the display device 100 may be arranged at the hub 400 portion. In FIG. 1, the display device 100 deformed (formed) along the ring shape of the rim 300 is arranged at the upper part of the rim 300, and in FIG. 2, two substantially rectangular display devices 100 are arranged on the spoke 200 substantially parallel to the spoke 200, but the shape, number, and arrangement are not limited to this. The display device 100 only needs to be provided so that the driver can visually recognize the current temperature situation of the steering wheel 999, and each of its shape, number, and arrangement can be freely determined. More specifically, it is sufficient that the display part described later provided in the display device 100 is arranged on the steering wheel 999. The driver here refers to the driver before touching the steering wheel 999, for example, the driver in the seated state in the driver's seat, but it may also be the driver who opens the door and stands before sitting or performs the sitting operation, or the driver who looks into the vehicle interior through the window. For example, a circular (for example, formed in an arc shape) display device 100 may be arranged on the lower side of the rim 300. Also, a steering switch 500 may be arranged on the spoke 200, and the display device 100 may be arranged inside the steering switch 500. By mounting the display device 100 on the steering wheel 999, the current temperature situation of the steering wheel 999 can be intuitively recognized visually.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the display device 100 according to the embodiment. The display device 100 includes an LED bar (light emitting unit, display unit) 110 and a control unit 120 including a steering ECU (Electronic Control Unit) electrically connected to the LED bar 110. The control unit 120 controls the display mode of the LED bar 110 according to the temperature of the steering wheel 999 (for example, the current temperature). In the present embodiment, the display device 100 uses the LED bar 110 as a light emitting element as a display unit, but any light emitting element and display element such as a liquid crystal display or a fluorescent lamp may be used as the display unit. A thermistor which is a temperature detection unit 600 built in the steering wheel 999, a heater mat which is a heater 700 covering the rim 300, a hands-on detection (hereinafter, HOD: Hands On Detection) mat which is a grip detection unit 800 for detecting the grip of the driver arranged on the steering wheel 999, and a steering switch 500 are similarly connected to the control unit 120 and controlled by the control unit 120. The HOD mat is arranged, for example, wound around the rim 300. The HOD mat has an electrode provided at a position where a person touches through the skin of the rim 300 and a capacitance sensor for detecting a change in capacitance generated between the human body and the electrode.

[0013] Note that not all of these need to be mounted on the steering wheel 999 simultaneously. Also, other systems may be connected. For example, the control unit 120 may not have the timing function 120b described later, and another timing system may be mounted on the display device 100 or the vehicle equipped with the display device 100, and the timing system may be connected to the control unit 120. Also, not all systems need to be connected to the same control unit 120, and they may be individually connected to each respective control unit. Also, the control unit 120 may not be arranged on the steering wheel 999, that is, not limited to the case realized by the steering ECU, and each system may be controlled by one integrated ECU that controls the entire vehicle, such as a cockpit domain controller (CDC). Also, as the control unit 120, the substrate of the steering switch 500 may be used instead of the substrate of the steering ECU, and if the light-emitting part can be controlled according to the temperature, the design can be changed as appropriate. Also, the heater 700 and the grip detection unit 800 are not limited to a separate configuration and may have a combined configuration.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit 120 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 120 includes at least one processor 121, a main storage device 122, an auxiliary storage device 123, and a communication interface 124, and has a hardware configuration similar to that of a normal computer. The processor 121, the main storage device 122, the auxiliary storage device 123, and the communication interface 124 are communicably connected via, for example, a bus 129.

[0015] At least one processor 121 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). However, instead of or in addition to the CPU, other processors may be provided. As other processors, various processors such as a CPU, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and dedicated arithmetic circuits implemented by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) can be appropriately used. The main memory device 122 is a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The main memory device 122 temporarily stores data necessary for various processes by the processor 121. The auxiliary storage device 123 is a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory). The auxiliary storage device 123 stores programs, parameters, etc. for realizing various processes by the processor 121. The communication interface 124 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information (control signals and / or data) to and from the outside of the control unit 120. The communication interface 124 communicates with each of the LED bar 110, the steering switch 500, the temperature detection unit 600, the heater 700, and the grip detection unit 800. Note that the communication interface 124 may transmit and receive information to and from other ECUs mounted on the vehicle 1 via an in-vehicle network including CAN (Controller Area Network), Ethernet (registered trademark), USB (Universal Serial Bus (registered trademark)), etc. in the vehicle, or may communicate with an information processing device outside the vehicle via a telecommunication line such as the Internet.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 120 according to the embodiment. The control unit 120 realizes each function of the control unit 120 including a light emission control function 120a, a timing function 120b, a temperature detection function 120c, and a grip detection function 120d, for example, by executing a program loaded from the auxiliary storage device 123 to the main memory device 122 with the processor 121.

[0017] The light emission control function 120a controls the light emission mode (display mode) of the LED bar 110. As an example, when the heater 700 is turned on, the light emission control function 120a causes the LED bar 110 to emit light. As an example, the light emission control function 120a expresses the temperature state of the steering wheel 999 by controlling the light emission mode of the LED bar 110. For example, the light emission control function 120a causes the LED bar 110 to emit light in a color corresponding to the current temperature of the steering wheel 999. As an example, when the gripping of the driver's steering wheel 999 is detected, the light emission control function 120a turns off the LED bar 110.

[0018] The timekeeping function 120b measures the elapsed time since the temperature display of the display device 100 started.

[0019] The temperature detection function 120c acquires the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 based on the output of the temperature detection unit 600. Note that the acquisition of this current temperature may be performed by correcting the measured value based on, for example, the positional relationship and material between the measurement position of the temperature detection unit 600 such as a thermistor and the gripping portion of the steering wheel 999. Further, the temperature detection unit 600 may be shared with the temperature detection unit used for temperature control of the heater 700. In other words, the temperature detection unit 600 may be shared for temperature detection of the rim 300 of the steering wheel 999 and temperature detection of the heater 700.

[0020] The gripping detection function 120d determines whether or not the driver is gripping the steering wheel 999 based on the output of the gripping detection unit 800 (using the HOD mat in this embodiment). Specifically, the gripping detection function 120d determines whether or not the driver's hand is in contact with the steering wheel 999 based on the change in capacitance detected by the HOD mat.

[0021] Note that the grip detection function 120d may determine that it is "gripped" when the driver's hand is in contact with the steering wheel 999 for a predetermined time or longer, which is stored in the auxiliary storage device 123 or the like in advance, for example. Alternatively, the grip detection function 120d may determine that it is "gripped" when the driver's hand is in contact with a predetermined location that is assumed to be gripped by the driver, such as the driving posture, and is stored in the auxiliary storage device 123 or the like in advance. Alternatively, the grip detection function 120d may determine that it is "gripped" when it is determined that the driver's hand is in contact with the HOD mat provided at a predetermined location that is assumed to be gripped by the driver, such as the driving posture.

[0022] Hereinafter, the processing operation of one aspect according to the present disclosure by the control unit 120 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing according to the embodiment. The display device 100 executes the routine illustrated in FIG. 6 triggered by the switch of the heater 700 being turned on. Note that the start of the routine is not limited to the ON and OFF of the heater switch. For example, the display device 100 may start the routine when the door is opened or when the door is unlocked, etc., as long as the routine can be started before the driver grips the steering wheel 999. At this time, the temperature display by the LED bar 110 is performed for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is determined as appropriate. The predetermined time is preferably a time sufficient for the heater 700 to complete heating, but is not limited thereto. As will be described in detail later, the display device 100 may calculate the predetermined time when the routine starts.

[0023] In the control according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, when the routine starts, in step S101, the control unit 120 causes the LED bar 110 to emit light and starts measuring the elapsed time since the start of light emission, that is, the start of the temperature display.

[0024] Next, in step S102, the control unit 120 determines whether the driver is gripping the steering wheel 999 (the steering wheel) based on the gripping detection unit 800 (using the HOD mat in this embodiment). If it is determined that the driver is gripping the steering wheel 999 (YES in step S102), the process proceeds to step S108 where the control unit 120 turns off the LED bar 110, and in step S108, the display device 100 ends the temperature display. The state change of the LED bar 110 when gripping is detected is shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the behavior of the display device 100 when the steering wheel 999 according to the embodiment is gripped. As shown in FIG. 7(a), the display device 100 according to this embodiment emits light for temperature display when the steering wheel 999 is not gripped by the driver. However, as shown in FIG. 7(b), when it is detected that the steering wheel 999 has been gripped by the driver, the light emission for temperature display stops.

[0025] In addition, in the control according to one aspect of the present disclosure, regardless of the order of the illustrated flowchart, the gripping detection is performed in parallel, and if gripping is detected at any step, the temperature display ends. This is because there is no longer a need to display the current temperature to the driver after gripping. The display device 100 according to this embodiment can achieve power saving by ending the temperature display when gripping is detected.

[0026] If it is determined by the control unit 120 that the driver is not gripping the steering wheel 999 (NO in step S102), the process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, the display device 100 measures the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 using the temperature detection unit 600. In step S104, the control unit 120 causes the LED bar 110 to emit light in a color corresponding to the current temperature obtained in step S103. By causing the LED bar 110 to emit light in a color corresponding to the current temperature, the display device 100 can enable the driver to visually recognize the current temperature of the steering wheel 999.

[0027] Specifically, the light emission control corresponding to the current temperature will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing how the emission color of the display device 100 according to the embodiment changes. How the emission color changes according to the current temperature is shown in FIGS. 8(a) to 8(c). In the low-temperature state, the emission color of the LED bar 110 of the display device 100 is a cool color such as light blue (FIG. 8(a)). On the other hand, as the temperature rises, the emission color becomes a warm color such as yellow or orange (FIG. 8(b)). And in the appropriate temperature state where the steering wheel 999 is fully warmed up, the emission color of the LED bar 110 becomes a predetermined specific color such as red (FIG. 8(c)). The display device 100 presents the current temperature of the rim 300 to the driver by changing the emission color of the LED bar 110 according to the current temperature as described above. Note that the color change is preferably a step change, but a switching change such as the emission color of the LED bar 110 being light blue until it is fully warmed up and switching to red when the rim 300 is fully warmed up may also be used. Also, the relationship between the temperature and the emission color is arbitrary and can be changed as appropriate.

[0028] Here, the appropriate temperature state where the steering wheel 999 is fully warmed up is a target temperature (for example, 38°C) or a temperature range in which a driver who touches or grips the steering wheel 999 at that temperature does not feel discomfort, and is a temperature state previously defined and stored in the auxiliary storage device 123 or the like. Note that the appropriate temperature state may be defined by any of the output value of the heater 700, the temperature value of the steering wheel 999, and the elapsed time since the start of heating.

[0029] Furthermore, instead of or in addition to the change in emission color, a configuration that changes the emission area according to the current temperature is also conceivable. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing how the emission area of the display device 100 according to the embodiment changes. In the low temperature state, the emission area of the LED bar 110 of the display device 100 is, for example, about one-tenth of its total area (FIG. 9(a)), but as the temperature rises, for example, half of the total area becomes the emission area (FIG. 9(b)). In the appropriate temperature state where the steering wheel 999 is fully warmed up, the emission area of the LED bar 110 becomes equal to the total area (FIG. 9(c)). The display device 100 presents the current temperature of the rim 300 to the driver by increasing or decreasing the emission area of the LED bar 110 according to the current temperature as described above. Note that in the low temperature state, the emission area of the light blue color is wider, but the current temperature may be presented by the color area such that the emission area of the red color increases as the temperature rises.

[0030] Furthermore, a configuration that changes the characters displayed on the LED bar 110 according to the current temperature is also conceivable. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how the characters displayed by the emission of the display device 100 according to the embodiment change. For example, when the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 is low, such as 6°C, the number displayed on the LED bar 110 of the display device 100 is 06°C (FIG. 10(a)), but as the temperature rises, the characters displayed according to the current temperature, such as 13°C, change (FIG. 10(b)). In the appropriate temperature state where the steering wheel 999 is fully warmed up, for example, at 38 degrees, the LED bar 110 displays the characters of 38°C (FIG. 10(c)). The display device 100 presents the current temperature of the rim 300 to the driver by changing the characters displayed on the LED bar 110 according to the current temperature as described above. Note that in the appropriate temperature state, the LED bar 110 may display a message or an icon indicating that it is in the appropriate temperature state instead of the display of the current temperature. Note that the configuration that changes the characters to be displayed may be combined with at least one of the above-described emission color, emission area, and color area.

[0031] In addition, the changes in the light emission state according to the current temperature include changes in patterns, patterns, blinking speeds, etc. As long as the driver can visually recognize the temperature change, the form does not matter. When changing the blinking speed according to the current temperature, for example, when the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 is low, such as 6°C, the LED bar 110 of the display device 100 is not lit. However, when the current temperature rises to 13°C or higher, it starts to blink, and as the current temperature rises, the blinking speed increases. When the steering wheel 999 reaches the appropriate temperature, such as 38°C, for example, the LED bar 110 may have the fastest blinking speed or stop blinking and light up. Also, when changing the light emission pattern or pattern, for example, when the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 is low, such as 6°C, the LED bar 110 of the display device 100 is not lit. However, as the current temperature rises, horizontal or vertical lines that emit light at equal intervals are gradually added and displayed. For example, in the appropriate temperature state of 38°C, a check pattern is formed to indicate to the driver that the temperature at which the rim 300 can be gripped is reached.

[0032] In step S105, the control unit 120 determines, in the same manner as in S102, whether the driver is gripping the steering wheel 999 based on the gripping detection unit 800 (using the HOD mat in this embodiment). When it is determined that the driver is gripping the steering wheel (YES in step S105), the display device 100 ends the temperature display in the same flow as in the case of YES in step S102. When it is determined that the driver is not gripping the steering wheel (NO in step S105), the process proceeds to step S106.

[0033] In step S106, the control unit 120 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature display of the display device 100 started. The predetermined time may be determined in advance and stored in the auxiliary storage device 123 or the like, for example, by measuring the correlation with the temperature or calculating the correlation with the temperature based on the material, size of the steering wheel 999, heating performance of the heater 700, etc. Alternatively, it may be corrected according to the ambient temperature or the like. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S106), the process returns to step S103 to perform temperature measurement. If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S106), in step S107, the control unit 120 blinks the LED bar 110 to signal the driver to end the temperature display. Note that the form is not limited as long as the driver can be notified of the end of the temperature display. Therefore, at least one of the display color, blink speed, display area, and display pattern of the LED bar 110 may be changed, such as changing the color to purple instead of blinking. After signaling the end of the temperature display in step S107, in step S108, the LED bar 110 is turned off and the temperature display is turned off.

[0034] (Modification example) Note that instead of determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the display device 100 was turned on, it may be determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection of the end of heating. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the display device 100 when determining the elapse of a predetermined time after the heating according to the embodiment is completed. For the control with the same content as that in FIG. 6, the same reference numerals are assigned and the description is omitted.

[0035] The flowchart of FIG. 11 adds a temperature completion determination step S201 for determining whether the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 has reached the target temperature between steps S104 and S105 of the flowchart of FIG. 6. Here, the target temperature is the temperature of the appropriate temperature state when the steering wheel 999 is fully warmed (for example, 38° C.), and is stored, for example, in a pre-determined auxiliary storage device 123 or the like. When it is determined that the temperature measured by the temperature detection unit 600 has not reached the target temperature (NO in step S201), the control unit 120 repeats the temperature measurement in step S103 and the light emission color change in step S104. When the temperature measured by the temperature detection unit 600 reaches the target temperature and the rim 300 of the steering wheel 999 reaches a temperature suitable for gripping (YES in step S201), the control unit 120 ends the temperature measurement step and the step of changing the light emission color, starts measuring the elapsed time since the temperature measured by the temperature detection unit 600 reached the target temperature, and proceeds to step S105. Thereafter, the control unit 120, in the same manner as the flow of FIG. 6, determines in step S105 whether the steering wheel 999 is gripped by the driver based on the gripping detection unit 800. If it is determined that it is gripped, it proceeds to step S108, the LED bar turns off, and the temperature display ends in step S601. If it is determined that it is not gripped, it proceeds to step S106, and the display device 100 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the heating was completed in step S201. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S106), the control unit 120 returns to the determination of whether the steering wheel 999 is gripped again (step S105) and repeats steps S105 and S106.

[0036] In addition, in step S108 of FIG. 6 or FIG. 11, after the temperature display turns off in step S108, the display device 100 may be used to display other vehicle information. For example, the display device 100 may display the mode state of the automatic driving. Examples of the vehicle information include, but are not limited to, the in-vehicle air conditioning state, the vehicle speed, and the fuel consumption.

[0037] In addition, the display of the temperature state is preferably realized by the LED bar 110 disposed on the steering wheel 999. However, as shown in FIG. 12, it may be realized by, for example, the meter 900. For example, the display device 100 may arrange a display symbol 901 that changes the light emission state according to the current temperature on the meter 900. The display device 100 only needs to be configured such that the driver can visually recognize the current temperature situation of the steering wheel 999, and the position of the display unit (for example, the LED bar 110) can be freely determined.

[0038] (Configuration and Effects of Embodiment) The configuration of the first embodiment and its effects will be described below.

[0039] The display device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is disposed on the steering wheel 999, and includes an LED bar 110 that has one or more light emitting elements and emits light to display information, and a control unit 120 that is electrically connected to the LED bar 110 and controls the light emission of the LED bar 110 according to the current temperature of the steering wheel 999.

[0040] According to the above configuration, the driver may be able to visually confirm the current temperature situation of the steering wheel without gripping the steering wheel 999 with his own hands. In addition, since the display device 100 is disposed on the steering wheel, the driver can recognize the temperature of the steering wheel sensibly and understandably.

[0041] In addition, in the display device 100, the steering wheel 999 has a temperature detection unit 600 that detects the temperature of the steering wheel 999. The control unit 120 treats the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 600 as the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 and controls the operation of the LED bar 110 according to the detected temperature.

[0042] According to the above configuration, since the display device 100 detects the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 and controls the LED bar 110 at a temperature corresponding thereto, it may be possible to display a more accurate temperature of the steering wheel 999 to the driver. Thereby, the driver can recognize the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 with higher accuracy.

[0043] Also, in the display device 100, the control unit 120 changes at least one of the emission color, the blinking speed, the emission area, and the emission pattern of the LED bar 110 according to the current temperature of the steering wheel 999.

[0044] According to the above configuration, the display device 100 may be able to visually let the driver recognize the change in the current temperature situation. Thereby, the driver can visually recognize the change in temperature.

[0045] Also, in the display device 100, the rim 300 of the steering wheel 999 has a grip detection unit 800 that detects the grip of the rim 300 by the driver. When the grip detection unit 800 detects the grip of the rim 300 by the driver, the control unit 120 stops the light emission by the LED bar 110.

[0046] According to the above configuration, the display device 100 can detect the start of the driving operation of the driver and stop unnecessary temperature display.

[0047] Also, in the display device 100, the steering wheel 999 has a heater 700 that warms the steering wheel 999. After the heating of the steering wheel 999 by the heater 700 is completed and a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 120 stops the temperature display light emission corresponding to the current temperature by the LED bar 110.

[0048] According to the above configuration, after making the driver recognize that it has warmed up sufficiently, unnecessary light emission is stopped, and power saving becomes possible.

[0049] Also, in the display device 100, after the heating of the steering wheel 999 by the heater 700 is completed and a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 120 changes at least one of the color, blinking speed, light emitting area, and light emitting pattern of the LED bar 110, and then stops the light emission by temperature display.

[0050] According to the above configuration, the display device 100 can enable the driver to recognize that the display device 100 has finished emitting light corresponding to the temperature.

[0051] Also, in the display device 100, when the LED bar 110 is not used for displaying the current temperature of the steering wheel 999, it is used for displaying vehicle information other than the current temperature of the steering wheel 999.

[0052] According to the above configuration, a plurality of vehicle information displays can be performed with one light emitting member, and cost reduction is possible.

[0053] Also, in the display device 100, the temperature detection unit 600 is also used for detecting the temperature of the rim 300 of the steering wheel 999 and the temperature of the heater 700.

[0054] According to the above configuration, in addition to detecting the temperature of the rim 300, by using it for detecting the temperature of the heater 700, the control unit 120 can control the temperature of the heater 700, and it has the effect of preventing accurate temperature display and overheating of the steering wheel 999. Furthermore, since only one temperature detection unit 600 is required, cost reduction is possible.

[0055] Also, in the display device 100, the control unit 120 and the light emitting unit may be built in the steering switch 500 arranged on the spoke 200 of the steering wheel 999.

[0056] According to the above configuration, the display device 100 can be configured integrally with the steering switch 500, so cost reduction is possible compared to the case of configuring it separately.

[0057] (Second Embodiment) Next, the processing operation of the display device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the process according to the second embodiment, showing an example of the operation of the display device 100 when displaying the temperature from the elapsed time. In the following description, parts equivalent to those in the first embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0058] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, in the second embodiment, the detection process of the current temperature is different from that in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the timer function 120b of the control unit 120 measures the elapsed time since the switch of the heater 700 was turned on. In the display device 100 according to the second embodiment, when the switch of the heater 700 is turned on, the timer function 120b of the control unit 120 starts measuring the elapsed time.

[0059] When the steering wheel 999 is not being gripped (NO in step S102), in step S301, the control unit 120 estimates the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 from the elapsed time. For example, the control unit 120 uses a table or relational expression showing the relationship between the elapsed time and the temperature of the steering wheel 999, which is predetermined and stored in the auxiliary storage device 123 or the like, to estimate the current temperature. Then, in step S104, the control unit 120 causes the LED bar 110 to emit light in a color corresponding to the estimated temperature. Until the value of the elapsed time reaches a value at which it is estimated that the temperature of the steering wheel 999 has risen sufficiently, the control unit 120 repeats the steps of S301 and the steps from S104 to S106. FIG. 14 shows an example in which the light emission state of the display device 100 changes according to the passage of time. The state in which the emission color changes according to the temperature estimated from the elapsed time is shown as (a) to (c) in FIG. 14. For example, when the estimated temperature is low, such as when the elapsed time is 1 [s], the emission color of the LED bar 110 of the display device 100 is a cool color such as light blue (FIG. 14 (a)). On the other hand, as time passes, in other words, as the estimated temperature rises, the emission color becomes a warm color such as yellow or orange (FIG. 14 (b)). Then, when sufficient time has passed and the estimated temperature has reached, for example, 38°C in the appropriate temperature state, the emission color of the LED bar 110 becomes a predetermined specific color such as red (FIG. 14 (c)). The display device 100 presents the current temperature of the rim 300 to the driver by changing the emission color of the LED bar 110 according to the temperature estimated from the elapsed time as described above. Note that the control unit 120 may control the light emission of the LED bar 110 according to the elapsed time, using the elapsed time as a temperature index, without including the step of estimating the current temperature. That is, not limited to the case of controlling the light emission mode of the LED bar 110 according to the temperature converted from the elapsed time, the control unit 120 may control the light emission mode of the LED bar 110 according to the elapsed time measured by the timing function 120b of the control unit 120. In this case, the correspondence between the elapsed time and the light emission mode may be predetermined and stored in the auxiliary storage device 123.

[0060] Note that the display device 100 according to the present embodiment can be appropriately combined with the modification example of the above-described first embodiment. For example, in the flowchart of FIG. 13, the determination step of completion of heating (step S201 in FIG. 11) can also be performed.

[0061] (Configuration and effects of the embodiment) The configuration and effects of the second embodiment will be described below.

[0062] In the display device 100 according to the second embodiment, the steering wheel 999 has a heater 700 that warms the rim 300. The control unit 120 measures the elapsed time since the heater 700 was turned on, estimates the temperature of the steering wheel 999 from the elapsed time, and controls the emission of the LED bar 110 using the estimated temperature as the current temperature of the steering wheel 999.

[0063] According to the above configuration, the display device 100 can perform temperature display based on the elapsed time without including the step of measurement by the temperature detection unit 600, so that cost reduction is possible. In addition, the driver may be able to visually recognize the current temperature of the steering wheel 999.

[0064] (Third Embodiment) Next, the processing operation according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart according to the third embodiment, showing an example of the operation of the display device 100 when calculating the heating time. In the following description, the description may be omitted for parts equivalent to those in the above-described embodiments.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 15, specifically, in the third embodiment, the amount of change that the control unit 120 associates with the state of light emission is different from that in the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the steering wheel 999 has a temperature detection unit 600 that measures the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 (the temperature at the time of switching on). Also, the timing function 120b of the control unit 120 measures the elapsed time since the switch of the heater 700 was turned on. In the third embodiment, when the processing operation starts, such as when the switch of the heater 700 is turned on, the control unit 120 measures the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 in step S401, and obtains the target temperature of the steering wheel 999 from, for example, the auxiliary storage device 123 or the like in the same manner as in the above-described embodiments. From the temperature at the time of switching on obtained in step S401 and the target temperature of the steering wheel 999, in step S402, the control unit 120 calculates the necessary heating time to reach the target temperature. In calculating the necessary heating time, a table or relational expression showing the correspondence between the temperature at the time of switching on, the target temperature, and the necessary heating time may be used. This table or relational expression may be, for example, measured, calculated based on the material and size of the steering wheel 999, the heating performance of the heater 700, etc., and stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device 123 or the like.

[0066] Subsequently, when it is determined that the steering wheel 999 is not being gripped (NO in step S102), the control unit 120 estimates the temperature based on the relationship between the elapsed time and the required heating time in step S403. At this time, it is assumed that the current temperature can be estimated based on the elapsed time with respect to the required heating time. For example, when the temperature of the steering wheel 999 is 0 degrees when the switch of the heater 700 is turned on, the target temperature is 38 degrees, and the required heating time is 1 minute, if the elapsed time is 30 seconds, the temperature of the steering wheel 999 is expected to be about 15 degrees. Note that the temperature-time correlation is not limited to this and is determined as appropriate. The control unit 120 estimates the current temperature in step S403 and controls the lighting state according to the current temperature estimated in step S104. The control unit 120 repeats steps S403 and S104 to S106 until the required heating time calculated in step S401 is reached. Note that instead of performing the elapsed time determination process for a predetermined time after the required heating time is completed, the required heating time, the predetermined time, or the total time thereof may be calculated in step S401, and the LED bar 110 may be made to blink when the total time of the required heating time and the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0067] (Configuration and Effects of the Embodiment) The configuration and its effects of the third embodiment will be described below.

[0068] In the display device 100 according to the third embodiment, the steering wheel 999 includes a heater 700 that warms the steering wheel 999 and a temperature detection unit 600 that detects the temperature of the steering wheel 999. The control unit 120 calculates the heating time required to reach a predetermined temperature from the current temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 600 and measures the elapsed time since the heater 700 was turned on. The control unit 120 calculates the current estimated temperature based on the elapsed time with respect to the required heating time and controls the lighting of the LED bar 110 using the estimated temperature as the current temperature of the steering wheel 999.

[0069] According to the above configuration, since the control unit 120 estimates the temperature based on the elapsed time with respect to the required heating time, it is possible to perform temperature display using time with higher accuracy.

[0070] (Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 16 shows an example of the display operation of the display device 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure in summer, that is, the processing operation in the high-temperature state of the steering wheel 999. In the above-described embodiment, as the heater 700 warms the steering wheel 999 in a low-temperature environment, the current temperature situation due to heating was shown. However, in a situation where the temperature of the steering wheel 999 becomes such that it cannot be grasped by hand in a high-temperature environment in summer as in the flowchart of FIG. 16, the control unit 120 may perform display until the appropriate temperature is reached. The control content will be described below with reference to FIG. 16. In the following description, parts equivalent to those in the first embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0071] The display device 100 starts operating, for example, when the driver opens the door of the vehicle to get into the vehicle. Note that it is not necessary to start when the door is opened, and it may be started before the driver grasps the steering wheel 999, such as when the engine is started or when the door is unlocked. Further, although this process is preferably performed in a high-temperature environment in midsummer, this process may be started constantly when the door is opened, or a calendar function may be installed in the steering ECU or another ECU, and for example, it may be set to start operating only on dates recognized as summer, such as from June to August, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0072] When the process starts, in step S103, the control unit 120 measures the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 by the temperature detection unit 600. In step S501, the control unit 120 determines whether the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature based on the current temperature obtained in step S103. This upper limit temperature is a threshold for determining whether it is a high-temperature environment in summer, and is, for example, predetermined and stored in the auxiliary storage device 123 or the like. As an example, the upper limit temperature may be measured as a temperature that the driver cannot directly touch with their hand, or a temperature at which discomfort is felt when touched by hand, or may be calculated based on the material and size of the steering wheel 999. That is, if the current temperature is equal to or lower than the upper limit temperature (NO in step S501), it is determined that temperature display is not necessary, and the control unit 120 does not turn on the LED bar 110 and ends the temperature display. On the other hand, if it is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature (YES in step S501), in order to indicate that the steering wheel 999 is in a high-temperature state, the control unit 120 turns on the LED bar 110.

[0073] The subsequent operations are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment. In order to indicate that the steering wheel 999 is in a high-temperature state, it may blink in red, or the color may be displayed in steps such as red → orange → yellow → light blue (warm color → cold color) as the temperature cools. Also, similar to the first embodiment, the representation of the temperature change may not be limited to color. By changing the emission color or the like in accordance with the change in the current temperature, it is possible to show the driver the temperature state of the steering wheel 999 and visually avoid a high-temperature state where the driver cannot directly touch it with their hand.

[0074] (Configuration and effects of the embodiment) The configuration and its effects of the fourth embodiment will be described below.

[0075] In the display device 100 according to the fourth embodiment, when the control unit 120 detects by the temperature detection unit 600 that the temperature of the steering wheel 999 is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature, the control unit 120 controls the emission of the LED bar 110 according to the current temperature of the steering wheel 999.

[0076] According to the above configuration, the display device 100 can notify the driver that there is a possibility of discomfort by gripping the steering wheel 999 that is too hot to grip in midsummer, and can also make it visually recognizable to the driver whether the temperature is at a grippable level. As a result, the possibility that the driver grips a hot steering wheel and feels discomfort can be reduced.

[0077] (The fifth embodiment) In the above-described first to fourth embodiments, cases where it can be determined that driving has started by gripping are exemplified. However, in reality, it is also conceivable that the driver temporarily grips the steering wheel without driving, such as when the steering wheel is still cold when the driver first sits in the driver's seat and grips the steering wheel and immediately releases the grip. However, if the temperature display is completely terminated using gripping as a trigger in the first to fourth embodiments, there is a possibility that the temperature cannot be grasped even if the steering wheel remains cold after being gripped once.

[0078] On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment, even if the steering wheel is gripped, the temperature display is continued when the temperature display is necessary. Next, the processing operation of the display device 100 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation for actually displaying the temperature on another display unit when the driver's grip is detected before a predetermined time has elapsed according to the embodiment.

[0079] In the fifth embodiment, even when the LED bar 110, which is the first display unit, turns off, if temperature display is required, the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 (indicating the display symbol provided in the meter 900 in FIG. 12), which is the second display unit, continues the temperature display. Note that the second display unit may be an LED for temperature display provided separately from the first display unit in the vehicle interior. Or, the second display unit may be an image for temperature display that is variably positioned and displayed within an arbitrary display in the vehicle interior. Note that the second display unit is arranged at a position visible to a user who can view the first display unit. In the fifth embodiment, the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 is arranged within the meter 900 that is visible in a state where the driver viewing the LED bar 110 is facing forward.

[0080] The flow of FIG. 17 is executed in place of the flow of FIG. 6 when step S102 or step S105 in FIG. 6 is YES. That is, when the grip detection unit 800 (grip detection unit) detects the driver's grip on the steering wheel 999 in step S102 or step S105 in FIG. 6, the flow of FIG. 17 starts. After the process of S607 in FIG. 17, the flows of FIGS. 6 and 17 end. Note that when the flow of FIG. 17 starts, the flow of FIG. 6 may end. Note that it is not limited to the case where the temperature display ends due to gripping in FIG. 6, and the flowchart of FIG. 17 may start when the temperature display by the LED bar 110 ends in a state where the steering wheel 999 has not reached the required temperature.

[0081] As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, in steps S102 and S105, when the grip detection unit 800 detects the driver's grip on the steering wheel 999, the control unit 120 turns off the LED bar 110 (S108).

[0082] As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 17, after turning off the LED bar 110 in step S108, the control unit 120 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature display of the display device 100 using the LED bar 110 started in S101 of FIG. 6 (S601). If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S601), the flowchart shown in FIG. 17 ends, and the temperature display by the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 is not performed. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S601), the control unit 120 causes the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 to emit light (S602). In step S602, before causing the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 to emit light, the control unit 120 measures the temperature with the temperature detection unit 600 and starts emitting light in the emission color indicating the current temperature. Note that the predetermined time here is the same as the predetermined time used in flowchart S106 of FIG. 6.

[0083] Next, the control unit 120 measures the temperature of the steering wheel 999 using the temperature detection unit 600 (S603). The control unit 120 changes the emission color of the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 based on the temperature measured by the temperature detection unit 600 (S604).

[0084] Thereafter, the control unit 120 determines again whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature display of the display device 100 started (S605). If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S605), the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 blinks to announce the end of the temperature display (S606), and the temperature display by the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 ends (S607). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S605), the flow returns to step S603. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, it is considered that the steering wheel 999 has not warmed up sufficiently, which corresponds to the case where temperature display is necessary.

[0085] With the above control, even when the gripping detection unit 800 detects the driver's grip on the steering wheel 999 and the current temperature display of the steering wheel 999 by the LED bar 110 ends, the current temperature is displayed by other display means such as the in-meter temperature display symbol 901. As a result, even after the temperature display by the LED bar 110 ends, the driver can visually grasp the actual current temperature of the steering wheel 999 by another display unit.

[0086] (Modification Example 1) FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation for performing display on another display unit when the driver's grip is detected before the heating is completed, according to Modification Example 1 of the fifth embodiment. The flow of FIG. 18 is executed instead of the flow of FIG. 11 when YES in S102 of FIG. 11. After the process of S607 in FIG. 18, the flows of FIGS. 11 and 18 end. Note that the flow of FIG. 11 may have ended when the flow of FIG. 18 starts. Specific differences from FIG. 17 include that FIG. 18 is not executed when YES in S105 of FIG. 11, and that in FIG. 17, the control unit 120 determines the passage of time, while in FIG. 18, the control unit 120 determines the completion of heating. Also, components denoted by the same reference numerals in each figure indicate the same or substantially the same components, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

[0087] In step S102 of the flowchart of FIG. 11, when the control unit 120 detects the driver's grip on the steering wheel 999, the control unit 120 turns off the LED bar (step S108).

[0088] Next, the control unit 120 determines whether the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 has reached the target temperature and the heating is completed (S701). If the heating is completed (YES in S701), the flowchart shown in FIG. 18 ends, and the temperature display by the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 is not performed. If the heating is not completed (NO in S701), the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 is caused to emit light instead of the temperature display by the LED bar 110 (S602). In step S602, before causing the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 to emit light, the control unit 120 measures the temperature with the temperature detection unit 600 and starts emitting light in the emission color indicating the current temperature.

[0089] Next, the control unit 120 measures the temperature of the steering wheel 999 using the temperature detection unit 600 (S603). Based on the temperature measured by the temperature detection unit 600, the control unit 120 changes the emission color of the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 (S604).

[0090] Thereafter, the control unit 120 determines whether the heating of the steering wheel 999 is completed (S705). If the heating is completed (YES in S705), the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 is caused to blink to announce the end of the temperature display (S606), and the temperature display by the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 is ended (S607). If the heating is not completed (NO in S705), the process returns to step S603. If the heating is not completed, it is considered that the steering wheel 999 is not sufficiently warmed up, which corresponds to the case where the temperature display is necessary.

[0091] (Modification 2) FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation for performing predicted temperature display on another display unit when the grip of the driver is detected before a predetermined time has elapsed, according to Modification 2 of the fifth embodiment. The flow of FIG. 19 is executed in place of the flow of FIGS. 13 and 15 when the answer is Yes in S102 or S105 of FIGS. 13 and 15. After the process of S607 in FIG. 19, the flows of FIGS. 13, 15, and 19 end. Note that the flow of FIG. 13 or FIG. 15 may end when the flow of FIG. 19 starts. As a specific difference from FIG. 17, the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 is predicted from the elapsed time.

[0092] In steps S102 and S105 of the flowcharts of FIGS. 13 and 15, when the control unit 120 detects the driver's grip on the steering wheel 999, the control unit 120 turns off the LED bar 110 (step S108).

[0093] Next, the control unit 120 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the temperature display on the display device 100 (S801). If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S801), the flowchart shown in FIG. 19 ends, and the temperature display by the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 is not performed. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S801), the control unit 120 causes the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 to emit light instead of the temperature display on the LED bar 110 (S602). In step S602, the control unit 120 predicts the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 from the elapsed time and starts emitting light in the emission color indicating the current temperature.

[0094] Next, the control unit 120 predicts the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 from the elapsed time since the start of the temperature display (S803). Based on the temperature predicted from the elapsed time, the control unit 120 changes the emission color of the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 (S604).

[0095] Thereafter, the control unit 120 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature display of the display device 100 started again (S805). If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S805), the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 blinks to announce the end of the temperature display (S606), and the temperature display by the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 ends (S607). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S805), the process returns to step S803. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, it is considered that the steering wheel 999 has not warmed up sufficiently, corresponding to the case where temperature display is necessary.

[0096] (Modification Example 3) FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation of performing display on another display unit when the grip of the driver is detected before reaching the upper limit temperature according to Modification Example 3 of the fifth embodiment. The flow of FIG. 20 is executed instead of the flow of FIG. 16 when YES in S105 of FIG. 16. After the process of S607 in FIG. 20, the flows of FIGS. 16 and 20 end. Note that the flow of FIG. 16 may end when the flow of FIG. 20 starts. Specific differences from FIG. 17 include the point of determining the emission of the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 based on whether the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature.

[0097] In step S105 of the flowchart of FIG. 16, when the grip detection unit 800 detects the grip of the driver on the steering wheel 999, the control unit 120 turns off the LED bar 110 (step S108).

[0098] Next, the control unit 120 determines whether the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature (S901). If the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 is not equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature (NO in S901), after turning off the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 (S607), the flowchart shown in FIG. 20 ends, and the temperature display by the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 is not performed. If the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature (YES in S901), the control unit 120 blinks the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 instead of displaying the temperature on the LED bar 110 (S608).

[0099] Next, the control unit 120 measures the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 with the temperature detection unit 600 (S609), returns to step S901, and repeats S901, S608, and S609 until the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 becomes equal to or lower than the upper limit temperature.

[0100] (Configuration and Effects of the Embodiment) The configuration and its effects of the fifth embodiment will be described below.

[0101] The display device 100 according to the fifth embodiment includes an LED bar 110 provided on the steering wheel 999 and an in-meter temperature display symbol 901 disposed at another location in the vehicle interior and separate from the LED bar 110. When the temperature of the steering wheel 999 does not reach the target temperature and the display on the LED bar 110 ends, the control unit 120 performs a display according to the temperature with the in-meter temperature display symbol 901.

[0102] According to the above configuration, even if the temperature display on the LED bar 110 ends before the steering wheel 999 reaches the target temperature, the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 can be notified to the driver by another display unit such as the in-meter temperature display symbol 901. As a result, the driver can visually recognize the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 even after the temperature display by the LED bar 110 ends.

[0103] Further, the steering wheel 999 has a grip detection unit 800. When the grip detection unit 800 detects the grip of the steering wheel 999 by the driver and the LED bar 110 is turned off, the control unit 120 may display the temperature using the in-meter temperature display symbol 901.

[0104] Thus, even if the LED bar 110 is turned off before the target temperature is reached by the driver's grip, since the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 or the like displays the temperature, the driver can visually recognize the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 even after the temperature display by the LED bar 110 ends. Also, while using the LED bar 110 for the status display of the driving support device that supports autonomous driving, the driver can recognize the current temperature by the in-meter temperature display symbol 901.

[0105] (Sixth Embodiment) Next, the processing operation of the display device 100 according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation for confirming whether the vehicle has traveled when the display of the display unit has stopped in the embodiment. The flow of FIG. 21 is executed in place of the flow of FIG. 16, for example, when the LED bar is turned off in S102 or S105 of the flowchart of FIG. 6.

[0106] In the sixth embodiment, in the first to fourth embodiments, when the grip detection unit 800 cannot confirm the travel of the vehicle even though the temperature display of the LED bar 110 (display unit) has stopped due to detecting the grip, the display according to the temperature by the LED bar 110 is performed again. Note that the processing operation according to the sixth embodiment can also be executed in combination with the processing operation according to the fifth embodiment, for example, in parallel. Also, in the sixth embodiment, the temperature display after restart when the travel cannot be confirmed after gripping is not limited to being performed by the LED bar 110 (first display unit), and may be performed by other display units such as the in-meter temperature display symbol 901 (second display unit).

[0107] Hereinafter, the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 21.

[0108] Figure 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation for restarting the temperature display by the display device 100 again when the driving state cannot be confirmed after detecting the driver's grip in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6. In the sixth embodiment, the temperature display by the LED bar 110 is restarted. Note that the present invention is not limited to the case where the temperature display ends by gripping in FIG. 6, and the flowchart of FIG. 21 may be started when the temperature display by the LED bar 110 ends while the steering wheel 999 has not reached the required temperature.

[0109] In step S102 or S105 of the flowchart of FIG. 6, when the control unit 120 detects the driver's grip on the steering wheel 999, the control unit 120 turns off the LED bar 110 (step S108).

[0110] After step S108, as shown in FIG. 21, the control unit 120 determines whether the vehicle has traveled (S1001). If it is determined that the vehicle has traveled (YES in S1001), the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 21 are terminated.

[0111] As a means for checking the driving state of the vehicle in step S1001, it is conceivable to acquire the GPS information from the start of the flowchart of FIG. 6 to S1001 and determine that the vehicle has never traveled if there is no change in the position of the vehicle. Also, in S1001 of FIG. 21, the GPS information can be acquired for a certain period, and if there is no change in the position of the vehicle, it can be determined that the vehicle has never traveled. Further, for example, the speed of the vehicle is acquired by a vehicle speed sensor or the like provided in the vehicle, and if the speed has not changed from 0 km / s at all since the start of the flowchart of FIG. 21, it can be determined that the vehicle has never traveled. Note that if the speed or the moving distance of the vehicle is less than the threshold value, it may be determined that the vehicle has never traveled. The method for determining the driving state is not limited to these, and known techniques may be used. Note that the determination of the driving state may be started after the ignition is turned on and before the flowchart of FIG. 6 is started.

[0112] If it is determined in step S1001 that the vehicle is not running (NO in S1001), next, the control unit 120 detects whether the driver is currently gripping the steering wheel 999 by the gripping detection unit 800 (S1002). If gripping is detected (YES in S1002), the process returns to step S1001 to determine the running state again. If not gripping (NO in S1002), it is determined that the temperature display of the LED bar 110 can be performed, the flowchart of FIG. 21 is ended, and the process returns to the flowchart of S101 in FIG. 6 to execute the flowchart of FIG. 6 again.

[0113] In the above configuration, the processing operation in which the flowchart of FIG. 21 is executed when the LED bar is turned off in S102 or S105 of the flowchart of FIG. 6 is described, but it is not limited to this. For example, when YES in step S102 of FIG. 11 (gripping of the steering wheel is detected before the heating is completed), the processing operation of FIG. 21 may be executed. Also, when YES in step S102 or S105 of the flowcharts of FIGS. 13 and 15 (gripping of the steering wheel is detected before a predetermined time elapses), the processing operation of FIG. 21 may be executed.

[0114] (Modification) Also, in S105 of the flowchart of FIG. 16, when the gripping of the driver's steering wheel 999 is detected, the processing operation of the sixth embodiment may be performed. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing another example of the processing operation for confirming whether the vehicle has run when the display of the LED bar 110 stops according to a modification of the sixth embodiment. The flow of FIG. 22 is executed in place of the flow of FIG. 16 when YES in S105 of FIG. 16. In the modification of the sixth embodiment, when the running of the vehicle cannot be confirmed (NO in S1001) and it is determined that the driver is not gripping the steering wheel 999 (NO in S1002), the flowchart of FIG. 22 is ended and the process returns to S103 of FIG. 16.

[0115] (Configuration and Effects of the Embodiment) The configuration of the sixth embodiment and its effects will be described below.

[0116] The display device 100 according to the sixth embodiment includes an LED bar 110 provided on a steering wheel 999 and a control unit 120. When the temperature of the steering wheel 999 fails to reach the target temperature and the display according to the temperature by the LED bar 110 (display unit) stops, the control unit 120 checks the driving state of the vehicle. When the control unit 120 fails to detect the driving of the vehicle, the control unit 120 performs the display according to the temperature by the LED bar 110.

[0117] According to the above configuration, even when the temperature display once stops because the steering wheel 999 fails to reach the target temperature, if the vehicle is not running, the display device 100 resumes the temperature display by the LED bar 110. Thereby, when the vehicle is not running, since the LED bar 110 provided on the steering device performs the temperature display again, the driver can visually and intuitively grasp the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 even when the LED bar 110 once stops the temperature display.

[0118] Further, the steering wheel 999 has a grip detection unit 800. Also, when the control unit 120 fails to detect the driving of the vehicle even though the temperature display of the LED bar 110 stops due to the grip detection unit 800 detecting a grip, the control unit 120 performs the display according to the temperature by the LED bar 110.

[0119] According to the above configuration, even when the grip detection unit 800 detects the driver's grip on the steering wheel 999 and stops the temperature display by the LED bar 110, if the vehicle is not running, the display device 100 starts the temperature display by the LED bar 110 again. Thereby, the driver can visually and intuitively grasp the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 even when, for example, the driver once grips the steering wheel 999 and the LED bar 110 stops the temperature display, as long as the vehicle is not running.

[0120] Further, even if the temperature display of the LED bar 110 stops when the gripping detection unit 800 detects gripping, if the control unit 120 cannot detect the running of the vehicle and the driver is not gripping the steering wheel 999, the control unit 120 performs display according to the temperature by the LED bar 110.

[0121] According to the above configuration, even if the gripping detection unit 800 detects the driver's gripping of the steering wheel 999 and stops the temperature display by the LED bar 110, when the vehicle is not running and the driver has released his hand from the steering wheel 999, the display device 100 resumes the temperature display by the LED bar 110. Thereby, even if the driver once grips the steering wheel 999, for example, the display device 100 can confirm that there is no intention to drive depending on the running state and the gripping state, and when there is no intention to drive, the current temperature of the steering wheel 999 can be visually and intuitively grasped again by the LED bar 110.

[0122] The display device 100 according to the present disclosure is applicable to any moving body including the above-described vehicle. Examples of this moving body include ships, aircraft, drones, robots, vehicles, and the like. The vehicle can be, for example, a passenger car, a freight car, a bus, a motorcycle, an electric kick scooter, a construction machine, an agricultural machine, an aircraft, or the like.

[0123] In the above-described embodiment, "determining whether or not it is A" may be "determining that it is A", or "determining that it is not A", or "determining both that it is A and that it is not A".

[0124] The program executed by the control unit 120 in the above-described embodiment may be recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, FD, CD-R, DVD, SD card, etc. in an installable format or an executable format file.

[0125] Alternatively, the program executed by the control unit 120 of the above-described embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Further, the program executed by the control unit 120 may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0126] Alternatively, the program executed by the control unit 120 of the above-described embodiment may be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like.

[0127] Further, the program executed by the control unit 120 of the above-described embodiment has a module configuration including the above-described respective functions, and as actual hardware, a functional unit that realizes the above-described respective functions by the processor 121 reading a program from an auxiliary storage device 123 or the like and executing it is loaded onto the main storage device 122, and the above-described respective functional units are generated on the main storage device 122.

[0128] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the current temperature situation of the steering wheel 999 can be made recognizable to the driver, and the convenience of the driver can be improved.

[0129] Although some embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

[0130] (Supplementary Note) By the description of the above embodiments, the following technology is disclosed. (1) A display unit disposed in an operation unit of a steering device, and A control unit that is electrically connected to the display unit and controls the display mode of the display unit according to the temperature of the operation unit. A display device. (2) The gripping part of the operation part has a gripping detection part that detects the gripping of the gripping part by the user. When the gripping detection part detects gripping, the control unit stops the display according to the temperature by the display unit. The display device according to (1) above. (3) The operation part has a heater that warms the gripping part of the operation part that is gripped by the user. After the heating of the operation part by the heater is completed, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit stops the display according to the temperature by the display unit. The display device according to (1) or (2) above. (4) The operation part has a temperature detection part that detects the temperature of the operation part. The control unit uses the temperature detected by the temperature detection part as the temperature of the operation part. The display device according to any one of (1) to (3) above. (5) The operation part has a heater that warms the gripping part of the operation part that is gripped by the user. The control unit measures the elapsed time since the heater was turned on and estimates the temperature of the operation part according to the elapsed time. The display device according to any one of (1) to (3) above. (6) The operation part has a heater that warms the gripping part of the operation part that is gripped by the user. The control unit measures the elapsed time since the heater was turned on and uses the elapsed time as the temperature of the operation part. The display device according to any one of (1) to (3) above. (7) The operation part has a heater that warms the gripping part of the operation part that is gripped by the user. The control unit measures the elapsed time since the heater was turned on, determines the required heating time from the target temperature, and sets the temperature estimated by the elapsed time with respect to the required heating time as the temperature of the operation unit. The display device according to any one of (1) to (3) above. (8) As control of the display mode according to the temperature of the operation unit, the control unit changes at least one of the display color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display unit. The display device according to any one of (1) to (7) above. (9) After the predetermined time has elapsed and after at least one of the display color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display unit has been changed, the control unit stops the display according to the temperature by the display unit. The display device according to (3), or any one of (4) to (8) above that quotes at least (3). (10) While the display unit is not performing a display according to the temperature of the operation unit, it is used for displaying vehicle information other than the temperature of the operation unit. The display device according to any one of (2), (3), or (4) to (9) above that quotes at least (2) or (3). (11) When the temperature detection unit detects that the temperature of the operation unit is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature, the control unit controls the display of the display unit according to the temperature of the operation unit. The display device according to (4), or any one of (8) to (10) above that quotes at least (4). (12) The operation unit has a heater that warms a gripping portion of the operation unit that is gripped by a user. The temperature detection unit is also used for detecting the temperature of the gripping portion and detecting the temperature of the heater. The display device according to (4), or any one of (8) to (11) above that quotes at least (4). (13) At least one of the control unit and the display unit is built in a steering switch arranged on the spoke of the operation unit. The display device according to any one of (1) to (12) above. (14) When the heater for warming the gripping part of the operation unit gripped by the user is turned on, or when the door of the moving body equipped with the steering device is opened, the control unit starts controlling the display mode of the display unit according to the temperature of the operation unit. The display device according to any one of (1) to (13) above. (15) A display method executed by a control unit arranged in an operation unit of a steering device mounted on a vehicle and electrically connected to a display unit arranged in the operation unit, comprising: A temperature measurement step of measuring the temperature of the operation unit; A display control step of controlling the display mode of the display unit according to the temperature of the operation unit. Display method. (16) It further has an elapsed time measurement step of measuring the elapsed time since the switch of the heater for warming the gripping part of the operation unit gripped by the user is turned on, The display control step controls the display unit according to the temperature corresponding to the elapsed time. The display method according to (15) above. (17) An elapsed time measurement step of measuring the elapsed time since the switch of the heater for warming the gripping part of the operation unit gripped by the user is turned on; A heating time calculation step of calculating the heating time required to reach the target temperature from the temperature when the switch of the heater for warming the gripping part is turned on. The display control step controls the display unit according to the temperature estimated by the elapsed time with respect to the required heating time. The display method according to (15) above. (18) The display control step changes at least one of the display color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display unit according to the temperature of the operation unit. The display method according to any one of (15) to (17) above. (19) At least one processor; A memory storing at least one program executed by the at least one processor, and The at least one processor is configured to realize the display method according to any one of (15) to (18) above by executing the at least one program. A display device. (20) A program for causing a computer to execute the display method according to any one of (15) to (18) above. (21) A program executed by a computer, and a recording medium (Computer Program Product) on which the program according to (20) above is recorded. (22) Regarding the display unit arranged in the operation unit of the steering device, as a first display unit, When the temperature of the operation unit does not reach the target temperature and the display on the first display unit ends, the control unit performs display according to the temperature on a second display unit arranged at a location different from the first display unit inside the vehicle cabin. The display device according to any one of (1) to (14) above. (23) The grip portion of the operation unit has a grip detection unit that detects the grip of the grip portion by the user. Regarding the display unit arranged in the operation unit of the steering device, as a first display unit, When the gripping detection unit detects gripping, the control unit stops the display according to the temperature by the first display unit. When the temperature of the operation unit does not reach the target temperature and the gripping detection unit detects gripping, causing the display according to the temperature by the first display unit to stop, a second display unit arranged at a location different from the first display unit in the vehicle interior performs display according to the temperature. The display device according to (3) above. (24) The second display unit is arranged at a position visible to a user who can view the first display unit. The display device according to (22) or (23) above. (25) When the temperature of the operation unit does not reach the target temperature and the display according to the temperature by the display unit stops, and when the running of the moving body equipped with the steering device cannot be detected, the control unit resumes the display according to the temperature by the display unit. The display device according to any one of (1) to (14) and (22) to (24) above. (26) The gripping part of the operation unit has a gripping detection unit that detects the gripping of the gripping part by the user. When the temperature of the operation unit does not reach the target temperature and the gripping detection unit detects gripping, causing the temperature display by the display unit to stop, and when the running of the moving body equipped with the steering device cannot be detected, the control unit resumes the display according to the temperature by the display unit. The display device according to (3) above. (27) When the control unit further determines that the user is not gripping the gripping part, the control unit resumes the display according to the temperature by the display unit. The display device according to (2) or (26) above.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0131] 999 Steering wheel 100 Display device 110 LED bar (light emitting part, display part) 120 Control Unit (Steering ECU) 200 Spoke 300 Rim 400 Hub 500 Steering Switch 600 Temperature Detection Unit (Thermistor) 700 Heater (Heater Mat) 800 Grip Detection Unit (HOD Mat) 900 Meter 901 Display Symbol

Claims

1. A display unit disposed in an operation unit of a steering device, and a control unit electrically connected to the display unit and controlling a display mode of the display unit according to the temperature of the operation unit. A display device comprising: A display device.

2. A grip portion of the operation unit has a grip detection unit that detects gripping of the grip portion by a user, and when the grip detection unit detects gripping, the control unit stops the display according to the temperature by the display unit. The display device according to claim 1.

3. The operation unit has a heater that warms a grip portion of the operation unit gripped by a user, and after the heating of the operation unit by the heater is completed and a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit stops the display according to the temperature by the display unit. The display device according to claim 1.

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

5. The operation unit has a heater that warms a grip portion of the operation unit gripped by a user, and the control unit measures the elapsed time since the heater was turned on and estimates the temperature of the operation unit according to the elapsed time. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The operation unit has a heater that warms a grip portion of the operation unit gripped by a user, and the control unit measures the elapsed time since the heater was turned on and uses the elapsed time as the temperature of the operation unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The operation unit has a heater that warms a grip portion of the operation unit gripped by a user, and the control unit measures the elapsed time since the heater was turned on, determines the required heating time from the target temperature, and sets the temperature estimated by the elapsed time with respect to the required heating time as the temperature of the operation unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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

9. As control of the display mode according to the temperature of the operation unit, the control unit changes at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display of the display unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. As control of the display mode according to the temperature of the operation unit, the control unit changes at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display of the display unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. As control of the display mode according to the temperature of the operation unit, the control unit changes at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display of the display unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. As control of the display mode according to the temperature of the operation unit, the control unit changes at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display of the display unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

13. As control of the display mode according to the temperature of the operation unit, the control unit changes at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display of the display unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

14. As control of the display mode according to the temperature of the operation unit, the control unit changes at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display of the display unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

15. As control of the display mode according to the temperature of the operation unit, the control unit changes at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display of the display unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

16. As control of the display mode according to the temperature of the operation unit, the control unit changes at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display of the display unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

17. As control of the display mode according to the temperature of the operation unit, the control unit changes at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display of the display unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

18. As control of the display mode according to the temperature of the operation unit, the control unit changes at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display of the display unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

19. As control of the display mode according to the temperature of the operation unit, the control unit changes at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display of the display unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

20. As control of the display mode according to the temperature of the operation unit, the control unit changes at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display of the display unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

21. As control of the display mode according to the temperature of the operation unit, the control unit changes at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display of the display unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

22. As control of the display mode according to the temperature of the operation unit, the control unit changes at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display of the display unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

23. As control of the display mode according to the temperature of the operation unit, the control unit changes at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display of the display unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

24. As control of the display mode according to the temperature of the operation unit, the control unit changes at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display of the display unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

25. As control of the display mode according to the temperature of the operation unit, the control unit changes at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display of the display unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

26. As control of the display mode according to the temperature of the operation unit, the control unit changes at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display of the display unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

27. As control of the display mode according to the temperature of the operation unit, the control unit changes at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display of the display unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

28. As control of the display mode according to the temperature of the operation unit, the control unit changes at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display of the display unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

29. As control of the display mode according to the temperature of the operation unit, the control unit changes at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display of the display unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

30. As control of the display mode according to the temperature of the operation unit, the control unit changes at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display of the display unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

31. After the elapse of the predetermined time and after changing at least one of the color, blinking speed, display area, and display pattern of the display on the display unit, the control unit stops the display according to the temperature by the display unit. The display device according to claim 3.

10. While the display unit does not perform a display according to the temperature of the operation unit, it is used for displaying vehicle information other than the temperature of the operation unit. The display device according to claim 2 or claim 3.

11. When the temperature detection unit detects that the temperature of the operation unit is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature, the control unit controls the display of the display unit according to the temperature of the operation unit. The display device according to claim 4.

12. The operation unit has a heater that warms a grip portion of the operation unit that is gripped by a user. The temperature detection unit is also used for detecting the temperature of the grip portion and the temperature of the heater. The display device according to claim 4.

13. At least one of the control unit and the display unit is incorporated in a steering switch arranged on a spoke of the operation unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

14. When a heater that warms a grip portion of the operation unit that is gripped by a user is turned on, or when a door of a moving body equipped with the steering device is opened, the control unit starts controlling the display mode of the display unit according to the temperature of the operation unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

15. A display method executed by a control unit arranged in an operation unit of a steering device mounted on a vehicle and electrically connected to a display unit arranged in the operation unit, comprising: A temperature measurement step of measuring the temperature of the operation unit; A display control step of controlling the display mode of the display unit according to the temperature of the operation unit. Display method.

16. The method further includes an elapsed time measurement step of measuring the elapsed time since the switch of a heater that warms a grip portion of the operation unit that is gripped by a user is turned on, In the display control step, the display unit is controlled according to the temperature corresponding to the elapsed time. The display method according to claim 15.

17. An elapsed time measurement step of measuring the elapsed time since the switch of a heater that warms a grip portion of the operation unit that is gripped by a user is turned on, A heating time calculation step of calculating a heating time required from the temperature when the switch of the heater for warming the gripping part is turned on until the target temperature is reached; and The display control step controls the display unit according to the temperature estimated by the elapsed time with respect to the required heating time. The display method according to claim 15.

18. The display control step changes at least one of a display color, a blinking speed, a display area, and a display pattern of the display unit according to the temperature of the operation unit. The display method according to any one of claims 15 to 17.

19. The display unit disposed on the operation unit of the steering device is used as a first display unit. When the temperature of the operation unit does not reach the target temperature and the display on the first display unit stops, the control unit performs a display according to the temperature on a second display unit disposed at a location different from the first display unit in the vehicle interior. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

20. The second display unit is disposed at a position visible to a user who can view the first display unit. The display device according to claim 19.

21. The gripping part of the operation unit has a gripping detection part that detects the gripping of the gripping part by the user. The display unit disposed on the operation unit of the steering device is used as a first display unit. When the gripping detection part detects gripping, the control unit stops the display according to the temperature by the first display unit. When the temperature of the operation unit does not reach the target temperature and the display according to the temperature by the first display unit is stopped because the gripping detection part detects gripping, the control unit performs a display according to the temperature on a second display unit disposed at a location different from the first display unit in the vehicle interior. The display device according to claim 3.

22. The second display unit is disposed at a position visible to a user who can view the first display unit. The display device according to claim 21.

23. When the temperature of the operation unit does not reach the target temperature and the display according to the temperature by the display unit stops, and when the running of the moving body equipped with the steering device cannot be detected, the control unit resumes the display according to the temperature by the display unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

24. The gripping part of the operation unit has a gripping detection part that detects the gripping of the gripping part by the user. When the temperature of the operation unit fails to reach the target temperature and the temperature display on the display unit stops because the gripping detection unit detects gripping, and when the traveling of the moving body equipped with the steering device cannot be detected, the control unit resumes the display according to the temperature by the display unit. The display device according to claim 3.

25. When the control unit further determines that the user is not gripping the gripping unit, the control unit resumes the display according to the temperature by the display unit. The display device according to claim 2 or claim 24.

Images