Display, display method, display system, and program

Abstract

To provide a display capable of switching, with a simple configuration, between a single display surface and a plurality of divided display surfaces, each of the plurality of the divided display surfaces having their own orientation set toward a viewer.SOLUTION: The display is mounted on a vehicle and is bendable at least at one bending portion. The display is deformable between a state in which the display is not bent at the bending portion and a state in which the display is bent at the bending portion. In the bent state, each of a plurality of display surfaces divided by the bending portion is adjustable in orientation toward the seats of the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display, a display method, a display system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses two displays that can be switched between an extended screen mode and a non-extended screen mode. The extended screen mode is a mode in which two displays are used as a single screen when the two displays are adjacent to each other. The non-extended screen mode is a mode in which the same or different content images are displayed on both displays when the two displays are spaced apart in the front-to-back or left-to-right direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-74875 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, in the non-extended screen mode, the two displays move along rails extending in the width direction or the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and are spaced apart, so the orientation of the displays cannot be adjusted toward the viewer. Also, with this technology, the two displays are used as a single screen when they are adjacent to each other, so the single screen is discontinuous between the two displays, and the display configuration is complicated.

[0005] Therefore, an aspect of the disclosed embodiment provides a display that can be switched, with a simple configuration, between a single display surface and multiple display surfaces that are divided into multiple sections and each of which can be oriented toward the viewer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An embodiment of the disclosure is exemplified by a display that is mounted in a vehicle and is foldable at at least one folding portion, and that is transformable between an unfolded state and a folded state, and that, in the folded state, each of the plurality of display surfaces divided by the folding portion can be adjusted to face a plurality of seats in the vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The display is mounted on a vehicle and is foldable at at least one folding portion. The display is transformable between a state in which the display is not folded at the folding portion and a state in which the display is folded at the folding portion. Therefore, the display is switchable between a single display surface and a plurality of divided display surfaces. Furthermore, in the folded state, the orientation of each of the plurality of divided display surfaces by the folding portion can be adjusted toward a plurality of seats in the vehicle, so that the orientation of each of the plurality of divided display surfaces can be set toward the viewer. In other words, the display is switchable between a single display surface and a plurality of divided display surfaces, each of which can be set toward the viewer. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating how to use the display of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the display in use. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the display taken along a vertical cross section parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the display of the first embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the display unfolded flat from the center console. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the interior of the vehicle as seen from above. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a display folded at a folding portion. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the interior of the vehicle as seen from above. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the display is housed inside the center console. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the interior of the vehicle as seen from above. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the interior of a vehicle equipped with a display according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the interior of the vehicle when the display is in a flat state, viewed from vertically above. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the support columns in FIG. 12 are pulled apart so as to separate. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a display according to a second modification of the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a display in which the number of display surfaces can be changed in accordance with the number of passengers in the vehicle cabin. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a display that can be transformed into each of the shapes illustrated in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a display according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a display according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a screen control process executed by a control unit including a CPU of an information processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, a display 20, a display method, a display system, and a program according to each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] First Embodiment A display 20, a display method, a display system, and a program according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of how the display 20 of this embodiment can be used. FIG. 1 illustrates two possible states of the display 20, one above the other, as indicated by an arrow A1. FIG. 1 illustrates the interior of a vehicle as viewed from a second-row seat toward the first row (driver's seat and passenger seat). In this embodiment, the driver's seat is referred to as seat 102R, and the passenger seat is referred to as seat 102L. The display 20 is installed, for example, suspended from the ceiling 101 of the vehicle between the first and second-row seats. In this embodiment, the Y-axis represents the direction of travel of the vehicle, the Z-axis represents the vertically upward direction, and the X-axis represents the coordinate axis extending from the left side (passenger's seat side) to the right side (driver's seat side) of the vehicle in the width direction (see FIG. 3).

[0011] The front side of the display 20 has a flexible and bendable Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) screen 21. 1, a rear panel 22 is provided on the rear surface of the display 20, that is, on the side of the ceiling 101 of the vehicle in FIG. 1. The rear panel 22 is provided with a hinge structure along a line in the vehicle width direction at a position near the center in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (see FIG. 3). Therefore, by using the foldable screen 21 and the hinge structure, the display 20 can be pulled out from the ceiling 101 into the vehicle interior space by folding it at a folding portion 20A along a line in the vehicle width direction at a position near the center in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0012] That is, when not in use, the display 20 is held and fixed in a flat state near the ceiling 101, as shown in the diagram above arrow A1 in Fig. 1. The diagram above arrow A1 illustrates a stored state of the display 20. In the stored state, the display 20 is arranged so as to fit along the ceiling 101 of the vehicle.

[0013] On the other hand, when the display 20 is in use, that is, in the in-use state, the bent portion 20A extending in the vehicle width direction at the center of the display protrudes downward as shown in the lower diagram of the arrow A1, thereby forming display surfaces 21A and 21B that are divided into the front side (first-row seat side) and rear side (second-row seat side) of the vehicle.

[0014] In the diagram above arrow A1 in Fig. 1, the display surface of screen 21 of display 20, for example, the normal vector, faces in the negative direction of the Z axis (vertical downward direction). On the other hand, in the diagram below arrow A1 in Fig. 1, the orientation of divided display surface 21B on the rear side in the vehicle traveling direction, for example, the direction of the normal vector, is not in the negative direction of the Z axis (vertical downward direction), but approaches the direction of the line of sight of the occupant in the second row seat.

[0015] The same applies to the divided display surface 21A at the front of the vehicle. In this embodiment, when the vehicle is being driven automatically, the seats 102R and 102L of the first row of seats can reverse their orientation and face the direction of the second row of seats, that is, the negative direction of the Y axis (rearward in the direction of travel of the vehicle). When the seats 102R and 102L of the first row of seats face the direction of the second row of seats, and the folded portion 20A is in a protruding downward state, the display surface 21A at the front in the direction of travel of the vehicle approaches the line of sight of the occupant of the first row of seats.

[0016] Fig. 2 illustrates the display 20 in use. However, in Fig. 2, the rear panel 22 is omitted and only the screen 21 is shown. As described above, the display 20 is folded at the folding portion 20A in use. As a result, the screen 21 is divided into a display surface 21A on the front side in the traveling direction of the vehicle and a display surface 21B on the rear side in the traveling direction.

[0017] In the example of FIG. 2, display surface 21B is further divided into left and right screen portions at the center in the width direction of the vehicle, and content A and content B are displayed on each portion. However, display surface 21B may not be divided into screen portions and may display a single content. Also, display surface 21B may be divided into three or more screen portions, each displaying different content. In FIG. 2, display surface 21A on the front side of the vehicle is not visible, but the display content is the same as that of display surface 21B. However, display surface 21A may have a screen configuration with a different number of divisions than display surface 21B and may display different content from display surface 21B.

[0018] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the display 20 taken along a vertical cross section parallel to the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, including arrows A2 and A3 in the lower diagram of Fig. 1. Although not explicitly shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 also shows a support mechanism 23 that supports the display 20 and a vehicle ceiling 101 to which the support mechanism 23 is fixed. As described in Fig. 1, in this embodiment, the traveling direction of the vehicle is the Y axis, the vertically upward direction is the Z axis, and the coordinate axis extending in the vehicle width direction from the left side (passenger seat side) to the right side (driver seat side) of the vehicle is the X axis.

[0019] 3, foldable screen 21 is attached to a foldable back panel 22 with hinges 24. Screen 21 is divided into display surface 21A on the front side in the traveling direction of the vehicle and display surface 21B on the rear side in the traveling direction of the vehicle.

[0020] The rear panel 22 is foldable at the hinge 24. The hinge 24 foldably connects the front portion 22A and the rear portion 22B of the rear panel 22 along a folding portion 20A that is parallel to the X axis (vehicle width direction) near the center of the Y axis direction (vehicle travel direction) of the rear panel 22. Here, the front portion 22A of the rear panel 22 is the front portion in the vehicle travel direction, and the rear portion 22B is the rear portion in the vehicle travel direction.

[0021] 3, one or more sliders 25A and one or more sliders 25B are attached to the upper end of rear panel 22 opposite hinge 24. That is, one or more sliders 25A and 25B are attached to two sides of front portion 22A and rear portion 22B of rear panel 22 extending along the X-axis (vehicle width direction) on the side opposite hinge 24.

[0022] Meanwhile, a groove 26 extending in the Y-axis direction (the direction of travel of the vehicle) is formed in the bottom of support mechanism 23 that supports display 20. One or more sliders 25A and one or more sliders 25B are inserted into the internal space of support mechanism 23 above groove 26 (above the Z-axis direction in FIG. 3), and are connected to the upper ends of front portion 22A and rear portion 22B of rear panel 22 via groove 26.

[0023] The support mechanism 23 has an upper surface facing the Z-axis direction (vertically upward) attached to the ceiling 101 of the vehicle. As described above, the support mechanism 23 has one or more grooves 26 formed parallel to the Y-axis direction (the direction of travel of the vehicle) on its lower surface facing the negative direction of the Z-axis (vertically downward), and sliders 25A, 25B of the same number as the grooves 26 are inserted therein. The length of the grooves 26 of the sliders 25A, 25B in the width direction (X-axis direction in FIG. 3) is greater than the width of the grooves 26. As a result, the display 20 is engaged with the support mechanism 23 at the upper side of the grooves 26 (upper side in the Z-axis direction in FIG. 3) by one or more sliders 25A, 25B.

[0024] Sliders 25A and 25B are slidable on the bottom surface of support mechanism 23 above groove 26 (upper side in the Z-axis direction in FIG. 3). Therefore, groove 26 forms a rail on the bottom surface of support mechanism 23 for suspending display 20.

[0025] The display 20 has a contact switch 24A around the hinge 24 that turns on when the hinge 24 is closed to a predetermined design angle, for example, an angle of 170 degrees or less. The contact switch 24A notifies the control unit 10 of the information processing device 1 that outputs content images to the display 20 (see FIG. 19 ) of the open / closed state of the display 20. That is, when the display 20 is in a flat state close to 180 degrees, the contact switch 24A notifies the information processing device 1, for example, of an OFF signal. The contact switch 24A is also an example of a bending detection sensor 19 that notifies the information processing device 1, for example, of an ON signal when the display 20 is in a state where it protrudes from the ceiling 101 by an angle of 170 degrees or less.

[0026] However, instead of the contact switch 24A, the display 20 may have a conductor 26A that contacts, for example, the slider 25B, laid on the bottom surface of the support mechanism 23 on the positive Z-axis side (vertically upward side) within a predetermined distance from one end of the support mechanism 23 in the Y-axis direction (the direction of travel of the vehicle). That is, when the slider 25B contacts the conductor 26A, an ON signal is sent to the information processing device 1, and when the slider 25B moves away from the conductor 26A, an OFF signal is sent to the information processing device 1.

[0027] By adjusting the length of the conductor 26A in the Y-axis direction (the direction of travel of the vehicle), the slider 25B and the conductor The open / closed state of the display 20 is notified to the information processing device 1 depending on whether or not there is contact between the slider 25A and the conductor 26A. The conductor 26A may be provided on the front side of the support mechanism 23 in the Y-axis direction (the direction of travel of the vehicle). In that case, the open / closed state of the display 20 is notified to the information processing device 1 depending on whether or not there is contact between the slider 25A and the conductor 26A.

[0028] As described above, in this embodiment, the seats 102R and 102L in the front seats of the vehicle (for example, the seats in the first row) can be flipped backward. The display 20 may have a mechanism that enables it to be folded in conjunction with the flipping of the seats 102R and 102L. As described above, when the display 20 is not in use, it is held and fixed in a flat state near the ceiling 101, as shown in the diagram above arrow A1 in FIG. 1. In this state, the sliders 25A and 25B are fixed and locked to the bottom surface (rail) of the support mechanism 23. It is preferable that the lock that fixes the sliders 25A and 25B be released in conjunction with the flipping of the seats 102R and 102L. However, such a lock is not a required configuration, and the lock may be always released. Furthermore, a drive unit (not shown) may be provided in support mechanism 23 to drive sliders 25A and 25B, and display 20 may be automatically folded in conjunction with the reversal of seats 102R and 102L.

[0029] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, the display 20 of this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle and is foldable at at least one folding portion 20A. The display 20 is deformable between a state in which it is not folded at the folding portion 20A and a state in which it is folded at the folding portion 20A. When the display 20 is folded, the orientation of each of the multiple display surfaces 21A, 21B divided by the folding portion 20A can be adjusted to face the multiple seats in the vehicle (for example, the directions of the seats in the first row and the seats in the second row). Therefore, it can be said that the display 20 is switchable, with a simple configuration, between the screen 21, which is a single display surface, and multiple divided display surfaces 21A, 21B, each of which can be oriented toward the viewer.

[0030] In addition, in the stored state, display 20 is arranged so as to follow the ceiling 101 of the vehicle. In the used state, a bent portion 20A extending in the vehicle width direction (X-axis direction) at the center of the display protrudes downward to form display surfaces 21A and 21B divided into front and rear portions in the vehicle travel direction (positive Y-axis direction). Therefore, in the stored state, display 20 can avoid interference with passengers as much as possible. On the other hand, in the used state, display 20 has front display surface 21A facing the passengers in the first row of seats, allowing content images to be displayed at an angle that is easy to view. In addition, rear display surface 21B facing the passengers in the second row of seats, allowing content images to be displayed at an angle that is easy to view.

[0031] Moreover, display 20 can display different content images on front display surface 21A and rear display surface 21B. On the other hand, display 20 can display a single content image on flat screen 21. That is, display 20 can switch between a state in which a single content image is displayed on flat screen 21 and a state in which different content images are displayed on multiple display surfaces 21A and 21B.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the display 20 is not in use, it is held and locked in a flat state near the ceiling 101, as shown in the diagram above arrow A1 in FIG. 1. At this time, the seats 102R, 102L are facing forward. When the seats 102R, 102L are turned in the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the vehicle, the lock that fixes the sliders 25A, 25B is released in conjunction with this turning. As a result, the display 20 can be pulled out from the ceiling 101 into the vehicle interior space by folding the folding portion 20A along the line in the vehicle width direction (X-axis direction) at a position near the center of the display 20 in the fore-and-aft direction (Y-axis direction) of the vehicle. Therefore, when the seats 102R and 102L are facing forward, they can be prevented from being unnecessarily pulled out from the ceiling 101 into the vehicle interior space. However, this lock is not essential and may be always unlocked.

[0033] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, the display 20 is provided with the rear panel 22 connected by the hinge 24 so that the display 20 can be transformed between a state in which it is not folded at the folding portion 20A and a state in which it is folded at the folding portion 20A. However, the rear panel 22 and the hinge 24 are not essential for the configuration in which the display 20 can be transformed between a state in which it is not folded at the folding portion 20A and a state in which it is folded at the folding portion 20A. That is, in the configuration of FIG. 3 , the display 20 may not have the rear panel 22 and the hinge 24.

[0034] If there is no rear panel 22, one or more sliders 25A and one or more sliders 25B may be provided at the upper end of the screen 21 opposite the bending portion 20A. Here, the upper ends opposite the bending portion 20A are the upper ends (two sides parallel to the X-axis (vehicle width direction)) of the front display surface 21A and the rear display surface 21B. Then, one or more sliders 25A and one or more sliders 25B may be inserted above the groove portion 26 (upper side in the Z-axis direction in FIG. 3). In this way, without the rear panel 22, the two parallel sides of the screen 21 in the X-axis (vehicle width direction) are engaged with the support mechanism 23 by one or more sliders 25A and one or more sliders 25B.

[0035] 3, a rod extending in the vehicle width direction (X-axis direction) may be provided on the back side (positive direction of the Z-axis, i.e., vertically upward) of the bending portion 20A. In this way, when using the display 20, the rod is pulled downward, and the bending portion 20A extending in the vehicle width direction at the center of the display 20 is moved so as to protrude downward. In this case, the open / closed state of the display 20 may be detected by an on / off signal generated by contact between the slider 25B and the conductor 26A or contact between the slider 25B and the conductor 26A, as described in FIG.

[0036] (Variation 2) FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the display 20 of this embodiment. FIG. 4 illustrates that the display 20 can be in two states, upper and lower, on either side of the arrow A4. In the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 1 or 3, the display 20 is moved so that the folding portion 20A extending in the vehicle width direction (X-axis direction) at the center of the display 20 protrudes downward. As a result, the orientation of each of the multiple display surfaces 21A, 21B divided by the folding portion 20A can be adjusted to face the multiple seats in the vehicle (for example, the two seats in the second row or the third row).

[0037] 4, display 20 may not have folding portion 20A. That is, in a modified example, display 20 is curved in its stored state so as to fit the curved surface of vehicle ceiling 101. At this time, display 20 is stored in a state where it is pressed against vehicle ceiling 101 by arm 107.

[0038] On the other hand, when in use, the display 20 is fully flat, and the entire screen 21 faces the second or third row seats to display a content image. At this time, the display 20 can be pulled out by the arm 107, and the orientation of the screen 21 can be adjusted.

[0039] With the configuration of FIG. 4, the display 20 is shaped to fit the curved surface of the ceiling 101 of the vehicle. The screen 21 can be easily switched between a curved storage state and a usage state in which the entire screen 21 faces the direction of the second or third row seats.

[0040] Second Embodiment A display 20 according to a second embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 10. When stored, the display 20 of this embodiment is stored in a folded state in a center console 104 of the rear seat of the vehicle, and when in use, it is deployed and protrudes upward from the center console 104 of the rear seat of the vehicle. Here, the rear seat of the vehicle refers to a seat in the second row or the third row. Note that in Fig. 5 to Fig. 10 of this embodiment as well, a coordinate system is set with the vehicle width direction (from left to right side of the vehicle) as the X axis, the vehicle traveling direction as the Y axis, and the vertically upward direction as the Z axis.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the display 20 unfolded in a flat state from the center console 104 of the second-row seats. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the interior of the vehicle as seen from above, i.e., the positive side of the Z axis (vertically upward). In FIGS. 5 and 6, the center console 104 is provided between the seats 103R and 103L of the second-row seats. However, the position of the center console 104 is not limited to between the seats 103R and 103L of the second-row seats. For example, the center console 104 may be provided between the seats of the third-row seats.

[0042] Center console 104 is roughly box-shaped, and its horizontal cross section perpendicular to the Z axis (vertical axis) is elongated in the Y axis direction (direction of travel of the vehicle). A groove 126 is formed on the top surface of center console 104 (surface facing the positive direction of the Z axis) at a position near the center in the X axis direction (vehicle width direction) and parallel to the longitudinal direction (direction of travel of the vehicle).

[0043] A support column 27 is attached to the bottom of the display 20. The support column 27 is inserted into a groove 126 in the upper surface of the center console 104. The lower end of the support column 27 is fixed movably inside the center console 104.

[0044] 5 and 6, in this embodiment, the display 20 also has a screen 21 and a rear panel 22. Similarly to FIG. 3, the rear panel 22 is divided into two parts near the center in the X-axis direction (vehicle width direction), and the two parts are foldably connected by a hinge 24. In FIG. 5, the display 20 is unfolded almost flat, and a single content image is displayed on the screen 21. Therefore, the passengers seated in the seats 103R and 103L view the same content image on the display 20.

[0045] Fig. 7 illustrates a display 20 folded at a folding portion 20A. Fig. 8 is a plan view of the interior of the vehicle as viewed from above, i.e., from the positive side of the Z axis (vertically upward). As in the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the display 20 can be folded at a folding portion 20A. That is, the folding portion 20A is formed by the flexible and foldable screen 21 and the hinge 24 in the vicinity of the center of the display 20 in the X axis direction (vehicle width direction) and parallel to the Z axis direction (vertical direction).

[0046] By folding display 20 at folding portion 20A, screen 21 is divided into display surface 21A facing right seat 103R and display surface 21B facing left seat 103L. When screen 21 is divided in this manner, different content images can be displayed on display surfaces 21A and 21B. That is, in the state shown in Figures 7 and 8, display 20 can provide different content images to the occupant in right seat 103R and the occupant in left seat 103L, respectively, so that they can view them.

[0047] 9 illustrates a state in which display 20 is stored inside center console 104 after being folded at folding portion 20A. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the interior of the vehicle as viewed from above, i.e., from the positive side of the Z axis (vertically upward). That is, when the folding angle at folding portion 20A becomes larger (deeper) from the state shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, rear panel 22 is divided at the rear portion of folding portion 20A. Then, when the portion of rear panel 22 corresponding to the rear surface of display surface 21A and the portion of rear panel 22 corresponding to the rear surface of display surface 21B face each other and come into contact with each other, display 20 is folded and can be stored in groove 126 (arrows A5 and A6 in FIG. 9).

[0048] The folding direction may be reversed. That is, as shown in Fig. 5, display 20 may be folded from a flat state so that display surfaces 21A and 21B of screen 21 face each other at folding portion 20A (see Figs. 7 and 8).

[0049] As described above, in the stored state, the display 20 of this embodiment is stored in a folded, flat state in the center console 104 of the rear seat (second or third row seat) of the vehicle (FIGS. 9 and 10). When in use, the display 20 is deployed and protrudes upward from the center console 104 of the vehicle. Therefore, the display 20 can be easily changed from the stored state to the deployed state. Also, a drive unit (not shown) may be provided in the center console 104 so that the display 20 can be automatically stored and deployed.

[0050] Furthermore, the display 20 is unfolded and protrudes upward from the center console 104, with the display surface 21A facing the rear-row right seat and the display surface 21B facing the rear-row left seat. Therefore, the display 20 of this embodiment can be said to be switchable between a single display surface (the screen 21 in FIGS. 5 and 6) and multiple display surfaces 21A, 21B, each of which is divided into multiple display surfaces 21A, 21B and can be oriented toward the viewer. In this case, the display 20 can provide a single content image with the screen 21 in a flat state (FIGS. 5 and 6). Meanwhile, the display 20 can display different content images on the display surface 21A on the right side and the display surface 21B on the left side in the traveling direction of the vehicle. That is, similar to the first embodiment, the display 20 can be switched between displaying a single content image on the flat screen 21 and displaying different content images on the multiple display surfaces 21A, 21B.

[0051] <Third embodiment> A display 20 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 16. In the second embodiment, a display 20 was illustrated in which a single display surface (the screen 21 in FIGS. 5 and 6) and a plurality of divided display surfaces 21A and 21B (FIGS. 7 and 8) were switchable, each of which could be set to face the viewer. The display surfaces 21A and 21B could be set to face the viewer in the rear seats (the second-row seats or the third-row seats) of the vehicle. In this embodiment, a display 20 having a screen 21-2 (display surfaces 21-2A and 21-2B) that can be set to face the viewer in the front seats (the first-row seats) of the vehicle is further illustrated (FIGS. 11 to 13). In addition, in this embodiment, a display 20 having a plurality of display surfaces 21-2A to 21-2F, etc. is further illustrated (FIGS. 14 to 16).

[0052] Fig. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the cabin of a vehicle equipped with the display 20 of this embodiment. Fig. 11 illustrates that the display 20 can be in two states, upper and lower, on either side of the arrow A6. In Fig. 11, the views on both sides of the arrow A6 both illustrate the cabin as viewed from the rear seats (e.g., second-row seats) side of the vehicle toward the front seats (e.g., first-row seats).

[0053] In this embodiment, the seats 102R and 102L in the first row of the vehicle can rotate around a vertical axis. In Fig. 11, the seats 102R and 102L in the first row of the vehicle are both rotated (flipped) 180 degrees around the vertical axis. Therefore, the line of sight of the occupants in the seats 102R and 102L faces backward in the direction of travel of the vehicle (negative Y-axis direction), that is, in a direction facing the occupants in the second row of seats (or the third row of seats in some cases).

[0054] 11 illustrates a state in which the display 20 is unfolded flat. As in the second embodiment, a support column 27 is attached to the bottom of the display 20. The support column 27 is inserted into a groove 126 in the top surface of the center console 104. The lower end of the support column 27 is fixed movably inside the center console 104.

[0055] Display 20 has screen 21 facing seats 103R and 103L in the second row, and screen 21-2 facing seats 102R and 102L in the first row that is inverted so as to face the seats in the second row. In this case, display 20 may display a common content image on screen 21 and screen 21-2, or different content images.

[0056] The diagram below arrow A6 in Figure 11 illustrates a state in which display 20 is unfolded into a box shape. Display 20 has four display surfaces 21A, 21B, 21-2A, and 21-2B that form, for example, a rhombus, a parallelogram, or a rectangle in a horizontal cross section perpendicular to the vertical direction. In this state, support pillar 27 separates into support pillar 27A near rear seats 103R and 103L of the vehicle and support pillar 27B near front seats 102R and 102L of the vehicle. That is, display 20 is supported by two support pillars 27A and 27B when unfolded into a box shape.

[0057] In FIG. 11, the change from the upper side of arrow A6 (when the display 20 is flat) to the lower side of arrow A6 (when the display 20 has four display surfaces 21A, etc.) may be linked to the state of the vehicle seat. For example, the display 20 may be normally locked in a flat state, and may be unlocked when the front seats (for example, the seats in the first row) are inverted in a direction facing the rear passengers of the vehicle. The display 20 may be configured to change from a flat state to a state in which the display 20 has four display surfaces 21A, etc., as shown below arrow A6, upon unlocking.

[0058] Here, display surface 21A faces, for example, rear seats (e.g., seats in the second row) toward seat 103R on the right side in the direction of travel of the vehicle. Display surface 21B faces, for example, rear seats (e.g., seats in the second row) toward seat 103L on the left side in the direction of travel of the vehicle. Display surface 21-2A faces, for example, front seats (e.g., seats in the first row) toward seat 102R on the right side in the direction of travel of the vehicle. Display surface 21-2B faces, for example, front seats (e.g., seats in the first row) toward seat 102L on the left side in the direction of travel of the vehicle. In this state, display 20 may display a common content image on the four display surfaces 21A, 21B, 21-2A, and 21-2B, or may display different content images on each of them.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 11, the horizontal cross section of the display 20 is a rhombus, parallelogram, or rectangle, and the cross section perpendicular to the central axis is polygonal. The display 20 can also be considered a quadrangular prism. Therefore, the display 20 in Fig. 11 illustrates a structure in which the cross section perpendicular to the central axis is developed into a polygonal prism, and each face parallel to the central axis of the polygonal prism faces in the direction of each vehicle occupant.

[0060] However, as described above, the center console 104 is provided between the second-row seats and the third-row seats. The display screen 21-2A may be located between the seats 103R and 103L. In this case, the seats 103R and 103L in the second row of seats in the vehicle can rotate around a vertical axis. In this case, the display screen 21A may face the seats on the right side of the third row of seats in the direction of travel. The display screen 21B may face the seats on the left side of the third row of seats in the direction of travel. On the other hand, the display screen 21-2A may face, for example, the second row of seats 102R that is inverted on the right side with respect to the direction of travel of the vehicle. Furthermore, the display screen 21-2B may face, for example, the second row of seats 102L that is inverted on the left side with respect to the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0061] 12 is a plan view of the interior of the vehicle cabin as viewed from vertically above in the state above arrow A6 in FIG. 11, i.e., with the display 20 flat. In this embodiment, the coordinate system is defined in the same way as in the first embodiment. That is, in this embodiment, the direction of travel of the vehicle is the Y axis, the vertically upward direction is the Z axis, and the coordinate axis extending in the vehicle width direction from the left side (passenger seat side) to the right side (driver seat side) of the vehicle is the X axis.

[0062] 12, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the display 20 will be used in a state where the front seats (for example, the first row seats) face the rear of the vehicle and the front seat occupants face the rear seat occupants (for example, the second row seats). The display 20 has a screen 21 facing the rear of the vehicle and a screen 21-2 facing the front of the vehicle. The screen 21 and the screen 21-2 are attached to the back panel 22 and the back panel 22-2, respectively.

[0063] 11, the display 20 is supported by a support pillar 27. The support pillar 27 can be separated into support pillars 27A and 27B. The support pillar 27A supports the rear panel 22 and the screen 21 in the negative direction of the Y axis (rearward in the direction of travel of the vehicle). The support pillar 27B supports the rear panel 22-2 and the screen 21-2 in the positive direction of the Y axis (forward in the direction of travel of the vehicle).

[0064] 13, rear panel 22 is divided into two parts, left and right, in the X-axis direction (vehicle width direction) (22C, 22D in FIG. 13). Rear panel 22-2 is also divided into two parts, left and right, in the X-axis direction (vehicle width direction) (22-2C, 22-2D in FIG. 13).

[0065] Furthermore, support pillar 27A has a hinge mechanism and connects rear panels 22C and 22D, which are separated into left and right halves, to form rear panel 22. Similarly, support pillar 27B has a hinge mechanism and connects rear panels 22-2C and 22-2D, which are separated into left and right halves, to form rear panel 22-2. Furthermore, rear panel 22 and rear panel 22-2 are connected by hinges 24C and 24D at both ends in the X-axis direction (vehicle width direction).

[0066] Fig. 13 illustrates a state in which support column 27 in Fig. 12 has been pulled apart to separate into support columns 27A and 27B. That is, rear panel 22 forms four folding portions 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D by the hinge mechanism of support columns 27A and 27B and hinges 24C and 24D. Screen 21 in Fig. 12 is divided into display surfaces 21A and 21B by folding portion 20A formed by support column 27A, as in Fig. 13. Screen 21-2 is divided into display surfaces 21-2A and 21-2B by folding portion 20C formed by support column 27B.

[0067] In Fig. 13, display surface 21A, display surface 21B, display surface 21-2A, and display surface 21-2B can each be considered a display panel. As shown in Figs. 11 to 13, the four display panels are connected in a ring shape. As shown in Fig. 13, display 20 has a box shape due to four bent portions 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D. Therefore, in this embodiment, the four display panels are connected in a ring shape and unfold into a box shape with a square cross section.

[0068] The display 20 is adjustable in terms of the distance between the pillars 27A and 27B in the Y-axis direction (the direction of travel of the vehicle) and the position of the display 20 in the groove 126 of the center console 104. By adjusting the distance and position of the pillars 27A and 27B in the Y-axis direction, the display surfaces 21A, 21B, 21-2A, and 21-2B are adjusted to face the seats 103R, 103L, 102R, and 102L, respectively.

[0069] As described above, the display 20 of this embodiment has a horizontal cross section that is polygonal, such as a square, and each face of the polygon can be adjusted to face the direction of each vehicle occupant. Therefore, the display 20 can provide the display surface 21A of the screen 21 at an angle that is easy to view for multiple occupants, for example, three or more occupants. 12, for example, the display screens 21A and 21B may be folded around the support column 27A so that they face each other, and stored in this state in the center console 104. Also, a drive unit (not shown) may be provided in the center console 104 so that the display 20 can be automatically stored and unfolded.

[0070] In this embodiment, display surfaces 21A, 21B, 21-2A, and 21-2B, which are an example of four display panels, are connected in a ring shape and unfold into a box shape with a square cross section. Therefore, display 20 can be stably and easily switched between a flat state as shown in FIG. 12 and a state divided by four bent portions 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D.

[0071] <Variation 1> In the third embodiment, the screen 21 and the screen 21-2 are bonded to the rear panel 22 and the rear panel 22-2 provided on the rear surface of the screen 21 and the screen 21-2, respectively. However, the rear panel 22 and the rear panel 22-2 are not essential components, and a simpler configuration may be used. In that case, the state in which the support column 27 is separated so that the support columns 27A and 27B are separated can be achieved by combining a known link mechanism or slider mechanism, for example. As a result, the display 20 illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 13 can be realized with a simpler and lighter configuration than the third embodiment.

[0072] <Variation 2> In this embodiment, the display 20 is exemplified in which the screens 21 and 21-2 are divided into four display surfaces 21A, 21B, 21-2A, and 21-2B by four folding portions 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D. However, the number of display surfaces 21A and the like formed by division is not limited to four.

[0073] 14 illustrates a display 20 according to a second modification of the third embodiment. The display 20 of the second modification has a hexagonal horizontal cross section, with six support columns 27A to 27F arranged near the vertices of the hexagon. The six support columns 27A to 27F form bent portions, and the display surfaces 21A to 21F each have normal vectors that differ in direction by 60 degrees and face outward from the hexagon formed in the horizontal cross section.

[0074] Display surfaces 21A to 21F are continuously connected to form a single screen 21. A configuration similar to the rear panels 22 and 22-2 in FIGS. 12 and 13 may be provided on the rear surfaces of display surfaces 21A to 21F. However, display surfaces 21A to 21F may be formed without a configuration similar to the rear panels 22 and 22-2 in FIGS. 12 and 13 by arranging and fixing six support columns 27A to 27F at each bending portion of a single screen 21. In this case, the six support columns 27A to 27F are connected to the lower support column 27 by combining known link mechanisms or slider mechanisms, forming a box-shaped display 20 having a hexagonal horizontal cross section.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 14, the display 20 is a hexagonal prism with a hexagonal horizontal cross section and a polygonal cross section perpendicular to the central axis. Therefore, the display 20 in Fig. 14 illustrates a structure in which the display 20 is developed into a polygonal prism with a polygonal cross section perpendicular to the central axis, and each face parallel to the central axis of the polygonal prism faces the direction of each vehicle occupant.

[0076] With this configuration, for example, display 20 is configured such that display surfaces 21A to 21F can be directed toward seats arranged in a vehicle cabin with their orientation changed by approximately 60 degrees each. In this case, display 20 may display the same content image on six display surfaces 21A to 21F, or different content images. Therefore, display 20 of modification 2 can provide display surfaces 21A to 21F that are easy to view for each passenger, even when multiple passengers (about six) are on board.

[0077] <Variation 3> 15 and 16 are diagrams illustrating a display 20 according to Modification 3 of the third embodiment. In Modification 2, the display 20 has six display surfaces 21A to 21F. However, the number of display surfaces 21A, etc. is not limited to six.

[0078] 15 illustrates an example of a display 20 in which the number of display surfaces can be changed according to the number of passengers in the vehicle cabin. FIG. 15(A) illustrates the shape of the display 20 when five passengers are on board and five seats 102A to 102E are laid out in a pentagon with their vertices pointing toward the center of the pentagon. In such a case, the display 20 may have the same configuration as that of FIG. 14, with five support columns arranged at five bending portions. Then, the five support columns may be fixed so that the horizontal cross section is pentagonal instead of the hexagonal shape of FIG. 14, and the display 20 may have five display surfaces 21A to 21E as in FIG. 14.

[0079] 15(B) is a diagram illustrating the shape of the display 20 when six passengers are on board and the six seats 102A to 102F are laid out at the vertices of a hexagon toward the center of the hexagon. In this case, the display 20 may have the same configuration as the display 20 illustrated in FIG.

[0080] FIG. 15(C) illustrates an example of the shape of the display 20 when six passengers are on board and there is little space in the vehicle cabin. Here, it is assumed that the display 20 is installed as a digital signage displaying guidance and advertisements in a relatively small autonomous vehicle in which many passengers are standing. In such a case, instead of the display 20 divided into many display surfaces, for example, six surfaces, as shown in FIG. 15(B), the display 20 may be formed with fewer display surfaces, such as four display surfaces 21A to 21D (see FIGS. 11 to 13). In such a case, the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the display 20 formed by the four display surfaces may be adjusted to a thin diamond shape, thereby enabling efficient use of the vehicle cabin. Furthermore, when there are many passengers, the display 20 may be made flat to display common content while ensuring sufficient passenger space. The common image content may be, for example, the current running position or the next stop.

[0081] FIG. 15(D) illustrates the display 20 when there are only a few passengers. When there are only a few passengers, for example, the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the display 20 formed by the four display surfaces may be adjusted to a thicker diamond shape than that shown in FIG. 15(C). With this configuration, privacy between passengers can be more easily ensured when there are only a few passengers. Furthermore, when there are only a few passengers, the display 20 is transformed into a polyhedron (for example, a polygonal prism having a polygonal horizontal cross-section) as shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, 15(A), and 15(B). Then, each display surface may display image content tailored to the passenger, for example, by changing the language.

[0082] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a display 20 that can be transformed into each of the shapes illustrated in FIG. 15. However, FIG. 16 illustrates only the screen 21 and the frame of the display 20. That is, the horizontal cross section of the display 20 in FIGS. 16(A) to 16(E) has a closed curve, and has a frame (illustrated as a circle in FIG. 16) inside. Note that although six frames are illustrated in FIGS. 16(A) to 16(E), the number of frames is not limited to six. Note that each frame in FIGS. 16(A) to 16(E) is similar to the support column 27 in FIG. 14.

[0083] 16(A) illustrates a display 20 having flat display surfaces on the front and back surfaces. In this configuration, six frames are arranged in a row, and the frames on both ends form two display surfaces of the screen 21.

[0084] Fig. 16(B) illustrates a display 20 having a display surface with a triangular horizontal cross section. In this configuration, three of the six frames are arranged at the vertices of the triangle, and the frames at the three vertices form three display surfaces of the screen 21. In this case, there are no restrictions on the positions of the remaining frames. In the example of Fig. 16(B), the three frames other than the frames at the three vertices are arranged near the centers of the sides of the triangle in horizontal cross section.

[0085] Fig. 16(C) illustrates a display 20 having a display surface whose horizontal cross section is rectangular. In this configuration, four of the six frames are arranged at the vertices of the rectangle, and the frames at the four vertices form the four display surfaces of the screen 21. In this case, there are no limitations on the positions of the remaining frames. In the example of Fig. 16(C), the two frames other than the frames at the four vertices are arranged near the centers of two of the four sides of the rectangular horizontal cross section.

[0086] Fig. 16(D) illustrates a display 20 having a display surface whose horizontal cross section is pentagonal. In this configuration, five of the six frames are arranged at the vertices of the pentagon, and the frames at the five vertices form five display surfaces of the screen 21. In this case, there are no restrictions on the position of the remaining frames. In the example of Fig. 16(D), one frame other than the frames at the five vertices is arranged near the center of the pentagon in horizontal cross section.

[0087] 16(E) illustrates a display 20 having a display surface with a hexagonal horizontal cross section. In this configuration, six frames are arranged at the vertices of the hexagon, and the frames at the six vertices form six display surfaces of the screen 21. This is similar to the case of FIG. 14.

[0088] 16(A) to 16(E), the display 20 is a polygonal prism having a polygonal horizontal cross section, and a cross section perpendicular to the central axis of the display 20 is also polygonal. Therefore, the display 20 in Fig. 16(A) to 16(E) illustrates a structure in which the display 20 is developed into a polygonal prism having a polygonal cross section perpendicular to the central axis, and each surface parallel to the central axis of the polygonal prism faces the direction of each vehicle occupant.

[0089] In all of Figures 16(A) to 16(E), the six frames are movably fixed by combining known link mechanisms and slider mechanisms. Alternatively, a drive mechanism may be provided in addition to the link mechanisms and slider mechanisms so that the frames can automatically move according to the seating arrangement, etc. That is, the display 20 of Variation 3 includes a frame inside a cylindrical flexible display, and the pillar portions of the frame move to form a configuration similar to the folding sections 20A to 20D illustrated in Figure 13, and the cross section unfolds into a polygonal shape. As a result, the display 20 of Variation 3 can form various polygonal horizontal cross sections, as illustrated in Figures 16(A) to 16(E).

[0090] <Fourth embodiment> A display 20 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. In the display 20 according to the fourth embodiment, the display 20 (OLED) is stretched in the space between the seats 102L and 102R in the front seats (for example, the seats in the first row) due to tensile stress (tension), forming a screen 21.

[0091] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the display 20 in the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 17, arrow A7 illustrates state changes of the display 20. The diagram above arrow A7 in FIG. 17 illustrates the stored state of the display 20. In the stored state, the display 20 is rolled up and stored in a groove 108 in the left seat 102L in the direction of travel of the vehicle. That is, in this embodiment, the display 20 has a flexible, rollable screen 21 as illustrated in FIG. 3, and does not have a material with a certain limit of rigidity like the back panel 22.

[0092] The diagram below arrow A7 in Figure 17 illustrates an example of the use state of display 20. In use, display 20 is pulled out from groove 108 on the side surface of seat 102L and secured by being hooked onto the locking structure of right-side seat 102R, which is located next to it. Display 20 then displays a content image with screen 21 facing toward the seats behind seats 102L and 102R (for example, the seats in the second row).

[0093] A groove 108 for accommodating the display 20 may be formed on the side surface of the right-side seat 102R. In this case, the display 20 is pulled out from the groove 108 on the side surface of the seat 102R and secured by being hooked onto the locking structure of the adjacent left-side seat 102L. In addition, in this embodiment, the front seats are not limited to the first-row seats and the rear seats are not limited to the second-row seats. For example, the seats 102L and 102R illustrated in FIG. 17 may be second-row seats. In this case, the display 20 displays a content image with the screen 21 facing the third-row seats when in use.

[0094] Fifth Embodiment A display 20 according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18. In this embodiment, the display 20 is stored in a rolled-up state inside a pillar of the vehicle when in a stored state. When in use, the display 20 is pulled out from the side of one pillar and secured by being hooked onto a locking structure on the other pillar.

[0095] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a display 20 according to a fifth embodiment. In FIG. 18, arrow A8 illustrates state changes of the display 20. The diagram above arrow A8 in FIG. 18 illustrates a stored state of the display 20. In the stored state, the display 20 is rolled up and stored in a groove 109 in the pillar 105R on the right side in the direction of travel of the vehicle. That is, in this embodiment, the display 20 has a flexible, rollable screen 21 as illustrated in FIG. 3, and does not have a material with a certain limit of rigidity like the back panel 22.

[0096] The diagram below arrow A8 in Figure 18 illustrates an example of the use state of display 20. In use, display 20 is pulled out from groove 109 of pillar 105R and fixed by being hooked onto a locking structure of pillar 105L on the left side in the direction of vehicle travel. Display 20 then displays a content image with screen 21 facing toward seats behind pillars 105R and 105L (for example, seats in the second row).

[0097] The groove 109 for accommodating the display 20 may be formed on the side surface of the left pillar 105L. In this case, the display 20 is pulled out from the groove 109 of the pillar 105L and fixed by being hooked onto the locking structure of the pillar 105R on the right side in the vehicle travel direction. In this embodiment, the positions of the pillars 105R and 105L are not limited to between the first and second row seats in the vehicle travel direction. For example, the pillar 105R shown in FIG. The positions of 05R and 105L may be between the second and third row seats in the direction of vehicle travel.

[0098] Sixth Embodiment An information processing device 1 according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 19 and Fig. 20. The information processing device 1 is an example of a display system. Fig. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 1. The hardware configuration of the information processing device 1 is similar to that of a normal computer. The information processing device 1 has a CPU 11, a main memory unit 12, a graphics Int Integrated Circuit (IC) 30, a Video RAM (VRAM) 31, a display 20, and external devices connected via an interface (I / F), and executes information processing by a program.

[0099] The CPU 11 executes a computer program that has been loaded in an executable manner into the main memory unit 12, thereby providing the functions of the information processing device 1. The main memory unit 12 is also referred to simply as a memory, and stores the computer program executed by the CPU 11, the data processed by the CPU 11, and the like. The CPU 11 is also referred to as a processor. However, the CPU 11 is not limited to a single processor, and may have a multi-processor configuration. Furthermore, the CPU 11 may be a single processor connected via a single socket, and may have a multi-core configuration.

[0100] Furthermore, the CPU 11 may include a plurality of different types of processors. For example, at least a portion of the processing of the information processing device 1 may be provided by a dedicated processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a numerical calculation processor, a vector processor, or an image processing processor, or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Also, at least a portion of the information processing device 1 may be a dedicated large scale integration (LSI) such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other digital circuit. Also, at least a portion of the information processing device 1 may include an analog circuit.

[0101] The main memory unit 12 is connected to the CPU 11 via an internal bus. The main memory unit 12 is a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read only memory (ROM), or the like.

[0102] In this embodiment, a graphics IC 30 is further connected to the internal bus, and the graphics IC 30 is connected to a VRAM 31 and the display 20. The graphics IC 30 receives a drawing command from the CPU 11 and forms, in the VRAM, a pixel array of an image to be transferred to the display 20. The graphics IC 30 then transfers the pixel array formed in the VRAM 31 to the display 20 and causes the content image to be displayed on the display 20.

[0103] More specifically, the graphics IC 30 has an internal controller and a processor element array that processes images under the control of the controller. Each processor element in the processor element array has multiple arithmetic units that perform various operations such as addition, comparison, multiplication, and multiply-and-accumulate. The processor elements perform pipeline processing using the various arithmetic units, and also perform image processing in parallel on images input to the graphics IC 30. Note that the information processing device 1 may have a single or multiple processors (e.g., digital signal processors (DSPs)) instead of a processor element array.

[0104] The VRAM 31 has storage areas corresponding to the screen 21 (or display surfaces 21A to 21F) of the display 20. For example, the storage area M corresponds to the screen 21, and the storage areas MA to MF correspond to the display surfaces 21A to 21F. By specifying memory areas M, MA to MF, etc. to the graphics IC 30 and causing it to execute a drawing command, a content image can be displayed on the screens 21, 21-2, display surfaces 21A to 21F, etc. of the display 20. The CPU 11, main memory unit 12, graphics IC 30, and VRAM 31 can be referred to as the control unit 10.

[0105] Examples of the external device include an external storage unit 13, an operation unit 15, a communication unit 16, and a folding detection sensor 19. The display 20 and the external device do not have to be integrated with the control unit (CPU 11, main storage unit 12, etc.). Each of the display 20 and the external device may be connected to the housing of the information processing device 1 via an interface.

[0106] The external storage unit 13 is used, for example, as a storage area that supplements the main storage unit 12, and stores computer programs executed by the CPU 11, data processed by the CPU 11, etc. The external storage unit 13 is a hard disk drive, a solid state drive (SSD), etc. Furthermore, the information processing device 1 may be provided with a drive device for a removable storage medium. The removable storage medium is, for example, a Blu-ray disc, a digital versatile disc (DVD), a compact disc (CD), a flash memory card, etc.

[0107] The operation unit 15 is, for example, an array of push buttons, a keyboard, a pointing device, etc. In this embodiment, a touch panel is exemplified as the pointing device. The communication unit 16 exchanges data with other devices on the network. The communication unit 16 may be a wireless communication device that accesses a wireless network such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), 4th Generation Mobile Communication System (4G), 5th Generation Mobile Communication System (5G), or wireless LAN.

[0108] The bending detection sensor 19 detects the bending state of the display 20 and notifies the CPU 11 of the detected bending state with an on / off (HI / LO) signal. The bending detection sensor 19 is, for example, the contact switch 24A in Fig. 3. The bending detection sensor 19 may also be, for example, an electronic circuit that detects whether or not there is contact between the slider 25A and the conductor 26A in Fig. 3 and notifies an on or off signal.

[0109] 20 is a flowchart illustrating a display method executed by the control unit 10 including the CPU 11 of the information processing device 1. The process executed by the information processing device 1 as an example of a display system can be called a screen control process. This process starts, for example, when the accessory power supply of the vehicle or the power supply of the information processing device 1 is turned on. In this process, the control unit 10 detects a change in the bending state of the display 20 (S1). If there is no change in the bending state of the display 20, the control unit 10 returns the process to S1 (YES in S2).

[0110] If there is a change in the bending state of display 20, control unit 10 determines whether the current state is bent or not (S3). If display 20 is bent (YES in S3), control unit 10 sets the display mode so that content images are displayed in each divided area of ​​the screen (S4). Thereafter, display 20 displays each divided area. The divided areas are display surfaces 21A and 21B in FIGS. 3 and 7, and display surfaces 21A, 21B, 21-2A, 21-2B, etc. in FIG. 13. The divided areas are display surfaces 21A to 21F, etc. in FIGS. 14 to 16. Note that the presence or absence of bending and the number of bending points in FIG. 14 can also be detected by providing each of support columns 27A to 27F with a configuration similar to contact switch 24A in FIG. 3. On the other hand, if the display 20 is not bent (NO in S3), the control unit 10 sets the display mode to display the same content image on one screen, that is, for example, the flat screen 21 in Figures 1 to 3, the flat screen 21 in Figures 5 and 6, etc. (S5). Thereafter, the display 20 enters a display state in which the same content image is displayed on one screen.

[0111] After the process of S4 or S5, the control unit 10 determines whether or not to end the process (S6). This process ends when, for example, the accessory power supply of the vehicle or the power supply of the information processing device 1 is turned off. On the other hand, if the process does not end, the control unit 10 returns the process to S1.

[0112] As described above, the control unit 10 detects whether the display 20 is folded at the folding portion 20A (FIGS. 3 and 7), 20A to 20D, etc. (FIGS. 13 to 16, etc.). When the display 20 is not folded, the control unit 10 displays a single content image on the display 20. When the display 20 is folded at the folding portion 20A, etc., the control unit 10 can display different content images on each of the multiple display surfaces 21A to 21F, etc., divided by the folding portion 20A, etc. Therefore, the information processing device 1 of this embodiment can switch between displaying a common content image and different content images on each of the multiple display surfaces 21A to 21F, etc., divided by the folding portion 20A, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1. Information processing equipment 2 Input document 3. One-dimensional image sensor 4 Wide Lens 5. Lighting lamps 10 Control device 11 CPU 12 Main memory 13 External memory unit 15 Control section 16 Communications Department 19 Bend detection sensor 20 Display 21 screens 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E, 21F display surface 22 Rear Panel 23 Support mechanism 24 hinge 24A contact switch 25A, 25B slider 26 Groove 26A conductor 27, 27A, 27B Post 30 Graphics IC 31 VRAM 101 Ceiling 102R, 102L, 103R, 103L seats 104 Center console 108, 109, 126 groove

Claims

1. A display mounted on a vehicle and foldable with at least one folding portion, The flexible member is deformable between a state in which the flexible member is not bent at the bending portion and a state in which the flexible member is bent at the bending portion, In the folded state, each of the plurality of display surfaces divided by the folding portion can be adjusted to face a plurality of seats in the vehicle. display.

2. 2. The display of claim 1, wherein the display is arranged along the ceiling of the vehicle when not folded, and when in use, the folded portion extending in the vehicle width direction at the center of the display protrudes downward to form a display surface divided into the front and rear of the vehicle.

3. 3. The display according to claim 2, wherein the front seat of the vehicle can be reversed backward, and the display is folded in conjunction with the reversal.

4. 2. The display according to claim 1, which is stored in a center console of a rear seat of a vehicle in a flat state folded at at least one folding portion, and which is deployed and protrudes upward from the center console when in use.

5. 2. The display according to claim 1, wherein the display is developed into a polygonal prism having a polygonal cross section perpendicular to the central axis, and each face of the polygonal prism parallel to the central axis faces in the direction of each occupant of the vehicle.

6. 6. The display according to claim 5, wherein four display panels are connected in an annular shape, and the cross section unfolds into a box shape having a rectangular shape.

7. The display according to claim 5, further comprising a frame inside the cylindrical flexible display, wherein the bending portion is formed by moving pillar portions of the frame, and the cross section unfolds into the polygonal shape.

8. A display system including a display and a control unit that displays an image on the display, the display is mounted on a vehicle and is foldable at at least one folding portion, and is deformable between a state in which the display is not folded at the folding portion and a state in which the display is folded at the folding portion, and in the folded state, each of a plurality of display surfaces divided by the folding portion can be adjusted in direction toward a plurality of seats in the vehicle; the control unit displays a single content image on the display when the display is not bent by the bending unit, and is capable of displaying different content images on each of the divided display surfaces when the display is bent by the bending unit. Display system.

9. A display method in which a computer displays an image on a display, comprising: the display is mounted on a vehicle and is foldable at at least one folding portion, and is deformable between a state in which the display is not folded at the folding portion and a state in which the display is folded at the folding portion, and in the folded state, each of a plurality of display surfaces divided by the folding portion can be adjusted in direction toward a plurality of seats in the vehicle; When the computer is not folded at the folding portion, a single content image is displayed on the display, and when the display is folded at the folding portion, different content images can be displayed on each of the plurality of divided display surfaces; Display method.

10. A program that causes a computer to display an image on a display, the display is mounted on a vehicle and is foldable at at least one folding portion, and is deformable between a state in which the display is not folded at the folding portion and a state in which the display is folded at the folding portion, and in the folded state, each of a plurality of display surfaces divided by the folding portion can be adjusted in direction toward a plurality of seats in the vehicle; The computer is capable of displaying a single content image on the display when the display is not bent at the bending section, and displaying different content images on each of the divided display surfaces when the display is bent at the bending section. program.

Images