In-vehicle display device and vehicle

Abstract

To improve degree of freedom of design for a background image while securing visibility of a function display image showing vehicle information.SOLUTION: A CPU 21 (processor) causes a panel 12 to display a background image 17 selected by a user. Further, the CPU 21 displays a function-display image (including a telltale 15 and an indicator 16) indicating vehicular information on the background image 17. Based on color of the function-display image being displayed and color of a determination area 17A of the background image 17, which is the peripheral area of the function-display image, the CPU 21 additionally displays a patch image 18 of color different from that of the determination area 17A on a back surface of the function-display image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Disclosed herein is an in-vehicle display device and a vehicle equipped with the device.

[0002] Patent Documents 1 to 3 disclose an in-vehicle display device. The in-vehicle display device is installed in an instrument panel. Images of instruments such as a speedometer are displayed on the in-vehicle display device. The in-vehicle display device allows the design of the instrument images to be changed according to the user's preferences.

[0003] When changing the design of an instrument image, Patent Document 1 determines whether the image provided by the user is similar in color to the instrument. If it is determined that the image provided by the user is similar in color to the instrument, the user is allowed to change the color of the image.

[0004] In Patent Documents 2 and 3, a parameter correction unit is provided in an in-vehicle display device. If the setting values ​​for the size, position, color, etc. of an instrument image input by the user are such that they impair visibility, the parameter correction unit determines that the setting values ​​are inappropriate. The parameter correction unit then prompts the user to change the setting values. Alternatively, the parameter correction unit automatically changes the setting values.

[0005] Furthermore, in Patent Document 2, the periphery of the instrument image is outlined in a specified color. This outline improves the visibility of the instrument image. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-088673 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-526161 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2009 / 034797 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] This specification discloses an in-vehicle display device that ensures the visibility of a functional display image showing vehicle information while allowing for improved design freedom for background images, and a vehicle equipped with the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This specification discloses an in-vehicle display device. The device includes a panel and a processor. The panel displays an image. The processor controls the image display on the panel. The processor causes the panel to display a background image selected by a user. The processor also causes a function display image showing vehicle information to be displayed on the background image. Based on the color of the function display image currently being displayed and the color of a judgment area of ​​the background image, which is a peripheral area of ​​the function display image, the processor additionally displays a patch image of a color different from that of the judgment area behind the function display image.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the patch image ensures visibility of the function display image regardless of the color of the determination area of ​​the background image.

[0010] This specification also discloses a vehicle. The vehicle includes an on-board display. The on-board display includes a panel and a processor. The panel displays an image. The processor controls the image display on the panel. The processor causes a background image selected by a user to be displayed on the panel. The processor also causes a function display image showing vehicle information to be displayed on the background image. Based on the color of the function display image currently being displayed and the color of a judgment area of ​​the background image, which is a peripheral area of ​​the function display image, the processor additionally displays a patch image of a color different from that of the judgment area behind the function display image.

[0011] In the in-vehicle display device, the color of the determination area may be a predetermined approximate color of the function display image being displayed. In such a case, the processor additionally displays a patch image behind the function display image.

[0012] According to the above configuration, when the color of the determination area is a color that is similar to the color of the function-display image that is being displayed, a patch image is additionally displayed.

[0013] In the in-vehicle display device, the RGB values ​​of the color of the determination area may sometimes be close to the RGB values ​​of the color of the function display image being displayed. In such cases, the processor additionally displays the patch image behind the function display image.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the similarity between the color of the determination area and the color of the function display image being displayed is determined based on RGB values.

[0015] In the in-vehicle display device, if at least one of the brightness difference and color difference between the color of the determination area and the color of the function display image being displayed is less than a predetermined threshold, the processor additionally displays a patch image behind the function display image.

[0016] As will be described later, brightness difference and color difference are sometimes used as parameters for evaluating the color contrast between a background color and a foreground color. By determining whether or not to display a patch image based on these parameters, it is possible to display a patch image in a scene that is objectively evaluated as having low visibility.

[0017] In the above-described in-vehicle display device, the processor may set the color of the patch image to a complementary color of the color of the function display image being displayed.

[0018] According to the above configuration, it is possible to display a patch image with clear color contrast.

[0019] In the above-described in-vehicle display device, the processor may set the color of the patch image to black.

[0020] According to the above configuration, the back surface of the function display image is made black, so that the function display image is clearly displayed.

[0021] In the above-described in-vehicle display device, the processor may superimpose and display on the panel a lower layer on which a background image is drawn, a middle layer on which a patch image is drawn, and an upper layer on which a function display image is drawn.

[0022] According to the above configuration, the processes of drawing the background image, drawing the patch image, and drawing the function display image can be carried out independently.

[0023] In the above-described in-vehicle display device, the patch image may be a solid, monochromatic rectangular image that surrounds the function display image.

[0024] According to the above configuration, even if a slight layer misalignment occurs between the middle layer and the upper layer, the patch image is prevented from completely deviating from the function-display image.

[0025] In the above-described in-vehicle display device, the processor may display a telltale image on the panel as the function display image.

[0026] According to the above configuration, visibility of the telltale (warning light) is ensured.

[0027] In addition, in the above-mentioned in-vehicle display device, after the patch image is additionally displayed behind the currently displayed function display image, the processor may display the patch image on the panel until the currently displayed function display image becomes invisible, regardless of a change in the color of the judgment area.

[0028] When the patch image is switched from a display state to a non-display state, the function display image may become relatively less noticeable.Until the event indicated by the function display image (e.g., a fuel shortage) is resolved, the function display image is highlighted by the patch image, so as to draw the driver's attention.

[0029] In the above-described in-vehicle display device, the processor may change the brightness of the patch image depending on the time of day.

[0030] Although the visibility of the function display image is ensured by displaying the patch image, the combination of the patch image and the function display image may be too conspicuous, for example, at night, etc. In such cases, reducing the luminance (intensity of light) of the patch image prevents the function display image from being too conspicuous.

[0031] In the in-vehicle display device, the processor may apply a single patch image to multiple function display images of the same color. In this case, the patch image is a solid, monochromatic rectangular image. Furthermore, the processor sets the image size of the patch image so as to surround the largest function display image among the multiple function display images of the same color.

[0032] According to the above configuration, a single patch image is displayed for function display images of the same color, which reduces the memory load compared to when a patch image is set for each function display image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] The in-vehicle display device and vehicle disclosed in this specification make it possible to improve the degree of freedom in designing the background image while ensuring the visibility of the function display image showing vehicle information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a network configuration of a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a panel of an in-vehicle display device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an image layer structure of the in-vehicle display device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of an in-vehicle display device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display determination table stored in a patch image database. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a patch image display determination flow. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for setting a determination region. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a patch image before processing when the background image is a reddish color. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a patch image after processing when the background image is a reddish color. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a patch image before processing when the background image is yellowish in color. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a patch image after processing when the background image is yellowish in color. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] 1. Vehicle network configuration 1 illustrates an example of a network configuration of a vehicle 100 according to this embodiment. The vehicle 100 is, for example, a hybrid electric vehicle. A plurality of ECUs (Electric Control Units) are arranged in the vehicle 100. Each of the plurality of ECUs is configured by a computer.

[0036] As representatively shown in the meter panel ECU 20, the ECU includes a CPU 21, a RAM 22, a ROM 23, a storage 24, and an input / output controller 25.

[0037] The CPU 21 is a central processing unit, also called a processor. The RAM 22 is a volatile storage device that temporarily stores data during work. The ROM 23 is a storage device that can read data. The storage 24 is a storage device that can write and read data. The storage 24 is configured, for example, from an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0038] 1, a local area network (LAN) connecting a plurality of ECUs is established in a vehicle 100. For example, this network is established based on the CAN (Controller Area Network) communication protocol.

[0039] 1, multiple ECUs are grouped by system. For example, in this network, a bus is provided for each of the safety system, control system, body system, and information system.

[0040] ECUs that control airbag deployment and collision safety are connected to the safety system. ECUs that control the driving system are connected to the control system. For example, ECUs that control engine drive, ECUs that control rotating electrical machines, and ECUs that control brake drive are connected to the control system. ECUs that control door locking / unlocking, ECUs that control the air conditioning system, and ECUs that control various lighting are connected to the body system.

[0041] The information system is connected to an ECU that controls an ETC (registered trademark) system, an ECU that controls a navigation system, and an ECU that controls an audio-visual system. Furthermore, the information system is connected to a meter panel ECU 20, which is a part of the in-vehicle display device according to this embodiment. The meter panel ECU 20 will be described in detail later.

[0042] The information system, body system, control system, and safety system are all connected to the central gateway ECU 50 (CGW-ECU). One of the main functions of the central gateway ECU 50 is to relay communications. That is, the central gateway ECU 50 relays communications between multiple ECUs. For example, when a safety ECU detects an abnormality in an airbag, the safety ECU transmits an abnormality signal to the meter panel ECU 20 via the central gateway ECU 50. Upon receiving the abnormality signal, the meter panel ECU 20 displays a telltale (warning light) 15K as shown in FIG. 2.

[0043] 2. In-vehicle display device 1 illustrates a display device mounted on a vehicle 100. For example, a combination meter 10 and a multimedia display 60 are installed on an instrument panel.

[0044] The multimedia display 60 is capable of displaying navigation images and audiovisual images. The multimedia display 60 is also a so-called touchpad, allowing information to be input. As will be described later, the background image 17 of the combination meter 10 is selected by the user through operation of a switch provided on the steering wheel or the multimedia display 60.

[0045] The combination meter 10 includes a panel 12 and a meter panel ECU 20. The panel 12 is a display device that displays various images. The panel 12 is configured, for example, as an LCD panel or an LED panel.

[0046] 2 shows an example of the display contents of the panel 12. On the panel 12, a function display image, a background image 17, and patch images 18A-18P (see FIG. 3) to be described later are displayed.

[0047] The function display images are images that show vehicle information, and include a speedometer image 13A, a battery information image 13B, telltales 15A-15L (telltale images), and indicators 16A-16D (indicator images).

[0048] The speedometer image 13A is a digital image that imitates an analog speedometer. The battery information image 13B displays the battery SOC and the evaluation of so-called eco-start and eco-deceleration.

[0049] Telltales 15A-15L are warning images that notify of vehicle abnormalities. For example, the following warning images are displayed on panel 12: fuel filter warning (telltale 15A), oil pressure warning (telltale 15B), exhaust noise warning (telltale 15C), master warning (telltale 15D), hybrid system abnormality (telltale 15E), and charging warning (telltale 15F). In addition, engine warning (15G), brake assist warning (15H), brake warning (15I), seat belt not fastened (15J), airbag warning (15K), and door ajar warning (15L) are displayed on panel 12.

[0050] Indicators 16A-16D indicate the operating status of vehicle systems. For example, panel 12 indicates that high beam (16A), cruise control (16C), and security (16D) systems are activated. Panel 12 also indicates that vehicle 100 is in a skid (16B).

[0051] In the following description, telltales 15A-15L and indicators 16A-16D will be collectively referred to as "signal images" where appropriate.

[0052] The patch images 18A-18P are disposed behind the signal images (the telltales 15A-15L and the indicators 16A-16D). The patch images 18A-18P are small pieces of image data relative to the image plane of the panel 12. The patch images 18A-18P are, for example, rectangular images. The patch images 18A-18P are also solid images of a single color.

[0053] 9, which will be described later, patch image 18M is displayed behind telltale 15J. The size of patch images 18A-18P is determined so as to surround the entire signal image (telltales 15A-15L and indicators 16A-16D) displayed in front of them. For example, the size of patch images 18A-18P is determined so that it is the same size as determination region 17A shown in FIG. 7, which will be described later.

[0054] Furthermore, whether patch images 18A-18P are displayed or hidden is determined based on the color of the signal image and the color of the surrounding background image. This determination flow will be described in detail later. Note that, hereinafter, when individual patch images 18A-18P are not specified, they are simply referred to as patch image 18.

[0055] 3, background image 17 is displayed behind the function display images (speedometer image 13A, battery information image 13B, telltales 15A-15L, and indicators 16A-16D) and patch images 18A-18P. In other words, background image 17 is the backmost image on panel 12.

[0056] The design of the background image 17 can be changed by a user such as a driver. For example, the user operates a switch on the steering wheel or the multimedia display 60 to display a setting screen for the background image 17. Thereafter, various background images 17 stored in the background image database 26A (see FIG. 4) are displayed on the multimedia display 60. For example, the user can change the color of the background image 17. The background image 17 selected by the user is displayed on the panel 12 (see FIG. 2).

[0057] For example, background image 17 is configured as a single-color gradation image. Data of background image 17 with various color variations for this gradation image is stored in background image database 26A.

[0058] Furthermore, background images 17 stored in background image database 26A may include pattern images whose colors change depending on the time of day. For example, data on background images 17 whose colors change in gradation depending on the time of day, such as night, dawn, daytime, and sunset, is stored in background image database 26A.

[0059] Here, the background images 17 stored in the background image database 26A include those with colors similar to those of the function display images (speedometer image 13A, battery information image 13B, telltales 15A-15L, and indicators 16A-16D). If such a background image 17 is selected by the user, the visibility of the function display images, particularly the signal images (telltales 15A-15L and indicators 16A-16D), superimposed on the background image 17 may be reduced. For example, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe's "Regulations Concerning the Arrangement and Identification of Flight Control Devices (No. 121)" stipulates that the visibility of the telltales 15A-15L and indicators 16A-16D must be ensured. Therefore, as will be described later, in such cases, patch images 18A-18P are inserted between the background image 17 and the function display images.

[0060] 1 and 4, in meter panel ECU 20, CPU 21 (processor) executes a program stored in ROM 23 or storage 24. As a result, functional blocks exemplified in FIG.

[0061] The meter panel ECU 20 includes, as storage units, a background image database 26A, a patch image database 26B, and a function display image database 26C. The meter panel ECU 20 also includes, as calculation processing units, a background image control unit 26D, a patch image control unit 26E, a function display image control unit 26F, and a display control unit 26G.

[0062] For example, the background image control unit 26D, the patch image control unit 26E, the function display image control unit 26F, and the display control unit 26G are configured from the CPU 21 (processor).

[0063] The background image control unit 26D draws the background image 17 on the lower layer 32 shown in Fig. 3. The patch image control unit 26E draws the patch images 18A-18P on the middle layer 31. The function display image control unit 26F draws the function display image on the upper layer 30. Such a multi-layer structure allows design changes on each layer to proceed independently from the other layers.

[0064] For example, the upper layer 30, the middle layer 31, and the lower layer 32 are all rectangular planes of the same size. For all of these layers, the upper left vertex is set to the origin (0,0). Furthermore, for all of these layers, the horizontal axis is set to the X axis and the vertical axis is set to the Y axis. The origins (0,0) of the upper layer 30, the middle layer 31, and the lower layer 32 are all the same. Furthermore, the scales of the X axis and the Y axis are the same for the upper layer 30, the middle layer 31, and the lower layer 32.

[0065] Here, when the design of at least one of the upper layer 30, the middle layer 31, and the lower layer 32 is changed, for example, the magnification or resolution of the layer may be changed. In such cases, so-called layer misalignment occurs.

[0066] For example, when a border is applied to a signal image, the border image is displayed on the middle layer 31. When the upper layer 30 and the middle layer 31 are superimposed, even a slight misalignment of the layers will cause the border to deviate from the signal image.

[0067] In contrast, patch image 18 according to this embodiment is a rectangular filled image. Therefore, even if some layer misalignment occurs, complete deviation from the signal image (telltales 15A-15L and indicators 16A-16D) is suppressed. In other words, patch image 18 ensures the visibility of the signal image.

[0068] With regard to background image 17, for example, an identification symbol of background image 17 selected by the user is stored in background image control unit 26D. Background image control unit 26D extracts data of the background image selected by the user from background image database 26A and draws it on lower layer 32. For example, RGB values ​​are set for each coordinate as data of background image 17.

[0069] Furthermore, as described above, when the user selects background image 17 whose gradation color changes depending on the time of day, background image control unit 26D refers to the time from clock 26H and draws a background image in a color that matches the time of day.

[0070] Next, with regard to the function display images showing vehicle information (speedometer image 13A, battery information image 13B, telltales 15A-15L, and indicators 16A-16D), the display positions of these images are predetermined in the upper layer 30. For example, data of the function display images is stored in the function display image database 26C. RGB values ​​are set for each coordinate as the function display image data.

[0071] The colors of telltales 15A-15L and indicators 16A-16D are specified by international agreements, etc. For example, the colors of telltales 15A-15L and indicators 16A-16D are specified by the standards organization W3C (World Wide Web Consortium). For example, the colors of telltales 15A-15L and indicators 16A-16D are specified as red, yellow, blue, or green, depending on the content they display.

[0072] Among the function display images, the speedometer image 13A and the battery information image 13B are always drawn (displayed) on the upper layer 30 when the drive system of the vehicle 100 is on. On the other hand, the signal images (telltales 15A-15L and indicators 16A-16D) are switched between display and non-display by a command from the central gateway ECU 50.

[0073] Furthermore, in the intermediate layer 31, the display positions of the patch images 18A-18P are predetermined. For example, RGB values ​​are set for each coordinate as data for the patch images 18A-18P. Each of the patch images 18A-18P is displayed at a position overlapping with the signal image (the telltales 15A-15L and the indicators 16A-16D). For example, the center coordinates of the signal image and the patch images 18A-18P are the same. The color setting and display / non-display determination flow for the patch images 18A-18P will be described later.

[0074] 4, the display control unit 26G superimposes the images of the lower layer 32, the middle layer 31, and the upper layer 30. For example, the display control unit 26G acquires image data of the lower layer 32 from the background image control unit 26D, acquires image data of the middle layer 31 from the patch image control unit 26E, and acquires image data of the upper layer from the function display image control unit 26F.

[0075] The display control unit 26G generates a composite image by superimposing the image of the middle layer 31 on the image of the lower layer 32. Specifically, the display control unit 26G refers to the RGB values ​​of the same coordinates in the lower layer 32 and the middle layer 31. If at least one of the R value, G value, and B value of the middle layer 31 is non-zero (1 to 255), the display control unit 26G sets the RGB value of the corresponding coordinate in the composite image to the RGB value of the middle layer 31.

[0076] Furthermore, the display control unit 26G superimposes the image of the upper layer 30 on the superimposed image of the lower layer 32 and the middle layer 31. This superimposition process is similar to the superimposition process of the lower layer 32 and the middle layer 31, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0077] The composite image obtained by superimposing the lower layer 32, the middle layer 31, and the upper layer 30 is displayed on the panel 12. For example, the display control unit 26G converts image data of the composite image into a VGA signal and transmits it to the panel 12.

[0078] 9 is displayed on panel 12. That is, display control unit 26G (processor) causes panel 12 to display a composite image in which a function display image (e.g., telltale 15J) is superimposed on background image 17 selected by the user, and further, patch image 18M is displayed between background image 17 and the function display image.

[0079] 3. Patch image settings 4 and 5, patch image database 26B stores a display determination table (see FIG. 5) that serves as a criterion for determining whether patch images 18A-18P are displayed or not. The display determination table stores the identification symbols of patch images and the RGB values ​​of signal images that are displayed in front of the patch images. The display determination table also stores the RGB values ​​of the complementary colors of the signal images. The display determination table also stores the center points of the patch images, their widths Wx in the X coordinate direction, and their widths Wy in the Y coordinate direction.

[0080] For example, patch images 18A-18P are solid, single-color rectangular images. Patch images 18A-18P are determined to be sized to surround the signal image displayed in front of them. For example, the width Wx and height Wy of patch images 18A-18P are determined so that they are larger than the signal image displayed in front of them. For example, the widths Wx and Wy are determined to be values ​​obtained by adding a predetermined margin to the width and height of each signal image. Furthermore, the center points of patch images 18A-18P coincide with the center points of the signal images.

[0081] The color of each patch image 18A-18P is, for example, the complementary color of the signal image (function display image) displayed in front of it. The complementary color is the combination of the values ​​obtained by subtracting the R, G, and B values ​​from the sum of the maximum and minimum RGB values ​​of a color.

[0082] For example, when the RGB values ​​of a signal image are (10, 50, 200), the sum of the maximum and minimum values ​​is 210. The complementary color to the color of the above RGB values ​​is (210-10, 210-50, 210-200) = (200, 160, 10).

[0083] The combination of a color and its complementary color is known to be the most conspicuous of all color combinations. By setting the color of patch images 18A-18P to the complementary color of the signal image, sufficient color difference between the signal image and the patch image is obtained. In other words, the visibility of the signal image is ensured.

[0084] Here, the colors of patch images 18A-18P are not limited to exact complementary colors of the colors of the signal images. For example, colors that are close to the colors (exact complementary colors) of the RGB values ​​calculated by the above calculation may also be set as the colors of patch images 18A-18P as substantial complementary colors. For example, a range of ±10 is given to the R, G, and B values ​​of the calculated complementary colors. The RGB values ​​of patch images 18A-18P are set within this range.

[0085] For example, there are cases where the calculated complementary color does not satisfy (is less than) either the threshold value for the brightness difference shown in Equation (1) or the threshold value for the color difference shown in Equation (2), which will be described later. In such cases, at least one of the R value, G value, and B value is fine-tuned within a range of ±10. Through such fine adjustment, a complementary color that is equal to or greater than the threshold value for brightness difference and color difference is set as the color of patch images 18A-18P.

[0086] 4. Patch image display decision flow A display determination flow for a patch image is illustrated in Fig. 6. This determination flow is executed by patch image control unit 26E (see Fig. 4), that is, CPU 21 (see Fig. 1).

[0087] For example, the determination flow in Fig. 6 is started when new signal data is transmitted from the central gateway ECU 50 to the meter panel ECU 20. Alternatively, the determination flow in Fig. 6 is started when the background image 17 is updated. Here, the signal data includes a turn-on command (display command) and a turn-off command (non-display command) for the telltales and indicators.

[0088] The patch image control unit 26E acquires signal data from the central gateway ECU 50 (S10). Furthermore, the patch image control unit 26E acquires background image data from the background image control unit 26D (S11).

[0089] Next, the patch image control unit 26E determines whether or not any signal images have been switched from a display state to a non-display state (S12). If no switched signal images have been detected, the process proceeds to step S14. If any signal images have been switched from a display state to a non-display state, the patch image control unit 26E hides the patch images arranged behind the signal images that have been switched to non-display state (S13).

[0090] Next, the patch image control unit 26E determines whether or not a signal image is being displayed (S14). If no signal image is being displayed on the panel 12, the flow ends. If a signal image is being displayed on the panel 12, the patch image control unit 26E counts the number of signal images being displayed (S15).

[0091] Furthermore, the patch image control unit 26E determines whether or not a patch image is displayed for the signal image corresponding to the count initial value (k=1) (S16). The patch image control unit 26E acquires color data and coordinate data of the signal image for count k (S17). Furthermore, the patch image control unit 26E determines a determination region of the background image 17 based on the coordinate data of the signal image (S18).

[0092] The determination area refers to the peripheral area of ​​the signal image (function display image) within the area of ​​the background image 17. For example, referring to Fig. 7, the peripheral area of ​​the currently displayed telltale 15H is the determination area 17A. The determination area 17A has a rectangular shape.

[0093] For example, the patch image control unit 26E determines the coordinates (x1, y1) (x4, y1) of both ends of the X axis and the coordinates (x2, y2) (x2, y3) of both ends of the Y axis of the telltale 15H. Furthermore, the boundary line of the determination area 17A is determined at a location separated from these coordinates by a predetermined margin Δx and Δy.

[0094] The patch image control unit 26E determines whether or not to display the patch image 18 based on the color of the signal image (function display image) and the color of the determination region 17A. That is, the patch image control unit 26E determines that it is necessary to display the patch image 18 when the RGB value of the color of the determination region 17A is close to the RGB value of the color of the signal image (function display image).

[0095] If a plurality of colors are distributed within the determination area 17A, for example, the color with the largest display area within the determination area 17A is selected as the representative color and compared with the color of the signal image.

[0096] In order to quantitatively determine the approximate relationship between the RGB values, the patch image control unit 26E determines the brightness difference between the signal image and the determination area 17A (S19). The brightness difference is determined from the following formula (1) based on the definition of the standardization organization W3C.

[0097]

number

[0098] where R f , G f , B f refers to the RGB values ​​of the front image (i.e., the signal image). b , G b , B b indicates the RGB value of the back image (i.e., the determination area 17A). In the W3C definition, the threshold is set to 125.

[0099] The patch image control unit 26E determines whether the brightness difference between the signal image and the determination area 17A is less than a predetermined threshold value of 125. If the brightness difference is less than the threshold value, it is determined that display of the patch image 18 is necessary, and the flow proceeds to step S21.

[0100] In step S19, if the brightness difference is equal to or greater than the threshold, patch image control unit 26E calculates the color difference between the signal image and determination region 17A (S20). The color difference is calculated from the following formula (2) based on the definition of the W3C standardization organization mentioned above.

[0101]

number

[0102] According to the W3C definition, the threshold is set to 500. The patch image control unit 26E determines whether the color difference between the signal image and the determination region 17A is less than a predetermined threshold of 500. If the color difference is equal to or greater than the threshold of 500 in step S20, then in combination with the previous step S19, the brightness difference is equal to or greater than 125 and the color difference is equal to or greater than 500. Since such a color combination has sufficiently high visibility, it is determined that displaying a patch image is unnecessary. That is, the flow proceeds to step S23, where it is determined whether a patch image is necessary for the next signal image.

[0103] In step S20, if the color difference is less than the threshold, it is determined that the patch image 18 needs to be displayed, and the process proceeds to step S21. The patch image control unit 26E determines the color of the patch image 18 based on the color of the signal image (S21).

[0104] The patch image 18 is set to a color different from that of the determination region 17A. For example, the patch image control unit 26E refers to a display determination table (see FIG. 5) stored in the patch image database 26B. Then, the patch image control unit 26E determines the color of the patch image 18 to be the complementary color of the signal image (including the above-mentioned substantial complementary color).

[0105] Next, the patch image control unit 26E draws the patch image 18 in the middle layer 31 (see FIG. 3) at coordinates corresponding to the back of the signal image. The image of the middle layer 31 is sent to the display control unit 26G. In the display control unit 26G, the patch image 18 is additionally displayed on the superimposed screen of the upper layer 30, the middle layer 31, and the lower layer 32 (S22).

[0106] Thereafter, patch image control unit 26E determines whether the count of the signal image to be determined is the final value k_end (S23). If the count has not reached the final value k_end, patch image control unit 26E increments the count (S24) and returns to step S17. If the count has reached the final value k_end, the flow ends.

[0107] According to the above flow, when the colors of the background image and the signal image are similar, the patch image 18 is additionally displayed behind the signal image, thereby ensuring the visibility of the signal image regardless of the color of the background image.

[0108] Also, referring to step S12, when the signal image displayed in the foreground is switched to hidden, the patch image 18 is also switched to hidden. In other words, once the patch image 18 is displayed, the patch image 18 continues to be displayed even if the background image 17 is switched. In other words, the visibility of the signal image is maintained at a high level.

[0109] That is, the combination of the colors of the signal image and the patch image 18 provides extremely high visibility of the signal image. Therefore, for example, when the patch image 18 is hidden due to a change in the background image 17, the combination of the background image 17 and the signal image relatively reduces the visibility of the signal image. In other words, there is a risk that the driver's attention will be less drawn to the signal image.

[0110] Therefore, once a patch image is displayed, it continues to be displayed until the signal image displayed in front of it disappears, thereby making it possible to call the driver's attention with a certain level of intensity.

[0111] Note that, because the combination of the colors of the signal image and the patch image 18 provides extremely high visibility of the signal image, there is a risk that the signal image may be excessively conspicuous, for example, at night. Therefore, the patch image control unit 26E may change the luminance (intensity of light) of the patch image 18 depending on the time of day. For example, the patch image control unit 26E reduces the luminance of the patch image 18 at night compared to during the day.

[0112] 5. Example of patch image display 8 and 9 show a display example (1) of a patch image. In FIG. 8, a gradation image of reddish colors (R: 220, G: 55, B: 55) is displayed on panel 12 as background image 17. Telltale 15J, which is a signal image, is displayed on this background image 17. Telltale 15J is also reddish colors (R: 210, G: 58, B: 37). In this case, the brightness difference is 7, which is significantly below the threshold value of 125. The color difference is 29, which is significantly below the threshold value of 500.

[0113] In such a case, patch image 18M (see FIG. 9) is additionally displayed behind telltale 15J according to the judgment flow of FIG. 6. Patch image 18M is a cyan color (R: 27, G: 199, B: 215), which is the complementary color of red. For the combination of telltale 15J and patch image 18M, the brightness difference is 158 (> 125) and the color difference is 502 (> 500). In other words, both the brightness difference and color difference are above the threshold, ensuring the visibility of telltale 15J.

[0114] 10 and 11 show a display example (2) of a patch image. In FIG. 10, a gradation image of yellowish colors (R: 236, G: 240, B: 74) is displayed on panel 12 as background image 17. Telltale 15H, which is a signal image, is displayed on this background image 17. Telltale 15H is also yellowish colors (R: 255, G: 240, B: 1). In this case, the brightness difference is 14, which is significantly below the threshold value of 125. The color difference is 92, which is significantly below the threshold value of 500.

[0115] In such a case, patch image 18K (see FIG. 11) is additionally displayed behind telltale 15H according to the determination flow in FIG. 6. The color of patch image 18K is a bluish color (R: 0, G: 20, B: 245), which is the complementary color of yellowish color. For the combination of telltale 15H and patch image 18K, the brightness difference is 233 (> 125) and the color difference is 719 (> 500). In other words, both the brightness difference and color difference are above the threshold, ensuring the visibility of telltale 15H.

[0116] As described above, according to the in-vehicle display device of this embodiment, when the colors of the background image 17 and the function display image are similar, the patch image 18 is additionally displayed behind the function display image. In other words, regardless of the color of the determination area 17A of the background image 17, the patch image 18 ensures the visibility of the function display image. This improves the design freedom of the background image 17.

[0117] 6. Other embodiments 6-1. Method for determining whether patch images can be displayed 6, similarity determination is made based on the brightness difference and color difference between the signal image and the determination region 17 A. Alternatively, similarity determination may be made based on the viewpoint of similar colors.

[0118] For example, known color catalogs and the like list colors that are similar to a certain color. For example, the Standard Paint Color Sample Book published by the Japan Paint Manufacturers Association lists colors that are similar to a predetermined color.

[0119] Therefore, based on the approximate color list of the sample book, an approximate color list for each signal image may be stored in the meter panel ECU 20. In other words, approximate colors for the signal images are set in advance.

[0120] 6, the CPU 21 (processor) of the meter panel ECU 20 determines whether the color of the determination area 17A corresponds to a color in a list of similar colors that is preset for the signal image (function display image) being displayed. If the color of the determination area 17A corresponds to a color in the list of similar colors, the flow in FIG. 6 proceeds to step S21. That is, the CPU 21 (processor) additionally displays the patch image 18 behind the signal image (function display image).

[0121] 6-2.Patch image color In the above-described embodiment, the color of the patch image 18 is set to the complementary color (including the substantially complementary color described above) of the signal image displayed in front of it. Alternatively, the color of the patch image 18 may be uniformly set to black (R: 255, G: 255, B: 255) regardless of the color of the signal image. As described above, the signal image has a predetermined brightness, such as red, yellow, green, or blue. A high contrast ratio can be achieved by displaying black with a brightness of 0 behind these signal images.

[0122] 6-3.Patch image size In the above-described embodiment, the size of the patch image 18 is determined according to the size of the function display image (e.g., the telltale 15) displayed in front of it. Alternatively, the size of the patch image 18 may be the same for each color. In other words, the CPU 21 (processor) applies a single patch image to multiple function display images of the same color.

[0123] In this case, the patch image control unit 26E sets the image size of the patch image so as to surround the largest function display image among the multiple function display images of the same color. For example, the cyan patch image 18 is displayed behind the reddish signal image. Therefore, the patch image control unit 26E sets the size of the cyan patch image 18 so as to surround the largest signal image among the reddish signal images.

[0124] 6-4.In-vehicle display device In the above-described embodiment, the combination meter 10 is shown as a device corresponding to the in-vehicle display device. Alternatively, the multimedia display 60 may be the in-vehicle display according to this embodiment. For example, when a function display image is displayed on the multimedia display 60 and a background image is selectable by the user, the patch image 18 is additionally displayed behind the function display image as necessary. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 10 combination meter (in-vehicle display device), 12 panel, 15A-15L telltales (function display images), 16A-16D indicators (function display images), 17 background image, 17A determination area, 18A-18P patch images, 20 meter panel ECU, 21 CPU (processor), 26D background image control unit, 26E patch image control unit, 26F function display image control unit, 26G display control unit, 30 upper layer, 31 middle layer, 32 lower layer, 100 vehicle.

Claims

1. a panel for displaying an image; a processor for controlling the image display of the panel; An in-vehicle display device comprising: the processor causes the panel to display a background image selected by a user, and further causes a function display image showing vehicle information to be displayed on the background image; based on the color of the function-display image being displayed and the color of a determination area of ​​the background image, which is a peripheral area of ​​the function-display image, the processor additionally displays a patch image having a color different from that of the determination area behind the function-display image. In-vehicle display device.

2. A vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle display, The in-vehicle display includes: a panel for displaying an image; a processor for controlling the image display of the panel; Equipped with the processor causes the panel to display a background image selected by a user, and further causes a function display image showing vehicle information to be displayed on the background image; based on the color of the function-display image being displayed and the color of a determination area of ​​the background image, which is a peripheral area of ​​the function-display image, the processor additionally displays a patch image having a color different from that of the determination area behind the function-display image. vehicle.

3. 2. The in-vehicle display device according to claim 1, when the color of the determination region is a predetermined approximate color to the color of the function-display image being displayed, the processor additionally displays the patch image behind the function-display image; In-vehicle display device.

4. 2. The in-vehicle display device according to claim 1, when the RGB values ​​of the color of the determination region are close to the RGB values ​​of the color of the function-display image being displayed, the processor additionally displays the patch image behind the function-display image. In-vehicle display device.

5. 5. The in-vehicle display device according to claim 4, when at least one of a brightness difference and a color difference between the color of the determination area and the color of the function-display image being displayed is less than a predetermined threshold, the processor additionally displays the patch image behind the function-display image. In-vehicle display device.

6. The in-vehicle display device according to claim 1, the processor sets a complementary color of the color of the function display image being displayed to the color of the patch image; In-vehicle display device.

7. The in-vehicle display device according to claim 1, the processor sets the color of the patch image to black; In-vehicle display device.

8. The in-vehicle display device according to claim 1, the processor displays, on the panel, a lower layer on which the background image is drawn, a middle layer on which the patch image is drawn, and an upper layer on which the function display image is drawn, in a superimposed manner. In-vehicle display device.

9. 9. The in-vehicle display device according to claim 8, The patch image is a solid, monochromatic rectangular image surrounding the function display image. In-vehicle display device.

10. The in-vehicle display device according to claim 1, the processor displays a telltale image on the panel as the function display image. In-vehicle display device.

11. The in-vehicle display device according to claim 1, After the patch image is additionally displayed behind the function-display image being displayed, the processor displays the patch image on the panel until the function-display image being displayed becomes invisible, regardless of a change in color of the determination region. In-vehicle display device.

12. The in-vehicle display device according to claim 11, The processor changes the brightness of the patch image according to a time of day. In-vehicle display device.

13. The in-vehicle display device according to claim 1, The processor applies the single patch image to a plurality of the function display images of the same color; The patch image is a filled-in monochrome rectangular image, Furthermore, the processor sets an image size of the patch image so as to surround the largest function display image among the plurality of function display images of the same color. In-vehicle display device.

Images