Display device for vehicle

Abstract

To provide a display device for vehicle that can display predetermined information on a traffic sign etc., while suppressing costs to attract driver's attention.SOLUTION: A display device 10 for vehicle has a display board 40 provided with a plurality of symbols S visually indicating predetermined information, and a light source 30 lighting up the symbols S, wherein the display board 40 has a plurality of layers formed, and when a symbol S indicating predetermined information among the plurality of symbols S is defined as a first symbol S1 and the region where the first symbol S1 is provided in a region on the display board 40 is defined as a first region 40a, a colored layer 44 for displaying at least a part of the first symbol S in a predetermined color is provided in the first region 40a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device that displays predetermined information. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles are equipped with display devices that display driving information such as vehicle speed, engine RPM, etc. Display devices (meters) include conventional analog mechanical types and types that display meters and other information as images on image display devices such as liquid crystal displays.

[0003] Furthermore, in recent years, display devices have been provided that recognize information (information about the environment outside the vehicle, such as road signs) recognized by a camera and display the recognized information on a liquid crystal display. For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a sign display device that can display road signs recognized by a camera on a display. The sign display device in Patent Document 1 is said to be able to support safe driving of the vehicle by displaying road signs on a display to alert the driver to road signs and the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-197862 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, in an advanced safety driving vehicle known as an ASV (Advanced Safety Vehicle), information such as signs acquired from a camera is received via CAN communication and displayed on a meter equipped with a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) liquid crystal display (TFT meter).

[0006] Stereo camera ECUs (devices that integrate a stereo camera and its ECU) are becoming standard equipment and are capable of receiving signals related to information detected by the camera. However, TFT LCD displays (TFT meters) are expensive and are only used in certain grades of vehicles. As a result, information detected by the camera (such as road signs) can only be displayed on vehicles equipped with TFT meters.

[0007] In other words, with conventional technology, low-end vehicles equipped with meters that do not have TFT LCDs were unable to display information such as road signs even though they received signals. On the other hand, there is a growing demand for displays such as road signs in all grades of vehicles that are often used by elderly people and beginner drivers.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle display device that can display predetermined information such as road signs while keeping costs down and that can alert the driver. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the inventors of the present invention have considered adding displays such as road signs to meters (analog mechanical meters) that do not have TFT liquid crystal displays. Here, predetermined displays (symbols) such as stop signs and no entry signs are displayed in multiple colors including white, such as white and a predetermined color (for example, red).

[0010] For example, a "stop sign" is displayed with the words "STOP" and "Stop" written in white within a red inverted triangle. If such symbols on road signs and other similar devices are displayed in a single color (single color using the LED light color) like conventional analog display devices, for example by displaying the text in black, the image perceived by drivers may deviate from the image, resulting in a decrease in recognizability.

[0011] As a result of further investigation into ways to solve such problems, the inventors of the present invention came to the realization that by providing a colored layer in part of the display panel (the area where symbols such as road signs are provided), one symbol can be displayed in multiple colors, including white (the color emitted by the LED) and the color of the colored layer, thereby improving recognizability.

[0012] More specifically, by providing a colored layer in a partial area of ​​the display panel, a single symbol can be displayed in multiple colors including the color of the colored layer (e.g., red) and the color of the light source (e.g., white), by forming a portion with the colored layer and a portion without the colored layer. This allows a predetermined symbol to be displayed as if it were displayed on a TFT liquid crystal display. As a result, the inventors have discovered that a predetermined symbol, such as a road sign, can be displayed on a meter that does not have a TFT liquid crystal display to alert the driver.

[0013] (1) The vehicle display device of the present invention, provided based on the above findings, has a display board having a plurality of symbols that visually indicate predetermined information, and a light source that lights up the symbols, and the display board has a plurality of layers formed thereon, and when the symbol that indicates predetermined information among the plurality of symbols is defined as a first symbol and the area of ​​the display board in which the first symbol is provided is defined as a first area, the first area is characterized in that a colored layer is provided in the first area to display at least a portion of the first symbol in a predetermined color.

[0014] According to the vehicle display device of the present invention, it is possible to differentiate the display mode between a predetermined symbol (such as a road sign) and other symbols (such as a display indicating the vehicle status, such as the driving mode) without using an expensive liquid crystal display (for example, the first symbol is displayed in multiple colors including red and white, and the other symbols are displayed in a single color, the color emitted by the light source). This makes it possible to reduce costs while making the first symbol stand out.

[0015] That is, in the vehicle display device of the present invention, by providing a colored layer in a part of the display panel (the area where symbols such as road signs are provided), it is possible to display one symbol in multiple colors, making the first symbol stand out and displaying it as if it were displayed on a TFT liquid crystal. Also, symbols (such as road signs) that are difficult to display in a single color can be displayed on an analog display device that does not have a TFT liquid crystal.

[0016] As a result, the vehicle display device of the present invention can reduce costs and can be adopted in all grades of vehicles that elderly people and beginners have the opportunity to drive in. Furthermore, it can display predetermined information (such as information on road signs) in these vehicles, which can alert the driver and contribute to safe driving.

[0017] Here, if a colored printed layer (e.g., a red printed layer) is provided to display the symbol in a predetermined color, the transmittance decreases compared to when the colored printed layer is not provided, resulting in a decrease in brightness visible to the driver. Furthermore, if the color of the colored layer (e.g., red) or the outline of the symbol is visible when the symbol is turned off, it becomes difficult to tell the difference between when the symbol is turned on and when it is turned off, which may result in poor visibility and design.

[0018] (2) In order to address the above-mentioned problems, the vehicle display device of the present invention has a concealing layer in the first region that makes the symbol difficult to see when the light source is turned off, and among the symbols, a symbol other than the first symbol that indicates information about the vehicle status is designated as a second symbol, the light source provided for the first symbol is designated as a first light source, and the light source provided for the second symbol is designated as a second light source.The first light source is preferably capable of passing through the concealing layer and has a higher brightness than the second light source.

[0019] According to the above-described configuration, the first symbol can be made less visible to the driver when it is turned off. Furthermore, when it is turned on, the first symbol is displayed as if it is floating. Therefore, there is a large difference in visibility of the first symbol between when it is turned on and when it is turned off, and the driver can focus on the first symbol when it is displayed.

[0020] To further explain, in the case of a normal symbol that does not have a masking layer, the boundary between the portion (light-shielding region) where the light-blocking layer (black layer) is provided and the portion (transparent region) where the symbol is displayed is visible even when the symbol is off, and the symbol is faintly visible through the border when the symbol is off. In contrast, the first symbol that has a masking layer is almost invisible when the symbol is off, but when the symbol is on, it is displayed more prominently than other symbols (symbols that do not have a masking layer). This creates a large difference in visibility between when the first symbol is on and when it is off, and allows the driver to focus on the first symbol when it is displayed.

[0021] Furthermore, with the above-described configuration, the white border surrounding the first symbol can be eliminated, and the first symbol can be enlarged by that amount (the white border), thereby improving visibility and distinguishability. To explain in more detail, when the symbol is displayed on a liquid crystal screen, the brightness of the backlight is uniform and it is not possible to increase the brightness partially.

[0022] Furthermore, when a symbol without a white border (such as a road sign) is displayed on an LCD screen, the colored portion (such as the red portion) is adjacent to the black background, making it difficult for color-blind people to distinguish the symbol. Therefore, in a TFT meter (meter with LCD), as shown in Figure 8(b), a white border (such as the opposite color of the portion surrounding the symbol) is required to surround the symbol in order to clearly distinguish the boundary between the symbol and its surrounding portion (the black portion) (the white border cannot be removed on a TFT meter).

[0023] In contrast, the vehicle display device of the present invention uses a light source for the first symbol that is brighter than the other symbols (second symbols). Therefore, the first symbol can be displayed with sufficient brightness without a white border. Therefore, the size of the first symbol can be enlarged to a size that includes the white border, improving the visibility and distinguishability of the first symbol (see FIG. 8(a)). Furthermore, because the first symbol can be maximized within a limited area, design freedom is improved and differentiation from other symbols (such as symbols displaying warnings) can be achieved.

[0024] (3) The vehicle display device of the present invention is used in a vehicle equipped with a camera that acquires information about roads, and the first symbol may relate to the information acquired by the camera.

[0025] According to the above-described configuration, it is possible to display information recognized by a camera (information outside the vehicle), such as road signs, and alert the driver while keeping costs down. That is, the vehicle display device of the present invention can display these symbols (first symbols) by fully utilizing the information acquired by the camera, without requiring the use of an expensive liquid crystal display, thereby keeping costs down. Therefore, the vehicle display device of the present invention can display information such as road signs in all grades of vehicles that elderly people and beginners often drive, thereby alerting the driver and contributing to safe driving.

[0026] (4) In the vehicle display device of the present invention, the first symbol may be information about a road sign.

[0027] According to the above-described configuration, road signs captured by the camera, such as no entry, stop signs, and speed limits, can be displayed as appropriate to alert the driver.

[0028] (5) In the vehicle display device of the present invention, the first symbol may have a portion where the colored layer is not provided, and may include a colored area displayed by the color of the colored layer and an emitting color area displayed by the emitting color of the light source.

[0029] According to the above-described configuration, the first symbol can be displayed in multiple colors (two colors: the color of the colored layer and the color emitted by the light source). This makes it possible to display symbols that are easier for the driver to recognize when displayed in multiple colors (e.g., red and white) rather than in a single color (e.g., red), such as stop signs, no entry signs, and speed limits, in a manner that is easier for the driver to recognize (a more realistic manner). [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle display device that can display predetermined information such as road signs while suppressing costs and that can alert the driver. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a vehicle display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram showing the position of an opening provided in a case body of the vehicle display device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram showing the positions of symbols and openings of the vehicle display device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of a first symbol of the vehicle display device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a schematic diagram showing layers of a display panel of the vehicle display device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram showing a light-shielding region and a light-transmitting region of the vehicle display device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 7] 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating an unlit state and an lit state of a first symbol in the vehicle display device of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 2A is a reference diagram showing a road sign displayed on the vehicle display device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a reference diagram showing a road sign displayed on a liquid crystal display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Hereinafter, a vehicle display device 10 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The vehicle display device 10 is used in a vehicle and is capable of analyzing images captured by a camera and displaying various information such as information about road signs installed along the vehicle's route and information about the vehicle's condition.

[0033] The vehicular display device 10 switches on and off various pre-set displays (symbols S), such as displays relating to driving conditions (driving modes, etc.), warnings, and road signs, to switch between displaying and not displaying these displays, thereby notifying the driver of predetermined information. In other words, the vehicular display device 10 is an analog display device (meter).

[0034] The vehicle display device of the present invention can be widely applied to various vehicles such as electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and self-driving vehicles.

[0035] The vehicle in which the vehicle display device 10 is installed is equipped with a camera and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), both of which are not shown, and multiple ECUs are capable of bidirectional communication using a CAN (Controller Area Network) communication protocol.

[0036] The camera (not shown) is a stereo camera capable of continuously capturing still images, and is installed, for example, in front of the rearview mirror in the center of the front of the vehicle interior so as to capture a wide-angle image of the area ahead of the vehicle. The camera extracts target pixels corresponding to the same object in each image captured by the image sensors from a pair of image data input from the image sensors of both the left and right eyes, detects the amount of deviation in the position of the target pixels between the pair of images, and calculates the distance to the same object using the principle of triangulation. The camera output signal is input to the vehicle's ECU (not shown) and used for display on the vehicle display device 10. The camera is also installed so that road signs present in front of both vehicles (in the direction of travel) are included within the angle of view.

[0037] 1, the vehicle display device 10 includes a display unit main body 12, and a meter 14 that indicates the engine speed is provided in the approximate center of the display unit main body 12. The vehicle display device 10 is attached to the vehicle with the display unit main body 12 and the meter 14 housed in a case (not shown) and covered with a front glass (which may be an acrylic plate or polycarbonate).

[0038] The display main body 12 is provided with a display panel 40 (see FIG. 1) and a light source 30 (see FIG. 5). The display main body 12 also is provided with a case body 20 (see FIG. 2) and a substrate 24 (see FIG. 5).

[0039] In the following explanation, of the two surfaces of the display panel 40, the surface that the driver sees will be referred to simply as the "front surface," and the surface opposite the front surface (the surface on which the light source 30 is located) will be referred to simply as the "back surface."

[0040] The case body 20 is a base member for the display panel 40, and is provided with a plurality of openings 22 for arranging the light sources 30 (see FIG. 2). One opening 22 is provided for each light source 30. As shown in FIG. 5, the light source 30 is disposed on a substrate 24. As shown in FIG. 5, the display panel 40 is disposed on the front side of the case body 20, and the substrate 24 is attached to the back side.

[0041] 5, when the display panel 40, the case body 20, and the substrate 24 on which the light source 30 is arranged are assembled, the light source 30 is arranged in the opening 22 and is arranged on the back side of the display panel 40. Therefore, when the light source 30 is turned on, light is emitted from the back side of the display panel 40, and the symbol S provided on the display panel 40 lights up.

[0042] 1, the display panel 40 is provided with a plurality of displays (symbols S) that visually indicate various types of information (other symbols S are also present on the display panel 40, but are not shown). In the vehicle display device 10, a plurality of symbols S that indicate various types of information are provided in advance on the display panel 40, and by lighting up these symbols S, predetermined information (such as road signs, warnings, and vehicle status information) is visually indicated to the driver.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the display panel 40 is provided with symbols S relating to driving conditions such as "4WD" and symbols S relating to road signs such as "Stop" and "No Entry".

[0044] In this specification, the term "symbol S" refers to a figure, symbol, character, or a combination thereof that visually indicates predetermined information. As will be described later, each symbol S is formed by a predetermined character or figure in a portion (translucent region 51) of the display panel 40 where the first light-shielding layer 42 (black printed layer) is not provided, and is illuminated when light from the light source 30 passes through the translucent region 51.

[0045] In the following explanation, among the multiple symbols S, the symbol S (symbol S indicating specified information) relating to information outside the vehicle, such as road signs, acquired by the camera may be simply referred to as the "first symbol S1."

[0046] Furthermore, among the multiple symbols S, a symbol S other than the first symbol S1 that indicates information about the vehicle status, such as a warning of a vehicle malfunction, on / off of a vehicle function, or driving mode, may be simply referred to as a "second symbol S2."

[0047] The light source 30 is provided to light up the symbol S. The light source 30 uses an LED, and its on / off state is controlled by a control unit (not shown). As described above, in the vehicle display device 10 of this embodiment, one light source 30 is provided for each symbol S. From another perspective, in the vehicle display device 10 of this embodiment, the same number of light sources 30 as the number of symbols S are provided.

[0048] In this embodiment, a light source 30 emitting white light or a light source 30 emitting a colored light (for example, orange or green) is used depending on the symbol S to be illuminated. For example, a white-emitting LED is used as the light source 30 (first light source 31) provided for the first symbol S1. Furthermore, a white-emitting LED, an orange-emitting LED, or a green-emitting LED is used as the light source 30 (second light source 32) provided for the second symbol S2.

[0049] In the following description, the light source 30 provided for the first symbol S1 may be simply referred to as the "first light source 31," and the light source 30 provided for the second symbol S2 may be simply referred to as the "second light source 32."

[0050] Here, the primary light source 31 has a higher luminance (high luminance) than the secondary light source 32. More specifically, the primary light source 31 has a luminance that allows the red component to be sufficiently extracted by transmitting light through the colored layer 44 (red printed layer), and that allows sufficient brightness to be maintained even when light is transmitted through the first smoke layer 43 (in this embodiment, a luminance that is approximately several tens of times higher than the luminance of the secondary light source 32). The luminance of the primary light source 31 is set appropriately depending on the emission color of the secondary light source 32 of the second symbol S2 and the color of the second symbol S2.

[0051] The display panel 40 is formed by printing on a sheet material, that is, a substrate 45. The display panel 40 has multiple layers including the substrate 45 formed by printing on the front and back sides of the substrate 45.

[0052] In the following explanation, the area of ​​the display panel 40 in which the first symbol S1 is provided may be simply referred to as the "first area 40a," and the area in which the second symbol S2 is provided may be simply referred to as the "second area."

[0053] In the vehicle display device 10 of this embodiment, the display panel 40 has an eight-layer structure. More specifically, as shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the display panel 40 is composed of, in order from the surface side (upper layer side), a hard coat layer 41, a first light-shielding layer 42, a first smoke layer 43, a colored layer 44, a base material 45, a second light-shielding layer 46, a second smoke layer 47, and a clear layer 48.

[0054] That is, the display panel 40 has a hard coat layer 41, a first light-shielding layer 42, a first smoke layer 43, and a colored layer 44 formed by printing on the front side of the substrate 45, and a second light-shielding layer 46, a second smoke layer 47, and a clear layer 48 formed on the back side of the substrate 45. Note that, although the present embodiment shows an example in which the layers other than the substrate 45 are formed by printing, some of the layers constituting the display panel 40 may be formed from a sheet material such as a film. Each layer constituting the display panel 40 will be described below.

[0055] The hard coat layer 41 is intended to prevent the display panel 40 from being scratched, and also contributes to preventing uneven brightness of the light source 30 .

[0056] The first light-shielding layer 42 is a black printed layer that is a layer (non-transmissive layer) that hardly transmits light from the light source 30. Therefore, the area where the first light-shielding layer 42 is provided becomes a light-shielding area 50 that hardly transmits light, and the area where the first light-shielding layer 42 is not provided becomes a light-transmitting area 51 that transmits light. In other words, the first light-shielding layer 42 forms the outline of the symbol S.

[0057] The first smoke layer 43 (covering layer) is provided to make the symbol S difficult to see when the light source 30 is turned off. The first smoke layer 43 is a layer with low transmittance, and is a smoke layer that hides the symbol when the light source 30 is turned off. The first smoke layer 43 is provided as a layer dedicated to the first symbol S1 (road sign display).

[0058] The colored layer 44 is provided to display the first symbol S1 in red. The colored layer 44 is formed as a layer printed in red (a red printed layer), and is provided as a layer dedicated to the first symbol S1 (a road sign display). That is, the first symbol S1 provided in the first region 40a including the colored layer 44 (red layer) is displayed as light from the primary light source 31 passes through the red layer, so that at least a portion of the first symbol S1 is displayed in red. The color of the colored layer 44 is a color (such as red or blue) having a predetermined saturation, and is a color different from achromatic colors such as white or black.

[0059] In this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the colored layer 44 is a red printed layer, but the color of the colored layer is not limited to red. That is, other colors such as blue or green may also be used as the colored layer. Also, in this embodiment, an example has been shown in which there is one colored layer (only a red layer), but two or more colored layers may be provided and a symbol may be displayed in three colors including the two colors and white.

[0060] The substrate 45 is a sheet material that serves as the base of the display panel 40. In this embodiment, a PC sheet (polycarbonate sheet) is used for the substrate 45. However, in the vehicle display device of the present invention, the material of the substrate is not limited to polycarbonate, and various materials can be selected.

[0061] The second light-shielding layer 46 is a black printed layer that transmits almost no light from the light source 30. While the first light-shielding layer 42 is used to form the shape (outline) of the symbol S, the second light-shielding layer 46 is provided as a measure to make pinholes and air bubbles in the first light-shielding layer 42 less noticeable.

[0062] The second smoke layer 47 is a layer with low transmittance and is a layer for adjusting brightness. The second smoke layer 47 has a higher transmittance (a thinner smoke) than the first smoke layer 43. While the first smoke layer 43 is provided as a layer dedicated to the first symbol S1 (road sign display), the second smoke layer 47 is provided for adjusting brightness of the second symbol S2 and the like.

[0063] The first smoke layer 43 and the second smoke layer 47 are each composed of multiple layers (three layers in this embodiment), including a layer on which texture is formed. The texture of the first smoke layer 43 and the texture of the second smoke layer 47 are different in depth, and the depth of the texture of the first smoke layer 43 is greater than the depth of the texture of the second smoke layer 47. Therefore, the transmittance of the first smoke layer 43 is lower than the transmittance of the second smoke layer 47. In other words, the second smoke layer 47 is lightly smoked, while the first smoke layer 43 is heavily smoked.

[0064] The clear layer 48 is provided as a measure against uneven brightness of the light source 30. The clear layer 48 diffuses the light of the light source 30, thereby suppressing uneven brightness of the light source 30.

[0065] Next, the configuration of the display panel 40 in the first area 40a and the configuration of the display panel 40 in the second area 40b will be described with reference to FIG.

[0066] 5(a), the first region 40a is provided with, in order from the surface side (upper layer side), a hard coat layer 41, a first light-shielding layer 42, a first smoke layer 43, a colored layer 44, a substrate 45, a second light-shielding layer 46, and a clear layer 48. Also, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the second region 40b is provided with, in order from the surface side (upper layer side), a hard coat layer 41, a first light-shielding layer 42, a substrate 45, a second light-shielding layer 46, a second smoke layer 47, and a clear layer 48.

[0067] That is, the hard coat layer 41, the first light-shielding layer 42, the substrate 45, the second light-shielding layer 46, and the clear layer 48 are provided in common to both the first region 40a and the second region 40b. In contrast, the first region 40a is provided with the first smoke layer 43 and the colored layer 44, which are not provided in the second region 40b. In other words, the first region 40a is provided with the first smoke layer 43 and the colored layer 44 as dedicated layers.

[0068] In the process of performing multiple printing processes on the base material 45, the display board 40 is provided with a first smoke layer 43 and a colored layer 44 only in the first region 40a, and a second smoke layer 47 in the second region 40b. That is, the display board 40 is configured with partially different laminated layers by performing multiple printing processes on the base material 45 in a series of steps. That is, the first region 40a and the second region 40b have different laminated layers.

[0069] 6 is a diagram showing the layers included in the first region 40a and the second region 40b, and the display modes of the first symbol S1 provided in the first region 40a and the second symbol S2 provided in the second region 40b. Note that in FIG. 6, layers other than the first light-shielding layer 42 and the colored layer 44 are omitted from the illustration.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the first symbol S1 provided in the first region 40a is configured so that the light-shielding region 50 forms an outline, and a portion displayed in red and a portion displayed in white are formed. More specifically, within the light-transmitting region 51 of the first symbol S1, a portion where the colored layer 44 is visible (a portion where the colored layer 44 is exposed and not hidden by the light-shielding region 50) is a portion displayed in the printed color (colored region 52). Furthermore, within the light-transmitting region 51 of the first symbol S1, a portion where the colored layer 44 is not provided is a portion displayed in the luminous color of the primary light source 31 (luminous color region 53). Thus, the first symbol S1 is displayed in two colors: the color of the colored layer 44 (red) and the luminous color of the primary light source 31 (white).

[0071] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the second symbol S2 provided in the second region 40b is displayed in the single color of the light emitted from the secondary light source 32.

[0072] <About the first symbol's off and on states> Next, the off state and the on state of the first symbol S1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0073] 7(a) is a diagram showing the first symbol S1 in an unlit state. As described above, the area (first area 40a) where the first symbol S1 is provided has the colored layer 44, and the first smoke layer 43 is provided on the surface side (upper layer side) of the colored layer 44. Therefore, when the first symbol S1 is in an unlit state (a state in which light is not being irradiated from the light source 30), the light-transmitting area 51 (the cut-out portion of the black print) of the first symbol S1 is almost invisible due to the first smoke layer 43.

[0074] 7(b) is a diagram showing a state in which the first symbol S1 indicating "pause" is lit. Note that the first symbol S1 is displayed by issuing a predetermined signal based on information recognized by the camera, and the first light source 31 corresponding to the first symbol S1 is lit based on the signal, thereby displaying the first symbol S1.

[0075] Here, it is difficult to display symbols S indicating stop signs, no entry, etc., in a single color. To be more specific, for example, a "stop" sign displays the words "STOP" and "Stop" in white within a red inverted triangle. Furthermore, if such symbols S on road signs and the like are displayed in a single color (single color using the color of an LED) like existing signs, for example by displaying the text in black, the image will deviate from the image that drivers recognize, which may result in reduced recognizability.

[0076] In contrast, the vehicle display device 10 is provided with the colored layer 44 as described above. Therefore, the first symbol S1 can be displayed in multiple colors (two colors, red and white, in this embodiment), thereby improving recognizability. More specifically, by providing the colored layer 44 (red layer) in a partial region (first region 40a) of the display panel 40, it is possible to form a portion in which the colored layer 44 is provided and a portion in which the colored layer 44 is not provided in one symbol S. In other words, one symbol S can be displayed in multiple colors including the color of the colored layer 44 (red) and the emission color of the primary light source 31 (white).

[0077] This allows the symbol S, which is easier for the driver to recognize when displayed in multiple colors (red and white) rather than a single color (for example, red), such as for stop signs and no entry signs, to be displayed in a manner that is easier for the driver to recognize (a more realistic manner).As a result, the first symbol S1 can be displayed as if it were displayed on a TFT liquid crystal display.In addition, the first symbol S1 can be made to stand out, improving recognition while reducing costs.

[0078] Furthermore, the vehicular display device 10 can highlight the first symbol S1 and display it as if it were displayed on a TFT liquid crystal display, even if the display device does not have a TFT liquid crystal display (see FIG. 7(b)). Furthermore, the first symbol S1, such as a road sign, which is difficult to display in a single color, can be displayed without having a TFT liquid crystal display. As a result, the vehicular display device 10 can display predetermined information (such as information on road signs) in all grades of vehicles that are likely to be driven by elderly people or beginners, while keeping costs down, thereby encouraging drivers to pay attention and contributing to safe driving.

[0079] Here, if a colored printed layer (e.g., a red printed layer) is provided to display the symbol S in a predetermined color, the transmittance decreases compared to when the colored printed layer is not provided, resulting in a decrease in brightness visible to the driver. Also, if the color of the colored layer (e.g., red) or the outline of the symbol is visible when the symbol is turned off, it becomes difficult to tell the difference between when it is turned on and when it is turned off, which reduces visibility and design.

[0080] In contrast, in the vehicle display device 10 of this embodiment, a first smoke layer 43 (blindfold layer) is provided in the first region 40a, and the primary light source 31 has a higher brightness than the secondary light source 32.

[0081] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 7(a), when the first symbol S1 is turned off, the first symbol S1 is not visible to the driver (user) (it is almost invisible, similar to a state in which the TFT liquid crystal display does not display the first symbol S1), whereas when the first symbol S1 is turned on, the first symbol S1 is displayed as if it is floating (see Fig. 7(b)). Therefore, there is a large difference in the visibility of the first symbol S1 between when it is turned on and when it is turned off, and it is possible to make the driver pay attention to the first symbol S1 when it is displayed.

[0082] 7(a), in the case of a normal symbol (for example, the "4WD" symbol in FIG. 7(a)) that does not have the first smoke layer 43, the boundary between the portion (light-shielding region 50) where the first light-shielding layer 42 (black layer) is provided and the portion displayed as the symbol (light-transmitting region 51) is visible even when the symbol is turned off. Therefore, the symbol is slightly visible through the light-transmitting region 51 when the symbol is turned off.

[0083] In contrast, the first symbol S1 provided with the first smoke layer 43 is almost invisible when it is turned off (see FIG. 7(a)), but when it is turned on, it is displayed more prominently than other symbols S (symbols S without a screening layer) (see FIG. 7(b)). This creates a large difference in visibility between when the first symbol S1 is turned on and when it is turned off, making it possible for the driver to focus on the first symbol S1 when it is displayed.

[0084] Furthermore, in the vehicle display device 10, the white border surrounding the first symbol S1 is not necessary, and the first symbol S1 can be enlarged by that amount (the white border), thereby improving visibility and distinguishability. More specifically, when the symbol is displayed on a liquid crystal screen, the brightness of the backlight is uniform and it is not possible to increase the brightness partially.

[0085] Furthermore, if a symbol without a white border (such as a road sign) is displayed on an LCD screen, the colored portion (such as the red portion) will be adjacent to the black background, making it difficult for color-blind people to distinguish the symbol. Therefore, as shown in Figure 8(b), a TFT meter (a meter with an LCD) needs a white border surrounding the symbol to clearly display the boundary between the symbol and the surrounding area (black portion) (the white border cannot be removed on a TFT meter).

[0086] In contrast, the vehicle display device 10 uses a light source 30 with a higher luminance for the first symbol S1 than for the other symbols S (second symbol S2). Therefore, the first symbol S1 can be displayed with sufficient brightness without providing a white border. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the size of the first symbol S1 can be enlarged to a size that includes a white border, thereby improving the visibility and distinguishability of the first symbol S1. Furthermore, because the first symbol S1 can be made as large as possible within a limited range, design freedom can be improved and the first symbol S can be differentiated from other symbols S (such as symbols that display warnings).

[0087] Furthermore, in the vehicle display device 10, the first symbol S1 relates to information acquired by a camera. More specifically, the first symbol S1 is information about a road sign.

[0088] As a result, the vehicular display device 10 can appropriately display road signs acquired by the camera, such as no entry, stop signs, and speed limits, to alert the driver while keeping costs down. That is, the vehicular display device 10 can display the symbol S (first symbol S1) related to information acquired by the camera, while keeping costs down without using an expensive liquid crystal display. Therefore, the vehicular display device 10 can be adopted in all grades of vehicles that are likely to be used by elderly people and beginners. As a result, even in these grades of vehicles, information such as road signs can be displayed to alert the driver and contribute to safe driving.

[0089] Although the vehicle display device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, in the above-described vehicle display device 10, the symbols S (first symbols S1) provided in the first region 40a are the symbols S of road signs indicating "stop" and "no entry." However, the symbols S of other road signs, such as speed limits, may be provided in the first region 40a. Furthermore, the first region 40a may be provided with symbols S other than road signs.

[0090] Furthermore, symbols S other than the symbol S indicating the driving state and the symbol S indicating the warning may be provided outside the first area 40a.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an eight-layer structure display panel 40 is shown as an example, and the layers constituting the display panel 40 are, in order from the surface side (upper layer side), the hard coat layer 41, the first light-shielding layer 42, the first smoke layer 43, the colored layer 44, the base material 45, the second light-shielding layer 46, the second smoke layer 47, and the clear layer 48. However, the vehicle display device of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the display panel may be provided with additional layers, or some of the layers, such as the hard coat layer, may be omitted.

[0092] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and other embodiments may be made within the scope of the teachings and spirit of the present invention without departing from the scope of the claims. The components of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Furthermore, any component of the embodiment may be arbitrarily combined with any component described in the Summary of the Invention or any component embodying any component described in the Summary of the Invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0093] The present invention can be suitably employed as a display device for a vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 10 Vehicle display device 30 light source 31 First light source (light source) 32 Second light source (light source) 40 Display panel 40a First area 40b Second area 43 First smoke layer (blind layer) 44 Colored layer S symbol S1 First symbol (symbol) S2 Second symbol (symbol)

Claims

1. a display panel having a plurality of symbols visually indicating predetermined information; a light source for illuminating the symbol; The display panel has a plurality of layers formed thereon, When the symbol indicating predetermined information among the plurality of symbols is defined as a first symbol, and the area of ​​the display panel in which the first symbol is provided is defined as a first area, a color layer is provided in the first area to display at least a part of the first symbol in a predetermined color; The display panel has a first light-shielding layer that forms the outline of the symbol and a second light-shielding layer that hardly transmits light from the light source, and the first light-shielding layer and the second light-shielding layer are laminated together.

2. a display panel having a plurality of symbols visually indicating predetermined information; a light source for illuminating the symbol; The display panel has a plurality of layers formed thereon, When the symbol indicating predetermined information among the plurality of symbols is defined as a first symbol, and the area of ​​the display panel in which the first symbol is provided is defined as a first area, a color layer is provided in the first area to display at least a part of the first symbol in a predetermined color; The display board has a first light-shielding layer that forms the outline of the symbol and a second light-shielding layer that hardly transmits light from the light source, and the first light-shielding layer and the second light-shielding layer are laminated together, The vehicle display device is characterized in that the first area is provided with a blind layer that makes the symbol difficult to see when the light source is turned off.

3. Among the symbols, a symbol other than the first symbol that indicates information about a vehicle state is designated as a second symbol, When the light source provided for the first symbol is a first light source and the light source provided for the second symbol is a second light source, The vehicle display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first light source has a luminance higher than that of the second light source.

4. It is used in a vehicle equipped with a camera that acquires information about the road, a display panel having a plurality of symbols visually indicating predetermined information; a light source for illuminating the symbol; The display panel has a plurality of layers formed thereon, When the symbol indicating predetermined information among the plurality of symbols is defined as a first symbol, and the area of ​​the display panel in which the first symbol is provided is defined as a first area, a color layer is provided in the first area to display at least a part of the first symbol in a predetermined color; the display board has a first light-shielding layer that forms the outline of the symbol and a second light-shielding layer that hardly transmits light from the light source, and the first light-shielding layer and the second light-shielding layer are laminated together; 10. A display device for a vehicle, wherein the first symbol relates to information acquired by the camera.

Images