Video control system

Abstract

To provide a video control system for achieving a camera video providing form capable of solving a problem when the display destination of a camera video is only one place.SOLUTION: When the camera switch signal is transmitted from the camera switch to the camera unit 2 in response to the operation of the camera switch by the occupant of the vehicle, the video switching ON signal output from the camera unit 2 in response to the reception of the camera switch signal and the camera video signal are transmitted from the camera unit 2 to the first display 3, and the camera video is displayed on the first display 3. Further, the image switching ON signal output from the image control unit 5 in response to reception of the image switching ON signal transmitted from the camera unit 2 and the camera image signal are transmitted from the image control unit 5 to the second display 4, and the camera image is displayed on the second display 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image control system mounted on a vehicle, and more particularly to an improvement in the manner in which camera images are provided to vehicle occupants. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to improve safety when backing up, vehicles are now required to be equipped with a device for checking the immediate aftermath of the vehicle when backing up, and an increasing number of vehicles are equipped as standard with a camera that captures images behind the vehicle (a so-called backup camera). As disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the image captured by the backup camera (hereinafter sometimes referred to as camera image) is generally displayed on the display of an in-vehicle navigation system, but there are also vehicles that do not have an in-vehicle navigation system. In such cases, the image captured by the backup camera is displayed on a display capable of displaying camera images, such as an inner mirror, an information display, a multi-display, or a meter display. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-215059 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-143400 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The inventors of the present invention have noticed that, up until now, camera images have only been displayed in one location, which has led to problems.

[0005] An example of a problem that arises when camera images are displayed in only one location is that when the display destination is a small display such as an inner mirror, the area of ​​the image display section is small, resulting in low visibility for occupants. Also, when a driver attempts to drive while looking at camera images (for example, driving a vehicle backing up into a parking space while looking at camera images from a backup camera), if it takes a relatively long time to start the display or switch images, a waiting time occurs until the camera image is displayed on the display, and it is not possible to fully meet the driver's request to start driving as soon as possible.

[0006] However, the problems that arise when camera images are displayed in only one location are not limited to these. Furthermore, these problems arise not only when an image from a camera behind the vehicle (a so-called back view image) is displayed on a display, but also when an image from a camera in front of the vehicle (a so-called front view image), an image from a camera on one side of the vehicle (a so-called side blind view image), an image from a camera looking at the vehicle from above (a so-called top view image), or a combination of these images is displayed on a display.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of these points, and its purpose is to propose a video control system that realizes a form of providing camera footage that can solve the problem when camera footage is displayed in only one location. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The solution of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object is a video control system comprising at least one first display, at least one second display, a camera unit that transmits information on camera images captured by an in-vehicle camera as a camera image signal, and a video control unit that receives signals from the camera unit, wherein the first display is configured to display the camera image by receiving the camera image signal from the camera unit and a video switching ON signal that is generated when a predetermined camera image display condition is met, and the second display is configured to display the camera image by receiving the video switching ON signal issued by the video control unit when the video switching ON signal is generated and the camera image signal.

[0009] In conventional technology, camera footage was displayed on only one display, and if the display was a small display, the area of ​​the image display section was small, resulting in low visibility for occupants. This solution allows camera footage to be displayed on multiple displays, making it possible to display camera footage on relatively large displays, thereby ensuring high visibility for occupants. Furthermore, in conventional technology, camera footage was displayed on only one display, and if it took a relatively long time to start up or switch the image on the display, the wait time until the camera footage was displayed on the display was long. In this solution, camera footage is displayed on multiple displays, so even if the image switching time on some displays is long, the image switching time on other displays can be expected to be short, thereby reducing the wait time until the camera footage is displayed on any of the displays.

[0010] Furthermore, the following can also be mentioned as means for solving the above-mentioned object of the present invention.

[0011] A video control system comprising at least one first display, at least one second display, a camera unit that transmits information on camera images captured by an in-vehicle camera as a camera image signal, and a video control unit that receives signals from the camera unit, wherein when a camera switch signal is transmitted from the camera switch to the camera unit in response to operation of the camera switch by a vehicle occupant, a video switching ON signal output from the camera unit in response to receiving the camera switch signal and the camera image signal are transmitted from the camera unit to the first display, causing the camera image to be displayed on the first display; and the video switching ON signal output from the video control unit in response to receiving the video switching ON signal transmitted from the camera unit and the camera image signal are transmitted from the video control unit to the second display, causing the camera image to be displayed on the second display.

[0012] Also, there is a video control system comprising at least one first display, at least one second display, a camera unit that transmits information on camera images captured by an in-vehicle camera as a camera image signal, and a video control unit that receives signals from the camera unit, wherein when a switch signal is transmitted from the switch to the video control unit in response to operation of the switch by a vehicle occupant, a camera switch simulation signal is transmitted from the video control unit to the camera unit in response to receiving the switch signal, and a video switching ON signal output from the camera unit in response to receiving the camera switch simulation signal and the camera image signal are transmitted from the camera unit to the first display, causing the camera image to be displayed on the first display, and the video switching ON signal output from the video control unit in response to receiving the video switching ON signal transmitted from the camera unit and the camera image signal are transmitted from the video control unit to the second display, causing the camera image to be displayed on the second display.

[0013] Also, there is provided a video control system comprising at least one first display, at least one second display, a camera unit that transmits information on camera images captured by an on-board camera as a camera image signal, and a video control unit that receives signals from the camera unit, wherein when a specific vehicle information signal is transmitted to the camera unit or the video control unit from a vehicle information output unit capable of outputting the specific vehicle information signal, the video switching ON signal output from the camera unit or the video control unit in response to receiving the specific vehicle information signal and the camera image signal are transmitted to the first display, and the camera image is displayed on the first display; and, in response to receiving the video switching ON signal transmitted from the camera unit or the specific vehicle information signal, the video switching ON signal output from the video control unit and the camera image signal are transmitted from the video control unit to the second display, and the camera image is displayed on the second display.

[0014] Also, there is provided a video control system comprising at least one first display, at least one second display, a camera unit that transmits information on camera images captured by an in-vehicle camera as a camera image signal, and a video control unit that receives signals from the camera unit, wherein when a reverse signal is transmitted to the camera unit or the video control unit from a vehicle information output unit capable of outputting a reverse signal when the vehicle's shift lever is in R range, the video switch ON signal and the camera image signal output from the camera unit or the video control unit in response to receiving the reverse signal are transmitted to the first display, and the camera image is displayed on the first display; and, in response to receiving the video switch ON signal transmitted from the camera unit or the reverse signal, the video switch ON signal and the camera image signal output from the video control unit are transmitted from the video control unit to the second display, and the camera image is displayed on the second display. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The present invention can propose a video control system that realizes a camera video provision format that can solve the problem when the camera video is displayed in only one location. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the interior of a vehicle when each display is in an initial display state. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing the interior of a vehicle with a camera image 1 displayed on each display when the shift lever is in a position other than R range. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram showing the interior of a vehicle with a camera image 2 displayed on each display when the shift lever is in a position other than R range. FIG. [Figure 5]1 is a diagram showing the interior of a vehicle with a camera image 3 displayed on each display when the shift lever is in the R range. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing the interior of a vehicle with a camera image 4 displayed on each display when the shift lever is in the R range. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system according to a modified example of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system according to a first modification. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system according to a second modification. [Figure 18] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system according to a first reference example. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system according to a second reference example. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system according to a third reference example. [Figure 21]FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system according to a fourth reference example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment described below, the present invention is applied to a video control system equipped with one first display and one second display as displays for displaying camera images.

[0018] -Explanation of each device that makes up the video control system- First, the functions of each device constituting the video control system according to each embodiment described later will be described. For example, as shown in the block diagram of video control system 1 in Fig. 1 (video control system according to the first embodiment described later), video control system 1 includes, as its main components, a camera unit 2, a first display 3, a second display 4, and a video control unit 5, which are connected via signal lines so as to be able to send and receive signals (camera video signals, video switching signals, etc.).

[0019] (camera unit) The camera unit 2 has a function of transmitting a signal of an image captured by an in-vehicle camera (not shown) (hereinafter referred to as a camera image signal). The camera unit 2 is connected to one in-vehicle camera (such as a rear camera). The camera unit 2 may also be connected to multiple in-vehicle cameras (such as a rear camera, a front camera, a right-side camera, and a left-side camera). The camera unit 2 only needs to have a function of transmitting a camera image signal. In a configuration in which the in-vehicle camera is directly connected to a display, the camera unit 2 is configured as an integrated in-vehicle camera. The camera unit 2 may also have a function of switching an image switching signal between "ON" and "OFF." Furthermore, the camera unit 2 may have a function of receiving a camera image signal, a camera switch signal, and a vehicle information signal. The specific functions of the camera unit 2 will be described individually in each embodiment.

[0020] (1st display) The first display 3 is connected to the camera unit 2 (connected via the image control unit 5 in the example shown in FIG. 1 ) and is capable of displaying camera images according to camera image signals transmitted from the camera unit 2. Examples of the first display 3 include an inner mirror, a meter display, and an information display. In the following embodiments, the first display 3 will be described as an inner mirror. The first display 3 may be singular or plural. That is, it is sufficient for the vehicle to be equipped with one or more. In the factory state (the state before the image control unit 5 is installed), any display capable of displaying camera images corresponds to the first display 3. The first display 3 is configured to display camera images by receiving an image switching signal (image switching ON signal). This image switching signal is received by the camera unit 2, a vehicle ECU (described later), a vehicle signal generating unit, the image control unit 5, or a combination thereof. In the first display 3 that automatically displays camera images upon receiving a camera image signal, the camera image signal also serves as the image switching signal (image switching ON signal). The specific functions of the first display 3 will be described individually in each embodiment.

[0021] (Second display) The second display 4 is capable of displaying camera images according to the camera image signal transmitted from the camera unit 2 through the function of the image control unit 5. Examples of the second display 4 include a display panel for an in-vehicle navigation system, an in-vehicle monitor, and an audio display. In the following embodiments, the second display 4 will be described as a display panel for an in-vehicle navigation system. The second display 4 may be singular or plural. In other words, it is sufficient that the vehicle is provided with one or more second displays 4. The second display 4 is configured to display camera images upon receiving an image switching signal (image switching ON signal). The image switching signal is received by the camera unit 2, the vehicle ECU, the vehicle signal generating unit, the image control unit 5, or a combination thereof. In the second display 4 that automatically displays camera images upon receiving the camera image signal, the camera image signal also serves as the image switching signal (image switching ON signal). Specific functions of the second display 4 will be described separately in each embodiment.

[0022] (Video Control Unit) The image control unit 5 has a function to display on the second display 4 the same camera image as that displayed on the first display 3. Specifically, it has a function to control an image switching signal, a camera switch simulation signal (a camera switch simulation signal as referred to in the present invention), a camera switch signal, a camera image signal, and a vehicle information signal. These signals will be described later. The specific functions of the image control unit 5 will be described individually in each embodiment.

[0023] 1, the video control system 1 according to each embodiment includes a vehicle ECU and a vehicle signal generating unit in addition to the camera unit 2, first display 3, second display 4, and video control unit 5. These will be described below.

[0024] (Vehicle ECU) The vehicle ECU transmits and receives signals indicating the vehicle status as analog signals or CAN-BUS signals (network signals). This vehicle ECU is connected to a camera unit 2 and is configured to transmit and receive vehicle information. The vehicle ECU may also be connected to a first display 3, a second display 4, and a video control unit 5, and may be configured to transmit, receive, or transmit and receive vehicle information. Specific functions of the vehicle ECU will be described individually in each embodiment.

[0025] (Vehicle signal generator) The vehicle signal generating unit has a function of detecting the state of the vehicle using sensors, switches, etc., generating signals corresponding to the detected state, and transmitting vehicle information signals to each signal line. Specific functions of the vehicle signal generating unit will be described individually in each embodiment.

[0026] - Explanation of signals used in video control systems - The types of signals used in the video control system 1 include a video switching signal, a camera switch signal, a camera switch simulation signal, and a vehicle information signal. Note that some of the above signals are used in the embodiments described below. Each signal will be explained below.

[0027] (Video switching signal) The video switching signal is a signal that causes the first display 3 or the second display 4 to determine whether or not to display the camera image. When the video switching signal is "ON (video switching ON signal)," the display displays the camera image, and when the video switching signal is "OFF (video switching OFF signal)," the display does not display the camera image. For example, if the display has a reverse signal receiving unit and is configured to display the camera image by receiving a reverse signal when the vehicle's shift lever is operated to the reverse position, the reverse signal sent to this reverse signal receiving unit corresponds to the video switching signal (video switching ON signal). Also, if the display is an in-vehicle monitor, the power signal that activates the in-vehicle monitor corresponds to the video switching signal (video switching ON signal).

[0028] (camera switch signal) The camera switch signal is a signal generated when the camera switch is operated, and is transmitted from the camera switch to the camera unit 2. Upon receiving this camera switch signal, the camera unit 2 controls the camera video signal, the video switching signal, or both. The camera switch may be built into the first display 3, or may be configured as a vehicle switch.

[0029] (camera switch simulation signal) The camera switch simulation signal is a signal that simulates a camera switch signal. The camera switch simulation signal is transmitted from the image control unit 5 to the camera unit 2 in response to the operation of a switch 5A connected to the image control unit 5, and the camera unit 2 controls the camera image signal, the image switching signal, or both by receiving the camera switch simulation signal. The switch 5A may be a vehicle switch such as a steering switch. The image control unit 5 may transmit the camera unit simulation signal to the camera unit 2 in response to the reception of a vehicle information signal, instead of the operation of the switch 5A.

[0030] (Vehicle information signal) The vehicle information signal is a signal transmitted from the vehicle ECU or a vehicle signal generator and indicates the state of the vehicle. For example, it includes a reverse signal indicating that the shift lever is in the R range, a vehicle speed signal indicating the vehicle speed, and signals from ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) such as cameras and radar sensors.

[0031] The above are the signals used in the video control system 1, and these signals are transmitted and received via analog signal lines or CAN-BUS signal lines (vehicle network signal lines). Note that the communication format via the vehicle network signal lines is not limited to CAN-BUS communication, and AVC-LAN (Audio Visual Communication-Local Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network) may also be used.

[0032] Furthermore, the camera images displayed on each display 3, 4 may be from multiple cameras or from a single camera. When there are multiple camera images, the images displayed on each display 3, 4 are switched in the order of, for example, "camera image OFF → camera image 1 → camera image 2 → camera image OFF" in response to a switching request operation by the occupant (for example, operation of the camera switch or switch 5A). When there is a single camera image, the images displayed on each display 3, 4 are switched in the order of, for example, "camera image OFF → camera image → camera image OFF" in response to a switching request operation by the occupant. Also, under certain conditions, it may not be possible to turn off the camera image. Such camera image display patterns vary depending on the type and specifications of the vehicle in which the image control system 1 is installed. Details of the camera image switching operation will be described later.

[0033] -First embodiment- Next, a first embodiment will be described.

[0034] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a video control system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the video control system 1 according to this embodiment includes a camera unit 2, a first display 3, a second display 4, and a video control unit 5, which are connected via signal lines so that signals can be sent and received.

[0035] Specifically, the camera unit 2 and the image control unit 5 are connected by a video signal line 61, a camera switch signal line 62, and a video switching signal line 63. The first display 3 and the image control unit 5 are connected by a video signal line 71, a camera switch signal line 72, and a video switching signal line 73. The second display 4 and the image control unit 5 are connected by a video signal line 81 and a video switching signal line 83.

[0036] Video signal lines 61, 71, and 81 are signal lines for transmitting camera video signals (signals of images captured by an in-vehicle camera). Camera switch signal lines 62 and 72 are signal lines for transmitting camera switch signals (signals output when a camera switch provided on first display 3 is operated in this embodiment), which will be described later. Video switching signal lines 63, 73, and 83 are signal lines for transmitting video switching signals (video switching ON signal and video switching OFF signal), which will be described later.

[0037] In response to receiving a camera switch signal output from the camera switch, the camera unit 2 outputs a camera video signal to the video signal line 61 and outputs a video switching ON signal to the video switching signal line 63. The video switching ON signal and video switching OFF signal output from the camera unit 2 are not limited to signals that alternate each time the camera unit 2 receives a camera switch signal. For example, when the camera unit 2 receives a camera switch signal and outputs a video switching ON signal, the camera unit 2 may switch from a state of outputting a video switching ON signal to a state of outputting a video switching OFF signal when the camera unit 2 receives a camera switch signal multiple times (this also applies to each embodiment described below). Note that the camera unit 2 may be configured to output (constantly output) a camera video signal to the video signal line 61 regardless of whether a camera switch signal is received. In other words, the camera video signal may be constantly input to the first display 3 via the video signal line 71.

[0038] The first display 3 includes a camera switch signal transmitting section 31, a video switching signal receiving section 32, and a video display section 33 as functional sections.

[0039] When a camera switch provided on the first display 3 is operated (for example, pressed), the camera switch signal transmitter 31 outputs a camera switch signal to the camera switch signal line 72. The camera switch signal output to the camera switch signal line 72 is transmitted to the camera unit 2 via the camera switch signal line 62.

[0040] When a video switching signal (video switching ON signal or video switching OFF signal) is output from the camera unit 2, the video switching signal receiving unit 32 receives the video switching signal via the video switching signal lines 63, 73.

[0041] Video display unit 33 is a functional unit that displays video on first display 3. Video display unit 33 receives a camera video signal from video signal line 71 and has the function of displaying camera video on first display 3 on condition that video switching signal receiving unit 32 receives a video switching ON signal from video switching signal line 73. Furthermore, video display unit 33 does not display camera video on first display 3 when video switching signal receiving unit 32 receives a video switching OFF signal from video switching signal line 73.

[0042] The second display 4 includes a video switching signal receiving section 42 and a video display section 43 as functional sections.

[0043] When a video switching signal (video switching ON signal or video switching OFF signal) is output from the video control unit 5, the video switching signal receiving unit 42 receives the video switching signal via a video switching signal line 83.

[0044] Video display unit 43 is a functional unit that displays video on second display 4. Video display unit 43 has the function of displaying camera video on second display 4 on the condition that it receives a camera video signal from video signal line 81 and video switching signal receiving unit 42 receives a video switching ON signal from video switching signal line 83. Furthermore, video display unit 43 does not display camera video on second display 4 when video switching signal receiving unit 42 receives a video switching OFF signal from video switching signal line 83 or when it does not receive a camera video signal from video signal line 81.

[0045] The video control unit 5 includes a video switching signal receiving section 51 and a video switching signal transmitting section 52 as functional sections.

[0046] The video switching signal receiving unit 51 is capable of receiving the video switching signal output from the camera unit 2 via a video switching signal line 63 .

[0047] When the video switching signal received by the video switching signal receiver 51 from the camera unit 2 is a video switching ON signal, the video switching signal transmitter 52 outputs a camera video signal to the video signal line 81 and outputs a video switching ON signal to the video switching signal line 83. Note that the video control unit 5 may be configured to output (constantly output) the camera video signal to the video signal line 81 regardless of whether or not a video switching ON signal has been received. In other words, the camera video signal may be constantly input to the second display 4 via the video signal line 81. When the video switching ON signal is output to the video switching signal line 83, the second display 4 receives the camera video signal from the video signal line 81 and the video switching signal receiver 42 receives the video switching ON signal from the video switching signal line 83, so that the camera video is displayed. On the other hand, when the video switching signal received by the video switching signal receiver 51 from the camera unit 2 is a video switching OFF signal, the video switching signal transmitter 52 outputs a video switching OFF signal to the video switching signal line 83. In this case, the second display 4 will not display the camera image.

[0048] A switch 5A installed in the vehicle cabin is also connected to the video control unit 5 via a switch signal line 5a. This switch 5A is a switch that is pressed by the passenger when a request to switch the display of each display 3, 4 occurs.

[0049] Hereinafter, the transmission and reception states of various signals and the display states on the displays 3 and 4 when camera images are displayed on both the first display 3 and the second display 4 in this embodiment will be described.

[0050] First, as shown in Figure 2 (a diagram showing the interior of the vehicle when the displays 3, 4 are in their initial display states) before the camera switch is pressed (when the camera unit 2 is outputting a video switching OFF signal), the first display 3 disposed near the top edge of the windshield FG (or near the front edge of the roof panel RP) functions as an inner mirror (room mirror) and shows the view behind the vehicle, while the second display 4, which is a display panel for on-board navigation disposed in the center cluster CC, may display, for example, a navigation screen. However, the display states of the displays 3, 4 before the camera switch is pressed are not limited to this (the same applies to each embodiment described later).

[0051] From this state, when the camera switch provided on the first display 3 is operated (corresponding to the establishment of a predetermined camera image display condition in the present invention), a camera switch signal is output from the first display 3 (camera switch signal transmitter 31), and this camera switch signal is transmitted to the camera unit 2 via the camera switch signal lines 72, 62.

[0052] In response to receiving the camera switch signal, camera unit 2 outputs a video switching ON signal. This video switching ON signal is transmitted to first display 3 (video switching signal receiver 32) via video switching signal line 63, video control unit 5, and video switching signal line 73. Camera unit 2 also transmits a camera video signal to first display 3 via video signal line 61, video control unit 5, and video signal line 71. As a result, the camera video signal from video signal line 71 and the video switching ON signal from video switching signal line 73 are input to first display 3, and the camera video is displayed on this first display 3.

[0053] Meanwhile, in video control unit 5, in response to the video switching ON signal being input from video switching signal line 63, video switching signal transmitter 52 outputs a video switching ON signal to video switching signal line 83. This video switching ON signal is transmitted to second display 4 (video switching signal receiver 42) via video switching signal line 83. Video control unit 5 also transmits a camera video signal to second display 4 via video signal line 81. As a result, the camera video signal from video signal line 81 and the video switching ON signal from video switching signal line 83 are input to second display 4, and the camera video is displayed on this second display 4.

[0054] 3 to 6 are diagrams showing an example of the interior of a vehicle with camera images displayed on the displays 3 and 4 in this manner. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the display states of the displays 3 and 4 when the shift lever is not in the R range. FIG. 3 shows the display state of "camera image 1" made up of the front view image FV and the top view image TV, and FIG. 4 shows the display state of "camera image 2" made up of the front view image FV and the side blind view image SV. When the shift lever is not in the R range, the images on the displays 3 and 4 are switched in the order of FIG. 2 → FIG. 3 → FIG. 4 → FIG. 2 each time the camera switch is operated. In the display state shown in FIG. 2, the image switching signal sent to the displays 3 and 4 is an image switching OFF signal, whereas in the display states shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the image switching signal sent to the displays 3 and 4 is an image switching ON signal. The camera images described above are merely examples, and other camera images may be displayed.

[0055] 5 and 6 show examples of the display states of the displays 3 and 4 when the shift lever is in the R range. FIG. 5 shows the display state of "camera image 3" made up of the rearview image RV and the top-view image TV, and FIG. 6 shows the display state of "camera image 4" made up of the rearview image RV and the side blind-view image SV. The display states shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 alternate each time the camera switch is operated while the shift lever is in the R range. While the display state shown in FIG. 5 and the display state shown in FIG. 6 are being switched between, the image switching signal sent to the displays 3 and 4 is an image switching ON signal. The camera images described above are merely examples, and other camera images may also be displayed.

[0056] 3 to 6, the rear of the vehicle is reflected in the area of ​​the inner mirror other than the area of ​​the first display 3. For example, if the inner mirror is a normal mirror, the background is reflected in that area of ​​the mirror (the area other than the area of ​​the first display 3), whereas if the inner mirror is a so-called digital inner mirror, an image from a camera capturing an image of the area behind the vehicle is reflected in that area (for example, as a reduced image).

[0057] The switching of the images on the displays 3 and 4 is not limited to being performed in response to the operation of the camera switch, but may also be performed in response to the operation of the switch 5A.

[0058] As described above, in this embodiment, camera images can be displayed on both the first display 3 and the second display 4. In conventional technology where camera images were displayed in only one location, if the display location was a small display such as an inner mirror, the area of ​​the image display section was small, resulting in low visibility for occupants. In contrast, in this embodiment, camera images are displayed not only on the first display 3 but also on the second display 4, which is a relatively large display, ensuring high visibility for occupants.

[0059] Furthermore, in conventional technologies where camera footage was displayed in only one location, if it took a relatively long time to start up the display or switch the image, a wait time occurred before the camera footage was displayed on the display. For example, when a driver attempts to drive while watching camera footage (e.g., backing the vehicle into a parking space while watching camera footage from a backup camera), the driver's desire to start driving early could not be fully met. In this embodiment, camera footage is displayed on multiple displays 3 and 4. Therefore, even if the image switching time on one display (e.g., first display 3) is long, the image switching time on the other display (e.g., second display 4) can be expected to be short. Therefore, the wait time until the camera footage is displayed on any of the displays can be expected to be short, and the driver's desire to start driving early can potentially be fully met.

[0060] In this embodiment, the camera switch may not be built into the first display 3, but may be installed as a vehicle switch (for example, a steering switch) (see camera switch 2A indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 1). In this case, when the camera switch (vehicle switch) 2A is operated, a camera switch signal output from the camera switch 2A is transmitted to the camera unit 2, and signal transmission and reception similar to the above-described case is performed, resulting in camera images being displayed on both the first display 3 and the second display 4. In this case, if it is possible to switch images on each display 3, 4, the images may be switched in response to operation of the camera switch 2A, or the images may be switched in response to operation of the camera switch (camera switch built into the first display 3) as described above. Furthermore, in cases where there is only one camera image, it may not be possible to switch camera images.

[0061] -Second embodiment- Next, a second embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system 1 according to this embodiment. The video control system 1 according to this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the video control unit 5 includes a camera switch simulation signal transmitter 53. This camera switch simulation signal transmitter 53 has a function of outputting a camera switch simulation signal to a camera switch signal line 62 when a switch 5A is operated and a switch signal is received from the switch 5A. The camera switch simulation signal output to the camera switch signal line 62 is transmitted to the camera unit 2 via the camera switch signal line 62. Then, in response to receiving the camera switch simulation signal, the camera unit 2 outputs a camera video signal to the video signal line 61 and outputs a video switching ON signal to the video switching signal line 63. Alternatively, the camera unit 2 may output (constantly output) a camera video signal to the video signal line 61 regardless of whether or not it receives a camera switch simulation signal. In other words, the camera video signal may be constantly input to the first display 3 via the video signal line 71. Other configurations are substantially similar to those of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the camera switch signal transmitter 31 and the camera switch signal line 72 are not necessarily required.

[0063] Hereinafter, the transmission and reception states of various signals when camera images are displayed on both the first display 3 and the second display 4 in this embodiment will be described.

[0064] First, when switch 5A is operated (corresponding to the establishment of a predetermined camera image display condition in the present invention), a switch signal is output from switch 5A and transmitted to video control unit 5. Upon receiving this switch signal, video control unit 5 outputs a camera switch simulation signal from camera switch simulation signal transmitter 53, and this camera switch simulation signal is transmitted to camera unit 2 via camera switch signal line 62.

[0065] In response to receiving the camera switch simulation signal, camera unit 2 outputs a video switching ON signal. This video switching ON signal is transmitted to first display 3 (video switching signal receiver 32) via video switching signal line 63, video control unit 5, and video switching signal line 73. Camera unit 2 also transmits a camera video signal to first display 3 via video signal line 61, video control unit 5, and video signal line 71. As a result, the camera video signal from video signal line 71 and the video switching ON signal from video switching signal line 73 are input to first display 3, and the camera video is displayed on this first display 3.

[0066] Meanwhile, in the video control unit 5, in response to the video switching ON signal being input from the video switching signal line 63, the video switching signal transmitter 52 outputs a video switching ON signal to the video switching signal line 83. This video switching ON signal is transmitted to the second display 4 (video switching signal receiver 42) via the video switching signal line 83. The video control unit 5 also transmits a camera video signal to the second display 4 via the video signal line 81 (as in the first embodiment, the video control unit 5 may transmit the camera video signal to the second display 4 in response to receiving the video switching ON signal, or the video control unit 5 may output (always output) the camera video signal to the video signal line 81 regardless of whether or not the video switching ON signal is received). As a result, the camera video signal from the video signal line 81 and the video switching ON signal from the video switching signal line 83 are input to the second display 4, and the camera video is displayed on the second display 4.

[0067] In this embodiment, when the shift lever is in a position other than the R range, each time the switch 5A is operated, the display state of the camera image on each of the displays 3 and 4 switches in the order of FIG. 2 → FIG. 3 → FIG. 4 → FIG. 2. As described above, in the display state shown in FIG. 2, the image switching signal sent to each of the displays 3 and 4 is an image switching OFF signal, while in the display states shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the image switching signal sent to each of the displays 3 and 4 is an image switching ON signal. Furthermore, when the shift lever is in the R range, each time the switch 5A is operated, the display state of the camera image on each of the displays 3 and 4 alternates between the state shown in FIG. 5 and the state shown in FIG. 6. As described above, while the display state shown in FIG. 5 and the display state shown in FIG. 6 are being switched, the image switching signal sent to each of the displays 3 and 4 is an image switching ON signal. Furthermore, the display state of the camera image on each of the displays 3 and 4 may be switched by operating the camera switch (in this case, the camera switch signal transmitter 31 and the camera switch signal line 72 are essential). The above-mentioned camera images are merely examples, and other camera images may be displayed. Also, when there is only one camera image, it may not be possible to switch between camera images.

[0068] This embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

[0069] In this embodiment, the switch 5A may be installed as a vehicle switch (for example, a steering switch, etc.). In this case, when the vehicle switch is operated, a signal output from the vehicle switch is transmitted to the image control unit 5, and a camera switch simulation signal from the image control unit 5 is transmitted to the camera unit 2, and signal transmission and reception similar to the above-mentioned case is performed, resulting in camera images being displayed on both the first display 3 and the second display 4. In this case, if it is possible to switch images on each display 3, 4, the images may be switched in response to operation of the vehicle switch, or the images may be switched in response to operation of the camera switch as described above. Furthermore, in cases where there is only one camera image, it may not be possible to switch camera images.

[0070] The video control unit 5 may be configured to send a video switching ON signal to the second display 4 on condition that the switch 5A is operated.

[0071] -Third embodiment- Next, a third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0072] Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, in the video control system 1 according to this embodiment, a vehicle ECU or vehicle signal generating unit (vehicle information output unit) 9 is connected to a camera unit 2 via a signal line 9a. The vehicle ECU or vehicle signal generating unit 9 has a function of transmitting a specific vehicle information signal to the camera unit 2. This specific vehicle information signal is, for example, a signal that is transmitted to the camera unit 2 when a camera or radar mounted on the vehicle detects the presence of a person or obstacle around the vehicle and the ADAS is activated.

[0073] The difference between the signal transmission and reception states of the video control system 1 according to this embodiment and the first embodiment is that when the vehicle ECU or vehicle signal generating unit 9 transmits a specific vehicle information signal to the camera unit 2, the camera unit 2 outputs a camera video signal to the video signal line 61 and outputs a video switch ON signal to the video switch signal line 63 in response to receiving the specific vehicle information signal. The camera unit 2 may also be configured to output (constantly output) the camera video signal to the video signal line 61 regardless of whether it receives the specific vehicle information signal. In other words, the camera video signal may be constantly input to the first display 3 via the video signal line 71. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the camera switch signal transmitting unit 31 and the camera switch signal lines 62 and 72 are not necessarily required.

[0074] Hereinafter, the transmission and reception states of various signals when camera images are displayed on both the first display 3 and the second display 4 in this embodiment will be described.

[0075] First, when the ADAS is activated (corresponding to the fulfillment of a predetermined camera image display condition in the present invention), a specific vehicle information signal from the vehicle ECU or the vehicle signal generating unit 9 is transmitted to the camera unit 2 via the signal line 9a.

[0076] In response to receiving a specific vehicle information signal, camera unit 2 outputs a video switching ON signal. This video switching ON signal is transmitted to first display 3 via video switching signal line 63, video control unit 5, and video switching signal line 73. Camera unit 2 also transmits a camera video signal to first display 3 via video signal line 61, video control unit 5, and video signal line 71. As a result, the camera video signal from video signal line 71 and the video switching ON signal from video switching signal line 73 are input to first display 3, and the camera video is displayed on first display 3.

[0077] Meanwhile, in video control unit 5, in response to the video switching ON signal being input from video switching signal line 63, video switching signal transmitter 52 outputs a video switching ON signal to video switching signal line 83. This video switching ON signal is transmitted to second display 4 via video switching signal line 83. Video control unit 5 also transmits a camera video signal to second display 4 via video signal line 81. As a result, the camera video signal from video signal line 81 and the video switching ON signal from video switching signal line 83 are input to second display 4, and the camera video is displayed on this second display 4.

[0078] In this embodiment, switching between camera images on each of the displays 3 and 4 is performed by operating the switch 5A or the camera switch (when switching is performed by operating the camera switch, the camera switch signal transmitter 31 and the camera switch signal line 72 are essential). Also, when there is only one camera image, it may not be possible to switch between camera images.

[0079] This embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

[0080] The video control unit 5 may be connected to the vehicle ECU or the vehicle signal generating unit 9 (see signal line 9b indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 8 ), and the video control unit 5 may transmit a video switching ON signal to the second display 4 based on a specific vehicle information signal transmitted from the vehicle ECU or the vehicle signal generating unit 9 via this signal line 9b, thereby displaying the camera video on the second display 4. The video control unit 5 may also transmit a video switching ON signal to the first display 3 based on a specific vehicle information signal transmitted from the vehicle ECU or the vehicle signal generating unit 9 via this signal line 9b, thereby displaying the camera video on the first display 3.

[0081] -Fourth embodiment- Next, a fourth embodiment will be described, focusing mainly on the differences from the third embodiment.

[0082] Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, in the video control system 1 according to this embodiment, a vehicle ECU or a vehicle signal generating unit (vehicle information output unit) 9 is also connected to a camera unit 2 via a signal line 9a. The vehicle ECU or vehicle signal generating unit 9 in this embodiment has a function of transmitting a reverse signal to the camera unit 2 when the operating position of the shift lever is in the R range.

[0083] The difference between the third embodiment and the third embodiment in the signal transmission and reception state of the video control system 1 according to this embodiment is that when the vehicle ECU or vehicle signal generating unit 9 transmits a reverse signal to the camera unit 2, the camera unit 2 outputs a camera video signal to the video signal line 61 and outputs a video switch ON signal to the video switch signal line 63 in response to receiving the reverse signal. The camera unit 2 may also be configured to output (constantly output) the camera video signal to the video signal line 61 regardless of whether or not the reverse signal is received. In other words, the camera video signal may be constantly input to the first display 3 via the video signal line 71. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the camera switch signal transmitting unit 31 and the camera switch signal lines 62 and 72 are not necessarily required.

[0084] Hereinafter, the transmission and reception states of various signals when camera images are displayed on both the first display 3 and the second display 4 in this embodiment will be described.

[0085] First, when the shift lever is operated to the R range (corresponding to the establishment of a predetermined camera image display condition in the present invention), a reverse signal from the vehicle ECU or vehicle signal generating unit 9 is transmitted to the camera unit 2 via the signal line 9a.

[0086] In response to receiving the reverse signal, camera unit 2 outputs a video switching ON signal. This video switching ON signal is transmitted to first display 3 via video switching signal line 63, video control unit 5, and video switching signal line 73. Camera unit 2 also transmits a camera video signal to first display 3 via video signal line 61, video control unit 5, and video signal line 71. As a result, the camera video signal from video signal line 71 and the video switching ON signal from video switching signal line 73 are input to first display 3, and the camera video is displayed on first display 3.

[0087] Meanwhile, in video control unit 5, in response to the video switching ON signal being input from video switching signal line 63, video switching signal transmitter 52 outputs a video switching ON signal to video switching signal line 83. This video switching ON signal is transmitted to second display 4 via video switching signal line 83. Video control unit 5 also transmits a camera video signal to second display 4 via video signal line 81. As a result, the camera video signal from video signal line 81 and the video switching ON signal from video switching signal line 83 are input to second display 4, and the camera video is displayed on this second display 4.

[0088] Even in this embodiment, the camera images on the displays 3 and 4 are switched by operating the switch 5A or the camera switch (when switching is performed by operating the camera switch, the camera switch signal transmitter 31 and the camera switch signal line 72 are essential). Also, when there is only one camera image, it may not be possible to switch the camera image.

[0089] This embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

[0090] The image control unit 5 may be connected to the vehicle ECU or the vehicle signal generating unit 9 (see signal line 9b indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 9 ), and may be configured to transmit an image switching ON signal to the second display 4 on the condition that the image control unit 5 receives a reverse signal from the vehicle ECU or the vehicle signal generating unit 9. The image control unit 5 may also be configured to transmit a camera image signal to the second display 4 on the condition that the image switching ON signal is received from the camera unit 2 or a reverse signal is received from the vehicle ECU or the vehicle signal generating unit 9, or may be configured to always transmit a camera image signal to the second display 4.

[0091] Furthermore, the second display 4 may be connected to the vehicle ECU or the vehicle signal generating unit 9 (see signal line 9c indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 9 ), and the second display 4 may receive a reverse signal from the vehicle ECU or the vehicle signal generating unit 9 as a video switching ON signal. In this case, the second display 4 may be configured to receive only the camera video signal from the video control unit 5, or may be configured to receive the camera video signal and the video switching ON signal from the video control unit 5.

[0092] Furthermore, the video switching signal from the video control unit 5 can be controlled by the video control unit 5, unlike the signal transmitted from the vehicle ECU or the vehicle signal generating unit 9. For example, some second displays 4 require time to display camera images. In this case, the timing to display the camera images on the second display 4 can be advanced by transmitting a video switching ON signal in advance on the condition that a reverse signal is received from the vehicle ECU or the vehicle signal generating unit 9. This operation of transmitting a signal to advance the timing to display the camera images can be similarly implemented in other embodiments.

[0093] Conversely, even after the video switching signal transmitted from the vehicle ECU or vehicle signal generating unit 9 has become a video switching OFF signal, the video control unit 5 may keep the video switching signal as a video switching ON signal for a certain period of time, thereby extending the display period of the camera video on the second display 4. This operation of transmitting a signal to extend the display period of the camera video can be similarly carried out in other embodiments.

[0094] -Fifth embodiment- Next, a fifth embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the second embodiment.

[0095] 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system 1 according to this embodiment. The system configuration according to this embodiment is premised on a first signal group 6A and a second signal group 6B as signal lines connected to a camera unit 2. The first signal group 6A is made up of a first video signal line 61A, a first camera switch signal line 62A, and a first video switching signal line 63A. The second signal group 6B is made up of a second video signal line 61B, a second camera switch signal line 62B, and a second video switching signal line 63B.

[0096] The signal lines 61A, 62A, and 63A of the first signal group 6A connect the camera unit 2 and the video control unit 5. In other words, they correspond to the signal lines 61, 62, and 63 in the first embodiment.

[0097] The signal lines 61B, 62B, and 63B of the second signal group 6B are provided for navigation purposes corresponding to the display of manufacturer-supplied camera images.

[0098] In a system having such a first signal group 6A and a second signal group 6B, when the camera unit 2 receives a camera switch signal from one of the camera switch signal lines 62A (62B) of the first camera switch signal line 62A of the first signal group 6A and the second camera switch signal line 62B of the second signal group 6B, it outputs a video switching ON signal to the video switching signal line 63A (63B) of the signal group 6A (6B) to which the camera switch signal line 62A (62B) transmitting the camera switch signal belongs, and outputs a video switching OFF signal to the video switching signal line 63B (63A) of the other signal group 6B (6A). For example, when the camera unit 2 receives a camera switch signal from the first camera switch signal line 62A of the first signal group 6A, the camera unit 2 outputs a video switching ON signal to the first video switching signal line 63A of the first signal group 6A, and outputs a video switching OFF signal to the second video switching signal line 63B of the second signal group 6B (hereinafter, such a signal output form will be referred to as the "reverse output form"). When the camera unit 2 receives a camera switch signal from one of the camera switch signal lines 62A (62B) of the first camera switch signal line 62A of the first signal group 6A and the second camera switch signal line 62B of the second signal group 6B, the camera unit 2 outputs a video switching ON signal to the video switching signal line 63A (63B) of the signal group 6A (6B) to which the camera switch signal line 62A (62B) transmitting the camera switch signal belongs, and also outputs a video switching ON signal to the video switching signal line 63B (63A) of the other signal group 6B (6A) (hereinafter, this type of signal output form will be referred to as a "sequential output form"). The video control system according to this embodiment can also be applied to a system equipped with a camera unit 2 of this "sequential output form".

[0099] In this embodiment, the camera unit 2 is configured to display camera images on both the first display 3 and the second display 4 even when it receives a camera switch signal from the first camera switch signal line 62A of the first signal group 6A (when a video switching OFF signal is output to the second video switching signal line 63B of the second signal group 6B).

[0100] Specifically, the second video signal line 61B of the second signal group 6B connects the camera unit 2 and the second display 4 and is capable of transmitting a camera video signal to the second display 4, but the second camera switch signal line 62B and the second video switching signal line 63B of the second signal group 6B are not connected to the second display 4, and even if a video switching OFF signal is output to the second video switching signal line 63B, this video switching OFF signal will not be input to the second display 4.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the camera video signal is transmitted to the second display 4 via the second video signal line 61B, and therefore the above-mentioned video signal line 81 does not exist between the video control unit 5 and the second display 4. The camera unit 2 may be configured to output the camera video signal to each of the video signal lines 61A and 61B on the condition that it has received a camera switch signal (a camera switch simulation signal, which will be described later), or may be configured to output (always output) the camera video signal to the video signal lines 61A and 61B regardless of whether or not it has received a camera switch signal.

[0102] Similarly to the second embodiment described above, the video control unit 5 includes a video switching signal receiving unit 51, a video switching signal transmitting unit 52, and a camera switch simulation signal transmitting unit 53. Similarly to the embodiment described above, when the video switching signal received by the video switching signal receiving unit 51 from the camera unit 2 (the video switching signal transmitted from the first video switching signal line 63A) is a video switching ON signal, the video switching signal transmitting unit 52 outputs a video switching ON signal to the video switching signal line 83. Note that in this embodiment, the camera switch signal transmitting unit 31 and the camera switch signal line 72 are not necessarily required.

[0103] Hereinafter, the transmission and reception states of various signals when camera images are displayed on both the first display 3 and the second display 4 in this embodiment will be described.

[0104] First, when switch 5A is operated (corresponding to the establishment of a predetermined camera image display condition in the present invention), a switch signal is output from switch 5A and transmitted to video control unit 5. Upon receiving this switch signal, video control unit 5 outputs a camera switch simulation signal from camera switch simulation signal transmitter 53, and this camera switch simulation signal is transmitted to camera unit 2 via first camera switch signal line 62A of first signal group 6A.

[0105] In response to receiving the camera switch simulation signal, the camera unit 2 outputs a video switching ON signal to the first video switching signal line 63A of the first signal group 6A. At this time, in response to receiving the camera switch simulation signal, the camera unit 2 outputs a video switching OFF signal to the second video switching signal line 63B of the second signal group 6B. As described above, this video switching OFF signal is not input to the second display 4. The video switching ON signal output from the camera unit 2 is transmitted to the first display 3 via the first video switching signal line 63A, the video control unit 5, and the video switching signal line 73. In addition, the camera unit 2 outputs camera video signals to each of the video signal lines 61A and 61B.

[0106] As a result, the camera video signal from the video signal line 71 and the video switching ON signal from the video switching signal line 73 are input to the first display 3, and the camera video is displayed on the first display 3.

[0107] Meanwhile, in the video control unit 5, in response to the video switching ON signal being input from the first video switching signal line 63A of the first signal group 6A, the video switching signal transmitter 52 outputs a video switching ON signal to the video switching signal line 83. This video switching ON signal is transmitted to the second display 4 via the video switching signal line 83. That is, as described above, the video switching OFF signal output from the camera unit 2 to the second video switching signal line 63B is not input to the second display 4, and the video switching ON signal output from the video control unit 5 is input to the second display 4. Also, as described above, the camera unit 2 transmits a camera video signal to the second display 4 via the second video signal line 61B. As a result, the camera video signal from the second video signal line 61B of the second signal group 6B and the video switching ON signal from the video switching signal line 83 are input to the second display 4, and the camera video is displayed on the second display 4.

[0108] In this embodiment as well, switching of camera images on each of the displays 3 and 4 is performed by operating the switch 5A or the camera switch (when switching is performed by operating the camera switch, the camera switch signal transmitter 31 and the camera switch signal line 72 are essential). At this time, in a switching state in which camera images are not displayed on each of the displays 3 and 4, when the switch 5A or the camera switch is operated, a video switching OFF signal is output to the first video switching signal line 63A of the first signal group 6A.

[0109] This embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment. When this embodiment is applied to the "sequential output mode" described above, it becomes possible to improve the accuracy of control. Furthermore, in this case, it becomes possible to reliably display camera images on each display 3, 4 even if the specifications are changed due to vehicle updates or program modifications.

[0110] The condition for the video control unit 5 to output a video switching ON signal is not limited to the video switching ON signal being input from the first video switching signal line 63A of the first signal group 6A, but may be the input of a switch signal from the switch 5A, or the input of both the video switching ON signal from the first video switching signal line 63A of the first signal group 6A and the switch signal from the switch 5A.

[0111] -Sixth embodiment- Next, a sixth embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the fifth embodiment.

[0112] 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system 1 according to this embodiment. Similar to the fifth embodiment, the system configuration according to this embodiment includes a first signal group 6A and a second signal group 6B. When the camera unit 2 receives a camera switch signal from one of the first camera switch signal line 62A of the first signal group 6A and the second camera switch signal line 62B of the second signal group 6B (62A), the camera unit 2 outputs a video switching ON signal to the video switching signal line 63B (63A) of the signal group 6B (6A) to which the camera switch signal line 62B (62A) transmitting the camera switch signal belongs, and outputs a video switching OFF signal to the video switching signal line 63A (63B) of the other signal group 6A (6B) (reverse output mode). For example, when the camera unit 2 receives a camera switch signal from the second camera switch signal line 62B of the second signal group 6B, the camera unit 2 outputs a video switching ON signal to the second video switching signal line 63B of the second signal group 6B, and outputs a video switching OFF signal to the first video switching signal line 63A of the first signal group 6A. This embodiment can also be applied to an arrangement including a camera unit 2 in the "forward output form", as in the case of the fifth embodiment described above.

[0113] In this embodiment, the camera unit 2 is configured to display camera images on both the first display 3 and the second display 4 even when it receives a camera switch signal from the second camera switch signal line 62B of the second signal group 6B (when a video switching OFF signal is output to the first video switching signal line 63A of the first signal group 6A).

[0114] Specifically, the first video signal line 61A and the first camera switch signal line 62A of the first signal group 6A directly connect the camera unit 2 and the first display 3, and the first video switching signal line 63A is connected to the video switching signal line 73 via the switch SW. Therefore, when the switch SW is in the ON (closed) state, the first video switching signal line 63A and the video switching signal line 73 are connected, and the video switching signal of the first video switching signal line 63A is sent directly to the first display 3, whereas when the switch SW is in the OFF (open) state, the first video switching signal line 63A and the video switching signal line 73 are disconnected, and the video switching signal of the first video switching signal line 63A is not sent to the first display 3. Furthermore, when the switch SW is in the OFF (open) state, the video control unit 5 and the video switching signal line 73 are connected, and a signal output from the video control unit 5 (a video switching ON signal, described later) is sent to the first display 3 via the video switching signal line 73. The opening and closing of this switch SW is controlled by the video control unit 5.

[0115] On the other hand, the signal lines 61B, 62B, and 63B of the second signal group 6B are connected to the video control unit 5. The video control unit 5 and the second display 4 are connected by a video signal line 81 and a video switching signal line 83, similar to the first embodiment.

[0116] Incidentally, even in this embodiment, the camera unit 2 may be configured to output camera video signals to the video signal lines 61A and 61B on the condition that it receives a camera switch signal (a camera switch simulation signal, which will be described later), or may be configured to output (always output) camera video signals to the video signal lines 61A and 61B regardless of whether or not it receives a camera switch signal.

[0117] Similarly to the fifth embodiment, the video control unit 5 includes a video switching signal receiving unit 51, a video switching signal transmitting unit 52, and a camera switch simulation signal transmitting unit 53. When the video switching signal received by the video switching signal receiving unit 51 from the camera unit 2 (the video switching signal transmitted from the second video switching signal line 63B) is a video switching ON signal, the video switching signal transmitting unit 52 outputs a video switching ON signal to a video switching signal line 83 connected to the second display 4. When the video switching signal received by the video switching signal receiving unit 51 from the camera unit 2 (the video switching signal transmitted from the second video switching signal line 63B) is a video switching ON signal, the video switching signal transmitting unit 52 outputs a video switching ON signal to a video switching signal line 73 connected to the first display 3. At this time, the switch SW is turned OFF (the video control unit 5 and the video switching signal line 73 are connected), and the video switching ON signal is transmitted to the first display 3. In this embodiment, the camera switch signal transmitter 31 and the first camera switch signal line 62A of the first signal group 6A are not necessarily required.

[0118] Hereinafter, the transmission and reception states of various signals when camera images are displayed on both the first display 3 and the second display 4 in this embodiment will be described.

[0119] First, when switch 5A is operated (corresponding to the establishment of a predetermined camera image display condition in the present invention), a switch signal is output from switch 5A and this signal is transmitted to video control unit 5. Upon receiving this signal, video control unit 5 outputs a camera switch simulation signal from camera switch simulation signal transmitter 53, and this camera switch simulation signal is transmitted to camera unit 2 via second camera switch signal line 62B of second signal group 6B.

[0120] In response to receiving the camera switch simulation signal, the camera unit 2 outputs a video switching ON signal to the second video switching signal line 63B of the second signal group 6B. This video switching ON signal is transmitted to the second display 4 via the second video switching signal line 63B, the video control unit 5, and the video switching signal line 83. The camera unit 2 also outputs a camera video signal to the second display 4 via the video signal lines 61B and 81.

[0121] As a result, the camera video signal from the video signal line 81 and the video switching ON signal from the video switching signal line 83 are input to the second display 4, and the camera video is displayed on the second display 4.

[0122] Meanwhile, the video control unit 5 turns off the switch SW, and in response to the video switching ON signal being input from the second video switching signal line 63B of the second signal group 6B, the video switching signal transmitter 52 outputs a video switching ON signal to the video switching signal line 73. This video switching ON signal is transmitted to the first display 3 via the video switching signal line 73. The camera unit 2 also transmits a camera video signal to the first display 3 via the first video signal line 61A. As a result, the camera video signal from the first video signal line 61A of the first signal group 6A and the video switching ON signal from the video switching signal line 73 are input to the first display 3, and the camera video is displayed on the first display 3.

[0123] In this embodiment as well, switching of camera images on each of the displays 3 and 4 is performed by operating the switch 5A or the camera switch (when switching is performed by operating the camera switch, the camera switch signal transmitter 31 and the first camera switch signal line 62A of the first signal group 6A are essential). At this time, in a switching state in which camera images are not displayed on each of the displays 3 and 4, operating the switch 5A or the camera switch outputs a video switching OFF signal to the second video switching signal line 63B of the second signal group 6B and turns off the switch SW.

[0124] This embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

[0125] In this embodiment, the connection state between the first video switching signal line 63A and the video switching signal line 73 is switched by the switch SW, but instead of providing the switch SW, the video control unit 5 may output a video switching ON signal to the first video switching signal line 63A and the video switching signal line 73 in response to a video switching ON signal being input from the second video switching signal line 63B of the second signal group 6B, thereby displaying the camera video on the first display 3. Alternatively, the video control unit 5 may take in the video switching signals from the first video switching signal line 63A and the video switching signal line 73, and output a video switching ON signal to the video switching signal line 73 by the video control unit 5, thereby displaying the camera video on the first display 3.

[0126] The condition for outputting the video switching ON signal from the video control unit 5 to the video switching signal line 73 is not limited to input of the video switching ON signal from the second video switching signal line 63B of the second signal group 6B, but may be input of a switch signal from the switch 5A, or input of both the video switching ON signal from the second video switching signal line 63B of the second signal group 6B and the switch signal from the switch 5A. Also, it may be combined with output of the video switching OFF signal to the first video switching signal line 63A.

[0127] -Seventh embodiment- Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, differences from the fifth embodiment will be mainly described.

[0128] 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system 1 according to this embodiment. Similar to the fifth embodiment, the system configuration according to this embodiment includes a first signal group 6A and a second signal group 6B, and the output state of the video switching signal when the camera unit 2 receives a camera switch signal is also similar to the fifth embodiment (reverse output mode). Furthermore, similar to the fifth embodiment, this embodiment can also be applied to a system including a camera unit 2 in a "forward output mode."

[0129] In the above-described fifth embodiment, when switch 5A is operated and a switch signal from switch 5A is input to video control unit 5, video control unit 5 transmits a camera switch simulation signal to camera unit 2, whereas in this embodiment, when a camera switch (a switch built into first display 3) is operated and camera unit 2 receives a camera switch signal from the camera switch, camera video signals are output to each of video signal lines 61A and 61B and a video switching ON signal is transmitted to first video switching signal line 63A. The other configurations are the same as those of the fifth embodiment.

[0130] Hereinafter, the transmission and reception states of various signals when camera images are displayed on both the first display 3 and the second display 4 in this embodiment will be described.

[0131] First, when the camera switch is operated (corresponding to the establishment of a predetermined camera image display condition in the present invention), a camera switch signal is output from the first display 3 and transmitted to the camera unit 2.

[0132] In response to receiving the camera switch signal, the camera unit 2 outputs a video switching ON signal to the first video switching signal line 63A of the first signal group 6A. At this time, in response to receiving the camera switch signal, the camera unit 2 outputs a video switching OFF signal to the second video switching signal line 63B of the second signal group 6B, but this video switching OFF signal is not input to the second display 4. The video switching ON signal output from the camera unit 2 is transmitted to the first display 3 via the first video switching signal line 63A, the video control unit 5, and the video switching signal line 73. In addition, the camera unit 2 outputs camera video signals to each of the video signal lines 61A and 61B.

[0133] As a result, the camera video signal from the video signal line 71 and the video switching ON signal from the video switching signal line 73 are input to the first display 3, and the camera video is displayed on the first display 3.

[0134] Meanwhile, in the video control unit 5, in response to the video switching ON signal being input from the first video switching signal line 63A of the first signal group 6A, the video switching signal transmitter 52 outputs a video switching ON signal to the video switching signal line 83. This video switching ON signal is transmitted to the second display 4 via the video switching signal line 83. That is, as described above, the video switching OFF signal output from the camera unit 2 to the second video switching signal line 63B is not input to the second display 4, and the video switching ON signal output from the video control unit 5 is input to the second display 4. Also, as described above, the camera unit 2 transmits a camera video signal to the second display 4 via the second video signal line 61B. As a result, the camera video signal from the second video signal line 61B of the second signal group 6B and the video switching ON signal from the video switching signal line 83 are input to the second display 4, and the camera video is displayed on the second display 4.

[0135] In this embodiment, too, the camera video is switched on each of the displays 3 and 4 by operating the switch 5A or the camera switch. At this time, in a switching state in which the camera video is not displayed on each of the displays 3 and 4, the video switching OFF signal is output to the first video switching signal line 63A of the first signal group 6A in response to the operation of the switch 5A or the camera switch.

[0136] This embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

[0137] The condition for the video control unit 5 to output a video switching ON signal is not limited to the video switching ON signal being input from the first video switching signal line 63A of the first signal group 6A, but may be the input of a camera switch signal from a camera switch, or the input of both the video switching ON signal from the first video switching signal line 63A of the first signal group 6A and the camera switch signal from the camera switch.

[0138] -Eighth embodiment- Next, an eighth embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the sixth embodiment.

[0139] 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system 1 according to this embodiment. The system configuration according to this embodiment is also provided with a first signal group 6A and a second signal group 6B, as in the sixth embodiment, and the output state of the video switching signal when the camera unit 2 receives a camera switch signal is also the same as in the sixth embodiment (reverse output form). Furthermore, this embodiment can also be applied to a system provided with a camera unit 2 in a "forward output form," as in the fifth embodiment.

[0140] In the sixth embodiment described above, when switch 5A is operated and a switch signal from switch 5A is input to image control unit 5, image control unit 5 transmits a camera switch simulation signal to camera unit 2, whereas in this embodiment, when a camera switch (a switch built into first display 3) is operated and a camera switch signal from the camera switch is input to camera unit 2, camera unit 2 outputs a video switching ON signal to first video switching signal line 63A of first signal group 6A, and upon receiving this video switching ON signal, image control unit 5 transmits the video switching ON signal to second display 4. The other configurations are the same as those of the sixth embodiment.

[0141] Hereinafter, the transmission and reception states of various signals when camera images are displayed on both the first display 3 and the second display 4 in this embodiment will be described.

[0142] First, when the camera switch is operated (corresponding to the establishment of a predetermined camera image display condition in the present invention), a camera switch signal is output from the first display 3, and this camera switch signal is transmitted to the camera unit 2 via the first camera switch signal line 62A of the first signal group 6A.

[0143] In response to receiving the camera switch signal, the camera unit 2 outputs a video switching ON signal to the first video switching signal line 63A of the first signal group 6A. Therefore, the video switching ON signal is transmitted to the first display 3 via the first video switching signal line 63A and the video switching signal line 73. The camera unit 2 also transmits a camera video signal to the first display 3 via the first video signal line 61A. As a result, the camera video signal from the first video signal line 61A and the video switching ON signal from the video switching signal line 73 are input to the first display 3, and the camera video is displayed on the first display 3.

[0144] Meanwhile, in video control unit 5, in response to the video switching ON signal being input from first video switching signal line 63A of first signal group 6A, video switching signal transmitter 52 outputs a video switching ON signal to video switching signal line 83. This video switching ON signal is transmitted to second display 4 via video switching signal line 83. Also, camera unit 2 transmits a camera video signal to second display 4 via second video signal line 61B and video signal line 81. As a result, the camera video signal from video signal line 81 and the video switching ON signal from video switching signal line 83 are input to second display 4, and the camera video is displayed on this second display 4.

[0145] In this embodiment, too, the camera video is switched on each of the displays 3 and 4 by operating the switch 5A or the camera switch. At this time, in a switching state in which the camera video is not displayed on each of the displays 3 and 4, the video switching OFF signal is output to the first video switching signal line 63A of the first signal group 6A in response to the operation of the switch 5A or the camera switch.

[0146] This embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

[0147] Incidentally, even in this embodiment, the switch SW is not essential, and it is not necessarily required to have a configuration for switching the connection state between the first video switching signal line 63A and the video switching signal line 73, or the connection state between the first video switching signal line 63A and the video control unit 5.

[0148] The condition for the video control unit 5 to output a video switching ON signal is not limited to the video switching ON signal being input from the first video switching signal line 63A of the first signal group 6A, but may be the input of a camera switch signal from a camera switch, or the input of both the video switching ON signal from the first video switching signal line 63A of the first signal group 6A and the camera switch signal from the camera switch.

[0149] -Ninth embodiment- Next, a ninth embodiment will be described. This embodiment is an improvement for displaying camera images favorably on the second display 4, and is applicable to any of the first to eighth embodiments described above.

[0150] Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system 1 according to this embodiment. For the sake of simplicity, Fig. 14 shows only video signal lines 61, 71, and 81 as signal lines. Fig. 14 also shows only the characteristic parts of this embodiment.

[0151] As is well known, there are a variety of camera image standards. For this reason, if the camera image standard of the camera image signal output from camera unit 2 is not compatible with second display 4, the camera image may not be displayed on second display 4. Furthermore, in the process of transmitting the camera image signal from camera unit 2 to second display 4, the signal output may be attenuated, causing the camera image on second display 4 to become dark, discolored, or not displayable.

[0152] In view of this, in this embodiment, the video control unit 5 is provided with a video signal adjustment unit 55, as shown in Fig. 14. This video signal adjustment unit 55 has functions such as changing the standard of the camera video signal transmitted from the camera unit 2 to a standard compatible with the second display 4, and amplifying the camera video signal.

[0153] This allows the camera image to be displayed clearly on both the first display 3 and the second display 4.

[0154] In the video control system 1 shown in Fig. 14, the video signal adjustment section 55 is built into the video control unit 5, but as shown in Fig. 15, it may be interposed in the video signal line 81. This also makes it possible to display the camera video clearly on both the first display 3 and the second display 4.

[0155] -Variations- Several modifications will be described below.

[0156] (Variation 1) Fig. 16 shows a video control system 1 equipped with two second displays 4 (4A, 4B). In Fig. 16, for the sake of simplicity, only video signal lines 61, 71, 81, and 81' are shown as signal lines.

[0157] In this modified example, the video control unit 5 has a distribution function for distributing signals to each of the video signal lines 81, 81' and each of the video switching signal lines (not shown).

[0158] Furthermore, of the two second displays 4A, 4B, one of the second displays 4A may be configured to display the camera image in conjunction with the display of the camera image on the first display 3 (the camera image may be displayed using the function of the image control unit 5), as in the case of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, while the other second display 4B may be configured to always display the camera image without being linked to the display of the camera image on the first display 3.

[0159] (Variation 2) When the second display 4, which displays the camera image via the image control unit 5, is equipped with a navigation function, and the image switching signal receiver 42 is made to function as a reverse signal receiver, if the camera image is displayed on the second display 4 while the vehicle is moving forward, the second display 4 will recognize that the vehicle is moving backward. In this way, if the second display 4 receives a vehicle speed signal while recognizing that the vehicle is moving backward, the vehicle position displayed by the navigation function of the second display 4 will be reversed even though the vehicle is actually moving forward, resulting in a large deviation from the actual vehicle position.

[0160] 17, in this embodiment, a vehicle speed signal generating section (such as a vehicle speed sensor) 91 is connected to the image control unit 5, and the image control unit 5 is also provided with a vehicle speed signal transmitting section 56. In addition, the second display 4 is also provided with a vehicle speed signal receiving section 44.

[0161] When the camera image is displayed on the second display 4 in a range other than the reverse range, the image control unit 5 transmits an image switching signal to the reverse signal receiving section, which is the image switching signal receiving section 42 of the second display 4, and the vehicle speed signal transmitting section 56 transmits a signal indicating a stopped state to the vehicle speed signal receiving section 44. This makes it possible to prevent the deviation between the vehicle position indicated by the navigation function and the actual vehicle position from becoming too large.

[0162] -Reference example- Further, the following is also an example of a reference image control system 1 that uses the camera unit 2, the first display 3, the second display 4, and the image control unit 5.

[0163] Fig. 18 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system 1 according to Reference Example 1. What is shown in Fig. 18 is a system in which a video switching signal is directly transmitted from a vehicle ECU or a vehicle signal generating unit 9 to each of the displays 3 and 4. In this case, the video control unit 5 has a function of transmitting a camera video signal received from the camera unit 2 to each of the displays 3 and 4.

[0164] According to this configuration, when a camera image signal is being sent from the image control unit 5 to each display 3, 4, and a signal (such as the specific vehicle information signal or reverse signal mentioned above) is sent from the vehicle ECU or the vehicle signal generating unit 9 to each display 3, 4, the camera image will be displayed on both the first display 3 and the second display 4.

[0165] Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system 1 according to Reference Example 2. In Fig. 19, a signal (corresponding to a video switching signal) is transmitted from a vehicle ECU or a vehicle signal generating unit 9 to a first display 3, and a video control unit 5 transmits a camera video signal received from a camera unit 2 to each of the displays 3 and 4, and also transmits a video switching ON signal to a second display 4 on the condition that a signal (the specific vehicle information signal or reverse signal described above) is received from the vehicle ECU or the vehicle signal generating unit 9.

[0166] According to this configuration, when a signal (a specific vehicle information signal or a reverse signal) is output from the vehicle ECU or vehicle signal generating unit 9, a signal (image switching ON signal) from the vehicle ECU or vehicle signal generating unit 9 and a camera image signal from the image control unit 5 are input to the first display 3, and the camera image is displayed on the first display 3, and the image switching ON signal and camera image signal are input from the image control unit 5 to the second display 4, and the camera image is also displayed on the second display 4.

[0167] 20 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system 1 according to Reference Example 3. In the system shown in Fig. 20, a signal (corresponding to a video switching signal) is transmitted from a vehicle ECU or a vehicle signal generating unit 9 to a second display 4, and the video control unit 5 transmits a camera video signal received from a camera unit 2 to each of the displays 3 and 4. The signal from the vehicle ECU or the vehicle signal generating unit 9 is also input to the camera unit 2, and the camera unit 2 that receives this signal transmits the camera video signal to the video control unit 5.

[0168] In this configuration, when a signal (a specific vehicle information signal or a reverse signal) is output from the vehicle ECU or the vehicle signal generating unit 9, a signal (image switching ON signal) is input to each display 3, 4, and a camera image signal is input from the image control unit 5, so that the camera image is displayed on each display 3, 4.

[0169] Fig. 21 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video control system 1 according to Reference Example 4. What is shown in Fig. 21 is a system in which a signal (corresponding to a video switching signal) is transmitted from a vehicle ECU or a vehicle signal generating unit 9 to a first display 3, and a video control unit 5 transmits a camera video signal received from a camera unit 2 to each of the displays 3 and 4. When the video control unit 5 receives a video switching ON signal from the camera unit 2, it transmits a video switching ON signal to the second display 4. The signal from the vehicle ECU or the vehicle signal generating unit 9 is also input to the camera unit 2, and the camera unit 2 that receives this signal transmits a camera video signal to the video control unit 5.

[0170] In this configuration, when a signal (a specific vehicle information signal or a reverse signal) is output from the vehicle ECU or the vehicle signal generating unit 9, a signal (image switching ON signal) is input to each display 3, 4, and a camera image signal is input from the image control unit 5, so that the camera image is displayed on each display 3, 4.

[0171] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, modified examples, and reference examples, and all modifications and applications encompassed within the scope of the claims and equivalents thereto are possible.

[0172] The present invention can also be understood as the technical ideas set forth in the following supplementary notes. (Supplementary Note 1 corresponding to the fifth embodiment) A video control system including at least one first display, at least one second display, a camera unit that transmits information about a camera image captured by an in-vehicle camera as a camera image signal, and a video control unit that receives a signal from the camera unit, wherein a first signal group including a first camera switch signal line and a first video switching signal line, and a second signal group including a second camera switch signal line and a second video switching signal line are connected to the camera unit, and when a camera switch signal is input from the first camera switch signal line, the camera unit outputs a video switching ON signal to the first video switching signal line and a video switching OFF signal to the second video switching signal line, and when a switch signal is transmitted from the switch to the video control unit in response to operation of the switch by a vehicle occupant, a video control system configured such that a simulated camera switch signal is sent to the camera unit, a video switching ON signal output from the camera unit in response to receiving the simulated camera switch signal and the camera video signal are sent from the camera unit to the first display, and the camera video is displayed on the first display; and since the second video switching signal line is not connected to the second display, the video switching OFF signal output from the camera unit is not sent to the second display, and the video switching ON signal output from the video control unit in response to at least one of receiving the video switching ON signal sent from the camera unit and inputting the switch signal are sent to the second display, and the camera video is displayed on the second display.

[0173] (Supplementary Note 2 corresponding to the sixth embodiment) A video control system including at least one first display, at least one second display, a camera unit that transmits information on camera images captured by an in-vehicle camera as a camera image signal, and a video control unit that receives signals from the camera unit, wherein a first signal group including a first camera switch signal line and a first video switching signal line, and a second signal group including a second camera switch signal line and a second video switching signal line are connected to the camera unit, and when a camera switch signal is input from the second camera switch signal line, the camera unit outputs a video switching ON signal to the second video switching signal line and a video switching OFF signal to the first video switching signal line, and a switch signal is sent from the switch to the video control unit in response to operation of a switch by a vehicle occupant. a video control system configured such that, when a switch signal is received, a simulated signal of a camera switch signal is transmitted from the video control unit to the camera unit in response to the reception of the switch signal, a video switching ON signal output from the camera unit in response to the reception of the simulated signal of the camera switch signal and the camera video signal are transmitted from the camera unit to the second display, so that the camera video is displayed on the second display, and the video switching ON signal and the camera video signal output from the video control unit in response to at least one of the reception of the video switching ON signal transmitted from the camera unit and the input of the switch signal are transmitted from the video control unit to the first display, so that the camera video is displayed on the first display.

[0174] (Supplementary Note 3 corresponding to the seventh embodiment) A video control system including at least one first display, at least one second display, a camera unit that transmits information about a camera image captured by an in-vehicle camera as a camera image signal, and a video control unit that receives a signal from the camera unit, wherein a first signal group including a first camera switch signal line and a first video switching signal line, and a second signal group including a second camera switch signal line and a second video switching signal line are connected to the camera unit, and when a camera switch signal is input from the first camera switch signal line, the camera unit outputs a video switching ON signal to the first video switching signal line and a video switching OFF signal to the second video switching signal line, and the camera switch signal is transmitted from the camera switch to the camera unit in response to operation of the camera switch by a vehicle occupant. and when the second video switching signal line is not connected to the second display, the video switching OFF signal output from the camera unit is not transmitted to the second display, and the video switching ON signal and the camera video signal output from the video control unit are transmitted to the second display in response to at least one of receiving the video switching ON signal transmitted from the camera unit and inputting the camera switch signal, and the camera video signal is displayed on the second display.

[0175] (Appendix 4 corresponding to the eighth embodiment) A video control system including at least one first display, at least one second display, a camera unit that transmits information on camera images captured by an in-vehicle camera as a camera image signal, and a video control unit that receives signals from the camera unit, wherein a first signal group including a first camera switch signal line and a first video switching signal line, and a second signal group including a second camera switch signal line and a second video switching signal line are connected to the camera unit, and when a camera switch signal is input from the first camera switch signal line, the camera unit outputs a video switching ON signal to the first video switching signal line and a video switching OFF signal to the second video switching signal line, and In response, when a camera switch signal is transmitted from the camera switch to the camera unit, a video switching ON signal output from the camera unit in response to receiving the camera switch signal and the camera video signal are transmitted from the camera unit to the first display, and the camera video is displayed on the first display, and the video switching ON signal output from the video control unit in response to at least one of receiving the video switching ON signal transmitted from the camera unit and inputting the camera switch signal are transmitted from the video control unit to the second display, and the camera video is displayed on the second display. [Industrial Applicability]

[0176] The present invention is applicable to a video control system that can simultaneously display camera images on multiple displays installed in a vehicle interior. [Explanation of symbols]

[0177] 1. Video control system 2 Camera Unit 3 Primary Display 4 Secondary Display 5. Video Control Unit 6A First signal group 6B 2nd signal group 62A 1st camera switch signal line 63A 1st video switching signal line 62B Second camera switch signal line 63B Second video switching signal line

Claims

1. A video control system including at least one first display, at least one second display, a camera unit that transmits information of a camera image captured by an in-vehicle camera as a camera image signal, and a video control unit that receives a signal from the camera unit, the first display is configured to display the camera image by receiving the camera image signal from the camera unit and an image switching ON signal generated when a predetermined camera image display condition is met, A video control system characterized in that the second display is configured to display the camera image by receiving a video switching ON signal emitted by the video control unit in response to the generation of the video switching ON signal and the camera image signal.

2. A video control system including at least one first display, at least one second display, a camera unit that transmits information of a camera image captured by an in-vehicle camera as a camera image signal, and a video control unit that receives a signal from the camera unit, When a camera switch signal is transmitted from the camera switch to the camera unit in response to an operation of the camera switch by a vehicle occupant, In response to receiving the camera switch signal, an image switching ON signal output from the camera unit and the camera image signal are transmitted from the camera unit to the first display, and the camera image is displayed on the first display; and A video control system characterized in that the video switching ON signal output from the video control unit in response to receiving the video switching ON signal transmitted from the camera unit and the camera video signal are transmitted from the video control unit to the second display, and the camera video is displayed on the second display.

3. A video control system including at least one first display, at least one second display, a camera unit that transmits information of a camera image captured by an in-vehicle camera as a camera image signal, and a video control unit that receives a signal from the camera unit, When a switch signal is transmitted from the switch to the video control unit in response to the operation of the switch by a vehicle occupant, a camera switch simulation signal is transmitted from the video control unit to the camera unit in response to receiving the switch signal; In response to receiving the camera switch simulation signal, a video switching ON signal output from the camera unit and the camera video signal are transmitted from the camera unit to the first display, and the camera video is displayed on the first display; and A video control system characterized in that the video switching ON signal output from the video control unit in response to receiving the video switching ON signal transmitted from the camera unit and the camera video signal are transmitted from the video control unit to the second display, and the camera video is displayed on the second display.

4. A video control system including at least one first display, at least one second display, a camera unit that transmits information of a camera image captured by an in-vehicle camera as a camera image signal, and a video control unit that receives a signal from the camera unit, When a specific vehicle information signal is transmitted from a vehicle information output unit capable of outputting the specific vehicle information signal to the camera unit or the image control unit, In response to receiving the specific vehicle information signal, an image switching ON signal output from the camera unit or the image control unit and the camera image signal are transmitted to the first display, and the camera image is displayed on the first display; and A video control system characterized in that, in response to receiving the video switching ON signal transmitted from the camera unit or receiving the specific vehicle information signal, the video switching ON signal and the camera video signal output from the video control unit are transmitted from the video control unit to the second display, and the camera video is displayed on the second display.

5. A video control system including at least one first display, at least one second display, a camera unit that transmits information of a camera image captured by an in-vehicle camera as a camera image signal, and a video control unit that receives a signal from the camera unit, When the shift lever of the vehicle is in the R range and a reverse signal is transmitted from a vehicle information output unit capable of outputting a reverse signal to the camera unit or the image control unit, In response to receiving the reverse signal, a video switching ON signal output from the camera unit or the video control unit and the camera video signal are transmitted to the first display, and the camera video is displayed on the first display; and A video control system characterized in that, in response to receiving the video switching ON signal transmitted from the camera unit or receiving the reverse signal, the video switching ON signal and the camera video signal output from the video control unit are transmitted from the video control unit to the second display, and the camera video is displayed on the second display.

Images