Vehicular display control device, vehicular display system, and vehicular display control method

Abstract

To present a display of warning, attention calling, route guidance or the like so that a driver can grasp it more quickly and more surely in a vehicle such as a two wheeled vehicle.SOLUTION: A vehicle display control device that controls a display operation of a display system provided on a windshield 15 of a two wheeled vehicle 1 presents information such as a warning to a driver by selecting a display mode including an illumination pattern in a left-right direction of an illumination unit 20 provided on the windshield from a plurality of display modes. Display is controlled so that display of an auxiliary illumination part 61 provided in a first area Z1 on an upper side in an instrument display part 50 provided in a two wheeler body 12 positioned on a lower side of an illumination part 20 and extending in a lateral direction becomes the same display mode as a display mode of the illumination part 20, instrument information 63 is displayed in a second area Z2 positioned on a lower side of the first area, and detailed information 65 is displayed in a third area Z3 positioned on a lower side of the second area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle display control device mounted on a vehicle such as a two-wheeled vehicle (saddle-ride type vehicle), a vehicle display system, a vehicle display control method, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicle display devices that are mounted on motorcycles and can present various attention-calling displays, warning displays, route guidance displays, and the like to the driver are described in, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 listed below.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a display means for issuing warnings and the like is mounted in addition to an instrument display section (instrument unit) that indicates the number of revolutions and the like of the engine of the motorcycle. As shown in Figures 3 to 11 of Patent Document 1, this display means comprises diffuse reflectors (which reflect light from a light source and can warn the driver by making the driver perceive, for example, a flashing light pattern) installed in two locations behind the windshield of the self-propelled two-wheeled vehicle, and a display device that can display the content of the warning using characters, icons, etc.

[0004] Furthermore, in Patent Document 2, as shown in Figures 1, 5, etc., a sub-display unit is provided at the upper end of the windshield of the motorcycle, extending in the left-right direction as seen from the rider, and a configuration is adopted in which route guidance displays, warning displays, etc. can be presented by selecting the light emission pattern of the light source in this sub-display unit.

[0005] For example, in the configuration shown in Patent Document 1 (for example, a configuration in which a display device is disposed below a diffuse reflector), when the driver looks at the display device, the driver needs to move his or her line of sight downward.

[0006] In Patent Document 2, a sub-display is provided at the top end of the windshield of a motorcycle, and the lighting pattern is changed depending on the type of information to be presented, so that the presence or absence of a warning, etc., and the content of the warning, etc. can be simultaneously grasped just by the display on the sub-display. This reduces the driver's line of sight movement and makes it easier to grasp the information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6435611 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-42479 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present inventors have conducted extensive research into display systems and display control devices for two-wheeled vehicles (which is broadly interpreted to include three-wheeled vehicles), and as a result have come to the following conclusions. (1) In Patent Document 1, as described above, in addition to the instrument display unit (instrument unit), there are provided diffuse reflectors (which have the function of reflecting light from a light source and issuing warnings, etc. to the rider) installed in two locations behind the windshield of the motorcycle, and a display device capable of displaying the specific content of warnings, etc. using characters, icons, etc. In this configuration, three different types of displays are arranged separately as display means for presenting information to the driver, and it is undeniable that the driver's vision is dispersed. Furthermore, it is necessary to move your eyes to read the information on each display, and it cannot be denied that it may take some time to acquire the information. (2) In Patent Document 2, as described above, a sub-display unit extending in the left-right direction as seen by the viewer is provided at the upper end of the windshield, and by recognizing the type of lighting pattern on the sub-display unit, the driver can understand that an event requiring attention has occurred and the content of that event. However, for example, the lighting pattern of the sub-display may be difficult to see due to the influence of external light, or the driver may overlook the lighting pattern. In such cases, it is conceivable that the driver may not be able to recognize the content of the warning or attention call. Furthermore, in Patent Document 2, the driver needs to understand the content of the warning or caution by reading the lighting pattern, but it cannot be denied that there may be cases where the driver is unable to quickly understand the content indicated by the lighting pattern, for example, when the lighting pattern is complex. (3) In order to solve the problem of (1) above, the inventors considered removing the display that can display specific content such as warnings using characters and icons from the three displays, and instead consolidating and displaying the characters and icons in the instrument display (meter display) that is generally provided on motorcycles. In this case, there are two displays, which reduces visual dispersion and reduces the need for the driver to move their viewpoint when viewing each display. However, in this case, the instrument display (meter display) will contain a mixture of the actual instrument display and warning and caution displays, which will undoubtedly make it somewhat difficult to see. As a result, it is conceivable that in some cases it may take the driver some time to recognize the specific content of the warning or caution. (4) In order to solve the problem of (2) above, the inventor considered adopting the sub-display unit (a lighting unit that extends to the left and right as seen by the driver and can change its lighting pattern) described in (2) above as it is, while also using the technology described in (3) above to consolidate and display specific details of warnings and cautions on the instrument display unit (meter display unit). In this case, even in an environment where the lighting pattern on the sub-display unit (lighting unit) is difficult to see, or even if the driver cannot fully understand what the lighting pattern indicates, the driver can grasp the specific content of the warning or caution display by moving their gaze to the instrument display unit (meter display unit). However, even in this case, as explained in (3) above, the instrument display (meter display) will contain a mixture of the actual instrument display and warning and caution displays, which will undoubtedly make it somewhat difficult to see, and in some cases, it may take the driver some time to recognize the specific content of the warning or caution display. In driving situations where urgency is high, it may be necessary to read the displayed information more quickly to prevent accidents, etc. (5) Thus, even when implementing the measures described in (4) above, there is still room for improvement.

[0009] Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not mention the problems described in (3) and (4) above, nor do they provide any means for solving these problems (including suggestions for solving the problems).

[0010] An object of the present invention is to present warnings, attention-calls, route guidance, and other displays in a vehicle such as a two-wheeled vehicle in a manner that allows the driver to understand them more quickly and reliably.

[0011] Other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art by referring to the following exemplary aspects and best modes, as well as the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to facilitate an understanding of the outline of the present invention, the following examples are given of embodiments according to the present invention.

[0013] In a first aspect, a vehicle display control device controls the display operation of a display system having an illumination unit that is provided on the windshield of a motorcycle and is capable of presenting information to a rider depending on its display mode, and an instrument display unit that is provided on a body of the motorcycle and is capable of displaying instrument information related to the operating status of the motorcycle, and the vehicle display control device has a first display control unit that controls the display operation of the illumination unit, and a second display control unit that controls the display operation of the instrument display unit, and where the width direction of the motorcycle as seen from the rider is defined as the left-right direction and the direction perpendicular to a horizontal road on which the motorcycle is traveling is defined as the height direction, the illumination unit is provided on the windshield extending in the left-right direction as seen from the rider, and the first display control unit controls the display mode, including the illumination pattern of the illumination unit in the left-right direction, to be one of a plurality of display modes. and performs a first display control to present information corresponding to the selected display mode to the rider by selecting from the display mode options, the instrument display unit being provided on the main body of the motorcycle located below the lighting unit, and when the second display control is performed on the instrument display unit in a situation where the first display control is performed by the first display control unit, the second display control unit performs display control to display an auxiliary lighting unit that extends in the left-right direction and has the same display mode as the display mode of the lighting unit in a first area above the instrument display unit, performs display control to display the instrument information in a second area located below the first area on the instrument display unit, and performs display control to display detailed information corresponding to the display mode of the lighting unit in a third area located below the second area on the instrument display unit.

[0014] According to the first aspect, the instrument display unit originally equipped on a vehicle such as a motorcycle can consolidate and display three pieces of information: a display of an auxiliary lighting unit having a display mode corresponding to the display mode of a lighting unit provided on the windshield, a display of instrument information (the original display of the instrument display), and detailed information about the information presented by the lighting unit (for example, easy-to-understand detailed information using letters, icons, etc.). Therefore, the display of the auxiliary lighting unit and the detailed information can be easily realized without adding a special display. Since multiple pieces of information are collected on the instrument display, the driver's vision (line of sight) is not scattered and the driver's viewpoint does not need to move as much, resulting in an easy-to-read display. Furthermore, since there is no need to provide a special display, the display system can be simplified and the space required for installing the display can be reduced. Furthermore, this embodiment can provide a visual effect that has not been achieved before. The lighting units installed on the windshield can intuitively present important information about the current driving situation to the driver through their display modes (flashing, lighting patterns, etc.), but depending on the surrounding environment, the display of the lighting units may be difficult to see, and the driver may miss the display.It is also possible that the driver may see the lighting units installed on the windshield but not accurately understand the meaning of their lighting patterns, etc. The driver can understand what information is presented by the lighting pattern of the lighting unit, etc. by looking at the detailed information displayed on the display (in this invention, the instrument display unit). However, in conventional configurations, when the driver moves his or her gaze downward from the lighting unit to the instrument display unit, the lighting pattern of the lighting unit installed on the windshield becomes invisible, and the driver must then distinguish between the instrument information (for example, a display of vehicle speed "60 km / h") and the detailed information corresponding to the display mode of the lighting unit (for example, a navigation display indicating "turn left"), and focus his or her gaze on the detailed information to read it. This makes reading the detailed information time-consuming, and it is expected that it will take a long time to read the detailed information. In contrast, in this embodiment, when the driver moves his or her gaze downward from the lighting unit to the instrument display unit, an "auxiliary lighting unit" with a display pattern similar to the lighting pattern of the lighting unit installed on the windshield becomes visible above the display area of ​​the instrument display unit (in other words, near the upper edge of the display frame on the display surface of the instrument display unit), and therefore the driver is able to receive intuitive information continuously and without interruption. By displaying this intuitive visual sensation without interruption, the driver can continuously be aware of the presence of important information regarding the current driving situation, and by combining this intuitive visual sensation, the driver can easily and quickly focus their gaze on detailed information, resulting in an unprecedented visual effect of speeding up the reading of information. According to this aspect, in vehicles such as motorcycles, warnings, cautions, route guidance, etc. can be displayed so that the driver can understand them more quickly and reliably, thereby improving the convenience of the vehicle display system.

[0015] In a second aspect that is dependent on the first aspect, when information is not presented by a change in the display mode of the lighting unit, the second display control unit may hide the auxiliary lighting unit and the detailed information on the instrument display unit and display only the instrument information, and when information is presented by a change in the display mode of the lighting unit, the second display control unit may perform control to cause the auxiliary lighting unit and the detailed information to appear on the instrument display unit in addition to the instrument information by interrupt display.

[0016] According to the second aspect, when no information is provided by the lighting unit installed on the windshield, the instrument display unit does not display the auxiliary lighting unit or detailed information, but only displays the original display of the instrument display unit, thereby reducing the visual clutter presented to the driver. On the other hand, when information is provided by the lighting unit, interrupt display control (or pop-up display control) is implemented in response to this, and the auxiliary lighting unit and detailed information display are quickly made to appear on the display surface of the instrument display unit, allowing the driver to easily and quickly see (recognize) the necessary information. In addition, when interruption control (pop-up control) is performed, auxiliary lighting sections and detailed information that had not been displayed until then appear (pop-up) on the instrument display, causing a visual change in the driver's field of vision (in other words, the appearance of this new information catches the driver's eye in his or her peripheral vision), and therefore the driver can intuitively perceive that new information related to the lighting sections has been presented. Therefore, the driver can naturally focus on the newly appeared auxiliary lighting and detailed information display, distinguishing it from the instrument information that was previously displayed (such as the display of "60 km / h" indicating the vehicle speed), which contributes to naturally speeding up the reading of that information.

[0017] In a third aspect dependent on the first or second aspect, the illumination unit may include light-emitting elements as a plurality of light sources provided on the windshield.

[0018] According to the third aspect, the light emitted by the multiple light sources (multiple light-emitting elements) provided on the windshield reaches the viewer's eyes directly, thereby improving the brightness of the display and realizing an easy-to-see display, for example.

[0019] In a fourth aspect dependent on the first or second aspect, the lighting unit may display predetermined information by reflecting light from a light source that is not fixed to the windshield at a predetermined location on the windshield.

[0020] According to the fourth aspect, the display of the illumination unit is realized by reflecting light from the light source (light-emitting element) on the windshield, so there is no need to fix the illumination unit to the windshield, and the configuration of the windshield can be simplified.

[0021] In a fifth aspect dependent on any one of the first to fourth aspects, when the second display control unit performs the second display control, the display color of the auxiliary lighting unit on the instrument display unit and the display color of the detailed information may be the same as the display color of the lighting unit provided on the windshield.

[0022] According to the fifth aspect, the lighting section in the windshield, the auxiliary lighting section in the instrument display section, and the detailed information are unified in the same color, thereby making it possible to clarify the relationship between them. This allows the driver to intuitively associate the auxiliary lighting unit and detailed information with the instrument display when they move their gaze from the windshield, clearly distinguishing them from the instrument information. This allows the driver to quickly read the detailed information even in a driving situation where there is a high level of urgency, and thus allows the driver to quickly perform appropriate steering operations, etc.

[0023] In a sixth aspect dependent on any one of the first to fourth aspects, when the second display control unit performs the second display control, the display color of the auxiliary lighting unit in the instrument display unit and the display color of the frame surrounding the detailed information may be the same as the display color of the lighting unit provided on the windshield.

[0024] According to the sixth aspect, the lighting section in the windshield, the auxiliary lighting section in the instrument display section, and the frame surrounding the detailed information are all unified in the same color, thereby making the relationship between them clearer. When the driver moves his / her gaze from the windshield to the instrument display, he / she can intuitively associate the auxiliary lighting and the detailed information enclosed in the frame with the instrument information, distinguishing them from the instrument information. For example, even in a driving situation with a high degree of urgency, the detailed information can be read quickly, allowing the driver to quickly perform appropriate steering operations, etc.

[0025] In a seventh aspect dependent on any one of the first to sixth aspects, when the second display control unit performs the second display control, the display timing of the auxiliary lighting unit on the instrument display unit and the display timing of the detailed information may be delayed by a predetermined time with respect to the display timing of the lighting unit provided on the windshield.

[0026] In the seventh aspect, the timing of displaying the auxiliary lighting unit and detailed information on the instrument display unit is delayed by a predetermined time from the timing of displaying the lighting unit on the windshield. As a result, for example, if the display of the illumination unit on the windshield is difficult to see or the driver misses the display of the illumination unit, when the driver moves their gaze to the instrument display unit, the auxiliary illumination unit and detailed information display will start to be displayed with a delay, so that the display similar to the illumination unit can be seen from the beginning, rather than halfway through. Therefore, no visual discomfort occurs, and an intuitive and easy-to-see display by the auxiliary illumination unit, etc. is realized.

[0027] In an eighth aspect, a vehicle display system includes a lighting unit provided on the windshield of a motorcycle and capable of presenting information to a rider by changing the display mode, an instrument display unit provided on the body of the motorcycle and capable of displaying instrument information related to the operating status of the motorcycle, and a vehicle display control device of any one of the first to seventh aspects described above.

[0028] According to the eighth aspect, it is possible to provide a vehicle display system that is more convenient for use in vehicles such as motorcycles, by presenting warnings, attention-grabbing notices, route guidance, and other displays in a manner that allows the driver to understand them more quickly and reliably.

[0029] In a ninth aspect, a display control method for a vehicle is a display control method for a vehicle that controls the display operation of a display system having an illumination unit that is provided on the windshield of a motorcycle and that is capable of providing information to a rider depending on its display mode, and an instrument display unit that is provided on a body of the motorcycle and that is capable of displaying instrument information related to an operating status of the motorcycle, wherein a display mode including an illumination pattern of the illumination unit that is provided on the windshield of the motorcycle so as to extend in the left-right direction as seen from the rider is selected from a plurality of display modes, and information corresponding to the selected display mode is presented to the rider. and a second step of displaying an auxiliary lighting unit extending in the left-right direction in a first area above the instrument display unit provided below the lighting unit, and displaying the auxiliary lighting unit in the same display mode as the lighting unit, displaying the instrument information in a second area below the lighting display area on the instrument display unit, and displaying detailed information corresponding to the display mode of the lighting unit in a third area below the second area on the instrument display unit.

[0030] According to the ninth aspect, the same actions and effects as those described in the first aspect can be obtained, and therefore, according to this aspect, the convenience of the vehicular display system can be improved.

[0031] Those skilled in the art will easily understand that the exemplified embodiments according to the present invention can be further modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a rear view of a two-wheeled vehicle (here, a motorcycle) traveling on a road. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the relative positional relationship between an illumination unit provided at or near the upper end of the windshield of a motorcycle and an instrument display unit (meter display unit) that includes a plurality of light-emitting elements as light sources, and an example of a display on the instrument display unit. [Figure 3]FIG. 3(A) is a front view of the illumination unit shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3(B) is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the illumination unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the relative positional relationship between an illumination unit provided at or near the upper end of the windshield of a motorcycle and an instrument display unit (meter display unit) that has multiple reflective areas (reflective display elements) that reflect light from a light source, and the illumination unit, and an example of the display on the instrument display unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a cross-sectional structure of the display system of FIG. [Figure 6] 6(A) to 6(C) are diagrams showing examples of lighting patterns of the illumination unit when a two-wheeled vehicle turns left. [Figure 7] Figure 7(A) shows a situation in which a car is approaching from behind a two-wheeled vehicle that is attempting to change lanes, and Figures 7(B) to (D) show an example of the display of the display system in the situation of Figure 7(A). [Figure 8] 8(A) to 8(C) are diagrams for explaining the visual effects of the display examples shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 7(B) to 7(D). [Figure 9] 9A and 9B are diagrams showing other display examples (modifications) in the display system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10(A) is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a display system, and FIG. 10(B) is a diagram showing an example of the functional block configuration of a display control device. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing other display examples (application examples) in the display system. [Figure 12] Figure 12(A) is a diagram showing an example of the functional block configuration of a display control device in the display system of Figure 11, and Figure 12(B) is a diagram showing an example of a timing signal that controls the display timing of the lighting unit and the display timing in the lighting display area of ​​the instrument display unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The best mode described below is used to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and therefore, those skilled in the art should be aware that the present invention is not unduly limited by the embodiments described below.

[0034] (First embodiment) Please refer to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a rear view of a two-wheeled vehicle (here, a motorcycle) traveling on a road. In Figure 1, the two-wheeled vehicle (here, a motorcycle; hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "motorcycle") 1 is traveling with its rear wheel 6 standing upright on a horizontal road (or road surface) 4 (standing perpendicular to the road 4).

[0035] The windshield (cowl) 15 provided at the front of the motorcycle 1 is made of a transparent material and is formed in the shape of a plate that curves in the left-right and height directions of the motorcycle 1 so as to bulge out towards the front of the motorcycle 1. The upper edge of the windshield 15 has an arc-like shape that bulges out in a convex shape towards the upper side.

[0036] The width direction of the motorcycle 1 as seen from the driver (not shown in FIG. 1, symbol DR in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8) holding the left handle LHN and the right handle RHN and driving the motorcycle 1 is defined as the "left-right direction (X direction)", the direction perpendicular to the horizontal road 4 is defined as the "height direction (Y direction)", and the direction along the direction of travel of the motorcycle is defined as the "front-rear direction (Z direction)".

[0037] An illumination unit 20 having a shape that extends elongatedly in the left-right direction when viewed from the driver DR is provided on the upper side of the windshield 15 (near the upper end in the example of FIG. 1).

[0038] The illumination unit 20 includes a plurality of (e.g., eight) light-emitting elements (e.g., light-emitting diodes) as light sources arranged at intervals along the left-right direction, and by selecting the display mode (blinking pattern, lighting pattern, etc.) of the light-emitting elements from various patterns, it is possible to display (present) to the driver DR various information relating to the driving situation, etc., such as information for calling attention, warning information, information for navigation, etc. Details of this point will be described later.

[0039] An instrument display unit (meter display unit) 50 is provided on the base unit 30 of the vehicle body 12 located below the lighting unit 20 (or the windshield 15). Information indicating the state and operating conditions of the vehicle (for example, instrument displays such as vehicle speed information and remaining fuel information) is displayed on this instrument display unit (meter display unit) 50. This information can be said to be the original information of the instrument display unit (meter display unit) 50.

[0040] In this embodiment, the instrument display unit (meter display unit) 50 can also display an auxiliary lighting unit display in the same manner as the display mode of the lighting unit 20, and a detailed display showing details of the information presented to the driver DR by the lighting unit 20. This will be described in detail later.

[0041] The vehicle body 12 also incorporates a display control device 10 that controls the display operations of the illumination unit 20 and the instrument display unit 50. The configuration and operation of the display control device 10 will be described later.

[0042] Please refer to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the relative positional relationship between an illumination unit provided at or near the upper end of the windshield of a motorcycle and an instrument display unit (meter display unit) that includes a plurality of light-emitting elements as light sources, and an example of the display on the instrument display unit. In Fig. 2, parts that are common to Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

[0043] The lighting unit 20 fixed to the windshield 15 is provided on the upper side of the windshield 15 (near or near the upper end of the windshield 15 in FIG. 2).

[0044] The illumination unit 20 has eight light-emitting elements (LEDs or the like) 21a to 21h as light sources arranged in a row in the horizontal direction.

[0045] The display control device 10 shown in FIG. 1 can control the blinking patterns, lighting patterns, etc. of the light emitting elements 21a to 21h.

[0046] Specifically, for example, the display control device 10 can perform control including at least one of controlling the "flashing state of light" of the light-emitting elements 21a to 21h as display elements constituting the illumination unit 20 in accordance with the type of information to be displayed, controlling the "light-on state" of the light-emitting elements 21a to 21h as display elements constituting the illumination unit 20 in accordance with the type of information to be displayed, for example, so that the light flows and transitions, and controlling the "color of light (emission color)" of the light-emitting elements 21a to 21h as display elements constituting the illumination unit 20.

[0047] Depending on the display mode (e.g., lighting pattern) of the lighting unit 20, it is possible to present the driver DR with information such as the turn direction (e.g., left turn, right turn) and the distance to the turn position (turn-by-turn information, or in a broader sense, navigation information).

[0048] The windshield 15 is provided with support frames 5L, 5R made of metal, resin, or the like. The support frames 5L, 5R extend in the height direction and are arranged side by side with a gap in the left-right direction. The support frames 5L, 5R function as reinforcing members for the windshield 15.

[0049] An instrument display unit (meter display unit, meter display) 50 is provided on a base unit 30 of the vehicle body 12, which is located below the lighting unit 20 (or the windshield 15). When the lighting unit 20 provided on the windshield 15 is operating effectively, in other words, when the display control device 10 is controlling the display mode such as the lighting pattern of the lighting unit 20, three types of images are displayed on the display surface 51 of the instrument display unit (meter display unit) 50 in conjunction with the control of the display mode.

[0050] In the first area Z1 on the upper side of the display surface 51, an "auxiliary lighting unit 61" is displayed, the lighting state of which is controlled by the display control device 10 so as to have the same display mode as the display mode of the lighting unit 20 provided on the windshield 15 (in other words, a display mode corresponding to the display mode of the lighting unit 20, including substantially the same display). The auxiliary lighting unit 61 has light emitting areas 61a to 61h (which correspond to the display elements 21a to 21h of the lighting unit) as display elements.

[0051] Additionally, in a second area (central area) Z2 located below (below) the first area Z1, instrument information 63 of "60 km / h" indicating the vehicle speed is displayed. This instrument information can be said to be the original display of the instrument display unit 50. Since it is preferable that the original display of the instrument information be displayed in a position that is always easy to see, it is displayed in the central area (second area).

[0052] In addition, a third area Z3 located below (below) the second area displays detailed information 65 (which can be said to be information that displays in an easy-to-understand manner in text the content presented by the display mode of the lighting unit 20) of "Turn Left" as a navigation display indicating that a left turn point is approaching.

[0053] 2, when no information is provided by the lighting unit 20 installed on the windshield 15, the instrument display unit 50 does not display the auxiliary lighting unit 61 or the detailed information 65, and only displays the original information of the instrument display unit 50 (here, the vehicle speed information "60 km / h") 63. This makes it possible to reduce visual clutter for the driver DR.

[0054] On the other hand, when information is provided by the lighting unit 20 (in other words, when the display control device 10 controls the display of the lighting unit 20), interrupt display control (or pop-up display control) is performed in response to this, and the auxiliary lighting unit 61 and detailed information 65 are quickly displayed (popped up).

[0055] This allows the driver DR to easily and quickly recognize the necessary information.

[0056] Furthermore, when interruption control (pop-up control) is performed, the auxiliary lighting unit 61 and detailed information 65 that had not been displayed until then appear, causing a visual change in the field of vision of the driver DR, and the appearance of this new information catches the driver's eye in the driver's peripheral vision. Thus, the driver DR can grasp the change in his peripheral vision and intuitively perceive that new information related to the lighting unit 20 has been presented.

[0057] Therefore, the driver DR can naturally focus on the newly appeared auxiliary lighting and detailed information display, distinguishing it from the instrument information that had been displayed up until then. This contributes to naturally speeding up the reading of that information.

[0058] The three types of display on the instrument display unit (meter display unit) 50 described above provide, for example, visual effects not previously available.

[0059] The visual effects and the like obtained by the display on the instrument display unit (meter display unit) 50 will be explained in detail later with reference to FIG.

[0060] Next, reference will be made to Fig. 3. Fig. 3(A) is a front view of the illumination unit shown in Fig. 2, and Fig. 3(B) is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the illumination unit.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 3(A), in the illumination unit 20, eight light sources (light-emitting elements) 21a to 21h are arranged in a line with a predetermined interval between them, four on each side (21a to 21d, 21e to 21h) with the center line CL as the reference.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 3(B), the illumination unit 20 is composed of a lower case 220L, a plate-shaped light source substrate 230 that houses eight light sources (light-emitting elements) 21a to 21h, a partition 240 (having through holes 24a to 24h corresponding to the eight light sources 21a to 21h), a diffusion plate 250, louvers 26a and 26b that control the direction of light, and an upper case 220U (having an opening 22K through which light is emitted).

[0063] The lighting unit 20 configured as described above is fixed near the upper end of the windshield 15 on the rear side as viewed from the driver DR.

[0064] Furthermore, by limiting the range of light emitted from light sources 21a to 21h to the front of the driver DR of the motorcycle 1, drivers of other vehicles will not be able to see the display by the lighting unit 20, and therefore the lighting unit 20 will not have an adverse effect on the vision of drivers of other vehicles.

[0065] When the lighting unit 20 shown in Figures 2 and 3 is used, the light emitted by the multiple light sources (multiple light-emitting elements) 21a to 21h provided on the windshield 15 reaches the eyes of the driver (viewer) 7 directly, thereby improving the brightness of the display and making it easier to see.

[0066] Next, reference is made to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the relative positional relationship between an illumination unit provided at or near the upper end of the windshield of a motorcycle and an instrument display unit (meter display unit) that has multiple reflective areas (reflective display elements) that reflect light from a light source, and an example of the display on the instrument display unit. In Figure 4, parts that are common to Figure 2 described above are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0067] 2, the illumination unit 20 has light emitting elements 21a-21h (which function as "display elements") as light sources that emit light by self-emission, but in the example of Fig. 4, the illumination unit displays the display elements as virtual images using a motorcycle HUD device 302. The configuration and display example of the instrument display unit (meter display unit) 50 are the same as those in the example of Fig. 2, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0068] In FIG. 4, a HUD device 302 for a motorcycle is provided at a position below the windshield 15 of the vehicle body 12.

[0069] The illumination unit 20' in Fig. 4 reflects light (display light 311) from a light source (a light source built into a HUD device 302 for a motorcycle: not shown in Fig. 4, reference numeral 304 in Fig. 5) that is not fixed to the windshield 15 at a predetermined location on the windshield 15 (for example, a predetermined location within a predetermined reflective area 210 set on the windshield 15), thereby displaying display elements 210a-210h as virtual images to the rider (viewer) 7. These display elements 210a-210h correspond to the display elements 21a-21h in the example in Fig. 2.

[0070] In the example of Figure 4, the display of the lighting unit 20' (display modes such as flashing patterns and lighting patterns) is realized by reflecting light from a light source (not shown in Figure 4, reference numeral 304 in Figure 5) on the windshield 15, so there is no need to fix the lighting unit to the windshield 15, and the configuration of the windshield 15 can be simplified.

[0071] Next, reference will be made to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional structure of the display system of Fig. 4. In Fig. 5, parts common to those in the previous figures are given the same reference numerals.

[0072] The HUD device 302 for a motorcycle is provided on the rear side of the instrument display unit (meter display unit) 50. The HUD device 302 for a motorcycle has a light source unit (including a light-emitting element as a light source) 304, a light-guiding optical system 306 that guides the display light of the image, a projection optical system 308 that projects (emits) the display light of the image, and a light-emitting unit 310 that emits the light.

[0073] The display light 311 is reflected at a predetermined position (predetermined region, predetermined range) PK in the illumination unit 20′ on the windshield 15 and reaches the viewpoint (eye) 7 of the driver (viewer) 7. As a result, the driver DR views the display elements 210a to 210h as virtual images in the space ahead, for example, outside the windshield 15.

[0074] However, since the imaging surface (imaging point) of the virtual image is located near the windshield 15, the driver DR perceives the display elements 210a-210h as if they were located at the reflection position PK of the windshield 15, and therefore obtains the same visual sensation as if the display elements 210a-210h were displayed at the reflection position PK within the reflection area 210 of the windshield 15. Therefore, the reflection area 210 (or a predetermined location within the reflection area 210) essentially functions as the illumination unit 20'.

[0075] Next, reference will be made to Fig. 6. Fig. 6(A) to (C) are diagrams showing examples of lighting patterns of the illumination unit when a two-wheeled vehicle turns left.

[0076] When the motorcycle approaches a point where it should turn left, for example, first, light source (light-emitting element) 21c lights up (emits light) as shown in Fig. 6(A), then light source (light-emitting element) 21b lights up (emits light) as shown in Fig. 6(B), and then light source (light-emitting element) 21a lights up (emits light) as shown in Fig. 6(C). By this lighting control, in the illumination unit 20, the light (light emitted by each light source) moves in a flowing manner to the left. This lighting pattern is repeated, for example, until the left turn point is reached.

[0077] 6A, the light source from which light emission starts (the light source from which light emission starts) is 21c, but this is not limited to this. If the distance to the left turn point is longer, the light source from which light emission starts may be 21d, and if the distance to the left turn delay is shorter, the light source from which light emission starts may be 21b.

[0078] 6, the driver DR can be intuitively (sensibly) informed that a left turn point is approaching. The driver DR can also be informed of the distance to the left turn point.

[0079] Next, let us refer to Figure 7. Figure 7(A) is a diagram showing a situation in which a car is approaching from behind a two-wheeled vehicle that is about to change lanes, and Figures 7(B) to 7(D) are diagrams showing an example of the display of the display system in the situation of Figure 7(A). In Figure 7, the same parts as in the previous figures are generally given the same reference numerals, but when it is necessary to distinguish from other figures, for example, prime symbols are used in Figure 7.

[0080] In Figure 7(A), the motorcycle 1 is attempting to change lanes (from the left lane to the right lane), but another vehicle (rear vehicle) BC is approaching from behind. This situation poses a risk of potentially leading to an accident, and can be said to be a driving situation with a higher degree of urgency than the previously described case of Figure 6 (when the vehicle is turning left). Therefore, the driver DR is required to understand the information more quickly and perform appropriate driving operations based on that understanding. Examples of the display modes (lighting patterns) of the illumination unit 20 and examples of the display modes (lighting modes and detailed displays) of the instrument display unit (meter display unit) 50 under such driving conditions are shown in Figures 7(B) to (D).

[0081] First, attention will be paid to the lighting pattern of the illumination unit 20. 7(B), light sources (light-emitting elements) 21h, 21g, and 21f are sequentially turned on over time in an area Z10 on the right end side of the illumination unit 20. This creates a light pattern that flows leftward in the area Z10.

[0082] 7(C), the light sources (light-emitting elements) 21f, 21e, 21d, and 21c are sequentially turned on over time in a region Z11 in the center of the illumination unit 20. This creates a light pattern that flows leftward in the region Z11.

[0083] 7(D), in region Z12 on the left end side of illumination unit 20, light sources (light-emitting elements) 21d, 21c, 21b, and 21a are sequentially turned on over time. This creates a light pattern that flows leftward in region Z12. The above-described lighting pattern is then repeated.

[0084] 7(B) to (D), the display mode of the illumination unit 20 (different from that of FIG. 6) can notify the driver DR that there is a vehicle approaching from behind. In other words, a highly urgent attention-calling display (or warning display) can be realized.

[0085] In this way, by appropriately selecting the display mode, including the blinking pattern and lighting pattern of the lighting unit 20, from among a plurality of pre-prepared display modes according to the driving situation, it is possible to present information according to the driving situation. For example, in the example of FIG. 6, navigation information can be presented, and in the example of FIG. 7, attention (warning) information can be presented.

[0086] Next, the display modes of the instrument display unit (meter display unit) 50 in FIGS. 7(B) to 7(D) will be described. In addition, in FIGS. 7(B) to (D), the auxiliary lighting unit is given the reference numeral 61', and the detailed information is given the reference numeral 65'.

[0087] In FIG. 7(B), the auxiliary lighting unit 61′ is displayed in the uppermost area (first area Z1 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4) of the display surface (display area) 51 of the instrument display unit (meter display unit) 50. The display control device 10 controls the display so that the display mode is the same as (including substantially the same as) the display mode of the illumination unit 20 on the windshield 15.

[0088] 7(B), in an area Z10' on the right end side of the auxiliary lighting unit 61', light sources (light-emitting elements) as display elements, for example, are sequentially lit in the same pattern as the lighting pattern of the lighting unit 20. This realizes a light pattern (auxiliary lighting pattern) that flows leftward in the area Z10' of the meter display unit (instrument display unit) 50.

[0089] 7(C), in a central region Z11' of the auxiliary lighting unit 61', light sources (light-emitting elements) as display elements are sequentially lit in the same pattern as the lighting pattern of the lighting unit 20. This realizes a light pattern (auxiliary lighting pattern) that flows leftward in the region Z11' of the meter display unit (instrument display unit) 50.

[0090] 7(D), in an area Z12' on the right end side of the auxiliary lighting unit 61', light sources (light-emitting elements) as display elements are sequentially lit in the same pattern as the lighting pattern of the lighting unit 20. This realizes a light pattern (auxiliary lighting pattern) that flows leftward in the area Z12 of the meter display unit (instrument display unit) 50. During the period in which the lighting pattern of the illumination unit 20 is repeated, the auxiliary illumination pattern of the auxiliary illumination unit 61' is also repeated in the same manner.

[0091] The instrument display 63, which is the original display of the instrument display unit (meter display unit) 50, displays the characters "60 km / h" indicating the vehicle speed, similar to the examples in Figures 2 and 4. This instrument display 63 is displayed in the second area Z2 below the first area Z1, as shown in Figures 2 and 4.

[0092] In the example of Figures 7(B) to (D), detailed information 65' that shows the information displayed by the lighting unit 20 in more detail includes an icon 7' ​​of the vehicle itself, an icon 8' of a vehicle approaching from behind (behind vehicle BC), and the words "approaching vehicle behind."

[0093] As explained above, the example of FIG. 7 is a situation where an accident is likely to occur, and therefore it is important that the driver DR can quickly recognize the current dangerous situation, which is highly urgent.

[0094] However, in the example of FIG. 7, the display of the instrument information 63 is mixed, which gives a somewhat complicated visual impression, and in this respect, the driver DR may be somewhat slow in reading the display of the detailed information.

[0095] Therefore, in a driving situation such as that shown in Fig. 7, it is important to allow the driver DR to recognize the current situation as quickly as possible without making the driver DR feel visually unnatural. By using the display control of this embodiment, this purpose can be easily achieved. The effects of this embodiment will be summarized below with reference to FIG.

[0096] Next, reference will be made to Fig. 8. Fig. 8(A) to (C) are diagrams for explaining the visual effects and the like of the display examples shown in Fig. 2, Fig. 4, and Fig. 7(B) to (D).

[0097] Here, we will explain the visual effects of the display examples shown in Figures 2, 4, and 7(B) to (D) in order. As display examples, we will use the display examples in Figures 7(B) to (D), but we will also refer to the display example in Figure 2 (Figure 4) as appropriate.

[0098] In the examples of Figures 2, 4, and 7 described above, instrument display unit 50 originally equipped on motorcycle 1 displays three pieces of information (three types of information) in an aggregated form: display of auxiliary lighting units 61, 61' having a display mode corresponding to the display mode (flashing pattern, lighting pattern, etc.) of lighting unit 20 provided on windshield 15; display of instrument information (original display of instrument display) 63; and detailed information about the information presented by lighting unit 20 (e.g., easy-to-understand detailed information using letters, icons, etc.) 65, 7', 8', 65'.

[0099] Therefore, the display of the auxiliary lighting units 61, 61' and the display of detailed information 65, 7', 8', 65' can be easily realized without adding a special display.

[0100] Furthermore, since multiple pieces of information are consolidated in the instrument display unit 50, the driver's vision (line of sight) is not dispersed, and the driver's viewpoint does not need to move as much, resulting in an easy-to-read display.

[0101] Furthermore, since there is no need to provide a special display, the display system can be simplified and the space required for installing the display can be reduced.

[0102] As explained above with reference to the example in FIG. 2, a visual effect can also be obtained by the detailed information appearing by interrupt display control (pop-up display control).

[0103] In other words, when no information is provided by the lighting unit 20 installed on the windshield 15, the instrument display unit 50 does not display the auxiliary lighting unit 61 or detailed information 65 (in the case of FIG. 7, 7', 8', and 65' are further added), and only displays the original display (vehicle speed display of 60 km / h) 63 of the instrument display unit 50. This makes it possible to reduce visual clutter for the driver DR.

[0104] On the other hand, when information is provided by the lighting unit 20 (in other words, when the display control device 10 controls the display of the lighting unit 20), interrupt display control (or pop-up display control) is performed in response to this, and the auxiliary lighting unit 61 and detailed information 65 are quickly displayed (popped up).

[0105] This allows the driver DR to easily and quickly recognize the necessary information.

[0106] Furthermore, when interruption control (pop-up control) is performed, the auxiliary lighting unit 61 and detailed information 65 that had not been displayed until then appear, causing a visual change in the field of view of the driver DR, and therefore the driver DR can intuitively perceive that new information related to the lighting unit 20 has been presented. This has the effect of increasing the driver DR's attention to the newly appeared information, and therefore contributes to naturally speeding up the reading of that information (65, 7', 8', 65').

[0107] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to appropriately respond to driving situations where the degree of urgency is high and more prompt information provision to the driver DR is required, as explained above with reference to Fig. 7. This point will be explained below.

[0108] 8(A) is referred to. As explained above, the lighting unit 20 provided on the windshield 15 can intuitively present important information about the current driving situation to the driver DR through its display mode (flashing, lighting pattern, etc.). However, depending on the surrounding environment, the display of the lighting unit 20 may be difficult to see, and the driver DR may miss the display. It is also conceivable that the driver DR may visually recognize the lighting unit 20 provided on the windshield 15 but may not accurately understand the meaning of its lighting pattern, etc.

[0109] In FIG. 8(A), the line of sight SE1 of the driver DR is directed toward the lighting unit 20 at first. The driver DR can understand what information is presented by the lighting pattern, etc. of the lighting unit 20 by looking at the detailed information 65' displayed on the display (the instrument display unit 50 in this invention). However, in the conventional configuration, when the driver DR moves his / her gaze downward from the lighting unit 20 to the instrument display unit 50, the lighting pattern, etc. of the lighting unit 20 installed on the windshield 15 becomes invisible, and the driver DR then needs to distinguish between the instrument information (for example, the instrument information "60 km / h") 63 and the detailed information (information indicating that another vehicle is approaching behind the motorcycle 1) 65' corresponding to the display mode of the lighting unit 20, and then focus his / her gaze on the detailed information 65' to read the detailed information 65'. This makes it time-consuming to read the detailed information 65', and it can be expected that it will take a long time to read the detailed information 65'.

[0110] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the driver DR moves his / her line of sight downward from the illumination unit 20 to the instrument display unit 50. In FIG. 8(A), the line of sight at this time is indicated as SE2.

[0111] In FIG. 8(B), the line of sight SE3 of the driver DR is first directed to the auxiliary lighting unit 61' displayed at the top of the detailed information 65'.

[0112] In other words, the driver DR can see the auxiliary lighting unit 61', which has a display mode similar to the lighting pattern of the lighting unit 20 installed on the windshield 15, above the instrument display unit 50 (in other words, near the upper edge of the display frame of the display surface 51 of the instrument display unit 50). Therefore, the driver DR can receive intuitive information continuously and without interruption.

[0113] This uninterrupted display of intuitive visual information has a psychological effect in that the driver DR is continuously aware (in other words, intuitively understands) that important information about the current driving situation is present.

[0114] In Fig. 8(C), the driver DR is psychologically influenced to associate (link) the display mode of the auxiliary lighting unit 61' with the display mode of the lighting pattern, etc., of the lighting unit 20 that he / she saw earlier. This is indicated by the dashed arrow in Fig. 8(C).

[0115] Therefore, the driver DR can easily and quickly focus his / her gaze on the detailed information 65' by combining the auxiliary lighting with his / her intuitive vision, thereby achieving an excellent visual effect not seen before, in that the information can be read more quickly. The solid arrow in FIG. 8(C) means that the driver's line of sight skips over the instrument information 63 and quickly focuses on the detailed information 65'.

[0116] Thus, according to this embodiment, in vehicles such as motorcycles, warnings, cautions, route guidance, etc. can be displayed so that the driver DR can understand them more quickly and reliably, thereby improving the convenience of the vehicle display system.

[0117] Next, reference will be made to Fig. 9. Figs. 9(A) and (B) are diagrams showing other display examples (variations) in the display system. In Fig. 9, parts common to Figs. 7 and 8 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0118] In Figure 9(A), the display color of the lighting unit 20, the display color of the auxiliary lighting unit 61' in the instrument display unit 50, and the display color of the detailed information 65' (own vehicle icon 7', rear vehicle icon 8', and the text "approaching rear vehicle") are the same color CL1.

[0119] For example, it is preferable to select colors such that red indicates high urgency, yellow indicates low urgency, green indicates information related to safe driving, and light blue indicates information related to vehicle information. In FIG. 9(A), since the driving situation is highly urgent with a rear vehicle BC approaching, it is preferable to change the same color CL1 to red.

[0120] In this way, the type of information can be identified by color, and by matching the colors for each display, related information with different amounts of information can be displayed in a unified manner.

[0121] In other words, by unifying the display colors of the lighting section 20 in the windshield 15, the auxiliary lighting section 61' in the instrument display section 50, and the detailed information 65' to the same color CL1, the mutual relationship can be made clear.

[0122] Therefore, when the driver DR moves his / her gaze from the windshield 15 to the instrument display unit 50, he / she can clearly distinguish it from the instrument information (vehicle speed information of "60 km / h") 63, and intuitively understand the auxiliary lighting unit 61' and detailed information 65' in relation to each other. Therefore, even in an emergency driving situation, detailed information can be read quickly, and appropriate steering operations can be performed quickly.

[0123] In FIG. 9(B), the "display color of the detailed information 65'" in FIG. 9(A) is replaced with the "display color of the frame surrounding the detailed information."

[0124] In other words, the display color of the illumination unit 20, the display color of the auxiliary illumination unit 61′ in the instrument display unit 50, and the display color of the frame FR surrounding the detailed information 65′ are all unified to the same color CL2, thereby achieving the same effect as in the example of FIG.

[0125] As explained above with reference to FIG. 2, the auxiliary lighting section 61' and detailed information 65' in the instrument display section 50 appear through interrupt control (pop-up control) linked to the illumination section 20 when the display is enabled, and the appearance of this new information catches the driver's eye in the peripheral vision of the driver DR. As a result, the driver DR can naturally focus on the newly appeared auxiliary lighting section and detailed information display, distinguishing them from the instrument information display that had been displayed up until then, and can effortlessly and quickly read this information.

[0126] However, in this case, the instrument information display (vehicle speed information such as "60 km / h") 63 is mixed in, and since this instrument information display 63 is displayed in the center position of the display surface 51 of the instrument display unit 50, the auxiliary lighting unit 61' displayed above the center position and the detailed information 65' displayed below the center position are separated in the vertical direction, and it cannot be denied that they are somewhat difficult to see.

[0127] Here, by implementing control to unify the display colors as shown in Figures 9(A) and (B), the driver DR can associate the auxiliary lighting unit 61' and detailed information 65' with the lighting unit 20, and can more quickly grasp the presented information. Therefore, even in a driving situation with a high degree of urgency, the driver DR can quickly grasp (recognize and understand) necessary information.

[0128] Next, reference will be made to Fig. 10. Fig. 10(A) is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a display system, and Fig. 10(B) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of functional blocks of a display control device.

[0129] 10A, the display control device 10 has, as its hardware configuration, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 402, a RAM (Random-access memory) 404, and a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 406. The CPU 402 is connected to an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) 410 that stores an OS (operating system), application programs, etc. In addition, various information can be input to the CPU 402 via an input unit 412.

[0130] Furthermore, the CPU 402 can drive the illumination unit 20 (including, for example, LEDs as light-emitting elements) via the driver 414 to realize various blinking patterns and light emission patterns (display modes in a broad sense).

[0131] Furthermore, the CPU 402 can control image display on the instrument display unit (meter display) 50 via a GDC (Graphics Display Controller) 418 and a driver 420. This control is, for example, synchronous interlocking control that realizes display (interrupt control, pop-up control) on the instrument display unit 50 in the same display mode as the lighting unit 20.

[0132] FIG. 10B shows an example of the configuration of functional blocks that are generated as a result of the CPU 402 operating in accordance with a display control program (application program, etc.).

[0133] The display control device 10 has a control unit 500. This control unit 500 has a "display control unit for illumination unit" 502 that controls the display operation of the illumination unit 20, and a "display control unit for instrument display unit" 506 that controls the display operation of the instrument display unit. The display control unit 502 of the illumination unit may be referred to as a "first display control unit." The display control unit 506 of the instrument display unit may be referred to as a "second display control unit."

[0134] The display control unit 502 of the lighting unit has a "control unit for display mode in lighting unit" 504 that selects one display mode from a plurality of pre-prepared lighting patterns, etc., depending on the driving conditions, etc., and performs display control to realize the selected display mode.

[0135] The display control unit 502 of this illumination unit starts display when a display control signal Q1 for the illumination unit is input.

[0136] The display control unit 506 of the instrument display unit includes a "display control unit for auxiliary lighting unit" 508 that controls the display mode of the auxiliary lighting units 61, 61' to be the same as the display mode of the lighting unit 20, a "display control unit for detailed information, etc." 510 that controls the display of the detailed information 65, 65', a "display control unit for unifying display colors" 512 that controls the display when the display colors shown in FIG. 9 are unified, and a "display control unit for instrument information" 516 that controls the display of instrument information (vehicle speed display, etc.).

[0137] The display control unit 502 of the illumination unit supplies the display control signal Q1 of the illumination unit to the display control unit 506 of the instrument display unit as is. The "display control unit for auxiliary lighting unit" 508, the "display control unit for detailed information, etc." 510, and the "display control unit for unifying display colors" 512 in the display control unit 506 of the instrument display unit synchronize with the supplied display control signal Q1 of the lighting unit and perform the display control operations of each unit. This allows synchronous interlocking control in synchronization with the display control signal Q1 of the lighting unit to be performed on the display of the instrument display unit 50. This allows interrupt displays (pop-up displays) of the auxiliary lighting units 61, 61' and detailed displays 65, 65' to be realized.

[0138] (Second embodiment) Next, reference will be made to Fig. 11. Fig. 11(A) and (B) are diagrams showing other display examples (application examples) in the display system.

[0139] In the example of FIG. 11, the display timing of the auxiliary lighting unit 61' and the display timing of the detailed information 65' on the instrument display unit 50 are delayed by a predetermined time from the display timing of the lighting unit 20 provided on the windshield 15.

[0140] As a result, for example, if the display of the lighting unit 20 on the windshield 15 is difficult to see or the driver DR misses the display of the lighting unit, when the driver DR moves his or her line of sight to the instrument display unit 50, the display of the auxiliary lighting unit 61' and detailed information 65' will start with a delay, so that the same display as the lighting unit 20 can be seen from the beginning, rather than halfway through. Therefore, no visual discomfort occurs, and an intuitive, easy-to-see display is realized by the auxiliary lighting unit, etc.

[0141] In FIG. 11(A), in an area Z10 on the left end side of the illumination unit 20, light emitting elements 21h, 21g, and 21f serving as light sources are turned on.

[0142] However, as described above, the display on the instrument display unit 50 is delayed by a predetermined time based on the display on the lighting unit 20, so in Figure 11 (A), the auxiliary lighting unit 61' and detailed information 65' on the instrument display unit 50 are not displayed.

[0143] In FIG. 11(B), in a central region Z11 of the illumination unit 20, the light emitting elements 21e, 21d, and 21c serving as light sources are turned on.

[0144] In this state, the auxiliary lighting section 61' in the instrument display section 50 is displayed in the area Z10' on the right end side of the first area Z1 (see Figure 2) on the upper side of the instrument display section 50 in the same display mode as the display mode of the lighting section 20 in Figure 11 (A).

[0145] Further, detailed information 65' (own vehicle icon 7', rear vehicle icon 8' and the text "rear vehicle approaching") is displayed on the instrument display unit 50.

[0146] In this way, by delaying the display timing of the auxiliary lighting unit 61' and the detailed information 65' on the instrument display unit 50 by a predetermined time relative to the display timing of the lighting unit 20 on the windshield 15, even if the driver DR cannot see or misses the display of the lighting unit 20, the display on the instrument display unit 50 can display a similar display mode from the beginning, improving the convenience of the display system.

[0147] Next, reference will be made to Fig. 12. Fig. 12(A) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of functional blocks of a display control device in the display system of Fig. 11, and Fig. 12(B) is a diagram showing an example of a timing signal that controls the display timing of the lighting unit and the display timing in the lighting display area of ​​the instrument display unit. In Fig. 12, the same parts as in Fig. 10(B) are assigned the same reference numerals. Explanation of common parts will be omitted.

[0148] The configuration in FIG. 12 is basically the same as that in FIG. 10(B) shown above. However, in FIG. 12, a delay control section 505 is newly added to the display control section 502 of the illumination section, and in this respect it differs from FIG. 10(B).

[0149] The delay control unit 505 delays the display control signal Q1 of the illumination unit by a predetermined time to generate a display control signal Q2 having a delay. Here, the delay time is set to TS1. The generated display control signal Q2 is supplied to the display control unit 506 of the instrument display unit. In this case, the display control signal Q2 functions as a "display control signal for the instrument display unit" that controls the display on the instrument display unit 50.

[0150] The "auxiliary lighting unit display control unit" 508, "detailed information, etc. display control unit" 510, and "display control unit for unifying display colors" 512 in the instrument display unit display control unit 506 perform display control operations for each unit in synchronization with the supplied illumination unit display control signal Q2. As a result, delayed interlock control is performed on the display of the instrument display unit 50 using the illumination unit display control signal Q2. This realizes interrupt displays (pop-up displays) of the auxiliary illumination units 61, 61' and detailed displays 65, 65' with a predetermined time (TS1) delay.

[0151] 12(B), the display control signal Q1 of the illumination display unit is turned on (active) at time t1, while the display control signal Q2 of the instrument unit is turned on (active) at time t2, which is a predetermined time TS1 after time t1.

[0152] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and can be modified and applied in various ways.

[0153] In the present invention, the term "two-wheeled vehicle" is understood as a broad concept that includes three-wheeled vehicles. Furthermore, the display modes of the illumination unit and auxiliary illumination unit, or the display modes of the detailed information shown in the embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[0154] The present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments, and those skilled in the art will be able to easily modify the above-described exemplary embodiments to the extent that they fall within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 1. Two-wheeled vehicle (motorcycle), 4. Horizontal road (road surface), 5L, 5R. Support frame, 6. Rear wheel, 10. Display control device, 15. Windshield (cowl), 12. Vehicle body, 20. Lighting unit, 21 (21a to 21h). Light-emitting element as light source (or display element), 24a to 24h. Through-hole, 26a, 26b. Louver, 30. Base, 50. Instrument display unit (meter display unit, menu display), 51···Display surface of instrument display unit, 61, 61'···Auxiliary lighting unit, 61a to 61h···Light-emitting areas as display elements of the auxiliary lighting unit, 61a to 61h, 63···Instrument information, 65, 65'···Detailed information, 220L···Lower case 220L, 230···Light source board, 240···Partition, 250···Diffuser, 220U···Upper case, 302···HUD device for motorcycle, 304···Light source a light source unit including a light-emitting element as a light guide optical system, 306, a light guide optical system, 308, a projection optical system, 310, a light emitting unit, 500, a control unit, 502, a display control unit for the lighting unit (first display control unit), 504, a control unit for the display mode in the lighting unit, 505, a delayed display control unit, 506, a display control unit for the instrument display unit (second display control unit), 508, a display control unit for the auxiliary lighting unit, 510, a display control unit for detailed information, etc., 512, ·Display control unit for unifying display colors, 516···Display control unit for instrument information, LHN···Left-hand drive, RHN···Right-hand drive, DR···Driver, Z1···First area (upper area on the display surface of the instrument display), Z2···Second area (central area on the display surface of the instrument display), Z3···Third area (lower area on the display surface of the instrument display), Q1···Display control signal for lighting unit, Q2···Display control signal for instrument display.

Claims

1. A vehicle display control device that controls the display operation of a display system having an illumination unit that is provided on a windshield of a motorcycle and that can provide information to a rider by its display mode, and an instrument display unit that is provided on a body of the motorcycle and that can display instrument information related to an operating status of the motorcycle, a first display control unit that controls a display operation of the illumination unit; a second display control unit that controls a display operation of the instrument display unit; and When the width direction of the two-wheeled vehicle as seen from the rider is defined as the left-right direction, and the direction perpendicular to the horizontal road on which the two-wheeled vehicle is traveling is defined as the height direction, The illumination unit is provided to extend in the left-right direction on the windshield as seen by the driver, The first display control unit a first display control for selecting a display mode including an illumination pattern in the left-right direction of the illumination unit from a plurality of display modes, and presenting information corresponding to the selected display mode to the driver; the instrument display unit is provided on a main body of the motorcycle located below the lighting unit, The second display control unit When the first display control is performed by the first display control unit, a second display control is performed on the instrument display unit. a display control for displaying an auxiliary lighting unit extending in the left-right direction in a first region above the instrument display unit and having the same display mode as the lighting unit; performing display control to display the instrument information in a second area located below the first area of ​​the instrument display unit; and performing display control to display detailed information corresponding to the display mode of the illumination unit in a third area located below the second area of ​​the instrument display unit. Vehicle display control device.

2. When no information is presented by a change in the display mode of the illumination unit, the second display control unit hides the auxiliary illumination unit and the detailed information on the instrument display unit and displays only the instrument information, When information is presented by changing the display mode of the illumination unit, the second display control unit controls the instrument display unit to display the auxiliary illumination unit and the detailed information by interrupt display in addition to the instrument information. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1 .

3. The illumination unit includes: A plurality of light emitting elements are provided on the windshield as light sources. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1 .

4. The illumination unit includes: Predetermined information is displayed by reflecting light from a light source that is not fixed to the windshield at a predetermined location on the windshield. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1 .

5. When the second display control unit performs the second display control, The display color of the auxiliary lighting unit on the instrument display unit and the display color of the detailed information are set to be the same as the display color of the lighting unit provided on the windshield. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1 .

6. When the second display control unit performs the second display control, The display color of the auxiliary lighting unit on the instrument display unit and the display color of the frame surrounding the detailed information are set to be the same as the display color of the lighting unit provided on the windshield. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1 .

7. When the second display control unit performs the second display control, delaying the display timing of the auxiliary lighting unit and the display timing of the detailed information on the instrument display unit by a predetermined time with respect to the display timing of the lighting unit provided on the windshield; The vehicle display control device according to claim 1 .

8. 8. A vehicle display system comprising: a lighting unit provided on the windshield of a motorcycle and capable of presenting information to a rider by changing the display mode; an instrument display unit provided on a body of the motorcycle and capable of displaying instrument information relating to the operating status of the motorcycle; and the vehicle display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A display control method for a vehicle that controls the display operation of a display system having an illumination unit that is provided on a windshield of a motorcycle and that is capable of providing information to a rider by its display mode, and an instrument display unit that is provided on a body of the motorcycle and that is capable of displaying instrument information related to an operating status of the motorcycle, a first step of performing a first display control in which a display mode including an illumination pattern of the illumination unit provided on the windshield of the motorcycle so as to extend in the left-right direction as seen from the rider is selected from a plurality of display modes, and information corresponding to the selected display mode is presented to the rider; a second step of displaying an auxiliary lighting unit extending in the left-right direction in a first area above the instrument display unit provided below the lighting unit, and performing display control so that the display mode of the auxiliary lighting unit is the same as the display mode of the lighting unit; performing display control to display the instrument information in a second area below the lighting display area on the instrument display unit; and performing display control to display detailed information corresponding to the display mode of the lighting unit in a third area below the second area on the instrument display unit; A display control method for a vehicle, comprising:

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