Display devices, systems, and display methods

Abstract

Even when mounted on the headrest, it minimizes the impact on the forward view and the feeling of confinement for rear-seat passengers, providing a display device that harmonizes with the vehicle's interior design. [Solution] The display device is installed on the headrest of the vehicle and is deformable to conform to the shape of the headrest.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, a system, and a display method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a television monitor that is received in the seat back of a vehicle and rotates on the back of a headrest that can be viewed by a rear seat passenger sitting on the seat back during use. Patent Document 2 describes a display device that is housed in the ceiling surface of a vehicle and is deployed in front of a passenger during use.

[0003] By the way, when installing a display device on a headrest, if the size of the display device becomes large, the forward visibility of the rear seat passenger may be limited and a sense of oppression may occur. In addition, a large display device may impair the designability of the vehicle interior compared to surrounding articles.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An aspect of the disclosed embodiment is to provide a display device that suppresses the influence on the forward visibility of rear seat passengers and the sense of oppression even when installed on a headrest and is in harmony with the design of the vehicle interior.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The disclosed embodiment is exemplified by a display device. This display device is installed on the headrest of a vehicle and is deformable according to the shape of the headrest. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This display device, even if its width is greater than that of the headrest, will deform to match the shape of the headrest, causing the portion exceeding the headrest's width to fold. As a result, the impact on the forward view of rear-seat passengers, such as unnecessarily obstructing their forward view, is minimized. The feeling of confinement for rear-seat passengers is also reduced. Furthermore, because the display device deforms to match the shape of the headrest, it harmonizes more easily with the interior design of the vehicle, including the headrest. In other words, even when installed on a headrest, this display device minimizes the impact on the forward view and the feeling of confinement for rear-seat passengers, and provides a display device that harmonizes with the vehicle's interior design. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external view illustrating a display as an example of a display device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of using the display of the first embodiment (part 1). [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of using the display of the first embodiment (part 2). [Figure 4] Figure 4 illustrates the hardware configuration of an information processing device used in common with the first and second embodiments. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the processing (part 1) of the control unit that outputs information to the display in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processing (part 2) of the control unit that outputs information to the display in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a display as an example of a display device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of using the display of the second embodiment (part 1). [Figure 9A] Figure 9A shows an example of using the display of the second embodiment (part 2). [Figure 9B] Figure 9B shows a modified example of the second embodiment of the display usage example (part 2). [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of using the display of the second embodiment (part 3). [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the processing (part 1) of the control unit that outputs information to the display in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating the processing (part 2) of the control unit that outputs information to the display in the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] <First Embodiment> (Appearance) The display device, system, and display method according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Figure 1 is an external view illustrating a display 20 as an example of a display device according to this embodiment. The display 20 is, for example, made of organic electroluminescence (EL). The display 20 has an extremely thin (for example, less than 100 micrometers thick) glass layer and red, green, and blue light-emitting layers positioned directly beneath the glass layer. However, the display 20 may be an edge-lit liquid crystal display, which does not have a backlight directly beneath the screen.

[0010] The display 20 outputs and displays information from the control unit 10 of the information processing device 1 (see FIG. 4) as an in-vehicle system. The information processing device 1 is an in-vehicle device having functions such as audio, visual, and navigation functions. However, the information processing device 1 and the display 20 may be a so-called rear seat entertainment system. Further, the information processing device 1 may provide both the front seat audio, visual, and navigation functions and the functions of the rear seat entertainment system.

[0011] The display 20 can be attached to the back surface of the vehicle headrest 40. Here, the back surface means the surface opposite to the surface where the head of the occupant using the headrest 40 contacts. Therefore, the display 20 is visible to the occupant of the rear seat (hereinafter, the rear seat occupant) on the rear side with respect to the seat back 50 on which the headrest 40 is mounted. Therefore, the display 20 has a screen facing the rear seat in the direction opposite to the traveling direction when the vehicle is moving forward. On the other hand, the opposite surface of the display surface of the display 20 faces the traveling direction when the vehicle is moving forward and is called the back surface.

[0012] There is no limitation to the structure for attaching the display 20 to the headrest 40. The display 20 may be mounted on a pedestal inserted between the headrest 40 and the seat back 50 on which the headrest 40 is mounted. Further, the display 20 may have a convex portion inserted into a recess provided on the back surface of the headrest 40 or a key-shaped locking portion that locks into a hole provided on the back surface of the headrest 40.

[0013] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the lateral width of the display 20 is larger than the lateral width of the headrest 40. The screen of the display 20 is divided into three regions D1, D2, and D3 in the lateral width direction. Region D1, when viewed from the rear seat occupant in the forward direction of the vehicle, is more than the headrest 40 It is the part that protrudes to the left. Region D3 is the part that protrudes to the right of the headrest 40 when viewed from the rear seat passenger in the forward direction of the vehicle. Region D2 is the part that substantially overlaps with the headrest 40 when viewed from the rear seat passenger in the forward direction of the vehicle. Therefore, regions D1 and D2, and regions D2 and D3 have boundaries in the direction orthogonal to the vehicle width direction (horizontal direction) of the screen (the vertical direction of the screen, that is, the vertically up and down direction in FIG. 1).

[0014] In the present embodiment, the front of the vehicle is defined as the traveling direction when the vehicle moves forward. Also, the rear of the vehicle is defined as the direction opposite to the traveling direction when the vehicle moves forward. In the vehicle width direction, the right direction when the occupant faces forward is the right side, and the left direction is the left side.

[0015] The display 20 has a torque hinge 21A on the back side along the boundary between region D1 and region D2. Also, the display 20 has a torque hinge 21B on the back side along the boundary between region D2 and region D3. The torque hinges 21A and 21B refer to hinges that can fix the opening and closing angle at an arbitrary user-desired angle within the opening and closing range by the hinge. The torque hinges 21A and 21B are also called free stop hinges or friction hinges. The torque hinges 21A and 2XB have a structure in which a blade component that rotates around an axis generates friction with the axis.

[0016] For example, torque hinges 21A and 21B have a blade component that rotates around an axis and a blade component fixed to the axis, both of which are flat discs perpendicular to the axis, and a force acts to prevent the rotation of the rotating blade component due to friction between the discs. Alternatively, for example, torque hinges 21A and 21B have a structure in which the rotating blade component and the axis are connected by a leaf spring, and as the blade component rotates, a force acts to prevent rotation between the rotating blade component and the blade component fixed to the axis due to the leaf spring. Alternatively, for example, torque hinges 21A and 21B have a structure in which a clip on the rotating blade component holds the axis, and a force acts to prevent rotation between the rotating blade component and the blade component fixed to the axis due to friction of the clip. Furthermore, for example, the torque hinges 21A and 21B have a rotating vane component that has a pipe, with a shaft press-fitted into the pipe, and a frictional force acts between the inner surface of the hole in the pipe and the shaft (and the vane component fixed to the shaft) to prevent rotation.

[0017] Therefore, for example, region D1 can be maintained at any angle from a state where it is coplane with region D2 (for example, a state with an angle of 0 degrees) to a state where it is bent approximately 90 degrees forward from region D2 (for example, a state with an angle of 90 degrees). Similarly, region D3 can be maintained at any angle from a state where it is coplane with region D2 (for example, a state with an angle of 0 degrees) to a state where it is bent approximately 90 degrees forward from region D2 (for example, a state with an angle of 90 degrees). However, the maximum bending angle of the display 20 is not limited to 90 degrees. Therefore, it can be said that the display 20 is installed on the headrest 40 of the vehicle and is deformable to conform to the shape of the headrest 40.

[0018] Figure 2 shows an example of use (part 1) of the display 20 of the first embodiment. In Figure 2, the display 20 is folded along the boundary between area D1 and area D2, and maintains a shape that conforms to the rear side of the headrest 40 and the left side of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction. Area D3 is not shown in Figure 2, but it is folded along the boundary with area D2 and maintains a shape that conforms to the right side of the headrest 40 in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, in the example of use in Figure 2, it can be said that the display 20 deforms to match the shape of the headrest 40.

[0019] When the display 20 is deformed to match the shape of the headrest 40, it displays the same color as the headrest 40. In this embodiment, the display 20 controls the display of information. The control unit 10 (see Figure 4) stores information in the main memory unit 12 that identifies the same color as the headrest 40. When the display 20 is deformed to match the shape of the headrest 40, the control unit 10 outputs an image so that the display surface of the display 20 is the same color as the headrest 40.

[0020] Figure 3 shows an example of the use of the display 20 of the first embodiment (part 2). In Figure 3, for example, the left and right seatbacks 50L and 50R of the first row of the vehicle, the headrests 40L and 40R, and the displays 20L and 20R are shown as examples.

[0021] In Figure 3, the display 20R mounted on the headrest 40R located on the right-hand seatback 50R facing the front of the vehicle has areas D1 to D3 aligned on the same plane and is laid flat. In this embodiment, the control unit 10 (see Figure 4), which displays information on the display 20, outputs information to the entire display surface of the display 20R, including areas D1 to D3, when the display 20R has areas D1 to D3 aligned on the same plane and is laid flat. The display surface of the display 20R, including areas D1 to D3, can be called a large screen.

[0022] Furthermore, in Figure 3, the display 20L mounted on the headrest 40L installed on the left seat back 50L facing the front of the vehicle has areas D1 and D3 folded from area D2. In this embodiment, the control unit 10 (see Figure 4) that displays information on the display 20 outputs information to a partial screen of area D2, excluding areas D1 and D3 of the display 20R, when areas D1 and D3 of the display 20R are folded from area D2. This partial screen of area D2, excluding areas D1 and D3 of the display 20R, can be called a miniature screen. Note that when only one of areas D1 or D3 is folded from area D2, the display 20R only needs to output information to a partial screen excluding only the folded area D1 (or D3).

[0023] (Hardware configuration) Figure 4 illustrates the hardware configuration of the information processing device 1 used in common with the first and second embodiments. The hardware configuration of the information processing device 1 is the same as that of a normal computer. The information processing device 1 includes a CPU 11, a main memory unit 12, a graphics integrated circuit (IC) 30, a video RAM (VRAM) 31, a display 20, and It has external devices connected via an interface (I / F) and performs information processing through a program.

[0024] The CPU 11 executes computer programs that are loaded into the main memory 12 in an executable format, and provides the functions of the information processing device 1. The main memory 12 is also simply called memory and stores computer programs executed by the CPU 11, data processed by the CPU 11, etc. The CPU 11 is also called a processor. However, the CPU 11 is not limited to a single processor and may be in a multi-processor configuration. Furthermore, the CPU 11 may be a single processor connected by a single socket and may be in a multi-core configuration.

[0025] Furthermore, the CPU 11 may include multiple different types of processors. For example, at least some of the processing of the information processing device 1 may be provided by dedicated processors such as a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), numerical processing processor, vector processor, image processing processor, Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), etc. It is also possible that at least a part of the information processing device 1 is a dedicated large-scale integration (LSI) such as a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other digital circuit. Furthermore, at least a portion of the information processing device 1 may include analog circuits.

[0026] The main memory unit 12 is connected to the CPU 11 via an internal bus. The main memory unit 12 consists of Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), etc.

[0027] In this embodiment, a graphics IC 30 is further connected to the internal bus, and the graphics IC 30 is connected to VRAM 31 and the display 20. The graphics IC 30 receives drawing commands from the CPU 11 and forms a pixel array of the image to be transferred to the display 20 on the VRAM 31. The graphics IC 30 then transfers the pixel array formed in VRAM 31 to the display 20 and displays the content image on the display 20.

[0028] More specifically, the graphics IC 30 has an internal controller and an array of processor elements controlled by the controller to process images. Each processor element in the array of processor elements has multiple arithmetic units that perform various operations such as addition, comparison, product, and multiply-accumulate operations. The processor elements perform pipeline processing using the various arithmetic units and also perform image processing in parallel on the image input to the graphics IC 30. The information processing device 1 may have one or more processors (e.g., Digital Signal Processors (DSPs)) instead of the array of processor elements.

[0029] The VRAM 31 has memory areas corresponding to the display surfaces of the display 20. For example, the VRAM 31 has memory areas corresponding to each of the areas D1 to D3 in Figure 1. The CPU 11 can display content images on areas D1 to D3 of the display 20 individually, or on areas D1 to D3 as a single screen, by specifying the memory areas to the graphics IC 30 and executing drawing commands. Note that the CPU 11, main memory 12, graphics IC 30, and VRAM 31 can be referred to as the control unit 10.

[0030] Examples of external devices include an external storage unit 13, an operation unit 15, a communication unit 16, a bending detection sensor 18, and a hinge angle detection sensor 19. The display 20 and the external devices do not necessarily have to be integrated with the control unit (CPU 11, main memory unit 12, etc.). The display 20 and the external devices may each be connected to the housing of the information processing device 1 via an interface.

[0031] The external storage unit 13 is used, for example, as a storage area that assists the main memory unit 12, and stores computer programs executed by the CPU 11, data processed by the CPU 11, etc. The external storage unit 13 can be a hard disk drive, a solid state drive (SSD), etc. Furthermore, the information processing device 1 may be provided with a drive device for a removable storage medium. Examples of removable storage media include Blu-ray discs, Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), Compact Discs (CDs), and flash memory cards.

[0032] The operation unit 15 includes, for example, an array of push buttons, a keyboard, a pointing device, etc. In this embodiment, a touch panel is exemplified as a pointing device. The communication unit 16 exchanges data with other devices on the network. The communication unit 16 accesses wireless networks such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), 4th Generation Mobile Communication System (4G), 5th Generation Mobile Communication System (5G), and Wi-Fi. It may also be a wireless communication device.

[0033] The bending detection sensor 18 detects the bending state of the display 20. The bending detection sensor 18 has, for example, a resistance wire whose resistance value changes according to the degree of bending (for example, from an angle of 0 degrees to 180 degrees), and notifies the CPU 11 of the amount of change in resistance value. The degree of bending of the display 20 can be determined based on the detection signal notified from the bending detection sensor 18. However, the bending detection sensor 18 may be a contact switch provided on the torque hinges 21A and 21B of the display 20. The bending detection sensor 18 may detect whether or not the display 20 is bent by closing the contact switch when area D1 or D3 of the display 20 is bent by a predetermined angle or more. In the configuration of Figure 4, the hinge angle detection sensor 19 will be described in the second embodiment.

[0034] (process) Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the processing (part 1) of the control unit 10 that outputs information to the display 20 in the first embodiment. This processing is initiated when power is turned on to the information processing device 1 and when the folded state of the display 20 changes.

[0035] In this process, the control unit 10 determines the folding state of the display 20 according to the detection signal from the folding detection sensor 18 (S1). When the folding state in at least one of regions D1 and D3 of the display 20 is detected by a detection signal above a threshold (YES in S1), the control unit 10 determines that the display 20 is in a folded state and proceeds to S2. On the other hand, when the folding state is not detected by a detection signal above a threshold (NO in S1), the control unit 10 determines that the display 20 is not in a folded state and proceeds to S3.

[0036] Here, if the bending detection sensor 18 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the degree of bending (for example, from an angle of 0 degrees to 180 degrees), the threshold is set to a value in the range of, for example, 60 degrees to 120 degrees. Also, if the bending detection sensor 18 outputs a signal due to the operation of a contact switch, the threshold is set to a value corresponding to, for example, the contact switch being turned on.

[0037] In other words, when the display 20 is folded, the control unit 10 configures the graphics IC 30 to fill the screen of the display 20 with a set color stored in the main memory unit 12 (no content display) (S2). Here, the set color is the same color as the headrest 40. On the other hand, when the display 20 is not folded, the control unit 10 configures the graphics IC 30 to display content on the screen of the display 20 (S3). The content displayed is a normal display such as video, television broadcast programs, game scenes, map information, etc. Then, the control unit 10 terminates processing.

[0038] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processing (part 2) of the control unit 10 that outputs information to the display 20 in the first embodiment. This processing, like that in Figure 5, is started when power is turned on to the information processing device 1 and when the folded state of the display 20 changes.

[0039] In this process, the control unit 10 determines the folding state of the display 20 according to the detection signal from the folding detection sensor 18 (S11). When the folding state in at least one of regions D1 and D3 of the display 20 is detected by a detection signal above a threshold (YES in S11), the control unit 10 determines that the display 20 is in a folded state and proceeds to S12. On the other hand, when the folding state is not detected by a detection signal above a threshold (NO in S11), the control unit 10 determines that the display 20 is not in a folded state and proceeds to S13.

[0040] In other words, when the display 20 is folded, the control unit 10 configures the graphics IC 30 so that the display 20 displays a small screen (S12). Here, the small screen display refers to the left and right regions D1 and D3 of the display 20's screen. This means displaying only in the central area D2, and not in the other areas. On the other hand, when the display 20 is not folded, the control unit 10 sets the graphics IC 30 so that the display 20 becomes a large screen display (S13). Here, a large screen display means displaying on the entire screen of the display 20, including the left and right areas D1 and D3, and the central area D2. Then, the control unit 10 terminates processing.

[0041] (Effects of the first embodiment) As described above, the display 20 is installed on the vehicle's headrest 40 and can be deformed to conform to the shape of the headrest 40, thus preventing the rear-seat passengers from having their forward view restricted and feeling cramped. Furthermore, because the display 20 can be deformed to conform to the shape of the headrest 40, it is easier to harmonize with the interior design of the vehicle, including the headrest 40.

[0042] Furthermore, when the display 20 is deformed to match the shape of the headrest 40, it displays the same color as the headrest 40, thus providing a display that harmonizes with the vehicle's interior design.

[0043] Furthermore, the display 20 displays a small screen when it is folded and deformed to match the shape of the headrest 40, and displays a large screen when it is not folded and has not deformed to match the shape of the headrest 40. In other words, the display 20 changes the size of the screen displayed depending on whether it is deformed to match the shape of the headrest 40 or not, so that content can be displayed at an appropriate screen size according to the folded state.

[0044] <Second Embodiment> The display device and display method according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 7 to 12. In the first embodiment described above, a display 20 was shown in which the left and right regions D1 and region D3 of the display 20 screen were foldable from the central region D2. In this embodiment, a display 20A that can be reversed and moved between the back of the headrest 40 and the back of the seat back 50 is further shown.

[0045] (composition) Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a display 20A as an example of a display device according to this embodiment. In Figure 7, the headrest 40 and seat back 50 illustrate the front seats (first row) of the vehicle. On the other hand, the rear seats (second row) of the vehicle are omitted in Figure 7. Note that the rear seats are located in the direction of the arrow labeled "rear seats" in Figure 7.

[0046] In this embodiment, a hinge 60 is used to enable the inversion movement of the display 20A. That is, the display 20A is rotatable around the hinge 60 in a range of approximately 0 to 180 degrees. One wing portion of the hinge 60 is fixed to the display 20A, and the other wing portion is fixed to a base portion 61. The base portion 61 is inserted between the headrest 40 and the seat back 50 and is fixed to at least one of the lower surface of the headrest 40 and the upper surface of the seat back 50. Thus, the base portion 61 supports the display 20A, which is movable up and down via the hinge 60. The base portion 61 is, for example, a plate-shaped resin or metal.

[0047] In this embodiment, the movement of reversing vertically via the hinge 60 is also referred to as opening / closing movement, swinging, or rotation. The hinge 60 is the same as the torque hinges 21A and 21B in the first embodiment, and the opening / closing angle can be fixed at any user-desired angle within the range of opening / closing movement by the hinge 60.

[0048] There are no limitations on how the base 61 is fixed to the underside of the headrest 40 or the top surface of the seat back 50. The base 61 may have a protrusion (or recess), and the underside of the headrest 40 or the top surface of the seat back 50 may have a recess (or protrusion), so that the protrusion and recess fit together. Alternatively, the base 61 and the underside of the headrest 40 or the top surface of the seat back 50 may be fastened together with screws.

[0049] The headrest 40 is attached to the seatback 50 using a conventional mechanism. A base 61 is inserted between the headrest 40 and the seatback 50, and the base 61 supports the hinge 60 from one of its wings. The other wing of the hinge 60 is fixed to the display 20A. The two wings are rotatable around an axis. The hinge 60 has an axis along the boundary between the headrest 40 and the seatback 50 on the rear side of the headrest 40 and the seatback 50. With this configuration, the display 20A is movable between the headrest 40 side and the seatback 50 side by the hinge 60.

[0050] In Figure 7, the state in which the display 20A is raised vertically upward from the hinge 60 is defined as a rotation angle of 0 degrees for the display 20A. At a rotation angle of 0 degrees, the surface F1 of the display 20A is exposed to the rear-seat occupants. However, the use of the display 20A in the vertically raised position is not limited to a rotation angle of 0 degrees (90 degrees upward from the horizontal plane). That is, depending on the distance between the display 20A and the headrest 40, the display 20A may be tilted towards the front seats or towards the rear seats from a rotation angle of 0 degrees. On the other hand, the state in which the display 20A is hanging vertically downward from the hinge 60 is defined as a rotation angle of 180 degrees for the display 20A. At a rotation angle of 180 degrees, the back surface F2 of the display 20A is exposed to the rear-seat occupants. However, the use of the display 20A in the vertically downward position is not limited to a rotation angle of 180 degrees (90 degrees downward from the horizontal plane). In other words, depending on the distance between the display 20A and the headrest 40, the display 20A may be tilted towards the front seats or towards the rear seats at a rotation angle of 180 degrees. Also, at a rotation angle of approximately 90 degrees, the display 20A is in a state where its surface F1 is facing vertically downwards and its back surface F2 is facing vertically upwards, and it is unfolded or extended along a horizontal plane toward the rear seats.

[0051] Figure 8 shows an example of use (part 1) of the display 20A of the second embodiment. Figure 8(A) shows an example of use when the display 20A is raised vertically upward from the hinge 60. When the display 20A is raised vertically upward from the hinge 60, the display 20A is located on the back of the headrest 40. Similar to the display 20 of the first embodiment, the left and right regions D1 and D3 of the display 20A can be folded forward from the central region D2. Also, similar to the display 20 of the first embodiment, the display 20A has a torque hinge 21A on the back side along the boundary between region D1 and region D2. Furthermore, the display 20A has a torque hinge 21B on the back side along the boundary between region D2 and region D3.

[0052] Therefore, in the second embodiment, the display 20A is mounted on the back of the vehicle's headrest 40 by a base 61 and a hinge 60, and can be deformed to conform to the shape of the headrest 40. When the display 20A is deformed to conform to the shape of the headrest 40, it may display the same color as the headrest 40 (see Figure 11).

[0053] Figure 8(B) shows an example of use where the display 20A hangs vertically downward from the hinge 60. When the display 20A hangs vertically downward from the hinge 60, the display 20A is located on the back of the seat back 50. The dimensions of the seat back 50 in the vehicle width direction ( The width is greater than the width of the headrest 40 in the vehicle width direction. As a result, in the display 20A, areas D1 and D3 are on the same plane as area D2, and even when the entire screen of the display 20A is laid flat, the forward view of rear-seat passengers is not limited and they do not feel cramped.

[0054] Furthermore, as the entire screen of the display 20A unfolds flat, the display 20A can be said to be in a state that is deformed to conform to the flat back surface of the seat back 50. Similar to the display 20 of the first embodiment, the display 20A has a torque hinge 21A along the boundary between region D1 and region D2. The display 20A also has a torque hinge 21B along the boundary between region D2 and region D3. Therefore, when the display 20A is approaching or in contact with the seat back 50, the display 20A can be bent to conform to the shape of the seat back 50 by bending the left and right regions D1 and D3 with the torque hinges 21A and 21B. For example, if the seat back 50 is convex, the left and right regions D1 and D3 should deform toward the front seat side (surface F1 side), the opposite to when the display 20A is on the headrest 40 side, so that the display 20A bends toward the front seat side. Furthermore, if the seat back 50 is concave, the left and right regions D1 and D3 should deform toward the rear seat side (surface F1 side), causing the display 20A to curve toward the rear seat side. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the display 20A is mounted on the back of the vehicle's seat back 50 by the base 61 and hinge 60, and can be deformed to match the shape of the seat back 50. Note that when the display 20A is deformed to match the shape of the seat back 50, it may display the same color as the seat back 50 (see Figure 11).

[0055] Figure 9A shows an example of the use of the display 20A of the second embodiment (part 2). In Figure 9A, the display 20A is unfolded and extended along a horizontal plane toward the rear seats, with the front surface F1 facing vertically downwards and the back surface F2 facing vertically upwards. That is, if the state in which the display 20A is raised vertically upwards from the hinge 60 is considered to be a rotation angle of 0 degrees, then Figure 9A illustrates a state with a rotation angle of approximately 90 degrees.

[0056] With the back surface F2 facing vertically upwards, the display 20A can be used as a table. The display 20A is designed with a concave shape towards the center relative to the periphery of the back surface F2, taking into consideration that it may be used as a table while the vehicle is in motion. Therefore, even when the display 20A is used as a table while the vehicle is in motion, the possibility of items placed on the back surface F2 falling is reduced.

[0057] Furthermore, the display 20A may have a cover placed over its back surface F2. The cover preferably covers the entire back surface F2, and the central part of the cover is processed to be concave relative to the periphery of the back surface F2. There are no limitations on the material of the cover; it may be made of resin, metal, wood, etc. The display 20A may also be such that the central part of the back surface F2 is deformable to be concave relative to the periphery.

[0058] Figure 9B shows a modified example of the use of the display 20A of the second embodiment (part 2). Figure 9B is a front view of the seat back 50, headrest 40, and display 20A as seen from the rear seat behind the seat back 50. The entire back surface F2 of the display 20A may be flat. As described in Figure 8, similar to the display 20 of the first embodiment, the display 20A has a torque hinge 21A along the boundary between area D1 and area D2. The display 20A also has a torque hinge 21B along the boundary between area D2 and area D3. Therefore, the display 20A can be bent by the torque hinges 21A and 21B, with the left and right areas D1 and D3 bent relative to the central area D2. Thus, when the display 20A is used as a table, the left and right areas D1 and D3 are deformed to bend slightly upward toward the back surface F2 side relative to the central area D2. The bending angle between the left and right regions D1 and D3 and the central region D2 is approximately 90 degrees, but there is no limit to the bending angle. By making the angle more obtuse than 90 degrees (closer to a flat 180 degrees), the effective area of ​​the table can be increased. In any case, the above deformation makes it possible to prevent placed objects from sliding off to the sides.

[0059] Thus, the display 20A has a surface F1 which is a display surface capable of outputting information when positioned at least on the side of the headrest 40. On the other hand, as described in Figures 9A and 9B, the display 20A can be fixed in an intermediate position between the headrest 40 and the seat back 50 by a hinge 60. The display 20A has a plate-like shape that allows it to be used as a table with the back surface F2 of the display surface F1 as the top surface when fixed in the intermediate position. Furthermore, when the display 20A is used as a table, it is preferable that the top surface is flat or slightly concave. Moreover, when the display 20A is used as a table, in addition to the action of frictional force such as torque hinges 21A and 21B, a locking mechanism may be provided to maintain a state with a rotation angle of approximately 90 degrees.

[0060] Figure 10 shows an example (third) of the use of the display 20A of the second embodiment. Figure 10(A) illustrates a state in which the display 20A is standing vertically upward from the hinge 60, and Figure 10(B) illustrates a state in which the display 20A is hanging vertically downward from the hinge 60.

[0061] As shown in Figure 10(A), when the display 20A is raised vertically upward from the hinge 60, the display 20A faces its surface F1 towards the rear seats. The first screen is exposed on the surface F1 of the display 20A. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 10(B), when the display 20A is hanging vertically downward from the hinge 60, the display 20A faces its back surface F2 towards the rear seats. In the third example of use of this embodiment, the second screen is exposed on the back surface F2 of the display 20A.

[0062] In other words, in the third example of use of this embodiment, the display 20A has a first screen and a second screen on its front surface F1 and back surface F2, respectively. It goes without saying that even when the display 20A has a second screen on its back surface F2, it can still be used as a table, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B.

[0063] As shown in Figure 10(A), when the display 20A is raised vertically upward from the hinge 60, rear-seat passengers can view content on the first screen. Also, as shown in Figure 10(B), when the display 20A is hanging vertically downward from the hinge 60, rear-seat passengers can view content on the second screen. In summary, the display 20A has display surfaces on both sides of its flat shape.

[0064] (Hardware configuration) In the second embodiment, the hardware configuration of the information processing device 1 is as illustrated in Figure 4. In the second embodiment, the control unit 10 of the information processing device 1 refers to the detection signal from the hinge angle detection sensor 19 in addition to the bending detection sensor 18.

[0065] The hinge angle detection sensor 19 detects the opening angle of the two wing sections of the hinge 60. For example, as shown in Figure 10(A), when the display 20A is standing vertically upward from the hinge 60, the opening angle of the hinge 60 is defined as 0 degrees. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 10(B), when the display 20A is hanging vertically downward from the hinge 60, the opening angle of the hinge 60 is defined as 180 degrees. Also, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, when the display 20A is facing vertically downward with its surface F1 facing vertically upward and its back surface F2 facing vertically upward, and is unfolded and extended along a horizontal plane towards the rear seats, the opening angle of the hinge 60 is defined as 90 degrees.

[0066] The hinge angle detection sensor 19 has, for example, a dial-type angle detection unit that is coaxial with the axis of the hinge 60. The dial-type angle detection unit has, for example, a plurality of contacts at equal angular intervals on the outer surface of a disc or cylinder, and a terminal that contacts the outer surface of the disc or cylinder and slides along the outer surface of the disc or cylinder as the disc or cylinder rotates (rotates, oscillates).

[0067] The hinge angle detection sensor 19 detects the angle of the dial-type angle detection unit by detecting the contacts (contacts through which electrical signals are conducted) that are in contact with terminals sliding on the outer surface of the disc or cylinder, among a plurality of contacts. The terminals sliding on the outer surface slide in the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the disc or cylinder in conjunction with the rotation (reversal movement, rotation, oscillation) of the hinge 60 of the display 20, and make contact with the corresponding contacts at each angular position. The angle between two adjacent contacts, which are provided at equal angular intervals, and the central axis of the disc or cylinder becomes the resolution (minimum detection angle) of the hinge angle detection sensor 19.

[0068] The control unit 10 may, for example, have an angle determination table in the main memory unit 12 that defines the correspondence between the output signal of the hinge angle detection sensor 19 (the number of the contact point in contact with the terminal) and the opening angle of the hinge 60. When the control unit 10 obtains the output signal (terminal number) from the hinge angle detection sensor 19, it can refer to the angle determination table to determine the opening angle of the hinge 60.

[0069] Alternatively, the hinge angle detection sensor 19 may detect the angle using a resistive material laid in an arc shape on the outer surface of a disc or cylinder, and a movable terminal that contacts and slides against this resistive material, instead of a dial-type angle detection unit. One end of the resistive material laid in an arc shape is provided with a fixed terminal that serves as the origin. The hinge angle detection sensor 19 then measures the resistance value between the fixed terminal and the movable terminal that contacts and slides against the resistive material. The control unit 10 may, for example, have an angle determination table in the main memory unit 12 that defines the correspondence between the resistance value measured by the hinge angle detection sensor 19 and the opening angle of the hinge 60, and then detect the angle.

[0070] (process) Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the processing (part 1) of the control unit 10 that outputs an image to the display 20A in the second embodiment. This processing is activated when power is turned on to the information processing device 1, when the angular position of the display 20A (i.e., the hinge 60) changes, and when an operation to output content is performed on the operation unit 15 (see Figure 4).

[0071] In this process, the control unit 10 determines whether or not an operation to output content has been performed on the operation unit 15 (S30). If an operation to output content has been performed on the operation unit 15, the control unit terminates the process shown in Figure 11 and executes the process to output content. Note that the determination in S30 may be made in a parallel process that runs in parallel with the process shown in Figure 11, rather than being made in the sequential process as shown in Figure 11.

[0072] On the other hand, if the operation to output content is not performed by the operation unit 15 in S30, the control unit 10 determines the angular position of the display 20A around the hinge 60 according to the detection signal from the hinge angle detection sensor 19 (S31). When the display 20A is positioned on the back of the headrest 40 with the hinge 60 standing vertically upward (referred to as "headrest side" in S31), the control unit 10 proceeds to S32. On the other hand, when the display 20A is positioned on the back of the seat back 50 with the hinge 60 hanging vertically downward (referred to as "seat back side" in S31), the control unit 10 proceeds to S34.

[0073] In the determination in S31, the hinge angle based on the detection signal from the hinge angle detection sensor 19 is 90 degrees. When the value is within a smaller first threshold, the control unit 10 should determine that the display 20A is positioned on the back of the headrest 40. On the other hand, when the hinge angle based on the detection signal from the hinge angle detection sensor 19 is greater than or equal to a second threshold greater than 90 degrees, the control unit 10 should determine that the display 20A is positioned on the back of the seatback 50.

[0074] Then, when the display 20A is on the back side of the headrest 40, the control unit 10 further determines whether the display 20A is deformed to conform to the shape of the headrest 40 (S32). In the determination in S32, the control unit 10 only needs to determine from the output of the bending detection sensor 18 whether at least one of the regions D1 and D3 of the display 20A is bent from region D2 toward the headrest 40 side (left or right side in the vehicle width direction). If in S32 the display 20A is deformed to conform to the shape of the headrest 40, the control unit 10 fills the screen of the display 20A (the first screen on the surface F1 side in Figure 10(A)) with a first set color. More specifically, the control unit 10 sets the graphics IC 30 to fill the first screen with a first set color stored in the main memory unit 12 (S33). Here, the first set color is the same color as the headrest 40. Then the control unit 10 terminates the process. Furthermore, if the display 20A is not deformed to conform to the shape of the headrest 40 in S32, the control unit 10 terminates the process.

[0075] On the other hand, when the display 20A is on the back side of the seat back 50, the control unit 10 further determines whether the display 20A is deformed to conform to the shape of the seat back 50 (S34). In the determination in S34, the control unit 10 only needs to determine from the output of the bending detection sensor 18 that at least one of the regions D1 and D3 of the display 20A forms a specific design angle with respect to region D2. That is, if at least one of the regions D1 and D3 forms a specific design angle with respect to region D2, it should be determined that the display 20A is shaped to conform to the back of the seat back 50. This specific design angle may include, for example, the case where they are on the same plane (when regions D1, D2, and D3 are flat). Also, if the back of the seat back 50 is convex, this specific design angle may include, for example, the angle at which the left and right regions D1 and D3 are bent from the central region D2 toward the front seat side (surface F1 side). Furthermore, if the back of the seat back 50 is concave, this specific design angle may include, for example, the angle at which the left and right regions D1 and D3 are bent from the central region D2 toward the rear seat side (back side F2 side). In S34, if the display 20A is deformed to conform to the shape of the seat back 50, the control unit 10 fills the screen of the display 20A (the second screen on the back side F2 in Figure 10(B)) with a second set color. More specifically, the control unit 10 sets the graphics IC 30 to fill the second screen with a second set color stored in the main memory unit 12 (S35). Here, the second set color is the same color as the seat back 50. Then, the control unit 10 terminates the process. Also, in S34, if the display 20A is not deformed to conform to the shape of the seat back 50, the control unit 10 terminates the process as is.

[0076] Note that, as shown in Figure 11, when the control unit 10 determines whether the display 20A is simply on the headrest 40 side or the seatback 50 side, the hinge angle detection sensor 19 does not necessarily have to be used. For example, push-button switches can be provided on the back of the headrest 40 and the back of the seatback 50, respectively. The push-button switches can then be positioned so that the push-button switch on the back of the headrest 40 turns on when the display 20A is on the headrest 40 side. Similarly, the push-button switches can be positioned so that the push-button switch on the back of the seatback 50 turns on when the display 20A is on the seatback 50 side. The control unit 10 can then determine the angular position of the display 20A (whether it is on the headrest 40 side or the seatback 50 side) based on the electrical signals from these push-button switches.

[0077] Alternatively, instead of a push-button switch, photodetectors such as photodiodes and phototransistors may be provided on the back of the headrest 40 and the back of the seatback 50, respectively. When the photodetector on the back of the headrest 40 does not detect anything and the photodetector on the back of the seatback 50 outputs a significant photodetection signal, the control unit 10 should determine that the display 20A is on the headrest 40 side. Also, when the photodetector on the back of the seatback 50 does not detect anything and the photodetector on the back of the headrest 40 outputs a significant photodetection signal, the control unit 10 should determine that the display 20A is on the seatback 50 side.

[0078] As described above, when the display 20A is deformed to match the shape of the headrest 40, it displays the same color as the headrest 40. Furthermore, when the display 20A is deformed to match the shape of the seatback 50, it displays the same color as the seatback 50.

[0079] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating the processing (part 2) of the control unit 10 that outputs an image to the display 20A in the second embodiment. Similar to Figure 11, this processing is activated when power is turned on to the information processing device 1, when the angular position of the display 20A changes, and when an operation to output content is performed on the operation unit 15 (see Figure 4).

[0080] In this process, the control unit 10 determines whether or not an operation to output content has been performed on the operation unit 15 (S40). If an operation to output content has not been performed on the operation unit 15, the control unit terminates the process shown in Figure 12 and executes other processes other than the process of outputting content. Although not explicitly shown in Figure 12, the other processes other than the process of outputting content may be executed in the same process as a series of sequences including the processes exemplified in Figure 12.

[0081] On the other hand, if the operation to output content is performed on the operation unit 15 as determined in S40, the control unit 10 determines the angular position of the display 20A in the same procedure as in Figure 11 (S41). When the display 20A is on the headrest 40 side, the control unit 10 sets the graphics IC 30 to display content on the first screen of the front surface F1, which is an example of the first display surface (S42). On the other hand, when the display 20A is on the seat back 50 side, the control unit 10 sets the graphics IC 30 to display content on the second screen of the back surface F2, which is an example of the second display surface (S43). Then, the control unit 10 terminates processing.

[0082] As shown in Figure 10, the display 20A has display surfaces on both sides of its plate-like shape. As shown in Figure 12, when the display 20A is positioned on the headrest 40 side, it outputs information from the surface F1, which serves as the first display surface. When the display 20A is positioned on the seatback 50 side, it outputs information from the second screen, which serves as the second display surface, located on the back surface F2 of the surface F1.

[0083] (Effects of the second embodiment) As described above, in this embodiment, the headrest 40 is attached to the seat back 50. A base 61 is inserted between the headrest 40 and the seat back 50, and the base 61 supports the hinge 60. The display 20A is movable between the headrest 40 side and the seat back 50 side by the hinge 60, which has an axis along the boundary between the headrest 40 and the seat back 50 on the back of the headrest 40 and the seat back 50. For this reason, for example, by moving the display 20A to the seat back 50 side, the possibility of the rear seat occupant's forward view being limited is reduced, and the rear seat occupant can view the display 20 The presence of A can suppress the feeling of oppression.

[0084] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the display 20A can be deformed to conform to the shape of the headrest 40 when positioned on the headrest 40 side. Similarly, the display 20A can be deformed to conform to the shape of the seatback 50 when positioned on the seatback 50 side. Therefore, when the display 20A is positioned at least on the seatback 50 side, it reduces the possibility of the rear-seat passenger's forward view being limited and prevents the rear-seat passenger from feeling confined by the presence of the display 20A. Additionally, the display 20A can be deformed to conform to the shape of either the headrest 40 or the seatback 50, making it easier to harmonize with their design.

[0085] Furthermore, when the display 20A is deformed to match the shape of the headrest 40, it displays the same color as the headrest 40. Also, when the display 20A is deformed to match the shape of the seatback 50, it displays the same color as the seatback 50. As a result, the display 20A is in harmony with the design of the vehicle's interior.

[0086] Furthermore, the display 20A has display surfaces on both sides of its flat shape, and when positioned on the side of the headrest 40, it outputs information from the first screen on the front surface F1, which is the first display surface. Also, when the display 20A is positioned on the side of the seatback 50, it outputs information from the second screen on the back surface F2, which is the second display surface. Therefore, the display 20A can flexibly change its display mode according to the posture and position of the rear-seat passenger when viewing it.

[0087] As already mentioned, the display 20A has a surface F1 which is a display surface capable of outputting information when positioned at least on the side of the headrest 40. On the other hand, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the display 20A can be fixed in an intermediate position between the headrest 40 and the seat back 50 by a hinge 60. Furthermore, the display 20A has a plate-like shape that allows it to be used as a table with the back surface F2 of the display surface F1 as the top surface when fixed in the intermediate position. Therefore, in addition to its original function as a display 20A, the display 20A can also function as a table.

[0088] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9A, when the display 20A is used as a table, its top surface is flat or slightly concave. Also, as shown in Figure 9B, when the display 20A is used as a table, the left and right regions D1 and D3 can be deformed so that they curve upwards relative to the central region D2. Therefore, even when the vehicle is moving, rear-seat passengers can place items on the display 20A when it is used as a table with relative stability.

[0089] In the embodiments described above, the displays 20 and 20A are foldable using two hinges, but the displays 20 and 20A may be foldable using two or more hinges. By increasing the number of folding points, the displays 20 and 20A gain greater freedom in shape and can be deformed to match the complex shapes of headrests and seatbacks. Furthermore, the embodiments described above used hinges as an example of a folding mechanism. However, the displays 20 and 20A may be mounted on a frame made of a plastically deformable material, such as a shape memory alloy, rather than using hinges, allowing them to be deformed into any shape. In addition, the displays 20 and 20A may have a rigid base material (e.g., resin) provided in parts other than the foldable parts, thereby suppressing unwanted deformation in those areas.

[0090] Furthermore, although the deformation of displays 20 and 20A was described as being done manually, a drive mechanism could be built into the hinge, for example, to allow for electric deformation. In this case, for example, the system could detect whether displays 20 and 20A are at the headrest 40 or the seatback 50, and automatically change the shape of displays 20 and 20A to match the headrest 40 or seatback 50. It may be deformed to conform to the back 50. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1. Information Processing Device 10 Control Unit 11 CPU 12 Main memory 19. Bending detection sensor 20, 20L, 20R displays 30 Graphics ICs 40, 40L, 40R headrests 50, 50L, 50R Seatback

Claims

1. It is installed on the headrest of a vehicle and is deformable to conform to the shape of the headrest. Display device.

2. The method described in claim 1, which displays the same color as the headrest when it is deformed to match the shape of the headrest. Display device.

3. Claim 1, which changes the size of the screen displayed when the headrest is deformed to match its shape and when it is not deformed. Display device.

4. The aforementioned headrest is attached to the seatback, The headrest and the seatback are movable by a hinge as described in claim 1. Display device.

5. The invention is described in claim 4, which is deformable to conform to the shape of the headrest when positioned on the headrest side, and deformable to conform to the shape of the seatback when positioned on the seatback side. Display device.

6. When it deforms to match the shape of the headrest, it displays a color the same as the headrest. The present invention relates to the display of the same color as the seat back when it is deformed to conform to the shape of the seat back. Display device.

7. It has display surfaces on both sides of a plate, and when positioned on the side of the headrest, it outputs information from the first display surface. The claim 4 states that when positioned on the side of the seat back, information is output from the second display surface, which is the back surface of the first display surface. Display device.

8. It has a display surface capable of outputting information when positioned on the side of the headrest, The invention relates to claim 4, wherein the hinge allows the invention to be fixed in an intermediate position between the headrest and the seatback, and the invention has a plate-like shape that can be used as a table with the back surface of the display surface facing upward when fixed in the intermediate position. Display device.

9. The above-mentioned table, as described in claim 8, wherein the upper surface is deformed into a flat or concave shape when used as such. Display device.

10. It is installed on the headrest of a vehicle and is deformable to conform to the shape of the headrest. Display device and The system comprises a control unit that outputs content to the display device. system.

11. A computer displays a display device, which is installed on the vehicle's headrest and is deformable to match the shape of the headrest, in the same color as the headrest when the display device is deformed to match the shape of the headrest. Display method.

Images