vehicle-mounted unit

Abstract

This technology provides the ability to display multiple types of video with different specifications. [Solution] When switching the display on monitor 130 from the first or second video to the third video, the processing unit 120 displays the first or second video, which has been delayed by the frame memory 124, on monitor 130, then displays a dummy image on monitor 130, and then displays the third video, which has not been delayed by the frame memory 124, on monitor 130. When switching the display on monitor 130 from the first video to the second video, the processing unit 120 displays the first video, which has been delayed by the frame memory 124, on monitor 130, and then displays the second video, which has been delayed by the frame memory 124, on monitor 130 without displaying a dummy image on monitor 130.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle device, particularly to an in-vehicle device for displaying images.

Background Art

[0002] To assist the driving operation during reverse, a camera is installed at the rear of the vehicle, and the image in the reverse direction is visually displayed and output. This image may be processed to reduce distortion and make it easier to view (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The image in the reverse direction is displayed, for example, on the monitor of the in-vehicle device. On this monitor of the in-vehicle device, not only the image in the reverse direction but also multiple types of images are displayed. Even when the standards for each of the multiple types of images are different, it is required to meet them.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of such a situation, and its object is to provide a technique for displaying multiple types of images with different standards.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, an in-vehicle device in one aspect of the present disclosure is an in-vehicle device that can be mounted on a vehicle and comprises a generation unit that generates a first video, and a processing unit that receives the first video from the generation unit, delays the first video in a frame memory, and then displays it on a monitor. The processing unit receives a second video from an external imaging device, delays the second video in a frame memory, and then displays it on a monitor. The generation unit receives a third video from an external communication device, the processing unit receives the third video from the generation unit, and displays the third video on a monitor without delaying it in a frame memory. When switching the monitor display from the first or second video to the third video, the processing unit displays the first or second video delayed in a frame memory on the monitor, then displays a dummy image on the monitor, and then displays the third video that is not delayed in a frame memory on the monitor. When switching the monitor display from the third video to the first or second video, the processing unit If the third video, which is not delayed by frame memory, is displayed on the monitor, then a dummy image is displayed on the monitor, and then the first or second video, which is delayed by frame memory, is displayed on the monitor, and the monitor display is switched from the first video to the second video, the processing unit displays the first video, which is delayed by frame memory, on the monitor, and then displays the second video, which is delayed by frame memory, on the monitor without displaying a dummy image, and the monitor display is switched from the second video to the first video, the processing unit displays the second video, which is delayed by frame memory, on the monitor, and then displays the first video, which is delayed by frame memory, on the monitor without displaying a dummy image.

[0007] Furthermore, any combination of the above components, as well as conversions of the expressions of this disclosure between methods, apparatus, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc., are also valid as aspects of this disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to display multiple types of video with different specifications. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figures 2(a)-(d) show an overview of the video processing timing in the in-vehicle device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows an overview of the process involved in switching the video output in the in-vehicle device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the video output procedure by the in-vehicle device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Before describing the details of this disclosure, an overview will be provided. The embodiments of this disclosure relate to an in-vehicle device mounted in a vehicle that can display multiple types of images on a monitor. An example of an in-vehicle device is a display audio system. One of the images displayed on the monitor of the in-vehicle device is an image generated by an SoC (System on a Chip) inside the in-vehicle device (hereinafter referred to as the "first image"). An example of the first image is a menu screen. The first image generated by the SoC is input to a picture processing LSI (Large Scale Integration), and the picture processing LSI displays the first image on the monitor. Another image displayed on the monitor of the in-vehicle device is an image captured by an imaging device mounted in the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the "second image"). An example of the second image is an image of the vehicle in the reverse direction. In this case, the imaging device is mounted at the rear of the vehicle. Since it is required that such a second image be displayed on the monitor in a short period of time after the imaging device is started up (hereinafter also referred to as "high-speed startup"), the second image is directly captured by the picture processing LSI without going through the SoC.

[0011] In automotive systems, switching between a first and second video feed is required. Since the first and second video feeds are generated by separate devices, the synchronization signals used to generate the first video feed and the synchronization signals used to generate the second video feed have different timings. Therefore, if they are switched immediately, the timing difference in the synchronization signals will cause image distortion and degrade image quality. If a dummy image, such as a black screen, is displayed on the monitor during the switch to suppress image distortion, the requirement for high-speed startup of the second video feed cannot be met. Therefore, the image processing LSI incorporates a frame memory and uses the frame memory to synchronize the timing of the synchronization signals of both feeds, thereby achieving seamless switching without image distortion.

[0012] Another type of video displayed on the in-vehicle monitor is the video generated by the communication device with which the in-vehicle unit communicates (hereinafter referred to as the "third video"). An example of a communication device is a smartphone. When a user inputs instructions regarding the display of the third video into the in-vehicle unit, the in-vehicle unit sends the instructions to the communication device, the third video corresponding to the instructions is sent from the communication device to the in-vehicle unit, and the in-vehicle unit displays the third video on its monitor. For such third videos, the standard requires that the delay time from when the in-vehicle unit receives instructions regarding the display of the third video until the in-vehicle unit displays the third video on its monitor be shorter than a threshold.

[0013] Using the aforementioned frame memory would result in significant delay due to data buffering. Therefore, using frame memory to display the third image would cause the standard to be violated. The in-vehicle device according to this embodiment uses frame memory to demonstrate seamless switching between the first and second images, but satisfies the standard for the third image without using frame memory. Therefore, when switching to the third image, a black image is output to suppress image distortion. Hereafter, the first image, second image, and third image will be collectively referred to as "image".

[0014] Figure 1 shows the configuration of vehicle 10. Vehicle 10 is equipped with an on-board unit 100 and an imaging device 200. The on-board unit 100 includes a generation unit 110, a processing unit 120, a monitor 130, an operation unit 140, a vehicle connection unit 150, a control unit 160, and a communication unit 170. The processing unit 120 includes a switch 122, a frame memory 124, an image quality adjustment unit 126, and an output unit 128. A communication device 210 is connected to vehicle 10.

[0015] The control unit 140 is a user-operable interface. The control unit 140 is integrated with the monitor 130 as a touch panel. Alternatively, the control unit 140 may consist of buttons or the like. The control unit 140 receives instructions from the user to display the first image or the third image. The control unit 140 outputs the received instructions to the generation unit 110.

[0016] The vehicle connection unit 150 is an interface capable of performing communication, for example, via CAN (Controller Area Network). The vehicle connection unit 150 can communicate with a vehicle controller (not shown) mounted on the vehicle 10 and receives a vehicle signal from the vehicle controller indicating a predetermined driving state of the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the predetermined driving state indicated by the vehicle signal is whether the vehicle 10 is moving in reverse or not. The vehicle connection unit 150 outputs the vehicle signal to the control unit 160.

[0017] The control unit 160 controls the operation of the generation unit 110 and the processing unit 120 in accordance with the vehicle signal. If the vehicle signal does not indicate that the vehicle 10 is moving in reverse, the control unit 160 instructs the generation unit 110 and the processing unit 120 to take action. On the other hand, if the vehicle signal indicates that the vehicle 10 is moving in reverse, the control unit 160 instructs the generation unit 110 to stop and instructs the processing unit 120 to move in reverse. If the operation unit 140 is defined as the "first reception unit", the vehicle connection unit 150 or the control unit 160 may be defined as the "second reception unit".

[0018] The generation unit 110 corresponds to the aforementioned SoC. When the generation unit 110 receives an instruction to display the first video from the operation unit 140 and also receives an instruction to operate from the control unit 160, it generates the first video. The first video is, for example, a menu screen. Since known techniques may be used for the generation of the first video in the generation unit 110, the description is omitted here. The generation unit 110 outputs the first video to the processing unit 120. At that time, identification information for identifying the first video or the third video is also output to the processing unit 120.

[0019] The processing unit 120 corresponds to the aforementioned image processing LSI. The switch 122 of the processing unit 120 receives the first video from the generation unit 110. Also, the switch 122 receives an instruction to operate from the control unit 160 and receives the identification information of the first video from the generation unit 110. In that case, the switch 122 outputs the first video to the frame memory 124. The frame memory 124 is a video buffer and outputs the first video to the image quality adjustment unit 126 after delaying it. The image quality adjustment unit 126 performs processes such as synthesis of two videos, enlargement / reduction of videos, etc. Since known techniques may be used for these processes, the description is omitted here. The output unit 128 displays the first video from the image quality adjustment unit 126 on the monitor 130.

[0020] Figures 2(a)-(d) show an overview of the video processing timing in the in-vehicle device 100. In these, the horizontal axis represents time. Figure 2(a) shows the first video input to the processing unit 120. Figure 2(b) shows the first video output from the processing unit 120 via the frame memory 124. Based on the input timing in Figure 2(a), the first video is output with a delay by a period that combines the frame memory delay 300 due to the delay in the frame memory 124 and the processing delay 302 required for the processing in the processing unit 120. The combined frame memory delay 300 and processing delay 302 is, for example, less than 2 Frame. Figures 2(c)-(d) will be described later and we return to Figure 1.

[0021] The imaging device 200 is mounted on the vehicle 10. The imaging device 200 captures, for example, an image of the backward direction of the vehicle 10 as the second image. The imaging device 200 can communicate with the in-vehicle device 100, for example, via CAN or the like. The imaging device 200 transmits the second image to the in-vehicle device 100. The vehicle connection unit 150 receives the second image from the imaging device 200. The vehicle connection unit 150 outputs the second image to the processing unit 120.

[0022] The switch 122 of the processing unit 120 receives the second image from the vehicle connection unit 150. Also, the switch 122 receives an instruction for the backward operation from the control unit 160. In that case, the switch 122 outputs the second image to the frame memory 124. The frame memory 124 outputs the second image to the image quality adjustment unit 126 after delaying it. The output unit 128 displays the second image from the image quality adjustment unit 126 on the monitor 130.

[0023] FIG. 2(a) shows the second image input to the processing unit 120. FIG. 2(b) shows the second image output from the processing unit 120 via the frame memory 124. Here too, similar to the first image, the second image is output with a delay for a period obtained by combining the frame memory delay 300 and the processing delay 302, based on the input timing in FIG. 2(a). The combined frame memory delay 300 and processing delay 302 is, for example, less than 2 Frame. FIGS. 2(c)-(d) will be described later, and we return to FIG. 1.

[0024] In addition to the instruction to display the third image, the operation unit 140 may receive an instruction from the user to change the third image. Hereinafter, the instruction to change the third image is also included in the instruction to display the third image. The generation unit 110 outputs the instruction to display the third image to the communication unit 170 when it receives the instruction to display the third image from the operation unit 140 and also receives an instruction for the operation from the control unit 160. The communication unit 170 complies with a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a short-range wireless communication system, and can perform wireless communication. The communication unit 170 transmits the instruction to the communication device 210 by wireless communication.

[0025] The communication device 210 is located outside the in-vehicle unit 100. The communication device 210 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The communication device 210 is capable of wireless communication with the communication unit 170. The communication device 210 receives instructions from the communication unit 170. The communication device 210 generates a third image in accordance with the received instructions. The third image may be generated by the communication device 210 alone, or it may be generated by a server (not shown) with which the communication device 210 communicates. The communication device 210 transmits the third image to the vehicle 10.

[0026] The communication unit 170 of the vehicle 10 receives the third video from the communication device 210. The communication unit 170 outputs the third video to the generation unit 110, and the generation unit 110 outputs the third video to the processing unit 120. At the same time, identification information for identifying the third video is also output to the processing unit 120. The switch 122 of the processing unit 120 receives the third video from the generation unit 110. The switch 122 also receives operation instructions from the control unit 160 and identification information for the third video from the generation unit 110. In this case, the switch 122 outputs the third video to the image quality adjustment unit 126. The output unit 128 displays the third video from the image quality adjustment unit 126 on the monitor 130. In other words, the processing unit 120 receives the third video from the generation unit 110 and displays the third video on the monitor 130 without delay using the frame memory 124.

[0027] Figure 2(a) shows the third video input to the processing unit 120. Figure 2(c) shows the third video output from the processing unit 120 without going through the frame memory 124. The third video is output with a delay of 310, which is the processing delay required for processing in the processing unit 120, relative to the input timing in Figure 2(a). The processing delay 310 is, for example, shorter than 1 frame and shorter than 1 msec. For such a third video, it is specified that the delay time from receiving an instruction for the third video to displaying the corresponding third video on the monitor 130 is shorter than a threshold (hereinafter referred to as the "first threshold"). On the other hand, for the first video, it is specified that the delay time from receiving an instruction for the first video to displaying the corresponding first video on the monitor 130 is shorter than a threshold (hereinafter referred to as the "second threshold"). Here, the second threshold is longer than the first threshold. Alternatively, the first video does not have a requirement regarding the delay time from receiving an instruction for the first video to displaying the corresponding first video on the monitor 130. Figure 2(d) will be discussed later, and we will return to Figure 1.

[0028] Up to this point, we have explained the process of displaying the first, second, and third images individually. Below, we will explain the process of switching the display between the first, second, and third images. Figure 3 shows an overview of the process when switching the image to be output by the in-vehicle unit 100. As mentioned above, the images displayed on the monitor 130 of the in-vehicle unit 100 are the first, second, and third images, so switching between them occurs. Here, we will explain in the following order: (1) switching from the first image to the second image, (2) switching from the second image to the first image, (3) switching from the first image to the third image, (4) switching from the third image to the first image, (5) switching from the second image to the third image, and (6) switching from the third image to the second image.

[0029] (1) Switching from the first video to the second video. In this case, the generation unit 110 receives an instruction from the operation unit 140 to display the first image and an operation instruction from the control unit 160, and the switch 122 receives an operation instruction from the control unit 160 and identification information for the first image from the generation unit 110 (hereinafter referred to as the "previous state"). At that time, the processing unit 120 receives the first image. Then, the system switches from the previous state to a state in which the switch 122 receives an instruction from the control unit 160 to perform a reverse operation (hereinafter referred to as the "post-state"). At that time, the processing unit 120 receives the second image.

[0030] In the previous state, the processing unit 120 displays the first video, which has been delayed by the frame memory 124, on the monitor 130. When switching to the later state, the processing unit 120 displays the second video, which has been delayed by the frame memory 124, on the monitor 130. In other words, when the processing unit 120 switches from the previous state to the later state, it only switches the input to the frame memory 124 from the first video to the second video, so the switch from the first video to the second video is performed seamlessly without switching whether the frame memory 124 is being used or not. For this reason, the processing unit 120 does not display a dummy image on the monitor 130 when switching.

[0031] (2) Switching from the second video to the first video In this case, the switch 122 receives an instruction from the control unit 160 to reverse (hereinafter referred to as the "previous state"). At that time, the processing unit 120 receives the second video. Then, from the previous state, a switch occurs to a state in which the generation unit 110 receives an instruction from the operation unit 140 to display the first video, and an instruction to perform an action from the control unit 160, and the switch 122 receives an instruction to perform an action from the control unit 160, and also receives identification information for the first video from the generation unit 110 (hereinafter referred to as the "post-state"). At that time, the processing unit 120 receives the first video.

[0032] In the previous state, the processing unit 120 displays the second video, which has been delayed by the frame memory 124, on the monitor 130. When switching to the later state, the processing unit 120 displays the first video, which has been delayed by the frame memory 124, on the monitor 130. In other words, when the processing unit 120 switches from the previous state to the later state, it only switches the input to the frame memory 124 from the second video to the first video, so the switch from the second video to the first video is performed seamlessly without switching whether the frame memory 124 is being used or not. For this reason, the processing unit 120 does not display a dummy image on the monitor 130 when switching.

[0033] (3) Switching from the first video to the third video In this case, the generation unit 110 receives an instruction from the operation unit 140 to display the first video and an operation instruction from the control unit 160, and the switch 122 receives an operation instruction from the control unit 160 and identification information for the first video from the generation unit 110 (hereinafter referred to as the "previous state"). At that time, the processing unit 120 receives the first video. Then, from the previous state, a switch is made to the state in which the generation unit 110 receives an instruction from the operation unit 140 to display the third video and an operation instruction from the control unit 160, and the switch 122 receives an operation instruction from the control unit 160 and identification information for the third video from the generation unit 110 (hereinafter referred to as the "post-state"). At that time, the processing unit 120 receives the third video.

[0034] In the previous state, the processing unit 120 displays the first video, which has been delayed by the frame memory 124, on the monitor 130. When switching to the later state, the processing unit 120 displays a dummy image on the monitor 130, and then displays the third video, which has not been delayed by the frame memory 124, on the monitor 130. In other words, when the processing unit 120 switches from the previous state to the later state, it switches from inputting the first video into the frame memory 124 to inputting the third video into the image quality adjustment unit 126 without using the frame memory 124. The use of the frame memory 124 is switched when switching the use of the frame memory 124. The timing of the synchronization signal needs to be adjusted when switching the use of the frame memory 124. A dummy image is displayed on the monitor 130 while the timing of the synchronization signal is being adjusted.

[0035] Figure 2(a) shows the third video input to the processing unit 120. This third video is the one that is switched over from the first video and displayed. Figure 2(d) shows the third video output from the processing unit 120 without going through the frame memory 124. After the output of the first video before switching from the processing unit 120 has finished and the third video after switching has been input to the processing unit 120, a dummy image is output while the timing of these synchronization signals is being synchronized (switching delay 320). The third video is output after the switching delay 320 has finished. The switching delay 320 is, for example, shorter than 6 frames.

[0036] (4) Switching from the third video to the first video In this case, the generation unit 110 receives an instruction from the operation unit 140 to display the third image and an operation instruction from the control unit 160, and the switch 122 receives an operation instruction from the control unit 160 and identification information for the third image from the generation unit 110 (hereinafter referred to as the "previous state"). At that time, the processing unit 120 receives the third image. Then, from the previous state, a switch is made to the state in which the generation unit 110 receives an instruction from the operation unit 140 to display the first image and an operation instruction from the control unit 160, and the switch 122 receives an operation instruction from the control unit 160 and identification information for the first image from the generation unit 110 (hereinafter referred to as the "post-state"). At that time, the processing unit 120 receives the first image.

[0037] In the previous state, the processing unit 120 displays the third video, which is not delayed by the frame memory 124, on the monitor 130. When switching to the later state, the processing unit 120 displays a dummy image on the monitor 130, and then displays the first video, which is delayed by the frame memory 124, on the monitor 130. In other words, when the processing unit 120 switches from the previous state to the later state, it switches from inputting the third video to the image quality adjustment unit 126 without using the frame memory 124 to inputting the first video to the frame memory 124. The use of the frame memory 124 is switched when switching the use of the frame memory 124. The timing of the synchronization signal needs to be adjusted when switching the use of the frame memory 124. A dummy image is displayed on the monitor 130 while the timing of the synchronization signal is being adjusted.

[0038] Figure 2(a) shows the first video input to the processing unit 120. This first video is the one that is switched over from the third video and displayed. Figure 2(d) shows the first video output from the processing unit 120 via the frame memory 124. After the output of the third video before switching from the processing unit 120 has finished and the first video after switching has been input to the processing unit 120, a dummy image is output over a switching delay 320. The first video is output after the switching delay 320 has finished.

[0039] (5) Switching from the second video to the third video In this case, the switch 122 receives an instruction from the control unit 160 to reverse (hereinafter referred to as the "previous state"). At that time, the processing unit 120 receives the second video. Then, from the previous state, a switch occurs to a state in which the generation unit 110 receives an instruction from the operation unit 140 to display the third video, and an instruction to perform an action from the control unit 160, and the switch 122 receives an instruction to perform an action from the control unit 160, and identification information for the third video from the generation unit 110 (hereinafter referred to as the "post-state"). At that time, the processing unit 120 receives the third video.

[0040] In the previous state, the processing unit 120 displays the second video, which has been delayed by the frame memory 124, on the monitor 130. When switching to the later state, the processing unit 120 displays a dummy image on the monitor 130, and then displays the third video, which has not been delayed by the frame memory 124, on the monitor 130. In other words, when the processing unit 120 switches from the previous state to the later state, it switches from inputting the second video into the frame memory 124 to inputting the third video into the image quality adjustment unit 126 without using the frame memory 124. The use of the frame memory 124 is switched when switching the use of the frame memory 124. The timing of the synchronization signal needs to be synchronized when switching the use of the frame memory 124. A dummy image is displayed on the monitor 130 while the timing of the synchronization signal is being synchronized.

[0041] (6) Switching from the third video to the second video In this case, the generation unit 110 receives an instruction from the operation unit 140 to display the third image and an operation instruction from the control unit 160, and the switch 122 receives an operation instruction from the control unit 160 and identification information for the third image from the generation unit 110 (hereinafter referred to as the "previous state"). At that time, the processing unit 120 receives the third image. Then, the system switches from the previous state to a state in which the switch 122 receives an instruction from the control unit 160 to perform a reverse operation (hereinafter referred to as the "post-state"). At that time, the processing unit 120 receives the second image.

[0042] In the previous state, the processing unit 120 displays the third video, which is not delayed by the frame memory 124, on the monitor 130. When switching to the later state, the processing unit 120 displays a dummy image on the monitor 130, and then displays the second video, which is delayed by the frame memory 124, on the monitor 130. In other words, when the processing unit 120 switches from the previous state to the later state, it switches from inputting the third video to the image quality adjustment unit 126 without using the frame memory 124 to inputting the second video to the frame memory 124. The use of the frame memory 124 is switched when switching the use of the frame memory 124. The timing of the synchronization signal needs to be adjusted when switching the use of the frame memory 124. A dummy image is displayed on the monitor 130 while the timing of the synchronization signal is being adjusted.

[0043] This configuration can be implemented hardware-wise using the CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and other LSIs (Large Scale Integrations) of any computer, and software-wise using programs loaded into memory. However, this description focuses on the functional blocks realized through the coordination of these components. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be implemented in various ways, either solely through hardware or through a combination of hardware and software.

[0044] The operation of the in-vehicle unit 100 with the above configuration will now be explained. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the video output procedure by the in-vehicle unit 100. If the output before operation is set to the third video (Y in S10), and a vehicle signal indicating reverse is received (Y in S12), the processing unit 120 displays a dummy image on the monitor 130 (S14). The processing unit 120 switches to the second video using the frame memory 124 (S16). After that, it waits for a switching delay 320 (S18). If a vehicle signal indicating reverse is not received (N in S12), and an instruction to display the third video is received (Y in S20), the processing unit 120 switches to the third video without using the frame memory 124 (S22). If an instruction to display the third video is not received (N in S20), the processing unit 120 displays a dummy image on the monitor 130 (S24). The processing unit 120 switches to the first video using the frame memory 124 (S26). Then it waits for a switching delay of 320 (S28).

[0045] If the output before operation is not set to the third video (S10, N), and if a vehicle signal indicating reverse is received (S30, Y), the processing unit 120 switches to the second video using the frame memory 124 (S32). If a vehicle signal indicating reverse is not received (S30, N), and an instruction to display the third video is received (S34, Y), the processing unit 120 displays a dummy image on the monitor 130 (S36). The processing unit 120 switches to the third video without using the frame memory 124 (S38). After that, it waits for a switching delay 320 (S40). If an instruction to display the third video is not received (S34, N), the processing unit 120 switches to the first video using the frame memory 124 (S42). The processing unit 120 displays one of the first to third videos on the monitor 130 (S44).

[0046] According to this embodiment, since frame memory 124 is used for the first and second video, but not for the third video, seamless switching between the first and second video and reduced latency for the third video can be achieved. Furthermore, because seamless switching between the first and second video and reduced latency for the third video are achieved, multiple types of video with different standards can be displayed. In addition, because the switching from the first video to the second video is seamless, the requirement for high-speed startup of the second video can be met. Furthermore, because the latency for the third video is reduced, the standards for the third video can be met.

[0047] Furthermore, based on user instructions to display either the first or third video, the system switches between displaying the first and third videos, and based on vehicle signals, it switches whether or not to display the second video, thus enabling the display of multiple types of videos. Additionally, the second video can be displayed when the vehicle is reversing.

[0048] An overview of one aspect of this disclosure is as follows: (Item 1) An in-vehicle device that can be mounted on a vehicle, A generation unit that generates the first image, The processing unit receives the first video from the generation unit and delays the first video in a frame memory before displaying it on a monitor. The processing unit receives a second video from an external imaging device of the in-vehicle unit, delays the second video in the frame memory, and then displays it on the monitor. The generation unit receives a third video from an external communication device of the in-vehicle unit. The processing unit receives the third video from the generation unit and displays the third video on the monitor without delay using the frame memory. When switching the display on the monitor from the first or second video to the third video, the processing unit displays the first or second video, which has been delayed in the frame memory, on the monitor, then displays a dummy image on the monitor, and then displays the third video, which has not been delayed in the frame memory, on the monitor. When switching the display on the monitor from the third video to the first or second video, the processing unit displays the third video, which is not delayed by the frame memory, on the monitor, then displays the dummy image on the monitor, and then displays the first or second video, which is delayed by the frame memory, on the monitor. When switching the display on the monitor from the first video to the second video, the processing unit displays the first video, which has been delayed in the frame memory, on the monitor, and then displays the second video, which has been delayed in the frame memory, on the monitor without displaying the dummy image. In an in-vehicle device, when switching the display on the monitor from the second image to the first image, the processing unit displays the second image, which has been delayed in the frame memory, on the monitor, and then displays the first image, which has been delayed in the frame memory, on the monitor without displaying the dummy image.

[0049] According to this embodiment, frame memory is used for the first and second video, but not for the third video, thus enabling seamless switching between the first and second video and reducing the delay for the third video. Furthermore, because seamless switching between the first and second video and reduced delay for the third video are achieved, multiple types of video with different specifications can be displayed.

[0050] (Item 2) A first reception unit that receives instructions from the user to display the first video or the third video, The system further includes a second receiving unit that receives a vehicle signal from the vehicle indicating a predetermined driving state of the vehicle, When the first receiving unit receives the instruction, the generation unit outputs the first video or the third video corresponding to the instruction to the processing unit, and the processing unit displays the first video or the third video corresponding to the instruction on the monitor. When the second receiving unit receives the vehicle signal, the processing unit displays the second video on the monitor as described in item 1. In this case, the system switches between displaying the first or third video based on the user's instruction to display either the first or third video, and also switches whether or not to display the second video based on the vehicle signal, thus enabling the display of multiple types of videos.

[0051] (Item 3) The vehicle-mounted device described in item 2, wherein the predetermined driving state of the vehicle is the vehicle in reverse. In this case, the second image can be displayed when the vehicle is moving in reverse.

[0052] (Item 4) The third video is defined such that the delay time from receiving an instruction for the third video to displaying the third video corresponding to the instruction on the monitor is shorter than a first threshold. The first video is defined as having a delay time shorter than a second threshold from the time an instruction for the first video is received until the first video corresponding to the instruction is displayed on the monitor, or there is no requirement regarding the delay time from the time an instruction for the first video is received until the first video corresponding to the instruction is displayed on the monitor. The in-vehicle device described in any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the second threshold is longer than the first threshold.

[0053] The present disclosure has been described above based on examples. These examples are illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible for each component or combination of processing steps, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 10 Vehicle, 100 In-vehicle unit, 110 Generation unit, 120 Processing unit, 122 Switch, 124 Frame memory, 126 Image quality adjustment unit, 128 Output unit, 130 Monitor, 140 Operation unit, 150 Vehicle connection unit, 160 Control unit, 170 Communication unit, 200 Imaging device, 210 Communication device.

Claims

1. An in-vehicle device that can be mounted on a vehicle, A generation unit that generates the first image, The system includes a processing unit that receives the first video from the generation unit, delays the first video in a frame memory, and then displays it on a monitor, The processing unit receives a second video from an external imaging device of the in-vehicle unit, delays the second video in the frame memory, and then displays it on the monitor. The generation unit receives a third video from an external communication device of the in-vehicle unit. The processing unit receives the third video from the generation unit and displays the third video on the monitor without delay using the frame memory. When switching the display on the monitor from the first or second video to the third video, the processing unit displays the first or second video, which has been delayed in the frame memory, on the monitor, then displays a dummy image on the monitor, and then displays the third video, which has not been delayed in the frame memory, on the monitor. When switching the display on the monitor from the third video to the first or second video, the processing unit displays the third video, which is not delayed by the frame memory, on the monitor, then displays the dummy image on the monitor, and then displays the first or second video, which is delayed by the frame memory, on the monitor. When switching the display on the monitor from the first image to the second image, the processing unit displays the first image, which has been delayed in the frame memory, on the monitor, and then displays the second image, which has been delayed in the frame memory, on the monitor without displaying the dummy image. In the in-vehicle device, when switching the display on the monitor from the second image to the first image, the processing unit displays the second image, which has been delayed in the frame memory, on the monitor, and then displays the first image, which has been delayed in the frame memory, on the monitor without displaying the dummy image.

2. A first reception unit that receives instructions from the user to display the first video or the third video, The system further includes a second receiving unit that receives a vehicle signal from the vehicle indicating a predetermined driving state of the vehicle, When the first receiving unit receives the instruction, the generation unit outputs the first video or the third video corresponding to the instruction to the processing unit, and the processing unit displays the first video or the third video corresponding to the instruction on the monitor. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein when the second receiving unit receives the vehicle signal, the processing unit displays the second video on the monitor.

3. The in-vehicle device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined driving state of the vehicle is the state in which the vehicle is moving in reverse.

4. The third video is defined such that the delay time from receiving an instruction for the third video to displaying the third video corresponding to the instruction on the monitor is shorter than a first threshold. The first video is defined as having a delay time shorter than a second threshold from the time an instruction for the first video is received until the first video corresponding to the instruction is displayed on the monitor, or there is no requirement regarding the delay time from the time an instruction for the first video is received until the first video corresponding to the instruction is displayed on the monitor. The in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second threshold is longer than the first threshold.

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