Display control device, video display system, and display control method

Abstract

The present invention provides a display control device and the like that can suppress the loss of information from the original video and the reduction in immersion in the video. [Solution] The display control device 10 is a device that controls the display of a display 20 mounted on a vehicle 2, and includes a control unit 15 that controls the display in a first display area 31 on the display 20, which is a smaller area than the maximum display area 30 of the display 20, and in a second display area 32 on the display 20, which is a different area from the first display area 31. The control unit 15 displays an image i1 in the first display area 31 and displays a blurred image i2 in the second display area 32, which is a blurred version of the image i1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display control device for controlling the display of a display, a video display system including the display and the display control device, and a display control method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a display control device for controlling the display of a display mounted on a vehicle has been known. Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing device that changes parameters of presentation information presented inside the vehicle based on vibration information of the vehicle. In this information processing device, processes such as blurring an image displayed on a display, reducing brightness, changing transparency, etc. are performed when vibration occurs, and processes such as reducing the area of the image displayed on the display are also performed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the information processing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, although parameters such as brightness, blur, area, and transparency are changed, when brightness, blur, and transparency are changed for an image, the amount of information of the original image may be lost. Further, in the information processing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, although the area of the image is reduced, there is a problem that the sense of immersion in the image decreases when the area is reduced.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a display control device and the like that can suppress the loss of the amount of information of the original image and the decrease in the sense of immersion in the image.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A display control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a display control device for controlling the display of a display mounted on a vehicle, comprising a control unit for controlling the display in a first display area on the display which is smaller than the maximum display area of ​​the display, and a second display area on the display which is different from the first display area, wherein the control unit causes an image to be displayed in the first display area and causes a blurred image, in which a part of the image is blurred, to be displayed in the second display area.

[0007] An image display system according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises a display mounted on the vehicle and the display control device described above.

[0008] A display control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a display control method for controlling the display of a display mounted on a vehicle, wherein when displaying in a first display area on the display which is an area smaller than the maximum display area of ​​the display, and a second display area on the display which is an area different from the first display area, an image is displayed in the first display area, and a blurred image in which a part of the image is blurred is displayed in the second display area.

[0009] These comprehensive or specific embodiments may be implemented as a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or as any combination of a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium. Furthermore, the recording medium may be a non-temporary recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The display control device and the like disclosed herein can suppress the loss of information from the original video and the reduction in immersion in the video. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This diagram shows a vehicle and a display mounted on the vehicle. [Figure 2] This is a view of the image displayed on the screen, as seen from the rear seat of the vehicle. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example where the image on the display is shown in a reduced size. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the display control device and display included in the video display system of Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of an image displayed in the first display area of ​​a display, and an example of a blurred image displayed in the second display area. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of generating a blurred image to be displayed in the second display area. [Figure 7] This figure shows other examples of generating blurred images to be displayed in the second display area. [Figure 8] This figure schematically shows the image displayed in the first display area and the blurred image displayed in the second display area of ​​Figure 5. [Figure 9] This diagram schematically shows the image displayed in the first display area and the blurred image displayed in the second display area of ​​a modified example 1 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] This diagram schematically shows the image displayed in the first display area and the blurred image displayed in the second display area of ​​a modified example 2 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 11] This diagram schematically shows the image displayed in the first display area and the blurred image displayed in the second display area of ​​a modified example 3 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 12] This diagram schematically shows the image displayed in the first display area and the blurred image displayed in the second display area of ​​a modified example 4 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 13] This is a block diagram showing the display control device and display included in the video display system of Embodiment 2. [Figure 14] This is a view from the rear seat of the image and other content displayed on the display of Embodiment 2. [Figure 15]It is a block configuration diagram showing a display control device and a display included in the video display system of Embodiment 3.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] (Background Leading to the Present Disclosure) The background leading to the present disclosure will be described while referring to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle 2 and a display 20 mounted on the vehicle 2.

[0014] For example, by displaying a video or the like on the display 20 in the vehicle 2, a comfortable space can be created in the vehicle 2.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a view of the video displayed on the display 20 as seen from the rear seat 5 of the vehicle 2.

[0016] FIG. 2 shows an example of displaying a sports relay video using the display 20. However, as shown in FIG. 2, if the video displayed on the display 20 is too large, the movement of the line of sight or the shaking of the head with respect to the movement of the video becomes large, and the person watching the video may become carsick (motion sickness). Therefore, it is conceivable to reduce the area of the video displayed on the display 20 to reduce the movement of the line of sight and the shaking of the head and suppress the occurrence of carsickness.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example in which the video of the display 20 is displayed in a reduced size.

[0018] In FIG. 3(a), the video is displayed in the maximum display area 30 of the display 20. The maximum display area 30 is the largest area on the display 20 where a video can be displayed. Specifically, the maximum display area 30 is a horizontally long rectangular shape and is an area corresponding to the full-inch size of the display 20.

[0019] In Figure 3(b), the image shown in (a) is scaled down and displayed in an area smaller than the maximum display area 30. For example, the area where the image is displayed is about one-quarter the size of the maximum display area 30. The remaining area outside the area where the image is displayed is a non-display area where no image is displayed, and it has almost the same color and brightness as when the power is off.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, reducing the size of the image displayed on the display 20 can help prevent passengers from experiencing motion sickness. However, reducing the area of ​​the displayed image results in less movement in the image, which reduces the sense of immersion in the image.

[0021] Furthermore, while conventional techniques modify the brightness, blur, and transparency parameters of an image, changing these parameters can result in a loss of information from the original image.

[0022] In contrast, the display control device of this disclosure has the following configuration in order to suppress the loss of information from the original video and the reduction in immersion in the video.

[0023] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all specific examples of this disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions of components, and connection configurations shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0024] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Also, in each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified. In this embodiment, the horizontal direction of the display may be referred to as the horizontal direction, and the vertical direction may be referred to as the vertical direction.

[0025] (Embodiment 1) [Configuration of video display system and display control device] The configuration of the video display system and display control device according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 8.

[0026] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the display control device 10 and display 20 included in the video display system 1 of Embodiment 1.

[0027] Video display system 1 is a system for displaying images and is used when watching television, holding business meetings, and providing tourist information.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, the video display system 1 includes a display control device 10 and a display 20.

[0029] The display 20 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display 20 is installed between the front seats and rear seats 5 of the vehicle 2. The display 20 is positioned vertically, with the display surface facing the rear seats 5 and the back facing the front seats. The size of the display 20 is, for example, between 40 inches and 60 inches.

[0030] The display control device 10 is a device that controls the display of the display 20 mounted on the vehicle 2. Figure 4 shows an example in which the display 20 and the display control device 10 are different components, but is not limited to this, and the display control device 10 may be incorporated into the housing of the display 20. Alternatively, the display control device 10 may be composed of a part of the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of the vehicle 2.

[0031] The display control device 10 has a first mode and a second mode, which are examples of the operating modes of the display control device 10. The first mode is a mode in which the image is displayed in the maximum display area 30, which is the entire surface of the display 20, and the second mode is a mode in which the image is displayed in an area smaller than the maximum display area 30. The first mode and the second mode can be switched, for example, by a mode switching signal output from the ECU.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the display control device 10 includes a control unit 15 and an information acquisition unit 12.

[0033] The information acquisition unit 12 acquires video content transmitted via video streaming. The information acquisition unit 12 may also acquire video content from recording media such as DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), BDs (Blu-ray® Discs), or hard disks.

[0034] Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 12 acquires the mode switching signal output from the ECU and outputs the mode switching signal to the control unit 15. If a mode switching signal is transmitted from an external remote controller (not shown), the information acquisition unit 12 may acquire the mode switching signal transmitted from the remote controller and output the mode switching signal to the control unit 15.

[0035] The control unit 15 switches between the first mode and the second mode based on the mode switching signal described above. In this embodiment, in order to suppress motion sickness in the occupants, the image is displayed in an area smaller than the maximum display area 30. Therefore, the following description will focus on the configuration of the second mode, in which the image is displayed in an area smaller than the maximum display area 30.

[0036] Figure 5 shows an example of an image i1 displayed in the first display area 31 of the display 20 and a blurred image i2 displayed in the second display area 32.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 15 forms a first display area 31 and a second display area 32 on the display 20, and displays an image in the first display area 31 and the second display area 32, respectively.

[0038] The first display area 31 is smaller than the maximum display area 30 of the display 20. The size of the first display area 31 is, for example, between 1 / 4 and 1 / 2 of the maximum display area 30. The first display area 31 is a horizontal rectangle, and its aspect ratio is the same as that of the maximum display area 30. The first display area 31 is positioned such that its upper long side touches the upper long side of the maximum display area 30, and is located in the horizontal center of the maximum display area 30.

[0039] The control unit 15 displays an image in the first display area 31 that is the appropriate size for the image in the first display area 31, based on the video content acquired by the information acquisition unit 12. The image displayed in the first display area 31 is a scaled-down version of the image that would be displayed in the maximum display area 30, assuming that the image would be displayed in the maximum display area 30. In other words, the control unit 15 displays a scaled-down version of the image in the maximum display area 30 in the first display area 31. By displaying the image i1 in the first display area 31, which is smaller than the maximum display area 30, it is possible to suppress motion sickness in the occupants.

[0040] Furthermore, the control unit 15 displays the video in the first display area 31 in such a way that the amount of video information displayed in the first display area 31 does not decrease compared to the amount of video information displayed in the maximum display area 30, assuming that the video is displayed in the maximum display area 30. For example, the control unit 15 displays the video in the first display area 31 in such a way that the parameters such as brightness, blur, and transparency of the video displayed in the first display area 31 are the same as the parameters such as brightness, blur, and transparency of the video displayed in the maximum display area 30, that is, without changing the parameters. This suppresses the loss of information from the original video.

[0041] The second display area 32 is a different area from the first display area 31. In this example, two second display areas 32 are formed on the display 20. The two second display areas 32 are located to the left and right of the first display area 31. The second display area 32 is a vertically elongated rectangle and is positioned adjacent to the first display area 31. The horizontal length of the second display area 32 is shorter than the horizontal length of the first display area 31, and the vertical length of the second display area 32 is the same as the vertical length of the first display area 31.

[0042] In this example, the control unit 15 does not form the second display area 32 above and below the first display area 31, but forms the second display area 32 in areas other than above and below the first display area 31. In Figure 5, the area below the first display area 31 and the area below the second display area 32 are non-display areas 39 where no image is displayed, and have almost the same color and brightness as when the power is off.

[0043] In this embodiment, the control unit 15 displays the video i1 in the first display area 31 and also displays a blurred video i2, which is a part of the video i1 that has been blurred, in the second display area 32.

[0044] Figure 6 shows an example of generating a blurred image i2 to be displayed in the second display area 32. Note that Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the internal processing in the display control device 10 and does not represent the actual image displayed on the display 20.

[0045] The control unit 15 stretches the image i1 to be displayed in the first display area 31 in Figure 6(a) until it includes the second display area 32, as shown in Figure 6(b), thereby generating a stretched image ie. For example, when the control unit 15 stretches the image i1 to be displayed in the first display area 31 horizontally, it stretches the image i1 so that its horizontal length matches the combined horizontal length of the first display area 31 and the two second display areas 32, thereby generating a stretched image ie.

[0046] As shown in Figure 6(c), the control unit 15 blurs the areas of the stretched image ie that overlap with each of the two second display areas 32 to generate two blurred images i2. The blurred image used to generate the blurred images i2 is formed, for example, by smoothing the image using a Gaussian filter. The degree of blurring can be increased by increasing the degree of image smoothing.

[0047] The control unit 15 places the left blurred image i2 of the two blurred images i2 into the second display area 32 to the left of the first display area 31, and places the right blurred image i2 into the second display area 32 to the right of the first display area 31. As a result, the control unit 15 displays the blurred image i2, in which a portion of the image i1 is blurred, in the second display area 32, as shown in Figure 5.

[0048] In Figure 5, a dashed line is shown between the first display area 31 and the second display area 32. However, in reality, there is no such boundary line; instead, there is a boundary between the unsmoothed area and the smoothed area.

[0049] In this way, by displaying video i1 in the first display area 31 and simultaneously displaying a blurred video i2, which is a blurred version of video i1, in the second display area 32, motion related to the video in the first display area 31 can be added to the second display area 32. This helps to suppress the loss of information from the original video and the reduction in immersion in the video.

[0050] The above describes an example in which a blurred image i2 is generated after stretching the image i1, but this is not the only example. For example, the control unit 15 may generate a blurred image by blurring the image in Figure 6(a), and then stretch the blurred image horizontally to generate a stretched image ie as shown in (b).

[0051] Furthermore, the control unit 15 may generate a blurred image i2 without stretching the image i1.

[0052] Figure 7 shows another example of generating a blurred image i2 to be displayed in the second display area 32. Note that Figure 7 is also a diagram illustrating the internal processing in the display control device 10 and does not represent the actual image displayed on the display 20.

[0053] The control unit 15 blurs the image i1 to be displayed in the first display area 31 in Figure 7(a) as shown in (b) to generate a blurred image. As shown in Figure 7(c), the control unit 15 extracts the blurred image i2 from the blurred image generated in (b) that corresponds to the width of the second display area 32. The control unit 15 places the left blurred image i2 from the blurred image generated in Figure 7(b) in the second display area 32 to the left of the first display area 31, and places the right blurred image i2 in the second display area 32 to the right of the first display area 31. As a result, the control unit 15 displays the blurred image i2, in which a part of the image i1 is blurred, in the second display area 32. The example of generating the blurred image i2 shown in Figure 7 can produce the same effect as the example shown in Figure 6.

[0054] The above example shows how to display a blurred image i2 in the second display area 32. However, the control unit 15 may further increase the degree of blurring of the blurred image i2 in order to reduce the movement of the blurred image i2 in the second display area 32. In addition, the control unit 15 may reduce the sampling rate (for example, the number of image frames per second) in the second display area 32 in order to reduce the movement of the blurred image i2 in the second display area 32. By reducing the movement of the blurred image i2 in this way, it is possible to suppress the gaze from being directed towards the second display area 32 and reduce the likelihood of motion sickness.

[0055] Hereafter, the video i1 in the first display area 31 and the blurred video i2 in the second display area 32 will be schematically represented.

[0056] Figure 8 schematically shows the image i1 displayed in the first display area 31 of Figure 5 and the blurred image i2 displayed in the second display area 32.

[0057] In Figure 8, the image i1 displayed in the first display area 31 is indicated by densely hatched dots, and the blurred image i2 displayed in the second display area 32 is indicated by less densely hatched dots. As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 15 displays the image i1 in the first display area 31 and displays the blurred image i2, which is a blurred version of the image i1, in the second display area 32. Hereinafter, modifications of Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to schematic diagrams.

[0058] [Modification 1 of Embodiment 1] A display control device 10, etc., according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 will be described. Modification 1 describes an example in which the boundary between the first display area 31 and the second display area 32 is made less noticeable.

[0059] The display control device 10 in the modified example 1 includes a control unit 15 and an information acquisition unit 12.

[0060] Figure 9 schematically shows the image i1 displayed in the first display area 31 and the blurred image i2 displayed in the second display area 32 of the modified example 1.

[0061] In the modified example 1, the control unit 15 blurs the image in the adjacent area 31a of a predetermined width adjacent to the second display area 32, which is part of the image to be displayed in the first display area 31.

[0062] As shown in Figure 9, the adjacent region 31a is formed in the first display region 31. In this example, adjacent regions 31a are formed at each of the two ends of the first display region 31 in the lateral direction. The adjacent region 31a has a predetermined width. The predetermined width is the lateral length of the adjacent region 31a and is sufficiently shorter than the lateral length of the first display region 31. The predetermined width is, for example, a length corresponding to 5 to 10 pixels among the multiple pixels that make up the display 20. The vertical length of the adjacent region 31a is the same as the vertical length of the first display region 31.

[0063] For example, the control unit 15 increases the blur in the adjacent region 31a in order to blur the image in that region. The degree of blur in the adjacent region 31a is formed, for example, by smoothing the image using a Gaussian filter. By blurring and smoothing the image in this way, the boundaries between surrounding pixels can be reduced, making the boundaries less noticeable.

[0064] The blur generated in the adjacent region 31a is a blur level between the blur level of the first display region 31 (for example, zero blur level) and the blur level of the second display region 32. In other words, the blur level of the blur generated in the adjacent region 31a is stronger than that inside the first display region 31, but weaker than that of the second display region 32. The control unit 15 may gradually increase the blur level along the direction from the inside to the outside of the first display region 31 so that the blur level changes within the area of ​​the adjacent region 31a.

[0065] In this way, by blurring the image of the adjacent area 31a of a predetermined width adjacent to the second display area 32, the boundary between the first display area 31 and the second display area 32 can be made less noticeable. By making the boundary less noticeable, discomfort is reduced, the viewer's gaze is less likely to be directed towards the boundary, and the likelihood of motion sickness can be reduced.

[0066] [Modification 2 of Embodiment 1] A display control device 10, etc., according to a modified example 2 of Embodiment 1 will be described. In modified example 2, an example in which a second display area 32 is formed on either the left or right side of the first display area 31 will be described.

[0067] The display control device 10 in the modified example 2 includes a control unit 15 and an information acquisition unit 12.

[0068] Figure 10 schematically shows the image i1 displayed in the first display area 31 and the blurred image i2 displayed in the second display area 32 of the modified example 2.

[0069] In the modified example 2, the control unit 15 causes a blurred image i2 to be displayed in a second display area 32 located to the left or right of the first display area 31.

[0070] The second display area 32 shown in Figure 10 is located to the right of the first display area 31. The second display area 32 is a vertically or horizontally elongated rectangle and is positioned adjacent to the first display area 31. The horizontal length of the second display area 32 is shorter than the horizontal length of the first display area 31, and the vertical length of the second display area 32 is the same as the vertical length of the first display area 31.

[0071] For example, if a person who is less prone to motion sickness sits on the left side of the rear seat 5 and a person who is prone to motion sickness sits on the right side, the control unit 15 may set the left side of the maximum display area 30 as the first display area 31 and display the image i1, and set the right side as the second display area 32 and display the blurred image i2. Alternatively, if a person who is prone to motion sickness sits on the left side of the rear seat 5 and a person who is less prone to motion sickness sits on the right side, the control unit 15 may set the left side of the maximum display area 30 as the second display area 32 and display the blurred image i2, and set the right side as the first display area 31 and display the image i1.

[0072] The information acquisition unit 12 may also acquire occupant information regarding whether or not a person prone to motion sickness is seated, from an external remote controller, and output said occupant information to the control unit 15. The control unit 15 may control the placement positions of the first display area 31 and the second display area 32 based on the occupant information acquired by the information acquisition unit 12.

[0073] In this way, by displaying a blurred image i2 in a second display area 32 located to the left or right of the first display area 31, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of motion sickness in the occupants. Furthermore, for people viewing the image i1, it is possible to suppress the loss of information from the original image and the reduction in their sense of immersion in the image.

[0074] [Modification 3 of Embodiment 1] A display control device 10, etc., according to Modification 3 of Embodiment 1 will be described. In Modification 3, there is no non-display area 39 on the display 20, and the maximum display area 30 is composed only of the first display area 31 and the second display area 32.

[0075] The display control device 10 in the modified example 3 includes a control unit 15 and an information acquisition unit 12.

[0076] Figure 11 schematically shows the image i1 displayed in the first display area 31 and the blurred image i2 displayed in the second display area 32 of the modified example 3.

[0077] The configuration of the first display area 31 and the second display area 32 is substantially the same as in Embodiment 1. In this example, there is no non-display area 39 on the display 20, and the maximum display area 30 is composed of display areas such as the first display area 31 and the second display area 32. A display area is an area where an image is displayed under the control of the control unit 15.

[0078] The control unit 15 displays an image in the first display area 31 and also displays a blurred image i2, in which a portion of the image is blurred, in the second display area 32. Specifically, the control unit 15 displays the blurred image i2 in two second display areas 32 located to the left and right of the first display area 31.

[0079] In this way, by displaying video i1 in the first display area 31 and simultaneously displaying a blurred video i2, which is a blurred version of video i1, in the second display area 32, motion related to the video in the first display area 31 can be added to the second display area 32. This helps to suppress the loss of information from the original video and the reduction in immersion in the video.

[0080] [Modification 4 of Embodiment 1] A display control device 10, etc., according to a modified example 2 of Embodiment 1 will be described. In modified example 4, an example in which a second display area 32 is also formed below the first display area 31 will be described.

[0081] The display control device 10 in the modified example 4 includes a control unit 15 and an information acquisition unit 12.

[0082] Figure 12 schematically shows the image i1 displayed in the first display area 31 and the blurred image i2 displayed in the second display area 32 of the modified example 4.

[0083] The configuration of the first display area 31 is substantially the same as that of Embodiment 1.

[0084] In the modified example 4, the control unit 15 displays the blurred image i2 in the second display area 32 located to the left, right, and below the first display area 31. By displaying the blurred image i2 in the second display area 32, which is different from the first display area 31, it is possible to suppress the loss of information from the original image and the reduction in immersion in the image.

[0085] The above example shows a second display area 32 formed below the first display area 31, but it is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 15 may display the blurred image i2 in the second display area 32 located to the left, right, and above the first display area 31. Alternatively, the control unit 15 may display the blurred image i2 in the second display area 32 located to the left, right, above, and below the first display area 31. In other words, the control unit 15 may display the blurred image i2 in the second display area 32 located around the first display area 31. By displaying the blurred image i2 in a second display area 32 different from the first display area 31 in this way, it is possible to suppress the loss of information from the original image and the reduction in immersion in the image.

[0086] (Embodiment 2) The configuration of the video display system 1A and the display control device 10A according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. In Embodiment 2, the display 20 is a transparent display, and an example will be described in which the interior of the vehicle 2 on the rear side of the second display area 32 can be seen through it.

[0087] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the display control device 10A and the display 20 included in the video display system 1A of Embodiment 2.

[0088] As shown in Figure 13, the video display system 1A includes a display control device 10A and a display 20. The video display system 1A also includes a detection device 50 that detects the conditions inside and outside the vehicle 2.

[0089] The display 20 of the second embodiment is, for example, a transparent display whose rear side is visible. The display 20 is installed between the front seat and the rear seat 5 of the vehicle 2. The display 20 is positioned vertically, with the display surface facing the rear seat 5 and the rear facing the front seat. The size of the display 20 is, for example, 40 inches or more and 60 inches or less.

[0090] The display control device 10A is a device that controls the display of the display 20 mounted on the vehicle 2. Figure 13 shows an example in which the display 20 and the display control device 10A are different components, but is not limited to this, and the display control device 10A may be incorporated into the housing of the display 20. Alternatively, the display control device 10A may be composed of a part of the vehicle 2's ECU.

[0091] The display control device 10A has a first mode and a second mode, which are examples of operating modes of the display control device 10A. The first mode is a mode in which the image is displayed in the maximum display area 30, which is the entire surface of the display 20, and the second mode is a mode in which the image is displayed in an area smaller than the maximum display area 30. The first mode and the second mode can be switched, for example, by a mode switching signal output from the ECU.

[0092] As shown in Figure 13, the display control device 10A includes a control unit 15 and an information acquisition unit 12.

[0093] The information acquisition unit 12 acquires video content transmitted via video streaming. The information acquisition unit 12 may also acquire video content from recording media such as DVDs, BDs (Blu-ray® Discs), or hard disks. Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 12 can acquire various types of information detected by the detection device 50. The information detected by the detection device 50 will be described later.

[0094] Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 12 acquires the mode switching signal output from the ECU and outputs the mode switching signal to the control unit 15. If a mode switching signal is transmitted from an external remote controller, the information acquisition unit 12 may acquire the mode switching signal transmitted from the remote controller and output the mode switching signal to the control unit 15.

[0095] The control unit 15 switches between the first mode and the second mode based on the mode switching signal described above. In this embodiment, in order to suppress motion sickness in the occupants, the image is displayed in an area smaller than the maximum display area 30. Embodiment 2 will also mainly describe the form of the second mode in which the image is displayed in an area smaller than the maximum display area 30.

[0096] Figure 14 shows an example of an image i1 displayed in the first display area 31 of the display 20 and a blurred image i2 displayed in the second display area 32.

[0097] As shown in Figure 14, the control unit 15 forms a first display area 31 and a second display area 32 on the display 20 and displays an image in the first display area 31 and the second display area 32, respectively. The configuration of the first display area 31 is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0098] The second display area 32 is a different area from the first display area 31. In this example, two second display areas 32 are formed on the display 20. The two second display areas 32 are located to the left and right of the first display area 31. The second display area 32 is a vertically elongated rectangle and is positioned adjacent to the first display area 31. The horizontal length of the second display area 32 is shorter than the horizontal length of the first display area 31, and the vertical length of the second display area 32 is the same as the vertical length of the first display area 31.

[0099] Furthermore, the control unit 15 does not form the second display area 32 above and below the first display area 31, but forms the second display area 32 in areas other than above and below the first display area 31. In Figure 14, the area below the first display area 31 and the area below the second display area 32 are non-display areas 39 where no image is displayed.

[0100] The control unit 15 of Embodiment 2 also displays the video i1 in the first display area 31 and displays a blurred video i2, in which a part of the video i1 is blurred, in the second display area 32. By displaying the video i1 in the first display area 31 and the blurred video i2, in which a part of the video i1 is blurred, in the second display area 32, motion related to the video in the first display area 31 can be added to the second display area 32. This makes it possible to suppress the loss of information in the original video and the decrease in the sense of immersion in the video.

[0101] Furthermore, the control unit 15 of the second embodiment displays the image i1 without making the first display area 31 transparent, and displays a blurred image i2 in the second display area 32 while making the second display area 32 transparent. By making the second display area 32 transparent, a person sitting in the rear seat 5 can see the interior of the vehicle 2 and the scenery outside the vehicle (not shown) through the blurred image i2 in the second display area 32.

[0102] For example, the control unit 15 changes the transparency of the second display area 32 by changing at least one of the contrast and brightness of the image displayed in the second display area 32. For example, the control unit 15 increases the transparency of the second display area 32 by lowering the contrast of the image compared to the original image, making the second display area 32 transparent. Alternatively, the control unit 15 increases the transparency of the second display area 32 by making the brightness of the image darker than the original image, making the second display area 32 transparent. By making the second display area 32 transparent in this way, it becomes possible to show the interior of the vehicle 2 on the rear side of the second display area 32 and the scenery outside the vehicle. This helps to suppress motion sickness in the occupants.

[0103] The control unit 15 may increase the transparency of the left second display area 32 and the right second display area 32 in the same uniform manner. Alternatively, the control unit 15 may increase the transparency of the left second display area 32 and the right second display area 32 in different ways. The control unit 15 may increase the transparency by a predetermined value, or it may increase the transparency so that it reaches a predetermined value.

[0104] Furthermore, the control unit 15 may change the transparency according to the image displayed in the second display area 32. The control unit 15 may also control the transparency to always be increased when an image is being displayed. The control unit 15 may also change the transparency depending on the duration of the image display.

[0105] Furthermore, the control unit 15 may change the target transparency according to the occupants of the vehicle 2. If there are multiple occupants, the control unit 15 may change the transparency to suit one of the occupants.

[0106] Furthermore, the control unit 15 may change the transparency based on environmental information inside and outside the vehicle 2. For example, the likelihood of experiencing motion sickness varies depending on the brightness inside and outside the vehicle 2, road conditions, the roughness of the vehicle 2's driving, the time of day (e.g., time elapsed since eating), and the smell inside the vehicle 2, so the control unit 15 may change the transparency based on this environmental information. This environmental information can be detected by a detection device 50 provided in the vehicle 2. Examples of the detection device 50 include a brightness sensor, an image sensor (camera), a vibration sensor, an acceleration sensor, a time sensor, a blood glucose sensor, and a gas sensor.

[0107] Furthermore, the control unit 15 may change the transparency based on information about the occupants of the vehicle 2. For example, the likelihood of experiencing motion sickness varies depending on the occupants' behavior in the vehicle 2, their sleep and stress levels, their age, their tolerance for motion sickness, and their posture (e.g., the angle of the seat tilt), so the control unit 15 may change the transparency based on this occupant information. This occupant information can be detected by a detection device 50 provided in the vehicle 2. Examples of the detection device 50 include an image sensor (camera), a biosensor, and a seat position sensor.

[0108] The environmental information and occupant information detected by the detection device 50 are output to the information acquisition unit 12. The control unit 15 acquires the environmental information and occupant information via the information acquisition unit 12 and controls the display on the display 20. In this way, by changing the transparency of the second display area 32, it is possible to show the interior of the vehicle 2 and the scenery outside the vehicle. This helps to suppress motion sickness in occupants.

[0109] (Embodiment 3) The configuration of the video display system 1B and display control device 10B according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figure 15. Embodiment 3 describes an example in which the display 20 is not a transparent display.

[0110] Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the display control device 10B and the display 20 included in the video display system 1B of Embodiment 3.

[0111] As shown in Figure 15, the video display system 1B includes a display control device 10B and a display 20.

[0112] Furthermore, the video display system 1B is equipped with a detection device 50 that detects the conditions outside the vehicle. The detection device 50 is an imaging device such as a camera and is installed in the vehicle 2.

[0113] The display 20 is, for example, a display whose back side cannot be seen through. The configuration of the display 20 is the same as that of the display 20 in Embodiment 1.

[0114] The control unit 15 of Embodiment 3 also displays the video i1 in the first display area 31 and displays a blurred video i2, in which a part of the video i1 is blurred, in the second display area 32. By displaying the video i1 in the first display area 31 and the blurred video i2, in which a part of the video i1 is blurred, in the second display area 32, motion related to the video in the first display area 31 can be added to the second display area 32. This makes it possible to suppress the loss of information in the original video and the decrease in the sense of immersion in the video.

[0115] Furthermore, the control unit 15 of Embodiment 3 overlays the external video detected by the detection device 50 onto the blurred video i2 and displays it in the second display area 32. By displaying the external video detected by the detection device 50 in the second display area 32 in this way, it becomes possible to show the inside of the vehicle 2 and the scenery outside the vehicle. This helps to suppress motion sickness in the occupants.

[0116] (summary) Examples of display control devices, etc., relating to one form of this disclosure are provided below.

[0117] The display control devices (10, 10A, and 10B) in Example 1 are display control devices that control the display of a display 20 mounted on a vehicle 2, and include a control unit 15 that controls the display in a first display area 31 on the display 20, which is smaller than the maximum display area 30 of the display 20, and in a second display area 32 on the display 20, which is a different area from the first display area 31. The control unit 15 displays an image i1 in the first display area 31 and displays a blurred image i2 in the second display area 32, which is a blurred version of the image i1.

[0118] In this way, by displaying the video i1 in the first display area 31, which is smaller than the maximum display area 30, it is possible to suppress the risk of motion sickness among the occupants. Furthermore, by displaying a blurred video i2, which is a blurred version of video i1, in the second display area 32, it is possible to represent the video related to the first display area 31 in the second display area 32. This suppresses the loss of information from the original video and reduces the sense of immersion in the video.

[0119] The display control device in Example 2 is the display control device described in Example 1, and the control unit 15 may cause the blurred image i2 to be displayed in the second display area 32 adjacent to the first display area 31.

[0120] In this way, by displaying the blurred image i2 in the second display area 32 adjacent to the first display area 31, the image related to the first display area 31 can be represented in the second display area 32 adjacent to the first display area 31. This suppresses the loss of information from the original image and the reduction in immersion in the image.

[0121] The display control device in Example 3 is the display control device described in Example 2, and the control unit 15 may display the blurred image i2 in the two second display areas 32 located to the left and right of the first display area 31.

[0122] In this way, by displaying the blurred image i2 in the two second display areas 32 located to the left and right of the first display area 31, the images related to the first display area 31 can be represented in the second display areas 32 on both the left and right sides of the first display area 31. This helps to suppress the loss of information from the original image and the reduction in immersion in the image.

[0123] The display control device in Example 4 is the display control device described in Example 2, and the control unit 15 may cause a blurred image i2 to be displayed in a second display area 32 located to the left or right of the first display area 31.

[0124] In this way, by displaying a blurred image i2 in a second display area 32 located to the left or right of the first display area 31, it is possible to suppress motion sickness in people sitting facing the second display area 32. Furthermore, for people sitting facing the first display area 31, it is possible to suppress the loss of information from the original image and the reduction in immersion in the image.

[0125] The display control device in Example 5 is the display control device described in any of Examples 1 to 4, and the control unit 15 does not need to form a second display area 32 above and below the first display area 31.

[0126] According to this, the movement of the gaze and head movements of a person sitting facing the first display area 31 can be reduced, thereby suppressing motion sickness in the occupants.

[0127] The display control device in Example 6 is a display control device described in any of Examples 2 to 4, wherein the control unit 15 may stretch the image i1 to be displayed in the first display area 31 to include the second display area 32 to generate a stretched image ie, and blur the image of the stretched image ie that overlaps with the second display area 32 to generate a blurred image i2.

[0128] According to this, a blurred image i2 can be easily generated and displayed in the second display area 32. This makes it possible to suppress the loss of information from the original image and the reduction in immersion in the image.

[0129] The display control device in Example 7 is a display control device described in any of Examples 2 to 4, and the control unit 15 may display the image in the first display area 31 with a blurred effect on the image in the adjacent area 31a of a predetermined width adjacent to the second display area 32.

[0130] In this way, by blurring the image of the adjacent area 31a, the boundary between the first display area 31 and the second display area 32 can be reduced, making the boundary less noticeable. By making the boundary less noticeable, discomfort is reduced, the viewer's gaze is less likely to be drawn to the boundary, and the likelihood of motion sickness can be reduced.

[0131] The display control device in Example 8 is the display control device described in any of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the display 20 is a transparent display that allows the back side of the display 20 to be seen through, and the control unit 15 may display a blurred image i2 in the second display area 32 while making the second display area 32 transparent.

[0132] In this way, by making the second display area 32 transparent, it becomes possible to show the interior of the vehicle 2 on the rear side of the second display area 32 and the scenery outside the vehicle. This helps to prevent the occupants from becoming carsick.

[0133] The display control device in Example 9 is the display control device described in Example 8, and the control unit 15 may change the transparency of the second display area 32 by changing at least one of the contrast and brightness of the image (e.g., blurred image i2) displayed in the second display area 32.

[0134] In this way, by changing the transparency of the second display area 32, it becomes possible to show the interior of the vehicle 2 and the scenery outside the vehicle on the rear side of the second display area 32. This helps to prevent the occupants from becoming carsick.

[0135] The display control device in Example 10 is a display control device described in any of Examples 1 to 7, and the control unit 15 may superimpose the image of the outside of the vehicle detected by the detection device 50 onto the blurred image i2 and display it in the second display area 32.

[0136] In this way, by superimposing the external image onto the blurred image i2 and displaying it in the second display area 32, it becomes possible to show the interior of the vehicle 2 on the rear side of the second display area 32, as well as the scenery outside the vehicle. This helps to prevent the occupants from becoming carsick.

[0137] The video display system of Example 11 (1, 1A, and 1B) comprises a display 20 mounted on the vehicle 2 and a display control device described in any of Examples 1 to 10.

[0138] This makes it possible to provide a video display system that can suppress motion sickness among passengers, and that can suppress the loss of information from the original video and the reduction in immersion in the video.

[0139] The display control method in Example 12 is a display control method for controlling the display of a display 20 mounted on a vehicle 2, wherein when displaying in a first display area 31 on the display 20 which is smaller than the maximum display area 30 of the display 20, and in a second display area 32 on the display 20 which is a different area from the first display area 31, an image i1 is displayed in the first display area 31, and a blurred image i2, in which a part of the image i1 is blurred, is displayed in the second display area 32.

[0140] In this way, by displaying the video i1 in the first display area 31, which is smaller than the maximum display area 30, it is possible to suppress the risk of motion sickness among the occupants. Furthermore, by displaying a blurred video i2, which is a blurred version of video i1, in the second display area 32, it is possible to represent the video related to the first display area 31 in the second display area 32. This suppresses the loss of information from the original video and reduces the sense of immersion in the video.

[0141] (Other forms) Although a display control device relating to one or more embodiments has been described above based on the above embodiments, this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications to the above embodiments that a person skilled in the art can conceive of may also be included within the scope of this disclosure, as long as they do not depart from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0142] In Embodiment 2, an example was shown where the area below the first display area 31 and the area below the second display area 32 are non-display areas 39 where no image is displayed, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The control unit 15 may also allow the non-display areas 39 shown in Figure 14 to be transparent without displaying an image.

[0143] For example, in the above embodiment, each component of the processing unit provided by the display control device may be implemented by dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0144] Furthermore, the processing unit of the display control device may be implemented as a single processor together with the ECU, etc.

[0145] The following cases are also included in this disclosure.

[0146] (1) The at least one device described above is specifically a computer system consisting of a microprocessor, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk unit, a display unit, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM or hard disk unit. The at least one device described above achieves its function by operating the microprocessor in accordance with the computer program. Here, the computer program is composed of a combination of multiple instruction codes that indicate commands to the computer in order to achieve a predetermined function.

[0147] (2) Some or all of the components constituting at least one of the above-described devices may be made up of a single system LSI (Large Scale Integration). The system LSI is a multi-functional LSI manufactured by integrating multiple components onto a single chip, and specifically, it is a computer system comprising a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The RAM stores a computer program. The system LSI achieves its function by operating the microprocessor in accordance with the computer program.

[0148] (3) Some or all of the components constituting at least one of the above-described devices may consist of an IC card or a standalone module that is detachable from the device. The IC card or module is a computer system consisting of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The IC card or module may include the above-described multi-function LSI. The IC card or module achieves its function by the operation of the microprocessor in accordance with a computer program. The IC card or module may be tamper-resistant.

[0149] (4) The disclosure may also be the methods described above. Alternatively, it may be a computer program that implements these methods using a computer, or a digital signal consisting of a computer program.

[0150] Furthermore, this disclosure may also refer to computer programs or digital signals recorded on computer-readable non-temporary recording media, such as flexible disks, hard disks, CD (Compact Disc)-ROMs, DVDs, DVD-ROMs, DVD-RAMs, BDs (Blu-ray® Discs), semiconductor memory, etc. Alternatively, it may refer to digital signals recorded on these recording media.

[0151] Furthermore, this disclosure may also include the transmission of computer programs or digital signals via telecommunications lines, wireless or wired communication lines, networks such as the Internet, data broadcasting, etc.

[0152] Furthermore, the program or digital signal may be implemented by another independent computer system by recording and transferring it on a recording medium, or by transferring the program or digital signal via a network or the like. [Industrial applicability]

[0153] This disclosure can be used in RSE (Rear Seat Entertainment) systems and the like as a display control device that controls the display on a vehicle-mounted display. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0154] 1, 1A, 1B Video Display System 2 vehicles 5. Rear seats 10, 10A, 10B Display Control Device 12 Information acquisition department 15 Control Unit 20 displays 30 maximum display area 31 1st display area 31a Adjacent region 32 2nd display area 39 Hidden area 50 Detection device i1 video i2 blurred video IE stretched video

Claims

1. A display control device that controls the display on a display mounted in a vehicle, The system includes a control unit that controls the display in a first display area on the display, which is smaller than the maximum display area of ​​the display, and in a second display area on the display, which is different from the first display area. The control unit displays an image in the first display area and also displays a blurred image in the second display area, which is an image with a portion of it blurred. Display control device.

2. The control unit causes the blurred image to be displayed in the second display area adjacent to the first display area. The display control device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit causes the blurred image to be displayed in the two second display areas located to the left and right of the first display area. The display control device according to claim 2.

4. The control unit causes the blurred image to be displayed in one of the second display areas located to the left or right of the first display area. The display control device according to claim 2.

5. The control unit does not form the second display area above and below the first display area. A display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The control unit stretches the image to be displayed in the first display area to include the second display area to generate a stretched image, and then blurs the area of ​​the stretched image that overlaps with the second display area to generate a blurred image. A display control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

7. The control unit displays the image in the first display area with a blurred effect on the image in the adjacent area of ​​a predetermined width adjacent to the second display area. A display control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

8. The display is a transparent display that allows the back side of the display to be seen through, The control unit displays the blurred image in the second display area while making the second display area transparent. A display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. The control unit changes the transparency of the second display area by changing at least one of the contrast and brightness of the image displayed in the second display area. The display control device according to claim 8.

10. The control unit overlays the external image detected by the detection device onto the blurred image and displays it in the second display area. A display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

11. A display mounted on the aforementioned vehicle, A display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A video display system equipped with the following features.

12. A display control method for controlling the display on a display mounted in a vehicle, When displaying in a first display area on the display, which is smaller than the maximum display area of ​​the display, and in a second display area on the display, which is different from the first display area, the image is displayed in the first display area, and a blurred image, in which a part of the image is blurred, is displayed in the second display area. Display control method.

Images