Display device and display method

Abstract

Allows zooming in and out while maintaining the aspect ratio of the displayed content. [Solution] This display device is a display device equipped with a sheet-shaped display section. In a first direction, this display device reduces the exposed area of ​​the display section by winding it up and expands the exposed area by pulling out the display section. In a second direction different from the first direction, this display device reduces the exposed area by storing the display section in a storage section and expands the exposed area by exposing the display section from the storage section.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the expansion of the uses of vehicle information displays, the information displayed has also become diverse. A display device capable of changing the display area according to the displayed information has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] <​​​​​​​​​​​One aspect of the disclosed technology is illustrated by the following display device: The display device comprises a sheet-like display unit. In a first direction, the display device reduces the exposed area of ​​the display unit by winding it up and expands the exposed area by extending the display unit. In a second direction different from the first direction, the display device reduces the exposed area by storing the display unit in a storage unit and expands the exposed area by exposing the display unit from the storage unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the disclosed technology, it will be possible to enlarge and reduce the displayed content while maintaining its aspect ratio. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the display device according to the embodiment, with the display unit extended and the display unit retracted. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the display device according to the embodiment, in which the display unit, support column, and storage column are stored in the storage base and pulled out from the storage base. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a drive mechanism in a display device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a management table according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a processing flow diagram showing an example of the process of expanding and contracting the exposed area by the control unit. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a car navigation system display. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a display where the information shown on the display unit switches between air conditioning settings and video content. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of how video content is displayed. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a drive mechanism according to the first modified example. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of an aspect ratio management table related to the second modified example. [Figure 12] Figure 12 illustrates the margin area in the second modified example. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of a display device according to the third modified example. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows an example of a drive mechanism for a display device. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of how the display device is used. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] <Embodiment> Figure 1 shows an example of a display device 1 according to this embodiment. The display device 1 according to this embodiment is a display installed on the dashboard 2 of an automobile. The display device 1 comprises a display unit 11, a support column 12, a storage column 13, and a storage base 14. The display unit 11 is a flexible sheet-like display unit, such as a flexible organic EL display. The support column 12 supports one end of the display unit 11 in the longitudinal direction. The storage column 13 rolls up and stores the display unit 11. An opening 141 is formed in the storage base 14. The storage base 14 stores the display unit 11, the support column 12, and the storage column 13 inside the dashboard 2 through the opening 141. The display device 1 is a display device in which the exposed area 111 of the display unit 11 that is pulled out from the storage column 13 and the storage base 14 is used as the information display area. Since the display device 1 comprises a flexible sheet-like display unit 11, it can be called a flexible display device. The storage base 14 is an example of a "storage unit".

[0010] The display unit 11 is rectangular, with a support column 12 connected to one end side in the longitudinal direction and a storage column 13 connected to the other end side. Also, the display unit 11 may be an input / output device with a touch panel laminated thereon. The support column 12 and the storage column 13 each have a cylindrical housing. The storage column 13 can wind up the display unit 11 around an axis (not shown) formed at the central portion of its cross-section. That is, a slit along the axial direction is formed on the side surface of the housing of the storage column 13, and the display unit 11 is pulled out from the slit or wound into the slit.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the display unit 11 is pulled out and a state in which the display unit 11 is wound up in the display device 1 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 2, illustration of a drive mechanism for pulling out and winding up the display unit 11, which is disposed below the storage base 14 (inside the dashboard 2), is omitted.

[0012] In (1) shown in the upper part of FIG. 2, an example of a state in which the display unit 11 is completely wound up in the slit formed on the axial surface of the storage column 13 is shown. In (1) of FIG. 2, since the display unit 11 is completely wound up, the lateral length of the exposed area 111 is minimized. In (3) shown in the lower part of FIG. 2, an example of a state in which the display unit 11 is completely pulled out from the slit formed on the axial surface of the storage column 13 is shown. In the state of (3) of FIG. 2, since the display unit 11 is completely pulled out, the lateral length of the exposed area 111 is maximized. Also, in (2) shown in the middle part of FIG. 2, a state intermediate between (1) and (3) of FIG. 2 is shown. That is, in (2) of FIG. 2, an example of a state in which the display unit 11 is pulled out to the middle part from the slit formed on the axial surface of the storage column 13 is shown. In the display device 1, as exemplified in FIG. 2, by pulling out from and winding up into the slit of the storage column 13, the exposed area 111 can be enlarged and reduced in the lateral direction exemplified by arrow A1.

[0013] FIG. 3 is the display unit 11, the support column 12, and the storage column 13 in the display device 1 according to the embodiment It is a diagram showing an example of the state where it is stored in the storage table 14 and the state where it is pulled out from the storage table 14. In FIG. 3, among the display unit 11, the support column 12, and the storage column 13, the parts stored in the storage table 14 are illustrated by dotted lines. Also, in FIG. 3, illustration of the drive mechanism that pulls out from the storage table 14 and stores in the storage table 14, which is arranged below the storage table 14 (inside the dashboard 2), is omitted.

[0014] In (1) shown in the upper part of FIG. 3, a state where the display unit 11, the support column 12, and the storage column 13 are completely stored in the storage table 14 is illustrated. In the state of (1) in FIG. 3, since the display unit 11 is completely stored in the storage table 14, the exposed area 111 no longer exists. In (3) shown in the lower part of FIG. 3, a state where the display unit 11, the support column 12, and the storage column 13 are completely pulled out from the storage table 14 is illustrated. In the state of (3) in FIG. 3, since the display unit 11 is completely pulled out from the storage table 14, the vertical length of the exposed area 111 becomes maximum. Also, in (2) shown in the middle part of FIG. 3, a state intermediate between (1) and (3) in FIG. 3 is shown. That is, in (2) of FIG. 3, a state where the display unit 11, the support column 12, and the storage column 13 are pulled out to the middle part from the storage table 14 is illustrated. In the display device 1, as illustrated in FIG. 3, by pulling out from the storage table 14 and storing in the storage table 14, the display area of the display unit 11 can be enlarged and reduced in the vertical direction illustrated by the arrow A2. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the display device 1 can enlarge and reduce the exposed area 111 in each of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The horizontal direction is an example of the "first direction". The vertical direction is an example of the "second direction".

[0015] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the drive mechanism 15 included in the display device 1. The drive mechanism 15 is a mechanism that enlarges and reduces the exposed area 111 in each of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The drive mechanism 15 includes a guide member 151, a motor 152, a gear 153, a guide member 154, a motor 156, a gear 157, and a controller 158. The control unit 16 is connected to the motor 152, the motor 156, and the controller 158 via control lines.

[0016] The guide member 151 is a columnar member provided to support the support column 12 from below. The guide member 151 is positioned to extend the support column 12 downwards. The guide member 151 may be integrated with the support column 12 or it may be a separate component. Teeth are formed on the side surface of the guide member 151, for example, to mesh with the gear 153.

[0017] The motor 152 is driven in response to instructions from the control unit 16. A gear 153 is provided on the output shaft of the motor 152. When the motor 152 is driven, its power is transmitted to the guide member 151 via the gear 153, and the guide member 151 moves in the vertical direction as illustrated by arrow A2. The vertical movement of the guide member 151 enables the display unit 11, the support column 12, and the storage column 13 to be pulled out from and stored back into the storage base 14.

[0018] The guide member 154 is a columnar member provided to support the storage column 13 from below. The guide member 154 is positioned to extend the storage column 13 downwards. The guide member 154 may be integrated with the storage column 13 or it may be a separate component.

[0019] Guide member 155 is provided below the display unit 11, extending laterally as illustrated by arrow A1. Guide member 155 holds guide member 154 so that guide member 154 can slide vertically. As a result, guide members 154 and 155 do not obstruct the vertical movement of guide member 151. Teeth are also formed on the side surface of guide member 155, for example, to mesh with gear 157.

[0020] The motor 156 is driven according to instructions from the control unit 16. A gear 157 is provided on the output shaft of the motor 156. When the motor 156 is driven, its power is transmitted through the gear 157. The motor 156 transmits power to the guide member 155, which moves laterally along arrow A1. As the guide member 155 moves laterally, the guide member 154 and the storage column 13 also move laterally. Inside the storage column 13, there is a winding section, for example, through a slit to which one end is wound around the display unit 11. The winding section is biased by the elastic force of a spring to wind the display unit 11 around the winding section. When the motor 156 moves the storage column 13 in the direction of arrow A3 in Figure 4, the display unit 11 is pulled out from the winding section against the elastic force of the spring. Also, when the motor 156 moves the storage column 13 in the direction of arrow A4 in Figure 4, the display unit 11 is wound around the winding section by the elastic force of the spring. In other words, as the storage column 13 moves, the display unit 11 is extended from the storage column 13 and wound around the storage column 13.

[0021] The control unit 16 is, for example, a processor provided in the in-vehicle device. The control unit 16 operates the drive mechanism 15 according to the content of the information to be displayed on the display unit 11. That is, by operating the drive mechanism 15, the size of the exposed area 111, into which the display unit 11 is pulled out from the storage column 13, is changed. In this way, the exposed area 111 can be made smaller according to the content of the information to be displayed on the display unit 11, thereby expanding the space inside the vehicle and reducing discomfort caused by the installation of the display. The information is controlled to be displayed in the exposed area 111 of the display unit 11. The control unit 16 may operate in cooperation with a processor that outputs a video signal to the display unit 11. The control unit 16 may also serve as a processor that outputs a video signal to the display unit 11. The control unit 16 may also be a microcontroller with built-in memory. The control unit 16 may also be connected to a storage device (not shown).

[0022] The controller 158 is a means for receiving user instructions regarding the enlargement and reduction of the display unit 11. The controller 158 can be implemented, for example, by a physical switch, joystick, motion sensor, etc. The controller 158 may also be, for example, a touch panel superimposed on the display unit 11. The controller 158 receives instructions, for example, for vertical enlargement and reduction of the display unit 11 and horizontal enlargement and reduction of the display unit 11. The control unit 16 may drive the drive mechanism 15 to enlarge and reduce the display unit 11 vertically and horizontally in accordance with the instructions received by the controller 158.

[0023] Figure 5 shows an example of a management table 161 according to the embodiment. The management table 161 may be pre-stored in the memory provided by the control unit 16, or it may be pre-stored in a storage device (not shown) that is accessible to the control unit 16.

[0024] The management table 161 has the following attributes: "Record Number," "Display Information 1," "Size 1," "Display Information 2," "Size 2," and "Layout." The "Record Number" field stores identification information that uniquely identifies each record. The "Display Information 1" and "Size 1" fields store a combination of the information to be displayed on the display unit 11 and values ​​indicating the width and height of the area where that information is displayed. The "Display Information 2" and "Size 2" fields store a combination of the second piece of information when two pieces of information are displayed on the display unit 11 and values ​​indicating the width and height of the area where that second piece of information is displayed. Here, the "Size 1" and "Size 2" fields store, for example, a size that provides a preferred aspect ratio for the respective associated information. The "Layout" field stores information indicating whether "Display Information 1" and "Display Information 2" are arranged side by side, above and below, or side by side, or vertically. For example, if "Horizontal" is stored in the "Layout" field, the information for "Display Information 1" is arranged on the left and the information for "Display Information 2" is arranged on the right. Furthermore, for example, if "Up / Down" is stored in the "Layout" field, the information from "Display Information 1" will be placed on the top and the information from "Display Information 2" will be placed on the bottom.

[0025] The coordinates indicating the position of the right edge of the exposure area 111 can be determined from the width values ​​of the "Size 1" and "Size 2" fields and the information in the "Placement" field. In this embodiment, the display unit 11 expands and contracts the exposure area 111 in the vertical and horizontal directions by the drive mechanism 15. Therefore, for example, when "Placement" is horizontal, the position of the right edge of the exposure area 111 is determined by the sum of the width values ​​of the "Size 1" and "Size 2" fields. Also, for example, the position of the upper edge of the exposure area 111 is determined by the larger of the height values ​​of the "Size 1" and "Size 2" fields.

[0026] For example, taking record number 2 as an example, in record number 2, "Display Information 1" is "Enlarged Intersection View," "Display Information 2" is "Map Information," and "Layout" is "Horizontal." Therefore, in record number 2, the "Enlarged Intersection View" and "Map Information" are displayed side by side horizontally. The "Size 1" of the "Enlarged Intersection View" is "800 x 800," and the "Size 2" of the "Map Information" is "1600 x 900." Therefore, the position of the right edge of the exposure area 111 is the sum of the width of "Size 1" (800) and the width of "Size 2" (1600), resulting in "2400." Also, the position of the upper edge of the exposure area 111 is the larger of the heights of "Size 1" (800) and "Size 2" (900), which is "900."

[0027] The above example describes the case where "Display Information 1" and "Display Information 2" are displayed side by side horizontally, but the same considerations apply when "Display Information 1" and "Display Information 2" are displayed side by side vertically. In such a case, the position of the right edge of the exposure area 111 can be determined by the larger of the two values ​​indicating the width of the "Size 1" and "Size 2" fields. Also, for example, the position of the upper edge of the exposure area 111 can be determined by the sum of the values ​​indicating the height of the "Size 1" and "Size 2" fields.

[0028] Note that management table 161 is just one example of a database; information may be stored in multiple tables by normalizing it as appropriate, or it may be stored in a single table by denormalizing it. Furthermore, it may be possible to display three or more pieces of information. The information shown in Figure 5 may be predetermined or it may be user-configurable.

[0029] The control unit 16 may, for example, enlarge or reduce the display unit 11 by driving the drive mechanism 15 according to the information that is instructed to be displayed. The drive mechanism 15 will be explained using the example of the case where the information that is instructed to be displayed is an enlarged view of an intersection and map information. The record corresponding to the display of the enlarged view of an intersection and map information is record number 2 in the management table 161. In record number 2, the width specified in "Size 1" of the enlarged view of the intersection is "800", and the width specified in "Size 2" of the map information is "1600". In addition, "Horizontal" is stored in "Layout" in record number 2. Therefore, "2400", which is the sum of the width specified in "Size 1" of the enlarged view of the intersection ("800") and the width specified in "Size 2" of the map information ("1600"), is set as the horizontal area of ​​the display unit 11. The control unit 16 drives the motor 156 of the drive mechanism 15 so that "2400" is secured as the width of the exposed area 111.

[0030] Furthermore, in record number 2 of management table 161, the height specified in "Size 1" of the intersection enlargement diagram is "800", and the height specified in "Size 2" of the map information is "900". Therefore, the vertical area of ​​the exposed area 111 is set to "900", which is the larger of the height specified in "Size 1" of the intersection enlargement diagram ("800") and the height specified in "Size 2" of the map information ("900"). The control unit 16 determines that "900" is exposed. The motor 152 of the drive mechanism 15 is driven so that the height of the output region 111 is maintained.

[0031] Thus, the control unit 16 may refer to the management table 161 and drive the drive mechanism 15 so that the size of the exposure area 111 is secured according to the specified information. Furthermore, if the controller 158 enlarges or reduces the exposure area 111 while information is displayed in the exposure area 111, the control unit 16 may enlarge or reduce the information displayed in the exposure area 111 so that the entire information is displayed in the exposure area 111 in accordance with the enlargement or reduction of the exposure area 111.

[0032] Figure 6 is a processing flow diagram showing an example of the expansion and contraction of the exposure area 111 by the control unit 16. The following description will explain an example of the expansion and contraction of the exposure area 111 by the control unit 16 with reference to Figure 6.

[0033] In step S1, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the information to be displayed on the display unit 11 is changed. If it is changed (YES in step S1), the process proceeds to step S2. If it is not changed (NO in step S1), the process in step S1 is repeated.

[0034] In step S2, the control unit 16 drives the drive mechanism 15 to change the vertical size of the exposure area 111 of the display unit 11. In step S3, the control unit 16 drives the drive mechanism 15 to change the horizontal size of the exposure area 111 of the display unit 11. In steps S2 and S3, the control unit 16 operates the drive mechanism 15 to change the exposure area 111 to a preset size, for example, based on the management table 161. Furthermore, even after the completion of steps S2 and S3, the process shown in Figure 6 is repeatedly executed while the display device 1 is operating. The process in step S2 is an example of the "second scaling step". The process in step S3 is an example of the "first scaling step". Note that the order of the processes in steps S2 and S3 may be reversed.

[0035] Based on the settings shown in the management table 161, the exposure area 111 is changed within a range corresponding to the information to be displayed on the display unit 11, thereby ensuring that the appropriate size of the exposure area 111 for displaying the information is maintained.

[0036] Figure 7 shows an example of a car navigation system display. In (1) shown in the upper part of Figure 7, only map information is displayed in the exposed area 111. At this time, the control unit 16 obtains the size of the area where the map information set in record number 1 of the management table 161 is displayed. Then, the control unit 16 determines the size of the exposed area 111 based on the size obtained from the management table 161.

[0037] Furthermore, for example, when a vehicle approaches an intersection and the car navigation system displays an enlarged view of the intersection in the exposure area 111, the control unit 16 determines in step S1 of Figure 6 that the information to be displayed on the display unit 11 will change. The control unit 16 then obtains the size of the area where the enlarged view of the intersection is displayed, the size of the area where the map information is displayed, and the arrangement of this information, which are set in record number 2 of the management table 161. The control unit 16 then determines the size of the exposure area 111 according to the obtained size and arrangement.

[0038] In (2) shown in the lower part of Figure 7, the exposed area 111 of the display unit 11 is expanded to the right, and the enlarged intersection diagram is displayed on the left side of the exposed area 111 at a predetermined size. At this time, the size of the map information displayed on the right side of the exposed area 111 remains unchanged from the state before the exposed area 111 was expanded (state in (1) of Figure 7). In this way, the enlarged intersection diagram can be displayed in the exposed area 111 without reducing the visibility of the map information.

[0039] Figure 8 shows an example of a display where the information displayed on the display unit 11 is switched between air conditioning settings and video content. In (1) shown in the upper part of Figure 8, only the air conditioning settings are displayed on the display unit 11. At this time, the control unit 16 obtains the size of the area where the air conditioning settings set in record number 8 of the management table 161 are displayed. Then, the control unit 16 determines the size of the exposed area 111 of the display unit 11 based on the size obtained from the management table 161.

[0040] Furthermore, when the information displayed on the display unit 11 is switched to video content based on user instructions or other factors, the control unit 16 determines in step S1 of Figure 6 that the information displayed on the display unit 11 has changed. The control unit 16 then obtains the size of the area where the video content set in record number 3 of the management table 161 is displayed. The control unit 16 then determines the size of the exposed area 111 of the display unit 11 according to the obtained size.

[0041] In (2) shown in the lower part of Figure 8, the exposure area 111 of the display unit 11 is expanded to the right and top, and video content is displayed on the display unit 11 at a predetermined size. In this way, when the air conditioning settings are displayed on the display unit 11, the exposure area 111 is set to be smaller in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Also, when video content is displayed on the display unit 11, the exposure area 111 is expanded to a size that allows the video content to be displayed at a predetermined size and aspect ratio. Therefore, the exposure area 111 can be adjusted to a suitable size for both the air conditioning settings and the video content. Furthermore, since the size of the exposure area 111 is adjusted according to the size stored in the management table 161, when video content is displayed on the display unit 11, the exposure area 111 is adjusted to a size and aspect ratio suitable for the video content.

[0042] Figure 9 shows an example of video content display. In (1) shown in the upper part of Figure 9, only video content is displayed in the exposure area 111. At this time, the control unit 16 obtains the size of the area where the video content set in record number 3 of the management table 161 is displayed. Then, the control unit 16 determines the size of the exposure area 111 based on the size obtained from the management table 161.

[0043] For example, if the user instructs the display of subtitles, and both the video content and subtitles are displayed in the exposure area 111, in step S1 of Figure 6, the control unit 16 determines that the information to be displayed in the exposure area 111 is changed. The control unit 16 then obtains the size of the area where the video content is displayed, the size of the area where the subtitles are displayed, and the arrangement of this information, which are set in record number 6 of the management table 161. The control unit 16 then determines the size of the exposure area 111 according to the obtained size and arrangement.

[0044] In (2) shown in the lower part of Figure 9, the exposure area 111 of the display unit 11 is expanded upwards, and the video content is displayed at a predetermined size above the exposure area 111. At this time, the size of the video content displayed above the exposure area 111 remains unchanged from the state before the exposure area 111 was expanded (state in (1) of Figure 9). The subtitles are positioned below the video content, so as not to overlap with the video content. In this way, the video content and subtitles can be displayed simultaneously without reducing the visibility of the video content.

[0045] <Effects of the Embodiment> According to this embodiment, the exposed area 111 is expanded and contracted horizontally by winding the display unit 11 onto the storage column 13 and pulling it out from the storage column 13. Furthermore, the exposed area 111 is expanded and contracted vertically by storing the display unit 11, support column 12, and storage column 13 into the storage base 14 and pulling them out from the storage base 14. In other words, the exposed area 111 is expandable and contracted both horizontally and vertically. Therefore, according to this embodiment, by adjusting the amount of enlargement and reduction in the vertical and horizontal directions, it is possible to enlarge and reduce the exposure area 111 while maintaining the aspect ratio of the various information displayed on the display unit 11.

[0046] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the exposure area 111 is enlarged or reduced to a size corresponding to the information to be displayed, based on the management table 161. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the size of the exposure area 111 is adjusted to a size suitable for the information to be displayed.

[0047] <First variation> In the embodiments described above, the exposed area 111 of the display unit 11 is enlarged and reduced in both the vertical and horizontal directions. In the first modified example, a configuration is described in which the exposed area 111 of the display unit 11 is enlarged and reduced in both the vertical and horizontal directions while maintaining the aspect ratio. Components common to the embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted. The first modified example will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0048] Figure 10 shows an example of a drive mechanism 15A according to the first modified example. The drive mechanism 15 according to the embodiment is equipped with two motors, motor 152 and motor 156, but the drive mechanism 15A according to the first modified example is equipped with one motor, motor 156A.

[0049] The output shaft of the motor 156A is equipped with two gears, gear 157A and gear 157B. The ratio of the number of teeth of gear 157A to gear 157B is 16:9. Gear 157A is positioned to mesh with the teeth formed on the side surface of the guide member 155. Gear 157B is positioned to mesh with the teeth of allied gear 153A. Allied gear 153A is positioned to mesh with both the teeth of gear 157B and the teeth formed on the side surface of the guide member 151.

[0050] When the motor 156A is driven with gears 157A, 157B, and 153A arranged in this manner, the power is transmitted to the guide member 155 via gear 157A, and also to the guide member 151 via gears 157B and 153A. In other words, both the guide member 155 and the guide member 151 are driven by a single motor 156A.

[0051] Here, the ratio of the number of teeth of gear 157A and gear 157B is 16:9. Therefore, the speed ratio of guide member 155 and guide member 151 driven by motor 156A is 16:9. As a result, if the aspect ratio of the exposure area of ​​the display unit 11 is set to 16:9 in its initial state, the 16:9 aspect ratio will be maintained even if the exposure area of ​​the display unit 11 is enlarged or reduced.

[0052] According to the first modification, when expanding and contracting the exposure area 111, the aspect ratio of the information displayed in the exposure area 111 is automatically maintained without the need to consciously maintain that aspect ratio. In the first modification, the expansion and contraction of the exposure area 111 while maintaining the aspect ratio was achieved by driving gears 157A and 157B with different numbers of teeth using motor 156A, but the expansion and contraction of the exposure area 111 while maintaining the aspect ratio may be achieved by other methods. For example, the control unit 16 can control the rotational speeds of motors 152 and 156 so that they are driven at a speed that maintains the aspect ratio of the exposure area 111. The rotational speeds of motors 152 and 156 can be determined, for example, based on the desired aspect ratio, the number of teeth of gear 153, and the number of teeth of gear 157.

[0053] <Second variation> In the embodiments described above, the size of the displayed information is determined by the management table 161. The second modified example describes a configuration in which the aspect ratio is set according to the information displayed on the display unit 11. Components common to the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted. The second modified example will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0054] Figure 11 shows an example of an aspect ratio management table 162 according to the second modified example. The aspect ratio management table 162 may be pre-stored in the memory provided by the control unit 16, or it may be pre-stored in a storage device (not shown) that is accessible to the control unit 16.

[0055] When the control unit 16 receives an enlargement or reduction operation for the exposure area 111, for example via the controller 158, it obtains an aspect ratio from the aspect ratio management table 162 corresponding to the information displayed in the exposure area 111. For example, if the information displayed in the exposure area 111 is video content, the control unit 16 refers to record number 3 in the aspect ratio management table 162 and obtains an aspect ratio of "16:9". In response to the enlargement or reduction instruction, the control unit 16 drives motors 152 and 156, respectively, so that the obtained aspect ratio is maintained.

[0056] If the exposure area 111 continues to expand while maintaining the aspect ratio, blank areas may appear in the exposure area 111 where no information is displayed. In such cases, the control unit 16 may display a single color (for example, black) in the blank area.

[0057] Figure 12 illustrates the margin area in the second modified example. In (1) shown in the upper part of Figure 12, the video content is displayed with an aspect ratio of "16:9" as defined in the aspect ratio management table 162. In the state of (1) in Figure 12, the exposure area 111 is assumed to be expanded to its maximum extent in the horizontal direction.

[0058] In (2), shown in the lower part of Figure 12, a state is illustrated in which the exposure area 111 is further expanded upward from the state in (1) of Figure 12. If the exposure area 111 is expanded upward in this way, and the video content is further expanded vertically, the aspect ratio of the video content will no longer be maintained at "16:9". Therefore, the control unit 16 expands the exposure area 111 upward while maintaining the aspect ratio of the video content. As a result, a blank area 112 is created in the exposure area 111 where the video content is not displayed. The control unit 16 may, for example, display a single color, such as black, in the blank area 112. Through this process, the display position of the video content can be changed upward while maintaining the aspect ratio of the video content. Although Figure 12 explained the case where the content is expanded upward after being expanded to its maximum extent horizontally, the same applies to the case where the content is expanded horizontally after being expanded to its maximum extent vertically.

[0059] According to the second modified example, even when an enlargement or reduction instruction is received, the aspect ratio of the information displayed in the exposure area 111 can be maintained at a predetermined aspect ratio defined in the aspect ratio management table 162.

[0060] According to the second modification, the aspect ratio of the video content is maintained even when the exposure area 111 is expanded to its maximum extent in one of the vertical and horizontal directions, and then further expanded in the other direction.

[0061] <Third variation> In the embodiments described above, the exposure area 111 was expanded and contracted in both the vertical and horizontal directions. In the third modified example, a configuration in which the exposure area 111 is expanded and contracted only in the vertical direction will be described. Components common to the embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. The explanation for the attached section is omitted. The third modified example will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0062] Figure 13 shows an example of a display device 1A according to the third modified example. The display device 1A is installed, for example, so as to be suspended from the ceiling 3 of the vehicle 100. The display device 1A is installed behind the front seats 4 and in front of the rear seats 5. The display device 1A is positioned so that the exposed area 111 on which information is displayed faces backward. In other words, the display device 1A displays information to an occupant seated in the rear seats 5.

[0063] The display device 1A comprises a display unit 11, a support column 12, a storage column 13A, a storage base 14, and a drive mechanism 15B. In the display device 1A, for example, the drive mechanism 15B is mounted on the ceiling 3. The display unit 11 is positioned so that its longitudinal direction aligns with the height direction of the vehicle 100. A storage column 13A is provided on the upper end side of the display unit 11, and a support column 12 is provided on the lower end side of the display unit 11. The drive mechanism 15B drives the storage column 13A to enable the retraction and extension of the display unit 11 by the storage column 13A.

[0064] Figure 14 shows an example of the drive mechanism 15B of the display device 1A. The drive mechanism 15B comprises a motor 156B and a belt 159. The motor 156B is driven in response to instructions from the control unit 16. A winding unit 131 for winding up the display unit 11 is provided on the storage column 13A. A belt 159 is provided between the output shaft of the motor 156B and the winding unit 131 so that the winding unit 131 rotates as the output shaft of the motor 156B rotates. When the motor 156B is driven, the winding unit 131 rotates, winding the display unit 11 onto the winding unit 131 and unwinding the display unit 11 from the winding unit 131. The display device 1A is installed so that the display unit 11 is suspended from the ceiling 3. Therefore, the display unit 11 expands and contracts vertically in response to the unwinding of the display unit 11 from the storage column 13 and the winding of the display unit 11 onto the storage column 13.

[0065] Figure 15 shows an example of how the display device 1A is used. In the display device 1A, the display unit 11 is enlarged and reduced vertically, so the height at which information is displayed can be changed according to the viewer's eye level. Figure 15 (1) shows an example where an adult H1 is seated in the rear seat 5. In the display device 1A, for example, the display unit 11 is pulled out from the storage column 13A in response to an instruction from adult H1. In Figure 15 (1), for example, the display unit 11 is pulled out to a height suitable for viewing by adult H1. And, for example, in Figure 15 (1), it is assumed that information is displayed across the entire exposed area 111. That is, it is assumed that the display area 111A on which the information is displayed and the exposed area 111 are the same.

[0066] Figure 15, lower section (2), illustrates the case where a child H2 is seated in the rear seat 5. Since child H2 is shorter than adult H1, if the information displayed in the exposed area 111 is at the same height as adult H1, it will be difficult for child H2 to view. In the display device 1A, for example, in response to an instruction from child H2, the display unit 11 is further extended from the state in Figure 15 (1). Then, the display area 111A is positioned below the exposed area 111. That is, in Figure 15 (2), the position of the display area 111A is lower than in Figure 15 (1). Therefore, in the state illustrated in Figure 15 (2), it becomes easier for child H2, who is shorter than adult H1, to view the information displayed in the display area 111A.

[0067] The display device 1A according to the third modified example can display information at a suitable height according to the height of the occupant seated in the rear seat 5.

[0068] The embodiments and variations disclosed above can be combined in any way. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 1...Display device 1A·Display device 2. Dashboard 3. Ceiling 4. Front seats 5. Rear seats 11...Display section 12...Support column 13. Storage column 13A ·· Storage column 14. Storage stand 15. Drive mechanism 15A Drive Mechanism 15B Drive Mechanism 16. Control Unit 100 vehicles 111...Exposed area 111A·Display area 112 ··Margin area 131. Winding section 151. Guide member 152. Motor 153 Gear 153A ··Allied Gear 154. Guide member 155... Guide member 156. Motor 156A motor 156A motor 157 Gear 157A Gear 157B Gear 158-Controller 159 belt 161 ··Management Table 162 Aspect Ratio Management Table 141...Aperture H1 ··Adult H2 ··Children

Claims

1. A display device having a sheet-like display section, In the first direction, the exposed area of ​​the display unit is reduced by winding up the display unit, and the exposed area is increased by pulling out the display unit. For a second direction different from the first direction, the exposed area is reduced by storing the display unit in the storage unit, and the exposed area is increased by exposing the display unit from the storage unit. Display device.

2. The exposed area is enlarged and reduced in such a way that the ratio of the length of the exposed area along the first direction to the length of the exposed area along the second direction is maintained. The display device according to claim 1.

3. In accordance with the expansion and contraction of the exposure area, the image is enlarged and reduced in such a way that the ratio of the length of the image displayed in the exposure area along the first direction to the length of the image along the second direction is maintained. The display device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When attempting to further expand the exposed area after it has been maximized in one of the first and second directions, the expansion of the exposed area in one direction is terminated, while the expansion of the exposed area in the other of the first and second directions continues. The display device according to claim 3.

5. The exposure area is enlarged or reduced according to the information to be displayed in the exposure area. The display device according to claim 1.

6. A display method performed by a display device, For the first direction, the first enlargement / reduction step involves reducing the exposed area of ​​the display unit by winding up the sheet-like display unit and enlargement of the exposed area by pulling out the display unit, For a second direction different from the first direction, the method includes a second scaling step in which the exposed area is reduced by storing the display unit in the storage unit and the exposed area is expanded by exposing the display unit from the storage unit, Display method.

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