In-vehicle systems and information processing devices

Abstract

The purpose of this disclosure is to adjust the brightness of each of the multiple display units installed in the front of the vehicle interior to a brightness that is more suitable for the driver. [Solution] The in-vehicle system includes a display device having a plurality of display units, which include at least a first display unit positioned in front of the steering wheel in front of the driver's seat in the vehicle interior, and a pair of second display units positioned on both sides of the steering wheel, protruding further rearward than the first display unit; and an information processing device. When the brightness of the plurality of display units is continuously changed, the information processing device starts changing the brightness of the first display unit and changing the brightness of the pair of second display units at different timings.

Description

Technical Field

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[0005]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle system and an information processing device.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a vehicle including a steering wheel, a center display unit provided in front of the steering wheel, and side display units provided on one or both sides in the vehicle width direction of the center display unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Also, in an electric vehicle, there is known a technique for controlling the brightness of a console display according to the brightness outside the vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Further, in a mobile terminal including a plurality of display units, there is known a technique for reducing the brightness of a display unit that does not correspond to an input operation below the current brightness when an input operation is performed (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] <​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​An in-vehicle system comprising: a display device having a plurality of display units, including at least a first display unit positioned in front of the steering wheel in front of the driver's seat in the vehicle interior, and a pair of second display units positioned on both sides of the steering wheel, protruding further rearward than the first display unit; and an information processing device for controlling the display device, The aforementioned information processing device is When a signal is received that commands the adjustment of the brightness of the multiple display units, the brightness control values ​​for the first display unit and the pair of second display units are calculated based on the brightness instruction levels included in the signal, and the brightness of the first display unit and the pair of second display units is adjusted by transmitting a control signal including the calculated brightness control values ​​to the display device. A control unit configured to perform the following: When the control unit receives a signal commanding brightness adjustment to continuously change the brightness of the plurality of display units, it starts the brightness change of the first display unit and the brightness change of the pair of second display units at different timings. It includes a control unit configured to perform the following actions.

[0007] The in-vehicle system relating to the second aspect of this disclosure is: A display having multiple display units, including at least a first display unit positioned in front of the steering wheel in front of the driver's seat inside the vehicle, and a pair of second display units positioned on both sides of the steering wheel, protruding further rearward than the first display unit. An in-vehicle system including a device and an information processing device for controlling the display device, The aforementioned information processing device is When the brightness of the multiple display units is changed continuously, the brightness change of the first display unit and the brightness change of the pair of second display units are started at different timings. It includes a control unit configured to perform the following actions.

[0008] The information processing device relating to the third aspect of this disclosure is: An information processing device for controlling a display device having a plurality of display units, the first display unit positioned in front of the steering wheel in front of the driver's seat inside the vehicle, and a pair of second display units positioned on both sides of the steering wheel, protruding further rearward than the first display unit, When the brightness of the multiple display units is changed continuously, the brightness change of the first display unit and the brightness change of the pair of second display units are started at different timings. It includes a control unit configured to perform the following actions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, the brightness of each of the multiple display units located at the front of the vehicle interior can be adjusted to a brightness more suitable for the driver. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the front part of the interior of a vehicle according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a schematic configuration of the display device and its surroundings. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a system installed in a vehicle. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the functional configuration of an ECU. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a control value map used to calculate the brightness control value of the meter display and the brightness control values ​​of the inner display and outer display according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a first flowchart showing the flow of brightness adjustment control according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a second flowchart showing the flow of brightness adjustment control according to the embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a control value map used for calculating the luminance control value of the meter display, the luminance control value of the inner display, and the luminance control value of the outer display according to the second embodiment.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] In recent years, vehicles equipped with a plurality of displays in the front of the vehicle interior have been developed. In a vehicle having such a configuration, a driver may feel dazzled by the displays of the plurality of displays or may feel it difficult to view the displays of the plurality of displays. As a countermeasure in such a case, it is conceivable to adjust the luminance of the plurality of displays. However, the positional relationships of the plurality of displays with respect to the driver are different from each other. Therefore, it is not always optimal for the driver to uniformly adjust the luminance of the plurality of displays in order to eliminate the glare or the difficulty in viewing of the displays of the plurality of displays.

[0012] On the other hand, an in-vehicle system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a display device having a plurality of display units including at least a first display unit disposed in front of the steering wheel in front of the driver's seat in the vehicle interior and a pair of second display units disposed on both sides of the steering wheel while protruding to the rear side of the vehicle with respect to the first display unit, and an information processing device that controls the display device. The information processing device includes a control unit configured to execute starting the luminance change of the first display unit and the luminance change of the pair of second display units at different timings when continuously changing the luminance of the plurality of display units. On the other hand, an in-vehicle system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a display device having a plurality of display units including at least a first display unit disposed in front of the steering wheel in front of the driver's seat in the vehicle interior and a pair of second display units disposed on both sides of the steering wheel while protruding to the rear side of the vehicle with respect to the first display unit, and an information processing device that controls the display device. The information processing device includes a control unit configured to execute starting the luminance change of the first display unit and the luminance change of the pair of second display units at different timings when continuously changing the luminance of the plurality of display units.

[0013] The in-vehicle system includes a display device and an information processing device. The display device has a plurality of display units including at least a first display unit and two second display units. The first display unit is disposed in front of the steering wheel in front of the driver's seat in the vehicle interior. The two second display units are respectively disposed so as to face positions on both sides of the steering wheel while protruding to the rear side of the vehicle relative to the first display unit. That is, in the driver's seat in the vehicle interior of a vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle system, a pair of second display units are disposed closer to the driver than the first display unit. The information processing device includes a control unit that controls the display device.

[0014] The control unit of the information processing device performs brightness adjustment of a plurality of display units including the first display unit and a pair of second display units. For example, the control unit may perform brightness adjustment of the plurality of display units in accordance with an operation for brightness adjustment performed by the driver. Also, the control unit may automatically perform brightness adjustment of the plurality of display units in accordance with a change in the brightness of the external environment. And the control unit may continuously change the brightness of the plurality of display units. That is, the control unit may gradually decrease or increase the brightness of the plurality of display units.

[0015] At this time, the control unit starts the brightness change of the first display unit and the brightness change of the pair of second display units at different timings. For example, when the control unit continuously decreases the brightness of the plurality of display units, the control unit may start the brightness decrease of the pair of second display units earlier than the brightness decrease of the first display unit. Also, when the control unit continuously increases the brightness of the plurality of display units, the control unit may start the brightness increase of the first display unit earlier than the brightness increase of the pair of second display units.

[0016] According to the in-vehicle system as described above, when adjusting the brightness of the first display unit and the pair of second display units, the brightness of each display unit can be changed at a timing according to the positional relationship between the first display unit and the driver and the positional relationship between the pair of second display units and the driver. Therefore, the brightness of each of the first display unit and the pair of second display units provided in the front of the vehicle interior can be adjusted to a more suitable brightness for the driver.

[0017] The following describes specific embodiments of this disclosure with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in these embodiments are not intended to limit the technical scope of this disclosure to those components alone.

[0018] <First Embodiment> (System Outline) Figure 1 shows the front part of the interior of a vehicle according to this embodiment. The interior of vehicle 1 is equipped with a driver's seat 2 and a passenger seat 3. In this embodiment, vehicle 1 is a right-hand drive vehicle, and the driver's seat 2 is located on the right side in the direction of travel of vehicle 1. A steering wheel 4 is located in front of the driver's seat 2. The steering wheel 4 may be circular or U-shaped (a so-called irregularly shaped steering wheel). The steering wheel 4 is connected to the steering device of vehicle 1 via a steering column. The steering column is covered by a column cover. In addition, the passenger seat 3 is located to the left of the driver's seat 2 (to the left in the direction of travel of vehicle 1) within the interior of vehicle 1.

[0019] A display device 20 is provided at the front of the interior of vehicle 1. The display device 20 has multiple displays 21, 22, 23, and 26. Specifically, the display device The unit 20 includes a meter display 21, an inner display 22, an outer display 23, and a center display 26. The meter display 21 is located in front of the steering wheel 4 (approximately in the center of the front part of the driver's seat 2) in front of the driver's seat 2. The inner display 22 is located behind the meter display 21 and inside the vehicle 1. The outer display 23 is located behind the meter display 21 and outside the vehicle 1. The inner display 22 is connected to the meter display 21 via a connector 24. The outer display 23 is connected to the meter display 21 via a connector 25.

[0020] The center display 26 is located midway between the driver's seat 2 and the passenger seat 3 in the front of the vehicle interior (approximately in the center of the front portion of the vehicle interior). In other words, the center display 26 is located closer to the passenger seat 3 than the meter display 21, the inner display 22, and the outer display 23 in the front of the vehicle interior.

[0021] In this embodiment, the meter display 21 corresponds to the "first display unit" according to this disclosure, and the inner display 22 and outer display 23 correspond to the "pair of second display units" according to this disclosure. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the center display 26 corresponds to the "third display unit" according to this disclosure.

[0022] Here, the outside of vehicle 1 refers to the side closer to the outside of vehicle 1 as viewed from the driver's seat 2, and is the door side of the driver's seat 2. The inside of vehicle 1 refers to the side of the passenger seat 3 as viewed from the driver's seat 2, and is the door side of the passenger seat 3. For example, in vehicle 1 where the steering wheel is located on the right side of vehicle 1, the outside of vehicle 1 refers to the right side of vehicle 1, and the inside of vehicle 1 refers to the left side of vehicle 1. Also, for example, in vehicle 1 where the steering wheel 4 is located on the left side of vehicle 1, the outside of vehicle 1 refers to the left side of vehicle 1, and the inside of vehicle 1 refers to the right side of vehicle 1.

[0023] The meter display 21, inner display 22, outer display 23, and center display 26 are all displays with touch panels. Note that the touch panel is only required for at least the inner display 22 and outer display 23. The meter display 21, inner display 22, and outer display 23 may be formed by modifying a single touchscreen, or by combining individual touchscreens.

[0024] Furthermore, the touch panels of each display in the display device 20 can employ, for example, pressure-sensitive touch panels that detect the pressure applied by the user when pressing the panel, and capacitive touch panels that detect the change in capacitance when the user presses the panel. The displays themselves can be, for example, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or EL (Electroluminescence) panels. In the following, "user touching" refers to the user touching the touch panel. It means to touch Nell.

[0025] The center display 26 may display supplementary driving information (for example, car navigation information) to the driver of vehicle 1. The center display 26 may also display information related to entertainment such as audio or television.

[0026] Here, the more detailed configuration of the meter display 21, inner display 22, and outer display 23 in the display device 20 will be described based on Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the display device 20 and its surroundings. The meter display 21 of the display device 20 is fixed to the instrument panel 5. The meter display 21 is a horizontally elongated display, and the inner display 22 and outer display 23 are shown below. The outer display 23 is a vertically oriented display. The meter display 21 is positioned so that the screen faces the rear of the vehicle and is parallel to the left-right direction (vehicle width direction) of the vehicle 1. The meter display 21 may also be positioned at a slight upward tilt.

[0027] One end of a connecting portion 24 is connected to the vehicle-side end of the meter display 21, and the other end of the connecting portion 24 is connected to the inner display 22. The inner display 22 is a display that extends from the vehicle-side end of the connecting portion 24 to the rear and inside of the vehicle 1. The angle of the inner display 22 relative to the meter display 21 is smaller than the angle of the connecting portion 24 relative to the meter display 21. The connecting portion 24 is curved as it connects to the meter display 21 and the inner display 22. The connecting portion 24 has a curved surface that is recessed toward the front of the vehicle at the connection point with the meter display 21, and a curved surface that is convex toward the rear of the vehicle at the connection point with the inner display 22. The meter display 21 and the inner display 22 may also have curved surfaces.

[0028] One end of a connecting portion 25 is connected to the outer end of the meter display 21, and the other end of the connecting portion 25 is connected to the outer display 23. The outer display 23 is a display that extends from the outer end of the connecting portion 25 to the rear and outside of the vehicle 1. The angle of the outer display 23 relative to the meter display 21 is smaller than the angle of the connecting portion 25 relative to the meter display 21. The connecting portion 25 is curved and connected to the meter display 21 and the outer display 23. The connecting portion 25 has a curved surface that is recessed toward the front of the vehicle at the connection point with the meter display 21, and a curved surface that is convex toward the rear of the vehicle at the connection point with the outer display 23. The outer display 23 may also have a curved surface.

[0029] The steering wheel 4 includes a grip portion that the driver holds. In the display device 20, the meter display 21, inner display 22, outer display 23, and their respective connection portions 24 and 25 have the shapes described above, so that the inner display 22 and outer display 23 are positioned near the grip portion of the steering wheel 4.

[0030] Furthermore, the inner display 22 and the outer display 23 are angled with respect to the left-right direction of the steering wheel 4, and are positioned so as to tilt toward the steering wheel 4. That is, the inner display 22 protrudes further to the rear of the vehicle 1 the closer it is to the inside of the vehicle 1, and the outer display 23 protrudes further to the rear of the vehicle 1 the closer it is to the outside of the vehicle 1. In this way, the inner display 22 and the outer display 23 are positioned so as to face the driver.

[0031] The meter display 21 displays information necessary for the operation of vehicle 1, such as the vehicle's speed, engine rotation speed (if vehicle 1 has an engine), charge / discharge status (if vehicle 1 has a drive battery), mileage, and ADAS status.

[0032] The inner display 22 displays, for example, content related to the convenience of the occupants of vehicle 1. Information related to the convenience of the occupants of vehicle 1 includes information to provide entertainment to the occupants of vehicle 1. Information related to the convenience of the occupants of vehicle 1 may also include information related to the comfort of the occupants. Information related to the suitability and convenience of the occupants includes, for example, information about switches and buttons for operating the audio system, navigation system, air conditioner, telephone, clock, voice assistant, etc., and information about the operating status of these devices.

[0033] The outer display 23 displays, for example, information related to the control of vehicle 1 as content. The information related to the control of vehicle 1 includes information related to the driving of vehicle 1. The information related to the control of vehicle 1 includes information related to switches, buttons, etc., for operating the headlights, wipers, side mirrors, ADAS, drive modes, vehicle height, steering wheel position, and seat position, as well as information related to the operating status of these devices.

[0034] The information displayed on the inner display 22 and outer display 23 is not limited to the above. The inner display 22 may display information related to the control of the vehicle 1, and the outer display 23 may display information related to the convenience of the occupants of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the information displayed on the inner display 22 and outer display 23 can be arbitrarily determined.

[0035] Furthermore, in the following, the meter display 21, inner display 22, and outer display 23 may be collectively referred to as the driver's seat display. The inner display 22 displays slider switches for adjusting the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, 23, and 26, as information related to the convenience of the occupants of the vehicle 1.

[0036] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a system mounted on vehicle 1. The system mounted on vehicle 1 includes an ECU 10, a display device 20, a sensor group 41, and an electrical equipment group 42.

[0037] The ECU10 can be configured as a computer having a processor (CPU, GPU, etc.), main memory (RAM, ROM, etc.), and auxiliary memory (EPROM, hard disk drive, removable media, etc.). The auxiliary memory stores an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc., and by executing the programs stored therein, various functions (software modules) that match a predetermined purpose, as described later, can be realized. However, some or all of the functions may be realized as hardware modules by hardware circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs. A display device 20, a group of sensors 41, and a group of electrical equipment 42 are connected to the ECU10. In this embodiment, the ECU10 corresponds to the "information processing device" according to this disclosure.

[0038] The display device 20 includes a meter display 21, an inner display 22, an outer display 23, a center display 26, and a touch panel 27. The touch panel 27 is a unit for detecting touch operations performed on the meter display 21, inner display 22, outer display 23, and center display 26. Each of the meter display 21, inner display 22, outer display 23, and center display 26 has a touch panel 27. This configures each display to be operable by touch. The meter display 21, inner display 22, outer display 23, connection parts 24 and 25, and touch panel 27 may be configured by changing the shape of a single touch screen.

[0039] Sensor group 41 is a collection of multiple sensors for acquiring sensor data used in the operation of vehicle 1. The sensors may acquire physical quantities or image data, etc. Sensor group 41 includes, for example, sensors for detecting the state of vehicle 1 and sensors for detecting the driver's actions. Sensor group 41 may also include, for example, speed The sensor group 41 includes sensors such as an acceleration sensor, an accelerator pedal position sensor for detecting the position of the accelerator pedal, a brake sensor for detecting the position of the brake pedal, a steering wheel angle sensor for detecting the angle of the steering wheel, an engine speed sensor for detecting the rotational speed of the engine, a yaw rate sensor, a turn signal switch sensor (a sensor for detecting the state of the turn signal switch), a shift position sensor, a sensor for detecting location information (GPS sensor), a sensor for detecting the interior temperature of the vehicle, a sensor for detecting the exterior temperature of the vehicle, and a radar for measuring the distance to an object. The sensor group 41 also includes an illuminance sensor for detecting the brightness of the environment outside the vehicle 1.

[0040] The electrical equipment group 42 is a collection of electrical equipment used in vehicle 1. The electrical equipment group 42 includes, for example, an air conditioner, a navigation system, an audio system, a telephone, wipers, headlights, side mirrors, power seats, and a voice assistant.

[0041] Here, the functional configuration of the ECU10 will be explained based on Figure 4. Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the ECU10. The ECU10 comprises a control unit 100 and a storage unit 110 as functional components. The control unit 100 is a functional component provided, for example, by the processor executing various programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit. The control unit 100 includes an operation identification unit 101, a command content identification unit 102, and an output unit 103. The storage unit 110 is a functional component that stores information. The storage unit 110 is composed of a main storage unit and an auxiliary storage unit.

[0042] The control unit 100 controls the display device 20 and each electrical device included in the electrical device group 42 in response to input operations by the user, who is an occupant of the vehicle 1. Specifically, the display device 20 receives control commands from the user via the touch panel 27. At this time, a signal corresponding to the user's input operation to one of the multiple displays 21, 22, 23, and 26 is transmitted from the touch panel 27 to the ECU 10.

[0043] Then, in the control unit 100 of the ECU 10, the operation identification unit 101 identifies an input operation performed by the user on one of the displays based on the signal received from the touch panel 27 of the display device 20. For example, the operation identification unit 101 identifies the location touched by the user on one of the multiple displays 21, 22, 23, and 26 of the display device 20. The operation identification unit 101 also identifies the content of the input operation performed by the user on one of the multiple displays 21, 22, 23, and 26 of the display device 20 (for example, flick, swipe, tap, pinch, double tap, long tap, and multi-tap).

[0044] Furthermore, the memory unit 110 stores control information 111 indicating the control content to be performed on either the display device 20 or one of the multiple electrical devices included in the electrical equipment group 42. In the memory unit 110, the control information 111 is stored in association with the location touched by the user on one of the multiple displays 21, 22, 23, 26 of the display device 20 and the content of the user's input operation. Then, by comparing the location touched by the user and the content of the user's input operation, which are identified by the operation identification unit 101, with the control information 111 stored in the memory unit 110, the command content identification unit 102 identifies the content of the control command received by the user from the user to the display device 20.

[0045] When the command content identification unit 102 identifies the command content of a control command, the output unit 103 transmits a control signal corresponding to the identified command content to the controlled device (i.e., the display device 20, or one of the multiple electrical devices included in the electrical device group 42). The controlled device receives the control signal transmitted by the output unit 103 and executes the control corresponding to the control signal.

[0046] (Brightness adjustment) Next, we will explain the brightness adjustment for the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23. All of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 are located in front of the driver's seat inside the vehicle. Therefore, the driver of vehicle 1 may find the displays on the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 to be too bright. In addition, the driver of vehicle 1 may find it difficult to see the displays on the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 due to glare or other reasons.

[0047] In such cases, the driver can adjust the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23. Specifically, the driver can adjust the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 by touching the brightness adjustment slider switch displayed on the inner display 22. However, the distance from the driver differs between the meter display 21 and the inner display 22 and outer display 23. In other words, the inner display 22 and outer display 23, which are positioned in pairs on either side of the steering wheel 4, are closer to the driver than the meter display 21, which is positioned further forward than the steering wheel 4.

[0048] Therefore, the display on the meter display 21 and the displays on the inner display 22 and outer display 23 appear different to the driver. For example, the driver tends to find the displays on the inner display 22 and outer display 23 to be more dazzling than the displays on the meter display 21. Also, the driver tends to find the displays on the meter display 21 to be more difficult to see than the displays on the inner display 22 and outer display 23. These tendencies are thought to be more pronounced because, as described above, the inner display 22 and outer display 23 are positioned on both sides of the steering wheel 4 so as to be tilted towards the driver.

[0049] Therefore, in this embodiment, the brightness adjustment of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 is performed taking into account the difference in how the meter display 21 and the inner display 22 and outer display 23 appear to the driver. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the ECU 10 continuously changes the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 during brightness adjustment, it starts changing the brightness of the meter display 21 and changing the brightness of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 at different timings.

[0050] When the driver attempts to adjust the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23, the driver operates a brightness adjustment slider switch displayed on the inner display 22. When the driver operates the brightness adjustment slider switch displayed on the inner display 22, a signal instructing the driver to adjust the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 is sent from the touch panel 27 to the ECU 10. At this time, the command signal sent from the touch panel 27 to the ECU 10 includes information regarding the brightness instruction level for brightness adjustment. The brightness instruction level is set according to the position of the brightness adjustment slider switch operated by the driver.

[0051] The ECU 10 receives a command signal transmitted from the touch panel 27. The control unit 100 in the ECU 10 then calculates a brightness control value for the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 based on the brightness instruction level included in the command signal received from the touch panel 27. At this time, the control unit 100 calculates the brightness control value for the meter display 21 and the brightness control values ​​for the inner display 22 and outer display 23, respectively. The control unit 100 then transmits the calculated brightness control values ​​for the meter display 21 and the inner display 22 and outer display 23 to the display device 20. As a result, the display device 20 displays the meter display 21... The brightness of the meter display 21 is controlled to a brightness level corresponding to the brightness control value of the meter display 21, and the brightness of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 is controlled to a brightness level corresponding to the brightness control values ​​of the inner display 22 and outer display 23.

[0052] Here, the control value map used by the control unit 100 to calculate the brightness control value of the meter display 21 and the brightness control values ​​of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a control value map used to calculate the brightness control value of the meter display 21 and the brightness control values ​​of the inner display 22 and outer display 23. The control value map shown in Figure 5 is stored in the storage unit 110 of the ECU 10 as a type of control information 111.

[0053] In the control value map shown in Figure 5, the horizontal axis represents the brightness instruction level included in the command signal received from the touch panel 27, and the vertical axis represents the brightness control value. The median value on the horizontal axis in Figure 5 is the standard level Lv0. If the position of the brightness adjustment slider switch displayed on the inner display 22 is at the standard level position, the brightness instruction level will be the standard level Lv0. In the control value map shown in Figure 5, the solid line L1 represents the relationship between the brightness control value of the inner display 22 and the outer display 23 and the brightness instruction level. On the other hand, in the control value map shown in Figure 5, the dashed line L2 represents the relationship between the brightness control value of the meter display 21 and the brightness instruction level. When the brightness instruction level is the standard level Lv0, the brightness control value of the meter display 21 and the brightness control values ​​of the inner display 22 and the outer display 23 are all standard values. Therefore, when the brightness instruction level is the standard level Lv0, the brightness of the meter display 21 and the brightness of the inner display 22 and the outer display 23 are all controlled to the standard brightness.

[0054] When the brightness adjustment of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 requested by the driver is a brightness reduction that lowers the brightness of these displays from the standard brightness, the brightness indicator level decreases from the standard level Lv0 as the position of the brightness adjustment slider switch changes. When the brightness indicator level in brightness adjustment decreases from the standard level Lv0, the brightness control values ​​of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 decrease in accordance with the decrease in the indicator level, as shown by the solid line L1 in Figure 5. Therefore, when the brightness indicator level decreases from the standard level Lv0, the brightness of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 decreases immediately.

[0055] On the other hand, as shown by the dashed line L2 in Figure 5, even if the brightness indicator level decreases from the standard level Lv0, the brightness control value of the meter display 21 is maintained at the standard value corresponding to the standard level Lv0 while the brightness indicator level is between the standard level Lv0 and the first predetermined level Lv1. Then, when the brightness indicator level in brightness adjustment decreases to the first predetermined level Lv1 or below, the brightness control value of the meter display 21 decreases in accordance with the decrease in the indicator level. Therefore, while the brightness indicator level is between the standard level Lv0 and the first predetermined level Lv1, the brightness of the meter display 21 is maintained at the standard brightness, and when the brightness indicator level decreases further from the first predetermined level Lv1, the brightness of the meter display 21 decreases.

[0056] Therefore, when brightness adjustment is performed to continuously reduce the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 from standard brightness, the brightness reduction of the meter display 21 and the brightness reduction of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 start at different times. In other words, when the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 is continuously reduced from standard brightness, the brightness reduction of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 starts first, and the brightness reduction of the meter display 21 starts later.

[0057] As described above, the driver tends to perceive the displays of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 as more dazzling than the display of the meter display 21. Therefore, by starting the brightness reduction of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 before the brightness reduction of the meter display 21, the brightness of the displays that the driver tends to perceive as more dazzling among the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 can be preferentially reduced.

[0058] Furthermore, if the brightness adjustment of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 requested by the driver is a brightness increase that raises the brightness of these displays from the standard brightness, the brightness indicator level rises from the standard level Lv0 as the position of the brightness adjustment slider switch changes. When the brightness indicator level rises from the standard level Lv0 during brightness adjustment, the brightness control value of the meter display 21 rises in accordance with the rise in the indicator level, as shown by the dashed line L2 in Figure 5. Therefore, when the brightness indicator level rises from the standard level Lv0, the brightness of the meter display 21 rises immediately.

[0059] On the other hand, as shown by the solid line L1 in Figure 5, even if the brightness indicator level rises from the standard level Lv0, the brightness control values ​​of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 are maintained at the standard value corresponding to the standard level Lv0 while the brightness indicator level rises from the standard level Lv0 to the second predetermined level Lv2. Then, when the brightness indicator level in brightness adjustment rises to the second predetermined level Lv2 or higher, the brightness control values ​​of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 rise in accordance with the rise in the indicator level. Therefore, while the brightness indicator level rises from the standard level Lv0 to the second predetermined level Lv2, the brightness of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 is maintained at the standard brightness, and when the brightness indicator level rises further from the second predetermined level Lv2, the brightness of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 increases.

[0060] Therefore, even when brightness adjustment is performed to continuously increase the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 from the standard brightness, the brightness increase of the meter display 21 and the brightness increase of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 start at different timings. In other words, when the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 is continuously increased from the standard brightness, the brightness increase of the meter display 21 starts first, and the brightness increase of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 starts later.

[0061] As described above, drivers tend to find the display on the meter display 21 more difficult to see than the displays on the inner display 22 and outer display 23. Therefore, by starting the brightness increase of the meter display 21 before the brightness increase of the inner display 22 and outer display 23, the brightness of the display that drivers tend to find more difficult to see among the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 can be preferentially increased.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown by the solid line L1 in Figure 5, when adjusting the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23, if the brightness indicator level falls below the first predetermined level Lv1 and reaches the third predetermined level Lv3, the brightness control values ​​of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 reach their minimum values. Therefore, when the brightness indicator level reaches the third predetermined level Lv3, the brightness of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 becomes the minimum brightness. Consequently, even if the brightness indicator level falls further below the third predetermined level Lv3, the brightness of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 is maintained at the minimum brightness corresponding to the third predetermined level Lv3. Also, as shown by the dashed line L2 in Figure 5, when adjusting the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23, if the brightness indicator level falls below the third predetermined level Lv3 and reaches the minimum indicator level, the fifth predetermined level Lv5, the meter display 21 The brightness control value reaches its minimum value. Therefore, when the brightness indication level reaches the fifth predetermined level Lv5, the brightness of the meter display 21 becomes the minimum brightness.

[0063] When the brightness indicator level is below the first predetermined level Lv1, the brightness control values ​​of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 and the brightness control value of the meter display 21 change as described above. For this reason, once the brightness indicator level has decreased to the fifth predetermined level Lv5, when it rises from the fifth predetermined level Lv5, the brightness control value of the meter display 21 rises in accordance with the rise in the indicator level. Therefore, when the brightness indicator level rises from the fifth predetermined level Lv5, the brightness of the meter display 21 rises immediately. On the other hand, even if the brightness indicator level rises from the fifth predetermined level Lv5, the brightness control values ​​of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 are maintained at the minimum value while the brightness indicator level is between the fifth predetermined level Lv5 and the third predetermined level Lv3. Then, when the brightness indicator level rises to the third predetermined level Lv3 or higher, the brightness control values ​​of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 rise in accordance with the rise in the indicator level.

[0064] Therefore, even when the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 is continuously increased from the lowest brightness, the brightness increase of the meter display 21 starts first, followed by the brightness increase of the inner display 22 and outer display 23.

[0065] Furthermore, as shown by the dashed line L2 in Figure 5, when adjusting the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23, if the brightness indicator level rises above the second predetermined level Lv2 and reaches the fourth predetermined level Lv4, the brightness control value of the meter display 21 reaches its maximum value. Therefore, when the brightness indicator level reaches the fourth predetermined level Lv4, the brightness of the meter display 21 becomes the maximum brightness. Consequently, even if the brightness indicator level rises further from the fourth predetermined level Lv4, the brightness of the meter display 21 is maintained at the maximum brightness corresponding to the fourth predetermined level Lv4. Also, as shown by the solid line L1 in Figure 5, when adjusting the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23, if the brightness indicator level rises above the fourth predetermined level Lv4 and reaches the maximum indicator level, the sixth predetermined level Lv6, the brightness control values ​​of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 reach their maximum value. Therefore, when the brightness indicator level reaches the sixth predetermined level Lv6, the brightness of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 becomes the maximum brightness.

[0066] When the brightness indicator level is above the second predetermined level Lv2, the brightness control values ​​of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 and the brightness control value of the meter display 21 change as described above. For this reason, once the brightness indicator level has risen to the sixth predetermined level Lv6, when it falls below the sixth predetermined level Lv6, the brightness control values ​​of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 decrease in accordance with the decrease in the indicator level. Therefore, when the brightness indicator level falls below the sixth predetermined level Lv6, the inner display 22 and outer display 23 immediately decrease. On the other hand, even if the brightness indicator level rises to or falls below the sixth predetermined level Lv6, the brightness control value of the meter display 21 is maintained at its maximum value between the sixth predetermined level Lv6 and the fourth predetermined level Lv4. Then, when the brightness indicator level falls below the fourth predetermined level Lv4, the brightness control value of the meter display 21 decreases in accordance with the decrease in the indicator level.

[0067] Therefore, when the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 is continuously reduced from the maximum brightness, the brightness reduction of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 starts first, and the brightness reduction of the meter display 21 starts later.

[0068] (Control flow) The following is the brightness adjustment control flow for adjusting the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23. This will be explained with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the flow of brightness adjustment control according to this embodiment. This flow is executed by the control unit 100 of the ECU 10.

[0069] In this flow, first, in S101, a signal corresponding to a user input operation transmitted from the touch panel 27 of the display device 20 is received. Next, in S102, based on the signal received in S101, the user input operation for one of the multiple driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 of the display device 20 is identified. As described above, the process in S102 is performed by the operation identification unit 101. Next, in S103, based on the user input operation identified in S102, the command content of the control command received by the user from the display device 20 is identified. As described above, the process in S103 is performed by the command content identification unit 102.

[0070] Here, if the user's input operation is the operation of the brightness adjustment slider switch displayed on the inner display 22 of the display device 20, a signal commanding the brightness adjustment of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 of the display device 20 is received in S101. At this time, in S102, it is determined that the user's input operation is the operation of the brightness adjustment slider switch displayed on the inner display 22. The direction and amount of operation of the brightness adjustment slider switch are also determined. Furthermore, in S103, it is determined that the content of the control command received from the user is the brightness adjustment of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23. The direction of brightness adjustment (brightness increase or brightness decrease) is also determined based on the direction and amount of operation of the brightness adjustment slider switch.

[0071] Next, after the processing in S103, the processing in S104 is executed. In S104, it is determined whether the content of the control command identified in S103 is for adjusting the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23. If it is determined to be negative in S104, that is, if the content of the control command received by the display device 20 from the user is a control other than adjusting the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23, then the processing in S106 is executed. In S106, a control signal is sent to the device that is the target of the control command to cause the display device 20 to execute the control according to the content of the control command received from the user. As a result, the device that is the target of the control command executes the control according to the control command.

[0072] On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in S104, the process in S105 is then executed. In S105, the flow shown in Figure 7 is repeatedly executed to perform brightness adjustment, which continuously changes the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23.

[0073] In the flow shown in Figure 7, first, in S201, the brightness instruction level included in the brightness adjustment command signal received from the touch panel 27 is read. Next, in S202, the brightness control value for the meter display 21 and the brightness control values ​​for the inner display 22 and outer display 23 are calculated based on the brightness command level read in S201. At this time, the respective brightness control values ​​are calculated using the control value map shown in Figure 5, which is stored in the memory unit 11.

[0074] Next, in S203, a control signal is sent to the display device 20 to perform brightness control. At this time, the brightness control value of the meter display 21 calculated in S202, and the brightness control values ​​of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 are included in the control signal sent to the display device 20. As described above, the processing in S203 is performed by the output unit 103. After the processing in S203 is performed, the processing from S201 to S103 is performed again. As a result, the display device 20 performs the driver's seat display Brightness control is performed by continuously changing the brightness levels of 21, 22, and 23.

[0075] According to the above flow, when the display device 20 receives a brightness adjustment command to continuously change the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23, the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 is changed according to the brightness instruction level. At this time, the brightness change of the meter display 21 and the brightness changes of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 start at different times. Therefore, the brightness of the meter display 21 and the inner display 22 and outer display 23, which are located in the front of the vehicle interior, can be adjusted to a brightness that is more suitable for the driver.

[0076] The order in which the brightness of the meter display 21 is changed and the brightness of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 are changed in the brightness adjustment of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 does not necessarily have to be in the order described above. For example, the order in which the brightness of the meter display 21 is changed and the brightness of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 are changed in the brightness adjustment of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 may be arbitrarily set by the driver. In this case, the ECU 10 generates a control value map used to calculate the brightness control value of the meter display 21 and the brightness control values ​​of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 according to the order of brightness changes set by the driver.

[0077] <Second Embodiment> In this embodiment as well, the hardware configuration of the system mounted on the vehicle 1 is the same as in the first embodiment. Also in this embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, when the ECU 10 continuously changes the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 during brightness adjustment, it starts changing the brightness of the meter display 21 and the brightness of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 at different timings. However, in this embodiment, the method of adjusting the brightness of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 differs from that of the first embodiment. The brightness adjustment targeting the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 in this embodiment will be described below.

[0078] The inner display 22 and outer display 23 are positioned to the sides of the steering wheel 4, sandwiching it between them. However, since the inner display 22 is located inside the vehicle 1 relative to the steering wheel 4, and the outer display 23 is located outside the vehicle 1 relative to the steering wheel 4, the way the displays 22 and 23 appear to the driver differs. For example, the driver may find the display on the inner display 22 to be brighter than the display on the outer display 23. Also, the driver may find the display on the outer display 23 to be harder to see than the display on the inner display 22.

[0079] Therefore, in this embodiment, the brightness adjustment of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 is performed based on the difference in how the inner display 22 and the outer display 23 appear to the driver. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the ECU 10 continuously changes the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23, it starts changing the brightness of the inner display 22 and the brightness of the outer display 23 at different timings.

[0080] As described above, when the driver operates the brightness adjustment slider switch displayed on the inner display 22, a signal to command the brightness adjustment of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 is sent from the touch panel 27 to the ECU 10. Then, in the ECU 10, the control unit 100 controls the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 based on the brightness instruction level included in the command signal received from the touch panel 27. The control unit 100 calculates the brightness control value for the meter display 21. Furthermore, the control unit 100 separately calculates the brightness control value for the inner display 22 and the brightness control value for the outer display 23. The control unit 100 then transmits the calculated brightness control values ​​for the meter display 21, the inner display 22, and the outer display 23 to the display device 20. As a result, the brightness of the meter display 21 in the display device 20 is controlled to a brightness corresponding to the brightness control value of the meter display 21. In addition, the brightness of the inner display 22 in the display device 20 is controlled to a brightness corresponding to the brightness control value of the inner display 22, and the brightness of the outer display 23 is controlled to a brightness corresponding to the brightness control value of the outer display 23.

[0081] Here, the control value map used by the control unit 100 to calculate the brightness control values ​​of the meter display 21, the inner display 22, and the outer display 23 will be explained based on Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a control value map used to calculate the brightness control values ​​of the meter display 21, the inner display 22, and the outer display 23. The control value map shown in Figure 8 is stored in the storage unit 110 of the ECU 10 as a type of control information 111.

[0082] In the control value map shown in Figure 8, the horizontal axis represents the brightness instruction level included in the command signal received from the touch panel 27, and the vertical axis represents the brightness control value. The solid line L1 and dashed line L2 in Figure 8 are the same as the solid line L1 and dashed line L2 in Figure 5. Also, in Figure 8, the dashed line L2, like the dashed line L2 in Figure 5, represents the relationship between the brightness control value and the brightness instruction level of the meter display 21. On the other hand, in Figure 8, the solid line L1 represents the relationship between the brightness control value and the brightness instruction level of the inner display 22. And in Figure 8, the dashed line L1' represents the relationship between the brightness control value and the brightness instruction level of the outer display 23.

[0083] When the brightness instruction level in brightness adjustment decreases from the standard level Lv0, the brightness control value of the inner display 22 decreases in accordance with the decrease in the instruction level, as shown by the solid line L1 in Figure 8. Therefore, when the brightness instruction level decreases from the standard level Lv0, the brightness of the inner display 22 immediately decreases. In contrast, as shown by the dashed line L1' in Figure 8, even when the brightness instruction level decreases from the standard level Lv0, the brightness control value of the outer display 23 is maintained at the standard value corresponding to the standard level Lv0 while the brightness instruction level is between the standard level Lv0 and the seventh predetermined level Lv7. Note that the seventh predetermined level Lv7 is a higher level than the first predetermined level Lv1. When the brightness instruction level in brightness adjustment decreases to the seventh predetermined level Lv7 or lower, the brightness control value of the outer display 23 decreases in accordance with the decrease in the instruction level. Therefore, while the brightness indicator level is between the standard level Lv0 and the seventh predetermined level Lv7, the brightness of the outer display 23 is maintained at the standard brightness. When the brightness indicator level falls further below the seventh predetermined level Lv7, the brightness of the outer display 23 decreases. Then, when the brightness indicator level falls below the first predetermined level Lv1, the brightness of the meter display 21 decreases.

[0084] Therefore, when brightness adjustment is performed to continuously reduce the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 from standard brightness, the brightness reduction of the meter display 21, the inner display 22, and the outer display 23 will each begin at different timings. In other words, when the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 is continuously reduced from standard brightness, the brightness reduction of the inner display 22 begins first, followed by the brightness reduction of the outer display 23. Then, after the brightness reduction of the outer display 23, the brightness reduction of the meter display 21 begins.

[0085] Furthermore, when the brightness indicator level in brightness adjustment rises from the standard level Lv0, the brightness of the meter display 21 immediately increases. On the other hand, even when the brightness indicator level in brightness adjustment rises from the standard level Lv0, as shown by the solid line L1 in Figure 8, the brightness control value of the inner display 22 is maintained at the standard value corresponding to the standard level Lv0 while the brightness indicator level is between the standard level Lv0 and the second predetermined level Lv2. Then, when the brightness indicator level in brightness adjustment rises to the second predetermined level Lv2 or higher, the brightness control value of the inner display 22 increases in accordance with the increase in the indicator level. In contrast, as shown by the dashed line L1' in Figure 8, even when the brightness indicator level rises from the standard level Lv0, the brightness control value of the outer display 23 does not immediately increase. In other words, while the brightness indicator level is between the standard level Lv0 and the eighth predetermined level Lv8, the brightness control value of the outer display 23 is maintained at the standard value corresponding to the standard level Lv0, similar to the brightness control value of the inner display 22. Note that the eighth predetermined level Lv8 is lower than the second predetermined level Lv2. When the brightness instruction level in brightness adjustment rises to the eighth predetermined level Lv8 or higher, the brightness control value of the outer display 23 increases in accordance with the rise in instruction level. Therefore, while the brightness instruction level is between the standard level Lv0 and the eighth predetermined level Lv8, the brightness of the outer display 23 is maintained at the standard brightness, and when the brightness instruction level rises further than the eighth predetermined level Lv8, the brightness of the outer display 23 increases.

[0086] Therefore, when brightness adjustment is performed to continuously increase the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 from the standard brightness, the brightness increase of the meter display 21, the inner display 22, and the outer display 23 starts at different timings. In other words, when the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 is continuously increased from the standard brightness, the brightness increase of the meter display 21 starts first, followed by the brightness increase of the outer display 23. Then, after the brightness increase of the outer display 23, the brightness increase of the inner display 22 starts.

[0087] As shown by the dashed line L1' in Figure 8, when adjusting the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23, when the brightness indicator level falls below the 7th predetermined level Lv7 and reaches the 11th predetermined level Lv11, the brightness control value of the outer display 23 reaches its minimum value. Therefore, when the brightness indicator level reaches the 11th predetermined level Lv11, the brightness of the outer display 23 becomes the minimum brightness. The 11th predetermined level Lv11 is lower than the 3rd predetermined level Lv3 and lower than the 5th predetermined level Lv5. Therefore, once the brightness indicator level has fallen to the 5th predetermined level Lv5, when it rises from the 5th predetermined level Lv5, the brightness control value of the meter display 21 immediately rises in accordance with the rise in the indicator level. On the other hand, while the brightness indicator level is between the 5th predetermined level Lv5 and the 11th predetermined level Lv11, the brightness control value of the outer display 23 is maintained at its minimum value. When the brightness indicator level rises to the 11th predetermined level Lv11 or higher, the brightness control value of the outer display 23 increases in accordance with the rise in the indicator level. Also, while the brightness indicator level is between the 5th predetermined level Lv5 and the 3rd predetermined level Lv3, the brightness control value of the inner display 22 is maintained at the minimum value. When the brightness indicator level rises to the 3rd predetermined level Lv3 or higher, the brightness control value of the inner display 22 increases in accordance with the rise in the indicator level.

[0088] Therefore, when the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 is continuously increased from the lowest brightness, the brightness increase of the meter display 21 starts first, followed by the brightness increase of the outer display 23. Then, after the brightness increase of the outer display 23, the brightness increase of the inner display 22 starts.

[0089] Furthermore, as shown by the dashed line L1' in Figure 8, when adjusting the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23, when the brightness indicator level rises above the eighth predetermined level Lv8 and reaches the tenth predetermined level Lv10, the brightness control value of the outer display 23 reaches its maximum value. Therefore, when the brightness indicator level reaches the 10th predetermined level Lv10, the brightness of the outer display 23 becomes the maximum brightness. Note that the 10th predetermined level Lv10 is higher than the 4th predetermined level Lv4 and lower than the 6th predetermined level Lv6. Therefore, once the brightness indicator level has risen to the 6th predetermined level Lv6, if it falls below the 6th predetermined level Lv6, the brightness control value of the inner display 22 immediately decreases in accordance with the decrease in the indicator level. On the other hand, while the brightness indicator level is between the 6th predetermined level Lv6 and the 10th predetermined level Lv10, the brightness control value of the outer display 23 is maintained at the maximum value. Then, when the brightness indicator level falls below the 10th predetermined level Lv10, the brightness control value of the outer display 23 decreases in accordance with the decrease in the indicator level. Also, while the brightness indicator level is between the 6th predetermined level Lv6 and the 4th predetermined level Lv4, the brightness control value of the meter display 21 is maintained at the maximum value. Then, when the brightness indicator level drops to the fourth predetermined level Lv4 or lower, the brightness control value of the meter display 21 decreases in accordance with the decrease in the indicator level.

[0090] Therefore, when the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 is continuously reduced from the maximum brightness, the brightness reduction of the inner display 22 starts first, followed by the brightness reduction of the outer display 23. Then, after the brightness reduction of the outer display 23, the brightness reduction of the meter display 21 starts.

[0091] As described above, the brightness changes for the meter display 21, the inner display 22, and the outer display 23 are initiated at different times. Therefore, not only the meter display 21, but also the inner display 22 and the outer display 23 can have their respective brightness adjusted according to how the display appears to the driver.

[0092] In the example control value map shown in Figure 8, when adjusting the brightness to decrease the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23, the brightness decrease started in the order of inner display 22, then outer display 23. When adjusting the brightness to increase the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23, the brightness increase started in the order of outer display 23, then inner display 22. However, the order in which the brightness changes of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 start is not limited to these orders. In other words, when adjusting the brightness to decrease the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23, the brightness decrease may start in the order of outer display 23, then inner display 22. Also, when adjusting the brightness to increase the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23, the brightness increase may start in the order of inner display 22, then outer display 23.

[0093] The order in which the brightness of the inner display 22 and outer display 23 are changed when adjusting the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 may be set arbitrarily by the driver. In this case, the ECU 10 generates a control value map used to calculate the brightness control value of the meter display 21, the brightness control value of the inner display 22, and the brightness control value of the outer display 23, according to the order in which the brightness is changed set by the driver.

[0094] <Example 1> In the first and second embodiments described above, brightness adjustment for the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 of the display device 20 was explained. However, in the display device 20, the brightness of the center display 26 may be adjusted in accordance with the brightness adjustment of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23. In this case, the brightness of the center display 26 is changed along with the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 by operating the brightness adjustment slider switch displayed on the inner display 22.

[0095] Similar to the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23, the center display 26 is also located at the front of the vehicle interior. It is installed in the following location. However, the center display 26 is positioned differently from the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 in relation to the driver of vehicle 1. Specifically, the center display 26 is located in the vehicle interior not directly in front of the driver, but diagonally in front of the driver. Therefore, the display on the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 and the display on the center display 26 appear different to the driver. For example, the driver tends to find the display on the center display 26 less dazzling than the display on the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23. Also, the driver tends to find the display on the center display 26 more difficult to see than the display on the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23.

[0096] Therefore, in this modified example, the brightness adjustment of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, 23 and the center display 26 is performed taking into account the difference in how the driver sees the displays of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, 23 and the center display 26. Specifically, in this modified example, when the ECU 10 continuously changes the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, 23 and the center display 26 during brightness adjustment, the brightness change of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, 23 and the brightness change of the center display 26 are started at different timings.

[0097] Specifically, when the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, 23 and the center display 26 is continuously reduced, the brightness reduction of the center display 26 may begin after the brightness reduction of the meter display 21. This allows for a priority reduction in the brightness of the display that the driver tends to perceive as more dazzling among the driver's seat displays 21, 22, 23 and the center display 26.

[0098] On the other hand, when the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, 23 and the center display 26 is continuously increased, the brightness increase of the center display 26 may start before the brightness increase of the center display 26. This makes it possible to prioritize increasing the brightness of the display that the driver tends to find more difficult to see among the driver's seat displays 21, 22, 23 and the center display 26.

[0099] The order in which the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, 23 and the center display 26 is changed does not necessarily have to be in the order described above. For example, the driver may be able to arbitrarily set the order in which the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, 23 and the center display 26 is changed.

[0100] <Modification 2> In the first and second embodiments described above, the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 was adjusted by the user operating a slider switch for brightness adjustment displayed on the inner display 22. Here, the sensor group 41 provided by the vehicle 1 includes an illuminance sensor that detects the brightness of the external environment. It is conceivable that when the brightness of the external environment changes, the way the displays on the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 appear to the driver will change. Therefore, in the vehicle 1, the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 may be automatically adjusted based on the detection value of the illuminance sensor provided in the vehicle 1.

[0101] In this case, the display device 20 receives a brightness adjustment command that continuously changes the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23, which is input in response to changes in the brightness sensor's detected value. At this time, the brightness instruction level included in the brightness adjustment command changes in response to changes in the brightness sensor's detected value. For example, as the outside environment of the vehicle becomes darker, the driver is more likely to find the displays on the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 dazzling. Therefore, the brightness instruction level may decrease in response to a decrease in the brightness sensor's detected value. On the other hand, as the outside environment of the vehicle becomes brighter... This may make the driver find the displays on the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 difficult to see. Therefore, the brightness indicator level may be increased in response to an increase in the brightness sensor's detected value.

[0102] Furthermore, the ECU 10 controls the brightness of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 in the same way as when the brightness indicator level changes due to the operation of the brightness adjustment slider switch, even when the brightness indicator level changes in response to a change in the brightness detected by the brightness sensor. This allows the brightness of each of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, and 23 to be adjusted to a brightness level more suitable for the driver, even when the brightness of the external environment changes.

[0103] Furthermore, the brightness adjustment of the driver's seat displays 21, 22, 23 and the center display 26 in the modified example 1 may also be applied to brightness control that responds to changes in the brightness sensor's detected value as in the modified example 2.

[0104] <Other Embodiments> The embodiments described above are merely examples, and this disclosure may be modified as appropriate without departing from its essence. Furthermore, the processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical inconsistencies arise.

[0105] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by a single device may be divided and executed by multiple devices. Conversely, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is implemented can be flexibly changed.

[0106] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program implementing the functions described in the embodiments above to a computer, and having one or more processors in the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the computer's system bus, or it may be provided to the computer via a network. The non-temporary computer-readable storage medium includes any type of disk, such as magnetic disks (floppy disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), etc.), optical disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards, flash memory, or optical cards, and any other type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 1. Vehicle 4. Steering wheel 10. ECU 20. Display device 21. Meter display 22. Inner display 23. Outer display 26. Center display 27. Touch panel 100... Control Unit 110...Storage section

Claims

1. An in-vehicle system comprising: a display device having a plurality of display units, including at least a first display unit positioned in front of the steering wheel in front of the driver's seat in the vehicle interior, and a pair of second display units positioned on both sides of the steering wheel, protruding further rearward than the first display unit; and an information processing device for controlling the display device, The aforementioned information processing device is When a signal is received that commands the adjustment of the brightness of the plurality of display units, a brightness control value is calculated for the first display unit and the pair of second display units based on the brightness instruction level included in the signal, and the brightness of the first display unit and the pair of second display units is adjusted by transmitting a control signal including the calculated brightness control value to the display device. A control unit configured to perform the following: When the control unit receives a signal commanding brightness adjustment to continuously change the brightness of the plurality of display units, it starts the brightness change of the first display unit and the brightness change of the pair of second display units at different timings. A control unit configured to perform the following: In-vehicle systems.

2. An in-vehicle system comprising: a display device having a plurality of display units, including at least a first display unit positioned in front of the steering wheel in front of the driver's seat in the vehicle interior, and a pair of second display units positioned on both sides of the steering wheel, protruding further rearward than the first display unit; and an information processing device for controlling the display device, The aforementioned information processing device is When the brightness of the multiple display units is changed continuously, the brightness change of the first display unit and the brightness change of the pair of second display units are started at different timings. A control unit configured to perform the following: In-vehicle systems.

3. The control unit, When the brightness of the multiple display units is continuously reduced, the brightness reduction of the pair of second display units is started before the brightness reduction of the first display unit. The in-vehicle system according to claim 2.

4. The control unit, When the brightness instruction level in the brightness adjustment of the plurality of display units is below the standard level, the brightness of the pair of second display units is reduced in accordance with the decrease in the instruction level, As long as the indicator level is below the standard level and above the first predetermined level, the brightness of the first display unit is maintained at a brightness corresponding to the standard level, and when the indicator level is below the first predetermined level, the brightness of the first display unit is reduced in accordance with the decrease in the indicator level. The in-vehicle system according to claim 3.

5. The control unit, When the brightness of the multiple display units is continuously increased, the brightness increase of the first display unit is started before the brightness increase of the pair of second display units. The in-vehicle system according to claim 2.

6. The control unit, When the brightness instruction level in the brightness adjustment of the plurality of display units is above the standard level, The brightness of the first display unit is increased in accordance with the increase in the instruction level, While the indicator level is equal to or greater than the standard level and lower than the second predetermined level, the brightness of the pair of second display units is maintained at a brightness corresponding to the standard level, and when the indicator level is equal to or greater than the second predetermined level, the brightness of the pair of second display units is increased in accordance with the increase in the indicator level. The in-vehicle system according to claim 5.

7. The control unit, When the brightness of the multiple display units is changed continuously, the brightness change of one of the pair of second display units and the brightness change of the other of the pair of second display units are started at different timings. Further execution The in-vehicle system according to claim 2.

8. The control unit, When the brightness of the multiple display units is continuously reduced, the brightness reduction of the other second display unit of the pair is started before the brightness reduction of the other second display unit of the pair. The in-vehicle system according to claim 7.

9. The control unit, When the brightness of the plurality of display units is continuously increased, the brightness increase of one of the pair of second display units is started before the brightness increase of the other of the pair of second display units. The in-vehicle system according to claim 7.

10. The plurality of display units of the display device further include a third display unit positioned midway between the driver's seat and the passenger seat in the front of the vehicle interior. The control unit, When the brightness of the multiple display units is changed continuously, the brightness change of the third display unit is started at a different timing from the brightness change of the first display unit and the brightness change of the pair of second display units. To further execute, The in-vehicle system according to claim 2.

11. The control unit, When the brightness of the multiple display units is continuously reduced, the brightness reduction of the third display unit is started later than the brightness reduction of the first display unit. The in-vehicle system according to claim 10.

12. The control unit, When the brightness of the multiple display units is continuously increased, the brightness increase of the third display unit is started before the brightness increase of the first display unit. The in-vehicle system according to claim 10.

13. When the display device receives a brightness adjustment command, which is input by user operation, to continuously change the brightness of the multiple display units, the control unit continuously changes the brightness of the multiple display units. The in-vehicle system according to claim 2.

14. Each of the pair of second display units has a touch panel. The display device receives the brightness adjustment command input by the user's touch operation on the touch panel. The in-vehicle system according to claim 13.

15. When the display device receives a brightness adjustment command that causes the brightness of the multiple display units to be continuously changed, which is input in response to a change in the detected value of a sensor installed in the vehicle that detects the brightness of the external environment, the control unit continuously changes the brightness of the multiple display units. The in-vehicle system according to claim 2.

16. An information processing device for controlling a display device having a plurality of display units, the first display unit being positioned in front of the steering wheel in front of the driver's seat inside the vehicle, and a pair of second display units being positioned on both sides of the steering wheel, protruding further rearward than the first display unit, When the brightness of the multiple display units is changed continuously, the brightness change of the first display unit and the brightness change of the pair of second display units are started at different timings. A control unit configured to perform the following: Information processing device.

17. The control unit, When the brightness of the multiple display units is continuously reduced, the brightness reduction of the pair of second display units is started before the brightness reduction of the first display unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16.

18. The control unit, When the brightness instruction level in the brightness adjustment of the plurality of display units is below the standard level, the brightness of the pair of second display units is reduced in accordance with the decrease in the instruction level, As long as the indicator level is below the standard level and above the first predetermined level, the brightness of the first display unit is maintained at a brightness corresponding to the standard level, and when the indicator level is below the first predetermined level, the brightness of the first display unit is reduced in accordance with the decrease in the indicator level. The information processing apparatus according to claim 17.

19. The control unit, When the brightness of the multiple display units is continuously increased, the brightness increase of the first display unit is started before the brightness increase of the pair of second display units. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16.

20. The control unit, When the brightness instruction level in the brightness adjustment of the plurality of display units is above the standard level, the brightness of the first display unit is increased in accordance with the increase in the instruction level, While the indicator level is equal to or greater than the standard level and lower than the second predetermined level, the brightness of the pair of second display units is maintained at a brightness corresponding to the standard level, and when the indicator level is equal to or greater than the second predetermined level, the brightness of the pair of second display units is increased in accordance with the increase in the indicator level. The information processing apparatus according to claim 19.

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