Vehicle display device, vehicle display method, and vehicle display program

Abstract

The objective is to provide a vehicle display device, a vehicle display method, and a vehicle display program that improve the visibility of vehicle information displayed on the display unit. [Solution] The vehicle display device 1 includes a display unit 10 provided on the vehicle V and visible to the driver DR, and a display control unit 42 that controls the display unit 10 to sequentially display a first display layer 11 including a vehicle information area 100 in which information about the vehicle V is displayed, and a second display layer 12 including a background video 200 which is a video that allows continuous changes in patterns to be seen, starting from the driver DR side.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle display device, a vehicle display method, and a vehicle display program. [Background Art]

[0002] As a conventional technology relating to vehicle display devices, vehicle display methods, and vehicle display programs, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle display device including a control unit, a first display unit that displays a background image including perspective lines on a half mirror, and a second display unit that displays a foreground image which is an aerial image overlapping the background image when viewed from the driver and is located closer to the driver than the background image. The control unit can reduce the luminance of an overlapping background image that overlaps the foreground image in the background image, thereby improving the visibility of the foreground image. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-188828 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] Incidentally, such vehicle display devices, vehicle display methods, and vehicle display programs sometimes reduce the luminance of an overlapping background image by compressing and moving perspective lines, for example, to make it easier to view specific information display such as a foreground image. And there is room for further improvement in such vehicle display devices, vehicle display methods, and vehicle display programs with regard to improving the visibility of specific information display, particularly vehicle information displayed on a display unit.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle display device, a vehicle display method, and a vehicle display program with improved visibility of vehicle information displayed on a display unit. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the vehicle display device of the present invention comprises a display unit provided in a vehicle and visible to the driver, and a display control unit that controls the display unit to display a first display layer including a vehicle information area on which vehicle information is displayed, and a second display layer including a background video which is a video that allows continuous changes in patterns to be visible, superimposed in order from the driver's side.

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the vehicle display method of the present invention comprises a video setting step of setting a background video, which is a video that is displayed on a display unit provided in the vehicle and visible to the driver, and in which a continuous change in the pattern can be seen; and a display step of sequentially superimposing and displaying a first display layer including a vehicle information area on which vehicle information is displayed and a second display layer including the background video, starting from the driver's side.

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the vehicle display program of the present invention causes a computer to perform a video setting process that sets a background video that is displayed on a display unit provided in the vehicle and visible to the driver, and that allows the driver to perceive a continuous change in the pattern; and a display process that sequentially overlays and displays a first display layer including a vehicle information area on which vehicle information is displayed and a second display layer including the background video, starting from the driver's side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The vehicle display device, vehicle display method, and vehicle display program according to the present invention have the effect of improving the visibility of vehicle information displayed on the display unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a vehicle according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of an image displayed on the display unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a diagram showing that the image displayed on the display unit according to the embodiment is composed of a first display layer and a second display layer. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a vehicle display device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a vehicle display method according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Furthermore, some of the components in the following embodiments may be easily substituted or substantially identical to those that are easily substituted by those skilled in the art.

[0012] [Embodiment] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle V has a vehicle display device 1 (display unit 10), a steering wheel ST, and a driver's seat DS. The display unit 10 is positioned so that it can be seen by the driver DR who is seated in the driver's seat DS and operating the vehicle V. The display unit 10 is located, for example, on the instrument panel in front of the driver DR. In other words, the display unit 10 is positioned in the direction of the driver DR's line of sight S. Furthermore, the display unit 10 is usually located where meters are installed.

[0013] Figure 2 shows an example of an image displayed on the display unit 10. The display unit 10 displays a vehicle information area 100, which is an area where information about the vehicle V is displayed, and a background video 200, which is a video in which a continuous change in the pattern can be visually observed.

[0014] The image displayed on the display unit 10 consists of at least two overlapping display layers. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the first display layer 11 and the second display layer 12 are displayed in order from the driver's (DR) side. In Figure 3, the upper side, which is upstream in the direction of the line of sight (S), is the driver's (DR) side.

[0015] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first display layer 11 includes a vehicle information area 100. The second display layer 12 includes a background video 200. The background video 200 can be arbitrarily set by the driver (DR), for example, as will be described in detail later.

[0016] Here, the vehicle information area 100 includes a tachometer area 110, which is a tachometer; a speedometer area 120, which is a speedometer; a shift mode area 131, which indicates the current position of the shift lever; a speed display area 132, which indicates the vehicle speed; a driver assistance area 140; a water temperature area 150, which is a water temperature gauge; and an outside temperature area 160, which indicates the outside temperature. The tachometer area 110 is displayed on the left side facing the display unit 10, and the speedometer area 120 is displayed on the right side. The driver assistance area 140 is displayed between the tachometer area 110 and the speedometer area 120, approximately in the center of the display unit 10. The water temperature area 150 is displayed to the left of the tachometer area 110, and the outside temperature area 160 is displayed to the right of the speedometer area 120.

[0017] The tachometer area 110 includes a roughly C-shaped meter area 111 and a numeral area 112 in which numerals are arranged along the roughly C-shaped meter area 111. The shift mode area 131 is located inside the roughly C-shaped meter area 111. Similarly, the speedometer area 120 includes a roughly C-shaped meter area 121 and a numeral area 122. The speed display area 132 is located inside the meter area 121. The driver assistance area 140 is an area in which information from the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) of the driver assistance system installed in the vehicle V is displayed.

[0018] The vehicle information area 100 can be displayed using various display processing methods, such as displaying it in a non-transparent monochrome or applying some transparency. The vehicle information area 100 can also consist only of characters such as numbers. Alternatively, the vehicle information area 100 can include only characters and a digital meter that changes according to the value of the measured object (e.g., speed).

[0019] The background moving image 200 can be, for example, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, a moving image in which grid-like geometric patterns M1 and M2 move randomly and continuously. In the present embodiment, the patterns M1 and M2 are arranged corresponding to the vehicle information areas 100. For example, the pattern M1 is arranged corresponding to the tachometer area 110, on the back side of the tachometer area 110. The pattern M2 is arranged corresponding to the speedometer area 120, on the back side of the speedometer area 120. Each of the patterns M1 and M2 is formed as a moving image that moves around each corresponding vehicle information area 100. This enables individual vehicle information areas 100 to be highlighted.

[0020] In addition, any desired patterns such as photographs or designs, in particular, a moving image that moves to zoom in or zoom out on a perspective-processed pattern, or a moving image in which countless shooting stars flow from the far side (downstream side) in the direction of the line of sight S of the driver DR toward the near side (upstream side) can be adopted. Note that the background moving image 200 is not a moving image that provides any information (information of the vehicle V, traffic information, etc.) to the driver DR, nor is it a moving image such as a movie. The background moving image 200 can be, for example, a moving image similar to a screen saver for preventing burn-in on a display of a PC (personal computer). The background moving image 200 can be a moving image that is repeatedly reproduced periodically. The background moving image 200 is not associated with the information of the vehicle information area 100. For example, there is no association such that the pattern of the background moving image 200 moves in accordance with the movement of the meter areas 111 and 121.

[0021] Next, the configuration of the vehicle display device 1 will be described based on FIG. 4. Here, the vehicle display device 1 is typically included in a vehicle system including a navigation system and an audio system. Such a vehicle system can be communicatively connected to a portable terminal 2 such as a smartphone owned by the driver DR. In the present embodiment, the vehicle display device 1 can be communicatively connected to a portable terminal 2 such as a smartphone owned by the driver DR.

[0022] Specifically, the vehicle display device 1 comprises a display unit 10, a communication unit 20, a storage unit 30, and a control unit 40. The display unit 10 is composed of a display device formed by a liquid crystal display or the like, which is considered a full display. The communication unit 20 has a communication circuit for wireless communication. The communication unit 20 has the function of performing short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth® or WiFi. The communication unit 20 may also be connected to the mobile terminal 2 via a wired connection. The vehicle display device 1 can communicate with the mobile terminal 2 via the communication unit 20 and send and receive data.

[0023] The storage unit 30 is composed of, for example, at least one memory such as flash memory, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), or hard disk. The storage unit 30 stores system programs and application programs executed by the control unit 40, as well as data necessary for the execution of these programs. The storage unit 30 is provided with a video storage unit 31. The video storage unit 31 stores multiple videos (data) that can be used as background videos 200. The multiple videos stored in the video storage unit 31 can be accessed from the mobile terminal 2 via the communication unit 20 and become videos stored in the video storage unit 31.

[0024] The control unit 40 is a computer composed of at least one processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microcontroller, and reads programs such as vehicle display programs stored in the storage unit 30 and executes various processes. The control unit 40 includes a reception unit 41 and a display control unit 42. The reception unit 41 receives data from the mobile terminal 2 connected via the communication unit 20. The display control unit 42 controls the display unit 10 to display the first display layer 11 and the second display layer 12 in order from the driver DR side.

[0025] Next, we will explain the vehicle display method using the vehicle display device 1, based on the processing flow shown in Figure 5.

[0026] Communication connection process (step S1): The user, for example, the driver DR, connects their mobile terminal 2 to the vehicle display device 1 via the communication unit 20. The mobile terminal 2 and the vehicle display device 1 can communicate with each other by pairing, for example, using Bluetooth®.

[0027] Initial setup process (step S2): The user (driver DR) performs initial setup of the control contents of the display control unit 42 using an input unit (not shown) of the vehicle display device 1, or a mobile terminal 2 connected to the vehicle display device 1. For example, regarding the video to be displayed as background video 200, it is possible to set the system to display the video played on the mobile terminal 2 directly, without using the video stored in the video storage unit 31.

[0028] Video setting process (step S3): The user (driver DR) sets a background video 200 to be displayed on the display unit 10, which is installed in the vehicle V and visible to the driver DR. The background video 200 is selected, for example, from videos stored in a mobile terminal 2 that is connected to the vehicle display device 1. The selected video is transmitted to the vehicle display device 1. The video transmitted from the mobile terminal 2 is received by the reception unit 41 via the communication unit 20 and stored in the video storage unit 31.

[0029] Furthermore, in the video setting process (step S3), it is also possible to select from videos previously stored in the video storage unit 31 using an input unit (not shown) provided in the vehicle display device 1 or a mobile terminal 2. Note that while videos can be saved to the video storage unit 31 in advance using the mobile terminal 2, they can also be saved using other storage devices (such as memory cards).

[0030] In addition, during the video setup process (step S3), you can select an image of any meter design and set the movement of the selected image (zoom in, zoom out, etc.).

[0031] Display process (step S4); In the display process (step S4), the display unit 10 of the display control unit 42 controls the first display layer 11, which includes a vehicle information area 100 where vehicle V information is displayed, and the second display layer 12, which includes a background video 200, to be displayed in order from the driver DR side.

[0032] Furthermore, the vehicle display program causes the control unit 40, which acts as a computer, to execute at least the video setting process (step S3) and the display process (step S4).

[0033] The vehicle display device 1 described above comprises a display unit 10 installed in the vehicle V and visible to the driver DR, and a display control unit 42 that controls the display unit 10 to sequentially display a first display layer 11 including a vehicle information area 100 in which information about the vehicle V is displayed, and a second display layer 12 including a background video 200 which is a video that allows the driver DR to perceive continuous changes in patterns, starting from the driver DR side. The vehicle display method comprises a video setting step (step S3) and a display step (step S4). The vehicle display program causes the control unit 40, which is a computer, to execute the video setting process and the display process.

[0034] As a result, the background video 200 is set, and the image moves behind the vehicle information area 100, giving the vehicle information area 100, which does not move from its position, a sense of floating and emphasizing its display. For example, the background video 200 can be selected and set to an image of the meter area of ​​a vehicle that the driver DR admires, a vehicle that was previously owned but is no longer sold, a vehicle different from the vehicle being driven V, or an image of the meter area of ​​a sports car. In this way, by replacing the image as meter design display data with the meter design of a different vehicle, it is possible to arrange it to look like a different type of vehicle. In addition, it is also possible to set images of favorite landscapes such as mountains or the sea, or commemorative photos. In this way, even if the meter design is changed, the selected image moves as the background video 200, eliminating the flat appearance and improving the visibility of the vehicle information displayed on the display unit 10.

[0035] Furthermore, the background video 200 is played periodically. This allows for improved visibility of the vehicle information continuously displayed on the display unit 10, for example, by acting as a background video 200 that moves like a screen saver.

[0036] Furthermore, the vehicle display device 1 is equipped with a communication unit 20 that communicates with a mobile terminal 2, and the background video 200 is set by the mobile terminal 2. This allows the user to save their favorite videos on the mobile terminal 2 that they carry with them daily, and then use the videos saved on the mobile terminal 2 to set the background video 200 when driving the vehicle V. The video used to set the background video 200 by the mobile terminal 2 may be one stored in the video storage unit 31, one stored in another storage unit, or one displayed on the display screen of the mobile terminal 2, as in so-called streaming playback.

[0037] It should be noted that the vehicle display device, vehicle display method, and vehicle display program according to the embodiments of the present invention described above are not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0038] In the above description, the first display layer 11 and the second display layer 12 are assumed to be composed of one display layer each, but they can also be configured to include multiple display layers. For example, the first display layer 11 can be configured with the tachometer area 110 and the speedometer area 120 as different display layers. Also, other display layers may overlap between the first display layer 11 and the second display layer 12, or below the second display layer 12. That is, the second display layer 12, which includes the background video 200, is provided behind the first display layer 11, which includes the vehicle information area 100. In addition, the background video 200 is assumed to be a video stored in the video storage unit 31, but the background video 200 can also be a video displayed on the display screen of the mobile terminal 2, or a video stored on the mobile terminal 2 or a storage medium such as a memory card. Furthermore, the contents of the vehicle information area 100 are not limited by this embodiment, and other vehicle information related to the vehicle V may be displayed.

[0039] The vehicle display device, vehicle display method, and vehicle display program according to this embodiment may be configured by appropriately combining the components of the embodiments and modified examples described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 1: Vehicle display device 2: Mobile devices 10: Display section 11: 1st display layer 12: 2nd display layer 20: Communications Department 40: Control Unit 42: Display Control Unit 100: Vehicle information area 200: Background video DR: Driver M1: Design M2: Design S: Gaze V: Vehicle

Claims

1. A display unit installed in the vehicle and visible to the driver, A display control unit controls the display unit to display a first display layer including a vehicle information area where vehicle information is displayed and a second display layer including a background video which is a video in which a continuous change in patterns can be seen, by superimposing them in order from the driver's side. Equipped with, Vehicle display device.

2. The aforementioned background video is played periodically. The vehicle display device according to claim 1.

3. Equipped with a communication unit that communicates with mobile devices, The aforementioned background video is set by the mobile device. The vehicle display device according to claim 1.

4. A video setting process involves setting a background video, which is a video that is displayed on a display unit in the vehicle that is visible to the driver and shows a continuous change in patterns. A display step in which a first display layer including a vehicle information area where vehicle information is displayed and a second display layer including the background video are superimposed in order from the driver's side, Equipped with, Vehicle marking method.

5. On the computer, A video setting process that sets a background video that can be displayed on a display unit in the vehicle that is visible to the driver, and which shows a continuous change in the pattern. A display process that sequentially overlays and displays a first display layer including a vehicle information area where vehicle information is displayed and a second display layer including the background video, starting from the driver's side. A vehicle display program that executes [this action].

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