Display control device, display control system, and display control program

Abstract

To avoid in advance the occurrence of a situation where a display unit starts a display operation of a display in a state where the display unit does not receive video data from a display control unit, in a configuration in which the start-up time of the display unit and the start-up time of the display control unit are different from each other.SOLUTION: A display control unit transmits video data to a plurality of display units to perform centralized control of display of videos in the plurality of display units, and transmits, to the display units, drawing data that is data necessary for the display unit to perform start-up processing and initial settings of a display. The display control unit comprises: a video data transmission unit that transmits video data different from the drawing data to the display unit; and a first synchronization control unit that, upon receiving, from the display unit, a start-up processing completion notification indicating the completion of the start-up processing of the display, synchronizes the timing to start transmitting the video data to the display unit with a display operation start timing at which a display operation of the display is started in the display unit. After the start of transmitting the video data, the first synchronization control unit transmits a request to turn on a backlight to the display unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display control device, a display control system, and a display control program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There is provided a display control system having a display device with a display unit and a display control device that controls an image to be displayed on the display unit of the display device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-249836 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In this type of display control system, image data is transmitted from the display control device to the display device, and an image corresponding to the image data is displayed on the display device. For example, if the display device is an in-vehicle meter device, image data is transmitted from the display control device to the meter device, and an image of, for example, the remaining fuel amount or the mileage is displayed on the meter device.

[0005] Since the display control device and the display device have different software configurations and hardware processing capabilities, the startup time from when the display control device starts the startup process until it is able to transmit video data to the display device is different from the startup time from when the display device starts the startup process until it is able to display a video corresponding to the video data. Therefore, when a startup cause such as a door being opened occurs and the display control device and the display device start their startup processes at the same time, if the startup time of the display control device is longer than the startup time of the display device, a situation occurs in which the display device is able to receive video data from the display control device and display a video, but the display control device is not able to transmit the video data to the display device. In this case, the display device starts the display operation of the display unit, but does not receive video data from the display control device, which may cause a sense of incongruity to the user.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a display control device, a display control system, and a display control program that can prevent a situation from occurring in which the display device starts display operation on the display unit when the display device has not received video data from the display control device, in a configuration in which the start-up time of the display device and the start-up time of the display control device are different. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the display control device of claim 1, video data is transmitted to a plurality of display devices to centrally control the display of video on the plurality of display devices, and when the display devices are activated, drawing data, which is data required for the display devices to perform a start-up process and initial setting of the display units, is transmitted to the display devices. The video data transmission units (2f, 2g) transmit video data different from the drawing data to the display devices. When a start-up process completion notification indicating the completion of the start-up process of the display unit is received from the display device in association with the start-up process of the display unit being performed in response to the display device detecting receipt of the drawing data from the display control device, the first synchronization control unit (12a) synchronizes a transmission start timing at which the video data transmission unit starts transmitting the video data to the display device with a display operation start timing at which the display unit starts display operation. After starting transmission of the video data, the first synchronization control unit transmits a request to the display device to turn on the backlight.

[0008] The transmission start timing at which the video data transmission unit starts transmitting video data to the display device is synchronized with the display operation start timing at which the display unit starts displaying in the display device. Even if the start-up time of the display device and the start-up time of the display control device are different, and the display device is able to receive video data from the display control device and display video, but the display control device is not able to transmit the video data to the display device, the display device can be prevented from starting the display operation of the display unit until the display control device is able to transmit the video data to the display device. This makes it possible to prevent a situation from occurring in which the display unit starts displaying when the display device has not yet received video data from the display control device.

[0009] According to the display control system described in claim 3, the display control device (2) centrally controls the display of images on the multiple display devices by transmitting video data to the multiple display devices, transmits drawing data, which is data necessary for the display devices to perform startup processing and initial settings of the display units, to the display devices, and transmits video data different from the drawing data to the display devices. The display devices (3, 4) have display units that display images corresponding to the video data received from the display control device. As the display device performs startup processing of the display unit by detecting reception of the drawing data from the display control device, the display control device receives a startup processing completion notification from the display device indicating completion of the startup processing of the display unit, thereby synchronizing the transmission start timing at which the display control device starts transmitting video data to the display device with the display operation start timing at which the display device starts display operation of the display unit, and after the display operation of the display device starts, the display device receives a backlight turn-on request from the display control device, thereby turning on the backlight of the display device.

[0010] The transmission start timing at which the display control device starts transmitting video data to the display device is synchronized with the display operation start timing at which the display device starts display operation of the display unit. As with the display control device recited in claim 1, even if the start-up time of the display device and the start-up time of the display control device are different and the display device is able to receive video data from the display control device and display video, but the display control device is not able to transmit the video data to the display device, the display device can be prevented from starting the display operation of the display unit until the display control device is able to transmit the video data to the display device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] A functional block diagram showing the overall configuration of a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] A diagram showing a meter device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control unit of a display control ECU and a control unit of a meter device. [Figure 4] Diagram showing the process flow when a startup factor occurs (part 1) [Diagram 5] Diagram showing the process flow when a startup factor occurs (part 2) [Figure 6] Flow of processing when a sleep factor occurs (part 1) [Figure 7] Diagram showing the process flow when a sleep factor occurs (part 2) [Figure 8] FIG. 11 illustrates a process flow when a trigger occurs according to the second embodiment (part 3). [Figure 9] Diagram showing the process flow when a trigger occurs (part 4) [Figure 10] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the flow of processing when a start-up event occurs according to the third embodiment; [Figure 11] Diagram showing the process flow when a trigger occurs (part 6) [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the flow of processing when a sleep cause occurs according to the fourth embodiment (part 3). [Figure 13] Flow of processing when a sleep factor occurs (part 4) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 1, the display control system 1 has a display control ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 2 (display control device), a meter device 3 (display device) arranged in front of the driver's seat, and a center display device 4 (display device) arranged in a center console between the driver's seat and the passenger seat. The display control ECU 2 has a function of HMI (Human Machine Interface) in addition to a function of display control, and functions as an HCU (HMI Control Unit). The display control ECU 2 is connected to the meter device 3 via an in-vehicle network 5 so as to be able to perform data communication, and is also connected to the center display device 4 via a data communication line 6 so as to be able to perform data communication. In addition, the display control ECU 2 and the meter device 3 are connected to a vehicle-side ECU 7 via the in-vehicle network 5 so as to be able to perform data communication. The in-vehicle network 5 is, for example, a CAN (Controller Area Network) (registered trademark) or the like.

[0013] The display control ECU 2 transmits video data to the meter device 3 and the center display device 4, thereby centrally controlling the display of videos on the meter device 3 and the center display device 4. The meter device 3 receives the video data transmitted from the display control ECU 2 and displays videos relating to safety and security, such as the remaining fuel level and mileage. The center display device 4 receives the video data transmitted from the display control ECU 2 and displays videos relating to infotainment, such as audio information and navigation information.

[0014] In this embodiment, a configuration is exemplified in which the display control ECU 2 centrally controls the display of images on two display devices, the meter device 3 and the center display device 4, but the display control ECU 2 may control the display of images on one display device, or may centrally control the display of images on three or more display devices. The display device for which the display control ECU 2 controls the display of images may be a head-up display device, a multi-information display device, or a mobile device brought into the vehicle cabin, such as a smartphone or a tablet.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 2, the meter device 3 has an analog needle-type vehicle speed meter 8 in which a needle 8a is driven to rotate in conjunction with the vehicle speed, an analog needle-type tachometer 9 in which a needle 9a is driven to rotate in conjunction with the engine speed, and a display 3f that displays various vehicle conditions. The display 3f is disposed between the vehicle speed meter 8 and the tachometer 9. When the meter device 3 is in an activated state, the display 3f can display the remaining amount of fuel, the accumulated idling stop time, the accumulated fuel saved, the ODO distance (123456 km in the example of Fig. 2), and the TRIP distance (1234.5 km in the example of Fig. 2) as images. The meter device 3 may be configured to be capable of displaying the vehicle speed and the engine speed as images, or may be configured as a so-called full display.

[0016] The display control ECU 2 has a control unit 2a, a power supply circuit 2b, a first communication IF unit 2c, a second communication IF unit 2d, a GDC (Graphic Display Controller) 2e, a first signal conversion IC (Integrated Circuit) 2f (video data transmission unit, startup request transmission unit), a second signal conversion IC 2g (video data transmission unit, startup request transmission unit), and a flash ROM (Read Only Memory) 2h.

[0017] The control unit 2a is mainly composed of an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), executes control programs, and controls the overall operation of the display control ECU 2. The control programs executed by the control unit 2a include a display control program. The power supply circuit 2b supplies operating power to each functional block inside the display control ECU 2. The first communication IF unit 2c controls data communication with the meter device 3 via the in-vehicle network 5. The second communication IF unit 2d controls data communication with the center display device 4 via the data communication line 6. The GDC 2e reads out data stored in the flash ROM 2h, processes the read data, and generates video data.

[0018] When the first signal conversion IC 2f receives video data from the GDC 2e, it transmits the received video data to the meter device 3 via LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) communication. When the second signal conversion IC 2g receives video data from the GDC 2e, it transmits the received video data to the center display device 4 via LVDS communication. LVDS communication is, for example, GVIF (Gigabit Video Interface), GMSL (Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link), HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) (registered trademark), or Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0019] The meter device 3 has a control unit 3a, a power supply circuit 3b, a communication IF unit 3c, a switch IF unit 3d, a signal conversion IC 3e (video data receiving unit, start-up request receiving unit), a display 3f (display unit), a backlight 3g, an audio IC 3h, a speaker 3i, an IF unit 3j, and an indicator 3k.

[0020] The control unit 3a is mainly composed of an MPU, and executes a control program to control the overall operation of the meter device 3. The control program executed by the control unit 3a includes a display program. The power supply circuit 3b supplies operating power to each functional block inside the meter device 3. The communication IF unit 3c controls data communication with the display control ECU 2 via the in-vehicle network 5. The switch IF unit 3d detects the on / off state of the ODO / TRIP switch 10 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 3a. When the signal conversion IC 3e receives the video data transmitted from the display control ECU 2, it converts the received video data in compliance with the standard of the meter device 3 and outputs the converted video data to the display 3f.

[0021] The display 3f is, for example, a TFT (Thin-Film-Transistor) liquid crystal display, and when video data is input from the signal conversion IC 3e, it decodes the input video data and displays a video corresponding to the video data. The backlight 3g turns on when a turn-on command is input from the control unit 3a, and turns off when a turn-off command is input from the control unit 3a. When a sound output command is input from the control unit 3a, the sound IC 3h outputs sound from the speaker 3i in accordance with the input sound output command. When a display command is input from the control unit 3a, the IF unit 3j displays the indicator 3k in accordance with the input display command.

[0022] The center display device 4 has a control unit 4a, a power supply circuit 4b, a communication IF unit 4c, a switch IF unit 4d, a signal conversion IC 4e (video data receiving unit, startup request receiving unit), a display 4f (display unit), a backlight 4g, an IF unit 4h, and an indicator 4i.

[0023] The control unit 4a is mainly composed of an MPU, and executes a control program to control the overall operation of the center display device 4. The control program executed by the control unit 4a includes a display program. The power supply circuit 4b supplies operating power to each functional block inside the center display device 4. The communication IF unit 4c controls data communication with the display control ECU 2 via the data communication line 6. The switch IF unit 4d detects the on / off state of the external switch 11 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 4a. When the signal conversion IC 4e receives video data transmitted from the display control ECU 2, it converts the received video data to conform to the standard of the center display device 4 and outputs the converted video data to the display 4f.

[0024] The display 4f is, for example, a TFT liquid crystal display, and when video data is input from the signal conversion IC 4e, it decodes the input video data and displays a video corresponding to the video data. The backlight 4g lights up when a turn-on command is input from the control unit 4a, and turns off when a turn-off command is input from the control unit 4a. When a display command is input from the control unit 4a, the IF unit 4h displays the indicator 4i according to the input display command.

[0025] The first signal conversion IC2f of the display control ECU 2 and the signal conversion IC3e of the meter device 3 are connected by a coaxial cable or a differential cable. The first signal conversion IC2f of the display control ECU 2 converts video data, serial data (UART, I2C, SPI, etc.), and general-purpose output data into high-speed serial signals, and transmits the converted high-speed serial signals to the signal conversion IC3e of the meter device 3. When the signal conversion IC3e of the meter device 3 receives a high-speed serial signal from the first signal conversion IC2f of the display control ECU 2, it reconverts the received high-speed serial signal and separates it into video data, serial data, and general-purpose output data for output.

[0026] Furthermore, the signal conversion IC3e of the meter device 3 converts the serial data and general-purpose output data into low-speed serial signals and transmits the converted low-speed serial signals to the first signal conversion IC2f of the display control ECU 2. Upon receiving a low-speed serial signal from the signal conversion IC3e of the meter device 3, the first signal conversion IC2f of the display control ECU 2 reconverts the received low-speed serial signal and separates it into serial data and general-purpose output data for output.

[0027] The second signal conversion IC2g of the display control ECU 2 and the signal conversion IC4e of the center display device 4 are also connected by a coaxial cable or a differential cable, similar to the relationship between the first signal conversion IC2f of the display control ECU 2 and the signal conversion IC3e of the meter device 3.

[0028] In a configuration in which the meter device 3 and the center display device 4 do not have a GDC and the display of images on the meter device 3 and the center display device 4 is controlled by the display control ECU 2, the following problems are expected as described above. That is, when the display control ECU 2 and the meter device 3 start the startup process at the same time, if the startup time of the display control ECU 2 is longer than the startup time of the meter device 3, a situation occurs in which the meter device 3 receives image data from the display control ECU 2 and can display images, but the display control ECU 2 cannot transmit the image data to the meter device 3. In this case, the meter device 3 starts the display operation of the display 3f, but cannot receive the image data from the display control ECU 2, and therefore cannot display the image, which may cause a sense of incongruity to the user. In view of this point, the following configuration is adopted in this embodiment. Hereinafter, the relationship between the display control ECU 2 and the meter device 3 will be described, but the same applies to the relationship between the display control ECU 2 and the center display device 4.

[0029] 3, in the display control ECU 2, the control unit 2a has a first synchronization control unit 12a and a startup request transmission control unit 12b. When a startup process completion notification is received from the meter device 3 by the first signal conversion IC2f, the first synchronization control unit 12a synchronizes a transmission start timing at which the first signal conversion IC2f starts transmitting video data to the meter device 3 with a display operation start timing at which the meter device 3 starts a display operation on the display 3f. When a startup cause occurs, the startup request transmission control unit 12b causes the first signal conversion IC2f to transmit a startup request to the meter device 3.

[0030] In the meter device 3, the control unit 3a has a second synchronization control unit 13a, a startup process control unit 13b, and a non-display function operation unit 13c. The second synchronization control unit 13a synchronizes the display operation start timing at which the display operation of the display 3f starts with the transmission start timing at which the display control ECU2 starts transmitting video data by causing the signal conversion IC 3e to transmit a startup process completion notification. The startup process control unit 13b starts the startup process when a startup request is received by the signal conversion IC 3e. The non-display function operation unit 13c operates non-display functions other than the display of video. The non-display functions other than the display of video include the operation of the needles of the speedometer 8 and the tachometer 9, the lighting of the indicator 3k, and the sound of the speaker 3i.

[0031] Next, the operation of the above-mentioned configuration will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 7. Here, the process performed by the display control ECU 2 and the meter device 3 when a start-up factor occurs, and the process performed by the display control ECU 2 and the meter device 3 when a sleep factor occurs will be described.

[0032] (1) When a trigger occurs As a case where a start-up factor occurs, a case where the occurrence of the start-up factor is detected by both the display control ECU 2 and the meter device 3 and a case where the occurrence of the start-up factor is detected by only the display control ECU 2 will be described.

[0033] (1-1) When the occurrence of a start-up factor is detected by both the display control ECU 2 and the meter device 3 4, in the display control ECU 2, when the control unit 2a detects the occurrence of a start-up factor, such as the opening of a door, while monitoring the occurrence of the start-up factor, the control unit 2a starts a start-up process (A1) and starts a start-up process of the communication circuit of the first signal conversion IC 2f (A2). When the control unit 2a completes the start-up process of the communication circuit of the first signal conversion IC 2f, the control unit 2a causes the first signal conversion IC 2f to transmit drawing data to the meter device 3 (A3). After causing the first signal conversion IC 2f to transmit the drawing data to the meter device 3, the control unit 2a waits for reception of a start-up process completion notification from the meter device 3. The drawing data is different from the video data and is data necessary for the meter device 3 to perform start-up process and initial setting of the display 3f.

[0034] In the meter device 3, when the control unit 3a detects the occurrence of a start-up factor while monitoring the occurrence of the start-up factor, it starts the start-up process (B1) and starts the start-up process of the communication circuit of the signal conversion IC 3e (B2). When the control unit 3a completes the start-up process of the communication circuit of the signal conversion IC 3e, it waits for the reception of drawing data from the display control ECU 2. When the control unit 3a detects the reception of drawing data from the display control ECU 2 by the signal conversion IC 3e (B3), it starts the start-up process and initial setting of the display 3f (B4). When the control unit 3a completes the start-up process and initial setting of the display 3f, it causes the signal conversion IC 3e to transmit a start-up process completion notification to the display control ECU 2 (B5), and starts the display start-up process in cooperation with the display control ECU 2 (B6).

[0035] In the display control ECU 2, when the control unit 2a detects the reception of a startup process completion notification from the meter device 3 through the first signal conversion IC 2f (A4), it starts the display startup process in cooperation with the meter device 3 (A5). When the control unit 2a completes the display startup process, it starts transmitting video data from the first signal conversion IC 2f to the meter device 3 (A6, first synchronization control procedure), and causes the first signal conversion IC 2f to transmit a backlight turn-on request to the meter device 3 (A7), and transitions to a startup state.

[0036] In the meter device 3, when the control unit 3a detects the reception of video data from the display control ECU 2 via the signal conversion IC 3e (B7), it starts the display operation of the display 3f (B8, second synchronization control procedure), and when the control unit 3a detects the reception of a backlight turn-on request from the display control ECU 2 via the signal conversion IC 3e (B9), it turns on the backlight 3g (B10) and transitions to a startup state.

[0037] That is, in the series of processes described above, the meter device 3 transmits a startup process completion notification to the display control ECU 2, and the display control ECU 2 receives the startup process completion notification from the meter device 3. When the meter device 3 and the display control ECU 2 transmit and receive the startup process completion notification, the transmission start timing at which the display control ECU 2 starts transmitting video data to the meter device 3 can be synchronized with the display operation start timing at which the meter device 3 starts the display operation of the display 3f.

[0038] (1-2) When only the display control ECU 2 detects the occurrence of a start-up factor 5, in the display control ECU 2, when the control unit 2a detects the occurrence of a start-up factor while monitoring the occurrence of the start-up factor, it starts a start-up process (A11) and causes the first signal conversion IC 2f to transmit a start-up request to the meter device 3 (A12). After causing the first signal conversion IC 2f to transmit the start-up request to the meter device 3, the control unit 2a performs the above-mentioned steps A2 to A7.

[0039] In the meter device 3, when the control unit 3a detects reception of a start request from the display control ECU 2 through the signal conversion IC 3e while waiting for reception of the start request from the display control ECU 2, the control unit 3a performs the above-mentioned steps B1 to B10.

[0040] In this case as well, the meter device 3 transmits a startup processing completion notification to the display control ECU 2, and the display control ECU 2 receives the startup processing completion notification from the meter device 3. When the meter device 3 and the display control ECU 2 transmit and receive the startup processing completion notification, the transmission start timing at which the display control ECU 2 starts transmitting video data to the meter device 3 can be synchronized with the display operation start timing at which the meter device 3 starts the display operation of the display 3f.

[0041] (2) When a sleep factor occurs Assuming that a sleep factor occurs, a case will be described in which the occurrence of the sleep factor is detected by both the display control ECU 2 and the meter device 3, and a case in which the occurrence of the sleep factor is detected by only the display control ECU 2.

[0042] (2-1) When both the display control ECU 2 and the meter device 3 detect the occurrence of a sleep factor 6, in the display control ECU 2, when the control unit 2a detects the occurrence of a sleep factor while monitoring the occurrence of the sleep factor, the control unit 2a causes the first signal conversion IC2f to transmit a backlight turn-off request to the meter device 3 (A21). When the control unit 2a causes the first signal conversion IC2f to transmit the backlight turn-off request to the meter device 3, the control unit 2a starts a meter function termination process (A22), and when the control unit 2a completes the meter function termination process, the control unit 2a causes the first signal conversion IC2f to transmit a display termination process request to the meter device 3 (A23). When the control unit 2a causes the first signal conversion IC2f to transmit the display termination process request to the meter device 3, the control unit 2a waits for reception of a meter device termination notification from the meter device 3.

[0043] In the meter device 3, when the control unit 3a detects the occurrence of a sleep factor while monitoring the occurrence of the sleep factor, it waits for the reception of a backlight turn-off request from the display control ECU 2. When the control unit 3a detects the reception of the backlight turn-off request from the display control ECU 2 by the signal conversion IC 3e (B21), it turns off the backlight 3g (B22) and turns off functions other than the display (B23). When the control unit 3a detects the reception of a display termination process request from the display control ECU 2 by the signal conversion IC 3e (B24), it sets the display termination (B25), causes the signal conversion IC 3e to transmit a meter device termination notification to the display control ECU 2 (B26), and starts the display termination process in cooperation with the display control ECU 2 (B27).

[0044] In the display control ECU 2, when the control unit 2a detects the receipt of a meter device end notification from the meter device 3 by the first signal conversion IC 2f (A24), it starts a display end process in cooperation with the meter device 3 (A25). When the control unit 2a completes the display end process, it causes the first signal conversion IC 2f to transmit a transmission end notification indicating the end of transmission of video data from the first signal conversion IC 2f to the meter device 3 to the meter device 3 (A26), and transitions to a sleep state.

[0045] In the meter device 3, when the control unit 3a detects the reception of the transmission end notification from the display control ECU 2 by the signal conversion IC 3e (B28), it turns off the function of the display 3f (B29) and transitions to a sleep state.

[0046] (2-2) When only the display control ECU2 detects the occurrence of a sleep factor 7, in the display control ECU 2, when the control unit 2a detects the occurrence of a sleep factor while monitoring the occurrence of the sleep factor, the control unit 2a causes the first signal conversion IC 2f to transmit a backlight turn-off request to the meter device 3 (A21). After causing the first signal conversion IC 2f to transmit the backlight turn-off request to the meter device 3, the control unit 2a performs the above-mentioned steps A22 to A26.

[0047] In the meter device 3, when the control unit 3a detects reception of a backlight turn-off request from the display control ECU 2 through the signal conversion IC 3e while waiting for the reception of the backlight turn-off request from the display control ECU 2, the control unit 3a performs the above-mentioned steps B22 to B29.

[0048] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the following advantageous effects can be obtained: In the display control system 1, the meter device 3 transmits a startup process completion notification to the display control ECU 2, the display control ECU 2 receives the startup process completion notification from the meter device 3, and the meter device 3 and the display control ECU 2 use the transmission and reception of the startup process completion notification as a trigger to synchronize a transmission start timing at which the display control ECU 2 starts transmitting video data to the meter device 3 with a display operation start timing at which the meter device 3 starts the display operation of the display 3f.

[0049] Even if a situation occurs in which the startup time of the meter device 3 and the startup time of the display control ECU 2 are different and the meter device 3 is able to receive video data from the display control ECU 2 and display video, but the display control ECU 2 is not able to transmit the video data to the meter device 3, the meter device 3 can be prevented from starting a display operation until the display control ECU 2 is able to transmit the video data to the meter device 3. This makes it possible to prevent a situation from occurring in which the display operation of the display 3f starts when the meter device 3 has not yet received video data from the display control ECU 2.

[0050] Furthermore, in a case where only the display control ECU 2 detects the occurrence of a start-up factor, the meter device 3 starts the start-up process when it detects receipt of a start-up request from the display control ECU 2. Even in a configuration in which the meter device 3 cannot detect the occurrence of a start-up factor, the display control ECU 2 can transmit a start-up request to the meter device 3, so that the meter device 3 can also start the start-up process following the display control ECU 2 starting the start-up process.

[0051] In addition, when only the display control ECU 2 detects the occurrence of a sleep factor, the display control ECU 2 transitions to the sleep state when it detects receipt of a backlight turn-off request. Even in a configuration in which the meter device 3 cannot detect the occurrence of a sleep factor, the display control ECU 2 can transmit a backlight turn-off request to the meter device 3, so that the meter device 3 can transition to the sleep state following the display control ECU 2 transitioning to the sleep state.

[0052] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Note that the description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the different parts will be described. In the second embodiment, the meter device 3 performs an operation process of a non-display function other than the display of an image.

[0053] 8 and 9, in the meter device 3, when the control unit 3a completes the startup process of the communication circuit of the signal conversion IC 3e, it starts the activation process of non-display functions other than the display of images, and turns on the functions other than the display (B31). That is, the control unit 3a activates functions such as the needle movement of the speedometer 8 and the tachometer 9, the lighting of the indicator 3k, and the sound of the speaker 3i. After turning on the functions other than the display, it waits for the reception of drawing data from the display control ECU 2.

[0054] As described above, according to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the transmission start timing at which the display control ECU 2 starts transmitting video data to the meter device 3 is synchronized with the display operation start timing at which the meter device 3 starts the display operation of the display 3f, thereby obtaining the same effects as those of the first embodiment. In addition, before the display operation of the display 3f is started, the operation process of the non-display function other than the display is started, and the functions other than the display are turned on. The operation of the functions that operate independently based on information from the vehicle side, such as the operation of the needles of the speedometer 8 and the tachometer 9, the lighting of the indicator 3k, and the sound of the speaker 3i, can be started regardless of the display operation of the display 3h, and functions related to legal matters can be immediately operated.

[0055] Third embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Note that the description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the different parts will be described. In the third embodiment, the meter device 3 performs the start-up process and initial setting of the display 3f after transmitting the start-up process completion notification to the display control ECU 2.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in the display control ECU 2, the control unit 2a waits for reception of a notification of the completion of the startup process from the meter device 3 upon completing the startup process of the communication circuit of the first signal conversion IC 2f.

[0057] In the meter device 3, when the control unit 3a completes the startup process of the communication circuit of the signal conversion IC 3e, the control unit 3a causes the signal conversion IC 3e to transmit a startup process completion notification to the display control ECU 2 (B5), and waits for reception of drawing data from the display control ECU 2.

[0058] In the display control ECU 2, when the control unit 2a detects via the first signal conversion IC 2f that a startup processing completion notification has been received from the meter device 3 (A4), the control unit 2a causes the first signal conversion IC 2f to transmit drawing data to the meter device 3 (A3), and starts the display startup processing in cooperation with the meter device 3 (A5).

[0059] In the meter device 3, when the control unit 3a detects the reception of drawing data from the display control ECU 2 by the signal conversion IC 3e (B3), it starts the start-up process and initial setting of the display 3f (B4). When the control unit 3a completes the start-up process and initial setting of the display 3f, it starts the display start-up process in cooperation with the display control ECU 2 (B6).

[0060] As described above, according to the third embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment described above, the transmission start timing at which the display control ECU 2 starts transmitting video data to the meter device 3 is synchronized with the display operation start timing at which the meter device 3 starts the display operation of the display 3f, thereby making it possible to obtain the same action and effect as the first embodiment.

[0061] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12 and Fig. 13. Note that the description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the different parts will be described. In the fourth embodiment, when the signal conversion IC 3e detects the reception of a transmission end notification from the display control ECU 2 in the meter device 3, all functions are turned off.

[0062] 12 and 13, in the meter device 3, when the control unit 3a detects receipt of a backlight turn-off request from the display control ECU 2 via the signal conversion IC 3e (B21), it turns off the backlight 3g (B22), does not turn off functions other than the display, and waits for receipt of a display end processing request from the display control ECU 2. After this, when the control unit 3a detects receipt of a transmission end notification from the display control ECU 2 via the signal conversion IC 3e (B28), it turns off all functions (B41) and transitions to a sleep state.

[0063] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, similarly to the above-described first embodiment, the transmission start timing at which the display control ECU 2 starts transmitting video data to the meter device 3 is synchronized with the display operation start timing at which the meter device 3 starts the display operation on the display 3f, thereby providing the same advantageous effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, by turning off the functions other than the display at the same time as turning off the display function, the period during which the functions other than the display are kept on can be maintained for a long time.

[0064] (Other embodiments) Although the present disclosure has been described based on the embodiment, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment or structure. The present disclosure also includes various modifications and modifications within the equivalent range. In addition, various combinations and forms, as well as other combinations and forms including only one element, more than one element, or less than one element, are also within the scope and concept of the present disclosure.

[0065] Although a TFT liquid crystal display requiring backlights 3g and 4g has been illustrated as the display 3f of the meter device 3 and the display 4f of the center display device 4, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display not requiring backlights 3g and 4g may also be used.

[0066] The control unit and the method described in the present disclosure may be realized by a special-purpose computer provided by configuring a processor and a memory programmed to execute one or more functions embodied in a computer program. Alternatively, the control unit and the method described in the present disclosure may be realized by a special-purpose computer provided by configuring a processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the control unit and the method described in the present disclosure may be realized by one or more special-purpose computers configured by a combination of a processor and a memory programmed to execute one or more functions and a processor configured with one or more hardware logic circuits. Also, the computer program may be stored in a computer-readable non-transitory tangible recording medium as instructions executed by a computer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] In the drawings, 1 is a display control system, 2 is a display control ECU (display control device), 3 is a meter device (display device), 4 is a center display device (display device), 2a is a control unit, 2f and 2g are signal conversion ICs (video data transmission unit, start request transmission unit), 3a is the control unit, 3e is a signal conversion IC (video data receiving unit, start request receiving unit), 3f is a display (display unit), 4a is the control unit, 4e is a signal conversion IC (video data receiving unit, start request receiving unit), 4f is a display (display unit), 12a is a first synchronization control unit, 12b is a start request transmission control unit, 13a is a second synchronization control unit, 13b is a start processing control unit, and 13c is a non-display function operation unit.

Claims

1. 1. An in-vehicle display control device that centrally controls display of images on a plurality of display devices by transmitting image data to the plurality of display devices, and transmits drawing data to the display devices, the drawing data being data required for the display devices to perform a startup process and an initial setting of a display unit, when the display devices are started up; a video data transmission unit (2f, 2g) for transmitting the video data different from the drawing data to the display device; a first synchronization control unit (12a) that, when a startup process completion notification indicating completion of the startup process of the display unit is received from the display device as a result of the display device detecting receipt of drawing data from a display control device and thus carrying out a startup process of the display unit, synchronizes a transmission start timing at which the video data transmission unit starts transmitting video data to the display device with a display operation start timing at which a display operation of the display unit is started in the display device; The first synchronization control unit is configured to transmit a backlight turn-on request to the display device after starting transmission of the video data.

2. a start-up request transmission unit (2f, 2g) for transmitting a start-up request to the display device before the drawing data is transmitted to the display device; 2. The display control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a start-up request transmission control section (12b) for causing the start-up request transmission section to transmit a start-up request to the display device when a start-up trigger occurs.

3. a display control device (2) mounted on a vehicle that centrally controls the display of images on a plurality of display devices by transmitting video data to the plurality of display devices, and transmits drawing data to the display devices, the drawing data being data necessary for the display devices to perform a startup process and initial setting of a display unit when the display devices are started, the display control device transmitting the video data different from the drawing data to the display devices; a display device (3, 4) having a display unit that displays an image corresponding to the image data received from the display control device, When the display device detects receipt of drawing data from the display control device and performs startup processing of the display unit, the display control device receives a startup processing completion notification from the display device indicating completion of the startup processing of the display unit, thereby synchronizing the transmission start timing at which the display control device starts transmitting video data to the display device with the display operation start timing at which the display device starts display operation of the display unit, and after the display operation of the display device has started, the display control system turns on the backlight of the display device when the display device receives a backlight turn-on request from the display control device.

4. A display control device for a vehicle that centrally controls display of images on a plurality of display devices by transmitting video data to the plurality of display devices, and transmits drawing data to the display devices, which drawing data is data required for the display devices to perform start-up processing and initial setting of a display unit when the display devices are activated, the display control device comprising a control unit (2a) for transmitting video data different from the drawing data to the display devices having a display unit that displays the video data, A display control program that executes a first synchronization control procedure in which, when the display device detects receipt of drawing data from the display control device and performs a display unit startup process, a startup process completion notification indicating completion of the startup process of the display unit is received from the display device, and a transmission start timing for starting the transmission of video data to the display device is synchronized with a display operation start timing for starting the display operation of the display unit in the display device, and a backlight turn-on request is sent to the display device after the transmission of the video data has started.

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