vehicle

Abstract

The disclosed vehicle (9) includes an ambient light (8) that illuminates the interior of the vehicle, and a display device (1) that has an operation screen (4) operated by a user and that can set elements of the ambient light (8), and communicates with a user's terminal (80). The display device (1) has an operation screen (4) that sets elements for each state of the vehicle (9). The states of the vehicle (9) include a first state in which the vehicle (9) is in a running state in which it can run and all of its doors are closed, and a second state in which information is received from the terminal (80). When the ambient light (8) becomes the second state while it is turned on in the first state, it is switched to the element set in the operation screen (4) for the second state.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle equipped with a display device capable of setting elements of ambient light that illuminates the interior of the vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, vehicles are known that are provided with ambient lights that illuminate the interior of the vehicle, such as on the door lining or dashboard. The ambient lights have the function of creating a visual effect in the vehicle interior with light and color. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device that is provided with a rotary adjustment knob for adjusting the chromaticity of all interior lighting (ambient lights) and an auto / manual changeover switch, and that changes the chromaticity of all interior lighting simultaneously based on the driver's operation or a signal from an illuminance sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-72463 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the state of a vehicle is not always constant, and there are at least a driving state and a non-driving state (for example, when a passenger is waiting in the vehicle, getting in, getting out, etc.). In addition, there are various situations, such as when the driver is alone in the vehicle, when there is a passenger in the passenger seat, or when family or friends are in the vehicle. If only the color of the ambient light can be changed despite such various states and situations, the presentation becomes monotonous and the effect of the ambient light is diminished. For this reason, in conventional devices, there is room for improvement in the user experience (emotions experienced by the user through the ambient light (setting operations and output), impressions that the user has, reactions of the user, etc.).

[0005] The present invention has been devised in light of the above problems, and one of its objectives is to improve the user experience in a vehicle equipped with an ambient light. However, the present invention is not limited to this objective. Another objective of the present invention is to achieve an effect derived from each configuration shown in the "Description of the Preferred Embodiments" described later, which cannot be obtained by the conventional technology. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The disclosed vehicle can be realized as the embodiments (application examples) disclosed below, which solve at least part of the above problems. Each embodiment from embodiment 2 onwards is an embodiment that can be selected additionally as appropriate, and each embodiment is an embodiment that can be omitted. None of the embodiments from embodiment 2 onwards discloses an embodiment or configuration that is essential to the present invention.

[0007] Aspect 1. The disclosed vehicle is a vehicle that includes an ambient light that illuminates the interior of the vehicle, and a display device that has an operation screen operated by a user and can set elements of the ambient light, and communicates with a terminal of the user. The display device has the operation screen for setting the elements for each state of the vehicle. The states of the vehicle include a first state in which the vehicle is in a started state in which it is capable of running and all of the doors are closed, and a second state in which information is received from the terminal. When the ambient light enters the second state while it is turned on in the first state, it is switched to the element set in the operation screen for the second state.

[0008] Aspect 2. In the aspect including Aspect 1 above, it is preferable that the information includes an incoming call signal indicating that the terminal has received an incoming call and a message signal indicating that the terminal has received a message. In this case, it is preferable that the ambient light shines differently when the terminal receives the incoming call signal and when the terminal receives the message signal.

[0009] Aspect 3. In an aspect including aspect 2 above, it is preferable that when the incoming call signal is received, the ambient light blinks until the incoming call signal is no longer received, and when the message signal is received, the ambient light turns on for a predetermined period of time from the time the message signal is received.

[0010] Aspect 4. In an aspect including the aspect 1 described above, it is preferable that the vehicle has a preview function in which the ambient light displays the element being set on the operation screen when the element is being set on the operation screen. In this case, it is preferable that the ambient light is switched to the element set on the operation screen in the second state when the second state is reached while the element is being set on the operation screen, and the display device maintains the operation screen being set even when the second state is reached while the element is being set on the operation screen.

[0011] Aspect 5. In the aspect including the aspect 1 described above, it is preferable that the vehicle has a preview function in which the ambient light displays the element being set when the element is set on the operation screen. In this case, it is preferable that the preview function is disabled when the timing of the setting operation on the operation screen and the timing of receiving the information overlap. Effect of the Invention

[0012] The disclosed vehicle can improve the user experience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a vehicle according to an embodiment together with a terminal capable of communicating with the vehicle. [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an operation screen of a display device provided in the vehicle of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 1 is a table showing the relationship between vehicle conditions and configurable elements of the ambient light. [Figure 4]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a specific example of an operation screen (main screen) in a driving state. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a specific example of an operation screen (sub-screen) in a driving state. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of an operation screen (sub-screen) in a welcome state. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of an operation screen (sub-screen) in a door open state. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of an operation screen (sub-screen) in an incoming call state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] A vehicle as an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example, and is not intended to exclude various modifications or application of techniques not specified in the following embodiment. Each configuration of the embodiment can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the embodiment. In addition, the configurations can be selected as necessary, or can be combined appropriately.

[0015] The vehicle according to the embodiment is not particularly limited in type as long as it is equipped with an ambient light that illuminates the interior of the vehicle and a display device having an operation screen operated by a user and capable of setting elements of the ambient light, and may be applied to, for example, a gasoline vehicle, an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid vehicle (HEV, Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), etc. A plug-in hybrid vehicle means a hybrid vehicle that allows external charging of the battery or external power supply from the battery. A plug-in hybrid vehicle is provided with a charging port (inlet) for inserting a charging cable that supplies power from an external charging facility and a socket (outlet) for external power supply.

[0016] [1. Overall composition] 1 is a block diagram showing a vehicle 9 as an embodiment, and a terminal 80 capable of communicating with the vehicle 9. The vehicle 9 includes a display device 1, a communication device 5, and an ambient light device 6. The communication device 5 is a device capable of directly communicating with a communication device (not shown) of the terminal 80. For example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity, registered trademark) may be used for communication between the communication device 5 on the vehicle 9 side and the communication device on the terminal 80 side.

[0017] The terminal 80 is a device or computer capable of at least making a call, and examples of the device include a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a smart watch, and a notebook computer. The terminal 80 is not an in-vehicle device, but is portable (carryable) by a user (passenger). The terminal 80 may automatically start communication with the communication device 5 when the terminal 80 enters the cabin of the vehicle 9 together with the user, or may start communication with the communication device 5 by an operation of the user. When there is an incoming call, the terminal 80 transmits a signal indicating that there is an incoming call (hereinafter referred to as an "incoming call signal") to the vehicle 9 via the communication device 5. When there is a message, the terminal 80 transmits a signal indicating that the message has been received (hereinafter referred to as a "message signal") to the vehicle 9 via the communication device 5.

[0018] The ambient light device 6 is a lighting device including an ambient light 8 that illuminates the interior of the vehicle 9, and includes a light control device 7 that controls the ambient light 8. The ambient light 8 is disposed, for example, on the door trim of the front or rear seats or on the lower part of the instrument panel, and is capable of lighting in various ways, such as turning on or blinking in various colors and luminance. The light control device 7 is a computer that controls the ambient light 8 based on the settings in the display device 1 [signals (instructions) from the display device 1], which will be described later.

[0019] The display device 1 is mounted on a vehicle 9 and displays information related to the settings of the ambient light device 6. The display device 1 has an operation screen 4 on which elements of the ambient light 8 (such as color, brightness, lighting, and special modes) can be set. In addition to the operation screen 4, the display device 1 may also have a screen for displaying various content information, a home screen, and the like. Specific examples of content information include vehicle information, driving information, information related to driving support functions, audio information, car navigation information, alert information, and various setting information.

[0020] The display device 1 includes an electronic control device 2 and an output device 3. The electronic control device 2 is a computer for controlling the contents displayed on the output device 3, and has a built-in processor (arithmetic processing unit) and memory (storage device). The processing contents (programs) of the electronic control device 2 are stored in the memory, and are executed by appropriately loading the contents into the processor. The electronic control device 2 may be formed integrally with the output device 3 (built-in in the output device 3), or may be provided separately from the output device 3.

[0021] The output device 3 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, a projector, or the like, and displays at least an operation screen 4. Hereinafter, a display or projector screen on which information is displayed will be referred to as a display screen. The operation screen 4 is one of the display screens. The information displayed on the display screen is controlled by the electronic control device 2. The shape of the display screen (the shape of the area in which information is displayed) is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a rectangular shape that is long in the left-right direction.

[0022] All information displayed on the output device 3 is controlled by the electronic control device 2. The output device 3 is disposed in a position that is easily visible to the driver, such as in front of the driver (in front of the steering wheel) or in the center front of the vehicle interior (in front of the driver's seat and the passenger seat). An input device that accepts input operations for the contents of the display screen may be provided as an auxiliary device of the output device 3. Specific examples of the input device include a touch panel device that detects touch operations on the display screen, an input device provided with a keyboard, physical buttons, or a touchpad, a gaze detection device that detects gaze, and a gesture reading device that detects gesture operations. In this embodiment, the output device 3 has at least a touch panel device that detects touch operations (such as a tap operation or a slide operation) on the operation screen 4.

[0023] The vehicle 9 of this embodiment is also provided with an ignition switch 71 (hereinafter referred to as "IG switch 71"), a door sensor 72, and a shift position sensor 73. The IG switch 71 may be a physical switch provided in the vehicle cabin, or may be a virtual switch displayed on the output device 3 or another display. When the IG switch 71 is a virtual switch, an operation detection means for detecting a pressing operation or a gesture operation on the virtual switch may be used in combination. Note that the IG switch 71 of this embodiment may be a power switch in the case of an electric vehicle.

[0024] The door sensor 72 is a sensor that detects the open / closed state of the doors (including the tailgate) of the vehicle 9, and is provided for each door. The shift position sensor 73 is a sensor that detects the shift position of a gear change lever (shift lever, select lever) not shown. The on / off state of the IG switch 71, the open / closed state detected by the door sensor 72, and the shift information detected by the shift position sensor 73 are all transmitted to the light control device 7.

[0025] [2. Detailed configuration] [2-1.Display device] Next, a detailed configuration of the display device 1 will be described. The display device 1 has an operation screen 4 for setting elements of the ambient light 8 for each state of the vehicle 9. That is, the operation screens 4 of the display device 1 are provided for the number of states of the vehicle 9, and it is possible to set elements of the ambient light 8 in each state. The states of the vehicle 9 will be described later.

[0026] The display device 1 outputs (instructs) the elements (set information) of the ambient light 8 set by the user operating each operation screen 4 to the light control device 7. The light control device 7 will be described later. Also, the operation screens 4 in each state have a common configuration except for some components, so the common configuration will be described first.

[0027] 2, the operation screen 4 is provided with four display units 10, 20, 30, and 50. The two display units 10 and 20 are units for setting the color of the ambient light 8, and the display unit 30 is a unit having a preview function. Moreover, the display unit 50 is a unit for displaying the color number, and is referred to as the number display unit 50. Each will be described below.

[0028] The first display unit 10 (basic display unit) displays a plurality of color selection sections 11 arranged horizontally, which represent the set colors that can be set as the color of the ambient light 8. The second display unit 20 (subdivision display unit) displays a plurality of color selection sections 11 arranged horizontally, which represent all the set colors that can be set as the color of the ambient light 8. It can be said that the plurality of color selection sections 11 displayed on the first display unit 10 are all the set colors displayed on the second display unit 20 classified into similar colors. It can also be said that the second display unit 20 displays the set colors in a more detailed manner than the color selection section 11 of the first display unit 10. The two display units 10, 20 are arranged vertically, and are selected and operated by the user.

[0029] The display device 1 sets the color selected on the first display unit 10 or the second display unit 20 as the color of the ambient light 8. In this embodiment, the two display units 10, 20 are arranged vertically side by side within the operation screen 4 (i.e., the same screen) such that the second display unit 20 is located below the first display unit 10. Note that in the figures (FIG. 2 and FIGS. 4 to 8 described later) showing the operation screen 4, the two-dot chain lines are imaginary lines for explaining the parts and are not actually displayed.

[0030] The first display unit 10 is a portion for roughly determining the color of the ambient light 8, and the number of set colors may be set appropriately. FIG. 2 shows the first display unit 10 in which eight rectangular color selection units 11 are arranged in a horizontal row. However, the number, shape, and arrangement of the color selection units 11 are not limited to this. For example, the color selection units 11 may be circular or elliptical, and the number of the color selection units 11 may be less than seven or nine or more. Moreover, the color selection units 11 may be arranged in two horizontal rows instead of one horizontal row.

[0031] Each color selection unit 11 accepts a tap operation by the user. The first display unit 10 sets the color of the color selection unit 11 selected by the tap operation as the color of the ambient light 8. Each color selection unit 11 also accepts a slide operation by the user. In the case of a slide operation, the first display unit 10 determines that the color selection unit 11 that was touched at the moment the user's finger was released was selected, and sets the color of this color selection unit 11 as the color of the ambient light 8.

[0032] The first display unit 10 of this embodiment displays two adjacent color selection units 11 with a gap between them. This reduces the possibility that the user will tap the color selection unit 11 by mistake, adjacent to the color selection unit 11 that he or she wants to select. The first display unit 10 of this embodiment also displays a first mark 12 indicating the color selection unit 11 being selected among the multiple color selection units 11. In FIG. 2, a rectangular selection frame surrounding the selected color selection unit 11 is illustrated as the first mark 12. Note that the configuration of the first mark 12 is not limited to this, and for example, the outline of the selected color selection unit 11 may be highlighted in a conspicuous color, or an arrow shape or a triangle shape may be added above or below the color selection unit 11.

[0033] When the user slides the color selection unit 11 to select a set color, the first mark 12 may be displayed at the time when the slide stops. In other words, the first mark 12 may be hidden while the user is sliding his / her finger, and may be displayed at the timing when the user stops the finger (including the timing when the user releases the finger). In this way, if the first mark 12 is intentionally not displayed while the finger is moving, the annoyance caused by the first mark 12 being displayed following the finger movement is reduced, and usability is improved. Note that the display form of the first mark 12 is not limited to this, and the first mark 12 may be displayed (i.e., reflected immediately) even when the user is sliding his / her finger.

[0034] The second display section 20 is a section for determining the set color of the ambient light 8 in more detail. The second display section 20 of this embodiment has a color bar 21 that continuously displays the subdivided set colors. That is, in the second display section 20, there is no gap between adjacent set colors, and the set colors are displayed as if they change continuously.

[0035] The color bar 21 (divided set colors) accepts tapping operations by the user. The second display unit 20 sets the set color selected by the tapping operation as the color of the ambient light 8. The color bar 21 also accepts sliding operations by the user. In the case of a sliding operation, the second display unit 20 determines that the set color touched at the moment the user's finger is released has been selected, and sets this set color as the color of the ambient light 8.

[0036] The arrangement (order) of the set colors in the second display unit 20 corresponds to the arrangement (order) of the color selection units 11 in the first display unit 10. For example, in the case where the blue color selection unit 11 is arranged at the left end in the first display unit 10 and the green color selection unit 11 is arranged immediately to the right thereof, the leftmost region of the color bar 21 in the second display unit 20 will be arranged with colors that are subdivisions of blue (e.g., blue, ultramarine, indigo, etc.), and the rightmost region will be arranged with colors that are subdivisions of green (e.g., green, yellow-green, dark green, etc.).

[0037] In addition, the second display unit 20 of this embodiment displays a second mark 22 that indicates the currently selected color among the color bar 21 (divided color settings). In Fig. 2, an inverted triangle mark above the currently selected color setting is illustrated as the second mark 22. Note that the configuration of the second mark 22 is not limited to this, and for example, a mark that surrounds the currently selected color setting like the first mark 12 may be provided, or the currently selected color setting may be highlighted so as to stand out.

[0038] In the display device 1, when a user selects one color selection section 11 in the first display section 10, the first mark 12 points to the color selection section 11, and the second mark 22 points to the same set color as the color selection section 11 pointed to by the first mark 12. Also, when a user selects one set color from the color bar 21 (subdivided set colors) of the second display section 20, the second mark 22 points to this set color, and the first mark 12 points to a color selection section 11 of the same color or a similar color to this set color. In this way, regardless of which of the two display sections 10, 20 the user operates to select a set color, the two marks 12, 22 work together to point to the selected set color.

[0039] In addition, when the user slides the second display unit 20 (color bar 21) to select a set color, the first display unit 10 may hide the first mark 12 while the finger is sliding (while the finger is moving) and when the slide is stopped (when the finger stops). In this case, the first display unit 10 is displayed so that the first mark 12 points to the color selection unit 11 of the same color or a similar color as the set color selected on the second display unit 20 when the slide operation is completed (when the finger is released). In this way, when the user selects a set color from the second display unit 20, if the first mark 12 is configured not to be displayed until the set color is decided, it is possible to avoid inconvenience and improve operability. Note that the display form of the first mark 12 is not limited to this, and may be reflected immediately, for example.

[0040] The third display unit 30 (image display unit) displays a vehicle interior image 31 simulating the state of the vehicle interior with the ambient light 8 installed. The third display unit 30 is arranged in the same operation screen 4 as the two display units 10, 20, and changes the color (hereinafter referred to as "image color") of the ambient light 32 (hereinafter referred to as "image light 32") in the vehicle interior image 31 according to the setting color selected by the user. The vehicle interior image 31 and the image light 32 have a preview function. That is, the image color of the image light 32 changes according to the selected setting color, so that the user can check on the vehicle interior image 31 how the vehicle interior will change.

[0041] The image color of the image light 32 changes immediately (at the time of selection) when a set color is selected by a user's tap operation on the first display unit 10 or the second display unit 20. On the other hand, in the display device 1 of this embodiment, when a set color is selected by a user's slide operation on the first display unit 10 or the second display unit 20, the image color of the image light 32 does not change immediately.

[0042] Specifically, when the user slides the second display unit 20 to select a set color, the third display unit 30 does not change the image color while the finger is sliding, and changes the image color to the set color selected on the second display unit 20 when the slide stops or the finger is removed. This avoids a situation in which the image light 32 cannot keep up with the user's fast finger movement. In this case, the color of the ambient light 8 does not change while the finger is sliding or when the slide stops, and changes to the set color selected on the second display unit 20 when the finger is removed. In this way, when the slide operation is completed, the set color is reflected in the actual ambient light 8, thereby avoiding a situation in which the color in the vehicle interior changes frequently and becomes unstable, and preventing a deterioration in the user experience. Note that the display form of the image light 32 is not limited to this, and the image color may change instantly even when the set color is selected by the slide operation. In addition, the timing at which the set color is reflected in the actual ambient light 8 is not limited to the above, and may be reflected immediately.

[0043] Furthermore, when the user slides the first display unit 10 to select a preset color, the third display unit 30 may do the same as above, or may change the image color to the preset color selected on the first display unit 10 even while the user is sliding his / her finger. This is because the number of preset colors selectable on the first display unit 10 is small, and therefore even if the user's finger moves quickly, the image light 32 can change in accordance with the movement of the finger.

[0044] The number display unit 50 displays a number corresponding to the set color selected by the user. In the display device 1 of this embodiment, an individual number is set for all set colors that can be set as the color of the ambient light 8. For example, the number 1 is set for the set color located at the leftmost position of the color bar 21, and the number is increased by 1 as the set color moves to the right. Note that the set color displayed on the first display unit 10 is naturally also displayed on the second display unit 20, so the same number as the number assigned to the set color on the second display unit 20 is also set for the set color displayed on the first display unit 10.

[0045] The number display unit 50 notifies the user of the selected color by displaying a number corresponding to the selected color. When the user slides the second display unit 20 to select a color, the number display unit 50 of this embodiment makes the display form of the number the same as the display form of the image color. That is, the number display unit 50 does not change the number while the finger is sliding, but changes the number to the number corresponding to the color selected on the second display unit 20 when the slide stops or the finger is released. This allows the number and the image color to be displayed in the same motion, improving the visibility of the operation screen 4.

[0046] The number display unit 50 is preferably arranged adjacent to the two display units 10 and 20 in the same operation screen 4. In the display device 1 of this embodiment, the second display unit 20 has a shorter horizontal dimension than the first display unit 10, and the number display unit 50 is arranged next to the second display unit 20. In the display device 1 shown in FIG. 2, the right ends (the ends on the central side of the operation screen 4) of the two display units 10 and 20 are aligned, whereas the left end of the second display unit 20 is located to the right of the left end of the first display unit 10. The number display unit 50 is arranged in an empty area below the first display unit 10 and to the left of the second display unit 20. As a result, the three display units 10, 20, and 50 having the same function of "indicating the selected setting color" are arranged adjacent to each other, which makes it easier for the user (passenger) to see and improves the appearance.

[0047] [2-2. Vehicle condition and ambient light factors] The vehicle 9 of this embodiment has four states: a driving state, a welcome state, a door open state, and an incoming call state. Below, the definition of each state and the conditions under which each state is established are explained. In the vehicle 9 of this embodiment, the light control device 7 judges which of the four states the vehicle 9 is in based on information (incoming call signal, message signal) from the IG switch 71, the door sensor 72, and the terminal 80.

[0048] [1] Driving condition The driving state is a state in which the vehicle 9 is in an activated state in which it can run (ignition on or power on state) and all doors are closed (first state). The driving state includes a state immediately before starting to run, while running, and while stopped, such as when waiting at a traffic light. The driving state is established when, for example, all of the following three conditions 1a to 1c are established. Condition 1a: The IG switch 71 (power switch) is on. Condition 1b: The door sensor 72 detects that all doors are closed. Condition 1c: No incoming call or message signal is received

[0049] [2] Welcome state The welcome state is a state in which the vehicle 9 is not in a running state (ignition off or power off state) and all doors are closed. When a user gets in or out of the vehicle 9, the welcome state applies. The welcome state is established when, for example, all of the following three conditions 2a to 2c are satisfied. Condition 2a: The IG switch 71 (power switch) is off. Condition 2b: The door sensor 72 detects that all doors are closed. Condition 2c: No incoming call or message signal is received

[0050] [3] Door open state The door open state is a state in which any door is open regardless of whether the vehicle 9 is in an activated state capable of running (ignition on / off or power on / off). The door open state also includes a state in which a door is half-open. The door open state is established, for example, when the following two conditions 3a and 3b are both established. Condition 3a: At least one door sensor 72 detects an open state Condition 3b: No incoming call or message signal is received

[0051] [4] Incoming call state The incoming call state is a state (second state) in which information is received from the terminal 80, and specifically, a state in which a call is coming to the terminal 80 (a state in which an incoming call is received). In this embodiment, the incoming call state can also include a state in which a message arrives at the terminal 80. The condition for the incoming call state to be established is, for example, that at least one of the following two conditions 4a and 4b is established. Condition 4a: An incoming signal is being received Condition 4b: A message signal was received

[0052] The number of elements of the ambient light 8 that can be set in the driving state is greater than the number of elements of the ambient light 8 that can be set in states other than the driving state (in this embodiment, the three states are the welcome state, the door open state, and the incoming call state, hereinafter collectively referred to as the "second state"). This is because when the user uses the vehicle 9, the state is mainly the driving state. In other words, the user experience can be improved by having a large number of elements that can be set in this driving state.

[0053] The welcome state and the door open state are also states that tend to occur in the vehicle 9. Therefore, by making it possible to set the elements of the ambient light 8 in each of these two states, control of the ambient light 8 according to the situation can be realized. In other words, the elements of the ambient light 8 (color, brightness, lightness, etc.) can be changed according to the state (situation) of the vehicle 9, thereby further improving the user experience.

[0054] The elements that can be set in the driving state and the second state will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, the elements that can be set in any of the four states include "on / off" and "brightness" in addition to the above-mentioned "color". "On / off" is an element that the user switches between using the ambient light 8 (turning it on) or not using it (turning it off), and is set to "on" or "off".

[0055] For example, when the driving state on / off is set to "off," even if all of the above conditions 1a to 1c are met (the vehicle 9 is in a driving state), the ambient light 8 will not turn on and will be in the off state. Conversely, when the driving state on / off is set to "on," if all of the above conditions 1a to 1c are met (the vehicle 9 is in a driving state), the ambient light 8 will turn on and be in the on state. In this case, the ambient light 8 will be always on in principle. The exception to this is when the relax mode, which will be described later, is set.

[0056] "Brightness" is an element that adjusts the brightness value when the ambient light 8 shines (lights up or flashes). The brightness is set to any value between a minimum value (e.g., "0") and a maximum value (e.g., "10"). For example, if the driving state is set to on and the driving state brightness is set to "3", when all of the above conditions 1a to 1c are met (when the vehicle 9 is in the driving state), the ambient light 8 lights up at a brightness of "3". Also, for example, if the welcome state is set to on and the welcome state brightness is set to "2", when all of the above conditions 2a to 2c are met (when the vehicle 9 is in the welcome state), the ambient light 8 lights up at a brightness of "2".

[0057] However, the ambient light 8 of this embodiment lights up at maximum brightness regardless of the set brightness value immediately after the vehicle 9 is activated and ready to run while in driving mode (immediately after the ignition is turned on or the power is turned on). As a result, the interior of the vehicle is at maximum brightness immediately after the ignition is turned on or the power is turned on. The ambient light 8 continues to light up at maximum brightness for a predetermined time (e.g., several seconds to several tens of seconds) from the time it is turned on, and lights up at the set brightness (e.g., "3") after the predetermined time has elapsed. This creates a sense of expectation and excitement for the user as they are about to start driving, improving the user experience.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 3, the elements further include "Color Rotation Mode", "Relax Mode", "Quick Start", and "Receive Message". The "color rotation mode" is a mode in which the color of the ambient light 8 is automatically switched in sequence among a number of predetermined colors. The color rotation mode is set to "on" or "off." When the color rotation mode is executed, the ambient light 8 continues to change to various colors instead of the color selected by the user. Note that when the color rotation mode is set to off, the color rotation mode is not executed.

[0059] The color rotation mode is included in the elements that can be set in the driving state. This makes it possible to realize an effect in which the colors continue to change automatically in the driving state, which is the most frequent (longest) situation when the vehicle 9 is used, thereby improving the user experience in the driving state. In addition, the number of colors in the color rotation mode is smaller than the number of set colors that can be set as the color of the ambient light 8 (i.e., the number of set colors displayed on the second display unit 20). In this way, by reducing the number of colors in the color rotation mode, the appearance when the colors change is improved, and the color effect in the vehicle interior can be improved.

[0060] The color rotation mode is executed when the following three conditions C1 to C3 are all satisfied. Condition C1: Vehicle 9 is in driving state Condition C2: Color rotation mode is set to on Condition C3: Operation screen 4 is not displayed The condition C3 is a condition that indicates a situation in which the element of the ambient light 8 has not been selected and operated by the user.

[0061] If any one of the conditions C1 to C3 becomes invalid while the color rotation mode is being executed, the color rotation mode is temporarily stopped. In this case, the ambient light 8 may be controlled based on the state of the vehicle 9 at the time of termination and the corresponding information (set elements) of the ambient light 8. Note that, when the condition C3 becomes invalid (i.e., the color rotation mode is terminated by displaying the operation screen 4), a screen may be displayed on the display screen of the display device 1 to ask the user whether to terminate the color rotation mode.

[0062] The "relax mode" is a mode in which the ambient light 8 blinks. The relax mode is set to "on" or "off." When the relax mode is executed, the ambient light 8 glows in the set color, but does not stay on all the time, but instead repeatedly gets brighter and darker. This creates the effect of the light flickering, providing the user with a space that is easy to relax in and improving the user experience. When the relax mode is set to off, the ambient light 8 lights up in the set color at a constant brightness.

[0063] The relaxation mode is included in the elements that can be set in the driving state. The relaxation mode is executed when the vehicle 9 is in a driving state and a predetermined condition is satisfied. In other words, the relaxation mode is not executed unless a predetermined condition is satisfied, even if the vehicle 9 is in a driving state. The relaxation mode of this embodiment is executed when all of the following four conditions R1 to R4 are satisfied.

[0064] Condition R1: Vehicle 9 is in driving state Condition R2: Relax mode is set to on Condition R3: Operation screen 4 is hidden Condition R4: A certain period of time elapses with the shift position in parking

[0065] That is, the above-mentioned predetermined condition is that all of the conditions R2, R3, and R4 are satisfied. The condition R4 is a condition indicating that a certain amount of time has passed since the vehicle 9 was stopped. The predetermined time period of the condition R4 is a preset fixed value (for example, about 100 to 200 seconds). In this manner, the relaxation mode is executed (i.e., the ambient light 8 blinks) not only when the relaxation mode is simply set to on, but also when the conditions R3 and R4 are satisfied, that is, when the vehicle is stopped or parked and the operation screen 4 is not being operated. By blinking the ambient light 8 at this time, the user can spend time in the vehicle cabin in a relaxed mood, and the user experience can be improved.

[0066] In addition, when all of the conditions C1 to C3 and the conditions R1 to R4 are satisfied, both the color rotation mode and the relaxation mode are executed. In this case, the ambient light 8 changes color one by one each time it blinks. This realizes a more fantastical environment inside the vehicle and improves the user experience.

[0067] The relaxation mode is also executed when the vehicle 9 is in a driving state and a second predetermined condition is satisfied. The relaxation mode of this embodiment is also executed when all of the above conditions R1 to R3 and the following conditions R5 and R6 are satisfied. Condition R5: Quick Start is set to On Condition R6: The shift position is in parking

[0068] That is, the second predetermined condition is that all of the conditions R2, R3, R5, and R6 are satisfied. Here, "quick start" is an element that omits "a predetermined time has elapsed" in condition R4, which is one of the conditions for starting the relax mode, and is set to "on" or "off". When the quick start is set to on, condition R5 is satisfied, so condition R6 is adopted instead of condition R4. That is, when the shift position is in the parking position (without waiting for the predetermined time to elapse), if condition R6 is satisfied and the remaining conditions R1 to R3 are also satisfied, the ambient light 8 starts blinking. In this way, the user can select the execution timing of the relax mode, which makes it easier to reflect the user's preferences and contributes to improving the user experience.

[0069] If any one of the conditions R1 to R6 becomes unsatisfied while the relaxation mode is being executed, the relaxation mode ends. In this way, the relaxation mode ends without any special operation by the user, which improves usability.

[0070] "Message reception" is an element for allowing the user to select whether or not to include the case where a message arrives at the terminal 80 in the incoming call status, and is set to "on" or "off." When message reception is set to on, a message signal transmitted from the terminal 80 to the vehicle 9 (in this embodiment, the light control device 7) is received, and when message reception is set to off, a message signal transmitted from the terminal 80 to the vehicle 9 (in this embodiment, the light control device 7) is not received. In the latter case, condition 4b is no longer satisfied.

[0071] [2-3. Ambient light device] The light control device 7 controls the ambient light 8 based on an instruction (signal) from the display device 1 described above. The light control device 7 of this embodiment stores information (elements of the ambient light 8) set on the operation screen 4 for each state of the vehicle 9, in association with each state. When the operation screen 4 is operated to change (update) the setting information, the light control device 7 newly stores (overwrites) the updated information.

[0072] As described above, the light control device 7 determines whether the vehicle 9 is in any of the above states, and controls the ambient light 8 based on information corresponding to the state of the vehicle 9. For example, when the light control device 7 determines that the vehicle 9 is in a driving state, it controls the ambient light 8 based on the latest information associated with the driving state and stored. Specifically, the light control device 7 controls the ambient light 8 based on the latest information on each of "color," "on / off," "brightness," "color rotation mode," "relax mode," and "quick start," which are included in the elements of the driving state.

[0073] Furthermore, when the light control device 7 determines that the vehicle 9 is in a welcome state, it controls the ambient light 8 based on the latest information stored in association with the welcome state. Specifically, the light control device 7 controls the ambient light 8 based on the latest information on "color," "on / off," and "brightness" included in the elements of the welcome state. Similarly, when the light control device 7 determines that the vehicle 9 is in a door-open state, it controls the ambient light 8 based on the latest information stored in association with the door-open state. Specifically, the light control device 7 controls the ambient light 8 based on the latest information on "color," "on / off," and "brightness" included in the elements of the door-open state.

[0074] Furthermore, when the light control device 7 determines that the vehicle 9 is in an incoming call state, it controls the ambient light 8 based on the latest information stored in association with the incoming call state. Specifically, the light control device 7 controls the ambient light 8 based on the latest information on "color," "on / off," "brightness," and "message reception" included in the elements of the incoming call state.

[0075] In addition, the light control device 7 also controls the ambient light 8 when an element is being set on the operation screen 4 to realize the element being set. That is, the vehicle 9 has a preview function in which, when an element is being set on the operation screen 4, the ambient light 8 displays the element being set.

[0076] As described above, the ambient light 8 is controlled according to the state of the vehicle 9, and is also controlled when the element is set, so there is a possibility that the timing of the controls may overlap. For example, if the operation screen 4 for the welcome state is operated while the ambient light 8 is turned on in the driving state, the control according to the driving state and the control during the setting operation for the welcome state will interfere with each other. To prepare for such a case, a priority order is set in the light control device 7.

[0077] In the vehicle 9 of this embodiment, the following priorities are set: Priority 1: Vehicle 9 is in an incoming call state Priority 2: The state in which an element is set on operation screen 4 Priority 3: Vehicle 9 has its door open Priority 4: Vehicle 9 is in either the driving state or the welcome state.

[0078] For example, if the vehicle 9 is in an incoming call state while the ambient light 8 is on in a driving state, the ambient light 8 is switched from control according to the driving state to control according to the incoming call state (i.e., the element set on the operation screen 4 for the incoming call state). In this way, when the light control device 7 receives an incoming call signal or a message signal while controlling the ambient light 8 with the contents of priority order 4, it changes the ambient light 8 to an element for the incoming call state. This notifies the user that the terminal 80 has received an incoming call or a message.

[0079] Also, for example, if the vehicle 9 is in an incoming call state while the user is performing a setting operation by displaying the operation screen 4, the ambient light 8 is switched from a lighting state (preview state) according to the setting operation to control according to the incoming call state. In this way, the light control device 7 changes the ambient light 8 to an element of the incoming call state even if it receives an incoming call signal or a message signal while controlling the ambient light 8 with the contents of priority 2.

[0080] That is, when the vehicle 9 is in an incoming call state, the elements set on the operation screen 4 in the incoming call state are given priority, regardless of the state to which the ambient light 8 is controlled. When the vehicle 9 is in an incoming call state, only the ambient light 8 is changed, and the display screen of the display device 1 (for example, the operation screen 4) does not change. That is, even if the display device 1 is in an incoming call state while an element is being set on the operation screen 4, the display device 1 maintains the operation screen 4 during the setting operation. This ensures operability while notifying the user that the terminal 80 has acquired information.

[0081] Also, for example, if the user displays the operation screen 4 and starts a setting operation while the ambient light 8 is on in the welcome state, the ambient light 8 is switched from the control corresponding to the welcome state to a lighting state (preview state) corresponding to the setting operation. In this way, when the light control device 7 is controlling the ambient light 8 with the contents of priority order 4 and a setting operation is performed on the operation screen 4, the light control device 7 changes the ambient light 8 to an element being set.

[0082] This allows the user to know how the ambient light 8 will change in response to his / her operation, not only from the third display unit 30 but also from the actual state inside the vehicle. As described above, this preview function is disabled when the timing of the setting operation on the operation screen 4 (priority 2) overlaps with the timing of the reception of information from the terminal 80 (priority 1). In other words, the way the ambient light 8 lights up, which indicates that the terminal 80 has received information, takes priority, and the change in the ambient light 8 notifies the user of the state of the terminal 80 (that some information has been acquired).

[0083] In the present embodiment, when turning on the ambient light 8 in an incoming call state, the light control device 7 turns on the ambient light 8 in a different way depending on whether an incoming call signal is received or a message signal is received. When receiving an incoming call signal, the light control device 7 in the present embodiment keeps the ambient light 8 blinking until the incoming call signal is no longer received (i.e., until the user answers the call or the call is ended before the user answers). In contrast, when receiving a message signal, the light control device 7 turns on the ambient light 8 for a predetermined time (e.g., several seconds to tens of seconds) from the time of reception.

[0084] In this way, the ambient light 8 lights up differently when an incoming call signal is received and when a message signal is received, thereby making it possible for the user to distinguish what information has arrived at the terminal 80. Also, when an incoming call signal is received, the ambient light 8 blinks until the incoming call signal is no longer received, and when a message signal is received, the ambient light 8 lights up for a predetermined period of time from the time of reception, thereby making it possible for the user to distinguish whether the terminal 80 has received an incoming call or a message.

[0085] [3. Specific examples of display devices] 4 to 8 are specific examples of the operation screen 4. Below, the main screen 4A and the sub-screens 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E of the operation screen 4 will be described in detail using these specific examples. The main screen 4A is a screen for mainly setting the color of the ambient light 8, and at least the first display section 10 and the second display section 20 are simultaneously displayed. Note that in these specific examples, the color selection section 11 and the patterns of the color bar 21 are omitted.

[0086] On the other hand, the sub-screens 4B to 4D are screens for setting elements other than the color of the ambient light 8, and transition from the main screen 4A by a user operation. The sub-screen 4B in Fig. 5 is a sub-screen in the driving state, and is switched from the main screen 4A in Fig. 4 by a user tap operation. On the other hand, the sub-screens 4C to 4E in Figs. 6 to 8 are sub-screens in the welcome state, the door open state, and the incoming call state, respectively, and are switched from each main screen (not shown) in the welcome state, the door open state, and the incoming call state.

[0087] First, the main screen 4A will be described. Fig. 4 shows the main screen 4A in the driving state, but the main screens in the second state, i.e., the welcome state, the door open state, and the incoming call state, also have the same screen configuration as Fig. 4. The main screen in the second state (not shown) is different from the main screen 4A in Fig. 4 in that the highlighted display of the characters indicating the currently set state is changed in the operation screen switching button 64 described later.

[0088] 4, the main screen 4A has the above-mentioned first display section 10, second display section 20, third display section 30, and number display section 50. In the first display section 10 of this specific example, twelve color selection sections 11 are arranged in a horizontal row.

[0089] In addition, on the second display unit 20, a bar 23 having a horizontal dimension equal to that of the color bar 21 and an operation unit 24 moving along the bar 23 are arranged below the color bar 21. The operation unit 24 is a part that accepts a slide operation by the user. When the operation unit 24 is slid, the second display unit 20 determines that the setting color located directly above the operation unit 24 at the moment when the user's finger is released has been selected, and sets this setting color as the color of the ambient light 8. The operation unit 24 also has a function of moving in conjunction with the second mark 22 and indicating the selected setting color.

[0090] In addition, a plus button 25 is disposed at the lower right of the bar 23, and a minus button 26 is disposed at the lower left of the bar 23. These buttons 25, 26 accept tapping operations. When the plus button 25 is tapped once, the number of the subdivided set color is incremented by one, and the incremented set color is selected. Conversely, when the minus button 26 is tapped once, the number of the subdivided set color is decremented by one, and the decremented set color is selected. In this way, in the second display unit 20 shown in FIG. 4, a set color can be selected by four operations: tapping the color bar 21, sliding the color bar 21, sliding the operation unit 24, and tapping the plus button 25 and the minus button 26.

[0091] The vehicle interior image 31 displayed on the third display unit 30 is an image simulating a state in which an occupant seated in the rear seat of the vehicle looks from the front of the vehicle interior to the side of the rear seat. Fig. 4 shows an example of the vehicle interior image 31 simulating a state in which an occupant seated in the right rear seat looks from the vicinity of the dashboard of the left front passenger seat to the vicinity of the door trim of the left rear seat.

[0092] Further, on the main screen 4A in FIG. 4, a light on / off button 60, a color button 61, an option button 62, a return button 63, an operation screen switching button 64, a setting button 65, a title display area 66, and a launcher display area 67 are further arranged.

[0093] The light on / off button 60 is a button for turning the ambient light device 6 on and off, and accepts a tap operation. When the ambient light device 6 is on, the light on / off button 60 displays "light off", as shown in FIG. 4. When the "light off" light on / off button 60 is tapped, the ambient light device 6 is switched to the off state. Conversely, when the ambient light device 6 is off, the light on / off button 60 displays "light on". When the "light on" light on / off button 60 is tapped, the ambient light device 6 is switched to the on state.

[0094] The color button 61 and the option button 62 are buttons for switching between the main screen 4A and the sub-screen 4B, and also have the function of displaying the currently selected screens 4A and 4B. When the main screen 4A is selected, the color button 61 is lit and the option button 62 is turned off. In this state, only the option button 62 accepts a tap operation. When the option button 62 is tapped, the operation screen 4 switches to the sub-screen 4B shown in FIG. 5, the option button 62 is lit, and the color button 61 is turned off. In this state, only the color button 61 accepts a tap operation. The return button 63 is a button for returning the currently displayed operation screen 4 (the main screen 4A in FIG. 4) to the previous screen, and accepts a tap operation.

[0095] The operation screen switching button 64 is a button for switching the operation screen 4 on which the elements of the ambient light 8 can be set for each state of the vehicle 9, and also has a function of displaying the state of the vehicle 9 currently being set. In this embodiment, the four states of the vehicle 9, namely, the driving state (Driving), the welcome state (Welcome), the door open state (Door Open), and the incoming call state (Incoming call), are displayed as the states of the vehicle 9.

[0096] The operation screen switching button 64 displays letters indicating these four states, and the parts showing each letter accept tap operations. For example, when the driving state is selected (while the user is setting the elements of the ambient light 8 that the user wants to realize in the driving state), the word "driving" is highlighted more than the other letters, as shown in FIG. 4. In this state, when other letters (for example, "welcome") are tapped, the screen switches to the operation screen 4 (main screen) in the welcome state.

[0097] The setting button 65 is a button for displaying a setting screen (one of the display screens, not shown) for setting various information, and accepts a tap operation. The setting screen is provided with at least a reset button for resetting the settings of the ambient light 8 element. The title display area 66 is an area showing the title of the operation screen 4 (here, "ambient light"). The launcher display area 67 is an area where a launcher for starting an application is displayed. Note that the title display area 66 and the launcher display area 67 may also be provided when a screen other than the operation screen 4 (such as a screen for displaying content information or a setting screen) is displayed.

[0098] 5, the sub-screen 4B is provided with a fourth display section 40 that is operated by the user and displays setting sections that can set information other than the selection of the set color. In this specific example, the setting sections include an on / off setting section 41, a color rotation mode setting section 42, a brightness setting section 43, a relax mode setting section 44, and a quick mode setting section 45. The four setting sections 41, 42, 44, and 45, excluding the brightness setting section 43, are provided as slide-type on / off switches, but may be tap-type buttons.

[0099] In addition, in the sub-screen 4B, the first display section 10, the second display section 20, and the number display section 50 provided in the main screen 4A are hidden, and instead of them (in the area where they were displayed), the fourth display section 40 is displayed. The other components (the third display section 30, the color button 61, the option button 62, etc.) are displayed as they are in the sub-screen 4B.

[0100] The on / off setting unit 41 is a switch for setting "on / off" among the above elements. That is, the on / off setting unit 41 is for setting whether to turn on or off the ambient light 8 when the vehicle 9 is in a driving state. When the on / off setting unit 41 is set to off, the ambient light 8 does not light up even when the vehicle 9 is in a driving state, and the other setting units 42 to 45 cannot be operated.

[0101] The color rotation mode setting unit 42 is for setting the on / off of the "color rotation mode" among the above elements. The brightness setting unit 43 is for setting the "brightness" among the above elements. The brightness setting unit 43 shown in FIG. 5 has an operation unit that moves along a long horizontal bar, and a plus button and a minus button. The operation unit accepts a slide operation, and the plus button and the minus button accept a tap operation. When the user slides the operation unit or taps the plus button or the minus button, the brightness setting unit 43 sets the brightness according to the operation. It is preferable that the brightness being set is indicated by a number in the brightness setting unit 43.

[0102] The relax mode setting section 44 is for setting the on / off of the "relax mode" among the above elements. The quick mode setting section 45 is for setting the on / off of the "quick start" among the above elements. The quick mode setting section 45 is operable only when the relax mode setting section 44 is on. The quick mode setting section 45 may be displayed in a grayed-out state when the relax mode setting section 44 is off.

[0103] 4 and 5, the operation screen 4 (main screen 4A and sub-screen 4B) in the driving state can be switched by the color buttons 61 and the option buttons 62, but instead of these, a scroll bar for scrolling the screen may be provided. In other words, switching between the main screen and the sub-screen is not limited to a tap operation, and may be a scroll operation.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 6, the sub-screen 4C in the welcome state also has a fourth display section 40. However, in the welcome state, two configurable elements other than "color" are included: "on / off" and "brightness". For this reason, the fourth display section 40 of the sub-screen 4C is provided with only setting sections for setting these two elements (i.e., the on / off setting section 41 and the brightness setting section 43). The on / off setting section 41 and the brightness setting section 43 may be configured in the same way as those provided in the sub-screen 4B in the driving state. The other configurations are the same as those of the sub-screen 4B.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 7, the sub-screen 4D in the door open state also has a fourth display section 40. However, in the door open state, as in the welcome state, two configurable elements other than "color", namely "on / off" and "brightness", are included. For this reason, the fourth display section 40 of the sub-screen 4D is provided with only setting sections for setting these two elements (i.e., the on / off setting section 41 and the brightness setting section 43). The on / off setting section 41 and the brightness setting section 43 may be configured similarly to those provided in the sub-screens 4B and 4C in the driving state and the welcome state. The other configurations are similar to those of the sub-screens 4B and 4C.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 8, the fourth display section 40 is also provided on the sub-screen 4E in the incoming call state. However, in the incoming call state, three configurable elements other than "color" are included: "on / off", "brightness", and "message reception". For this reason, the fourth display section 40 of the sub-screen 4E is provided with a message reception setting section 46 in addition to the on / off setting section 41 and the brightness setting section 43. The message reception setting section 46 is for setting on / off of "message reception", which is one of the elements, and may be a slide-type on / off switch or a tap-type button, similar to the other setting sections 41, 42, 44, and 45. The on / off setting section 41 and the brightness setting section 43 may be configured similarly to those provided on the sub-screens 4B to 4D in the driving state, etc. Also, the other configurations are similar to those of the sub-screens 4B to 4D.

[0107] [4. Effects] (1) The vehicle 9 described above includes an ambient light 8 that illuminates the interior of the vehicle and a display device 1 that can set the elements of the ambient light 8. The display device 1 is provided with an operation screen 4 that sets the elements for each state of the vehicle 9. The states of the vehicle 9 include a driving state (first state) in which the vehicle 9 is in a start-up state in which it can run and all the doors are closed, and an incoming call state (second state) in which information is received from a terminal 80 that communicates with the vehicle 9. When the ambient light 8 is turned on in the driving state and the incoming call state is reached, the element is switched to the element set on the operation screen 4 for the incoming call state. This allows the user to be notified of the state of the terminal 80 (that some information has been acquired) by a change in the ambient light 8, and the user experience (emotions experienced by the user through operation input to the display device 1 and the ambient light 8, impressions the user has, reactions of the user, etc.) can be improved.

[0108] (2) The information from the terminal 80 includes an incoming call signal indicating that the terminal 80 has received an incoming call and a message signal indicating that the terminal 80 has received a message. The ambient light 8 lights up differently when the vehicle 9 (the light control device 7 in this embodiment) receives an incoming call signal and when it receives a message signal. This allows the user to recognize whether the terminal 80 has received a call or a message from the way the ambient light 8 lights up, without having to look at the terminal 80, which also contributes to improving usability.

[0109] (3) In the present embodiment, when the vehicle 9 receives an incoming call signal, the ambient light 8 flashes until the incoming call signal is no longer received, whereas when the vehicle 9 receives a message signal, the ambient light 8 lights up for a predetermined period of time from the time of reception. In this way, the user can more clearly recognize whether the terminal 80 has received a call or a message by the way the ambient light 8 lights up (flashing, lighting), thereby further improving usability.

[0110] (4) The vehicle 9 of this embodiment has a preview function in which the ambient light 8 displays the element being set on the operation screen 4 when the element is being set. This allows the user to set the element to a preferred one while feeling the change in the ambient light 8 in the vehicle interior, improving the user experience. In addition, if the device becomes an incoming call state while an element is being set on the operation screen 4, the ambient light 8 is switched to the element set on the operation screen 4 in the incoming call state. On the other hand, even if the device becomes an incoming call state while an element is being set on the operation screen 4, the display device 1 maintains the operation screen 4 being set. In other words, if an incoming call or message is received while an element of the ambient light 8 is being set on the operation screen 4, only the ambient light 8 in the vehicle interior changes and the operation screen 4 does not change, so that the user can be notified that the terminal 80 has acquired information while ensuring operability. Therefore, both usability and user experience can be improved.

[0111] (5) In addition, the preview function of the vehicle 9 is disabled if the timing of the setting operation on the operation screen 4 overlaps with the timing of the reception of information from the terminal 80. In other words, the way the ambient light 8 lights up to notify that information has been received takes priority over the way the ambient light 8 lights up for the preview. This makes it possible to notify the user of the state of the terminal 80 (that some information has been acquired) through a change in the ambient light 8, improving the user experience.

[0112] [5.Other] The vehicle 9 and the display device 1 described above are both examples and are not limited to those described above. For example, the states of the vehicle 9 described above are examples, and the conditions under which each state is established are also examples. In addition, the states of the vehicle 9 may include at least a driving state (first state) and an incoming call state (second state) in which information is received from the terminal 80, and the welcome state or the door open state may be omitted, and other states (such as a charging state) may be included.

[0113] The elements of the ambient light 8 that can be set in each state are also examples and are not limited to those shown in FIG. 3. For example, in the driving state, modes such as the color rotation mode and the relaxation mode are not essential, and the brightness may be omitted in the welcome state and the door open state, or conversely, a special mode may be provided in the welcome state and the door open state. Note that the conditions under which the color rotation mode and the relaxation mode are executed are also examples and are not limited to the above conditions. In addition, the way in which the ambient light 8 is illuminated is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the configuration in which the ambient light 8 is illuminated at maximum brightness immediately after the vehicle 9 is in a start-up state in which it can run (immediately after the ignition is turned on or the power is turned on) in the driving state may be omitted.

[0114] In the above-mentioned incoming call state, two types of information are received: an incoming call signal indicating that the terminal 80 has received an incoming call, and a message signal indicating that a message has been received, but the information that the vehicle 9 receives from the terminal 80 is not limited to these. For example, information indicating the type of message (email, short mail, chat app, SNS notification, etc.) may be included. In addition, the manner in which the above-mentioned ambient light 8 lights up when information is acquired is also one example, and is not limited to the above.

[0115] The screen configuration of the operation screen 4 of the display device 1 is also an example. For example, the first mark 12 and the second mark 22 may not be linked, and only the mark 12, 22 of the first display section 10 or the second display section 20 that has been operated may be displayed. In addition, the multiple color selection sections 11 may be displayed without gaps, and the divided setting colors may not all be displayed continuously, and may be partially partitioned, for example. In addition, the above-mentioned display form of the first mark 12 and the second mark 22 when slide operation is performed is also an example.

[0116] The display form of the vehicle interior image 31 displayed on the third display unit 30 is also one example, and the display form of the number on the number display unit 50 and the display form of the image color do not have to be the same. Note that the third display unit 30 and the number display unit 50 are not essential and may be omitted. When the number display unit 50 is omitted, it is not necessary to assign individual numbers to the set colors, and the horizontal dimension of the second display unit 20 may be the same as the horizontal dimension of the first display unit 10. [Industrial Applicability]

[0117] The present invention is applicable to the manufacturing industry of vehicles equipped with ambient lighting and displays. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1 Display device 4 Operation screen (screen) 5. Communications equipment 6 Ambient Lighting Device 7 Light control device 8. Ambient Light 9 Vehicles 10 First display section 20 Second display section 30 Third display 40 Fourth display 50 Number display section 80 Terminals

Claims

1. A vehicle including an ambient light that illuminates a vehicle interior, and a display device that has an operation screen that is operated by a user and that can set elements of the ambient light, and that communicates with a terminal of the user, the display device has the operation screen for setting the element for each state of the vehicle, The vehicle state includes a first state in which the vehicle is in a running state in which the vehicle can run and all of the doors are closed, and a second state in which the vehicle receives information from the terminal; When the ambient light is turned on in the first state and then goes to the second state, the ambient light is switched to the element set on the operation screen in the second state. A vehicle characterized by:

2. The information includes an incoming call signal indicating that the terminal has received an incoming call and a message signal indicating that the terminal has received a message; The ambient light is illuminated differently depending on whether the incoming call signal is received or the message signal is received.

2. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that

3. When the incoming call signal is received, the ambient light blinks until the incoming call signal is no longer received, and when the message signal is received, the ambient light is turned on for a predetermined period of time from the time of reception.

3. A vehicle as claimed in claim 2 , characterized in that

4. the vehicle has a preview function in which, when the element is being set on the operation screen, the ambient light represents the element being set, When the second state is entered while the element is being set on the operation screen, the ambient light is switched to the element set on the operation screen in the second state; The display device maintains the operation screen being set even if the display device enters the second state while the element is being set on the operation screen.

3. A vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

5. the vehicle has a preview function in which, when the element is being set on the operation screen, the ambient light represents the element being set, The preview function is disabled if the timing of the setting operation on the operation screen and the timing of receiving the information overlap.

3. A vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

Images