Display device

Abstract

A display device that displays information on a variable related to a vehicle state within a display area (10) having a background color of a first color includes a scale portion (11) on which a scale (21) serving as an index of the variable is displayed on a circle (D) passing through the origin (A) with the center point (C) within the display area as the center, and a sector portion (12) in which a sector image (23) surrounded by a first radius line (31) connecting the origin (A) and the center point (C), a second radius line (32) connecting the current point (B) and the center point (C), and an arc (33) from the origin (A) to the current point (B) is displayed. In the sector image (23), the first radius line (31) is displayed in the first color, the current point (B) is displayed in the second color, and a gradation is applied so that the color difference from the second color decreases as going from the origin (A) toward the current point (B) and as going from the center point (C) toward the radially outer side of the circle (D).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This case relates to a display device that displays information on variables reflecting the state of a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a display device that displays information on variables (for example, vehicle speed, rotational speed of a drive source, torque of a drive source, etc.) reflecting the state of a vehicle, there is known one that displays an image imitating an existing analog meter. For example, on an image imitating a circular display board, there is provided a display area for displaying a scale of a variable, and an image of a pointer indicating a value corresponding to the variable is displayed in the display area (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An image imitating an existing analog meter is suitable for clearly conveying variable information without depending on the language used by the user (the user of the display device). On the other hand, when the user grasps the variable information, first, the user has to search for the image of the pointer displayed in the display area, and there is a problem in that it is difficult to recognize the variable information instantaneously (at a glance).

[0005] One of the objects of this case was devised in view of the above problems, and it is to provide a display device that displays information on variables reflecting the state of a vehicle in an easy-to-understand and easy-to-recognize manner. Note that this is not limited to this object, and the effects derived from each configuration shown in the "Mode for Carrying Out the Invention" described later, which are effects not obtained by the conventional technology, are also positioned as other objects of this case.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The disclosed display device can be realized as the following disclosed modes (application examples) and solves at least a part of the above problems. Each mode after Mode 2 is a mode that can be additionally and appropriately selected, and each mode can be omitted. Each mode after Mode 2 does not disclose any mode or configuration that is essential for this case.

[0007] Mode 1. The disclosed display device is a display device that displays information on a variable related to the vehicle state within a display area having a background color of a first color. On a circle passing through the origin, which is provided at a position separated from the origin provided at an arbitrary position within the display area, with a center point as the center, there is a scale portion on which a scale serving as an index of the variable is displayed, a first radius line connecting the origin and the center point, and a second radius line connecting the center point and a current point corresponding to the current value of the variable on the circle, and a sector portion on which a sector image surrounded by an arc from the origin to the current point is displayed. In the sector image, the first radius line is displayed in the first color, the current point is displayed in a second color different from the first color, and a gradation is applied so that the color difference from the second color becomes smaller as it goes from the origin to the current point and as it goes from the center point to the outside in the radial direction of the circle.

[0008] Mode 2. Regarding the mode including the above Mode 1, it is preferable that the display device has a numerical value portion in which a digital numerical value corresponding to the current value is displayed numerically at the center portion of the circle. Mode 3. Regarding the mode including the above Mode 2, it is preferable that the digital numerical value is displayed in a third color different from the first color, and the outline of the digital numerical value is displayed in the first color.

[0009] Mode 4. Regarding the mode including the above Mode 1, it is preferable that in the scale portion, a scale numerical value corresponding to the scale is displayed numerically in a color different from the first color, and the outline of the scale numerical value is displayed in the first color.

[0010] Aspect 5. Regarding an aspect including the above Aspect 4, for the scale numerical values, peripheral values corresponding to the scales displayed within a predetermined fan-shaped region developed on both sides in the circumferential direction of the circle with the current point as the center are displayed in a third color different from the first color, and border values excluding the peripheral values are preferably displayed in a color with a smaller color difference from the first color than the color difference between the third color and the first color.

[0011] Aspect 6. Regarding an aspect including the above Aspect 5, it is preferable that the border values are displayed in a color with a smaller color difference from the first color as the numerical values corresponding to the scales farther from the current point along the circle.

[0012] Aspect 7. Regarding an aspect including the above Aspect 5, it is preferable that the display device has a pointer portion that is drawn to simulate a movement pivotally supported with respect to the center point and displays a pointer indicating the current point. In this case, the pointer is preferably displayed in the third color.

[0013] Aspect 8. Regarding an aspect including the above Aspect 5, it is preferable that the display device has a pointer portion that is drawn to simulate a movement pivotally supported with respect to the center point and displays a pointer indicating the current point. In this case, when the current point is displayed in the third color, it is preferably gradated so that the color difference from the first color decreases as it goes from the current point toward the center point, and the width of the pointer in the circumferential direction of the circle is preferably displayed larger as it goes from the center point toward the outer side in the radial direction of the circle.

[0014] Aspect 9. Regarding the aspect including the above Aspect 1, it is preferable that the display device has an arc-shaped portion where an arc-shaped scale image extending from the origin to the current point along the circle is displayed. In this case, the scale image is displayed in a third color different from the first color at the current point, and a gradation is applied so that the color difference from the first color decreases as going from the current point toward the origin, and it is preferable that the width of the scale image in the radial direction of the circle is displayed larger as going from the origin toward the current point.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the disclosed display device, information on variables reflecting the state of the vehicle can be displayed in an easy-to-understand and easy-to-recognize manner.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] [1. Configuration] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a display device 1 as an embodiment. This display device 1 is mounted on a vehicle and is a device that displays information on variables reflecting the state of the vehicle. The variables may be at least parameters reflecting the state of the vehicle and are not particularly limited. Specific examples of the information on the variables include, for example, vehicle speed information, information on the output (work rate) of the vehicle's drive source, information representing the driving state of the vehicle, and the like.

[0018] Specific examples of the information on the output (work rate) of the vehicle's drive source include information such as the engine rotation speed (revolution number), engine torque, engine horsepower (work rate), rotation speed (revolution number) of the driving motor, torque of the driving motor, horsepower (work rate) of the driving motor, power consumption of the driving motor, and supply power of the driving battery.

[0019] Specific examples of the information representing the driving state of the vehicle include information such as shift position, reduction ratio of the transmission, driving distance, estimated driving range, fuel consumption, electricity cost, battery remaining capacity, yaw rate, roll rate, pitch rate, longitudinal acceleration, lateral acceleration, road surface inclination angle, tire air pressure, energy flow of the powertrain, driving direction (azimuth), altitude, air temperature, and road surface friction coefficient.

[0020] The information on the variables is generated by various ECUs such as a vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) or a powertrain ECU, for example. Alternatively, the information on the variables may be generated inside the display device 1 based on signals transmitted from in-vehicle sensors.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, 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 content displayed on the output device 3 and incorporates a processor (arithmetic processing unit) and a memory (storage device). The processing content (program) of the electronic control device 2 is stored in the memory, and the content is executed by being appropriately read into the processor. Note that the electronic control device 2 may be integrally formed with the output device 3 (built into the output device 3) or may be provided separately from the output device 3.

[0022] The output device 3 is a device that displays information regarding the vehicle, such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, a projector, or the like. All information displayed on the output device 3 is controlled by the electronic control device 2. The shape of the display area for the information in the output device 3 is not particularly limited. The output device 3 is arranged at a position that is easily visible to the driver, such as in front of the driver (in front of the steering wheel) or in front of the center of the passenger compartment (in front of the middle of the driver's seat and the passenger seat). As an accessory device for the output device 3, a touch panel device that detects touch operations on the screen or the display, an input device provided with a keyboard, physical buttons, or a touch pad, a line-of-sight detection device that detects the line of sight, a gesture reading device that detects gesture operations, or the like may be provided.

[0023] [2. Screen Configuration] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a display area 10 in which the display device 1 of the present embodiment displays variable information. The display device 1 displays an image imitating an analog meter (for example, a speedometer or a tachometer) indicating the current value of a variable on the display area 10. Here, a circular display area 10 is illustrated, but the shape of the display area 10 is not limited to this.

[0024] On the display area 10, a scale portion 11 and a fan-shaped portion 12 are provided as parts for displaying such an image. On the scale portion 11, a scale 21 imitating the scale provided on the above analog meter is displayed. The scale 21 is a mark serving as an index of the variable, and is represented by a plurality of points, lines, etc. provided at a predetermined scale interval with an arbitrary point (hereinafter referred to as "origin A") on the display area 10 as a reference. The origin A is a point corresponding to the reference value (for example, the initial value) of the variable, and is provided, for example, at the 9 o'clock position of the circular display area 10. On the display area 10, a center point C is set at a position separated from the origin A. The scale 21 is displayed on a reference circle D (circle) passing through the origin A with the center point C as the center, with the origin A as a reference.

[0025] The sector portion 12 is a part where a sector image 23 indicating a current point B corresponding to the current value of a variable on the reference circle D is displayed. The sector image 23 forms a sector surrounded by a first radius line 31 connecting the origin A and the center point C, a second radius line 32 connecting the current point B and the center point C, and an arc 33 from the origin A to the current point B. The arc 33 forms a part of the reference circle D. In the sector image 23, the first radius line 31 is displayed in a first color that is the same as the background color of the display area 10, and the current point B is displayed in a second color that is different from the background color. Further, the sector image 23 is gradated so that the color difference from the second color becomes smaller as it goes from the origin A toward the current point B and as it goes from the center point C toward the outer side in the radial direction of the reference circle D. In this way, the display device 1 displays the sector image 23 gradated so that the color difference between the periphery of the current point B and the background color is larger than the color difference between the periphery of the first radius line 31 and the background color, thereby displaying the information of the variable in an easy-to-understand and easy-to-recognize manner.

[0026] Here, the color means the attribute of visual perception composed of a combination of a chromatic component and an achromatic component, and is also paraphrased as a combination of hue, lightness, and chroma. Chromatic color means a perceptual color having a hue, and achromatic color means a perceptual color having no hue such as white, gray, and black. Hue is the difference in relative color tone, and means a color specified by, for example, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, etc. Chroma means the degree of vividness of a color. The higher the chroma, the more vivid the color, and the lower the chroma, the duller and more turbid the color. Lightness means the degree of brightness of a color. The higher the lightness, the whiter the color, and the lower the lightness, the blacker the color.

[0027] In the display area 10 of the present embodiment, a pointer part 13, an arc part 14, and a numerical value part 15 are further provided. Elements 21 to 27 (see FIG. 3 described later) displayed on these parts 11 to 15 including the scale part 11 and the fan-shaped part 12 can be displayed overlappingly within the display area 10. When each of the elements 21 to 27 overlaps, the element displayed on the part with a higher priority is displayed so as to hide the element displayed on the part with a lower priority. That is, priorities are set for the parts 11 to 15, and the elements 21 to 27 are displayed according to the set priorities. In FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 to 5 described later, the one-dot chain lines, two-dot chain lines, and broken lines indicating the respective parts 11 to 15 are drawn for convenience of explaining these parts 11 to 15 and are not actually displayed. Also, the blackened points indicating the origin A, the current point B, and the center point C and the thin broken line indicating the reference circle D are drawn for convenience of explaining the configuration of the display area 10 and are not actually displayed.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the parts 11 to 15 provided in the display area 10 stratified by priority and also showing an example of the elements 21 to 27 displayed on each of the parts 11 to 15. In the example of FIG. 3, vehicle speed information is displayed as information on a variable displayed by the display device 1. In the present embodiment, four levels of priorities are set. In other words, four layers are displayed overlappingly on the display area 10. Hereinafter, they are referred to as the first layer L1, the second layer L2, the third layer L3, and the fourth layer L4 in order from the lowest priority layer.

[0029] The scale part 11 is provided in an upper layer (a layer with a higher priority) than at least the layer where the fan-shaped part 12 is provided. Here, the fan-shaped part 12 is provided in the first layer L1, and the scale part 11 is provided in the third layer L3. Also, the pointer part 13 is provided in the second layer L2, and the arc part 14 is provided in the fourth layer L4. The numerical value part 15 is provided in a layer with a higher priority than at least the fan-shaped part 12 and the pointer part 13, and is provided, for example, in the same third layer L3 as the scale part 11.

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a case where the first color (i.e., the background color of the display area 10) is white and the second color is black. That is, the display area 10 is an area having a white background color. Also, in FIG. 3, although it is illustrated such that the layer with a lower priority is hidden by the layer with a higher priority, each of the layers L1 to L4 is a colorless and transparent layer, and the first color, which is the background color of the display area 10, is seen through in the portions where the elements 21 to 27 are not displayed. That is, each of the layers L1 to L4 is a layer virtually provided for hierarchically explaining the portions 11 to 15. It can also be said that the display device 1 displays a single image by overlapping these four layers L1 to L4 on the display area 10.

[0031] As described above, the scale portion 11 is the portion where the scale 21 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 3, the scale 21 is displayed on a reference circle D passing through the origin A provided at a position separated from the center point C around the center point C. In other words, the scale portion 11 is not provided in the central portion (near the center point C) of the reference circle D, but is provided on the outer side in the radial direction of the reference circle D.

[0032] The scale 21 is displayed in at least a color different from the first color. Here, the scale 21 displayed in black (i.e., the same color as the second color) is illustrated. In the example of FIG. 3, the scale 21 has a plurality of scale lines 21a (only one is labeled) extending slightly inward in the radial direction from the reference circle D, and an arc-shaped scale line 21b connecting these scale lines 21a. The plurality of scale lines 21a are provided, for example, at a predetermined scale interval in the clockwise direction from the origin A as shown. The scale line 21b is provided on the reference circle D and connects the plurality of scale lines 21a.

[0033] In the scale portion 11 of the present embodiment, scale numerical values 22 corresponding to the respective scale lines 21a are further displayed in numbers. Each scale numerical value 22 is displayed, for example, on the inner side in the radial direction (i.e., closer to the center point C) of each scale line 21a. The scale numerical values 22 are displayed in at least a color different from the first color. Also, the outline of the scale numerical values 22 is displayed (outlined) in the first color.

[0034] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, among the scale values 22, the values corresponding to the scale lines 21a displayed within a predetermined fan-shaped region E (the region indicated by hatched shading in FIG. 4) developed on both sides in the circumferential direction of the reference circle D with the current point B as the center are displayed in a third color. The third color is at least different from the first color. Here, the case where the third color is the same color as the second color (i.e., black) is illustrated, but the third color may be different from the second color.

[0035] The fan-shaped region E is a fan-shaped region centered on the center point C and having a radius equal to or larger than that of the reference circle D. The arc length of the fan-shaped region E is, for example, twice the scale interval of the scale 21. Here, the current point B overlaps the scale line 21a. Therefore, the scale value 22 corresponding to the scale line 21a overlapping the current point B ( "120" in the figure) and the two scale values 22 corresponding to the two scale lines 21a adjacent to the scale line 21a ( "100" and "140" in the figure) are displayed in the third color as the peripheral values 22a. When the current point B does not overlap the scale line 21a, the two scale values 22 corresponding to the two scale lines 21a adjacent to the current point B are displayed in the third color as the peripheral values 22a.

[0036] Also, in the present embodiment, among the scale values 22, the values corresponding to the scale lines 21a not displayed in the fan-shaped region E (hereinafter referred to as "border values 22b") are displayed in a color with a smaller color difference from the first color than the color difference between the third color and the first color. More specifically, the border value 22b is displayed in a color with a smaller color difference from the first color (a color closer to the first color) as the scale line 21a corresponding to the scale line 21a farther from the current point B along the reference circle D. When the first color is white and the third color is black, the border value 22b is displayed with a higher brightness as the scale line 21a corresponding to the scale line 21a farther from the current point B, and is displayed in a grayish white (i.e., a color close to the first color, white). In FIG. 4, the change in color is expressed by changing the dot ratio attached to each border value 22b.

[0037] As described above, the fan-shaped portion 12 is the part where the fan-shaped image 23 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 3, the fan-shaped image 23 forms a fan shape surrounded by a first radial line 31 corresponding to a radius passing through the origin A, a second radial line 32 corresponding to a radius passing through the current point B, and an arc 33 from the origin A to the current point B. As the position of the current point B changes with the change of the current value of the variable, its outer shape deforms. In other words, the size of the area of the fan in the fan-shaped image 23 changes according to the position of the current point B.

[0038] In the fan-shaped image 23, as described above, the first radial line 31 is displayed in the first color (background color), and the current point B is displayed in the second color. Further, in the fan-shaped image 23, a gradation is applied along the circumferential direction of the reference circle D from the origin A toward the current point B and along the radial direction from the center point C to the outside of the reference circle D so that the color difference from the second color becomes smaller. That is, regarding the color gradation in the fan-shaped image 23, when focusing on the color change in the circumferential direction of the reference circle D, the position closer to the first radial line 31 has a color with a smaller color difference from the first color (a color closer to the first color), and the position closer to the second radial line 32 has a color with a smaller color difference from the second color (a color closer to the second color). Also, when focusing on the color change in the radial direction of the reference circle D, the position closer to the center point C has a color closer to the first color, and the position closer to the arc 33 has a color closer to the second color.

[0039] Here, the gradation means being colored in a continuous tone so that the color difference from the color at the end point disappears from the start point to the end point, or being colored in a continuous tone so that the color difference from the start point becomes larger as it moves away from the start point. The color difference is a value obtained by quantifying the perceived color separation between two colors, and is calculated based on, for example, the measurement method of JIS Z 8729-1980 (CIE L*a*b* color system <1976>).

[0040] In the fan-shaped image 23 of FIG. 3, gradation is applied in the former sense. That is, in the fan-shaped image 23, starting from the first radial line 31 as the starting point and with the current point B as the ending point, it is colored in the clockwise direction and radially outward so that the color difference from the second color disappears. Here, when the first color is white and the second color is black, it can also be said that the fan-shaped image 23 is colored so that the brightness decreases from the starting point to the ending point. Conversely, when the first color is black and the second color is white, it can also be said that it is colored so that the brightness increases from the starting point to the ending point.

[0041] When the first color is black and the second color is a chromatic color (for example, blue), the fan-shaped image 23 is colored so that the chroma and brightness increase from the starting point to the ending point. When the first color and the second color are both chromatic colors, the color may be changed along the color wheel. However, at least one of the first color and the second color is preferably achromatic, and more preferably, the first color is preferably achromatic. That is, the gradation applied to the fan-shaped image 23 preferably changes at least one of the brightness and the chroma.

[0042] As a result, in the vicinity of the current point B, it is displayed so that the color difference from the first color, which is the background color, becomes relatively large. The human eye is likely to pay attention to a position where the color difference (that is, contrast) is large. For this reason, when the driver looks at the display area 10, the eye easily goes to the vicinity of the current point B (the vicinity of the current point B is easily noticed). Thereby, the driver can instantaneously confirm the position of the current point B and can quickly recognize the variable information.

[0043] Also, in the fan-shaped image 23, by applying gradation from the first radial line 31 passing through the origin A toward the current point B, when the driver looks at the display area 10, it is possible to instantaneously recognize how far the current point B is from the origin A (the swing width of the current point B with respect to the origin A). Therefore, the variable information can be displayed more understandably. The change in the shape of the fan-shaped image 23 as the current value of the variable changes also contributes to prompting attention to the current point B.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the scale portion 11 and the fan-shaped portion 12 superimposed. As described above, in the present embodiment, the fan-shaped portion 12 is provided in the first layer L1, and the scale portion 11 is provided in the third layer L3 above the fan-shaped portion 12. Therefore, the scale 21 and the scale value 22 displayed on the scale portion 11 are displayed without being hidden by the fan-shaped image 23 even when they overlap with the fan-shaped image 23.

[0045] Also, as described above, in the present embodiment, the peripheral value 22a is displayed in the third color, and the third color is the same color as the second color (i.e., black). Therefore, around the current point B on the fan-shaped image 23, the color difference between the color of the fan-shaped image 23 and the color of the peripheral value 22a becomes small, and there is a possibility that the peripheral value 22a becomes difficult to recognize. However, by displaying the outline of each scale value 22 outlined in the first color, the number of the peripheral value 22a can be easily recognized even around the current point B.

[0046] Also, the boundary value 22b is displayed in a color with a smaller color difference from the first color as the value is farther from the current point B. Thereby, in the portion other than the periphery of the current point B in the fan-shaped image 23, the contrast between the color of the fan-shaped image 23 and the color of the boundary value 22b is displayed to be small. In this way, by making the boundary value 22b difficult to be noticed, the attention to the current point B can be further promoted.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the pointer portion 13 is a portion where an image 24 of a pointer (hereinafter simply referred to as "pointer 24") indicating the current point B is displayed within the display area 10. The pointer 24 is drawn to simulate a movement pivotally supported with respect to the center point C, and indicates the current point B by its tip. The pointer 24 changes its indication direction according to the change in the current value of the variable, and indicates the current point B corresponding to the current value of the variable by the indication direction.

[0048] In this embodiment, the pointer 24 extends from the center point C to the current point B. Also, the pointer 24 has a substantially triangular shape in which the circumferential width (pointer width) increases as it extends radially outward from the center point C toward the reference circle D. Here, as described above, the pointer portion 13 is provided in the second layer L2 with a higher priority than the fan-shaped portion 12. For this reason, it can also be said that the pointer 24 is provided on the second radial line 32 of the fan-shaped image 23.

[0049] The current point B of the pointer 24 is displayed in a third color (here, black) different from the first color, and is gradated so that the color difference from the first color decreases as it goes from the current point B toward the center point C. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the center point C of the pointer 24 is displayed in the first color, and is gradated so that the color difference from the first color disappears as it goes from the current point B toward the center point C. Note that the color of the pointer 24 is not limited to the above example. For example, the entire pointer 24 may be displayed in the third color. That is, the pointer 24 may not be gradated.

[0050] The arc-shaped portion 14 is a portion in the display area 10 where a scale image 25 indicating the swing width of the current point B with respect to the origin A is displayed. The scale image 25 has an arc shape extending from the origin A to the current point B along the reference circle D. Therefore, it can also be said that the scale image 25 is provided on the arc 33. The scale image 25, like the arc 33, expands and contracts in the circumferential direction according to the change in the current value of the variable.

[0051] In this embodiment, the scale image 25 has a shape that widens toward the end with a larger radial width as it goes from the origin A to the current point B. Also, the current point B of the scale image 25 is displayed in a third color (here, black) different from the first color, and is gradated so that the color difference from the first color decreases as it goes from the current point B toward the origin A. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the origin A of the scale image 25 is displayed in the first color, and is gradated so that the color difference from the first color disappears as it goes from the current point B toward the origin A.

[0052] The numerical value part 15 is a part where the digital numerical value 26 corresponding to the current value of the variable is displayed numerically. The numerical value part 15 is provided at the central part of the reference circle D (the part including the center point C). Here, as described above, the scale part 11 is provided at a part excluding the central part of the reference circle D (the periphery of the center point C). For this reason, it can also be said that the numerical value part 15 is provided in an area where the scale part 11 is not displayed.

[0053] In this way, by utilizing the area where the scale part 11 is not displayed and displaying the digital numerical value 26 in this area, the information of the variable can be displayed more clearly and recognizably. Also, in the periphery of the center point C, the color difference between the color of the fan-shaped image 23 and the background color becomes small. By displaying the digital numerical value 26 in such a part, the information of the variable can be displayed more clearly and recognizably.

[0054] As described above, the numerical value part 15 is provided in at least a layer with a higher priority than the fan-shaped part 12 and the pointer part 13. Thereby, even when the digital numerical value 26 overlaps with the fan-shaped image 23 or the pointer 24, the digital numerical value 26 is displayed without being hidden by these images 23, 24.

[0055] Also, the digital numerical value 26 is displayed in a third color (here, black) different from the first color, and its contour is outlined in the first color. Thereby, attention can be drawn to the digital numerical value 26. Also, by displaying the contour of the digital numerical value 26 in the first color, even when the digital numerical value 26 overlaps with the fan-shaped image 23 or the pointer 24, the numbers of the digital numerical value 26 can be displayed so as to be easily recognized.

[0056] The digital numerical value 26 is displayed at least larger than the scale numerical value 22. Thereby, when the driver looks at the display area 10, the current value of the variable can be grasped at a glance. Note that in the numerical value part 15, as shown in the figure, the unit 27 of the variable may be displayed in characters side by side with the digital numerical value 26.

[0057] [3. Function, Effect] (1) In the above-described display device 1, a scale portion 11 in which a scale 21 serving as an index of a variable is displayed and a sector portion 12 in which a sector image 23 is displayed are provided within a display area 10 having a background color of a first color. The scale 21 is displayed on a reference circle D passing through the origin A with the center point C within the display area 10 as the center. Further, the sector image 23 forms a sector surrounded by a first radius line 31 connecting the origin A and the center point C, a second radius line 32 connecting the current point B corresponding to the current value of the variable on the reference circle D and the center point C, and an arc 33 from the origin A to the current point B. In the sector image 23, the first radius line 31 is displayed in the first color, and the current point B is displayed in a second color different from the first color. Further, the sector image 23 is gradated so that the color difference from the second color becomes smaller as it goes from the origin A toward the current point B and as it goes from the center point C toward the outer side in the radial direction of the reference circle D.

[0058] In this way, by displaying the periphery of the current point B in the sector image 23 in a color with a large color difference from the background color, when the driver turns his / her eyes to the display area 10, it becomes easier to pay attention to the periphery of the current point B. In particular, in the periphery of the current point B, since the color difference (contrast) between the color on the side approaching the origin A and the color (i.e., the background color) on the side away from the origin A with the second radius line 32 as the boundary becomes large, the vicinity of the current point B is more likely to be noticed. Therefore, the driver can quickly grasp (recognize) the information of the variable corresponding to the current point B.

[0059] Further, by gradating the sector image 23 so that the color difference from the second color becomes smaller as it goes from the origin A toward the current point B and as it goes from the center point C toward the outer side in the radial direction, the driver can grasp at a glance the deviation width of the current point B with respect to the origin A. In addition, the sector image 23 changes in its overall shape and color (gradation) according to the change in the current value of the variable. In this way, by changing the shape and color of the sector image 23 over time, when the driver turns his / her eyes to the display area 10, it becomes easier for the driver's eyes to reach the sector image 23. Therefore, according to the above-described display device 1, the information of the variable can be displayed in an easy-to-understand and easy-to-recognize manner.

[0060] (2) In the above-described display device 1, at the center of the reference circle D, a numerical value portion 15 is provided where a digital numerical value 26 corresponding to the current value of the variable is displayed in numbers. In this way, by displaying the digital numerical value 26 in an area where the scale portion 11 is not displayed, the information of the variable can be displayed more clearly and recognizably.

[0061] (3) Further, the digital numerical value 26 is displayed in a third color different from the first color, and its outline is displayed in the first color. Thereby, while prompting attention to the digital numerical value 26, even when the digital numerical value 26 overlaps with the fan-shaped image 23, the numbers of the digital numerical value 26 can be displayed so as to be recognizable.

[0062] (4) In the scale portion 11 of the above-described display device 1, a scale numerical value 22 corresponding to the scale 21 is displayed in a color different from the first color and in numbers. Thereby, when the driver looks at the display area 10, the values corresponding to the respective scales 21 can be grasped at a glance. Also, since the outline of the scale numerical value 22 is displayed in the first color, even when the scale numerical value 22 overlaps with the fan-shaped image 23, the numbers of the scale numerical value 22 can be displayed so as to be recognizable.

[0063] (5) Further, in the above-described display device 1, a peripheral value 22a around the current point B is displayed in the third color. Also, a boundary value 22b excluding the peripheral value 22a is displayed in a color having a smaller color difference from the first color than the third color. Thereby, when the driver looks at the display area 10, the peripheral value 22a is more likely to be noticed than the boundary value 22b. Therefore, it is possible to assist in grasping the current value of the variable corresponding to the current point B.

[0064] (6) In particular, in the above-described display device 1, the boundary value 22b is displayed in a color having a smaller color difference from the first color as the numerical value corresponding to the scale 21 that is farther from the current point B along the reference circle D. Thereby, in a portion other than the periphery of the current point B in the fan-shaped image 23, the display is made such that the contrast between the color of the fan-shaped image 23 and the color of the boundary value 22b becomes small. Therefore, since the boundary value 22b is even less likely to be noticed, it is possible to further prompt attention to the current point B.

[0065] (7) The above display device 1 is provided with a pointer portion 13 on which a pointer 24 is displayed. The pointer 24 is drawn so as to simulate the movement pivotally supported with respect to the center point C and indicates the current point B. The pointer 24 is an image displayed on the second radial line 32 and is displayed in a third color. In this way, by displaying the pointer portion 13 on the second radial line 32 connecting the center point C and the current point B, it is possible to further prompt attention to the current point B.

[0066] (8) Further, in the above display device 1, the pointer 24 is gradated so that the color difference from the first color becomes smaller as it goes from the current point B toward the center point C. Furthermore, the pointer 24 is displayed with a larger width as it goes radially outward from the center point C. Thereby, it is possible to more easily gather attention around the current point B rather than around the center point C.

[0067] (9) The above display device 1 is provided with an arc-shaped portion 14 on which an arc-shaped scale image 25 extending from the origin A to the current point B is displayed. The scale image 25 has the current point B displayed in a third color and is gradated so that the color difference from the first color becomes smaller as it goes from the current point B toward the origin A. Also, the scale image 25 is displayed with a larger width in the radial direction as it goes from the origin A toward the current point B. Thereby, it is possible to display the extension width of the current point B with respect to the origin A at a glance, so that the information of the variable can be displayed more clearly and more recognizable.

[0068] [4. Modification Example] The above embodiments are merely illustrative. The shape of the display area 10 does not have to be circular, and the background color of the display area 10 does not have to be white. Also, a plurality of scale portions 11 and fan-shaped portions 12 may be provided in the display area 10. That is, the display device 1 may display information of a plurality of variables in the display area 10. The pointer portion 13, the arc-shaped portion 14, and the numerical value portion 15 may be omitted.

[0069] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed by the display device according to the modified example. The display device of the modified example is mainly different from the display device 1 of the above-described embodiment in the following points. · The point that the display area 10' is rectangular · The point that the first color is black and the second color is white · The point that two scale portions 111, 112 and two fan-shaped portions 121, 122 are provided in the display area 10' · The point that the scale 211 displayed on one of the scale portions 111 is developed on both sides in the circumferential direction of the reference circle D with respect to the origin A1 · The point that the portions corresponding to the pointer portion 13, the arc-shaped portion 14, and the numerical portion 15 are not provided

[0070] That is, the display device according to the modified example has a different screen configuration compared to the display device 1 described above, and the configuration of the display device itself may be the same as that of the display device 1 described above. That is, an electronic control device and an output device may also be provided in the display device according to the modified example. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, the image displayed by the display device of the modified example will be described in detail. In the following description, descriptions overlapping with those described in the above embodiment will be omitted.

[0071] In the modified example, the display device displays information on two variables within the display area 10'. Here, as an example, a rectangular display area 10' is illustrated, but the shape of the display area 10' is not particularly limited in the same manner as the display area 10 of the above-described embodiment. The display device is applied, for example, to a vehicle equipped with both a traveling motor and an engine as driving sources for traveling. Also, among the two variables, an example is illustrated in which information on the torque of the traveling motor (including driving torque and regenerative torque) is displayed as information on one variable (hereinafter referred to as "first variable"), and information on the output of the engine is displayed as information on the other variable (hereinafter referred to as "second variable").

[0072] In the display area 10′, a first scale portion 111 and a first fan-shaped portion 121 are provided as parts for displaying information on the first variable. Also, a second scale portion 112 and a second fan-shaped portion 122 are provided as parts for displaying information on the second variable. In this modified example, the origin A1 and the current point B1 of the first variable and the origin A2 and the current point B2 of the second variable are located on the same reference circle D. The first scale portion 111 and the second scale portion 112 are continuously provided on the same reference circle D. More specifically, the first scale portion 111 is provided from approximately the 7 o'clock position to the 12 o'clock position of the reference circle D, and the second scale portion 112 is provided from the 12 o'clock position to the 3 o'clock position of the reference circle D.

[0073] The first scale 211 displayed on the first scale portion 111 has a scale line corresponding to the origin A1 with the 9 o'clock position of the reference circle D as the origin A1, a scale line provided at a position separated from the origin A1 in the clockwise direction, and a scale line provided at a position separated from the origin A1 in the counterclockwise direction. That is, in this modified example, the first scale 211 is expanded on both sides in the circumferential direction of the reference circle D with the origin A1 as a reference. Note that the first scale 211 may have a scale line connecting each scale line in the same manner as the scale 21 in the above-described embodiment.

[0074] The current point B1 of the first variable is located in the clockwise direction from the origin A1 when the traveling motor is driven, and is displaced in the clockwise direction as the driving torque increases. Also, the current point B1 is located in the counterclockwise direction from the origin A1 when the traveling motor is regenerated, and is displaced in the counterclockwise direction as the regeneration torque increases.

[0075] The first fan-shaped portion 121 is a portion where a first fan-shaped image 231 surrounded by a straight line (radius) connecting the origin A1 and the center point C of the reference circle D, a straight line (radius) connecting the current point B1 and the center point C, and an arc from the origin A1 to the current point B1 is displayed. Similar to the fan-shaped image 23 in the above-described embodiment, the first fan-shaped image 231 is displayed in a second color (here, white) different from the background color (here, black) of the display area 10' at the current point B1. Further, a gradation is applied so that the color difference from the second color becomes smaller as it goes from the origin A1 toward the current point B1 and as it goes from the center point C toward the radially outer side of the reference circle D.

[0076] As described above, the current point B1 of the first variable is located in the clockwise direction from the origin A1 or in the counterclockwise direction from the origin A1 according to the operating state of the traveling motor. For this reason, the first fan-shaped image 231 is also displayed on the clockwise direction side from the origin A or on the counterclockwise direction side from the origin A according to the position of the current point B1.

[0077] The second scale 212 displayed on the second scale portion 112 has a plurality of scale lines provided at a predetermined scale interval in the clockwise direction from the origin A2 with the 12 o'clock position of the reference circle D as the origin A2. Similar to the scale 21 in the above-described embodiment, the second scale 212 may have scale lines connecting the respective scale lines. Further, similar to the scale portion 11 in the above-described embodiment, scale numerical values corresponding to the respective scale lines may be displayed numerically on the second scale portion 112.

[0078] The second fan-shaped portion 122 is a portion where a second fan-shaped image 232 surrounded by a straight line (radius) connecting the origin A2 and the center point C of the reference circle D, a straight line (radius) connecting the current point B2 and the center point C, and an arc from the origin A2 to the current point B2 is displayed. Similar to the fan-shaped image 23 in the above-described embodiment, the second fan-shaped image 232 is displayed in a second color different from the background color of the display area 10'. Further, a gradation is applied so that the color difference from the second color becomes smaller as it goes from the origin A2 toward the current point B2 and as it goes from the center point C toward the radially outer side of the reference circle D.

[0079] Note that the second color used for the current point of the fan-shaped image may be set for each variable. That is, as in this modified example, when the display device displays two fan-shaped images 231 and 232 to display information on two variables, different colors may be set as the second colors of the respective fan-shaped images 231 and 232. For example, the second color of the first fan-shaped image 231 for displaying information on the first variable may be blue, and the second color of the second fan-shaped image 232 for displaying information on the second variable may be white.

[0080] According to the display device of the modified example described above, the same effects as those of the display device 1 of the embodiment can be obtained. That is, in the display area 10′, a first scale portion 111 and a first fan-shaped portion 121 are provided as portions for displaying information on the first variable. Also, a second scale portion 112 and a second fan-shaped portion 122 are provided as portions for displaying information on the second variable. In each of the first fan-shaped portion 121 and the second fan-shaped portion 122, fan-shaped images 231 and 232 having gradations are displayed such that the color difference from the second color decreases as it approaches the current points B1 and B2. Thereby, when the driver looks at the display area 10′, the current point B1 of the first variable and the current point B2 of the second variable are easily noticeable, so that the information on the variables can be displayed in an easy-to-understand and easy-to-recognize manner.

[0081] [5. Others] The above-described embodiments and modified examples are merely illustrative, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications and applications of technologies not explicitly stated in this embodiment. Each configuration of this embodiment can be variously modified and implemented without departing from their gist. Each configuration of this embodiment can be selectively adopted as necessary, or can be appropriately combined.

[0082] The display device only needs to have a scale portion and a fan-shaped portion on the display area at least, and the pointer portion, arc-shaped portion, and numerical value portion may be omitted. Also, the images displayed on the pointer portion and the arc-shaped portion are merely examples and are not limited to the above-described images. The scale displayed on the scale portion is also merely an example and may be represented by a figure such as a point or a triangle instead of a line. [Industrial Applicability]

[0083] This case is applicable to the manufacturing industry of display devices mounted on vehicles, and is also applicable to the manufacturing industry of vehicles equipped with such display devices.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0084] 1 Display device 10, 10′ Display area 11 Scale part 12 Sector part 13 Pointer part 14 Arc-shaped part 15 Numerical value part 21 Scale 22 Scale value 22a Peripheral value 22b Border value 23 Sector image 24 Pointer 25 Scale image 26 Digital numerical value 111 First scale part (scale part) 112 Second scale part (scale part) 121 First sector part (sector part) 122 Second sector part (sector part) 211 First scale (scale) 212 Second scale (scale) 231 First sector image (sector image) 232 Second sector image (sector image) A, A1, A2 Origin B, B1, B2 Current point C Center point D Reference circle (circle) E Sector area

Claims

1. A display device that displays information on a variable related to a vehicle state within a display area having a background color of a first color, a scale portion on which a scale serving as an index of the variable is displayed on a circle passing through the origin, the circle being centered at a center point provided at a position separated from the origin provided at an arbitrary position within the display area, a first radius line connecting the origin and the center point, a second radius line connecting the current point corresponding to the current value of the variable on the circle and the center point, and a sector portion on which a sector image surrounded by an arc from the origin to the current point is displayed, wherein in the sector image, the first radius line is displayed in the first color, the current point is displayed in a second color different from the first color, and a gradation is applied so that a color difference from the second color decreases as going from the origin toward the current point and as going from the center point toward the outer side in the radial direction of the circle. A display device, characterized in that.

2. having a numerical value portion in which a digital numerical value corresponding to the current value is displayed as numbers at the center of the circle The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. wherein the digital numerical value is displayed in a third color different from the first color, and an outline of the digital numerical value is displayed in the first color. The display device according to claim 2, characterized in that.

4. in the scale portion, a scale numerical value corresponding to the scale is displayed as numbers in a color different from the first color, and an outline of the scale numerical value is displayed in the first color. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that.

5. wherein the scale numerical value is displayed in a third color different from the first color, the peripheral value corresponding to the scale displayed in a predetermined sector area developed on both sides in the circumferential direction of the circle with the current point as the center, and a boundary value excluding the peripheral value is displayed in a color having a smaller color difference from the first color than a color difference between the third color and the first color. The display device according to claim 4, characterized in that.

6. wherein the boundary value is displayed in a color having a smaller color difference from the first color as the numerical value corresponding to the scale away from the current point along the circle. The display device according to claim 5, characterized in that.

7. having a pointer portion on which a pointer is displayed, the pointer being drawn so as to simulate a movement pivotally supported with respect to the center point and indicating the current point, wherein the pointer is displayed in the third color. The display device according to claim 5, characterized in that.

8. It has a pointer part that is drawn to simulate the movement pivotally supported with respect to the center point, and a pointer that indicates the current point is displayed. The pointer is gradated such that the current point is displayed in the third color, and the color difference from the first color decreases as it goes from the current point toward the center point. Also, the width of the pointer in the circumferential direction of the circle is displayed larger as it goes from the center point toward the outer side in the radial direction of the circle. The display device according to claim 5, characterized by the above.

9. It has an arc-shaped part where an arc-shaped scale image extending from the origin to the current point along the circle is displayed. The scale image is gradated such that the current point is displayed in a third color different from the first color, and the color difference from the first color decreases as it goes from the current point toward the origin. Also, the width of the scale image in the radial direction of the circle is displayed larger as it goes from the origin toward the current point. The display device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

Images