Vehicle meter unit

Abstract

To provide a vehicular meter unit that can respect a driver's preference.SOLUTION: A vehicular meter unit 2 includes a liquid crystal display 5 for displaying an image, a storage part 41 for storing first image information for generating an image of a first image type for displaying traveling information, and second image information for generating an image of a second image type for displaying the same traveling information, and a display control part 43 for switching the image to be displayed in the liquid crystal display 5 between the image of the first image type and the image of the second image type.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle meter unit.

Background Art

[0002] Vehicles are equipped with a meter unit for displaying driving information such as vehicle speed and engine speed. The meter unit includes a conventional analog mechanical meter and one that displays meters as images on an image display device such as a liquid crystal display. When using an image display device, an image combining displays showing various driving information is displayed on the display screen of the image display device. The displayed image is generated by acquiring necessary information according to the display mode. For each display mode, the corresponding image is generated by creating part images from the image data for displaying the information and the acquired information for each piece of information required for that display mode, and arranging these part images in a predetermined layout.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a meter unit that uses an image display device. The meter unit can switch between a normal first display mode screen and a second display mode screen on which a night view video is displayed, and displays the screen switch as an animation. The second display mode screen is also generated using the night view video acquired from a night view camera.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The images corresponding to the respective display modes are designed according to the concept of the vehicle on which the meter unit is mounted. For example, in the case of a meter unit attached to a small car for young women, it is designed with images that young women are likely to like. However, since drivers have various preferences, a design that does not respect their preferences will be forced upon them.

[0006] The present invention has been conceived under the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle meter unit that can respect the driver's preferences.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention takes the following technical means.

[0008] The vehicle meter unit provided by the present invention includes an image display device for displaying an image, a storage unit for storing a first image displaying driving information and a second image that is an image displaying the driving information and is different from the first image, and a display control unit for switching the image to be displayed on the image display device between the first image and the second image.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the driving information includes an engine speed.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first image is an image that displays the driving information three-dimensionally, and the second image is an image that displays the driving information two-dimensionally.

Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, the storage device stores a first image and a second image that are different from each other as images displaying the same driving information. The image to be displayed on the display device can be switched between the first image and the second image by the display control device. Therefore, the driver can change the image to be displayed on the display device to a preferred image.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle 1 to which the vehicle meter unit 2 according to the first embodiment is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 includes a vehicle meter unit 2, a vehicle speed sensor 31, an engine ECU (Electric Control Unit) 32, a fuel level sensor 33, and a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) - ECU 34. Note that the vehicle 1 also has other configurations, but the description is omitted in FIG. 1.

[0016] The vehicle speed sensor 31 is a sensor that detects the vehicle speed of vehicle 1. The vehicle speed sensor 31 generates a pulse signal synchronized with the rotation of the wheels and outputs it to the vehicle meter unit 2. The meter ECU 4 of the vehicle meter unit 2 calculates the vehicle speed of vehicle 1 based on the frequency of the pulse signal input from the vehicle speed sensor 31. Note that the pulse signal of the vehicle speed sensor 31 may be input to an ECU other than the meter ECU 4, and the meter ECU 4 may obtain the vehicle speed calculated by the said ECU.

[0017] The engine ECU 32 performs electronic control for controlling the engine, and is realized by a microcomputer equipped with a CPU and a memory. The engine ECU 32 controls the start, stop, and engine speed of the engine. The engine ECU 32 controls the engine speed input from the engine speed sensor to the target speed by adjusting the throttle valve. The engine ECU 32 outputs the engine speed detected by the engine speed sensor to the vehicle meter unit 2.

[0018] The fuel level sensor 33 is a sensor that detects the remaining amount of fuel. The fuel level sensor 33 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the remaining amount of fuel to the vehicle meter unit 2. The meter ECU 4 of the vehicle meter unit 2 calculates the remaining amount of fuel based on the input detection signal. Note that the detection signal of the fuel level sensor 33 may be input to an ECU other than the meter ECU 4, and the meter ECU 4 may obtain the remaining amount of fuel calculated by the said ECU.

[0019] The CVT-ECU 34 performs electronic control for controlling the continuously variable transmission, and is realized by a microcomputer equipped with a CPU and a memory. The CVT-ECU 34 detects the operation position (shift position) of the shift lever by the shift position sensor, and sets the gear and the transmission ratio of the continuously variable transmission according to the detection result. The CVT-ECU 34 outputs the shift position detected by the shift position sensor to the vehicle meter unit 2.

[0020] Although illustration is omitted, the vehicle meter unit 2 receives various driving information from other sensors and ECUs. The driving information input thereto includes, for example, navigation information, accumulated mileage, time, outside air temperature, direction indication information, parking brake information, information indicating the lighting and state of lights, seat belt attachment / detachment information, water temperature of the cooling water, information regarding fault diagnosis, security information, and the like. Note that the driving information input to the vehicle meter unit 2 is not limited.

[0021] The vehicle meter unit 2 is a unit that processes and displays the information input from each sensor and each ECU in a state that can be visually understood by the driver. The vehicle meter unit 2 is arranged on the instrument panel so as to face the driver's seat. The vehicle meter unit 2 includes a meter ECU 4, a liquid crystal display 5, and an operation switch 6.

[0022] The meter ECU 4 performs electronic control for processing and displaying the driving information input from each sensor and each ECU, and is realized by a microcomputer including a CPU and a memory. The meter ECU 4 causes an image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 based on the input driving information.

[0023] The meter ECU 4 acquires different driving information and displays different images according to the display mode. The display mode may be changed according to the operation by the driver, or may be automatically changed according to the situation. For example, the display mode can be changed to a display mode that displays fuel consumption and cruising range by the operation of the driver, and when an abnormality occurs, it is changed to a display mode that automatically displays a warning. Also, when using a car navigation system, the meter ECU 4 automatically switches to the turn-by-turn display mode when the vehicle 1 reaches near a right / left turn point. In the turn-by-turn display mode, the meter ECU 4 acquires information on the distance to the right / left turn point, the lane to drive in, and the turning direction from a car navigation system (not shown), and displays an image reflecting these informations (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The meter ECU 4 switches the set display mode according to the operation of an operation means (not shown) by the driver. Also, the meter ECU 4 switches the set display mode according to a warning signal input from another ECU, or a judgment result based on information input from a sensor or another ECU.

[0024] Also, the meter ECU 4 switches the set image type according to an operation signal input from the operation switch 6. The meter ECU 4 displays different images depending on the set image type even in the same display mode. The driving information shown in the displayed image is set according to the display mode, so it does not differ depending on the image type. However, the same driving information is displayed with completely different impressions depending on the set image type. In the present embodiment, the meter ECU 4 can switch the image type among four types of image types. As shown in FIG. 1, the meter ECU 4 includes a storage unit 41, a drawing unit 42, and a display control unit 43.

[0025] The storage unit 41 stores a program for controlling the liquid crystal display 5, image data for drawing on the liquid crystal display 5, and the like. The storage unit 41 stores first image information, second image information, third image information, and fourth image information corresponding to four types of image types.

[0026] The first image information is image data for generating an image of a first image type themed "Advanced and High Quality". The image of the first image type is an image incorporating displays and new movements that cannot be achieved with physical meters, giving the driver a sense of depth, perspective, floating, and advancement. The second image information is image data for generating an image of a second image type themed "Neat and Refined". The image of the second image type is a flat and orthodox design image with minimal display elements, giving the driver a sense of refinement. The third image information is image data for generating an image of a third image type themed "Exciting and Active". The image of the third image type is an image with a mechanical design that gives a sense of depth towards the center, giving the driver a sense of the joy of driving. The fourth image information is image data for generating an image of a fourth image type themed "Conventional". The image of the fourth image type is an image designed with conventional physical meters, giving the driver a sense of the texture and instrument feeling of conventional physical meters. Note that these image types are just examples and are not limited to those described.

[0027] Each image information includes image data of display parts for each driving situation information. Examples of display parts include a speed meter for displaying vehicle speed, a tachometer for displaying engine speed, a fuel gauge for displaying the remaining fuel amount, and a shift display for displaying the shift position. Also, each image information includes layout information for each display mode. The layout information includes, for example, information specifying the display parts (driving situation information) to be displayed, information on the arrangement positions of each display part, and information specifying the size of each display part. The storage unit 41 stores these information for each image information.

[0028] The display control unit 43 reads out corresponding information from the storage unit 41 according to the set image type and the set display mode, and outputs the read information to the drawing unit 42. For example, when the first image type is set and the turn-by-turn display mode is set, the display control unit 43 reads out the image data of display parts such as a speed meter, a tachometer, a fuel gauge, and a shift display, and the layout information of the turn-by-turn display mode from the first image information.

[0029] The drawing unit 42 is a functional block for generating an image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 5, and is realized by, for example, a drawing LSI. The drawing unit 42 generates an image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 based on the running information such as the engine speed input from the engine ECU 32 and the information read from the storage unit 41 and input by the display control unit 43. Specifically, the drawing unit 42 generates each part image by reflecting the content of the running information corresponding to the image data of the display parts, and synthesizes these in a layout according to the layout information, thereby generating an image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 5. Note that the method of generating the image is not limited. The meter ECU 4 outputs the image data of the image generated by the drawing unit 42 to the liquid crystal display 5 for display.

[0030] FIG. 2 is an example of a flowchart for explaining the image display process performed by the meter ECU 4. The image display process is executed at a predetermined timing.

[0031] First, the running information is acquired from each sensor and each ECU (S1). Next, the set display mode is acquired (S2), and the set image type is acquired (S3).

[0032] Next, it is determined whether the image type is the first image type (S4). If it is the first image type (S4: YES), the corresponding information of the first image information is read from the storage unit 41 by the display control unit 43 (S5). If it is not the first image type (S4: NO), it is determined whether the image type is the second image type (S6). If it is the second image type (S6: YES), the corresponding information of the second image information is read from the storage unit 41 by the display control unit 43 (S7). If it is not the second image type (S6: NO), it is determined whether the image type is the third image type (S8). If it is the third image type (S8: YES), the corresponding information of the third image information is read from the storage unit 41 by the display control unit 43 (S9). If it is not the third image type (S8: NO), it is determined that the image type is the fourth image type, and the corresponding information of the fourth image information is read from the storage unit 41 by the display control unit 43 (S10).

[0033] Next, an image for display on the liquid crystal display 5 is generated by the drawing unit 42 (S11). Next, the generated image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 (S12). Specifically, the image data of the generated image is output to the liquid crystal display 5, and the image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5. By executing the above processing at each predetermined timing, an image corresponding to the change in each driving information is displayed as a moving image on the liquid crystal display 5. That is, an image in which the displayed numerical values and the positions or angles of the pointers change according to the constantly changing vehicle speed and engine speed is displayed. Also, when the display mode or the image type is switched, the displayed image is switched to the image corresponding to the corresponding display mode and image type. Note that when the display mode is switched, an image connecting between the image before the switch and the image after the switch may be generated. In this case, an image that changes like an animation is displayed. Also, when the image type is switched, similarly, an image connecting between the image before the switch and the image after the switch may be generated, or an end image of the image type before the switch and a start image of the image type after the switch may be generated.

[0034] Note that the image display process performed by the meter ECU 4 is not limited to that shown in the above flowchart.

[0035] The operation switch 6 is a switch for switching the image type. The operation switch 6 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the meter ECU 4. In the present embodiment, the operation switch 6 includes one push button, and outputs an operation signal each time the push button is pressed by the driver. Each time the meter ECU 4 receives an operation signal, it switches the set image type in the order of the first image type, the second image type, the third image type, and the fourth image type. Note that during driving (when the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed), the operation switch 6 does not output an operation signal in order to avoid the danger caused by the operation. Alternatively, the meter ECU 4 may be configured not to receive the operation signal. Note that the operation switch 6 is not limited to this. For example, the operation switch 6 may include four push buttons associated with each image type, and set the corresponding image type based on the operation signal input to the meter ECU 4.

[0036] The liquid crystal display 5 is, for example, a TFT type transmissive liquid crystal display. Note that the liquid crystal display 5 is not limited to this. The liquid crystal display 5 is disposed on the front side (the rear side of the vehicle) of the vehicle meter unit 2. The liquid crystal display 5 includes a display screen 5a facing the front side. That is, the display screen 5a is disposed so as to face the driver's seat. The liquid crystal display 5 displays an image on the display screen 5a based on the image data input from the meter ECU 4.

[0037] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show an example of an image displayed on the display screen 5a of the liquid crystal display 5. Both FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are examples of images in the turn-by-turn display mode.

[0038] FIG. 3 is an example of an image when the first image type is set. As shown in FIG. 3, the image displayed on the display screen 5a includes a speedometer 81, a tachometer 82, a fuel gauge 83, a shift display 84, a turn-by-turn display 85, an odometer 86, a clock 87, a thermometer 88, and a warning guidance display 89.

[0039] The speedometer 81 is a part image generated based on the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 31. The speedometer 81 is arranged at the left end of the display screen 5a and displays the vehicle speed numerically. The tachometer 82 is a part image generated based on the engine speed detected by the engine speed sensor (input via the engine ECU 32). The tachometer 82 is arranged at the center in the horizontal direction of the display screen 5a and displays the engine speed. The tachometer 82 includes an instrument in which a cylinder is displayed three-dimensionally and numbers indicating the engine speed are displayed along the side surface of the cylinder, and a pointer that is displayed overlapping the instrument on the side surface of the cylinder as a band indicating the current engine speed at the tip position. In FIG. 3, the pointer is not displayed.

[0040] The fuel gauge 83 is a part image generated based on the remaining fuel amount detected by the fuel remaining amount sensor 33. The fuel gauge 83 is arranged at the right end of the display screen 5a and indicates the remaining fuel amount by the number of points with a color change among a plurality of arranged points. The shift display 84 is a part image generated based on the shift position detected by the shift position sensor (input via the CVT-ECU 34). The shift display 84 is arranged on the right side of the display screen 5a (between the tachometer 82 and the fuel gauge 83) and displays the shift position in alphabetical letters which are its initials.

[0041] The turn-by-turn display 85 is a parts image generated based on navigation information input from the car navigation system. The turn-by-turn display 85 is arranged above the tachometer 82 at the center in the horizontal direction of the display screen 5a. The turn-by-turn display 85 displays the distance to the right / left turn point, the lane to be traveled, and the turning direction information input from the car navigation system in an intuitively recognizable manner. In FIG. 3, the distance to the right / left turn point is numerically shown on the right side, and the lane to be traveled is indicated by making one of the colors of the arrows indicating the driving sections of each lane displayed on the left side different from the others, and the turning direction is indicated by a large arrow displayed between them.

[0042] The integrated mileage meter 86 is a parts image indicating the integrated mileage. The integrated mileage meter 86 is arranged at the lower right of the display screen 5a and displays the integrated mileage numerically. The clock 87 is a parts image indicating the time. The clock 87 is arranged at the upper right of the display screen 5a and displays the time digitally. The thermometer 88 is a parts image indicating the outside air temperature. The thermometer 88 is arranged at the lower left of the display screen 5a and displays the outside air temperature digitally. The warning / guidance display 89 is a parts image indicating various warnings and guidance. The warning / guidance display 89 is arranged above the center in the horizontal direction of the display screen 5a and turns on the marks indicating various warnings and guidance.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, when the first image type is set, in the image, the tachometer 82 arranged at the center of the display screen 5a and occupying a wide area is displayed as a special three-dimensional image. The image is an image that displays driving information three-dimensionally and corresponds to the "first image" of the present invention. The image of the first image type is an image incorporating displays and new movements that cannot be achieved with physical meters, giving the driver a sense of depth, perspective, floating, and advancement.

[0044] Figure 4 is an example of an image when the second image type is set. As shown in Figure 4, the image displayed on the display screen 5a includes a speedometer 91, a tachometer 92, a fuel gauge 93, a shift display 94, a turn-by-turn display 95, an odometer 96, a clock 97, a thermometer 98, and a warning guidance display 99.

[0045] The speedometer 91 is a part image generated based on the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 31. The speedometer 91 is arranged on the right side of the display screen 5a and displays the vehicle speed numerically. The fuel gauge 93 is a part image generated based on the remaining fuel amount detected by the fuel remaining amount sensor 33. The fuel gauge 93 is arranged on the right side of the display screen 5a as a semi-circular level gauge in the right half, surrounding the speedometer 91. The fuel gauge 93 displays the level corresponding to the remaining fuel amount as a level gauge.

[0046] The shift display 94 is a part image generated based on the shift position detected by the shift position sensor (input via the CVT-ECU 34). The shift display 94 is arranged on the left side of the display screen 5a and displays the shift position using the alphabet that is its initial letter. The tachometer 92 is a part image generated based on the engine speed detected by the engine speed sensor (input via the engine ECU 32). The tachometer 92 is arranged on the left side of the display screen 5a as a semi-circular level gauge in the left half, surrounding the shift display 94. The tachometer 92 displays the level corresponding to the engine speed as a level gauge.

[0047] The turn-by-turn display 95 is a parts image generated based on navigation information input from the car navigation system. The turn-by-turn display 95 is arranged in the center of the display screen 5a, between the speedometer 91 and the fuel gauge 93, and between the shift display 94 and the tachometer 92. The turn-by-turn display 95 is the same as the turn-by-turn display 85 in FIG. 3, with a large arrow indicating the turning direction arranged on the upper side, a display indicating the lane to be traveled arranged on the lower side, and the distance to the right or left turn point arranged numerically in between.

[0048] The cumulative mileage meter 96 is a parts image indicating the cumulative mileage. The cumulative mileage meter 96 is arranged at the lower right of the turn-by-turn display 95 and displays the cumulative mileage numerically. The thermometer 98 is a parts image indicating the outside air temperature. The thermometer 98 is arranged at the lower left of the turn-by-turn display 95 and digitally displays the outside air temperature. The warning and guidance display 89 is a parts image indicating various warnings and guidance. The warning and guidance display 89 is arranged above the turn-by-turn display 95 and lights up marks indicating various warnings and guidance. The clock 97 is a parts image indicating the time. The clock 97 is arranged at the upper left of the display screen 5a and digitally displays the time.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, the image when the second image type is set is an image with a simple and orthodox design without excessive decoration. The image is a planar display of driving information and corresponds to the "second image" of the present invention. The image of the second image type is a flat and orthodox design image with a minimum number of display elements, giving the driver a sense of sophistication. Examples of images when the third image type is set and examples of images when the fourth image type is set, as well as the figures and descriptions thereof, are omitted.

[0050] Next, the operation and effects of the vehicle meter unit 2 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0051] According to this embodiment, the memory unit 41 stores first image information, second image information, third image information, and fourth image information corresponding to four types of image types. The display control unit 43 reads out the corresponding information from the memory unit 41 according to the set image type and the set display mode. The drawing unit 42 generates an image for display on the liquid crystal display 5 based on the read-out information. The generated image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5. Therefore, even when the meter ECU 4 displays an image based on the same driving information in the same display mode, different images are displayed depending on the set image type. The driver can switch the set image type by operating the operation switch 6. Therefore, the driver can change the image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 to a preferred image from among the four types of image types. That is, the vehicle meter unit 2 can perform display in an image type that respects the driver's preference.

[0052] According to this embodiment, the driving information indicated by the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 includes the engine speed. Therefore, the driver can recognize the current engine speed by looking at the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 5.

[0053] According to this embodiment, the image when the first image type is set is an image that displays the driving information three-dimensionally, and the image when the second image type is set is an image that displays the driving information two-dimensionally. Therefore, the vehicle meter unit 2 can allow the driver to select between the images of the first image type and the second image type, which have completely different impressions.

[0054] In the present embodiment, the case where the image type can be selected from four types has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The number of selectable image types may be two or three, or may be five or more. The more the number of types of image types increases, the more the driver can select an image type according to his or her preference. Therefore, it is possible to more satisfy the diversifying preferences of the driver. On the other hand, as the number of types of image types increases, the information stored in the storage unit 41 increases, so it is necessary to increase the storage capacity of the storage unit 41.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the case where the vehicle meter unit 2 includes the liquid crystal display 5 as an image display device has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of the liquid crystal display 5, the vehicle meter unit 2 may include another display that displays an image, such as an organic EL display or a plasma display.

[0056] Figures 5 and 6 show an example of an image displayed on the display screen 5a of the liquid crystal display 5 in the vehicle meter unit 2 according to the second embodiment. The vehicle meter unit 2 according to the second embodiment further includes a 7-segment display 52, a fuel gauge display 53, and a display plate 7. It is different from the vehicle meter unit 2 according to the first embodiment in that the vehicle speed among the driving information is displayed on the 7-segment display 52, and the remaining fuel amount is displayed on the fuel gauge display 53. The display plate 7 is a plate-like member made of a transparent resin such as acrylic with black paint printed thereon, and is arranged on the rear side of the vehicle with respect to the liquid crystal display 5 and the like. The display plate 7 includes a light-shielding portion 71 where the paint is printed and does not transmit light, and a first window 72, a second window 73, and a third window 74 which are transparent portions where the paint is not printed. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first window 72 transmits the image displayed on the display screen 5a of the liquid crystal display 5, the second window 73 transmits the display on the display surface 52a of the 7-segment display 52, and the third window 74 transmits the display on the display surface 53a of the fuel gauge display 53. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, since the boundaries between the display screen 5a, the display surface 52a, the display surface 53a, and the light-shielding portion 71 are not prominent, the driver has an illusion that there is no boundary and has an illusion that the display plate 7 is one large display screen. Therefore, while using a small and low-cost liquid crystal display 5, it is possible to make the driver feel a sense of luxury as if a large liquid crystal display is installed.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the vehicle speed is displayed on the display surface 52a of the 7-segment display 52 visible through the second window 73 arranged on the right side of the display plate 7. Also, the remaining fuel amount is displayed on the display surface 53a of the fuel gauge display 53 visible through the third window 74 arranged below the second window 73. Therefore, the display positions of the vehicle speed and the remaining fuel amount are fixed regardless of the image type and the display mode.

[0058] FIG. 5 is an example of an image when the first image type is set. As shown in FIG. 5, in the image displayed on the display screen 5a, there are a tachometer 82, a shift display 84, a turn-by-turn display 85, an odometer 86, a clock 87, a thermometer 88, and a warning guidance display 89, which are the same part images as in FIG. 3. On the other hand, a speedometer 81 and a fuel gauge 83 are not displayed in the image displayed on the display screen 5a.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, in the image when the first image type is set, since the tachometer 82, which is arranged at the center of the display screen 5a (and also approximately at the center of the display panel 7) and occupies a large area, is displayed as a special three-dimensional image, it gives the driver a sense of depth, depth, floating, and advancement.

[0060] FIG. 6 is an example of an image when the second image type is set. As shown in FIG. 6, in the image displayed on the display screen 5a, there are a tachometer 92, a shift display 94, a turn-by-turn display 95, an odometer 96, a clock 97, a thermometer 98, and a warning guidance display 99, which are the same part images as in FIG. 4. On the other hand, a speedometer 91 and a fuel gauge 93 are not displayed in the image displayed on the display screen 5a.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 6, the image when the second image type is set is an image with a simple and orthodox design without excessive decoration, which gives the driver a sense of sophistication. Note that the figure and description of an example of an image when the third image type is set and an example of an image when the fourth image type is set are omitted.

[0062] The vehicle meter unit according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The specific configuration of each part of the vehicle meter unit according to the present invention can be freely designed in various ways.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0063] 1: Vehicle 2: Vehicle meter unit 31: Vehicle speed sensor 32: Engine ECU 33: Fuel level sensor 34: CVT-ECU 4: Meter ECU 41: Memory unit 42: Drawing unit 43: Display control unit 5: Liquid crystal display 5a: Display screen 52: 7-segment display 52a: Display surface 53: Fuel gauge display 53a: Display surface 6: Operation switch 7: Display board 71: Light-shielding part 72: First window 73: Second window 74: Third window 81, 91: Speedometer 82, 92: Tachometer 83, 93: Fuel gauge 84, 94: Shift display 85, 95: Turn-by-turn display 86, 96: Odometer 87, 97: Clock 88, 98: Thermometer 89, 99: Warning guidance display

Claims

【Claim 1】 An image display device for displaying an image, a segment display, a meter ECU, and comprising: The meter ECU includes a storage unit that stores image data of a first image displaying the engine speed and a second image that is an image displaying the engine speed and is different from the first image; a display control unit that switches the image to be displayed on the image display device between the first image and the second image; and comprising: The segment display displays the speed, The first image is an image in which the engine speed is displayed as a cylindrical three-dimensional part image, The scale display of the engine speed is fixed to the cylindrical side surface portion of the part image, The engine speed is indicated by the position of the tip of a band that is superimposed on the cylindrical side surface portion as a pointer, The second image is an image in which the engine speed is displayed as a planar part image, The first image and the second image are switched by operating an operation switch, A vehicle meter unit characterized by the above.

Images