Display device and program

Abstract

To provide a display device which is easily attached and adjusted, allowing recognition of the information being displayed without gazing.SOLUTION: A display device is provided which includes a display part for display according to the control by a display control part, and an attaching means for attaching the display part at such position as a vehicle driver can scarcely observe when gazing frontward during driving. A position that is scarcely observed may be a position, for example, corresponding to a peripheral part of sight of field.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a display device or the like that can recognize a display change without the driver's attention.

Background Art

[0002] As an in-vehicle display device, a head-up display (HUD) is known. This head-up display projects a display image on a front glass or on a reflector (such as a combiner) provided on a dashboard to provide various information to a driver. (For example, 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] Normally, in such a head-up display, a display image is projected in an area where a driver can look at during driving. Therefore, in order to secure a forward field of view and satisfy safety standards, it has been necessary to firmly attach a large-sized device for projection to a vehicle.

[0005] ​​​​​​​(1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a display device comprising a display unit that displays information in accordance with the control of a display control unit, and mounting means for mounting the display unit in a position where it is vaguely visible when a vehicle driver is looking ahead while driving. In this way, the driver can recognize changes in the display on the display unit without having to look at the display device.

[0007] "Forward" can be defined as the direction of a driver's gaze when driving on a straight road, particularly when looking at a vehicle 40 to 50 meters ahead. "Focus" can be defined as the state of concentrating one's eyes on an object.

[0008] "Hazy" can be defined as a state where something is not clearly visible but appears blurry. A "hazy-looking position" can be defined as a position where the details of the displayed information are difficult to see. A "hazy-looking position" can be defined as a position that is within the driver's field of vision when they are looking straight ahead, but is not in focus. It is particularly good if it is a position that is shifted approximately 10 degrees or more vertically from the direction of the driver's line of sight when looking straight ahead. A "hazy-looking position" can be in the left or right part of the field of vision, but it is preferable that it be in the upper or lower part of the central field of vision.

[0009] The mounting means only needs to be configured to mount the display unit in a position where it is vaguely visible. The display unit and the mounting means may be directly connected, but it is preferable that they be connected via a separate component that acts as an intermediary. It is particularly preferable to house the display control unit in a part of this separate component, and to connect the housed display control unit to the display unit to control the display of the display unit.

[0010] (2) The area that appears blurry should be the area within the peripheral field of vision. In this way, changes in the display can be recognized in the peripheral field of vision.

[0011] (3) In the present invention, the display unit is preferably configured to transmit light, at least when it is not displaying anything. In this way, when the display unit is not displaying anything, the driver's view ahead is not obstructed by the display unit, and the driver can obtain information to some extent by looking beyond the display unit.

[0012] (4) The display unit is even better if it is a transmissive display element. This eliminates the need to firmly attach a large projection device to the vehicle, making installation and adjustment easier. For example, the display unit is particularly good if it is a transmissive color liquid crystal display, a transmissive monochrome liquid crystal display, or a transmissive electroluminescence (EL) display.

[0013] (5) The mounting means should be configured such that the display unit is mounted in front of a transparent part in the vehicle. The transparent part should be, for example, the windshield of the vehicle. In this way, when the display unit is not displaying anything, the display unit does not obstruct the driver's forward view, ensuring a sufficient field of view and contributing to safe driving. The display unit should be transparent. If a device like a display unit is mounted on a non-transparent surface, it is just a stationary object, making it difficult for the driver to focus their attention on it. In contrast, with a transparent display unit, the scenery ahead is visible as it flows through, allowing the driver to acquire information through the transparent display unit as if they were acquiring various information through the windshield. On the other hand, if there is a change, it will be superimposed on the scenery, which can easily create a sense of incongruity, making it easier to recognize the difference from the surrounding windshield area.

[0014] The front of the transparent section may be, for example, on the dashboard above the meter hood, but (6) the mounting means is particularly good if the display unit is mounted below the sun visor when it is retracted. In this way, the display unit can be positioned so that it is vaguely visible in the upper part of the driver's field of vision when the driver is looking straight ahead.

[0015] (7) In this case, the mounting means may be further provided with a clip that clamps the sun visor from the front of the vehicle when it is retracted. This allows the display device to be easily attached to the vehicle. Also, since the structure of the sun visor is generally the same regardless of the vehicle type, the display device can be attached to various vehicle types. Furthermore, since the display device is attached by being clamped from the front with a clip, if the driver hits the display device due to an accident or the like, it will easily detach from the sun visor, making it less likely for the driver to be injured.

[0016] (8) The mounting means should be configured such that the display unit is mounted in front of the opaque part of the vehicle. In this way, the display unit can be positioned in a location that is vaguely visible when the vehicle driver is looking straight ahead, without obstructing the driver's forward field of vision.

[0017] The opaque parts may be, for example, the A-pillar or the air conditioner vents, but (9) the mounting means is particularly good, in which case the display unit is mounted on the front of the vehicle's meter hood. In this way, the display unit can be positioned in a place that is vaguely visible in the lower part of the driver's field of vision when the driver is looking straight ahead. The meter hood is often located in front of and below the driver, making it easy to mount, and direct sunlight is blocked, resulting in good visibility. Furthermore, if the display unit is made of a transmissive display element, various meters and display devices placed inside the meter hood can be seen by passing through the display device.

[0018] (10) The display control unit should have a function to control the display unit so that, at the time when information should be presented to the driver, the display of a first area occupying at least a part of the display unit changes to such an extent that the driver can recognize that the first area has changed from a non-displayed state to a displayed state, while the first area is vaguely visible when the driver is looking straight ahead. In this way, due to the characteristics of vision in the vaguely visible range, the driver can recognize that there has been some change in the display even without looking at the display device. The first area may be the entire display unit.

[0019] (11) The display control unit may have a function to control the display unit to display information in the first area using different visual effects depending on the content of the information to be presented. The content of the information to be presented may be, for example, the type of information, the urgency, etc. In this way, the driver can recognize the type of information, the urgency, etc. without changing the direction of their gaze. As for the "visual effects," the information to be presented may be displayed in the first area using different colors depending on the content of the information to be presented, but it is especially preferable to display the information in the first area using different display patterns depending on the content of the information to be presented. For example, depending on the content of the information, the display may be made using patterns such as flashing or moving from side to side. It is said that color vision tends to be lost for positions that are vaguely visible, and in this way, a change in pattern is easier for the driver to recognize as a difference than a change in color.

[0020] (12) The display unit should have a second area different from the first area, and a function to control the display unit so that the second area is less visible than the first area when the driver is looking ahead. As for "displaying in a way that is difficult to see," for example, the second area should always display information that cannot be seen unless the driver is looking at it. Specifically, for example, various information about the condition of the vehicle and its surroundings should be displayed, for example, as numbers or letters. It is especially good to have the display in the second area always on, but to update the display content periodically. In this way, if the driver intentionally looks at the second area, they can always check the displayed information. Also, unless the driver shifts their gaze to the information that is always displayed in the second area, it is difficult for the driver who is looking ahead to see the information displayed in the second area, so the constant display in the second area is less likely to interfere with driving.

[0021] (13) The display control unit may be provided with a function of changing the display state in the first area more rapidly than the change in the display state in the second area. In this way, it is possible to make it easier for the driver to notice the rapid change in the first area, which is in contrast to the constant display in the second area. "Rapidly" includes, for example, controlling so that the size, brightness, color, etc. change significantly compared to the display in the second area, but it is particularly good to control so that the display changes in a short time compared to the change in the display in the second area.

[0022] (14) The display control unit may be provided with a function of controlling to change the display state of the first area when the information to be focused on is displayed in the second area. In this way, it becomes easier for the driver to notice that there is a change in the hazy area due to the change in the display state of the first area. As a result of this notice, the line of sight that was looking ahead is directed towards the first area. Then, since the second area is near the first area, the line of sight can be guided to the second area. The change in the display of the first area can be said to be a calling water, which conveys to the driver that the information to be focused on is displayed in the second area, and can guide the driver to check the detailed information by looking at the display in the second area.

[0023] (15) It is particularly good that the display control unit has a function of performing display in the first area with different visual effects according to the content of the information to be focused on displayed in the second area. In this way, based on the visual effect of the display in the first area, the driver can recognize the type of information and judge whether to look at the second area. As different visual effects according to the content of the information, for example, it is good to use the above-mentioned "visual effect" as the effect.

[0024] (16) In the cases of (14) and (15) described above, the display control unit may be provided with a function of controlling the display unit to perform display for guiding the line of sight from the first area to the position where the information to be focused on in the second area is displayed. In this way, the guidance from the first area to the second area can be ensured. The "display for guiding the line of sight" may be, for example, connecting with a line segment, displaying with the same color, blinking synchronously, etc.

[0025] (17) In order to solve the above problems, in the program of the present invention, the computer may be caused to function as a display control unit in any of the above devices. According to the program of the present invention, display control can be performed so that a driver can recognize a change in the display of the display unit even without gazing at the display device, based on the visual characteristics of the hazy visible range.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the display device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the vehicle sun visor 300. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram seen from the side of the state where the display device 1 according to the first embodiment is attached to the sun visor 300 by the attachment member 12. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram seen from the rear of the state where the display device 1 according to the first embodiment is attached to the sun visor 300 by the attachment member 12. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main body unit 11. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram showing the display area in the display unit 13. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view seen from the back side located on the opposite side to the driver when the appearance of the display device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is attached to a vehicle. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram seen from the side of the state where the display device 1 according to the second embodiment is attached to the meter hood 320 by the attachment member 12. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram seen from the rear of the state where the display device 1 according to the second embodiment is attached to the meter hood 320 by the attachment member 12.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] 〔First Embodiment〕 Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a display device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the display device 1 comprises a main body 11, a mounting member 12, and a display unit 13. The display device 1 is used by being attached to a sun visor 300 installed near the boundary between the windshield of a vehicle and the ceiling above the driver's seat.

[0028] The sun visor 300 is a sunshade used in vehicles to protect the driver's eyes from direct sunlight and ensure visibility. The size of the sun visor 300 varies depending on the vehicle, but it generally consists of a sunshade plate 301 with a width of 250-400 mm, a height of 150-250 mm, and a thickness of 20-30 mm. As shown in Figure 2, the sun visor 300 is constructed by pivotally supporting an L-shaped shaft 303 on a bracket 302 fixed to the ceiling of the vehicle, and rotatably attaching the sunshade plate 301 to the shaft 303. Therefore, the sunshade plate 301 can be rotated to hang parallel to the vehicle's windshield or at a desired angle of inclination in the front, back, left, and right directions, and the entire sunshade plate 301 can also be rotated approximately 90 degrees from the windshield side and set to hang parallel to the door glass or at a desired angle of inclination in the front, back, left, and right directions.

[0029] When not in use, the sun visor 300 is held in a retracted state where the light-blocking surface of the sunshade plate 301 is parallel to the vehicle's ceiling and the long side of the sunshade plate 301 is approximately parallel to the windshield. The display device 1 is attached to the sunshade plate 301 of the sun visor 300 when it is in the retracted state.

[0030] The main body 11 of the display device 1 has a height about the same as the thickness of a typical vehicle's sun visor, and includes a case body 111 with a depth about the same as or less than the distance from the front end of the sun visor 300 (i.e., the side pivotally supported by the shaft 303) to the boundary between the vehicle's windshield and the ceiling above the driver's seat when the sun visor 300 is held in a retracted state. A display unit 13 is provided at the bottom of the case body 111, and a mounting member 12 is provided on the front of the case body 111 (i.e., the side facing the driver when attached to the sun visor 300).

[0031] The display unit 13 is located at the bottom of the case body 111. The width and height of the display unit 13 should be approximately the same as or less than the light-shielding plate 301 of the sun visor 300. Specifically, the width should be 400 mm or less and the height 250 mm or less. The display unit 13 is a transmissive color liquid crystal display, and when no information is being displayed, the display unit 13 transmits light. Conventional head-up displays are mainly of the projector type, and general-purpose products have reflective film attached to the glass, which does not comply with safety standards. However, by using a transmissive color liquid crystal, images can be displayed directly on the display, eliminating the need to attach film to the glass and also eliminating the hassle of projector installation. Furthermore, in display methods that project images from a projector onto a screen, the visibility can vary depending on the projection direction and viewing angle, but with a direct display method using a transmissive liquid crystal display, the display does not become difficult to see depending on the viewing angle. Furthermore, by making the display unit 13 the same size as or smaller than the sun visor 300, the display unit 13 is less likely to interfere with surrounding structures (for example, the rearview mirror 310 or the side glass).

[0032] The mounting member 12 in this embodiment consists of two clips 121 and 122 protruding from the front surface of the case body 111. Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the display device 1 attached to the sun visor 300 of the vehicle by the mounting member 12. Figure 4 is a schematic rear view of the display device 1 attached to the sun visor 300 of the vehicle by the mounting member 12. Clips 121 and 122 are positioned horizontally apart and clamp the end of the sun visor 300 in its retracted state from the front side of the vehicle (i.e., the windshield side) to attach the display device 1 to the sun visor 300. In this way, the sun visor 300 display device 1 can be easily attached to the vehicle. Furthermore, since the structure of the sun visor 300 described above is generally common regardless of the vehicle type, the display device can be attached to various vehicle types. Furthermore, since the display device 1 is attached to the sun visor 300 by clipping it from the windshield side, if the driver hits the display device 1 due to an accident or the like, the display device 1 will easily detach from the sun visor 300, making it less likely for the driver to suffer serious injury. In addition, since the sun visor 300 is positioned so as not to interfere with the rearview mirror 310 or the side glass of the vehicle, even if the display unit 13 protrudes from the bottom of the sun visor 300, the display unit 13 will not interfere with the rearview mirror 310 or the side glass of the vehicle, and will not obstruct the position adjustment of the rearview mirror 310 or the rear view through the rearview mirror 310. In addition, since the display unit 13 does not obstruct the driver's forward view, it can be installed in compliance with safety standards.

[0033] When attaching the display device 1 to the sun visor 300, the work is made easier by shifting the sun visor 300 from the position where the light-shielding plate 301 is retracted before performing the attachment. Once the attachment is complete, the sun visor 300 is returned to its retracted position. In the completed attachment state, the case body 111 is hidden behind the sun visor 300, and the display unit 13 is positioned lower than the sun visor in its retracted position. Only the display unit 13 is visible to the driver.

[0034] In this way, the display unit can be positioned in a location that is vaguely visible when the vehicle driver is looking straight ahead. "Vaguely" refers to a state where something is within the field of vision but not clearly visible, appearing blurry. This corresponds to a position that is approximately 10 degrees or more vertically shifted from the direction of line of sight when a driver is sitting in the driver's seat and looking at a vehicle 40m to 50m ahead on a straight road. The area of ​​about 20 degrees from the fovea is called the central field of vision. The area outside of this is called the peripheral field of vision, and generally, the spatial resolution is higher in the central field of vision. The area directly below the retracted sun visor 300 corresponds to the peripheral field of vision above the direction of line of sight. With the display unit 13 positioned in a vaguely visible location, the driver can recognize changes in the display on the display unit 13 without having to look at the display device 1.

[0035] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main unit 11. The back of the case body 111 (i.e., the side facing away from the driver when attached to the sun visor 300) is provided with an SD memory card slot 117, into which an SD memory card 20 containing map data and other information can be inserted. A DC jack 110 is also provided on the back of the case body 111. The DC jack 110 is for connecting a cigarette lighter plug cord (not shown), which can be connected to the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket to receive power. The side of the case body 111 is provided with operation buttons 114, including a power switch, and a USB terminal 115. The USB terminal 115 allows connection to a personal computer to perform software application updates and other operations.

[0036] The following devices and components are arranged inside the case body 111. Specifically, a microwave receiver 112 is placed inside the rear side of the case body 111. The microwave receiver 112 receives microwaves in a predetermined frequency band, and when it receives microwaves in that set frequency band, it detects the signal level of the received microwaves. Specifically, it uses the RSSI voltage, which corresponds to the signal level and electric field strength. The predetermined frequency band mentioned above is, for example, the frequency band that includes the frequency of microwaves emitted from a vehicle speed measuring device. In addition, a GPS receiver 113 that receives GPS signals and determines the current position is placed inside the top side of the case body 111.

[0037] The display device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a navigation function that guides the user along a set route to a destination, and a target object notification function that notifies the user of nearby targets such as vehicle speed measuring devices and other traffic monitoring points. These navigation and target object notification functions are stored in the EEPROM of the control unit 118 as programs to be executed by the computer in the control unit 118, and are realized when the computer in the control unit 118 executes these programs.

[0038] In other words, the control unit 118 performs predetermined processing based on information input from the various input devices (GPS receiver 113, microwave receiver 112, operation buttons 114, SD memory card slot 117, USB terminal 115, etc.) and outputs predetermined information, alarms, and messages using the output devices (display unit 13, SD memory card slot 117, USB terminal 115, etc.). This predetermined processing is for executing each of the above functions and accesses the database 116 and the SD memory card 20 as needed.

[0039] Here, the database 116 can be implemented using non-volatile memory (e.g., EEPROM) located within the microcontroller of the control unit 118 or externally attached to the microcontroller.

[0040] The database 116 contains information necessary for performing certain functions, such as target objects and maps, at the time of shipment. Data for targets added later can be updated through a predetermined process. This process for updating the information may involve, for example, inserting an SD memory card containing the additional data into the SD memory card slot 117 and transferring the data from the SD memory card to the database 116. This data update can also be performed using a personal computer or other external device connected via the USB terminal 115.

[0041] Specifically, the database 116 stores road network information for navigation. The navigation information stored in this database 116 may include all information for the entire country at the time of shipment, or map data etc. may be provided on SD memory cards 20 for each region, and the user may prepare an SD memory card containing the necessary map data etc. and insert it into the SD memory card slot 117 for use. The map data etc. stored on the SD memory card 20 may be transferred and stored in the database 116, or the control unit 118 may access the SD memory card 20 and read it from there for use.

[0042] The control unit 118 reads road network information around the current location from the database 116 and can use this road network information to search for a route from one location to another. The database 116 also includes a telephone number database that stores telephone numbers associated with the location information and names of residences, companies, facilities, etc. associated with those telephone numbers, and an address database that stores addresses associated with the location information of those addresses. The database 116 also stores location information of traffic monitoring points, such as speed measuring devices, along with their type.

[0043] Next, the functions of the display unit 13 will be described in detail. The display unit 13 displays information, warnings, messages, etc., in accordance with the control of the control unit 118. The display unit 13 comprises a first area 131 and a second area 132. As shown in Figure 6, the first area 131 is the area near the left and right ends of the display unit 13. Normally, the first area is not displayed and is transparent to the front. However, at the timing when information should be presented to the driver, the display is changed to a degree that allows the driver to recognize that the first area 131 has changed from a non-displayed state to a displayed state, even when the driver is intently looking ahead and the first area 131 is only vaguely visible. Specifically, based on the display control by the control unit 118, the display of the first area 131 changes significantly in size, brightness, color, etc., compared to the display of the second area, or the display changes in a shorter time compared to the display change of the second area. This changes the display, making it easier for the driver to see the display of the first area 131 even when it is only vaguely visible.

[0044] The second area 132 is the central area of ​​the display unit 13. This second area displays various information about the vehicle and surrounding conditions, such as vehicle speed, engine speed, coolant temperature, and other information obtained from OBD (On-board diagnostics), as well as the distance to targets in the target notification function and navigation function described later, using numbers and letters. The second area constantly displays information that cannot be seen without intent attention, and its display content is updated periodically. Because it is constantly displayed, when the driver is intently looking ahead and the display unit 13 is in a position where it is only vaguely visible, the display in the second area 132 is more difficult to see and recognize changes in the display compared to the display in the first area.

[0045] If the driver intentionally focuses their attention on the second area 132, they can check the various information displayed there at any time. Furthermore, unless the driver shifts their gaze to the information constantly displayed in the second area 132, they will not be able to see the information displayed in the second area 132 while their eyes are focused on the road ahead, so the constant display in the second area 132 is less likely to interfere with driving.

[0046] When the display unit 13 is not displaying anything, the display unit 13 does not obstruct the driver's forward view, ensuring a sufficient field of vision and contributing to safe driving. Furthermore, if a device like the display unit 13 is installed and it is opaque, the driver is unlikely to focus their attention on it because it is merely a stationary object. In contrast, with a transparent display, the scenery ahead appears to flow through it, allowing the driver to acquire information through the transparent display unit as if they were acquiring various information through the windshield. On the other hand, if there is a change, it will be superimposed on the scenery, which can easily create a sense of incongruity and make it easier to recognize the difference between the display unit and the surrounding windshield area.

[0047] To realize the target object notification function, the control unit 118 performs the following operations. Specifically, when the microwave receiver 112 receives microwaves of a predetermined frequency, such as microwaves emitted from a vehicle speed measuring device, the control unit 118 outputs a warning by displaying it on the display unit 13. Specifically, the control unit 118 controls the display unit 13 so that a red arrow in the first area 131 of the display unit 13 changes instantaneously from a hidden state to a displayed state. At the same time, the control unit 118 controls the display unit 13 so that the vehicle speed display in the second area 132 flashes in sync with the red arrow in the first area 131, in order to guide the driver's gaze, which has noticed the change in the display of the first area, to the area in the second area 132 of the display unit 13 where the vehicle speed is displayed.

[0048] Furthermore, the control unit 118 performs the following operations to realize a navigation function that provides route guidance to a set destination. Specifically, it displays a destination setting menu on the display unit 13, prompts the user to select a method for setting the destination, and sets the destination according to the operation of the operation button 114. The destination setting menu displays options for searching for a destination by phone number and searching for a destination by address. If it detects that searching by phone number has been selected, it displays a phone number input screen and obtains location information corresponding to the entered phone number from the database 116. If it detects that searching by address has been selected, it displays an address selection input screen and obtains location information corresponding to the entered address from the database 116. Then, it sets the obtained location information as the destination location information and calculates a recommended route from the current location to the destination based on the road network information stored in the database 116. For calculating this recommended route, a known method such as Dijkstra's algorithm can be used.

[0049] When approaching an intersection where a right or left turn is to be made, a green arrow is displayed flashing in the first area 131 on the side of the direction of the turn, and the distance to that intersection is displayed in the second area 132. Then, to guide the user's gaze to the display of the distance to the intersection, the display of the distance to the intersection in the second area 132 is displayed flashing in sync with the green arrow in the first area 131. Furthermore, when approaching a set destination, green arrows are displayed flashing in the first area 131 on both the left and right sides, and the distance to the destination is displayed in the second area. Then, to guide the user's gaze to the display of the distance to the destination, the display of the distance to the destination in the second area 132 is displayed flashing in sync with the green arrow in the first area 131.

[0050] As explained above, at times when information should be presented to the driver, such as when approaching a target object or intersection, the display in the first area is changed to a state that can be recognized as having changed from hidden to displayed when the driver is intently looking ahead and the first area is vaguely visible. At the same time, a display is provided to guide the driver's gaze from the first area to the second area.

[0051] In this way, due to the characteristics of vision in the range that is only vaguely visible, the driver can more easily notice changes in the display state of the first area 131. If the driver notices this change and decides to obtain more detailed information, they can shift their gaze from the road ahead to the first area 131. Then, a display that guides the gaze from the first area 131 to the second area 132 allows for a smooth shift in gaze. In this way, the change in the display of the first area 131 acts as a trigger, so to speak, to inform the driver that the information to be paid attention to is displayed in the second area 132, and guides them to pay attention to the display in the second area 132 to check the detailed information.

[0052] Furthermore, by displaying different colors and patterns in the first area 131 depending on whether the warning related to the target object notification function or the warning related to the navigation function is displayed in the second area 132, the driver can recognize whether the information to be paid attention to displayed in the second area 132 relates to the target object notification function or the navigation function without having to change the direction of their gaze. Based on this recognition, the driver can then decide whether or not to pay attention to the second area 132.

[0053] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described based on the drawings. The characteristic of the display device 1 according to this embodiment is that the display unit 13 is mounted so as to be located on the front of the vehicle's meter hood (i.e., between the meter hood and the driver). Aside from the changes resulting from this configuration, the description is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and will be omitted here.

[0054] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the display device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the rear side, which is opposite to the driver when the device is mounted on a vehicle. Similar to the first embodiment, the display device 1 of this embodiment comprises a main body 11, a mounting member 12, and a display unit 13. The display unit 13 is provided at the lower part of the case body 111, which forms the housing of the main body 11. The mounting member 12 is configured as a hook protruding from the center of the rear of the case body 111, as shown in Figure 7, in order to position the display unit 13 on the front of the meter hood 320. The bottom surface of the hook is flat and is provided without any step difference with the bottom surface of the case body 111.

[0055] Figure 8 is a schematic side view of the display device 1 attached to the meter hood 320 of the vehicle by the mounting member 12. Figure 9 is a schematic rear view of the display device 1 attached to the meter hood 320 of the vehicle by the mounting member 12. The bottom surfaces of the case body 111 and the mounting member 12 are fixed to the upper edge surface of the meter hood 320 with adhesive tape. In this way, the display device 1 can be easily attached to the vehicle so that the display unit 13 is positioned on the front of the meter hood 320. In this way, the display unit 13 can be positioned in the lower part of the forward field of view that is vaguely visible when the vehicle driver is looking ahead, without obstructing the driver's forward field of view. Furthermore, even when the display unit 13, which is a transmissive color liquid crystal display, is positioned on the front of the meter hood 320, various meters and display devices located inside the meter hood 320 can be seen by passing through the display device. In typical vehicles, the meter hood 320 is often located in front of and below the driver, making it easy to attach and providing good visibility as direct sunlight is blocked. Furthermore, since the display unit 13 does not obstruct the driver's forward view, it can be installed in compliance with safety standards. However, in the case of a so-called center meter type vehicle, where instruments such as the speedometer are located not in front of the driver's seat as usual, but in the center between the driver's and passenger's seats, even if the display unit 13 is placed in front of the front panel of the meter hood 320, if it is not within the range that the driver can vaguely see when looking straight ahead, then such a meter hood in a center meter type vehicle does not fall under the meter hood 320 envisioned in this invention.

[0056] [Modification of the embodiment] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and any modifications, improvements, etc., that can achieve the objectives of the present invention are included within the scope of the present invention.

[0057] For example, in the above embodiment, a transmissive color liquid crystal display was used as an example of a display unit for the display device, but other types of transmissive displays may be used. For example, a monochrome transmissive liquid crystal display or a transmissive electroluminescence (EL) display may be used as a display element. Alternatively, a configuration in which an image is projected from a projector may be adopted, and a transmissive display surface (e.g., a screen) may be provided as the display unit.

[0058] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the "vaguely visible position" where the display unit is positioned is not limited to the upper or lower part of the forward field of view that is vaguely visible when the vehicle driver is intently looking ahead, but may also be, for example, either the left or right region of the central field of view in the peripheral field of view. In this case, in order to avoid obstructing the driver's field of view, it is preferable to provide a mounting member suitable for positioning the display unit in the right region of the central field of view for right-hand drive vehicles, and in the left region of the central field of view for left-hand drive vehicles.

[0059] Furthermore, the "vaguely visible position" where the display unit is positioned may be, for example, the upper side of the meter hood (the so-called dashboard) when it is positioned across the entire surface of a transparent area (e.g., the front windshield) as in the first embodiment. Alternatively, it may be the front surface of an opaque area, such as the front surface of the meter hood exemplified in the second embodiment.

[0060] Furthermore, the control unit should be configured to change the display state of the first area when information requiring attention is displayed in the second area. When changing the display state of the first area, it is particularly preferable to display the information in the first area using different visual effects depending on the content of the information requiring attention displayed in the second area.

[0061] As for the visual effects used in the display of the first region, in addition to displaying information in different colors according to the content of the information as described in the above embodiment, different display patterns may also be used depending on the content of the information. For example, depending on the content of the information, patterns such as flashing or flowing from side to side may be used for display. It is said that color vision tends to be lost for positions that are vaguely visible, so a change in pattern is easier for the driver to recognize the difference than a change in color.

[0062] Furthermore, the display that guides the gaze from the first area to the second area may, in addition to the synchronized flashing display described in the above embodiment, display the display in the first area and the display of information to be focused on in the second area in the same color, connect them with a line segment, or a combination of these.

[0063] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a configuration in which the display unit comprises a first area and a second area, the second area does not necessarily have to be provided, and in this case, the first area may be the entire surface of the display unit.

[0064] Furthermore, although the above embodiment was described using the example of a display device equipped with a target notification function and a navigation function, one or both of these functions may be provided by an external device, and the display device may be configured to function as an external display means in that external device.

[0065] Furthermore, although the second embodiment was described using the example of a case where a hook is provided as a mounting member, the bottom surface of the case body may function as a mounting member without providing a hook. In this case, the bottom surface of the case body may be attached to the top surface of the dashboard via adhesive tape or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 11 Main body 12 Mounting components 13 Display section 20 SD memory cards 110 DC Jack 111 Case body 112 Microwave Receiver 113 GPS receiver 114 Operation Buttons 115 USB ports 116 Databases 117 SD memory card slot 118 Control Unit 121 clips 122 clips 123 Hooks 131 First area 132 Second area 300 Sun Visors 301 Light-blocking plate 302 Bracket 303 Shaft 310 Rearview mirror 320 Meter Hood

Claims

1. The display unit comprises a first area located in front of the vehicle driver and a second area located in front of the vehicle driver on which predetermined information to be provided to the vehicle driver is displayed. The first region transmits light, at least when it is not in the visible state, and changes from the invisible state to the visible state at the timing when the predetermined information displayed in the second region should be provided to the vehicle driver. A display device characterized by the following features.

2. The second area displays information that is updated as needed as predetermined information. In the first region, at the moment the display state changes, a display is shown to guide the vehicle driver's gaze to the second region. The display device according to feature 1.

3. The second area can display the first information and the second information as predetermined information. In the first region, the display is performed in different ways depending on whether the first information is displayed in the second region or the second information is displayed in the second region. The display device according to feature 1 or 2.

Images