Display device

Abstract

A display device (1) according to the present disclosure is to be mounted on a vehicle, and displays, adjacent to each other, a first graph (4) which shows changes in first information about the height position of the vehicle, and a second graph (5) which shows changes in second information about external air of the vehicle. The first graph (4) is drawn in a first coordinate system that has a first main axis (11) indicating the first information, and a first sub-axis (12) indicating the running distance or time of the vehicle. The second graph (5) is drawn in a second coordinate system that has a second main axis (13) indicating the second information, and a second sub-axis (14) indicating the running distance or time of the vehicle.

Description

display device

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device mounted on a vehicle.

[0002] Conventionally, there are known display devices that display, in a graph, changes in altitude (above sea level, altitude, elevation) along a route traveled by a vehicle. For example, there is known a display device that uses a satellite positioning system to record the relationship between the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the vehicle and displays the route traveled in three dimensions. There is also known a display device that can simultaneously display a graph showing altitude changes over a short period and a graph showing altitude changes over a long period (see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-145391 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-181508 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-197752

[0004] Conventional display devices have difficulty intuitively grasping how changes in altitude relate to the vehicle's driving environment, and thus have a problem in that a good user experience (such as the emotions, impressions, and reactions experienced by the user through operational inputs to and outputs from the display device) cannot be obtained. For example, the outside temperature around a vehicle tends to change depending on altitude, and the higher the altitude, the more likely the outside temperature is to drop. However, conventional display devices cannot meet the needs of users who want to check the correlation between altitude and outside temperature. Furthermore, it is difficult for users to grasp the correlation between information about altitude, not only outside temperature information but also information about outside air pressure and humidity, and information about altitude, which results in a poor user experience.

[0005] One of the objectives of the present invention, which was conceived in light of the above-mentioned problems, is to provide a display device that can improve the user experience. However, in addition to this objective, another objective of the present invention is to achieve effects derived from the configurations shown in the "Mode for Carrying Out the Invention" described below, which are effects that cannot be obtained with conventional technologies.

[0006] The disclosed display device can be realized as the following disclosed aspects (application examples), which solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems. Each of the aspects from aspect 2 onwards is an aspect that can be selected as an additional aspect, and each of the aspects from aspect 2 onwards is an aspect that can be omitted. None of the aspects from aspect 2 onwards discloses an aspect or configuration that is essential to the present invention.

[0007] Aspect 1. The disclosed display device is mounted on a vehicle and displays adjacently a first graph showing changes in first information related to the vehicle's altitude position and a second graph showing changes in second information related to the outside air temperature of the vehicle. The first graph is a graph drawn in a first coordinate system having a first major axis representing the first information and a first minor axis representing the vehicle's travel distance or time. The second graph is a graph drawn in a second coordinate system having a second major axis representing the second information and a second minor axis representing the vehicle's travel distance or time.

[0008] Aspect 2. In the above-mentioned Aspect 1, it is preferable that the parameter represented on the first minor axis and the parameter represented on the second minor axis are the same. Aspect 3. In the above-mentioned Aspect 1 or 2, it is preferable that the extension direction of the first major axis and the extension direction of the second major axis are parallel, and the first graph and the second graph are displayed adjacent to each other in the first major axis direction.

[0009] Aspect 4. In any of Aspects 1 to 3 above, it is preferable that an image corresponding to the vehicle is displayed near the first graph, and the display angle of the image is controlled to correspond to the inclination of a point on the first graph that corresponds to the current value. Aspect 5. In any of Aspects 1 to 4 above, it is preferable that a first label indicating the current value of the first information is displayed near the first main axis, and a second label indicating the current value of the second information is displayed near the second main axis.

[0010] Aspect 6. In any of Aspects 1 to 5 above, it is preferable that the scale of the first secondary axis is changeable, and that the scale of the second secondary axis is changeable so as to correspond to the scale of the first secondary axis.

[0011] Aspect 7. In any of Aspects 1 to 6 above, it is preferable that a range in the first minor axis direction in which the first graph is displayed is defined as a first minor axis range, a range in the second minor axis direction in which the second graph is displayed is defined as a second minor axis range, the scale of the first major axis is automatically adjusted so that a first maximum value and a first minimum value within the first minor axis range are displayed, and the scale of the second major axis is automatically adjusted so that a second maximum value and a second minimum value within the second minor axis range are displayed.

[0012] Aspect 8. In the above-described aspect 7, it is preferable that a range in the direction of the first major axis in which the first graph is displayed is defined as a first major axis range, a range in the direction of the second major axis in which the second graph is displayed is defined as a second major axis range, and the scale or display position of the first major axis and the scale or display position of the second major axis are automatically adjusted so that the first major axis range and the second major axis range partially overlap.

[0013] Aspect 9. In any of Aspects 1 to 8 above, it is preferable that the dimensions of the display areas of the first graph and the second graph in the first sub-axis direction and the second sub-axis direction are changeable, and when the dimensions in the first sub-axis direction and the second sub-axis direction are changed, the first graph and the second graph are displayed by expanding or contracting in accordance with the changed dimensions.

[0014] Aspect 10. In the above-mentioned aspect 9, if the dimension after the change is equal to or smaller than a predetermined dimension, it is preferable that the first graph and the second graph are hidden and the current value of the first information and the current value of the second information are displayed. Aspect 11. In any of the above-mentioned aspects 1 to 10, it is preferable that the first information is altitude information and the second information is outside temperature information.

[0015] The disclosed display device can clearly show the correlation between first information (e.g., altitude) and second information (e.g., outside temperature) while the vehicle is traveling, and can inform the user of the correlation in an easy-to-understand manner. Furthermore, by setting the secondary axis parameter of the first graph and the second graph to "travel distance or time," the history of the first information and the second information can be clearly displayed. Therefore, the user experience can be improved.

[0016] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a display device according to an embodiment. (A) to (C) are diagrams for explaining display sizes. (A) to (C) are diagrams showing display examples of full screen size. (A) and (B) are diagrams showing display examples of two-thirds split screen size and one-third split screen size. (A) and (B) are diagrams showing modified examples of the display screen. (A) and (B) are diagrams showing modified examples of the display screen.

[0017] [1. Configuration] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a display device 1 according to an embodiment. The display device 1 is mounted on a vehicle and displays various information related to the vehicle and on-board devices. The various information displayed on the display device 1 includes, for example, output information and content information of the vehicle. The output information is information related to the output (power) of the vehicle's drive source, and the content information is information other than the output information, such as information indicating the vehicle's running state, running environment, and operating state of on-board devices.

[0018] Specific examples of the output information include engine rotation speed, engine torque, engine horsepower (power), traction motor rotation speed, traction motor torque, traction motor horsepower (power), power consumption of the traction motor, power supply of the drive battery, vehicle speed, wheel speed, etc. The output information is generated by various ECUs, such as a vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) or a powertrain ECU, and transmitted to the display device 1.

[0019] Specific examples of content information include environmental information such as the altitude of the route traveled by the vehicle, outside temperature, air pressure, humidity, and weather, as well as information such as shift position, transmission reduction ratio, name of driving mode, driving distance, estimated remaining driving distance, fuel consumption, electricity consumption, remaining battery capacity, yaw rate, roll rate, pitch rate, longitudinal acceleration, lateral acceleration, road surface inclination angle, tire air pressure, powertrain energy flow, driving direction (orientation), and road surface friction coefficient.

[0020] The content information may include audio information, car navigation information, lighting status information, cruise control-related information, vehicle distance information, various websites, etc. This information is generated or acquired by, for example, various ECUs, various in-vehicle devices, various sensors, etc., and transmitted to the display device 1. The content information may be generated or calculated by the display device 1 based on signals generated or acquired by the various ECUs, various in-vehicle devices, various sensors, etc.

[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 includes 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 is executed by loading the content into the processor as appropriate. The electronic control device 2 may be formed integrally 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 about the vehicle, and is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, a projector, etc. Hereinafter, the display or projector screen on which information is displayed will also be referred to as a display screen 10. All information displayed on the display screen 10 is controlled by the electronic control unit 2. The shape of the display screen 10 (the shape of the area in which information is displayed) is not particularly limited, but is, for example, rectangular.

[0023] The output device 3 is disposed in a position that is easily visible to the driver, such as in front of the driver (in front of the steering wheel) or in the front center of the vehicle compartment (in front of the driver's seat and the passenger seat). An input device that accepts input operations for the content of the display screen 10 may be provided as an auxiliary device of the output device 3. Specific examples of the input device include a touch panel device that detects touch operations on the display screen 10, an input device provided with a keyboard, physical buttons, or a touchpad, a gaze detection device that detects gaze, and a gesture reading device that detects gesture operations.

[0024] A division number changing switch 6 is connected to the display device 1. The division number changing switch 6 is a switch for changing the size and number of areas in which information is displayed on the display screen 10. The division number changing switch 6 may be composed of a plurality of input devices including, for example, a switch for increasing and a switch for decreasing the number of divisions in the area in which information is displayed. Alternatively, the division number changing switch 6 may be composed of a touchpad-like input device that can detect swipe operations, pinch-in operations, pinch-out operations, etc.

[0025] By using the number-of-divisions change switch 6 to reduce the display size of one piece of information, it becomes possible to simultaneously display other pieces of information on the display screen 10. Furthermore, by using the number-of-divisions change switch 6 to enlarge the display size of one piece of information, it becomes easier to check the details of that information. In this way, the number-of-divisions change switch 6 is used when the user arbitrarily changes the display area of ​​information or the number of pieces of information displayed. The number-of-divisions change switch 6 may be a physical switch provided in the vehicle cabin, or may be a virtual switch displayed on the display screen 10 or another display. When this switch is a virtual switch, an operation detection means is also used to detect a pressing operation or a gesture operation on the virtual switch.

[0026] By operating the division number change switch 6, the output device 3 can display various types of information in three different sizes, as shown in Figures 2(A) to 2(C). Figure 2(A) shows a state in which one type of content information is displayed using the entire display screen 10 of the output device 3. This display size is called a full screen size 7. Figure 2(B) shows a state in which a two-thirds split screen size 8 (2 / 3 split screen size), which corresponds to two areas when the display screen 10 is divided horizontally into thirds, and a one-third split screen size 9 (1 / 3 split screen size), which corresponds to one area when the display screen 10 is divided into thirds, are simultaneously displayed.

[0027] 2(C) shows a state in which three one-third split screen sizes 9 are displayed simultaneously. The width dimension of the two-thirds split screen size 8 exceeds a predetermined dimension, and the width dimension of the one-third split screen size 9 is equal to or smaller than the predetermined dimension. The predetermined dimension here refers to a threshold value for determining the width dimensions at which the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5, which will be described later, can be displayed and the width dimensions at which they cannot be displayed. Note that on any of the display screens 10 shown in FIGS. 2(A) to 2(C), the displayed content can be changed by scrolling the content of the display screen 10 (for example, by swiping left or right).

[0028] [2. Altitude Graph and Outside Air Temperature Graph] The display device 1 of this embodiment has a function of displaying a first graph showing changes in first information related to the altitude position of the vehicle and a second graph showing changes in second information related to the outside air temperature of the vehicle adjacent to each other on the display screen 10 of the output device 3.

[0029] The first information includes, for example, information such as the vehicle's altitude (vertical distance to a specific ground surface or sea level), elevation (height position based on the mean sea level of a specific area), sea level (height position based on the nearest sea level), ellipsoid height (height position based on the surface of a virtual ellipsoid equivalent to the earth's surface), GPS height (height position measured by the Global Positioning Satellite System), and geoid height (height position based on the geopotential surface).

[0030] The second information also includes information such as outside air temperature, outside pressure, humidity, and concentrations of various substances in the outside air (pollen concentration, yellow sand concentration, particulate matter concentration). In this embodiment, a display device 1 that displays an altitude graph 4 that graphs altitude information and an outside air temperature graph 5 that graphs outside air temperature information on the display screen 10 of the output device 3 will be described in detail. The term "altitude" in the following embodiments may be considered to correspond to, for example, the above-mentioned altitude or GPS altitude. As shown in FIG. 1 , altitude information and outside air temperature information generated or acquired by various ECUs, various on-board devices, various sensors, etc. are input to the display device 1.

[0031] Altitude information (first information) is acquired, for example, by a satellite positioning device (car navigation device) or an altitude sensor, and input to the display device 1. The display device 1 records, for example, the latitude, longitude, altitude, and time of the vehicle in association with each other. Furthermore, outside air temperature information (second information) is acquired by a vehicle body ECU or an outside air temperature sensor, and input to the display device 1. The display device 1 stores, for example, the outside air temperature and time, or the outside air temperature and position (altitude, latitude, longitude), in association with each other.

[0032] 3A to 3C are diagrams showing an altitude graph 4 and an outside temperature graph 5 displayed adjacent to each other on a full-screen size 7. The altitude graph 4 is a graph drawn in a first coordinate system having a first major axis 11 (vertical axis) representing altitude and a first minor axis 12 (horizontal axis) representing the vehicle's travel distance. The first major axis 11 in FIGS. 3A to 3C is perpendicular to the first minor axis 12. The first major axis 11 is displayed to extend vertically (longitudinal) on the display screen 10, and the first minor axis 12 is displayed to extend horizontally (laterally).

[0033] The outside temperature graph 5 is a graph drawn in a second coordinate system having a second major axis 13 (vertical axis) representing the outside temperature and a second minor axis 14 (horizontal axis) representing the vehicle's travel distance. The second major axis 13 in Figures 3(A) to 3(C) is perpendicular to the second minor axis 14. The extension direction of the second major axis 13 is parallel to the extension direction of the first major axis 11. Note that the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5 may be graphs other than line graphs (e.g., bar graphs, curve approximation graphs, etc.). Placing the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5 adjacent to each other makes it easier to understand the correlation between altitude and outside temperature.

[0034] 3A to 3C are common to the first and second sub-axes 12 and 14. That is, the parameters represented on the first and second sub-axes 12 and 14 are the same. In this embodiment, the first and second sub-axes 12 and 14 both represent the vehicle's travel distance, and the past travel distance (the distance from a past position to the current position) is represented as a negative value.

[0035] "-20km" in Figures 3(A) to 3(C) means a position 20km before the current position, "-10km" in Figures 3(A) to 3(C) means a position 10km before the current position, and "0km" in Figures 3(A) to 3(C) means the current position. In this way, the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5 show the history of altitude changes and the history of outside temperature changes over a 20km section that has been traveled in the past.

[0036] The parameter represented on the first secondary axis 12 is distance traveled, and the parameter represented on the second secondary axis 14 is also distance traveled. By sharing the same parameter (distance traveled) between the first secondary axis 12 and the second secondary axis 14 in this way, the correlation between altitude and outside temperature via the same parameter (distance traveled) becomes clearer. Note that the domains (ranges in the directions of the secondary axes in which the graphs are drawn) of the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5 need only roughly match, and do not need to match perfectly.

[0037] The first main axis 11 is disposed on one side (e.g., the right side) of the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5. A number line for representing altitude values ​​is displayed on the first main axis 11. The number line includes at least a line, scales marked on the line, and numerical values ​​(reference numerical values) corresponding to each scale. In the example shown in FIGS. 3(A) to 3(C), multiple scales are marked in a ladder-like manner between the two lines, and reference numerical values ​​are displayed to the right of the scales. In addition, a first label 16 indicating the current altitude value is displayed near the first main axis 11. The first label 16 is an arrow-shaped image bearing a numerical value representing the current altitude value. The first label 16 is disposed on the number line so that the tip of the arrow points to the current altitude value.

[0038] The second main axis 13 is disposed on the other side (e.g., the left side) of the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5. Similar to the first main axis 11, the second main axis 13 displays a number line representing the outside temperature value. In the example shown in FIGS. 3(A) to 3(C), multiple scales are provided in a ladder-like pattern between the two lines, with reference values ​​displayed to the left of them. In addition, a second label 17 indicating the current outside temperature value is displayed near the second main axis 13. The second label 17 is an arrow-shaped image bearing a numerical value representing the current outside temperature value. The second label 17 is disposed on the number line so that the tip of the arrow points to the current outside temperature value.

[0039] The first secondary axis 12 and the second secondary axis 14 are disposed below the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5. As with the first primary axis 11 and the second primary axis 13, a number line or scale may be displayed on the first secondary axis 12 and the second secondary axis 14 to indicate values ​​corresponding to the vehicle's mileage. In this embodiment, the number line and scale are omitted, and only numerical values ​​(reference values) corresponding to some of the scales are displayed.

[0040] A tilt display image 15 is displayed near a point on the altitude graph 4 that corresponds to the current value (for example, near the right end of the altitude graph 4). The tilt display image 15 is an image (icon) that corresponds to a vehicle. In this embodiment, the tilt display image 15 is an image that resembles the side of a vehicle, and is, for example, an image that deforms the side view shape of the vehicle on which the display device 1 is mounted. The display angle of the tilt display image 15 on the display screen 10 (i.e., the pitch angle of the vehicle shown in the tilt display image 15) is controlled to correspond to the tilt of the point on the altitude graph 4 that corresponds to the current value. The "tilt of the point that corresponds to the current value" means, for example, the tilt of the altitude graph 4 over the most recent specified distance range or the most recent specified time range.

[0041] For example, the display angle of the tilt display image 15 is controlled so that the pitch angle of the vehicle shown in the tilt display image 15 roughly matches the slope of the straight line near the right end of the altitude graph 4. This allows the trend of altitude change to be clearly displayed while realizing a humorous and charming presentation of a deformed vehicle plodding along the gradient of the altitude graph 4, as shown in Figures 3(A) to 3(C).

[0042] The tilt display image 15 may be any image corresponding to a vehicle, for example, an image of a vehicle viewed from above. Furthermore, the tilt display image 15 does not have to be an image of the vehicle itself; it may be an image of an item related to the vehicle (tires, steering wheel, checkered flag, etc.), or a simple geometric figure, symbol, or mark. Furthermore, the display angle of the tilt display image 15 does not have to correspond to the tilt of the altitude graph 4. By placing at least some image near the point on the altitude graph 4 that corresponds to the current value, it is possible to clearly convey that the vehicle is currently in that position, and the role of the icon is fulfilled.

[0043] Regarding the shapes of the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5 in the secondary axis directions, the scales of the first secondary axis 12 and the second secondary axis 14 may be preset fixed scales, but are preferably variable scales. That is, it is preferable that the scale of the first secondary axis 12 is changeable and the scale of the second secondary axis 14 is changeable to correspond to the scale of the first secondary axis 12. In this embodiment, a zoom in button 18 and a zoom out button 19 are provided for changing the scales in the secondary axis directions. Operation inputs to the zoom in button 18 and the zoom out button 19 are detected by a touch panel device that detects touch operations on the display screen 10.

[0044] The zoom button 18 is a button for increasing the scale of the first secondary axis 12 and the second secondary axis 14. When the user presses the zoom button 18, the distance range displayed on the display screen 10 is narrowed. For example, the distance range displayed on the display screen 10 in FIG. 3A is 20 km (a range from -20 km to 0 km). The ranges that give this distance range are called the first secondary axis range and the second secondary axis range. The first secondary axis range corresponds to the range in the direction of the first secondary axis 12 in which the altitude graph 4 is displayed, and the second secondary axis range corresponds to the range in the direction of the second secondary axis 14 in which the outside temperature graph 5 is displayed.

[0045] When the zoom button 18 is touched in the state shown in Fig. 3(A), the display screen 10 transitions to the state shown in Fig. 3(B), and the distance range displayed on the display screen 10 becomes 10 km (a range from -10 km to 0 km). In other words, the first and second secondary axis ranges are narrowed. Note that it is preferable that the displayed distance ranges (the positions of the right and left endpoints of the first and second secondary axis ranges) can be changed by scrolling the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5 left and right (by swiping left and right).

[0046] Furthermore, if the zoom button 18 is touched in this state, the display screen 10 transitions to the state shown in Figure 3(C), and the distance range displayed on the display screen 10 becomes 5 km (a range from -5 km to 0 km). In other words, the first and second secondary axis ranges are further narrowed. In this way, by operating the zoom button 18, the scale becomes larger (the first and second secondary axis ranges become narrower), allowing a portion of the altitude graph 4 and outside temperature graph 5 to be enlarged and checked.

[0047] The zoom out button 19 is a button for reducing the scale of the first sub-axis 12 and the second sub-axis 14. Operating the zoom out button 19 in the state shown in Fig. 3(C) changes the display screen 10 to the state shown in Fig. 3(B), and further operating the zoom out button 19 changes the display screen 10 to the state shown in Fig. 3(A). In this way, operating the zoom out button 19 reduces the scale, allowing an overview of the overall changes in the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5.

[0048] With regard to the shapes of the major axes of the altitude graph 4 and the outside air temperature graph 5, the scales of the first major axis 11 and the second major axis 13 may be preset fixed scales or variable scales that change according to the situation. In the latter case, the scale of the first major axis 11 is preferably automatically adjusted so that the highest altitude (first maximum value) and the lowest altitude (first minimum value) within the first minor axis range are displayed. In other words, the scale of the first major axis 11 is preferably changed without any user operation. Similarly, the scale of the second major axis 13 is preferably automatically adjusted so that the highest outside air temperature (second maximum value) and the lowest outside air temperature (second minimum value) within the second minor axis range are displayed.

[0049] For example, if the difference between the maximum and minimum altitudes is small, the scale of the first major axis 11 may be increased, and the altitude graph 4 may be stretched vertically. Conversely, if the difference between the maximum and minimum altitudes is large, the scale of the first major axis 11 may be decreased, and the altitude graph 4 may be shrunk vertically. The same applies to the outside temperature graph 5. This automatic adjustment makes it possible to display the overall shape of the altitude graph 4 in the first secondary axis range and the overall shape of the outside temperature graph 5 in the second secondary axis range without any omissions.

[0050] 4A is a diagram showing an altitude graph 4 and an outside temperature graph 5 displayed adjacent to each other in an area of ​​two-thirds split screen size 8. The width dimension of the two-thirds split screen size 8 exceeds a predetermined dimension. When the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5 are displayed in the area of ​​two-thirds split screen size 8, other content information is displayed in the adjacent area of ​​one-third split screen size 9. The specific type of other content information is not important.

[0051] Compared to Fig. 3(A), in Fig. 4(A), the shapes of the altitude graph 4 and outside temperature graph 5 are compressed in the direction of the secondary axis. Meanwhile, the elements displayed on the display screen 10 remain almost unchanged. That is, even in the area of ​​the two-thirds split screen size 8, the altitude graph 4, outside temperature graph 5, first major axis 11, first minor axis 12, second major axis 13, second minor axis 14, tilt display image 15, first label 16, second label 17, zoom in button 18, and zoom out button 19 are displayed.

[0052] In the example shown in FIG. 4(A), compared to FIG. 3(A), the shapes of the altitude graph 4 and outside temperature graph 5 are compressed in the sub-axis direction (i.e., the slope of the altitude graph 4 on the screen is slightly changed), and therefore the display angle of the slope display image 15 is also slightly changed. Furthermore, because the display area is narrowed, the sizes of the zoom-in button 18 and zoom-out button 19 are also reduced. Meanwhile, the history of altitude changes and the history of outside temperature changes are simultaneously displayed, clearly showing the correlation between altitude and outside temperature. Furthermore, because the slope display image 15, first label 16, and second label 17 are displayed, the trend in altitude change and the current values ​​of altitude and outside temperature are clearly communicated to the user.

[0053] 4(B) is a diagram showing a state in which the tilt display image 15 and the current altitude and outside temperature values ​​are displayed in the area of ​​the one-third split screen size 9. The width dimension of the one-third split screen size 9 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined dimension. When the current altitude and outside temperature values ​​are displayed in the area of ​​the one-third split screen size 9, other content information is displayed in the remaining areas of the one-third split screen size 9. The specific type of other content information is not important.

[0054] In the area of ​​the one-third split screen size 9, there is not enough display area to display the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5, so the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5 are omitted. That is, in the area of ​​the one-third split screen size 9, the first main axis 11, the second main axis 13, the tilt display image 15, the first label 16, and the second label 17 are displayed. Note that the tilt display image 15 may be omitted if the area of ​​the one-third split screen size 9 is insufficient.

[0055] The first main axis 11, the second main axis 13, the tilt display image 15, the first label 16, and the second label 17 shown in Fig. 4(B) are substantially the same as the first main axis 11, the second main axis 13, the tilt display image 15, the first label 16, and the second label 17 shown in Fig. 4(A). By displaying the tilt display image 15, the first label 16, and the second label 17 in this way, the trend in altitude change and the current values ​​of altitude and outside air temperature are communicated to the user in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0056] 5 is a diagram showing a display example in which the first sub-axis 12 and the second sub-axis 14 shown in FIG. 3A represent time instead of distance traveled. The parameter represented on the first sub-axis 12 is time, and the parameter represented on the second sub-axis 14 is also time. By using a common axis for the first sub-axis 12 and the second sub-axis 14 in this way, the correlation between altitude and outside temperature via the same parameter (time) becomes clearer.

[0057] When the vehicle's traveling speed is constant, the traveling distance and time are converted uniquely, so the shapes of the altitude graph 4 and outside temperature graph 5 in Fig. 5 do not change from the shapes of the altitude graph 4 and outside temperature graph 5 in Fig. 3(A), and only the numerical values ​​written on the first sub-axis 12 and second sub-axis 14 change. On the other hand, when the vehicle's traveling speed changes, the shapes of the altitude graph 4 and outside temperature graph 5 change.

[0058] For example, in sections where the driving speed is high, the shapes of the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5 are compressed in the direction of the secondary axis, and in sections where the driving speed is low, the shapes of the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5 are expanded in the direction of the secondary axis. In either case, the altitude graph 4 can be calculated from the relationship between the vehicle's latitude, longitude, altitude, and time. Similarly, the outside temperature graph 5 can be calculated from the relationship between the outside temperature and time, or the outside temperature and position (altitude, latitude, longitude).

[0059] [3. Effects] (1) The display device 1 of this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle and displays an altitude graph 4 (first graph) showing changes in first information related to the vehicle's altitude position and an outside air temperature graph 5 (second graph) showing changes in second information related to the air outside the vehicle, adjacent to each other. The altitude graph 4 is a graph drawn in a first coordinate system having, for example, a first major axis 11 representing altitude and a first minor axis 12 representing the vehicle's travel distance (or time). The outside air temperature graph 5 is a graph drawn in a second coordinate system having, for example, a second major axis 13 representing the outside air temperature and a second minor axis 14 representing the vehicle's travel distance (or time).

[0060] Displaying the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5 adjacent to each other makes it easier to understand the correlation between altitude (first information) and outside temperature (second information), allowing the user to intuitively grasp how changes in altitude have affected the vehicle's driving environment (outside temperature). Furthermore, by setting the parameters of the first sub-axis 12 and the second sub-axis 14 to "travel distance or time," the history of altitude (first information) and outside temperature (second information) can be clearly displayed, making the history clear to the user at a glance. This improves the user experience. For example, it can meet the needs of users who want to check the correlation between altitude and outside temperature.

[0061] (2) In the display device 1 described above, the parameter represented on the first sub-axis 12 and the parameter represented on the second sub-axis 14 are set to be the same. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the parameter represented on the first sub-axis 12 and the parameter represented on the second sub-axis 14 are both set to "distance traveled." Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the parameter represented on the first sub-axis 12 and the parameter represented on the second sub-axis 14 are both set to "time." This configuration makes it possible to clearly show the correlation between altitude and outside temperature via the same parameter, thereby improving the user experience.

[0062] (3) In the above-described display device 1, the extension direction of the first main axis 11 and the extension direction of the second main axis 13 are parallel, and the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5 are displayed adjacent to each other along the first main axis 11. This configuration makes the correspondence between altitude and outside temperature clearer, improving the user experience. For example, if one wishes to know the outside temperature at a certain altitude, one can draw a line parallel to the first main axis 11 or the second main axis 13 from a point corresponding to that altitude on the altitude graph 4, and then find the intersection of the parallel line with the outside temperature graph 5.

[0063] In the above-described display device 1, the extension direction of the first major axis 11 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first minor axis 12, and the extension direction of the second major axis 13 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the second minor axis 14. This configuration allows information to be displayed efficiently within the rectangular display screen 10. Furthermore, in the above-described display device 1, the first major axis 11 is arranged on one side of the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5, and the second major axis 13 is arranged on the other side. This configuration makes it possible to avoid misreading or confusion between the first major axis 11 and the second major axis 13, and makes it easier for the user to understand the information.

[0064] (4) In the display device 1, an inclination display image 15, which is an image that resembles the side of a vehicle, is displayed near the altitude graph 4. The display angle of the inclination display image 15 is controlled so as to correspond to the inclination of the point on the altitude graph 4 that corresponds to the current value. This configuration makes it possible to display the trend of altitude change in an easy-to-understand and humorous way, further improving the user experience.

[0065] (5) In the above-described display device 1, a first label 16 indicating the current altitude value is displayed near the first main axis 11. Also, a second label 17 indicating the current outside temperature value is displayed near the second main axis 13. In this way, by displaying the first label 16 and the second label 17 near the first main axis 11 and the second main axis 13, respectively, the user can quickly and easily grasp the current situation. This further improves the user experience.

[0066] (6) In the above-described display device 1, the scale of the first secondary axis 12 is changeable, and the scale of the second secondary axis 14 is changed to correspond to the scale of the first secondary axis 12. For example, when the user touches the zoom-in button 18 in the state shown in Fig. 3(B), the scales of the first secondary axis 12 and the second secondary axis 14 increase, and the distance width displayed on the display screen 10 changes from 10 km to 5 km. When the user touches the zoom-out button 19 in the state shown in Fig. 3(B), the scales of the first secondary axis 12 and the second secondary axis 14 decrease, and the distance width displayed on the display screen 10 changes from 10 km to 20 km.

[0067] In this way, by making it possible to change the scale of the first secondary axis 12 of the altitude graph 4, it is possible to check either overall changes or only recent changes. Furthermore, when the scale of the first secondary axis 12 of the altitude graph 4 is changed, the scale of the second secondary axis 14 of the outside temperature graph 5 is also changed, thereby changing the display range of the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5 while maintaining the correspondence between altitude and outside temperature.

[0068] (7) In the display device 1 described above, the scale of the first major axis 11 can be automatically adjusted so that the highest altitude (first maximum value) and lowest altitude (first minimum value) within the first minor axis range are displayed. Similarly, the scale of the second major axis 13 can be automatically adjusted so that the highest outside temperature (second maximum value) and lowest outside temperature (second minimum value) within the second minor axis range are displayed. With this configuration, the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5 can be displayed without any missing parts of their entire shapes, without extending beyond the edge of the display screen 10.

[0069] Furthermore, if the difference between the maximum altitude and the minimum altitude is small, the scale of the first main axis 11 can be increased to stretch the altitude graph 4 in the direction of the first main axis 11, thereby emphasizing the altitude change. Conversely, if the difference between the maximum altitude and the minimum altitude is large, the scale of the first main axis 11 can be decreased to shrink the altitude graph 4 in the direction of the first main axis 11, allowing an overview of the overall changes.

[0070] (8) As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the display device 1 allows the horizontal dimensions (the first sub-axis 12 and the second sub-axis 14) of the display areas of the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5 to be changed. Furthermore, when the horizontal dimensions are changed, the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5 can be expanded or contracted depending on the changed dimensions. For example, when the horizontal dimensions are changed from the full screen size 7 shown in Figure 3A to the two-thirds split screen size 8 shown in Figure 4A, the shapes of the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5 are compressed in the sub-axis directions.

[0071] With this configuration, even if the display area is narrowed, the altitude graph 4 and outside temperature graph 5 can be displayed in a reduced size (compressed display) over the same range as before the display area was narrowed, improving convenience. Conversely, if the display area is expanded, the altitude graph 4 and outside temperature graph 5 can be displayed in an expanded size (expanded display) accordingly, improving the accuracy of details and readability. This further improves the user experience.

[0072] (9) As shown in FIG. 4B , when the horizontal dimension is changed from the full screen size 7 to the one-third split screen size 9, the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5 may be hidden and the current altitude and outside temperature values ​​may be displayed instead. In other words, when changing the dimensions of the display area of ​​the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5 along the first sub-axis 12 and the second sub-axis 14, if the changed dimensions are equal to or smaller than a predetermined dimension, only the current altitude and outside temperature values ​​may be displayed. With this configuration, even if the display area is too narrow, it is possible to provide minimal information about the altitude and outside temperature, improving the user experience.

[0073] (10) In the above-described display device 1, the first information is altitude information, and the second information is outside temperature information. This allows the user to easily understand the correlation between altitude and outside temperature. In other words, this meets the user's need to check the correlation between altitude and outside temperature, thereby improving the user experience.

[0074] [4. Other] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly described in the present embodiments. Each configuration of the present embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present embodiments. Furthermore, each configuration of the present embodiments can be selected or combined as needed.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the display device 1 is described in detail as displaying the altitude graph 4 as the first graph and the outside air temperature graph 5 as the second graph adjacent to each other on the display screen 10 of the output device 3, but the specific types of information shown in the first graph and the second graph can be changed. The first information shown in the first graph may be information related to the vehicle's altitude position, and the second information shown in the second graph may be information related to the outside air temperature of the vehicle. With this configuration, the history of the first information and the second information can be clearly displayed, achieving the same effect as in the above embodiment.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the parameters represented on the first sub-axis 12 and the parameters represented on the second sub-axis 14 are set to be the same, but they may be different. Furthermore, the user may be able to select the type of parameter represented on each of the first sub-axis 12 and the second sub-axis 14. The tilt display image 15, first label 16, second label 17, zoom in button 18, and zoom out button 19 may be omitted from the display screen 10. By displaying at least the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5 adjacent to each other, the correlation and history between altitude and outside temperature become clear at a glance, improving the user experience.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the display example of the display device 1 has been shown in which the first sub-axis 12 and the second sub-axis 14 are common to each other, but the first sub-axis 12 and the second sub-axis 14 may be independent of each other. For example, as shown in Fig. 6(A), the altitude graph 4, the first main axis 11, and the first sub-axis 12 may be displayed in the lower part of the display screen 10, and the outside temperature graph 5, the second main axis 13, and the second sub-axis 14 may be displayed in the upper part of the display screen 10.

[0078] FIG. 6B shows an example of a display in which the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5 are partially superimposed. The range of variation of the altitude graph 4 displayed on the display screen 10 in FIG. 6B is A. ＭＩＮ ~A ＭＡＸ This range is defined as the first main axis range. Similarly, the fluctuation range of the outside temperature graph 5 displayed on the display screen 10 in FIG. 6(B) is B ＭＩＮ ~B ＭＡＸ This range is defined as the second major axis range. In the display example of FIG. 6(B), the scale or display position of the first major axis 11 and the scale or display position of the second major axis 13 are automatically adjusted so that the first major axis range and the second major axis range partially overlap (overlap in the vertical direction). The overlap dimension between the first major axis range and the second major axis range is set appropriately depending on the width of the first major axis range and the second major axis range.

[0079] For example, when the first major axis range is relatively wide, the scale of the first major axis 11 is reduced, the vertical dimension of the first major axis 11 on the display screen 10 is reduced, and the display position is shifted slightly downward. Conversely, when the first major axis range is relatively narrow, the scale of the first major axis 11 is increased, the vertical dimension of the first major axis 11 on the display screen 10 is extended, and the display position is shifted slightly upward.

[0080] Furthermore, for example, when the range of the second main axis is relatively wide, the scale of the second main axis 13 is reduced, the vertical dimension of the second main axis 13 on the display screen 10 is reduced, and the display position is shifted slightly upward. Conversely, when the range of the second main axis is relatively narrow, the scale of the second main axis 13 is increased, the vertical dimension of the second main axis 13 on the display screen 10 is extended, and the display position is shifted slightly downward.

[0081] With the above configuration, the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5 can be displayed with a slight vertical overlap, allowing them to be displayed compactly within the limited display screen 10. Note that the greater the overlap dimension between the first main axis range and the second main axis range, the greater the overlap between the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5, which may make it difficult to distinguish between the graphs. Therefore, the scale and display position of each graph may be automatically adjusted so that the overlap dimension is no more than a specified percentage of the overall vertical dimension of the display screen 10.

[0082] 7A shows an example of a display in which an altitude graph 4 and an outside temperature graph 5 are displayed three-dimensionally. In this case, the first major axis 11 and the first minor axis 12 are not necessarily perpendicular to each other, and the second major axis 13 and the second minor axis 14 are not necessarily perpendicular to each other. On the other hand, by displaying the history of changes in altitude and outside temperature in a three-dimensional graphic, an impressive and beautiful display can be achieved. Note that the specific display method (style) of such graphs may be freely set by the user.

[0083] 7(B) shows an example of a display in which the shape of the display screen 10 is a vertically long rectangle. Here, the first major axis 11 and the second major axis 13 are displayed extending horizontally (horizontally), and the first minor axis 12 and the second minor axis 14 are displayed extending vertically (vertically). In this way, the display positions and orientations of the first major axis 11, the first minor axis 12, the second major axis 13, and the second minor axis 14 can be changed as appropriate, and the orientations and adjacent directions of the altitude graph 4 and the outside temperature graph 5 can also be changed as appropriate. Note that the specific display positions and orientations of such graphs may be freely set by the user.

[0084] The present invention is applicable to the manufacturing industry of display devices mounted on vehicles, and also applicable to the manufacturing industry of vehicles equipped with such display devices.

[0085] 1 Display device 2 Electronic control device 3 Output device 4 Altitude graph (first graph) 5 Outside temperature graph (second graph) 6 Division number change switch 7 Full screen size 8 Two-thirds split screen size 9 One-third split screen size 10 Display screen 11 First main axis 12 First sub-axis 13 Second main axis 14 Second sub-axis 15 Tilt display image 16 First label 17 Second label 18 Enlarge button 19 Reduce button

Claims

1. A display device that is mounted on a vehicle and displays a first graph showing a change in first information related to a height position of the vehicle and a second graph showing a change in second information related to an outside air temperature of the vehicle adjacent to each other, the first graph is a graph drawn in a first coordinate system having a first main axis representing the first information and a first secondary axis representing a travel distance or a time of the vehicle, the second graph is a graph drawn in a second coordinate system having a second main axis representing the second information and a second sub axis representing a travel distance or a time of the vehicle, the first minor axis is scaleable; The scale of the second minor axis is changed to correspond to the scale of the first minor axis. A display device comprising:

2. The parameter represented on the first minor axis and the parameter represented on the second minor axis are the same.

2. The display device according to claim 1.

3. The extension direction of the first main shaft and the extension direction of the second main shaft are parallel to each other, The first graph and the second graph are displayed adjacent to each other in the first main axis direction.

3. The display device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. displaying an image corresponding to the vehicle near the first graph; The display angle of the image is controlled so as to correspond to the inclination of the portion of the first graph that corresponds to the current value.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display device is a liquid crystal display.

5. displaying a first label indicating a current value of the first information near the first main axis; A second label indicating a current value of the second information is displayed near the second main axis.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display device is a liquid crystal display.

6. (delete)

7. A range in the first sub-axis direction in which the first graph is displayed is defined as a first sub-axis range, and a range in the second sub-axis direction in which the second graph is displayed is defined as a second sub-axis range, the scale of the first major axis is automatically adjusted so that a first maximum value and a first minimum value within the first minor axis range are displayed; The scale of the second major axis is automatically adjusted so that a second maximum value and a second minimum value within the second minor axis range are displayed.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display device is a liquid crystal display.

8. A range in the first main axis direction in which the first graph is displayed is defined as a first main axis range, and a range in the second main axis direction in which the second graph is displayed is defined as a second main axis range, The scale or display position of the first main axis and the scale or display position of the second main axis are automatically adjusted so that the first main axis range and the second main axis range partially overlap each other.

8. The display device according to claim 7.

9. The dimensions of the display areas of the first graph and the second graph in the first sub-axis direction and the second sub-axis direction are changeable, When the dimensions in the first sub-axis direction and the second sub-axis direction are changed, the first graph and the second graph are displayed by being expanded or contracted in accordance with the changed dimensions.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged parallel to each other.

10. When the changed dimension is equal to or smaller than a predetermined dimension, the first graph and the second graph are hidden, and the current value of the first information and the current value of the second information are displayed.

10. The display device according to claim 9.

11. The first information is information on altitude, and the second information is information on outside temperature. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7 to 10.

12. A display device that is mounted on a vehicle and displays a first graph showing a change in first information related to a height position of the vehicle and a second graph showing a change in second information related to an outside air temperature of the vehicle adjacent to each other, the first graph is a graph drawn in a first coordinate system having a first main axis representing the first information and a first secondary axis representing a travel distance or a time of the vehicle, the second graph is a graph drawn in a second coordinate system having a second main axis representing the second information and a second sub axis representing a travel distance or a time of the vehicle, displaying an image corresponding to the vehicle near the first graph; The display angle of the image is controlled so as to correspond to the inclination of the portion of the first graph that corresponds to the current value. A display device comprising:

13. The parameter represented on the first minor axis and the parameter represented on the second minor axis are the same.

13. The display device according to claim 12.

14. The extension direction of the first main shaft and the extension direction of the second main shaft are parallel to each other, The first graph and the second graph are displayed adjacent to each other in the first main axis direction.

14. The display device according to claim 12 or 13.

15. displaying a first label indicating a current value of the first information near the first main axis; A second label indicating a current value of the second information is displayed near the second main axis. The display device according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

16. The first information is information on altitude, and the second information is information on outside temperature. The display device according to any one of claims 12 to 15.