Display device

Abstract

A display device according to the present disclosure can set an element of ambient light provided in a vehicle and comprises a first display unit (10) and a second display unit (20) that are selected and operated by a user. The first display unit (10) arranges and displays, side by side, a plurality of color selection units (11), each of which represents a color setting that can be set as the color of the ambient light. The second display unit (20) is arranged vertically with the first display unit (10), and further subdivides the color settings in a more detailed manner than the plurality of color selection units (11) and displays the further subdivided color settings side by side.

Description

display device

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device capable of setting elements of ambient lighting provided in a vehicle.

[0002] Conventionally, there are known vehicles in which ambient lights that illuminate the interior of the vehicle are arranged on the door linings, dashboard, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device that is provided with a rotary adjustment knob or an auto / manual changeover switch that adjusts the chromaticity of all interior lighting (ambient lights), and that changes the chromaticity of all interior lighting simultaneously based on the driver's operation or a signal from an illuminance sensor.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-72463

[0004] However, in the device of Patent Document 1, the ambient light color is changed one by one by rotating a control knob that functions as a switch, so the user (passenger) may have to rotate the control knob multiple times to match the color they prefer, making it difficult to quickly set the user's preference. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the operation of setting elements, including the ambient light color.

[0005] The display device of the present invention was invented in light of the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to improve usability in setting ambient light. However, in addition to this objective, another objective of the present invention is to achieve effects derived from the configurations shown in the "Description of Embodiments" below, which are not obtainable 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 option, 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 a display device capable of setting elements of an ambient light provided in a vehicle, and includes a first display unit that is selectable by a user and displays a plurality of color selection units horizontally, each representing a set color that can be set as the color of the ambient light, and a second display unit that is arranged vertically alongside the first display unit, is selectable by the user, and displays the set colors further subdivided than the plurality of color selection units horizontally.

[0008] Aspect 2. In the above aspect 1, it is preferable that an individual number is assigned to each of the set colors displayed on the second display unit, and that the second display unit has a shorter horizontal dimension than the first display unit. In this case, it is preferable that the display device includes a number display unit disposed next to the second display unit and displaying the number corresponding to the set color selected by the user.

[0009] Aspect 3. In an aspect including the above-described aspect 1, the display device preferably includes a third display unit arranged on the same screen as the first display unit and the second display unit, and displaying a vehicle interior image simulating the state of the vehicle interior in which the ambient light is installed. In this case, it is preferable that the third display unit changes the color of the ambient light in the vehicle interior image to match the set color selected by the user.

[0010] Aspect 4. In an aspect including the above-described Aspect 3, it is preferable that the vehicle interior image includes at least the ambient lights provided around the front and rear seats of the vehicle, and is an image simulating a state in which an occupant sitting in the rear seat views an area extending from the front of the vehicle interior to the side of the rear seat. Aspect 5. In an aspect including the above-described Aspect 1, it is preferable that the first display unit displays two adjacent color selection units with a gap between them, and the second display unit displays the subdivided set colors continuously.

[0011] Aspect 6. In an aspect including Aspect 1 above, it is preferable that the display device further includes a fourth display unit that is arranged on a sub-screen that transitions from a main screen on which the first display unit and the second display unit are simultaneously displayed by a scroll operation by the user, and that displays a setting unit that is operated by the user and that can set information other than the selection of the setting color.

[0012] Aspect 7. In an aspect including Aspect 1 above, it is preferable that the first display unit displays a first mark indicating the color selection unit currently selected from the plurality of color selection units, and the second display unit displays a second mark indicating the set color currently selected from the subdivided set colors. In this case, it is preferable that when one color selection unit is selected by the user, the second mark indicates the set color that is the same as the color selection unit indicated by the first mark, and when one set color is selected by the user from the subdivided set colors, the first mark indicates the color selection unit that is the same as or similar to the selected set color.

[0013] According to the disclosed display device, usability can be improved in setting ambient light.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram including a display device as an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an operation screen of the display device; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a first specific example of the operation screen, showing a main screen; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a first specific example of the operation screen, showing a sub-screen; FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a second specific example of the operation screen, showing a main screen; and FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a second specific example of the operation screen, showing a sub-screen.

[0015] A display device as an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment shown below is merely an example, and is not intended to exclude various modifications or application of techniques not explicitly stated in the embodiment. Each configuration of the embodiment can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit thereof. Furthermore, it can be selected or combined as needed.

[0016] The type of vehicle to which the display device according to the embodiment is applicable is not particularly limited as long as it is equipped with ambient lighting, and the vehicle may be, for example, a gasoline-powered vehicle, an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid vehicle (HEV, Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), etc. A plug-in hybrid vehicle is a hybrid vehicle that can externally charge the battery or receive external power from the battery. A plug-in hybrid vehicle is provided with a charging port (inlet) for inserting a charging cable that supplies power from an external charging facility and an outlet (outlet) for external power supply.

[0017] 1 is a block diagram including a display device 1 according to an embodiment. The display device 1 is applied to a vehicle equipped with an ambient light device 6. The ambient light device 6 is a lighting device that illuminates the interior of the vehicle and includes a light control device 7 and an ambient light 8. The ambient light 8 is disposed, for example, on the door trim of the front or rear seats or on the lower part of the instrument panel, and is capable of lighting in various ways, such as turning on and blinking in various colors and intensities. The light control device 7 is a computer that controls the ambient light 8 based on a signal (instruction) from the display device 1, which will be described later.

[0018] The display device 1 is mounted on a vehicle and displays information related to the settings of the ambient light device 6. The display device 1 includes an operation screen 4 on which elements of the ambient light 8 (such as color, brightness, lighting pattern, and special modes) can be set. In addition to the operation screen 4, the display device 1 may also include a screen for displaying various content information, a home screen, and the like. Specific examples of content information include vehicle information, driving information, information related to driving support functions, audio information, car navigation information, alert information, and various setting information.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The output device 3 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, a projector, or the like, and displays at least an operation screen 4. Hereinafter, a display or projector screen on which information is displayed will be referred to as a display screen. The operation screen 4 is one of the display screens. The information displayed on the display screen is controlled by the electronic control device 2. The shape of the display screen (the shape of the area where information is displayed) is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a rectangular shape that is elongated in the left-right direction.

[0021] All information displayed on the output device 3 is controlled by the electronic control unit 2. The output device 3 is placed 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 cabin (in front of the driver's seat and passenger seat). An input device that accepts input operations on the content of the display screen may be provided as an auxiliary device of the output device 3. Specific examples of the input device include a touch panel device that detects touch operations on the display screen, an input device provided with a keyboard, physical buttons, or a touchpad, a gaze detection device that detects gaze, and a gesture reading device that detects gesture operations. In this embodiment, the output device 3 at least has a touch panel device that detects touch operations (tapping, sliding, etc.) on the operation screen 4.

[0022] [2. Detailed Configuration] Next, a detailed configuration of the display device 1 will be described. As shown in Fig. 2, the display device 1 includes a first display unit 10 that displays a plurality of color selection units 11 arranged horizontally, each representing a set color that can be set as the color of the ambient light 8, and a second display unit 20 that displays a set color that is further subdivided than the color selection unit 11 of the first display unit 10 and arranged horizontally. The two display units 10, 20 are arranged vertically and are used for selection by the user.

[0023] The display device 1 sets the color selected on the first display unit 10 or the second display unit 20 as the color of the ambient light 8, and outputs (instructs) the set information to the light control device 7. In this embodiment, the two display units 10, 20 are arranged vertically side by side on the operation screen 4 (i.e., the same screen) so that the second display unit 20 is located below the first display unit 10. Note that in the diagrams (FIGS. 2 to 6, which will be described later) showing the operation screen 4, the two-dot chain lines are imaginary lines used to explain the components and are not actually displayed.

[0024] The first display unit 10 is a component for roughly determining the color of the ambient light 8, and the number of set colors may be set as appropriate. FIG. 2 shows the first display unit 10 having eight rectangular color selection units 11 arranged in a single horizontal row. However, the number, shape, and arrangement of the color selection units 11 are not limited to this. For example, the color selection units 11 may be circular or elliptical, and the number of color selection units 11 may be less than seven or nine or more. Furthermore, the color selection units 11 may be arranged in two horizontal rows instead of a single horizontal row.

[0025] Each color selection unit 11 accepts a tap operation by the user. The first display unit 10 sets the color set in the color selection unit 11 selected by the tap operation as the color of the ambient light 8. Each color selection unit 11 also accepts a slide operation by the user. In the case of a slide operation, the first display unit 10 determines that the color selection unit 11 that the user touched at the moment the user's finger was released was selected, and sets the color set in this color selection unit 11 as the color of the ambient light 8.

[0026] The first display unit 10 of this embodiment displays two adjacent color selection units 11 with a gap between them. This reduces the possibility that, when a user taps a color selection unit 11, the user will accidentally tap the color selection unit 11 next to the color selection unit 11 that the user wants to select. Furthermore, the first display unit 10 of this embodiment displays a first mark 12 that indicates the currently selected color selection unit 11 among the multiple color selection units 11. In FIG. 2 , a rectangular selection frame that surrounds the currently selected color selection unit 11 is illustrated as an example of the first mark 12. Note that the configuration of the first mark 12 is not limited to this. For example, the outline of the currently selected color selection unit 11 may be highlighted in a conspicuous color, or an arrow or triangle may be added above or below the color selection unit 11.

[0027] The second display section 20 is a section for determining the set color of the ambient light 8 in more detail, and the number of set colors is at least greater than the number of color selection sections 11 of the first display section 10. The second display section 20 of this embodiment has a color bar 21 that continuously displays the subdivided set colors. That is, in the second display section 20, there is no gap between adjacent set colors, and the set colors are displayed as if they change continuously.

[0028] The color bar 21 (divided setting colors) accepts tapping by the user. The second display unit 20 sets the setting color selected by the tapping operation as the color of the ambient light 8. The color bar 21 also accepts sliding operations by the user. In the case of a sliding operation, the second display unit 20 determines that the setting color touched at the moment the user's finger is released has been selected, and sets this setting color as the color of the ambient light 8.

[0029] The arrangement (order) of the set colors in the second display unit 20 corresponds to the arrangement (order) of the color selection units 11 in the first display unit 10. For example, if the blue color selection unit 11 is located at the left end of the first display unit 10 and the green color selection unit 11 is located immediately to the right of it, then the leftmost area of ​​the color bar 21 in the second display unit 20 will be filled with colors that are sub-colors of blue (e.g., blue, ultramarine, indigo, etc.), and the rightmost area will be filled with colors that are sub-colors of green (e.g., green, yellow-green, dark green, etc.).

[0030] Furthermore, the second display unit 20 of this embodiment displays a second mark 22 that indicates the currently selected color in the color bar 21 (the subdivided color settings). In Fig. 2, an inverted triangle mark above the currently selected color setting is shown as an example of the second mark 22. Note that the configuration of the second mark 22 is not limited to this. For example, a mark that surrounds the currently selected color setting, like the first mark 12, may be provided, or the currently selected color setting may be highlighted so that it stands out.

[0031] In the display device 1, when a user selects one color selection section 11 in the first display section 10, the first mark 12 points to the color selection section 11, and the second mark 22 points to the same set color as the color selection section 11 pointed to by the first mark 12. Furthermore, when a user selects one set color from the color bar 21 (subdivided set colors) in the second display section 20, the second mark 22 points to this set color, and the first mark 12 points to the color selection section 11 that is the same color as or similar to this set color. In this way, regardless of which of the two display sections 10, 20 the user operates to select a set color, the two marks 12, 22 work together to point to the selected set color.

[0032] In the display device 1 of this embodiment, an individual number is assigned to each set color displayed on the second display unit 20. For example, the number 1 is assigned to the set color located at the far left of the color bar 21, and the number increases by 1 as the set color moves to the right. Note that the set colors displayed on the first display unit 10 are also displayed on the second display unit 20, and therefore the same numbers as those assigned to the set colors on the second display unit 20 are assigned to the set colors displayed on the first display unit 10.

[0033] The display device 1 of this embodiment also includes a number display unit 50 that displays a number corresponding to the color selected by the user. The number display unit 50 is preferably disposed adjacent to the two display units 10, 20 within the same operation screen 4. In the display device 1 of this embodiment, the second display unit 20 has a shorter horizontal dimension than the first display unit 10, and the number display unit 50 is disposed next to the second display unit 20.

[0034] 2, the right ends (the end toward the center of the operation screen 4) of the two display units 10 and 20 are aligned, whereas the left end of the second display unit 20 is located to the right of the left end of the first display unit 10. The number display unit 50 is located in the empty area below the first display unit 10 and to the left of the second display unit 20. As a result, the three display units 10, 20, and 50, which have the same function of "indicating the currently selected setting color," are located close to each other, making them easier for the user (passenger) to see and improving the appearance.

[0035] The display device 1 also includes a third display unit 30 that displays a vehicle interior image 31 that simulates the state of the vehicle interior with the ambient light 8 installed. The third display unit 30 is located on the same operation screen 4 as the first display unit 10 and the second display unit 20 (and in this embodiment, the number display unit 50). The third display unit 30 changes the color of the ambient light 32 (hereinafter referred to as the "image light 32") in the vehicle interior image 31 to match the color selected and set by the user. The vehicle interior image 31 and the image light 32 have a preview function. That is, the image light 32 changes to match the selected color, allowing the user to check on the vehicle interior image 31 how the vehicle interior will change.

[0036] When a set color is selected by a tap operation by the user, the image light 32 changes color immediately (at the time of selection). On the other hand, when a set color is selected by a slide operation by the user, the image light 32 may not change color during the slide (while the finger is moving), but may change color when the slide stops (when the finger stops) or when the slide operation is completed (when the finger is released). This prevents a situation in which the image light 32 cannot keep up with the fast movement of the user's finger.

[0037] The color of the actual ambient light 8 may change in the same way as or different from the way the color of the image light 32 changes. For example, when a set color is selected by a tap operation by the user, the color of the actual ambient light 8 may also change immediately (at the time of selection). When a set color is selected by a slide operation by the user, the color of the actual ambient light 8 may not change until the slide operation is completed, and may change upon completion. In this way, the timing may be changed depending on the operation so that the color of the actual ambient light 8 and the color of the image light 32 change at the same time in the case of a tap operation, and the colors change at different times in the case of a slide operation.

[0038] 3 and 4 show a first specific example of the operation screen 4, and FIGS. 5 and 6 show a second specific example of the operation screen 4. Below, these specific examples will be used to describe in detail the main screens 4A, 4A' and sub-screens 4B, 4B' of the operation screen 4. The main screens 4A, 4A' are screens mainly for setting the color of the ambient light 8, and at least the first display section 10 and second display section 20 are simultaneously displayed. Note that the patterns of the color selection section 11 and color bar 21 are omitted from these specific examples.

[0039] On the other hand, the sub-screens 4B and 4B' are screens for setting elements other than the color of the ambient light 8, and are transitioned to from the main screens 4A and 4A' by a user operation. The sub-screen 4B in Fig. 4 is switched from the main screen 4A in Fig. 3 by a tap operation by the user, and the sub-screen 4B' in Fig. 6 is transitioned from the main screen 4A' in Fig. 5 by a scroll operation by the user. The first and second specific examples differ in the operation for switching to the sub-screens 4B and 4B', but are otherwise substantially similar in configuration.

[0040] First, the operation screen 4 of the first specific example will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, the main screen 4A has the first display section 10, the second display section 20, the third display section 30, and the number display section 50. The first display section 10 of the first specific example has 12 color selection sections 11 arranged in a horizontal row.

[0041] Additionally, the second display unit 20 has, below the color bar 21, a bar 23 having a horizontal dimension equal to that of the color bar 21, and an operation unit 24 that moves along the bar 23. The operation unit 24 is a portion that accepts a slide operation by the user. When the operation unit 24 is slid, the second display unit 20 determines that the setting color located directly above the operation unit 24 at the moment the user's finger is released has been selected, and sets this setting color as the color of the ambient light 8. The operation unit 24 also moves in conjunction with the second mark 22 and has the function of indicating the selected setting color.

[0042] Furthermore, a plus button 25 is located at the lower right of the bar 23, and a minus button 26 is located at the lower left of the bar 23. These buttons 25, 26 accept tap operations. When the plus button 25 is tapped once, the number of the subdivided setting color is incremented by one, and the incremented setting color is selected. Conversely, when the minus button 26 is tapped once, the number of the subdivided setting color is decremented by one, and the decremented setting color is selected. In this way, in the second display unit 20 of the first specific example, a setting color can be selected by four operations: tapping the color bar 21, sliding the color bar 21, sliding the operation unit 24, and tapping the plus button 25 and the minus button 26.

[0043] The vehicle interior image 31 displayed on the third display unit 30 includes at least the ambient lights 8 provided around the front and rear seats of the vehicle, and is an image simulating a state in which a passenger sitting in the rear seat looks from the front of the vehicle interior to the side of the rear seat. Figure 3 shows an example of the vehicle interior image 31 simulating a state in which a passenger sitting in the right rear seat looks from the vicinity of the dashboard of the left front passenger seat to the vicinity of the door trim of the left rear seat.

[0044] 3, a light on / off button 60, a color button 61, an option button 62, a return button 63, an operation screen switching button 64, a setting button 65, a title display area 66, and a launcher display area 67 are also arranged.

[0045] The light on / off button 60 is a button for turning the ambient light device 6 on and off, and accepts a tap operation. When the ambient light device 6 is in the on state, the light on / off button 60 displays "light off," as shown in FIG. 3 . When this "light off" light on / off button 60 is tapped, the ambient light device 6 is switched to the off state. Conversely, when the ambient light device 6 is in the off state, the light on / off button 60 displays "light on." When this "light on" light on / off button 60 is tapped, the ambient light device 6 is switched to the on state.

[0046] The color button 61 and option button 62 are buttons for switching between the main screen 4A and the sub-screen 4B, and also have the function of displaying the currently selected screen 4A, 4B. When the main screen 4A is selected, the color button 61 is lit and the option button 62 is unlit. In this state, only the option button 62 accepts a tap operation. When the option button 62 is tapped, the operation screen 4 switches to the sub-screen 4B shown in FIG. 4, the option button 62 is lit, and the color button 61 is unlit. In this state, only the color button 61 accepts a tap operation. The return button 63 is a button for returning the currently displayed operation screen 4 (main screen 4A in FIG. 3) to the previous screen, and accepts a tap operation.

[0047] The operation screen switching button 64 is a button for switching the operation screen 4 on which the elements of the ambient light 8 can be set for each vehicle state, and also has the function of displaying the vehicle state currently being set. Here, four vehicle states are exemplified: driving state, welcome state, door open state, and incoming call state.

[0048] The driving state is a state in which the vehicle is in an activated state ready to run (ignition on or power on state) and all doors are closed, and corresponds to this state before starting to run or while running. The welcome state is a state in which the vehicle is not in an activated state ready to run (ignition off or power off state) and all doors are closed, and corresponds to this state when a user gets in or out of the vehicle. The door open state is a state in which any door is open, and includes a door ajar state. The incoming call state is a state in which a user terminal (such as a smartphone or mobile phone) communicating with an on-board control device (for example, the light control device 7) receives an incoming call or message.

[0049] In the display device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to set elements of the ambient light 8 in each of these four states. That is, an operation screen 4 (main screen 4A and sub-screen 4B) is provided for each of the four states. The elements of the ambient light 8 set in each state are realized when the vehicle enters that state. For example, when the vehicle is in a start-up state (ignition on or power on) in which it can be driven and all doors are closed (i.e., in a driving state), the elements set on the driving operation screen 4 are realized.

[0050] The operation screen switching button 64 displays letters indicating these four states, and the portions indicating each letter are tappable. For example, when the driving state is selected (while the user is setting the ambient light 8 elements that the user wants to realize when the vehicle is in the driving state), the word "driving" is highlighted more than the other letters, as shown in FIG. 3 . In this state, tapping another letter (e.g., "welcome") switches the screen to the welcome state operation screen 4 (main screen 4A).

[0051] The setting button 65 is a button for displaying a setting screen (one of the display screens, not shown) for setting various information, and accepts a tap operation. The setting screen is provided with at least a reset button for resetting the settings of the ambient light 8 element. The title display area 66 is an area showing the title of the operation screen 4 (here, "ambient light"). The launcher display area 67 is an area where a launcher for launching an application is displayed. Note that the title display area 66 and the launcher display area 67 may also be provided when a screen other than the operation screen 4 (such as a screen displaying content information or a setting screen) is displayed.

[0052] 4, the sub-screen 4B is provided with a fourth display section 40 that displays setting sections that are operated by the user and allow setting of information other than the selection of the set color. In this specific example, the setting sections include an on / off setting section 41, a color rotation mode setting section 42, a brightness setting section 43, a relax mode setting section 44, and a quick mode setting section 45. The four setting sections 41, 42, 44, and 45, excluding the brightness setting section 43, are provided as slide-type on / off switches, but may also be tap-type buttons.

[0053] In addition, the first display section 10, the second display section 20, and the number display section 50 provided on the main screen 4A are not displayed on the sub-screen 4B, and instead (in the area where they were displayed) the fourth display section 40 is displayed. The other components (the third display section 30, the color button 61, the option button 62, etc.) are displayed as they are on the sub-screen 4B.

[0054] The on / off setting unit 41 is used to set whether the ambient light 8 is turned on or off when the vehicle is in a driving state. When the on / off setting unit 41 is set to off, the ambient light 8 does not light up even when the vehicle is in a driving state, and the other setting units 42 to 45 are also inoperable. It is preferable that an on / off setting unit 41 is provided for each vehicle state. That is, it is preferable that an on / off setting unit for a welcome state, an on / off setting unit for a door open state, and an on / off setting unit for an incoming call state (all not shown) are provided on the operation screen 4 (4B) for each state. In this case, since on / off setting is possible for each state, the user can select situations in which they want the ambient light 8 to be turned on and situations in which they do not want it to be turned on, thereby improving usability.

[0055] The color rotation mode setting unit 42 is used to set the color rotation mode on or off. The color rotation mode is a mode in which the ambient light 8 automatically changes between multiple predetermined colors instead of a color selected by the user. When the color rotation mode setting unit 42 is set to on, the color of the ambient light 8 automatically changes.

[0056] The brightness setting unit 43 is used to set the brightness of the ambient light 8. The brightness setting unit 43 has an operation unit that moves along a long horizontal bar, and a plus button and a minus button. The operation unit accepts a slide operation, and the plus button and minus button accept a tap operation. When the user slides the operation unit or taps the plus button or minus button, the brightness setting unit 43 sets the brightness according to the operation. It is preferable that the brightness setting unit 43 indicates the currently set brightness numerically.

[0057] The relaxation mode setting unit 44 is used to set the relaxation mode on or off. The relaxation mode is a mode in which the ambient light 8 blinks (repeatedly brightens and darkens in a gentle cycle) when a predetermined condition is met. When the relaxation mode setting unit 44 is set to on, the ambient light 8 starts blinking when the predetermined condition is met.

[0058] The quick mode setting unit 45 can be operated only when the relax mode setting unit 44 is on, and relaxes the time-related requirements among the predetermined conditions in the relax mode. When the relax mode setting unit 44 is on and the quick mode setting unit 45 is also set on, the ambient light 8 starts blinking earlier than when the quick mode setting unit 45 is off. When the relax mode setting unit 44 is off, the quick mode setting unit 45 may be displayed in gray.

[0059] Next, a second specific example will be described. The same elements as those in the first specific example are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. The operation screen 4 of the second specific example does not have the color button 61 and option button 62 described in the first specific example. Instead, a scroll bar 68 is provided for transitioning between the main screen 4A' and the sub-screen 4B'. The scroll bar 68 is used to transition the content displayed on the screen up and down. The scroll bar 68 can be used to switch between the first display section 10, second display section 20, and number display section 50 arranged on the main screen 4A' and the fourth display section 40 arranged on the sub-screen 4B'.

[0060] In the main screen 4A' shown in Fig. 5, the on / off setting section 41 is located above the first display section 10. This allows the ambient light 8 to be switched on and off while driving without switching to the sub-screen 4B'. The fourth display section 40 of the sub-screen 4B' shown in Fig. 6 is configured in the same manner as the sub-screen 4B of Fig. 4, except that it does not have the on / off setting section 41. Depending on the vertical dimension of the operation screen 4, a part of the main screen 4A' (e.g., the second display section 20) may be displayed above the sub-screen 4B'.

[0061] As described above, the operation screen 4 (main screen 4A, 4A' and sub-screen 4B, 4B') is provided for each vehicle state. The main screen 4A, 4A' for each state has the same configuration (common) as that shown in FIG. 3 or 5. On the other hand, the sub-screens 4B, 4B' for each state do not need to have the same configuration. For example, the color rotation mode setting unit 42, the relaxation mode setting unit 44, and the quick mode setting unit 45 may be provided only on the sub-screens 4B, 4B' in the driving state. Furthermore, only the sub-screens 4B, 4B' in the incoming call state may be provided with a message reception setting unit (not shown) for setting the ambient light 8 to light up when a message arrives at the user terminal.

[0062] [4. Effects] (1) The display device 1 of this embodiment is capable of setting elements of the ambient light 8 and includes a first display unit 10 and a second display unit 20 that are selectable and operated by the user. The first display unit 10 displays a plurality of color selection units 11 arranged horizontally, which represent set colors that can be set as the color of the ambient light 8. The second display unit 20 is arranged vertically alongside the first display unit 10, and displays set colors that are further subdivided than the plurality of color selection units 11 and arranged horizontally. With this configuration, the user (occupant) can select and set a general color using the color selection unit 11 of the first display unit 10, and can select and set a specific color using the second display unit 20. This improves usability when setting the ambient light 8.

[0063] (2) In addition, in the display device 1 of this embodiment, each set color displayed on the second display unit 20 is assigned an individual number. Furthermore, the second display unit 20 has a shorter horizontal dimension than the first display unit 10, and a number display unit 50, which displays the number corresponding to the set color selected by the user, is located to the side of the second display unit 20. By displaying the subdivided set color numbers in this manner, the user can clearly understand which color they selected and easily reproduce the same color when setting it on another occasion. Furthermore, because the horizontal dimension of the second display unit 20 is shorter than the horizontal dimension of the first display unit 10, the layout can be easily viewed even when the number display unit 50 is located in the horizontal area of ​​the second display unit 20. Furthermore, the number display unit 50 is located to the side of the second display unit 20 for easy viewing, further improving usability.

[0064] (3) In the display device 1 of this embodiment, the third display unit 30, which displays a vehicle interior image 31 that simulates the state of the vehicle interior with the ambient light 8 installed, is arranged on the same operation screen 4 as the first display unit 10 and the second display unit 20. The third display unit 30 changes the color of the ambient light 32 (image light 32) in the vehicle interior image 31 to match the set color selected and operated by the user. This allows the user to check how the selected color will be reflected in the vehicle interior on the vehicle interior image 31 on the third display unit 30, thereby enabling the user's preferences to be realized more quickly and accurately, and further improving usability.

[0065] (4) As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the vehicle interior image 31 may be an image that simulates the view of a passenger seated in the rear seat of a vehicle looking from the front of the vehicle interior to the sides of the rear seat. In this case, by viewing the vehicle interior image 31, the user can understand how the influence of color is reflected not only in the ambient light 8 but also in surrounding structures, thereby improving usability. In addition, since the sides of the rear seat are included, the user can also confirm how the ambient light 8 (image light 32) provided in the rear seat changes.

[0066] (5) In the display device 1 of this embodiment, the first display unit 10 displays two adjacent color selection units 11 with a gap between them, whereas the second display unit 20 displays the subdivided set colors continuously. That is, the color selection units 11 for selecting a rough color are displayed with a gap between them, which prevents erroneous operation. On the other hand, the colors in the second display unit 20 for selecting a finer color are displayed continuously, which makes it easy to fine-tune the set color. Therefore, usability can be further improved when setting the ambient light 8.

[0067] (6) As in the two specific examples above, if the operation screen 4 can be transitioned (switched) between the main screen 4A, 4A' and the sub-screen 4B, 4B' having the fourth display unit 40, when the main screen 4A, 4A' is displayed, the setting color with the widest range of options can be selected. Furthermore, if one wishes to set information other than the setting color of the ambient light 8 (for example, brightness, lighting, flashing, etc.), the sub-screen 4B, 4B' can be displayed. This makes it possible to set various elements of the ambient light 8 while avoiding an excessive amount of information on a single screen.

[0068] In particular, if the configuration is such that the main screen 4A and the sub-screen 4B are switched using the color button 61 and the option button 62, as in the first specific example, operability can be improved, and usability can be enhanced. If the configuration is such that the main screen 4A' and the sub-screen 4B' can be transitioned by the user's scrolling operation, as in the second specific example, the area occupied by the scroll bar 68 required for screen transition operations can be reduced, and other information can be arranged large and easy to see, thereby enhancing usability.

[0069] (7) In the display device 1 of this embodiment, the first display unit 10 displays a first mark 12 indicating a selected color selection unit 11 among the multiple color selection units 11, and the second display unit 20 displays a second mark 22 indicating a selected color among the subdivided color settings. When a user selects one color selection unit 11, the second mark 22 indicates the same color as the color selection unit 11 indicated by the first mark 12. When a user selects one color from the subdivided color settings, the first mark 12 indicates a color selection unit 11 that is the same as or similar to the selected color. With this configuration, regardless of whether the user selects a color on the first display unit 10 or the second display unit 20, the first mark 12 and the second mark 22 work together to indicate the selected color, thereby improving operability and visibility for the user and improving usability.

[0070] [5. Other] The display device 1 described above is an example and is not limited to the above. For example, the first mark 12 and the second mark 22 may not be linked, and only the mark 12, 22 of the first display unit 10 or the second display unit 20 that is operated may be displayed. Furthermore, multiple color selection units 11 may be displayed without gaps, and the subdivided set colors may not all be displayed continuously, but may be partially partitioned, for example.

[0071] The vehicle interior image 31 displayed on the third display unit 30 is not limited to those shown in Figures 3 to 6. The types of setting sections displayed on the fourth display unit 40 are also not limited to those described above. The third display unit 30, the fourth display unit 40, and the number display unit 50 are not essential and may be omitted. If the number display unit 50 is omitted, there is no need to assign individual numbers to the setting colors, and the horizontal dimension of the second display unit 20 may be the same as the horizontal dimension of the first display unit 10.

[0072] In the above-described display device 1, an example has been given in which an operation screen 4 is provided for each vehicle state, but only one operation screen 4 may be provided regardless of the vehicle state. Furthermore, the operation screen 4 does not have to include the main screens 4A and 4A' and the sub-screens 4B and 4B'. Conversely, the operation screen 4 may include a plurality of sub-screens in addition to the main screen.

[0073] 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.

[0074] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Display device 4 Operation screen (screen) 4A, 4A' Main screen 4B, 4B' Sub-screen 8 Ambient light 10 First display section 11 Color selection section 12 First mark 20 Second display section 21 Color bar 22 Second mark 30 Third display section 31 Vehicle interior image 32 Ambient light, image light for vehicle interior image 40 Fourth display section 41 On / off setting section (setting section) 42 Color rotation mode setting section (setting section) 43 Brightness setting section (setting section) 44 Relax mode setting section (setting section) 45 Quick mode setting section (setting section) 50 Number display section

Claims

1. A display device capable of setting elements of an ambient light provided in a vehicle, comprising: a first display unit that displays, horizontally, a plurality of color selection units that are selectable by a user and represent set colors that can be set as the color of the ambient light; and a second display unit that is arranged vertically alongside the first display unit, that is selectable by the user and displays, horizontally, a further breakdown of the set colors than the plurality of color selection units.

2. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the set colors displayed on the second display unit is assigned an individual number, the second display unit has a shorter horizontal dimension than the first display unit, and the display device is provided with a number display unit arranged next to the second display unit and displaying the number corresponding to the set color selected by the user.

3. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a third display unit arranged on the same screen as the first display unit and the second display unit, for displaying an image of the interior of the vehicle simulating the state of the interior of the vehicle in which the ambient light is installed, wherein the third display unit changes the color of the ambient light in the image of the interior of the vehicle to match the set color selected and operated by the user.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the vehicle interior image includes at least the ambient lights provided around the front and rear seats of the vehicle, and is an image that simulates the state in which a passenger seated in the rear seat views the area from the front of the vehicle interior to the side of the rear seat.

5. A display device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first display section displays two adjacent color selection sections with a gap between them, and the second display section displays the subdivided set colors continuously.

6. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a fourth display unit that is arranged on a sub-screen that transitions from a main screen on which the first display unit and the second display unit are simultaneously displayed by a scroll operation by the user, and that displays a setting unit that is operated by the user and that can set information other than the selection of the setting color.

7. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: the first display unit displays a first mark indicating the color selection unit currently selected from among the plurality of color selection units; the second display unit displays a second mark indicating the setting color currently selected from the subdivided setting colors; when one color selection unit is selected by the user, the second mark indicates the setting color that is the same as the color selection unit indicated by the first mark; and when one setting color is selected by the user from the subdivided setting colors, the first mark indicates the color selection unit that is the same as or similar to the selected setting color.