Seat belt fastening state display device

Abstract

A control unit according to the present invention displays a first icon, a second icon, and a third icon corresponding to a prescribed seat in different display modes that respectively correspond to (i) a fastening detected state in which a seat belt fastening detection unit has detected fastening of a seat belt provided to the prescribed seat and (ii) a fastening undetected state in which the seat belt fastening detection unit has not detected fastening of the seat belt provided to the prescribed seat.

Description

Seat belt fastening status display device

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat belt fastening status display device.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a seat belt fastening status display device that allows a driver to visually check at a glance from the driver's seat whether an occupant is seated and whether the seat belt is fastened. In this device, a vehicle image that resembles a vehicle is displayed on a display unit as information indicating the seat belt status, and seat belt status images corresponding to a first state, a second state, and a third state are displayed at locations corresponding to the seat positions on the vehicle image.

[0003] The first state is a state in which the seating detection unit does not detect a seated person, the second state is a state in which the seating detection unit detects a seated person and the wearing detection unit does not detect a seat belt being worn, and the third state is a state in which the seating detection unit detects a seated person and the wearing detection unit detects a seat belt being worn.

[0004] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-66983

[0005] In Patent Document 1, as described above, the seat belt status image is displayed at a location corresponding to the seat position in the vehicle image. Therefore, as the number of seats in a vehicle increases, for example, in a passenger car with three rows of seats, the number of seat belt status images corresponding to the seats also increases, and it may be difficult to tell at a glance which seat's seat belt fastening status is being displayed.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a seat belt fastening status display device that makes it easy to determine the fastening status of the seat belts on each seat.

[0007] The present invention comprises the following configuration: A seat belt fastening status display device comprising: a seat belt fastening detection unit that detects whether a seat belt provided on a vehicle seat is fastened; a display unit that displays a first icon indicating the seat, a second icon indicating the row in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in which the seat is located, and a third icon indicating the position in the width direction of the vehicle in which the seat is located; and a control unit that controls the content to be displayed on the display unit based on detection information from the seat belt fastening detection unit, wherein the control unit displays the first icon, the second icon, and the third icon corresponding to the predetermined seat in different display modes corresponding to (i) a fastening detection state in which the seat belt fastening detection unit has detected that a seat belt provided on a predetermined seat is fastened, and (ii) a fastening non-detection state in which the seat belt fastening detection unit has not detected that a seat belt provided on the predetermined seat is fastened.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a seat belt fastening status display device that makes it easy to determine the fastening status of the seat belts of each seat.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a view of the periphery of a seat belt fastening status display device according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the inside of a vehicle cabin facing forward. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the seat belt fastening status display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the process performed by the MPU to display and extinguish each icon on the display unit when an ignition switch is turned on, and the operation of the display unit. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the display unit when it is determined that the seat belt of the left seat in the second row is not fastened. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the display unit when it is determined that the seat belts of the left seat in the second row and the left seat in the third row are not fastened. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the display unit when all icons are extinguished. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the process performed by the MPU to display and extinguish each icon on the display unit when a fastened seat belt is unfastened, and the operation of the display unit. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the display unit when all icons are extinguished in a modified version of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the display unit when it is determined that the seat belts of the left seat in the second row and the left seat in the third row are not fastened in a modified version of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the display unit in the second embodiment when it is determined that occupants are seated in the left and center seats in the second row and that the seat belts in the left seat in the second row are not fastened. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the display unit in the second embodiment when occupants are seated in the left and center seats in the second row and the left and right seats in the third row and that the seat belts in the left seat in the second row and the left seat in the third row are not fastened. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the seat belt fastening status display device in the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the MPU to display and extinguish each icon on the display unit when the ignition switch is turned on, and the operation of the display unit. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the MPU to display and extinguish each icon on the display unit when a fastened seat belt is unfastened, and the operation of the display unit.

[0010] (First embodiment) A seat belt fastening status display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a view of the periphery of the seat belt fastening status display device according to the first embodiment, viewed from the inside of the vehicle cabin looking forward. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the seat belt fastening status display device according to the first embodiment.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, the seat belt fastening status display device 1 is a device for detecting when a seat belt is not fastened in a vehicle and displaying a warning to encourage occupants to fasten their seat belts. The vehicle in this embodiment is a three-row seat vehicle with a driver's seat and a passenger seat in the first row, a three-seater seat in the second row, and a two-seater seat in the third row, each of which is provided with seat belts for a total of seven people. The number of seats and the number of rows in the vehicle are not particularly limited, and the seat belt fastening status display device 1 can be applied to any type of vehicle.

[0012] The seat belt fastening status display device 1 of this embodiment detects the fastening status of seat belts in the second and third row seats and displays a warning. Note that the seat belt fastening status display device 1 may detect the fastening status of seat belts in the first and second row seats and display a warning, may detect the fastening status of seat belts in the first and third row seats and display a warning, or may detect the fastening status of seat belts in all the first, second, and third row seats and display a warning.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2 , the seat belt fastening status display device 1 includes a buckle switch 10 as a seat belt fastening detection unit that detects whether or not a seat belt provided on a seat of a vehicle is fastened, a display unit 20 that displays the fastening status of the seat belt of each seat, and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 30 as a control unit that controls the content displayed on the display unit 20 based on the detection information of the buckle switch 10.

[0014] The buckle switches 10 are built into the seat belt buckles of all seven seats in the vehicle: the driver's seat and passenger seat in the first row, the left seat, center seat and right seat in the second row, and the left seat and right seat in the third row. Note that, since the seat belt fastening status display device 1 of this embodiment does not display the fastening status of the seat belts of the driver's seat and passenger seat in the first row, the detection information by the buckle switches 10 provided in the driver's seat and passenger seat in the first row does not need to be input to the MPU 30.

[0015] The buckle switches 10 are turned on when a tongue plate attached to the tip of the seat belt is inserted into the buckle, and turned off when the tongue plate is pulled out of the buckle. These buckle switches 10 are electrically connected to an input port of the MPU 30 via an interface 11, and the MPU 30 determines whether or not each seat belt is fastened based on a signal from the interface 11.

[0016] In this embodiment, a seat occupancy sensor (seat occupancy detection unit) for detecting whether an occupant is seated is not provided, which reduces costs. However, as will be described in a later embodiment, the seat belt fastening state display device 1 may also include a seat occupancy sensor.

[0017] The MPU 30 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, an input port, and an output port. The ROM 32 stores control programs for causing the CPU 31 to perform various processing operations. The RAM 33 has a data area used to store various data and a work area used for various processing operations.

[0018] Further, the input ports of the MPU 30 receive information from an interface 11 to which each buckle switch 10 is connected, an interface 41 to which a speed sensor 40 is connected, and an interface 51 to which an ignition switch 50 is connected.

[0019] The interface 11 receives a signal from the buckle switch 10, which detects whether a seat belt is fastened, and outputs the signal to the MPU 30. The MPU 30 determines whether each seat belt is fastened based on the signal input from the interface 11. That is, the MPU 30 determines whether the buckle switch 10 is in a fastening detection state in which it has detected that a seat belt provided for a specific seat is fastened, or in a fastening non-detection state in which it has not detected that a seat belt provided for a specific seat is fastened.

[0020] The interface 41 receives a vehicle speed pulse signal output from a speed sensor 40 mounted on the vehicle, and outputs to the MPU 30 traveling speed information indicating the value of the current traveling speed of the vehicle.

[0021] The interface 51 outputs a signal indicating the state of the vehicle-side ignition switch 50 to the MPU 30. Based on the signal input from the interface 51, the MPU 30 determines whether the ignition is on or off.

[0022] The display unit 20 is connected to the output port of the MPU 30, and the MPU 30 outputs a control signal to the display unit 20 to control the content to be displayed based on information from the buckle switch 10, the speed sensor 40, and the ignition switch 50.

[0023] 1, the display unit 20 is provided inside the vehicle cabin between the rearview mirror 3 and the roof 5. The rearview mirror 3 is usually located in the upper part of the vehicle cabin, in the center in the vehicle width direction between the driver's seat and the passenger seat. The rearview mirror 3 has a generally rectangular shape whose width dimension is longer than its vertical dimension.

[0024] Between the rearview mirror 3 and the roof 5, there is a substantially rectangular space S whose width dimension is longer than its vertical dimension. The display unit 20 is disposed within this space S, and so the display unit 20 has a shape whose width dimension is longer than its vertical dimension to fit the shape of this space S. More specifically, the display unit 20 has a trapezoidal shape that is longer in the width direction than in the vertical direction, and its upper side is longer than its lower side. The location where the display unit 20 is provided is not particularly limited, and it may be provided on the instrument panel in front of the driver's seat.

[0025] The display unit 20 includes a display board 24 on which are provided a plurality of first icons 21a to 21e, second icons 22a to 22b, and third icons 23a to 23e, which are displays for notifying the fastening status of the seat belts of the respective seats. It can also be said that the shape of the display board 24 is the shape of the display unit 20. The display unit 20 also includes an illumination unit (not shown) provided on the rear side of the display board 24. The illumination unit illuminates each of the icons 21a to 21e, 22a to 22b, and 23a to 23e by emitting light thereto. The illumination unit is, for example, a red or green LED illumination.

[0026] The display board 24 is composed of, for example, a base material made of a colorless and transparent material in the shape of a plate, a light-shielding layer provided on the surface of the base material facing the passenger compartment, a smoke-printed layer made of a dark, transparent material provided on the surface of the light-shielding layer, and a frame printed on the surface of the smoke-printed layer. The light-shielding layer and the light-transmitting areas where the light-shielding layer is not provided form each of the icons 21a to 21e, 22a to 22b, and 23a to 23e.

[0027] The configuration of the display unit 20 is not particularly limited as long as it can display the first icons 21a to 21e, the second icons 22a to 22b, and the third icons 23a to 23e. For example, the display unit 20 may be a liquid crystal display, and the icons 21a to 21e, 22a to 22b, and 23a to 23e may be graphically displayed on the liquid crystal display.

[0028] When a vehicle has two or more rows of seats in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, where n is a natural number, the first icon, the second icon, and the third icon corresponding to the plurality of seats in the nth row are referred to as a first icon group, and the first icon, the second icon, and the third icon corresponding to the plurality of seats in the n+1th row are referred to as a second icon group. In this embodiment, when the vehicle has three rows of seats, the first icons 21a to 21c, the second icon 22a, and the third icons 23a to 23c corresponding to the plurality of seats in the second row are referred to as a first icon group 25, and the first icons 21d to 21e, the second icon 22b, and the third icons 23d to 23e corresponding to the plurality of seats in the third row are referred to as a second icon group 26.

[0029] The first icons 21a to 21c, the second icon 22a, and the third icons 23a to 23c that make up the first icon group 25 are arranged together on the left side of the vehicle width direction (left side in Figure 1), and the first icons 21d to 21e, the second icon 22b, and the third icons 23d to 23e that make up the second icon group 26 are arranged together on the right side of the vehicle width direction (right side in Figure 1).

[0030] The first icon group 25 and the second icon group 26 are arranged adjacent to each other in the vehicle width direction. In order to enable the occupant to intuitively understand the relationship between the seats and each icon, it is preferable that the first icon group 25 relating to the second row seats in the front of the vehicle be arranged to the left in the vehicle width direction of the second icon group 26 relating to the third row seats in the rear of the vehicle.

[0031] The first icons 21a to 21e, the second icons 22a to 22b, and the third icons 23a to 23e are arranged in different positions from one another. Therefore, the icons are not arranged so as to overlap one another, and one icon is not arranged inside another icon. Therefore, each icon is easy to distinguish.

[0032] The first icons 21a to 21e are icons representing seats, and more specifically, icons representing passengers sitting in seats and seat belts.

[0033] The first icons 21a to 21e are arranged in a line in the vehicle width direction to correspond to the seat arrangements in the vehicle. That is, the first icons 21a to 21c in the first icon group 25 correspond to the left seat, center seat, and right seat in the second row of seats, respectively. The two first icons 21d to 21e in the second icon group 26 correspond to the left seat and right seat in the third row of seats, respectively.

[0034] All of these first icons 21a to 21e are arranged in the same position in the vertical direction of the vehicle and are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, which allows for efficient arrangement on the display unit 20 which is long in the vehicle width direction.

[0035] The second icons 22a to 22b are icons indicating the rows in which the seats are arranged in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. The second icon 22a in the first icon group 25 is a character string that reads "2nd ROW." The second icon 22a in the first icon group 25 is arranged on one side in the vehicle width direction of the first icons 21a to 21c and the third icons 23a to 23c in the first icon group 25, and in the illustrated example, is arranged on the left in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, it can be easily determined that the first icons 21a to 21c and the third icons 23a to 23c correspond to seats in the second row.

[0036] The second icon 22b of the second icon group 26 is a character string that reads "3rd ROW." The second icon 22b of the second icon group 26 is arranged on one side of the first icons 21d to 21e and the third icons 23d to 23e of the second icon group 26 in the vehicle width direction, and in the illustrated example, is arranged on the left side in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, it can be easily determined that the first icons 21d to 21e and the third icons 23d to 23e correspond to the seats in the third row.

[0037] All of these second icons 22a to 22b are arranged in the same position in the vertical direction of the vehicle and are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, which allows for efficient arrangement on the display unit 20 which is long in the vehicle width direction.

[0038] The third icons 23a to 23e are icons that indicate the positions in the vehicle width direction where the seats are arranged. The third icons 23a to 23c in the first icon group 25 are, in order from the left icon in the vehicle width direction, icons that resemble an upward left arrow, an upward arrow, and an upward right arrow, respectively. The third icon 23a that resembles an upward left arrow corresponds to the left seat in the second row, the third icon 23b that resembles an upward arrow corresponds to the center seat in the second row, and the third icon 23c that resembles an upward right arrow corresponds to the right seat in the second row.

[0039] The third icons 23d to 23e in the second icon group 26 are, in order from the left icon in the vehicle width direction, icons that resemble an upward left arrow and an upward right arrow, respectively. The third icon 23d that resembles an upward left arrow corresponds to the left seat in the third row, and the third icon 23e that resembles an upward right arrow corresponds to the right seat in the third row.

[0040] In this way, since the third icons 23a to 23e are icons that resemble arrows, it is easy to intuitively understand which seat each icon corresponds to.

[0041] The third icons 23a to 23e are arranged directly below the first icons 21a to 21e, respectively. As a result, the third icons 23a to 23e are arranged in multiple rows in the vehicle width direction to correspond to the seat arrangement. The third icons 23a to 23e and the first icons 21a to 21e that are adjacent in the vertical direction of the vehicle correspond to the same seat. For example, the third icon 23a and the first icon 21a that are adjacent in the vertical direction of the vehicle correspond to the same seat, the left seat in the second row. In this way, it is easy to determine which seats the first icons 21a to 21e and the third icons 23a to 23e correspond to.

[0042] All of these third icons 23a to 23e are arranged in the same position in the vertical direction of the vehicle and are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, which allows for efficient arrangement on the display unit 20 which is long in the vehicle width direction.

[0043] The MPU 30 displays first icons 21a to 21e, second icons 22a to 22b, and third icons 23a to 23E corresponding to the specified seats in different display modes, respectively corresponding to (i) a fastening detection state in which the buckle switch 10 detects that the seat belt provided in the specified seat is fastened, and (ii) a fastening non-detection state in which the buckle switch 10 does not detect that the seat belt provided in the specified seat is fastened.

[0044] FIG. 1 shows the display mode of each icon when it is determined that the center seat and right seat in the second row and the right seat in the third row are in an installation detection state, and when it is determined that the left seat in the second row and the left seat in the third row are in an installation non-detection state.

[0045] In the example of Fig. 1, the first icons 21a, 21d and the third icons 23a, 23d corresponding to the left seats in the second row and the left seats in the third row, where the seat belts are not fastened, are illuminated in red. Also, to warn that the seat belts of the second and third row seats are not fastened, the characters "2nd ROW" and "3rd ROW" of the second icons 22a, 22b are illuminated in red. The display mode of the icons illuminating in red, which indicates a seat belt non-fastening detection state, can be said to be the first display mode.

[0046] Furthermore, the first icons 21b, 21c, and 21e and the third icons 23b, 23c, and 23e corresponding to the center and right seats in the second row and the right seat in the third row, where the seat belts are fastened, are turned off. The display mode of the turned-off icons, which indicate a fastening detection state, can be said to be a second display mode that is different from the first display mode.

[0047] 1, the icon is lit in red in the first display mode and is turned off in the second display mode, but the display mode may be changed as appropriate. For example, the icon may be flashing in red in the first display mode and lit in gray in the second display mode.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the process performed by the MPU 30 to display and turn off each icon on the display unit 20 when the ignition switch is turned on, and the operation of the display unit 20.

[0049] 3, first, in step S1, the MPU 30 determines whether the ignition switch 50 is ON, and if it is determined that the ignition switch 50 is ON, the process proceeds to step S2. If it is determined that the ignition switch 50 is OFF, the process shown in FIG. 3 is not started.

[0050] In step S2, the MPU 30 determines whether or not there are any seats in which the seat belt is not fastened based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. If it is determined that there are any seats in which the seat belt is not fastened (Yes in step S2), the process proceeds to step S3. If it is determined that there are no seats in which the seat belt is not fastened (No in step S2), the process proceeds to step S7, where the process ends.

[0051] In step S3, the MPU 30 determines which row the seat in which the seat belt is not fastened is in based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. If it is determined that there is an unfastened seat in the second row and there is no unfastened seat in the third row, the process proceeds to step S4; if it is determined that there is an unfastened seat in the third row and there is no unfastened seat in the second row, the process proceeds to step S5; and if it is determined that there is an unfastened seat in both the second and third rows, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0052] In step S4, the MPU 30 displays each icon based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. Since step S4 is the case where it is determined that the seat belt of any seat in the second row is not fastened, the first icons 21a to 21c and the third icons 23a to 23c of the first icon group 25 corresponding to the seats where the seat belt is not fastened, and the characters "2nd ROW" of the second icon 22a are lit in red.

[0053] As a result of the processing in step S4, for example, the display mode of each icon on the display unit 20 is as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the display unit 20 when it is determined that the seat belt of the left seat in the second row is not fastened. In this case, the first icon 21a and the third icon 23a corresponding to the left seat in the second row where the seat belt is not fastened are illuminated in red. In addition, to warn that the seat belt of the second row seat is not fastened, the characters "2nd ROW" on the second icon 22a are illuminated in red. The first icons 21b to 21e and the third icons 23b to 23e corresponding to the center and right seats in the second row and all seats in the third row where the seat belt is fastened, and the characters "3rd ROW" on the second icon 22b are not illuminated.

[0054] After a certain time, for example 60 seconds, has elapsed since the icons were turned on in step S4, the process proceeds to step S7, where all icons are turned off as shown in Fig. 6, thereby completing the series of steps. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the display unit when all icons are turned off.

[0055] In step S5, the MPU 30 displays each icon based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. Since step S5 is the case where it is determined that the seat belt of any seat in the third row is not fastened, the first icons 21d to 21e and the third icons 23d to 23e of the second icon group 26 corresponding to the seats where the seat belt is not fastened, and the characters "3rd ROW" of the second icon 22b are lit in red.

[0056] After a certain time has elapsed since the icons were turned on in step S5, for example 60 seconds, the process proceeds to step S7, where all the icons are turned off as shown in FIG. 6, and the series of steps is completed.

[0057] In step S6, the MPU 30 displays each icon based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. Step S6 is the case when it is determined that the seat belts of any of the seats in the second row and any of the seats in the third row are not fastened. Therefore, the first icons 21a to 21c and the third icons 23a to 23c of the first icon group 25 corresponding to the seats where the seat belts are not fastened and the characters "2nd ROW" of the second icon 22a are illuminated in red, and the first icons 21d to 21e and the third icons 23d to 23e of the second icon group 26 corresponding to the seats where the seat belts are not fastened and the characters "3rd ROW" of the second icon 22b are illuminated in red.

[0058] As a result of the processing in step S6, for example, the display mode of each icon on the display unit 20 is as shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the display unit 20 when it is determined that the seat belts of the left seat in the second row and the left seat in the third row are not fastened. In this case, the first icons 21a, 21d and the third icons 23a, 23d corresponding to the left seats in the second row and the left seats in the third row where the seat belts are not fastened are lit in red. In addition, the letters "2nd ROW" and "3rd ROW" on the second icons 22a, 22b are lit in red to warn that the seat belts of the seats in the second and third rows are not fastened.

[0059] After a certain time has elapsed since the icons were turned on in step S6, for example 60 seconds, the process proceeds to step S7, where all the icons are turned off as shown in FIG. 6, and the series of steps is completed.

[0060] Next, the operation of the display unit 20 when the fastened seat belt is unfastened will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the process performed by the MPU 30 to display and turn off each icon on the display unit 20 when the fastened seat belt is unfastened, and the operation of the display unit 20.

[0061] 7, first, in step S11, the MPU 30 determines whether the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, for example, 25 km / h, based on the detection information of the speed sensor 40. If it is determined that the vehicle speed is less than the predetermined value (No in step S11), the process proceeds to step S12, and if it is determined that the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (Yes in step S11), the process proceeds to step S18.

[0062] In step S12, the MPU 30 determines whether or not the fastened seat belt has been unfastened based on the detection information of the buckle switch 10. That is, the MPU 30 determines whether or not the state of a predetermined seat has transitioned from a fastening detection state in which fastening of the seat belt is detected to a fastening non-detection state in which fastening of the seat belt is not detected. If the fastened seat belt has been unfastened (Yes in step S12), the process proceeds to step S13, and if the fastened seat belt has not been unfastened (No in step S12), the process proceeds to step S24, where the process ends.

[0063] In step S13, the MPU 30 determines which row the seat in which the fastened seat belt has been unfastened is located, based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. If it is determined that the seat in which the fastened seat belt has been unfastened is located in the second row but not in the third row, the process proceeds to step S14; if it is determined that the seat in which the fastened seat belt has been unfastened is located in the third row but not in the second row, the process proceeds to step S15; and if it is determined that the seat in which the fastened seat belt has been unfastened is located in both the second and third rows, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0064] In step S14, the MPU 30 displays each icon based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. Since step S14 is the case where it is determined that the seat belt of any seat in the second row has been unfastened, the first icons 21a to 21c and the third icons 23a to 23c of the first icon group 25 corresponding to the seat where the seat belt has been unfastened, and the characters "2nd ROW" of the second icon 22a are lit in red.

[0065] In step S15, the MPU 30 displays each icon based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. Since step S15 is performed when it is determined that the seat belt of any seat in the third row has been unfastened, the MPU 30 lights up in red the first icons 21d to 21e and the third icons 23d to 23e of the second icon group 26 corresponding to the seat where the seat belt has been unfastened, and the characters "3rd ROW" of the second icon 22b.

[0066] In step S16, the MPU 30 displays each icon based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. Step S16 is executed when it is determined that the seat belt of any seat in the second row and any seat in the third row has been unfastened. Therefore, the first icons 21a-21c and the third icons 23a-23c of the first icon group 25 corresponding to the seats where the seat belt has been unfastened, and the word "2nd ROW" of the second icon 22a, are illuminated in red, and the first icons 21d-21e and the third icons 23d-23e of the second icon group 26 corresponding to the seats where the seat belt has been unfastened, and the word "3rd ROW" of the second icon 22b, are illuminated in red.

[0067] After lighting up each icon in steps S14, S15, and S16, the process proceeds to step S17. If the seat belt that was unfastened is fastened again, the process proceeds to step S24, where all icons are turned off as shown in FIG. 6, and the series of steps is completed.

[0068] In step S18, the MPU 30 determines whether or not the fastened seat belt has been unfastened based on the detection information of the buckle switch 10. That is, the MPU 30 determines whether or not the state of a predetermined seat has transitioned from a fastening detection state in which fastening of the seat belt has been detected to a fastening non-detection state in which fastening of the seat belt has not been detected. If the fastened seat belt has been unfastened (Yes in step S18), the process proceeds to step S19, and if the fastened seat belt has not been unfastened (No in step S18), the process proceeds to step S24, where the process ends.

[0069] In step S19, the MPU 30 determines the row of the seat where the fastened seat belt has been unfastened, based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. If it is determined that the seat where the fastened seat belt has been unfastened is in the second row but not in the third row, the process proceeds to step S20; if it is determined that the seat where the fastened seat belt has been unfastened is in the third row but not in the second row, the process proceeds to step S21; and if it is determined that the seat where the fastened seat belt has been unfastened is in both the second and third rows, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0070] In step S20, the MPU 30 displays each icon based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. Since step S20 is the case where it is determined that the seat belt of any seat in the second row has been unfastened, the MPU 30 causes the first icons 21a to 21c and the third icons 23a to 23c of the first icon group 25 corresponding to the seat where the seat belt has been unfastened to flash in red, and also causes the letters "2nd ROW" of the second icon 22a to light up in red.

[0071] In step S21, the MPU 30 displays each icon based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. Since step S21 is the case where it is determined that the seat belt of any seat in the third row has been unfastened, the MPU 30 causes the first icons 21d to 21e and the third icons 23d to 23e in the second icon group 26 corresponding to the seat where the seat belt has been unfastened to flash in red, and also causes the characters "3rd ROW" in the second icon 22b to light up in red.

[0072] In step S22, the MPU 30 displays each icon based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. Step S22 is the case when it is determined that the seat belt of any seat in the second row and any seat in the third row has been unfastened. Therefore, in the first icon group 25, the first icons 21a to 21c and the third icons 23a to 23c corresponding to the seats where the seat belt has been unfastened are made to flash in red, the characters "2nd ROW" in the second icon 22a are illuminated in red, the first icons 21d to 21e and the third icons 23d to 23e corresponding to the seats where the seat belt has been unfastened are made to flash in red, and the characters "3rd ROW" in the second icon 22b are illuminated in red, and the first icons 21d to 21e and the third icons 23d to 23e corresponding to the seats where the seat belt has been unfastened are made to flash in red in the second icon group 26.

[0073] Steps S20 to S22 differ from steps S14 to S16 in that the first icons 21a to 21e and the third icons 23a to 23e corresponding to seats where the seat belt is unfastened are flashed in red. In steps S14 to S16, the vehicle speed is below a predetermined value, whereas in steps S20 to S22, the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, indicating a relatively high level of danger. Therefore, a display mode that is more likely to attract the occupant's attention is used. Note that in steps S20 to S22, the characters "2nd ROW" and "3rd ROW" of the second icons 22a and 22b may be flashed in red.

[0074] After each icon is lit or flashing in steps S20, S21, and S22, the process proceeds to step S23 after a predetermined time, for example, 90 seconds, has elapsed. In step S23, each flashing icon is turned on. This reduces the annoyance caused by the continued flashing state, which is likely to attract the attention of the occupant, if the occupant is unable to fasten the seat belt for some reason. Then, in step S17, if the unfastened seat belt is fastened again, the process proceeds to step S24, where all icon displays are turned off as shown in FIG. 6, and the series of steps ends.

[0075] (Modification of First Embodiment) Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the display unit when all icons are turned off in a modification of the first embodiment. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the display unit when it is determined that the seat belts of the left seat in the second row and the left seat in the third row are not fastened in a modification of the first embodiment.

[0076] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the display unit 20 of this modified example differs from the above-mentioned embodiment in the configuration of the second icons 22A to 22E, but the other configurations are substantially the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiment, so the same parts are given the same symbols to omit or simplify their explanations.

[0077] The display unit 20 includes a display board 24 on which a plurality of first icons 21a to 21e, second icons 22A to 22E, and third icons 23a to 23e are provided, which are displays for informing the fastening status of the seat belts of the respective seats.

[0078] The first icons 21a to 21c, the second icons 22A to 22C, and the third icons 23a to 23c that make up the first icon group 25 are arranged together on the left side of the vehicle width direction (left side in Figure 1), and the first icons 21d to 21e, the second icons 22D to 22E, and the third icons 23d to 23e that make up the second icon group 26 are arranged together on the right side of the vehicle width direction (right side in Figure 1).

[0079] The first icon group 25 and the second icon group 26 are arranged adjacent to each other in the vehicle width direction. In order to enable the occupant to intuitively understand the relationship between the seats and each icon, it is preferable that the first icon group 25 relating to the second row seats in the front of the vehicle be arranged to the left in the vehicle width direction of the second icon group 26 relating to the third row seats in the rear of the vehicle.

[0080] The second icons 22A to 22E are arranged within the third icons 23a to 23e, respectively, which results in good space efficiency and makes it very easy to understand the correspondence between the second icons 22A to 22E and the third icons 23a to 23e.

[0081] The first icons 21a to 21e are icons representing seats, and more specifically, icons representing passengers sitting in seats and seat belts.

[0082] The first icons 21a to 21e are arranged in a line in the vehicle width direction to correspond to the seat arrangements in the vehicle. That is, the first icons 21a to 21c in the first icon group 25 correspond to the left seat, center seat, and right seat in the second row of seats, respectively. The two first icons 21d to 21e in the second icon group 26 correspond to the left seat and right seat in the third row of seats, respectively.

[0083] All of these first icons 21a to 21e are arranged in the same position in the vertical direction of the vehicle and are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, which allows for efficient arrangement on the display unit 20 which is long in the vehicle width direction.

[0084] The second icons 22A to 22E are icons that indicate the rows in which the seats are arranged in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. The second icons 22A to 22C of the first icon group 25 are the number "2." The second icons 22A to 22C of the first icon group 25 are arranged directly below the first icons 21a to 21c of the first icon group 25 and within the third icons 23a to 23c. Therefore, it is easy to determine that the first icons 21a to 21c and the third icons 23a to 23c correspond to seats in the second row.

[0085] The second icons 22D to 22E of the second icon group 26 are the number "3." The second icons 22D to 22E of the second icon group 26 are arranged directly below the first icons 21d to 21e and inside the third icons 23d to 23e of the second icon group 26. Therefore, it can be easily determined that the first icons 21d to 21e and the third icons 23d to 23e correspond to the seats in the third row.

[0086] All of these second icons 22A to 22E are arranged in the same position in the vertical direction of the vehicle and are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, which allows for efficient arrangement on the display unit 20 which is long in the vehicle width direction.

[0087] The third icons 23a to 23e are icons that indicate the positions in the vehicle width direction where the seats are arranged. The third icons 23a to 23c in the first icon group 25 are icons that resemble a left-pointing arrow, an up-pointing arrow, and a right-pointing arrow, respectively, starting from the icon on the left side in the vehicle width direction. The third icon 23a that resembles a left-pointing arrow corresponds to the left seat in the second row, the third icon 23b that resembles an up-pointing arrow corresponds to the center seat in the second row, and the third icon 23c that resembles a right-pointing arrow corresponds to the right seat in the second row.

[0088] The third icons 23d to 23e in the second icon group 26 are, in order from the left icon in the vehicle width direction, icons that resemble a left-pointing arrow and a right-pointing arrow, respectively. The third icon 23d that resembles a left-pointing arrow corresponds to the left seat in the third row, and the third icon 23e that resembles a right-pointing arrow corresponds to the right seat in the third row.

[0089] In this way, since the third icons 23a to 23e are icons that resemble arrows, it is easy to intuitively understand which seat each icon corresponds to.

[0090] The third icons 23a to 23e and the second icons 22A to 22E arranged inside them are positioned directly below the first icons 21a to 21e, respectively. As a result, the third icons 23a to 23e are arranged in a row in the vehicle width direction to correspond to the seat arrangement. The third icons 23a to 23e and the second icons 22A to 22E arranged inside them that are adjacent in the vertical direction of the vehicle correspond to the same seat, as do the first icons 21a to 21e. For example, the third icon 23a and the second icon 22A inside it that are adjacent in the vertical direction of the vehicle, as well as the first icon 21a, correspond to the same seat, the left seat in the second row. In this way, it is easy to determine which seats the first icons 21a to 21e, the second icons 22A to 22E, and the third icons 23a to 23e correspond to.

[0091] All of these third icons 23a to 23e are arranged in the same position in the vertical direction of the vehicle and are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, which allows for efficient arrangement on the display unit 20 which is long in the vehicle width direction.

[0092] The MPU 30 displays first icons 21a to 21e, second icons 22A to 22E, and third icons 23a to 23E corresponding to the specified seats in different display modes, respectively corresponding to (i) a fastening detection state in which the buckle switch 10 detects that the seat belt provided in the specified seat is fastened, and (ii) a fastening non-detection state in which the buckle switch 10 does not detect that the seat belt provided in the specified seat is fastened.

[0093] FIG. 9 shows the display mode of each icon when it is determined that the center seat and right seat in the second row and the right seat in the third row are in an installation detection state, and it is determined that the left seat in the second row and the left seat in the third row are in an installation non-detection state.

[0094] 9, the first icons 21a and 21d, the second icons 22A and 22D, and the third icons 23a and 23d corresponding to the left seats in the second and third rows, where seat belts are not fastened, are illuminated in red. The display mode of the icons that are illuminated in red and indicate a seat belt non-fastening state can be said to be the first display mode.

[0095] Furthermore, the first icons 21b, 21c, and 21e, the second icons 22B, 22C, and 22E, and the third icons 23b, 23c, and 23e corresponding to the center and right seats in the second row and the right seat in the third row, where the seat belts are fastened, are turned off. The display mode of the turned-off icons, which indicate a seat belt fastening detection state, can be said to be a second display mode different from the first display mode.

[0096] 9, the icon is lit in red in the first display mode and is turned off in the second display mode, but the display mode may be changed as appropriate. For example, the icon may be flashing in red in the first display mode and lit in gray in the second display mode.

[0097] 8 shows the display state of each icon when it is determined that all seats are in the installation detection state. In the example shown, all icons are turned off.

[0098] Second Embodiment Next, a seat belt fastening status display device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the display unit in the second embodiment when it is determined that occupants are seated in the left and center seats in the second row and that the seat belts in the left seat in the second row are not fastened. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the display unit in the second embodiment when occupants are seated in the left and center seats in the second row and the left and right seats in the third row and that the seat belts in the left seat in the second row and the left seat in the third row are not fastened. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the seat belt fastening status display device according to the second embodiment.

[0099] The configuration of the display unit 20 of the second embodiment will be described as being the same as the configuration of the first embodiment (see Figures 1, 4 to 6), but a configuration of a modified example of the first embodiment (see Figures 8 and 9) may also be adopted.

[0100] 12, the seat belt fastening state display device 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes an occupancy sensor 60. The occupancy sensor 60 functions as an occupancy detection unit that detects whether or not an occupant is seated in a seat. The occupancy sensor 60 is built into each of the seven seats in the vehicle: the passenger seat in the first row, the left seat, center seat, and right seat in the second row, and the left seat and right seat in the third row.

[0101] The seating sensors 60 are turned ON when an occupant is seated in a seat, and turned OFF when no occupant is seated in a seat. These seating sensors 60 are electrically connected to an input port of the MPU 30 via an interface 61, and the MPU 30 determines whether or not an occupant is seated in each seat based on a signal from the interface 61.

[0102] The MPU 30 displays the first icons 21a to 21e, the second icons 22a to 22b, and the third icons 23a to 23E corresponding to the predetermined seats in different display modes, respectively corresponding to (iii) a seating detection state in which the seating sensor 60 detects that an occupant is seated in a predetermined seat and the buckle switch 10 detects that the seat belt provided for the predetermined seat is fastened, (iv) a seating non-detection state in which the buckle switch 10 does not detect that the seat belt provided for the predetermined seat is fastened in the seating detection state, and (v) a seating non-detection state in which the seating sensor 60 does not detect that an occupant is seated in the predetermined seat. For simplicity, the above states (iii) to (v) may be referred to as (iii) a seated and fastened state, (iv) a seated and unfastened state, and (v) a non-seated state, respectively.

[0103] FIG. 10 shows the display mode of each icon when it is determined that the left seat in the second row is occupied but not seated, the center seat in the second row is occupied but seated, and the other seats are not occupied.

[0104] 10, the first icon 21a and the third icon 23a corresponding to the left seat in the second row, which is occupied but not fastened, are illuminated in red. Also, to warn that the seat belt of the second row seat is not fastened, the characters "2nd ROW" of the second icon 22a are illuminated in red. The display mode of the icon illuminating in red, which indicates the seating detection state and fastening detection state, can be said to be the fourth display mode.

[0105] The first icon 21b and the third icon 23b corresponding to the center seat in the second row, where the seat is occupied and the seat is attached, are illuminated in green. The display mode of the icons that are illuminated in green and indicate a seating detection state but an attachment non-detection state can be said to be a fifth display mode that is different from the fourth display mode. Note that in Figure 10, the first icon 21b and the third icon 23b are hatched to distinguish them from the display modes of the other icons, but in reality they are illuminated in green. The same applies to Figure 11 described below.

[0106] In addition, the first icons 21c to 21e, the second icon 22b, and the third icons 23c to 23e corresponding to the seats other than those described above, which are in the non-attached state, are turned off. The display mode of the icons that are in the attachment detection state and are turned off can be said to be a sixth display mode that is different from the fourth and fifth display modes.

[0107] In the example of Figure 10, the icon is lit in red in the fourth display mode, lit in green in the fifth display mode, and turned off in the sixth display mode, but the display mode may be changed as appropriate.

[0108] In the example of Fig. 11, the first icons 21a, 21d and the third icons 23a, 23d corresponding to the left seats in the second and third rows, which are occupied but not fastened, are illuminated in red. Furthermore, to warn that the seat belts of the second and third row seats are not fastened, the letters "2nd ROW" and "3rd ROW" of the second icons 22a, 22b are illuminated in red. The first icons 21b, 21e and the third icons 23b, 23e corresponding to the center seat in the second row and the right seat in the third row, which are occupied and fastened, are illuminated in green. Furthermore, the first icon 21c and the third icon 23c corresponding to the right seat in the second row, which is not fastened, are unlit.

[0109] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the process performed by the MPU 30 to display and turn off each icon on the display unit 20 when the ignition switch is turned on, and the operation of the display unit 20.

[0110] 13, first, in step S21, the MPU 30 determines whether the ignition switch 50 is ON, and if it is determined that the ignition switch 50 is ON, the process proceeds to step S22. If it is determined that the ignition switch 50 is OFF, the process shown in FIG. 13 is not started.

[0111] In step S22, the MPU 30 determines whether or not an occupant is seated based on the detection information from the seating sensor 60 of each seat. If it is determined that an occupant is seated (Yes in step S22), the process proceeds to step S23. If it is determined that an occupant is not seated (No in step S22), the process proceeds to step S30 and ends.

[0112] In step S23, the MPU 30 determines whether or not there are any seats in which the seat belt is not fastened based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. If it is determined that there are any seats in which the seat belt is not fastened (Yes in step S23), the process proceeds to step S24. If it is determined that there are no seats in which the seat belt is not fastened (No in step S23), the process proceeds to step S30 and ends.

[0113] In step S24, the MPU 30 determines which row the seat in which the seat belt is not fastened is in based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. If it is determined that there is an unfastened seat in the second row and there is no unfastened seat in the third row, the process proceeds to step S25; if it is determined that there is an unfastened seat in the third row and there is no unfastened seat in the second row, the process proceeds to step S26; if it is determined that there is an unfastened seat in both the second and third rows, the process proceeds to step S27.

[0114] In step S25, the MPU 30 displays each icon based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. Since step S25 is the case where it is determined that the seat belt of any seat in the second row is not fastened, the first icons 21a to 21c and the third icons 23a to 23c of the first icon group 25 corresponding to the seats where the seat belt is not fastened, and the characters "2nd ROW" of the second icon 22a are lit in red.

[0115] In step S26, the MPU 30 displays each icon based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. Since step S26 is the case where it is determined that the seat belt of any seat in the third row is not fastened, the first icons 21d to 21e and the third icons 23d to 23e of the second icon group 26 corresponding to the seats where the seat belt is not fastened, and the characters "3rd ROW" of the second icon 22b are lit in red.

[0116] In step S27, the MPU 30 displays each icon based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. Step S27 is performed when it is determined that the seat belts of any of the seats in the second row and any of the seats in the third row are not fastened. Therefore, the first icons 21a to 21c and the third icons 23a to 23c of the first icon group 25 corresponding to the seats where the seat belts are not fastened and the characters "2nd ROW" of the second icon 22a are illuminated in red, and the first icons 21d to 21e and the third icons 23d to 23e of the second icon group 26 corresponding to the seats where the seat belts are not fastened and the characters "3rd ROW" of the second icon 22b are illuminated in red.

[0117] After steps S25, S26, and S27, the process proceeds to step S28, where the MPU 30 determines whether there is a seat with a seat belt fastened in the same row as the row where the unfastened seat was located, based on the detection information from the seat occupancy sensor 60. If there is a seat with a fastened seat belt (Yes in step S28), the process proceeds to step S29. If there is no seat with a fastened seat belt (No in step S28), the process proceeds to step S30 after a certain period of time, for example, 60 seconds, has elapsed, where all icon displays are turned off as shown in FIG. 6, and the series of steps ends.

[0118] In step S29, the MPU 30 turns on the icons corresponding to the seats where the seat belts are fastened in green. After a certain period of time, for example, 60 seconds, the MPU 30 proceeds to step S30, turns off the display of all icons as shown in FIG. 6, and ends the series of steps.

[0119] Next, the operation of the display unit 20 when the fastened seat belt is unfastened will be described. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the process performed by the MPU 30 to display and turn off each icon on the display unit 20 when the fastened seat belt is unfastened, and the operation of the display unit 20.

[0120] 14, first, in step S31, the MPU 30 determines whether the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, for example, 25 km / h, based on the detection information of the speed sensor 40. If it is determined that the vehicle speed is less than the predetermined value (No in step S31), the process proceeds to step S32, and if it is determined that the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (Yes in step S31), the process proceeds to step S48.

[0121] In step S32, the MPU 30 determines whether or not the fastened seat belt has been unfastened based on the detection information of the buckle switch 10. That is, the MPU 30 determines whether or not the state of the seat belt has transitioned from a fastening detection state in which fastening of the seat belt is detected to a fastening non-detection state in which fastening of the seat belt is not detected for a specific seat. If the fastened seat belt has been unfastened (Yes in step S32), the process proceeds to step S33. If the fastened seat belt has not been unfastened (No in step S32), the process proceeds to step S48, where the process ends.

[0122] In step S33, the MPU 30 determines which row the seat in which the fastened seat belt has been unfastened is located, based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. If it is determined that the seat in which the fastened seat belt has been unfastened is located in the second row but not in the third row, the process proceeds to step S34; if it is determined that the seat in which the fastened seat belt has been unfastened is located in the third row but not in the second row, the process proceeds to step S35; and if it is determined that the seat in which the fastened seat belt has been unfastened is located in both the second and third rows, the process proceeds to step S36.

[0123] In step S34, the MPU 30 displays each icon based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. Since step S34 is the case where it is determined that the seat belt of any seat in the second row has been unfastened, the first icons 21a to 21c and the third icons 23a to 23c of the first icon group 25 corresponding to the seat where the seat belt has been unfastened, and the characters "2nd ROW" of the second icon 22a are lit in red.

[0124] In step S35, the MPU 30 displays each icon based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. Since step S35 is performed when it is determined that the seat belt of any seat in the third row has been unfastened, the MPU 30 lights up in red the first icons 21d to 21e and the third icons 23d to 23e of the second icon group 26 that correspond to the seat where the seat belt has been unfastened, and the characters "3rd ROW" of the second icon 22b.

[0125] In step S36, the MPU 30 displays each icon based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. Step S36 is performed when it is determined that the seat belt of any seat in the second row and any seat in the third row has been unfastened. Therefore, the first icons 21a-21c and the third icons 23a-23c of the first icon group 25 corresponding to the seats where the seat belt has been unfastened, and the characters "2nd ROW" of the second icon 22a, are illuminated in red, and the first icons 21d-21e and the third icons 23d-23e of the second icon group 26 corresponding to the seats where the seat belt has been unfastened, and the characters "3rd ROW" of the second icon 22b, are illuminated in red.

[0126] After steps S34, S35, and S36, the process proceeds to step S37, where the MPU 30 determines whether there is a seat with a seat belt fastened in the same row as the row where the unfastened seat was located, based on the detection information from the seat occupancy sensor 60. If there is a seat with a seat belt fastened (Yes in step S37), the process proceeds to step S38. If there is no seat with a seat belt fastened (No in step S37), the process proceeds to step S39. In step S38, the MPU 30 lights up green the icon corresponding to the seat with the seat belt fastened. Next, the process proceeds to step S39.

[0127] In step S39, if the unfastened seat belt is fastened again, the process proceeds to step S48, where all the icons are turned off as shown in FIG. 6, and the series of steps is completed.

[0128] In step S40, the MPU 30 determines whether or not the fastened seat belt has been unfastened based on the detection information of the buckle switch 10. That is, the MPU 30 determines whether or not the state of a predetermined seat has transitioned from a fastening detection state in which fastening of the seat belt is detected to a fastening non-detection state in which fastening of the seat belt is not detected. If the fastened seat belt has been unfastened (Yes in step S40), the process proceeds to step S41, and if the fastened seat belt has not been unfastened (No in step S40), the process proceeds to step S48, where the process ends.

[0129] In step S41, the MPU 30 determines which row the seat in which the fastened seat belt has been unfastened is located, based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. If it is determined that the seat in which the fastened seat belt has been unfastened is located in the second row but not in the third row, the process proceeds to step S42; if it is determined that the seat in which the fastened seat belt has been unfastened is located in the third row but not in the second row, the process proceeds to step S43; and if it is determined that the seat in which the fastened seat belt has been unfastened is located in both the second and third rows, the process proceeds to step S44.

[0130] In step S42, the MPU 30 displays each icon based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. Since step S42 is the case where it is determined that the seat belt of any seat in the second row has been unfastened, the MPU 30 causes the first icons 21a to 21c and the third icons 23a to 23c of the first icon group 25 corresponding to the seat where the seat belt has been unfastened to flash in red, and also causes the characters "2nd ROW" of the second icon 22a to light up in red.

[0131] In step S43, the MPU 30 displays each icon based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. Since step S43 is the case where it is determined that the seat belt of any seat in the third row has been unfastened, the MPU 30 causes the first icons 21d to 21e and the third icons 23d to 23e of the second icon group 26 corresponding to the seat where the seat belt has been unfastened to flash in red, and also causes the characters "3rd ROW" of the second icon 22b to light up in red.

[0132] In step S44, the MPU 30 displays each icon based on the detection information from the buckle switch 10 of each seat. Step S44 is the case when it is determined that the seat belt of any seat in the second row and any seat in the third row has been unfastened. Therefore, in the first icon group 25, the first icons 21a-21c and the third icons 23a-23c corresponding to the seats where the seat belt has been unfastened are made to flash in red, the characters "2nd ROW" in the second icon 22a are illuminated in red, the first icons 21d-21e and the third icons 23d-23e corresponding to the seats where the seat belt has been unfastened are made to flash in red, and the characters "3rd ROW" in the second icon 22b are illuminated in red, and the first icons 21d-21e and the third icons 23d-23e corresponding to the seats where the seat belt has been unfastened are made to flash in red in the second icon group 26.

[0133] Steps S42 to S44 differ from steps S34 to S36 in that the first icons 21a to 21e and the third icons 23a to 23e corresponding to seats where the seat belt is unfastened are flashed in red. In steps S34 to S36, the vehicle speed is below a predetermined value, whereas in steps S42 to S44, the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, indicating a relatively high level of danger. Therefore, a display mode that is more likely to attract the occupants' attention is used. Note that in steps S42 to S44, the characters "2nd ROW" and "3rd ROW" on the second icons 22a and 22b may also be flashed in red.

[0134] After steps S42, S43, and S44, the process proceeds to step S45, where the MPU 30 determines whether there is a seat with a seat belt fastened in the same row as the row where the unfastened seat was located, based on the detection information from the seat occupancy sensor 60. If there is a seat with a seat belt fastened (Yes in step S45), the process proceeds to step S46. If there is no seat with a seat belt fastened (No in step S45), the process proceeds to step S47. In step S46, the MPU 30 lights up green the icon corresponding to the seat with a seat belt fastened.

[0135] Next, the process proceeds to step S47, where after each icon has been flashed in steps S42, S43, and S44, after a predetermined time, for example, 90 seconds, the flashing icons are turned on. This reduces the annoyance caused by the continued flashing state, which is likely to attract the attention of the occupant, if the occupant is unable to fasten the seat belt for some reason. Then, the process proceeds to step S39, and if the previously unfastened seat belt is fastened again, the process proceeds to step S48, where all icon displays are turned off as shown in FIG. 6, and the series of steps is completed.

[0136] As described above, the present specification discloses the following:

[0137] (1) A seat belt fastening status display device comprising: a seat belt fastening detection unit that detects whether a seat belt provided on a seat of a vehicle is fastened; a display unit that displays a first icon indicating the seat, a second icon indicating the row in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in which the seat is located, and a third icon indicating the position in the transverse direction of the vehicle in which the seat is located; and a control unit that controls the content to be displayed on the display unit based on detection information from the seat belt fastening detection unit, wherein the control unit displays the first icon, the second icon, and the third icon corresponding to the specified seat in different display modes corresponding to (i) a fastening detection state in which the seat belt fastening detection unit has detected that a seat belt provided on a specified seat is fastened, and (ii) a fastening non-detection state in which the seat belt fastening detection unit has not detected that the seat belt provided on the specified seat is fastened.

[0138] This seat belt fastening status display device not only displays a first icon indicating the seat, but also a second icon indicating the row in which the seat is located in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and a third icon indicating the position in which the seat is located in the width direction of the vehicle, so that occupants can easily understand the fastening status of the seat belt on the seat.

[0139] (2) The seat belt fastening status display device according to (1), further comprising a seating detection unit that detects whether or not an occupant is seated in the seat, wherein the control unit displays the first icon, the second icon, and the third icon corresponding to the specified seat in different display modes corresponding to each of the following: (iii) the fastening detection state in a seating detection state in which the seating detection unit has detected that an occupant is seated in the specified seat; (iv) the fastening non-detection state in the seating detection state; and (v) a seating non-detection state in which the seating detection unit has not detected that an occupant is seated in the specified seat.

[0140] This seat belt fastening status display device makes it possible to easily grasp not only the fastening status of the seat belt of the seat, but also whether or not an occupant is seated.

[0141] (3) The seat belt fastening state display device according to (1) or (2), wherein the display unit has a vehicle width dimension greater than a vehicle up-down dimension.

[0142] According to this seat belt fastening status display device, the display unit is long horizontally, so that it can be placed in a relatively narrow space inside the vehicle.

[0143] (4) The seat belt fastening state display device according to (3), wherein the display unit is provided in the vehicle interior between a rearview mirror and a roof.

[0144] According to this seat belt fastening status display device, the display unit is long horizontally, so that it can be efficiently arranged between the rearview mirror and the roof.

[0145] (5) The seat belt fastening status display device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the first icons are arranged in a line in the vehicle width direction in accordance with the arrangement of seats installed in the vehicle.

[0146] According to this seat belt fastening state display device, the plurality of first icons are arranged in a line in the vehicle width direction so as to correspond to the arrangement of seats, so that it is easy to determine the seat belt fastening state.

[0147] (6) The seat belt fastening state display device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the third icon is arranged directly below the first icon.

[0148] According to this seat belt fastening status display device, a third icon indicating the position of the seat in the vehicle width direction is positioned directly below the first icon, so it is easy to determine which seat the first and third icons correspond to.

[0149] (7) The seat belt fastening status display device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the first icon is an icon that resembles a passenger seated in a seat and a seat belt, and the third icon is an icon that resembles an arrow.

[0150] According to this seat belt fastening status display device, it is easy to intuitively understand which seats the first icon and the third icon correspond to.

[0151] (8) The seat belt fastening state display device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the second icon is arranged on one side of the first icon and the third icon in the vehicle width direction.

[0152] According to this seat belt fastening status display device, the second icon indicating the row in which the seats are arranged in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle is positioned on one side of the first and third icons in the vehicle width direction, so that it is easy to determine which row of seats the first and third icons correspond to.

[0153] (9) The seat belt fastening state display device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the first icon, the second icon, and the third icon are arranged at different positions from each other.

[0154] According to this seat belt fastening status display device, the icons are arranged in different positions without overlapping each other, making it easy to distinguish between the icons.

[0155] (10) The seat belt fastening state display device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the second icon is arranged within the third icon.

[0156] According to this seat belt fastening status display device, the second icon is arranged within the third icon, which is space-efficient, and furthermore, the correspondence between the second icon and the third icon is very easy to understand.

[0157] (11) The seat belt fastening status display device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the vehicle has two or more rows of seats in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and wherein, when n is a natural number, a first icon group including the first icon, the second icon, and the third icon corresponding to each of the plurality of seats in the nth row and a second icon group including the first icon, the second icon, and the third icon corresponding to each of the plurality of seats in the n+1th row are arranged together and adjacent to each other in the vehicle width direction.

[0158] According to this seat belt fastening status display device, the first icon group in the nth column and the second icon group in the (n+1)th column are arranged together, making it easy to distinguish the status of the icons in each column. Furthermore, the first icon group and the second icon group are arranged adjacent to each other in the vehicle width direction, allowing multiple icons to be arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, when the vehicle width dimension of the display unit is greater than the vehicle vertical dimension, icons can be arranged in a space-efficient manner. Furthermore, when occupants check the icons, they need only move their eyes less in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0159] (12) The seat belt fastening state display device according to (11), wherein the first icon group is arranged to the left of the second icon group in a vehicle width direction.

[0160] According to this seat belt fastening status display device, the first group of icons corresponding to the seats in the front of the vehicle are arranged on the left side in the vehicle width direction, making it easier for the occupant to distinguish the correspondence between the seats and the icons.

[0161] (13) The seat belt fastening status display device according to (11) or (12), wherein the plurality of first icons in the first icon group and the plurality of first icons in the second icon group are arranged at the same position in the vertical direction of the vehicle, the plurality of second icons in the first icon group and the plurality of second icons in the second icon group are arranged at the same position in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the plurality of third icons in the first icon group and the plurality of third icons in the second icon group are arranged at the same position in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0162] According to this seat belt fastening status display device, the first icons are arranged in the same position in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and are therefore arranged side by side in the width direction of the vehicle. The second icons and the third icons are also arranged side by side in the width direction of the vehicle. Therefore, when the dimension of the display unit in the width direction of the vehicle is larger than the dimension in the vertical direction of the vehicle, the icons can be arranged in a space-efficient manner. Furthermore, when the occupant checks the icons, they need not move their eyes in the vertical direction of the vehicle as much.

[0163] 1 Seat belt fastening status display device 3 Rearview mirror 5 Roof 10 Buckle switch (seat belt fastening detection unit) 11 Interface 20 Display unit 21a to 21e First icon 22a to 22b, 22A to 22E Second icon 23a to 23e Third icon 24 Display panel 25 First icon group 26 Second icon group 30 MPU (control unit) 31 CPU 32 ROM 33 RAM 40 Speed ​​sensor 41 Interface 50 Ignition switch 51 Interface 60 Seat occupancy sensor (seat occupancy detection unit) 61 Interface S Space

Claims

1. A seat belt fastening status display device comprising: a seat belt fastening detection unit that detects whether a seat belt provided on a seat of a vehicle is fastened; a display unit that displays a first icon indicating the seat, a second icon indicating the row in the fore-aft direction of the vehicle in which the seat is located, and a third icon indicating the position in the vehicle width direction in which the seat is located; and a control unit that controls the content to be displayed on the display unit based on detection information from the seat belt fastening detection unit, wherein the control unit displays the first icon, the second icon, and the third icon corresponding to the specified seat in different display modes respectively corresponding to: (i) a fastening detection state in which the seat belt fastening detection unit has detected that a seat belt provided on a specified seat is fastened; and (ii) a fastening non-detection state in which the seat belt fastening detection unit has not detected that the seat belt provided on the specified seat is fastened.

2. A seat belt fastening state display device as described in claim 1, further comprising an occupancy detection unit which detects whether or not an occupant is seated in the seat, wherein the control unit displays the first icon, the second icon and the third icon corresponding to the specified seat in display modes which respectively correspond to and are different from each other for: (iii) the fastening detection state in a seating detection state in which the seating detection unit has detected that an occupant is seated in the specified seat; (iv) the fastening non-detection state in the seating detection state; and (v) a seating non-detection state in which the seating detection unit has not detected that an occupant is seated in the specified seat.

3. The seat belt fastening status display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display unit has a vehicle width dimension greater than a vehicle up-down dimension.

4. The seat belt fastening status display device according to claim 3, wherein the display unit is provided inside the vehicle, between a rearview mirror and a roof.

5. The seat belt fastening status display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first icons are arranged in a line in the vehicle width direction so as to correspond to the arrangement of seats installed in the vehicle.

6. The seat belt fastening state display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the third icon is arranged immediately below the first icon.

7. The seat belt fastening status display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first icon is an icon that resembles a passenger seated in a seat and a seat belt, and the third icon is an icon that resembles an arrow.

8. The seat belt fastening state display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second icon is arranged on one side of the first icon and the third icon in the vehicle width direction.

9. The seat belt fastening state display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first icon, the second icon and the third icon are arranged at different positions from each other.

10. The seat belt fastening status display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second icon is arranged within the third icon.

11. A seat belt fastening status display device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the vehicle has two or more rows of seats in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and wherein, when n is a natural number, a first icon group including the first icon, the second icon, and the third icon corresponding respectively to a plurality of seats in the nth row, and a second icon group including the first icon, the second icon, and the third icon corresponding respectively to a plurality of seats in the n+1th row are arranged together and adjacent to each other in the vehicle width direction.

12. The seat belt fastening state display device according to claim 11, wherein the first icon group is arranged to the left of the second icon group in a vehicle width direction.

13. A seat belt fastening status display device as described in claim 11, wherein the multiple first icons of the first icon group and the multiple first icons of the second icon group are arranged at the same position in the vertical direction of the vehicle, the multiple second icons of the first icon group and the multiple second icons of the second icon group are arranged at the same position in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the multiple third icons of the first icon group and the multiple third icons of the second icon group are arranged at the same position in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

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