Display device

Abstract

This display device, which displays information pertaining to a parameter that is related to a vehicle state in a display region (10) having a background color of a first color, comprises: a scale section (11) in which a scale (21) serving as an indicator of the parameter is displayed on a circle (D) that is centered on the center point (C) of the display region and that passes through an origin point (A); and a fan-shaped section (12) in which is displayed a fan-shaped image (23) surrounded by a first radial line (31) that connects the origin point (A) and the center point (C), a second radial line (32) that connects a current point (B) and the center point (C), and an arc (33) that extends from the origin point (A) to the current point (B). In the fan-shaped image (23), the first radial line (31) is displayed with the first color, the current point (B) is displayed with a second color, and a gradation is applied such that the color difference with respect to the second color decreases from the origin point (A) toward the current point (B) and from the center point (C) toward the radially outer side of the circle (D).

Description

display device

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device that displays information on variables that reflect the state of a vehicle.

[0002] Conventionally, among display devices that display information on variables that reflect the state of a vehicle (e.g., vehicle speed, rotational speed of a drive source, torque of the drive source, etc.), there are known ones that display an image that imitates an existing analog meter. For example, there is known a device that has an image that imitates a circular display board, a display area that displays a scale of the variable, and an image of a pointer that points to a value corresponding to the variable in the display area (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] International Publication No. 2020 / 195019 Brochure

[0004] An image that mimics an existing analog meter is suitable for conveying variable information in an easy-to-understand manner, regardless of the language used by the user of the display device. However, when a user wants to understand the variable information, they must first search for the image of the pointer displayed in the display area, which poses a challenge in that it is difficult to instantly (at a glance) recognize the variable information.

[0005] One of the objectives of the present invention, which was devised in light of the above-mentioned problems, is to provide a display device that displays information on variables that reflect the state of a vehicle in an easy-to-understand and easy-to-recognize manner. In addition to this objective, another objective of the present invention is to achieve effects derived from the configurations shown in the "Mode for Carrying Out the Invention" described below, which are 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 aspect, and each of the aspects from aspect 2 onwards is an aspect that can be omitted. None of the aspects from aspect 2 onwards discloses an aspect or configuration that is essential to the present invention.

[0007] Aspect 1. The disclosed display device displays information about variables related to a vehicle state within a display area having a background color of a first color, and includes: a scale portion in which scales indicating the variables are displayed on a circle centered at a center point located at a position away from an origin located at an arbitrary position within the display area and passing through the origin; a first radial line connecting the origin and the center point, a second radial line connecting a current point on the circle corresponding to a current value of the variable and the center point, and a fan-shaped portion in which a fan-shaped image surrounded by an arc from the origin to the current point is displayed; the first radial line is displayed in the first color, and the current point is displayed in a second color different from the first color, and a gradation is applied to the fan-shaped image such that the color difference from the second color decreases as the distance from the origin to the current point and as the distance from the center point to the outside in the radial direction of the circle increases.

[0008] Aspect 2. In the aspects including Aspect 1 above, it is preferable that the display device has a numerical portion in the center of the circle where a digital value corresponding to the current value is displayed as a number. Aspect 3. In the aspects including Aspect 2 above, it is preferable that the digital value is displayed in a third color different from the first color, and the outline of the digital value is displayed in the first color.

[0009] Aspect 4. In the aspect including Aspect 1 described above, it is preferable that the scale portion displays scale numbers corresponding to the scale in a color different from the first color and as numbers, and that the outlines of the scale numbers are displayed in the first color.

[0010] Aspect 5. In the aspect including Aspect 4 above, it is preferable that peripheral values ​​corresponding to the scale displayed within a predetermined fan-shaped area expanded on both sides of the circumference of the circle with the current point at the center are displayed in a third color different from the first color, and that peripheral values ​​excluding the peripheral values ​​are displayed in a color whose color difference from the first color is smaller than the color difference between the third color and the first color.

[0011] Aspect 6. In the aspects including Aspect 5 above, it is preferable that the boundary value is displayed in a color that has a smaller color difference from the first color as the numerical value corresponding to the scale is farther away from the current point along the circle.

[0012] Aspect 7. In the aspects including Aspect 5 above, it is preferable that the display device has a pointer portion on which a pointer indicating the current point is displayed, the pointer being drawn to simulate a movement pivoted about the center point. In this case, it is preferable that the pointer be displayed in the third color.

[0013] Aspect 8. With regard to aspects including Aspect 5 above, it is preferable that the display device has a pointer portion on which a pointer indicating the current point is displayed, the pointer being drawn to simulate a movement pivoted about the center point. In this case, it is preferable that the current point is displayed in the third color, and that the pointer is given a gradation such that the color difference from the first color decreases as the pointer moves from the current point to the center point, and that the width of the pointer in the circumferential direction of the circle increases as the pointer moves from the center point to the outer side in the radial direction of the circle.

[0014] Aspect 9. With regard to aspects including Aspect 1 above, it is preferable that the display device has an arc-shaped portion on which an arc-shaped scale image extending from the origin to the current point along the circle is displayed. In this case, it is preferable that the current point is displayed in a third color different from the first color, that the scale image is given a gradation such that the color difference from the first color decreases as the current point moves toward the origin, and that the width of the scale image in the radial direction of the circle increases as the point moves from the origin to the current point.

[0015] According to the disclosed display device, it is possible to display information on variables that reflect the state of the vehicle in an easy-to-understand and easy-to-recognize manner.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a display device according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a display area in which the display device of Fig. 1 displays information. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing parts provided in the display area of ​​Fig. 2 hierarchically classified by priority. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an enlarged view of the scale part of Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the scale part and the fan-shaped part of Fig. 2 overlapping each other. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed by a display device according to a modified example.

[0017] [1. Configuration] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a display device 1 according to an embodiment. The display device 1 is mounted on a vehicle and displays information on variables that reflect the state of the vehicle. The variables are not particularly limited as long as they are parameters that reflect at least the state of the vehicle. Specific examples of variable information include vehicle speed information, information on the output (power) of the vehicle's drive source, and information indicating the vehicle's running state.

[0018] Specific examples of information relating to the output (power) of the vehicle's drive source include engine rotational speed (rpm), engine torque, engine horsepower (power), traction motor rotational speed (rpm), traction motor torque, traction motor horsepower (power), power consumption by the traction motor, and power supply from the drive battery.

[0019] Specific examples of information that indicates the vehicle's driving status include shift position, transmission reduction ratio, driving distance, estimated driving range, fuel economy, electricity consumption, remaining battery capacity, yaw rate, roll rate, pitch rate, longitudinal acceleration, lateral acceleration, road inclination angle, tire air pressure, powertrain energy flow, driving direction (orientation), altitude, temperature, and road friction coefficient.

[0020] The variable information is generated by various ECUs, such as a vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) or a powertrain ECU, or may be generated within the display device 1 based on signals transmitted from sensors mounted on the vehicle.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 1, the display device 1 includes an electronic control device 2 and an output device 3. The electronic control device 2 is a computer for controlling the content displayed on the output device 3, and includes a processor (arithmetic processing unit) and a memory (storage device). The processing content (program) of the electronic control device 2 is stored in the memory, and is executed by loading the content into the processor as appropriate. The electronic control device 2 may be formed integrally with the output device 3 (built into the output device 3), or may be provided separately from the output device 3.

[0022] The output device 3 is a device that displays information about the vehicle, and is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, a projector, or the like. All information displayed on the output device 3 is controlled by the electronic control unit 2. The shape of the information display area on the output device 3 is not particularly limited. 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 compartment (forward between the driver's seat and the passenger seat). As ancillary devices to the output device 3, a touch panel device that detects touch operations on a screen, an input device provided with a keyboard, physical buttons, or a touchpad, a gaze detection device that detects gaze, a gesture reading device that detects gesture operations, or the like may be provided.

[0023] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the display area 10 in which the display device 1 of this embodiment displays variable information. The display device 1 displays an image resembling an analog meter (e.g., a speedometer or a tachometer) showing the current value of a variable on the display area 10. Here, a circular display area 10 is shown as an example, but the shape of the display area 10 is not limited to this.

[0024] The display area 10 is provided with a scale portion 11 and a sector portion 12 as portions for displaying such images. The scale portion 11 displays a scale 21 that resembles the scale provided on the analog meter. The scale 21 is a mark that indicates a variable and is represented by a plurality of dots or lines spaced at predetermined intervals with an arbitrary point (hereinafter referred to as "origin A") on the display area 10 as a reference. The origin A corresponds to a reference value (e.g., an initial value) of the variable and is located, for example, at the 9 o'clock position on the circular display area 10. A center point C is set on the display area 10 at a position separated from the origin A. The scale 21 is displayed on a reference circle D (circle) that is centered on the center point C and passes through the origin A, with the origin A as a reference.

[0025] The fan-shaped portion 12 is a portion where a fan-shaped image 23 is displayed, which indicates a current point B corresponding to the current value of a variable on a reference circle D. The fan-shaped image 23 is a fan surrounded by a first radial line 31 connecting an origin A and a center point C, a second radial line 32 connecting the current point B and the center point C, and an arc 33 extending from the origin A to the current point B. The arc 33 forms a part of the reference circle D. In the fan-shaped image 23, the first radial line 31 is displayed in a first color that is the same as the background color of the display area 10, and the current point B is displayed in a second color that is different from the background color. A gradation is applied to the fan-shaped image 23 so that the color difference from the second color decreases as one moves from the origin A toward the current point B and from the center point C toward the radially outer side of the reference circle D. In this way, the display device 1 displays a fan-shaped image 23 with a gradient applied so that the color difference between the color around the current point B and the background color is greater than the color around the first radial line 31, thereby displaying variable information in an easy-to-understand and easy-to-recognize manner.

[0026] Here, color refers to an attribute of visual perception consisting of a combination of chromatic and achromatic components, and can also be described as a combination of hue, lightness, and saturation. Chromatic colors refer to perceived colors with a hue, while achromatic colors refer to perceived colors without a hue, such as white, gray, and black. Hue refers to relative differences in color tone, and refers to colors identified by, for example, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Saturation refers to the degree of vividness of a color. The higher the saturation, the more vivid the color, and the lower the saturation, the more dull and muddy the color. Lightness refers to the degree of brightness of a color. The higher the lightness, the whitish the color, and the lower the lightness, the blackish the color.

[0027] In this embodiment, the display area 10 further includes a pointer portion 13, an arc-shaped portion 14, and a numerical portion 15. Elements 21-27 (see FIG. 3, described later) displayed in these portions 11-15, including the scale portion 11 and the sector-shaped portion 12, may overlap within the display area 10. When elements 21-27 overlap, elements displayed in higher priority portions obscure elements displayed in lower priority portions. In other words, priorities are assigned to the portions 11-15, and elements 21-27 are displayed according to the assigned priorities. Note that in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 3-5, the dashed, dotted, and broken lines representing the portions 11-15 are drawn for convenience and are not actually displayed. Furthermore, the black dots representing the origin A, current point B, and center point C, and the thin broken line representing the reference circle D, are drawn for convenience and are not actually displayed.

[0028] FIG. 3 shows the sections 11 to 15 provided in the display area 10 hierarchically sorted by priority, and also shows an example of elements 21 to 27 displayed in each of the sections 11 to 15. In the example of FIG. 3, vehicle speed information is displayed as variable information displayed by the display device 1. In this embodiment, four levels of priority are set. In other words, four layers are displayed overlapping each other on the display area 10. Hereinafter, the layers will be referred to as the first layer L1, the second layer L2, the third layer L3, and the fourth layer L4, in order from the lowest priority.

[0029] The scale portion 11 is provided at least on a layer (a layer with a higher priority) above the layer on which the sector-shaped portion 12 is provided. Here, the sector-shaped portion 12 is provided on the first layer L1, and the scale portion 11 is provided on the third layer L3. The pointer portion 13 is provided on the second layer L2, and the arc-shaped portion 14 is provided on the fourth layer L4. The numerical portion 15 is provided on a layer with a higher priority than at least the sector-shaped portion 12 and the pointer portion 13, and is provided on the same layer as the scale portion 11, for example, the third layer L3.

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates an example in which the first color (i.e., the background color of the display area 10) is white and the second color is black. In other words, the display area 10 is an area with a white background color. Also, while FIG. 3 illustrates a layer with a higher priority as hiding a layer with a lower priority, each layer L1 to L4 is a colorless, transparent layer, and the first color, which is the background color of the display area 10, is visible through the portions where elements 21 to 27 are not displayed. In other words, each layer L1 to L4 is a virtual layer provided to explain the hierarchical structure of the portions 11 to 15. In other words, the display device 1 displays a single image by overlapping these four layers L1 to L4 on the display area 10.

[0031] As described above, the scale portion 11 is a portion where the scale 21 is displayed. As shown in Fig. 3 , the scale 21 is displayed on a reference circle D that is centered at a center point C and passes through an origin A that is located at a position spaced apart from the center point C. In other words, the scale portion 11 is not provided in the center of the reference circle D (near the center point C), but is provided radially outward from the reference circle D.

[0032] The scale 21 is displayed in at least a color different from the first color. Here, the scale 21 is displayed in black (i.e., the same color as the second color) as an example. In the example of FIG. 3 , the scale 21 has a plurality of scale lines 21a (only one of which is labeled) extending slightly radially inward from the reference circle D, and arc-shaped scale lines 21b connecting these scale lines 21a. For example, as shown in the figure, the plurality of scale lines 21a are arranged at predetermined intervals in a clockwise direction from the origin A. The scale lines 21b are arranged on the reference circle D and connect the plurality of scale lines 21a.

[0033] The scale portion 11 of this embodiment further displays numerical scale values ​​22 corresponding to each scale line 21a. Each scale value 22 is displayed, for example, radially inward of each scale line 21a (i.e., closer to the center point C). The scale values ​​22 are displayed in at least a color different from the first color. Furthermore, the outlines of the scale values ​​22 are displayed (framed) in the first color.

[0034] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, among the scale values ​​22, values ​​corresponding to the scale lines 21a displayed within a predetermined fan-shaped region E (the region shown by hatching in Fig. 4) that is expanded on both sides of the circumference of the reference circle D with the current point B at its center (hereinafter referred to as "peripheral values ​​22a") are displayed in a third color. The third color is at least a color different from the first color. Here, a case is illustrated in which the third color is the same color as the second color (i.e., black), but the third color may be a color different from the second color.

[0035] The fan-shaped region E is a fan-shaped region centered on the center point C and having a radius equal to or greater than that of the reference circle D. The length of the arc of the fan-shaped region E is, for example, twice the length of the intervals between the scale marks 21. Note that in this example, the current point B overlaps with the scale line 21a. Therefore, the scale number 22 ("120" in the figure) corresponding to the scale line 21a overlapping with the current point B and the two scale numbers 22 ("100" and "140" in the figure) corresponding to each of the two scale lines 21a adjacent to the current point B are displayed in a third color as peripheral values ​​22a. If the current point B does not overlap with the scale line 21a, the two scale numbers 22 corresponding to the two scale lines 21a adjacent to the current point B are displayed in a third color as peripheral values ​​22a.

[0036] In this embodiment, among the scale numerical values ​​22, numerical values ​​corresponding to the scale lines 21a that are not displayed in the fan-shaped region E (hereinafter referred to as "peripheral values ​​22b") are displayed in a color whose color difference from the first color is smaller than the color difference between the third color and the first color. More specifically, the peripheral values ​​22b are displayed in a color whose color difference from the first color is smaller (closer to the first color) as the numerical value corresponding to the scale line 21a along the reference circle D is farther from the current point B. If the first color is white and the third color is black, the peripheral values ​​22b are displayed in a lighter, whitish gray color (i.e., closer to the first color, which is white), as the numerical value corresponding to the scale line 21a is farther from the current point B. Note that in FIG. 4, the color changes are represented by changing the proportion of dots assigned to each peripheral value 22b.

[0037] As described above, the sector portion 12 is a portion where the sector image 23 is displayed. As shown in Fig. 3 , the sector image 23 is in the shape of a sector surrounded by a first radial line 31 corresponding to the radius passing through the origin A, a second radial line 32 corresponding to the radius passing through the current point B, and an arc 33 extending from the origin A to the current point B, and its outer shape is deformed as the position of the current point B changes in accordance with changes in the current values ​​of the variables. In other words, the size of the area of ​​the sector of the sector image 23 changes depending on the position of the current point B.

[0038] As described above, in the fan-shaped image 23, the first radial line 31 is displayed in a first color (background color), and the current point B is displayed in a second color. Furthermore, a gradation is applied to the fan-shaped image 23 such that the color difference from the second color decreases along the circumferential direction of the reference circle D from the origin A toward the current point B and from the center point C toward the radially outward direction of the reference circle D. In other words, with regard to the gradation color scheme in the fan-shaped image 23, when focusing on the color change in the circumferential direction of the reference circle D, the color closer to the first radial line 31 has a smaller color difference from the first color (a color closer to the first color), and the color closer to the second radial line 32 has a smaller color difference from the second color (a color closer to the second color). Furthermore, when focusing on the color change in the radial direction of the reference circle D, the color closer to the center point C has a color closer to the first color, and the color closer to the arc 33 has a color closer to the second color.

[0039] The term "gradation" as used herein means that a continuous gradation is used to color a color such that there is no color difference from the color of the end point as it progresses from the starting point to the end point, or that a continuous gradation is used to color a color such that the color difference from the starting point increases the further away from the starting point. The color difference is a value that quantifies the perceived color gap between two colors, and is calculated, for example, based on the measurement method of JIS Z 8729-1980 (CIE L*a*b* color system <1976>).

[0040] The fan-shaped image 23 in Fig. 3 is applied with a gradation in the former sense. That is, the fan-shaped image 23 is colored in a clockwise direction and radially outward from the first radial line 31 as the starting point and the current point B as the end point, so that the color difference with the second color disappears. Here, if the first color is white and the second color is black, the fan-shaped image 23 can be said to be colored so that the brightness decreases from the starting point to the end point. Conversely, if the first color is black and the second color is white, the fan-shaped image 23 can be said to be colored so that the brightness increases from the starting point to the end point.

[0041] When the first color is black and the second color is a chromatic color (e.g., blue), the fan-shaped image 23 is colored so that the saturation and brightness increase from the starting point to the end point. When the first color and the second color are chromatic colors, the color may be changed along a color wheel. However, it is preferable that at least one of the first color and the second color is achromatic, and it is more preferable that the first color is achromatic. In other words, it is preferable that the gradation applied to the fan-shaped image 23 changes at least one of the brightness and saturation.

[0042] As a result, the area near current point B is displayed so that the color difference with the first color, which is the background color, is relatively large. The human eye is more likely to focus on positions where the color difference (i.e., contrast) is large. Therefore, when the driver looks at display area 10, the driver's eyes are more likely to be drawn to the area near current point B (the area near current point B is more likely to be noticed). This allows the driver to instantly confirm the position of current point B and quickly recognize variable information.

[0043] Furthermore, in the fan-shaped image 23, a gradation is applied from the first radial line 31 passing through the origin A to the current point B, so that when the driver looks at the display area 10, the driver can instantly recognize how far the current point B is from the origin A (the fluctuation range of the current point B relative to the origin A). This makes it possible to display variable information in a more easily understandable manner. The change in the shape of the fan-shaped image 23 in accordance with changes in the current value of the variable also contributes to drawing attention to the current point B.

[0044] 5 is a diagram showing the scale portion 11 and the sectorial portion 12 overlapping each other. As described above, in this embodiment, the sectorial portion 12 is provided on the first layer L1, and the scale portion 11 is provided on the third layer L3, which is a layer above the sectorial portion 12. Therefore, even if the scales 21 and scale numerical values ​​22 displayed on the scale portion 11 overlap with the sectorial image 23, they are displayed without being hidden by the sectorial image 23.

[0045] As described above, in this embodiment, the peripheral values ​​22a are displayed in the third color, which is the same color as the second color (i.e., black). Therefore, the color difference between the color of the fan-shaped image 23 and the color of the peripheral values ​​22a is small around the current point B on the fan-shaped image 23, which may make the peripheral values ​​22a difficult to recognize. However, by displaying the outline of each scale numerical value 22 with a border in the first color, the numbers of the peripheral values ​​22a can be displayed so that they are easily recognized even around the current point B.

[0046] Furthermore, the farther the boundary value 22b is from the current point B, the smaller the color difference between the first color and the boundary value 22b is displayed. As a result, the contrast between the color of the fan-shaped image 23 and the color of the boundary value 22b is reduced in the areas of the fan-shaped image 23 other than the area around the current point B. In this way, the boundary value 22b is displayed in a manner that makes it less noticeable, thereby encouraging more attention to the current point B.

[0047] 3, the pointer section 13 is a portion within the display area 10 where an image 24 of a pointer (hereinafter simply referred to as "pointer 24") pointing to a current point B is displayed. The pointer 24 is drawn to simulate movement pivoted about a center point C, and its tip points to the current point B. The pointer 24 changes its pointing direction in response to changes in the current values ​​of the variables, and points to the current point B corresponding to the current values ​​of the variables in accordance with the pointing direction.

[0048] In this embodiment, the pointer 24 extends from the center point C to the current point B. The pointer 24 has a generally triangular shape whose circumferential width (pointer width) increases as it moves from the center point C toward the radially outer side of the reference circle D. Here, the pointer portion 13 is provided on the second layer L2, which has a higher priority than the fan-shaped portion 12, as described above. Therefore, the pointer 24 can also be said to be provided on the second radial line 32 of the fan-shaped image 23.

[0049] The pointer 24 is displayed at the current point B in a third color (here, black) different from the first color, and a gradation is applied so that the color difference from the first color decreases as the pointer moves from the current point B toward the center point C. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the pointer 24 is displayed at the center point C in the first color, and a gradation is applied so that the color difference from the first color decreases as the pointer moves from the current point B toward the center point C. Note that the color of the pointer 24 is not limited to the above example. For example, the entire pointer 24 may be displayed in the third color. In other words, the pointer 24 does not need to have a gradation applied.

[0050] The arc-shaped portion 14 is a portion within the display area 10 where a scale image 25 is displayed, which indicates the amplitude of fluctuation of the current point B relative to the origin A. The scale image 25 is in the shape of an arc extending from the origin A to the current point B along the reference circle D. In other words, the scale image 25 is provided on the arc 33. Like the arc 33, the length of the scale image 25 in the circumferential direction expands and contracts in response to changes in the current value of the variable.

[0051] In this embodiment, the scale image 25 has a shape that widens toward the end, with the radial width increasing from the origin A toward the current point B. The scale image 25 is also provided with a gradation such that the current point B is displayed in a third color (here, black) different from the first color, and the color difference from the first color decreases toward the origin A from the current point B. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the scale image 25 is provided with a gradation such that the origin A is displayed in the first color, and the color difference from the first color disappears toward the origin A from the current point B.

[0052] The numerical value section 15 is a section where a digital value 26 corresponding to the current value of the variable is displayed in numbers. The numerical value section 15 is provided in the center of the reference circle D (the part including the center point C). Here, as described above, the scale section 11 is provided in the part excluding the center of the reference circle D (the periphery of the center point C). For this reason, it can be said that the numerical value section 15 is provided in an area where the scale section 11 is not displayed.

[0053] In this way, by utilizing the area where the scale portion 11 is not displayed and displaying the digital numerical value 26 in this area, the variable information can be displayed in a way that is easier to understand and recognize. Also, the color difference between the color of the fan-shaped image 23 and the background color is smaller around the center point C. By displaying the digital numerical value 26 in such an area, the variable information can be displayed in a way that is easier to understand and recognize.

[0054] As described above, the numerical portion 15 is provided in a layer with a higher priority than at least the fan-shaped portion 12 and the pointer portion 13. This allows the digital numerical value 26 to be displayed without being hidden by the fan-shaped image 23 or the pointer 24, even if the digital numerical value 26 overlaps with these images 23 and 24.

[0055] Furthermore, the digital numbers 26 are displayed in a third color (here, black) different from the first color, and their outlines are outlined in the first color, thereby drawing attention to the digital numbers 26. Furthermore, by displaying the outlines of the digital numbers 26 in the first color, the numbers of the digital numbers 26 can be displayed so that they are easily recognizable even when the digital numbers 26 overlap with the fan-shaped image 23 or the pointer 24.

[0056] The digital numerical value 26 is displayed at least larger than the scale numerical value 22. This allows the driver to grasp the current value of the variable at a glance when he or she turns his or her eyes to the display area 10. Note that, as shown in the figure, the numerical value section 15 may display the unit 27 of the variable in letters alongside the digital numerical value 26.

[0057] [3. Actions and Effects] (1) The display device 1 is provided with a scale section 11 displaying a scale 21 serving as an index of a variable and a fan-shaped section 12 displaying a fan-shaped image 23 within a display area 10 having a background color of a first color. The scale 21 is displayed on a reference circle D centered at a center point C within the display area 10 and passing through an origin A. The fan-shaped image 23 is a fan surrounded by a first radial line 31 connecting the origin A and the center point C, a second radial line 32 connecting a current point B corresponding to the current value of the variable on the reference circle D with the center point C, and an arc 33 from the origin A to the current point B. In the fan-shaped image 23, the first radial line 31 is displayed in a first color, and the current point B is displayed in a second color different from the first color. In addition, the fan-shaped image 23 is given a gradation so that the color difference from the second color becomes smaller as it moves from the origin A toward the current point B and from the center point C toward the radial outside of the reference circle D.

[0058] In this way, the area around the current point B in the fan-shaped image 23 is displayed in a color that has a large color difference from the background color, which makes it easier for the driver to focus on the area around the current point B when he or she turns his or her eyes to the display area 10. In particular, around the current point B, the color difference (contrast) between the color on the side approaching the origin A and the color on the side away from the origin A (i.e., the background color) with the second radial line 32 as the boundary becomes larger, making it easier for the area around the current point B to be noticed. Therefore, the driver can quickly grasp (recognize) the information on the variable corresponding to the current point B.

[0059] Furthermore, the fan-shaped image 23 is given a gradation such that the color difference from the second color decreases as the image moves from the origin A toward the current point B and as the image moves radially outward from the center point C, allowing the driver to grasp at a glance the amplitude of fluctuation of the current point B relative to the origin A. In addition, the overall shape and color (gradation) of the fan-shaped image 23 change in accordance with changes in the current value of the variable. In this way, the shape and color of the fan-shaped image 23 change over time, making it easier for the driver to focus on the fan-shaped image 23 when looking at the display area 10. Therefore, the display device 1 described above can display variable information in an easy-to-understand and easy-to-recognize manner.

[0060] (2) The display device 1 has a numerical section 15 in the center of the reference circle D, in which a digital value 26 corresponding to the current value of the variable is displayed in numbers. By displaying the digital value 26 in an area where the scale section 11 is not displayed, the variable information can be displayed in a way that is easier to understand and recognize.

[0061] (3) The digital numbers 26 are displayed in a third color different from the first color, and their outlines are displayed in the first color. This draws attention to the digital numbers 26, and even when the digital numbers 26 overlap with the fan-shaped image 23, the numbers of the digital numbers 26 can be displayed in a recognizable manner.

[0062] (4) In the scale portion 11 of the display device 1, the scale numbers 22 corresponding to the scales 21 are displayed as numbers in a color different from the first color. This allows the driver to grasp at a glance the values ​​corresponding to each scale 21 when he or she turns his or her eyes to the display area 10. Furthermore, because the outlines of the scale numbers 22 are displayed in the first color, the numbers of the scale numbers 22 can be displayed so as to be recognizable even when the scale numbers 22 overlap with the fan-shaped image 23.

[0063] (5) In addition, in the display device 1, the peripheral values ​​22a around the current point B are displayed in a third color. Furthermore, the border values ​​22b excluding the peripheral values ​​22a are displayed in a color that is smaller in color difference from the first color than the third color. This makes it easier for the driver to notice the peripheral values ​​22a rather than the border values ​​22b when he or she looks at the display area 10. This helps the driver to grasp the current value of the variable corresponding to the current point B.

[0064] (6) In particular, in the above-described display device 1, the boundary value 22b is displayed in a color with a smaller color difference from the first color as the numerical value corresponding to the scale 21 is farther away from the current point B along the reference circle D. As a result, the contrast between the color of the fan-shaped image 23 and the color of the boundary value 22b is displayed smaller in the portion of the fan-shaped image 23 other than the periphery of the current point B. Therefore, the boundary value 22b becomes even less noticeable, which can further encourage attention to the current point B.

[0065] (7) The display device 1 is provided with a pointer unit 13 that is drawn to simulate a movement pivoted about a center point C and displays a pointer 24 that indicates a current point B. The pointer 24 is an image that is displayed on the second radial line 32 and is displayed in a third color. In this way, by displaying the pointer unit 13 on the second radial line 32 that connects the center point C and the current point B, attention can be more effectively drawn to the current point B.

[0066] (8) In addition, in the above-described display device 1, a gradation is applied to the pointer 24 such that the color difference from the first color decreases as the pointer moves from the current point B toward the center point C. Furthermore, the width of the pointer 24 is displayed to increase as the pointer moves radially outward from the center point C. This makes it easier to draw attention to the area around the current point B rather than the area around the center point C.

[0067] (9) The display device 1 is provided with an arc-shaped portion 14 on which an arc-shaped scale image 25 extending from the origin A to the current point B is displayed. The scale image 25 is displayed in a gradation such that the current point B is displayed in a third color and the color difference from the first color becomes smaller as the current point B moves toward the origin A. The scale image 25 is also displayed such that the width of the scale image 25 in the radial direction becomes larger as the current point B moves from the origin A to the current point B. This allows the extension of the current point B relative to the origin A to be grasped at a glance, thereby making it possible to display variable information in an easier-to-understand and easier-to-recognize manner.

[0068] [4. Modifications] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative. The shape of the display area 10 does not have to be circular, and the background color of the display area 10 does not have to be white. Furthermore, multiple scale portions 11 and fan-shaped portions 12 may be provided within the display area 10. In other words, the display device 1 may display information on multiple variables within the display area 10. The pointer portion 13, the arc-shaped portion 14, and the numerical portion 15 may be omitted.

[0069] 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed by a display device according to a modified example. The display device according to the modified example differs from the display device 1 of the above-described embodiment mainly in the following respects: - The display area 10' is rectangular; - The first color is black and the second color is white; - Two scale portions 111, 112 and two sector-shaped portions 121, 122 are provided within the display area 10'; - The scale 211 displayed on one scale portion 111 is extended to both sides in the circumferential direction of the reference circle D with the origin A1 as the base; - There are no portions corresponding to the pointer portion 13, the arc-shaped portion 14, and the numerical portion 15.

[0070] That is, the display device according to the modified example has a different screen configuration from the display device 1 described above, but the configuration of the display device itself may be the same as that of the display device 1 described above. That is, the display device according to the modified example may also be provided with an electronic control device and an output device. Images displayed by the display device according to the modified example will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 6. In the following description, descriptions that overlap with those in the above embodiment will be omitted.

[0071] In this modified example, the display device displays information on two variables within a display area 10'. Here, a rectangular display area 10' is illustrated as an example, but the shape of the display area 10' is not particularly limited, as with the display area 10 of the above-described embodiment. The display device is applied, for example, to a vehicle equipped with both a traction motor and an engine as driving sources for traveling. In this example, information on the torque (including drive torque and regenerative torque) of the traction motor is displayed as information on one of the two variables (hereinafter referred to as the "first variable"), and information on the engine output is displayed as information on the other variable (hereinafter referred to as the "second variable").

[0072] The display area 10' is provided with a first scale portion 111 and a first sector-shaped portion 121 as portions for displaying information about the first variable. Furthermore, a second scale portion 112 and a second sector-shaped portion 122 are provided as portions for displaying information about the second variable. In this modification, the origin A1 and current point B1 of the first variable and the origin A2 and current point B2 of the second variable are located on the same reference circle D. The first scale portion 111 and the second scale portion 112 are adjacently arranged on the same reference circle D. More specifically, the first scale portion 111 is arranged from approximately the 7 o'clock position to the 12 o'clock position on the reference circle D, and the second scale portion 112 is arranged from the 12 o'clock position to the 3 o'clock position on the reference circle D.

[0073] The first scale 211 displayed on the first scale portion 111 has an origin A1 at the 9 o'clock position on the reference circle D, and includes a scale line corresponding to the origin A1, a scale line provided at a position spaced apart in the clockwise direction from the origin A1, and a scale line provided at a position spaced apart in the counterclockwise direction from the origin A1. In other words, in this modified example, the first scale 211 is deployed on both sides of the circumferential direction of the reference circle D with the origin A1 as the base. Note that the first scale 211 may have scale lines connecting the scale lines, similar to the scale 21 of the above embodiment.

[0074] The current point B1 of the first variable is located clockwise from the origin A1 when the drive motor is driven, and displaces more clockwise as the drive torque increases. Also, the current point B1 is located counterclockwise from the origin A1 when the drive motor is regenerating, and displaces more counterclockwise as the regenerative torque increases.

[0075] The first fan-shaped portion 121 is a region where a first fan-shaped image 231 is displayed, which is surrounded by a straight line (radius) connecting the origin A1 and the center point C of the reference circle D, a straight line (radius) connecting the current point B1 and the center point C, and an arc extending from the origin A1 to the current point B1. In the first fan-shaped image 231, the current point B1 is displayed in a second color (white in this case) that is different from the background color (black in this case) of the display area 10', similar to the fan-shaped image 23 in the above embodiment. A gradation is applied so that the color difference from the second color decreases from the origin A1 toward the current point B1 and from the center point C toward the radially outer side of the reference circle D.

[0076] As described above, the current point B1 of the first variable is located clockwise or counterclockwise from the origin A1 depending on the operating state of the travel motor. Therefore, the first fan-shaped image 231 is also displayed clockwise or counterclockwise from the origin A depending on the position of the current point B1.

[0077] The second scale 212 displayed on the second scale portion 112 has a plurality of scale lines arranged at predetermined intervals in a clockwise direction from the origin A2, with the 12 o'clock position on the reference circle D as the origin A2. Note that the second scale 212 may have a scale line connecting each scale line, similar to the scale 21 of the above embodiment. Furthermore, the second scale portion 112 may display numerical values ​​corresponding to each scale line, similar to the scale portion 11 of the above embodiment.

[0078] The second fan-shaped portion 122 is a region where a second fan-shaped image 232 is displayed, which is surrounded by a straight line (radius) connecting the origin A2 and the center point C of the reference circle D, a straight line (radius) connecting the current point B2 and the center point C, and an arc extending from the origin A2 to the current point B2. In the second fan-shaped image 232, the current point B2 is displayed in a second color that is different from the background color of the display area 10', similar to the fan-shaped image 23 in the above embodiment. Furthermore, a gradation is applied so that the color difference from the second color decreases as one moves from the origin A2 toward the current point B2 and from the center point C toward the outer side in the radial direction of the reference circle D.

[0079] The second color used for the current point of the fan-shaped image may be set for each variable. That is, when the display device displays two fan-shaped images 231, 232 to display information on two variables, as in this modification, different colors may be set as the second colors of the fan-shaped images 231, 232. For example, the second color of the first fan-shaped image 231 for displaying information on the first variable may be blue, and the second color of the second fan-shaped image 232 for displaying information on the second variable may be white.

[0080] The display device of the above-described modified example achieves the same effects as the display device 1 of the embodiment. That is, the display area 10′ is provided with a first scale portion 111 and a first sector-shaped portion 121 as portions for displaying information about the first variable. Furthermore, a second scale portion 112 and a second sector-shaped portion 122 are provided as portions for displaying information about the second variable. The first sector-shaped portion 121 and the second sector-shaped portion 122 each display sector-shaped images 231, 232, which are provided with a gradation such that the color difference from the second color decreases toward the current points B1, B2, respectively. This makes it easier for the driver to focus on the current point B1 of the first variable and the current point B2 of the second variable when the driver looks at the display area 10′, thereby making it possible to display the variable information in an easy-to-understand and easy-to-recognize manner.

[0081] [5. Other] The above-described embodiments and modifications are merely illustrative and are not intended to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly stated in the present embodiments. Various modifications of the components of the present embodiments can be implemented without departing from the spirit of the present embodiments. The components of the present embodiments can be selected or combined as needed.

[0082] The display device is required to have at least the scale portion and the sector portion on the display area, and the pointer portion, the arc portion, and the numerical portion may be omitted. Furthermore, the images displayed on the pointer portion and the arc portion are merely examples, and are not limited to the images described above. The scale displayed on the scale portion is also merely an example, and may be represented by dots, triangles, or other figures instead of lines.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 1 Display device 10, 10' Display area 11 Scale portion 12 Fan-shaped portion 13 Pointer portion 14 Arc-shaped portion 15 Numerical portion 21 Scale 22 Scale numerical value 22a Peripheral value 22b Peripheral value 23 Fan-shaped image 24 Pointer 25 Scale image 26 Digital numerical value 111 First scale portion (scale portion) 112 Second scale portion (scale portion) 121 First fan-shaped portion (fan-shaped portion) 122 Second fan-shaped portion (fan-shaped portion) 211 First scale (scale) 212 Second scale (scale) 231 First fan-shaped image (fan-shaped image) 232 Second fan-shaped image (fan-shaped image) A, A1, A2 Origin B, B1, B2 Current point C Center point D Reference circle (circle) E fan-shaped area

Claims

1. A display device that displays information on a variable related to a vehicle state within a display area having a background color of a first color, the display device including: a scale portion in which scales serving as indicators of the variable are displayed on a circle passing through the origin, centered on a center point provided at a position separated from the origin provided at an arbitrary position within the display area; a first radius line connecting the origin and the center point, a second radius line connecting the center point and a current point corresponding to the current value of the variable on the circle, and a sector portion in which a sector image surrounded by an arc from the origin to the current point is displayed; wherein the sector image is such that the first radius line is displayed in the first color, the current point is displayed in a second color different from the first color, and a gradation is applied so that a color difference from the second color decreases as going from the origin toward the current point and as going from the center point toward the outer side in the radial direction of the circle.

2. The display device according to claim 1, further including a numerical value portion in which a digital numerical value corresponding to the current value is displayed as numbers at the center of the circle.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the digital numerical value is displayed in a third color different from the first color, and a contour of the digital numerical value is displayed in the first color.

4. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein scale numerical values corresponding to the scales in the scale portion are displayed as numbers in a color different from the first color, and a contour of the scale numerical values is displayed in the first color.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein the scale numerical values are such that peripheral values corresponding to the scales displayed within a predetermined sector area developed on both sides in the circumferential direction of the circle with the current point as the center are displayed in a third color different from the first color, and boundary values excluding the peripheral values are displayed in a color having a smaller color difference from the first color than a color difference between the third color and the first color.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein the boundary values are displayed in a color having a smaller color difference from the first color as the numerical value corresponding to the scale separated from the current point along the circle is greater.

7. The display device according to claim 5, further comprising a pointer portion that is drawn to simulate a movement pivotally supported with respect to the center point and displays a pointer indicating the current point, wherein the pointer is displayed in the third color.

8. The display device according to claim 5, further comprising a pointer portion that is drawn to simulate a movement pivotally supported with respect to the center point and displays a pointer indicating the current point, wherein the current point is displayed in the third color, and a gradation is applied such that a color difference from the first color decreases as going from the current point toward the center point, and a width of the pointer in the circumferential direction of the circle is displayed larger as going from the center point toward the radially outer side of the circle.

9. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising an arc-shaped portion that displays an arc-shaped scale image extending from the origin to the current point along the circle, wherein the scale image is displayed in a third color different from the first color, and a gradation is applied such that a color difference from the first color decreases as going from the current point toward the origin, and a width of the scale image in the radial direction of the circle is displayed larger as going from the origin toward the current point.

Images