Display system

Abstract

This display system displays video at a meter display (2) that is provided in front of a driver seat of a vehicle and at a center display (1) that is provided further to the center side in the vehicle width direction than the meter display (2). When a principal power supply of the vehicle is turned on, the center display (1) displays a dynamic center startup image (6) that renders a first line (21) that extends in the left-right direction from the center in the left-right direction of the center display (1) toward left and right side edges, and after the first line (21) of the dynamic center startup image (6) has reached the left and right side edges of the center display (1), the meter display (2) displays a dynamic first meter startup image (7) that renders a pair of second lines (22) that extend from left and right end edges of the meter display (2) toward the center in the left-right direction.

Description

Display System

[0001] The present invention relates to a display system installed in a vehicle cabin.

[0002] Display systems that display images inside a vehicle cabin and that include multiple display devices are known. For example, a display system is known in which a meter display is provided on an instrument panel in front of the driver's seat and a center display is provided in the center of the instrument panel in the vehicle width direction. The meter display displays a speedometer, a tachometer, etc., while the center display displays map information for car navigation, audio information, etc. (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-222271

[0004] When the vehicle's main power is turned on, startup videos (opening movie, splash screen) are displayed on multiple display devices individually. This can easily lead to variations in display timing and duration, and the inconsistency in behavior can give occupants a clunky and unrefined impression. Furthermore, these startup videos are repeatedly displayed every time the occupant turns on the vehicle's main power. This can make it difficult to dispel any negative impressions the occupant may have of the display system, potentially reducing the user experience (values ​​for the user, such as ease of use, appearance, and satisfaction).

[0005] One of the objectives of the present invention, which was conceived in light of the above-mentioned problems, is to provide a display system that provides a sense of unity in the operation of multiple displays and improves the user experience. However, in addition to this objective, another objective of the present invention is to achieve effects derived from the configurations shown in the "Description of Embodiments" below, which are not obtainable with conventional technologies.

[0006] The disclosed display system 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 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 system displays images on a meter display disposed in front of a driver's seat of a vehicle and a center display disposed closer to the center of the vehicle width direction than the meter display. When a main power source of the vehicle is turned on, the center display displays a center-activated video in which a first line extending in the left-right direction from a center in the left-right direction of the center display toward each of the left and right sides. When a main power source of the vehicle is turned on, the meter display displays a first meter-activated video in which, after the first line in the center-activated video reaches each of the left and right sides of the center display, a pair of second lines extending from each of the left and right ends of the meter display toward the center in the left-right direction.

[0008] Aspect 2. With regard to aspects including Aspect 1 above, it is preferable that the first line in the center-activation video continues to be displayed until the pair of second lines in the first meter activation video are connected at the center in the left-right direction. Aspect 3. With regard to aspects including Aspect 1 above, it is preferable that the meter display is configured to be able to display information about the vehicle or an in-vehicle device after playback of the first meter activation video has finished, and that the second line continues to be displayed as a reference line for the information after playback of the first meter activation video has finished. Aspect 4. With regard to aspects including Aspect 1 above, it is preferable that the first line and the second line are represented using the same line drawing style.

[0009] Aspect 5. In an aspect including Aspect 1 described above, it is preferable that the meter display displays a second meter startup video after playing the first meter startup video when a main power source of the vehicle is turned on. Furthermore, it is preferable that, assuming that imaginary left and right circles exist on the left and right sides of the meter display, the second meter startup video includes a left arc line extending vertically from the right end point of the left circle along the circumference and joining at the left end point of the left circle, and a right arc line extending vertically from the left end point of the right circle along the circumference and joining at the right end point of the right circle.

[0010] Aspect 6. With regard to any aspect including Aspect 5 above, it is preferable that the meter display is configured to be able to display circular left and right meters after playback of the second meter startup video ends, and that the left and right arc lines are drawn at positions corresponding to the outlines of the left and right meters.

[0011] Aspect 7. With regard to any aspect including Aspect 5 above, it is preferable that the meter display be capable of displaying cylindrical left and right meters after playback of the second meter startup video ends, and that the left and right arc lines be drawn so as to deform into ellipses toward positions corresponding to the contours of the bottom surfaces of the left and right meter.

[0012] Aspect 8. With regard to aspects including the above-mentioned Aspect 5, it is preferable that the second line, the left circular arc line, and the right circular arc line are represented in the same line drawing style. Aspect 9. With regard to aspects including the above-mentioned Aspect 1, it is preferable that the meter display is configured to be able to display a speedometer, an output meter, a battery level gauge, and a fuel level gauge after playback of the first meter startup video has finished, and that the battery level gauge and the fuel level gauge are displayed before the speedometer and the output meter.

[0013] The disclosed display system can provide a sense of unity between the center startup video and the first meter startup video when the vehicle's main power is turned on, thereby creating a sophisticated and luxurious impression in the operation of the display system when the vehicle's main power is turned on, thereby improving the user experience.

[0014] 1 is a diagram showing the interior of a vehicle to which a display system according to an embodiment is applied; FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the display system; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing, in order of display, startup videos displayed on the center display and meter display when the main power supply of the vehicle is turned on; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing, in order of display, startup videos displayed on the center display and meter display following the state of FIG. 3(D); FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a second meter startup video (classic meter startup video) displayed on the meter display following the state of FIG. 4(D); and FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a second meter startup video (enhanced meter startup video) displayed on the meter display following the state of FIG. 4(D).

[0015] 1 is a diagram showing the interior of a vehicle to which a display system according to the present invention is applied. An instrument panel 3, on which switches and meters for controlling the vehicle and various on-board devices are arranged, is provided at the front of the interior of the vehicle. The instrument panel 3 is provided, for example, in a range from in front of a driver's seat 4 to near the center of the vehicle in the width direction, or is provided over the entire dashboard across the entire width of the interior of the vehicle.

[0016] The instrument panel 3 is provided with a center display 1 and a meter display 2. Both the center display 1 and the meter display 2 are display means for displaying various information as images (still images or moving images), such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a screen projector, etc. The meter display 2 displays information mainly for the driver, while the center display 1 displays information for all passengers including the driver.

[0017] The display system according to the present invention displays images on a center display 1 and a meter display 2. The center display 1 and the meter display 2 may each be provided with ancillary devices such as 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, and a speaker device that outputs voice or music.

[0018] The meter display 2 is disposed in front of the driver's seat 4 of the vehicle, for example, in front of the steering wheel 5 or on the top surface of the dashboard. In addition to a speedometer and a power meter (tachometer), the meter display 2 can display a water temperature gauge, an oil temperature gauge, a motor temperature gauge, a battery temperature gauge, auxiliary equipment information, road surface information, surrounding radar detection information, various warning icons, and the like. The meter display 2 is energized when the vehicle is ready to run (power on) and displays information related to the running of the vehicle. The meter display 2 shown in FIG. 1 is disposed in a position where the driver can view it through the gap above the steering wheel 5.

[0019] The center display 1 is disposed closer to the center in the vehicle width direction than the meter display 2, and is provided, for example, on the top or rear surface of the dashboard (the surface facing the passenger compartment). In addition to the same information as the meter display 2, the center display 1 can display information about the current vehicle location, map information, video captured by an onboard camera, internet information, audio information, multimedia information, etc. The center display 1 is energized and displays various information not only when the vehicle is ready to run but also when the onboard electrical equipment is available for use (accessories).

[0020] The vehicle shown in FIG. 1 is a left-hand drive vehicle, and the center display 1 is disposed to the right of the meter display 2. If the vehicle is a right-hand drive vehicle, the center display 1 is disposed to the left of the meter display 2. The position of the center display 1 in the vehicle width direction is not limited to the center of the vehicle width direction, and it can also be disposed, for example, in front of the passenger seat. In addition, the position of the center display 1 in the height direction can be set arbitrarily, and it may be at the same height as the meter display 2, or at a higher or lower position than the meter display 2.

[0021] 2 is a schematic block diagram of a display system according to the present invention. The display contents of the center display 1 and the meter display 2 are controlled by a display control device 10. The display control device 10 is a computer incorporating a processor (arithmetic processing device) and a memory (storage device). The processing contents (programs) of the display control device 10 are stored in the memory, and are executed by being read into the processor as appropriate.

[0022] The display control device 10 may include a first control device that controls the center display 1 and a second control device that controls the meter display 2. In other words, the display control device 10 may be configured as a plurality of separate computers. Alternatively, the display control device 10 may control the center display 1 and the meter display 2 simultaneously and in parallel. In other words, the display control device 10 may be a single computer that controls both the center display 1 and the meter display 2.

[0023] A main switch 11, a drive system ECU 12 (Electronic Control Unit), and a non-drive system ECU 13 are connected to the display control device 10 as information sources related to the display content. The center display 1 and meter display 2 are also connected to the display control device 10 as display means for displaying images. These information sources and display means are connected to the display control device 10 via an in-vehicle communication network or dedicated signal lines.

[0024] The main switch 11 is a switch for switching the state of the vehicle's main power supply. The state of the vehicle's main power supply is switched among three states: on (ON), off (OFF), and accessory (ACC) depending on, for example, the number of times the main switch 11 is pressed, whether or not a wireless authentication key is carried by an authorized occupant, whether or not the brake pedal is depressed, the operating position of the selector lever, the operating state of on-board electrical equipment, etc. Note that various known methods can be used as a specific method for switching the vehicle's main power supply.

[0025] The drivetrain ECU 12 is a computer that controls drive-related devices for driving the vehicle. The drivetrain ECU 12 includes functions such as an engine ECU, a motor ECU, a motor drive battery ECU, a brake ECU, a steering ECU, and a suspension ECU. Of the information transmitted from the drivetrain ECU 12, vehicle speed information and output information are displayed on the meter display 2. Other information can be displayed on the center display 1 or the meter display 2 depending on the vehicle state and the selection of the occupant.

[0026] The non-drive system ECU 13 is a computer that controls devices other than the drive-related devices. The non-drive system ECU 13 includes functions such as a door lock ECU, a light ECU, an in-vehicle camera ECU, a power window ECU, and an air conditioner ECU. Information transmitted from the non-drive system ECU 13 can be displayed on the center display 1 or the meter display 2 depending on the vehicle state and the selection of the occupant.

[0027] The display control device 10 may be connected to a satellite positioning control device, a wireless communication control device, a multimedia control device, etc. (not shown). The satellite positioning control device is a car navigation control device that measures the position of a vehicle based on detection information from a GNSS (global navigation satellite system), a vehicle speed sensor, a steering angle sensor, a yaw rate sensor, etc. The wireless communication control device is an electronic control device that performs wireless communication with other computers via a wireless network.

[0028] The multimedia control device is an electronic control device that controls multimedia devices (radio, television, physical media playback device, smartphone linkage device, internet distribution content playback device, etc.). Information transmitted from each of the satellite positioning control device, wireless communication control device, and multimedia control device can be displayed on the center display 1 or meter display 2 according to the vehicle status and the selection of the occupant.

[0029] [2. Center Start-Up Video and First Meter Start-Up Video] In the display system of this embodiment, when the main power supply of the vehicle is turned on, control is performed to display individual start-up videos (opening movies) on each of the center display 1 and the meter display 2. The timing at which each start-up video is played and the content to be played are set in advance or controlled by the display control device 10 so as to give a sense of unity to the operations of these displays 1 and 2.

[0030] 3A to 3D are diagrams showing, in display order, frames included in the startup videos displayed on the center display 1 and the meter display 2 when the main power supply of the vehicle is turned on. The center display 1 displays the center startup video 6 when the main power supply of the vehicle is turned on. Meanwhile, the meter display 2 displays the first meter startup video 7 at a timing corresponding to the content of the center startup video 6 displayed on the center display 1 when the main power supply of the vehicle is turned on. In other words, immediately after the main power supply is turned on, only the center startup video 6 starts to be played, and then the first meter startup video 7 starts to be played at an appropriate timing.

[0031] 3A, immediately after the main power is turned on, nothing is displayed on the meter display 2, and a center-activated video 6 is played on the center display 1. In the center-activated video 6, a first line 21 is drawn, extending in the left-right direction from the center in the left-right direction of the center display 1 to each of the left and right sides. The vertical position of the first line 21 is near the center in the up-down direction of the center display 1.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 3B, the first line 21 is preferably drawn so as to extend substantially horizontally. The speed at which the left end of the first line 21 moves leftward is set to be the same as the speed at which the right end of the first line 21 moves rightward. The first line 21 is drawn so as to extend substantially horizontally. １ It is drawn so that it has a symmetrical shape, based on the perpendicular line that passes through the center of the left and right direction when viewed from the front.

[0033] The movement of the first line 21 can be likened to the scene seen from the perspective of a bird flying towards the rising sun before dawn, with sunlight gradually spreading to the left and right along the horizon. The center-activated video 6 is a video created with the image of a "sunrise" in mind, and serves to remind the occupant who turns on the vehicle's main power of the "beginning of a new day." The first line 21 is preferably rendered in a bright color (e.g., white), and the background of the first line 21 is preferably rendered in a dark color (e.g., black).

[0034] Furthermore, when the above-mentioned scene is depicted using perspective projection, objects on the ground (or ripples on the sea surface) are thought to appear as afterimages radiating downward from the vanishing point from the viewpoint of a bird flying at high speed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3(B), a beam of light 23 (streaks of light) may be drawn below the first line 21, radiating downward from the center in the horizontal direction of the center display 1. This emphasizes the sense of speed of the flying bird (i.e., the sense of realism experienced by the occupants who share the viewpoint with the bird), and can evoke in the occupants the feeling of "the speedy start of a new day."

[0035] 3C, the left end of the first line 21 reaches the left edge of the center display 1, and at the same time, the right end of the first line 21 reaches the right edge of the center display 1. The first line 21 continues to be displayed for a while after that. In addition, some of the multiple light beams 23 are drawn so that they gradually disappear, newly appear in different positions, or slightly sway left and right.

[0036] When the first line 21 reaches both the left and right sides of the center display 1, the first meter startup video 7 is played on the meter display 2. In the first meter startup video 7, as shown in Fig. 3(D) , a pair of second lines 22 extending from each of the left and right edges of the meter display 2 toward the center in the left-right direction are drawn. The vertical position of the second lines 22 is set near the center in the up-down direction of the meter display 2.

[0037] Here, the time when the first line 21 reaches each of the left and right sides of the center display 1 is defined as a first time, and the time when the second line 22 starts to be drawn is defined as a second time. The second time is set to be at least later than the first time. Preferably, the second time is set so that the time lag between the first time and the second time is as small as possible (a predetermined time or less (e.g., 1000 ms or less)). Alternatively, the second time is set so that it coincides with the first time.

[0038] 4A to 4D are diagrams showing, in order of display, frames included in the startup video that are displayed on the center display 1 and the meter display 2 following the state of FIG. 3D. As shown in FIG. 4A, the pair of left and right second lines 22 are preferably drawn to extend substantially horizontally at substantially the same height. The speed at which the left end of the right second line 22 moves leftward is set to be the same as the speed at which the right end of the left second line 22 moves rightward. The second lines 22 are aligned along the midline C of the meter display 2. ２ It is drawn so that it has a symmetrical shape, based on the perpendicular line that passes through the center of the left and right direction when viewed from the front.

[0039] Of the pair of left and right second lines 22, the second line 22 extending from the edge (the right edge in this embodiment) of the meter display 2 located closer to the center display 1 can be similar to the first line 21 extending beyond the center display 1 onto the meter display 2. The first meter startup video 7 is a video created with consideration given to the continuity of the movements of the first line 21 and the second line 22, and serves to remind the occupant of a sense of functional unity between the center display 1 and the meter display 2.

[0040] The second line 22 is preferably rendered in a bright color (e.g., white), and the background of the second line 22 is preferably rendered in a dark color (e.g., black). The second line 22 is preferably rendered in the same line drawing style as the first line 21. The line drawing style here refers to attributes or combinations of attributes that characterize the impression of the line's appearance, such as line color, line thickness, transparency, line type (solid line, dashed line, dotted line, chain line, etc.), line decoration (pattern added around the path), and brush type (pen tip shape, brush pattern). By rendering the line drawing styles of the first line 21 and the second line 22 the same, a sense of unity and coherence between them is emphasized.

[0041] 4A , the beam of light 23 may be drawn below the second line 22 in the meter display 2. Preferably, the beam of light 23 in the meter display 2 is depicted using the same line drawing style as the beam of light 23 in the center display 1. By drawing the beam of light 23 in the same line drawing style, the sense of unity and consistency between the first line 21 and the second line 22 is further emphasized.

[0042] 4B, the pair of left and right second lines 22 join together at the center in the left-right direction of the meter display 2. The first line 21 in the center activation video 6 continues to be displayed until the pair of second lines 22 in the first meter activation video 7 join together at the center in the left-right direction. This makes the display content of the center display 1 and the display content of the meter display 2 almost identical, emphasizing their unity and consistency.

[0043] 4(C) and 4(D), after the pair of second lines 22 are connected in the first meter activation video 7, the first line 21 and the light beam 23 in the center activation video 6 gradually disappear (fade out). The first line 21 is drawn, for example, so that its color gradually approaches the background color and its line thickness gradually decreases. When the first line 21 completely disappears, nothing is displayed on the center display 1, and the center activation video 6 ends. After the center activation video 6 ends, for example, a logo or splash screen of the vehicle manufacturer or electrical equipment manufacturer may be displayed, or a menu screen related to the in-vehicle electrical equipment may be displayed.

[0044] On the other hand, the second line 22 of the first meter startup video 7 moves toward the top of the meter display 2 while deforming, and continues to be displayed even after playback of the first meter startup video 7 ends as a reference line for various information to be subsequently displayed on the meter display 2. For example, the second line 22 and the beam of light 23 shown in Figure 4(C) are drawn so as to move upward while their horizontal dimensions shrink toward the center in the horizontal direction.

[0045] 4(D) is a diagram illustrating a case where the second line 22 remains as a reference line on the perspective view. The second line 22 and the light beam 23 are further deformed from the state shown in FIG. 4(C), and a perspective view simulating a state where the vehicle is viewed from above and behind the vehicle is displayed.

[0046] In this perspective view, the second line 22 functions as a line representing the horizon drawn between the ground and the sky, and the light beam 23 functions as a line representing the white line (lane boundary line) of the driving lane. In this way, by leaving the lines corresponding to the second line 22 and the light beam 23 even after the first meter startup video 7 has ended, the sense of unity in design between the first meter startup video 7 and the normal use screen on the meter display 2 is enhanced.

[0047] 5(G) is a diagram illustrating an example in which the second line 22 functions as a reference line for other information. Here, the second line 22 continues to be displayed as a boundary line separating the title of text information from its content. For example, in a menu titled "Various Settings," there are setting items such as "Display Type, Brightness, Font Size, and Font Color," and the second line 22 functions as a horizontal boundary line separating the title from the setting items. The line corresponding to the beam of light 23 is omitted. By leaving the line corresponding to the second line 22 after the first meter startup video 7 ends, the design of the first meter startup video 7 and the normal use screen on the meter display 2 is more consistent.

[0048] [3. Second Meter Start-Up Video] In the display system of this embodiment, when the main power supply of the vehicle is turned on, the meter display 2 plays back the first meter start-up video 7 and then displays the second meter start-up videos 8 and 9. The second meter start-up videos 8 and 9 include two types: a classic meter start-up video 8 and an enhanced meter start-up video 9. The classic meter start-up video 8 is a video that is played back when the display mode of the meter display 2 transitions to the classic mode, and the enhanced meter start-up video 9 is a video that is played back when the display mode of the meter display 2 transitions to the enhanced mode.

[0049] Classic mode is a mode in which meters (e.g., instruments such as a speedometer, power meter, and tachometer) displayed on the meter display 2 are classic meters. A classic meter is a meter that converts the magnitude of a parameter (e.g., driving speed, power output, engine RPM, etc.) into a rotation angle of a pointer from a reference position and displays the converted value. The left meter 28 (power meter) and right meter 29 (speedometer) shown in FIG. 5(F) are specific examples of classic meters. A typical classic meter has a scale engraved in a circular or elliptical display area and a pointer that rotates to indicate the current parameter value.

[0050] The enhanced mode is a mode in which the meter displayed on the meter display 2 becomes an enhanced meter (enhanced meter). An enhanced meter is a meter that converts the magnitude of a parameter into the rotation angle of a three-dimensional rotating body (e.g., a cylinder, a column, a truncated cone, etc.) and displays a projection or projection of the rotating body so that the cylindrical or conical surface corresponding to the rotation angle is visible. The left meter 38 (power meter) and right meter 39 (speedometer) shown in Figure 6(H) are specific examples of enhanced meters. A typical enhanced meter is provided with a three-dimensional figure having an outer surface with a scale engraved on it, which rotates around a rotation axis, and a fixed pointer that indicates the current parameter value.

[0051] [A. Classic meter startup animation] Figures 5(A) to (G) are diagrams for explaining the classic meter startup animation 8 that is displayed on the meter display 2 following the state of Figure 4(D). The two circles indicated by dashed lines in Figure 5(A) are imaginary circles that correspond to the outlines of the circular left meter 28 and right meter 29 that are finally displayed, as shown in Figures 5(F) and 5(G). Here, the imaginary circle located on the left side is called the left circle, and the imaginary circle located on the right side is called the right circle. The left and right circles are the same size, and the centers of the left and right circles are at the same height.

[0052] As shown in Figure 5(A), the classic meter startup animation 8 includes a left arc line 24 and a right arc line 25. The left arc line 24 is a line that is drawn so as to extend in an arc shape from the right end point of the left circle upward and downward along the circumference, assuming that the left circle exists on the left side of the meter display 2. Then, as shown in Figures 5(B) to 5(D), the left arc line 24 is drawn so as to extend upward and downward along the circumference of the left circle and connect to form a single line at the left end point of the left circle. The left arc line 24 is drawn at a position corresponding to the outline of the left meter 28.

[0053] Similarly, assuming that the right circle exists on the right side of the meter display 2, the right arc line 25 is a line that is drawn extending in an arc shape from the left end point of the right circle toward the top and bottom along the circumference. Then, as shown in Figures 5(B) to 5(D), the right arc line 25 is drawn extending up and down to trace the circumference of the right circle and connecting to form a single line at the right end point of the right circle. The right arc line 25 is drawn at a position corresponding to the outline of the right meter 29. The left arc line 24 and the right arc line 25 are drawn so as to be vertically symmetrical with respect to a horizontal line H that passes through the centers of the left and right circles.

[0054] The movement of the left arc line 24 and the right arc line 25 can be likened to the scene in which sunlight spreads out in an arc along the contour of the Earth when observing the sunrise on Earth from the shadow side of the Earth from a space station, for example. Alternatively, it can be likened to the scene in which sunlight spreads out in an arc along the contour of the Moon just before the end of a total solar eclipse (the scene in which a diamond ring is formed). The motif of the classic meter activation video 8 (second meter activation video) is "sunrise," but it is intended to evoke in the crew the "beginning of a new day" captured from a different perspective than the center activation video 6 and first meter activation video 7.

[0055] The left arc line 24 and the right arc line 25 are preferably expressed in a bright color (e.g., white) and are preferably expressed in the same line drawing style. More preferably, the left arc line 24 and the right arc line 25 are expressed in the same line drawing style as the second line 22. This emphasizes the sense of unity and consistency among the second line 22, the left arc line 24, and the right arc line 25.

[0056] 5(E) to 5(G), the left arc line 24 is replaced by the outline of the left meter 28, and the right arc line 25 is replaced by the outline of the right meter 29. For example, the left arc line 24 and the right arc line 25 are drawn so as to gradually fade out, and the outlines of the left meter 28 and the right meter 29 are drawn so as to gradually fade in. Furthermore, the information displayed inside the left meter 28 and the right meter 29 is also drawn so as to gradually fade in.

[0057] Specific examples of information displayed inside the left meter 28 include a power meter and a battery gas gauge 26. Specific examples of information displayed inside the right meter 29 include a speedometer and a fuel gauge 27. It is preferable that the battery gas gauge 26 and the fuel gauge 27 are displayed earlier in time than the power meter and the speedometer. The battery gas gauge 26 and the fuel gauge 27 may be displayed before the left arc line 24 and the right arc line 25 form complete circles, or may be displayed after they form complete circles.

[0058] For example, as shown in FIG. 5(E), when the left arc line 24 and the right arc line 25 are gradually fading out, the battery gas gauge 26 is displayed inside the left arc line 24, and the fuel gas gauge 27 is displayed inside the right arc line 25. Thereafter, when the outlines of the left meter 28 and the right meter 29 gradually fade in, the power meter and the speed meter are displayed. By displaying the battery gas gauge 26 and the fuel gas gauge 27 with priority, the occupant can immediately grasp the remaining amount of energy required to drive the vehicle, thereby improving convenience.

[0059] [B. Enhanced meter startup animation] Figures 6(A) to 6(H) are diagrams for explaining the enhanced meter startup animation 9 that is displayed on the meter display 2 following the state of Figure 4(D). The two circles (left circle and right circle) shown by dashed lines in Figure 6(A) are imaginary circles that deform into the outlines of the bottom surfaces (outer surfaces) of the cylindrical left meter 38 and right meter 39 that are finally displayed, as shown in Figure 6(H), and correspond to the left circle and right circle shown by dashed lines in Figure 5(A).

[0060] As shown in Fig. 6(A), the enhanced meter activation video 9 includes a left arc line 24 and a right arc line 25. The movement of the left arc line 24 and the right arc line 25 in Figs. 6(A) to 6(C) is substantially the same as the movement of the left arc line 24 and the right arc line 25 in Figs. 5(A) to 5(C). Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 6(D), the left arc line 24 and the right arc line 25 are drawn so as to deform into an elliptical shape toward positions corresponding to the outlines of the bottom surfaces of the left meter 38 and the right meter 39.

[0061] At this time, left rays of light 30 may be drawn radiating to the right from the periphery of left arc line 24, and right rays of light 31 may be drawn radiating to the left from the periphery of right arc line 25. This emphasizes the three-dimensional appearance of the cylinders corresponding to left meter 38 and right meter 39, and enhances the dramatic effect of the cylinders appearing as the bottom surfaces corresponding to left arc line 24 and right arc line 25 rotate.

[0062] 6(E), the left arc line 24 is gradually erased from its right end point, and the right arc line 25 is gradually erased from its left end point. The erased portion of the left arc line 24 spreads out in an arc shape along the circumference from the right end point of the left arc line 24 upward and downward. Similarly, the erased portion of the right arc line 25 spreads out in an arc shape along the circumference from the left end point of the right arc line 25 upward and downward.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 6(F), when the left arc line 24 becomes approximately a left semicircle and the right arc line 25 becomes approximately a right semicircle, a left ellipse line 32 and a right ellipse line 33 are drawn corresponding to the outlines of the top surfaces (inner surfaces) of the left meter 38 and the right meter 39. Furthermore, a portion of the left light beam 30 becomes the outline of a cylinder connecting the left arc line 24 and the left ellipse line 32, and a portion of the right light beam 31 becomes the outline of a cylinder connecting the right arc line 25 and the right ellipse line 33. As a result, a left cylinder 34 corresponding to the left meter 38 and a right cylinder 35 corresponding to the right meter 39 are drawn as shown in Fig. 6(G).

[0064] 6(H), the outline of the left cylinder 34 is replaced with the outline of the left meter 38, and the outline of the right cylinder 35 is replaced with the outline of the right meter 39. For example, the outlines of the left cylinder 34 and the right cylinder 35 are drawn so as to gradually fade out, and the outlines of the left meter 38 and the right meter 39 are drawn so as to gradually fade in. Furthermore, the information displayed inside the left meter 38 and the right meter 39 is also drawn so as to gradually fade in.

[0065] An example of information displayed inside the left meter 38 is a power meter, and an example of information displayed inside the right meter 39 is a speedometer. The battery gas gauge 36 and the fuel gas gauge 37 may be displayed inside the left meter 38 and the right meter 39, or may be displayed outside (for example, below) the left meter 38 and the right meter 39. It is preferable that the battery gas gauge 36 and the fuel gas gauge 37 are displayed earlier than the power meter and the speed meter. As shown in FIG. 6(G), the battery gas gauge 36 and the fuel gas gauge 37 may be displayed before the outlines of the left meter 38 and the right meter 39 are displayed (when the left cylinder 34 and the right cylinder 35 are displayed), or may be displayed after the outlines of the left meter 38 and the right meter 39 are displayed.

[0066] [4. Video Playback Timing] The following table summarizes the playback timing of videos displayed on the center display 1 and the meter display 2. The length (total number of frames, total playback time) of each of the startup videos 6 to 9 played on the center display 1 and the meter display 2 may be set in advance so that the following playback timings are realized. Furthermore, the total playback speed (frame rate) of each video may be changed as appropriate so that the following playback timings are realized. Alternatively, the playback end timing may be adjusted as appropriate by repeatedly playing (looping) specific frames or partially omitting (cutting) them so that the following playback timings are realized.

[0067]

[0068] When the main power supply of the vehicle is turned on and the center display 1 is energized, the center activation video 6 is immediately played on the center display 1. At this time, the meter display 2 is also energized, but the first meter activation video 7 is not yet played. The meter display 2 can be considered to be in a state of waiting for the center activation video 6 to progress. When the first line 21 of the center activation video 6 reaches both left and right edges of the center display 1, the first meter activation video 7 is played on the meter display 2. While the first meter activation video 7 is being played, the center activation video 6 continues to be played. The center display 1 can be considered to be in a state of waiting for the first meter activation video 7 to progress.

[0069] Thereafter, playback of the center-activated video 6 and the first meter-activated video 7 continues until the second lines 22 of the first meter-activated video 7 are joined together. After the second lines 22 are joined together, the first line 21 of the center-activated video 6 fades out, and the center-activated video 6 ends. Furthermore, the second line 22 of the first meter-activated video 7 moves upward to a predetermined position, and the first meter-activated video 7 ends. Note that the video in which the first line 21 is fading out may not be included in the center-activated video 6. Similarly, the video in which the second line 22 is moving upward may not be included in the first meter-activated video 7.

[0070] The second meter startup videos 8 and 9 are played after the first meter startup video 7 on the meter display 2. When the display mode of the meter display 2 is the classic mode, the classic meter startup video 8 is played, and when the display mode of the meter display 2 is the enhanced mode, the enhanced meter startup video 9 is played. Playback of these second meter startup videos 8 and 9 may start while the second line 22 is moving upward, or may start after the movement of the second line 22 has completed.

[0071] [5. Effects] (1) The above-described display system displays images on a meter display 2 disposed in front of the driver's seat of a vehicle and a center display 1 disposed closer to the center in the vehicle width direction than the meter display 2. When the main power supply of the vehicle is turned on, the center display 1 displays a center activation video 6 in which a first line 21 extending in the left-right direction from the left-right center of the center display 1 toward each of the left and right sides. When the main power supply of the vehicle is turned on, the meter display 2 displays a first meter activation video 7 in which a pair of second lines 22 extending from each of the left and right ends of the meter display 2 toward the left-right center, after the first line 21 in the center activation video 6 reaches each of the left and right sides of the center display 1.

[0072] In this way, by linking the playback timing of the first meter activation video 7 with the movement of the first line 21 in the center activation video 6, a sense of unity can be achieved in the content and operation of the center activation video 6 and the first meter activation video 7. In particular, by extending the second line 22 from both left and right edges of the meter display 2 after the first line 21 reaches both left and right edges of the center display 1, the connection between the first line 21 and the second line 22 can be emphasized, creating the impression that the extended end of the first line 21 becomes the second line 22. This makes the operation of the display system when the vehicle's main power is turned on appear as a smooth, flowing series of operations, creating an impression of refinement, a stylish, luxurious feel, and elegance. This improves the user experience.

[0073] Furthermore, the first line 21 of the center-activated video 6 can evoke in the occupant a scene of sunlight spreading left and right along the horizon, evoking the feeling of "the beginning of a new day." Similarly, the second line 22 of the first meter-activated video 7 can evoke in the occupant a scene of sunlight connecting to the first line 21, evoking the feeling of "the beginning of a new day." Therefore, the concepts of the center-activated video 6 and the first meter-activated video 7 can be strongly impressed on the occupant, further improving the user experience.

[0074] It is known that in a display system installed in a vehicle, the startup process of the center display 1 can be completed in a relatively short time, while the startup process of the meter display 2 can take a long time. For example, if the audio device or multimedia device is not running when the main power is turned on, there is no need to reflect the status of these devices in the display content of the center display 1, and the processing load at startup is light. On the other hand, since the meter display 2 displays various information necessary for driving the vehicle, there are many confirmation items that must be reflected in the display content, and the processing load at startup is heavy. Therefore, if the center startup video 6 and the first meter startup video 7 are to be played simultaneously, the delay in the startup process of the meter display 2 will delay the start time of the first meter startup video 7, and therefore the start time of the center startup video 6 will also be delayed. In other words, the overall operation of the display system will be delayed, giving occupants a sluggish and poor impression.

[0075] To address this issue, the center startup video 6 is played on the center display 1 before the meter display 2, and then the first meter startup video 7 is played on the meter display 2 with ample time to follow. This improves the response of the display system after the main power is turned on, and gives the occupants a nimble and sophisticated impression, thereby improving the user experience.

[0076] (2) In the above display system, the first line 21 in the center activation video 6 continues to be displayed until the pair of second lines 22 in the first meter activation video 7 are connected at the center in the horizontal direction. This makes it possible to strongly impress upon the user the connection between the first line 21 and the second line 22, and to create a strong impression that the extended tip of the first line 21 has become the second line 22. This therefore creates a sense of elegance and luxury, improving the user experience.

[0077] (3) In the above display system, the meter display 2 is configured to be able to display information about the vehicle or an in-vehicle device after playback of the first meter startup video 7 has finished. For example, as shown in FIG. 4(D), the meter display 2 is configured to be able to display a perspective view simulating a view of the vehicle as seen from above behind the vehicle after playback of the first meter startup video 7 has finished. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5(G), the meter display 2 is configured to be able to display the title and content of text information. The second line 22 continues to be displayed as a reference line for the various information described above after playback of the first meter startup video 7 has finished.

[0078] By continuously displaying the second line 22 as a reference line for various pieces of information, the sense of unity and cohesion between the design of the first meter startup video 7 and the subsequent normal use screen can be enhanced. This effectively creates an elegant atmosphere, further improving the user experience. In addition, the streamlined design presents functional beauty to the occupants, further improving the user experience.

[0079] (4) In the above display system, the first line 21 and the second line 22 are represented in the same line drawing style. For example, the first line 21 and the second line 22 are drawn with the same line color, line thickness, line type, line decoration, brush type, transparency, etc. This configuration can further emphasize the connection and unity between the first line 21 and the second line 22, further improving the user experience.

[0080] (5) In the above display system, when the main power supply of the vehicle is turned on, the meter display 2 plays back the first meter startup video 7 and then displays the second meter startup video 8, 9. The second meter startup video 8, 9 also includes a left arc line 24 and a right arc line 25. Assuming that imaginary left and right circles exist on the left and right sides of the meter display 2, the left arc line 24 is a line that extends in an arc shape from the right end point of the left circle along the circumference in an upward and downward direction and joins together at the left end point of the left circle. The right arc line 25 is a line that extends in an arc shape from the left end point of the right circle along the circumference in an upward and downward direction and joins together at the right end point of the right circle.

[0081] This configuration creates a connection between the second line 22 and the left arc line 24 and the right arc line 25 corresponding to the left meters 28, 38 and the right meters 29, 39 displayed on the left and right sides of the meter display 2. Furthermore, the left arc line 24 and the right arc line 25 can remind the occupant of "the beginning of a new day" captured from a different perspective than the first line 21 of the center activation video 6 and the second line 22 of the first meter activation video 7. Therefore, the concept of the second meter activation videos 8, 9 can be more strongly impressed on the occupant, further improving the user experience.

[0082] (6) In the above display system, the meter display 2 is configured to be able to display the circular left meter 28 and right meter 29 after playback of the classic meter startup video 8 (second meter startup video) has finished. As shown in Figures 5(A) to 5(G), the left arc line 24 and the right arc line 25 are drawn at positions corresponding to the outlines of the left meter 28 and the right meter 29. In this way, by drawing the left arc line 24 and the right arc line 25 so that they correspond to the outlines of the left meter 28 and the right meter 29, the process of displaying the classic meter can be given a sophisticated impression, further improving the user experience.

[0083] (7) In the above display system, the meter display 2 is configured to be able to display the cylindrical left meter 38 and right meter 39 after playback of the enhanced meter startup video 9 (second meter startup video) has finished. As shown in Figures 6(A) to 6(H), the left arc line 24 and the right arc line 25 are drawn so as to deform into an elliptical shape toward positions corresponding to the contours of the bottom surfaces of the left meter 38 and right meter 39. In this way, by drawing the left arc line 24 and the right arc line 25 so as to correspond to the contours of the bottom surfaces of the left meter 38 and right meter 39, the process of displaying the enhanced meter can be given a sophisticated impression, further improving the user experience.

[0084] (8) In the above display system, the second line 22, the left arc line 24, and the right arc line 25 are expressed in the same line drawing style. This further emphasizes the connection and unity between the second line 22, the left arc line 24, and the right arc line 25, thereby further improving the user experience.

[0085] (9) In the above display system, the meter display 2 is configured to be able to display the speedometer, power output meter, battery level gauges 26, 36, and fuel level gauges 27, 37 after playback of the first meter startup video 7 has finished, and displays the battery level gauges 26, 36 and fuel level gauges 27, 37 before the speedometer and power output meter.

[0086] For example, in the example shown in Figures 5(E) to (G), the left meter 28 is the power meter, and the right meter 29 is the speedometer. In the example shown in Figures 6(G) to (H), the left meter 38 is the power meter, and the right meter 39 is the speedometer. In either case, the battery gauges 26, 36 and the fuel gauges 27, 37 are displayed before the speedometer and the power meter. In this way, by displaying the battery gauges 26, 36 and the fuel gauges 27, 37 with priority, the occupants can immediately grasp the remaining amount of energy required to drive the vehicle, thereby improving convenience. Therefore, the user experience can be further improved.

[0087] [6. Other] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly described in the present embodiments. Each configuration of the present embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present embodiments. Furthermore, each configuration of the present embodiments can be selected as needed, or can be appropriately combined with various configurations included in known techniques.

[0088] In the above embodiment, a display system is exemplified in which the second meter startup videos 8, 9, such as the classic meter startup video 8 and the enhanced startup video 9, are played after the center startup video 6 and the first meter startup video 7 are played, but the playback of the second meter startup videos 8, 9 can be omitted. At least, when the main power of the vehicle is turned on, by displaying the center startup video 6 on the center display 1 and the first meter startup video 7 on the meter display 2, a sense of unity can be imparted to the operation of the multiple displays 1, 2, improving the user experience.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the display control device 10 mounted on the vehicle displays the startup animation on the center display 1 and the meter display 2, but it is also possible to configure the device so that a computer outside the vehicle displays the startup animation on the center display 1 and the meter display 2 via a network. Alternatively, it is also possible for a computer built into each of the center display 1 and the meter display 2 to display the startup animation thereon.

[0090] The display system described above can be applied to gasoline vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) that can be externally charged or externally powered. A plug-in hybrid vehicle is a hybrid vehicle (HEV) that is equipped with an engine and motor as a drive source, a generator as a power generation device, and a battery as a power storage device, and that can be externally charged or externally powered from the battery.

[0091] The former plug-in hybrid vehicle is equipped with a charging port (inlet) for inserting a charging cable that supplies power from an external charging facility, a wireless power receiving device, etc. The latter plug-in hybrid vehicle is equipped with an external power supply outlet (outlet), a wireless power supply device, etc. It is possible to install both the above charging port and outlet in a single plug-in hybrid vehicle.

[0092] The present invention is applicable to the manufacturing industry of display systems provided in the interiors of vehicles, as well as to the manufacturing industry of vehicles equipped with display systems.

[0093] 1 Center display 2 Meter display 3 Instrument panel 4 Driver's seat 5 Steering 6 Center start-up video 7 First meter start-up video 8 Classic meter start-up video (Second meter start-up video) 9 Enhanced meter start-up video (Second meter start-up video) 10 Display control device 11 Main switch 12 Drive system ECU 13 Non-drive system ECU 21 First line 22 Second line 23 Light beam 24 Left arc line 25 Right arc line 26 Battery remaining gauge 27 Fuel remaining gauge 28 Left meter 29 Right meter 30 Left light beam 31 Right light beam 32 Left oval line 33 Right oval line 34 Left cylinder 35 Right cylinder 36 Battery remaining gauge 37 Fuel remaining gauge 38 Left meter 39 Right meter C １ Center display midline C ２ Meter display midline H horizontal line

Claims

1. A display system that displays images on a meter display disposed in front of the driver's seat of a vehicle and a center display disposed closer to the center in the vehicle width direction than the meter display, wherein the center display displays a center startup video in which a first line extending in the left-right direction is drawn from the center portion in the left-right direction of the center display toward each of the left and right sides when the main power supply of the vehicle is turned on, and the meter display displays a first meter startup video in which a pair of second lines extending from each of the left and right end sides of the meter display toward the center portion in the left-right direction are drawn after the first line in the center startup video reaches each of the left and right sides of the center display. The display system is characterized by this.

2. The display system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first line in the center startup video continues to be displayed until the pair of second lines in the first meter startup video are connected at the center portion in the left-right direction.

3. The meter display is provided so as to be able to display information on the vehicle or in-vehicle device after the playback of the first meter startup video, and the second line continues to be displayed as a reference line for the information after the playback of the first meter startup video. The display system according to claim 1 is characterized by this.

4. The display system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first line and the second line are expressed in the same drawing line mode.

5. The meter display is such that when the main power supply of the vehicle is turned on, after playing the first meter startup video, it displays a second meter startup video. The second meter startup video includes an arc-shaped line extending along the circumference upward and downward from the right end point of the left circle and connected to the left end point of the left circle, and an arc-shaped line extending along the circumference upward and downward from the left end point of the right circle and connected to the right end point of the right circle, assuming that there are virtual left and right circles in the left and right parts of the meter display. The display system according to claim 1 is characterized by this.

6. The meter display is provided so as to be capable of displaying a circular left meter and right meter after the reproduction of the second meter startup video, and the left arc line and the right arc line are drawn at positions corresponding to the contours of the left meter and the right meter. The display system according to claim 5, characterized in that.

7. The meter display is provided so as to be capable of displaying a cylindrical left meter and right meter after the reproduction of the second meter startup video, and the left arc line and the right arc line are drawn so as to be deformed into an elliptical shape toward positions corresponding to the contours of the bottoms of the left meter and the right meter. The display system according to claim 5, characterized in that.

8. The second line, the left arc line, and the right arc line are expressed in the same drawing line mode. The display system according to claim 5, characterized in that.

9. The meter display is provided so as to be capable of displaying a speed meter, an output meter, a battery remaining amount meter, and a fuel remaining amount meter after the reproduction of the first meter startup video, and the battery remaining amount meter and the fuel remaining amount meter are displayed before the speed meter and the output meter. The display system according to claim 1, characterized in that.

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