Vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle (9) according to the present disclosure comprises: an ambient light (8) that illuminates the inside of a cabin; and a display device (1) that includes an operation screen (4) operated by a user and is capable of setting elements for the ambient light (8). The display device (1) includes the operation screen (4), with which elements are set for individual states of the vehicle (9). The states of the vehicle (9) include a first state in which the vehicle (9) is in a started state and thus is capable of traveling and all the doors are closed, and a second state other than the first state. The number of elements that can be set during the first state is greater than the number of elements that can be set during the second state.

Description

vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle equipped with a display device that can set elements of ambient light that illuminates the interior of the vehicle.

[0002] Conventionally, vehicles have been known that have ambient lights arranged on the door linings, dashboard, etc. to illuminate the interior of the vehicle. The ambient lights have the function of creating a visual effect inside the vehicle with light and color. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device that includes a rotary adjustment knob and an auto / manual changeover switch for adjusting the chromaticity of all interior lighting (ambient lights), and that simultaneously changes the chromaticity of all interior lighting based on the driver's operation or a signal from an illuminance sensor.

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

[0004] However, the state of a vehicle is not always constant. There are at least two states: a driving state and a non-driving state (e.g., when occupants are waiting in the vehicle, getting in, getting out, etc.). There are also various situations, such as when the driver is alone, when there is a passenger in the passenger seat, or when family or friends are riding with them. If only the color of the ambient light could be changed despite these various states and situations, the effect would be monotonous, and the beneficial effect of the ambient light would be diminished. Therefore, conventional devices have room for improvement in the user experience (e.g., the emotions experienced by the user through the ambient light, the impressions the user has, and the user's reactions).

[0005] The present invention was conceived in light of the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to improve the user experience in vehicles equipped with ambient lights. 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 the Invention" below, which are not obtainable with conventional technologies.

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

[0007] Aspect 1. The disclosed vehicle includes an ambient light that illuminates the interior of the vehicle, and a display device having an operation screen operated by a user and capable of setting elements of the ambient light. The display device has the operation screen for setting the elements for each state of the vehicle. The vehicle states include a first state in which the vehicle is in an activated state ready for driving and all doors are closed, and a second state other than the first state, and the number of elements that can be set in the first state is greater than the number of elements that can be set in the second state.

[0008] Aspect 2. In an aspect including the above aspect 1, the second state preferably includes a welcome state in which the vehicle is not in the start state and all of the doors are closed, and a door open state in which any of the doors is open.

[0009] Aspect 3. In an aspect including the above aspect 1, it is preferable that the elements include a color rotation mode that automatically switches the color of the ambient light among a plurality of predetermined colors in sequence. In this case, it is preferable that the color rotation mode is included only in the elements that can be set in the first state. Aspect 4. In an aspect including the above aspect 3, it is preferable that the number of colors in the color rotation mode is less than the number of colors that can be set as the color of the ambient light.

[0010] Aspect 5. In an aspect including Aspect 1 above, it is preferable that the operation screen is provided with a subdivision display unit that displays all setting colors that can be selected and operated by the user and that can be set as the color of the ambient light, arranged horizontally, and an image display unit that displays an interior image of the vehicle interior that simulates the state of the vehicle interior, and when the user slides the subdivision display unit to select the setting color, the image display unit does not change the image color that is the color of the ambient light in the interior image of the vehicle while the user is sliding their finger, but changes the image color to the setting color selected on the subdivision display unit when the user stops sliding or the finger is released, and it is preferable that the color of the ambient light does not change while the user is sliding their finger or when the sliding stops, but changes to the setting color selected on the subdivision display unit when the user releases their finger.

[0011] Aspect 6. In any aspect including Aspect 5 above, the operation screen preferably includes a number display unit that displays a number corresponding to the set color selected by the user. In this case, when the user slides the subdivision display unit to select the set color, the number display unit preferably displays the number in the same manner as the image color.

[0012] Aspect 7. In any aspect including Aspect 5 above, the operation screen preferably includes a basic display unit that displays a plurality of color selection units arranged horizontally, each of which classifies all of the set colors selected by the user and displayed in the detailed display unit by similar colors. In this case, the basic display unit preferably displays a first mark that indicates a selected color selection unit among the plurality of color selection units, and when the user slides the detailed display unit to select the set color, the first mark is preferably hidden while the finger is sliding and when the slide is stopped, and when the finger is released, the first mark is displayed so as to point to a color selection unit that is the same color or a similar color as the set color selected in the detailed display unit.

[0013] Aspect 8. In an aspect including the above-described aspect 7, if the user slides the color selection unit to select the set color, it is preferable that the first mark is displayed when the slide stops. Aspect 9. In an aspect including the above-described aspect 1, it is preferable that the ambient light is turned on at maximum brightness immediately after the vehicle enters the started state in the first state, and is turned on at the brightness set in the display device after a predetermined time has elapsed since the ambient light was turned on.

[0014] The disclosed vehicle can improve the user experience.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a vehicle as an embodiment together with a terminal capable of communicating therewith. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an operation screen of a display device provided in the vehicle of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a table showing the relationship between the state of the vehicle and the settable elements of the ambient light. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of an operation screen (main screen) in a driving state. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of an operation screen (sub-screen) in a driving state. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of an operation screen (sub-screen) in a welcome state. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of an operation screen (sub-screen) in a door open state. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of an operation screen (sub-screen) in an incoming call state.

[0016] A vehicle will be described as an embodiment with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example, and is not intended to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly described in the embodiment. The configurations of the embodiment can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the embodiment. Furthermore, they can be selected or combined as needed.

[0017] The vehicle according to the embodiment is not particularly limited in type as long as it includes an ambient light that illuminates the interior of the vehicle and a display device having an operation screen that is operated by a user and that allows the user to set elements of the ambient light. For example, the vehicle may be a gasoline-powered vehicle, an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), or the like. A plug-in hybrid vehicle is a hybrid vehicle that can externally charge or receive power from the battery. A plug-in hybrid vehicle is provided with a charging port (inlet) for inserting a charging cable that supplies power from an external charging facility and an outlet for external power supply.

[0018] 1 is a block diagram showing a vehicle 9 as an embodiment, together with a terminal 80 capable of communicating with the vehicle 9. The vehicle 9 includes a display device 1, a communication device 5, and an ambient light device 6. The communication device 5 is a device capable of directly communicating with a communication device (not shown) of the terminal 80. For example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity, registered trademark) may be used for communication between the communication device 5 on the vehicle 9 side and the communication device on the terminal 80 side.

[0019] The terminal 80 is a device or computer that is at least capable of making and receiving calls, and examples thereof include a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet device, a smartwatch, and a laptop computer. The terminal 80 is not an in-vehicle device, but is portable (carryable) by a user (occupant). The terminal 80 may automatically start communication with the communication device 5 when the user enters the cabin of the vehicle 9 together with the terminal 80, or may start communication with the communication device 5 in response to a user operation. When the terminal 80 receives an incoming call, it transmits a signal indicating the incoming call (hereinafter referred to as an "incoming call signal") to the vehicle 9 via the communication device 5. Furthermore, when the terminal 80 receives a message, it transmits a signal indicating the message has been received (hereinafter referred to as a "message signal") to the vehicle 9 via the communication device 5.

[0020] The ambient light device 6 is a lighting device including an ambient light 8 that illuminates the interior of the vehicle 9, and includes a light control device 7 that controls the ambient light 8. The ambient light 8 is disposed, for example, on the door trim of the front or rear seats or on the lower part of the instrument panel, and is capable of emitting various light in various colors and intensities, such as steady on or flashing. The light control device 7 is a computer that controls the ambient light 8 based on the settings of the display device 1 (a signal (instruction) from the display device 1), which will be described later.

[0021] The display device 1 is mounted on a vehicle 9 and displays information related to the settings of the ambient light device 6. The display device 1 includes an operation screen 4 on which elements of the ambient light 8 (such as color, brightness, lighting pattern, and special modes) can be set. In addition to the operation screen 4, the display device 1 may also include a screen for displaying various content information, a home screen, and the like. Specific examples of content information include vehicle information, driving information, information related to driving support functions, audio information, car navigation information, alert information, and various setting information.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The output device 3 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, a projector, or the like, and displays at least an operation screen 4. Hereinafter, a display or projector screen on which information is displayed will be referred to as a display screen. The operation screen 4 is one of the display screens. The information displayed on the display screen is controlled by the electronic control device 2. The shape of the display screen (the shape of the area where information is displayed) is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a rectangular shape that is elongated in the left-right direction.

[0024] All information displayed on the output device 3 is controlled by the electronic control unit 2. The output device 3 is placed in a position that is easily visible to the driver, such as in front of the driver (in front of the steering wheel) or in the front center of the vehicle cabin (in front of the driver's seat and passenger seat). An input device that accepts input operations on the content of the display screen may be provided as an auxiliary device of the output device 3. Specific examples of the input device include a touch panel device that detects touch operations on the display screen, an input device provided with a keyboard, physical buttons, or a touchpad, a gaze detection device that detects gaze, and a gesture reading device that detects gesture operations. In this embodiment, the output device 3 at least has a touch panel device that detects touch operations (tapping, sliding, etc.) on the operation screen 4.

[0025] The vehicle 9 of this embodiment is also provided with an ignition switch 71 (hereinafter referred to as "IG switch 71"), a door sensor 72, and a shift position sensor 73. The IG switch 71 may be a physical switch provided in the vehicle cabin, or may be a virtual switch displayed on the output device 3 or another display. If the IG switch 71 is a virtual switch, an operation detection means for detecting a pressing operation or a gesture operation on the virtual switch may be used in combination. Note that the IG switch 71 of this embodiment may be a power switch in the case of an electric vehicle.

[0026] The door sensors 72 are sensors that detect the open / closed states of the doors (including the tailgate) of the vehicle 9, and are provided for each door. The shift position sensor 73 is a sensor that detects the shift position of a gear change lever (shift lever, select lever) (not shown). The on / off state of the IG switch 71, the open / closed state detected by the door sensors 72, and shift information detected by the shift position sensor 73 are all transmitted to the light control device 7.

[0027] [2. Detailed Configuration] [2-1. Display Device] Next, a detailed configuration of the display device 1 will be described. The display device 1 has an operation screen 4 for setting elements of the ambient light 8 for each state of the vehicle 9. That is, the same number of operation screens 4 as the number of states of the vehicle 9 are provided for the display device 1, and elements of the ambient light 8 can be set for each state. The states of the vehicle 9 will be described later.

[0028] The display device 1 outputs (instructs) the elements (set information) of the ambient light 8 that are set by the user operating each operation screen 4 to the light control device 7. The light control device 7 will be described later. Furthermore, the operation screens 4 in each state have a common configuration except for some components, so the common configuration will be described first.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 2, the operation screen 4 is provided with four display sections 10, 20, 30, and 50. The two display sections 10 and 20 are sections for setting the color of the ambient light 8, and the display section 30 is a section having a preview function. The display section 50 is a section for displaying the color number, and is referred to as the number display section 50. Each of these sections will be explained below.

[0030] The first display unit 10 (basic display unit) displays a plurality of color selection sections 11 arranged horizontally, which represent colors that can be set as the color of the ambient light 8. The second display unit 20 (subdivision display unit) displays a plurality of color selection sections 11 arranged horizontally, which represent all colors that can be set as the color of the ambient light 8. The plurality of color selection sections 11 displayed on the first display unit 10 can be said to classify all of the colors displayed on the second display unit 20 into groups of similar colors. Furthermore, the second display unit 20 can be said to display the colors in a more detailed manner than the color selection section 11 of the first display unit 10. The two display units 10, 20 are arranged vertically, and are operated by the user to select a color.

[0031] The display device 1 sets the color selected on the first display unit 10 or the second display unit 20 as the color of the ambient light 8. In this embodiment, the two display units 10, 20 are arranged vertically side by side on the operation screen 4 (i.e., the same screen) so that the second display unit 20 is located below the first display unit 10. Note that in the figures showing the operation screen 4 (FIG. 2 and FIGS. 4 to 8 described below), the two-dot chain lines are imaginary lines used to explain the parts and are not actually displayed.

[0032] The first display unit 10 is a component for roughly determining the color of the ambient light 8, and the number of set colors may be set as appropriate. FIG. 2 shows the first display unit 10 having eight rectangular color selection units 11 arranged in a single horizontal row. However, the number, shape, and arrangement of the color selection units 11 are not limited to this. For example, the color selection units 11 may be circular or elliptical, and the number of color selection units 11 may be less than seven or nine or more. Furthermore, the color selection units 11 may be arranged in two horizontal rows instead of a single horizontal row.

[0033] Each color selection unit 11 accepts a tap operation by the user. The first display unit 10 sets the color set in the color selection unit 11 selected by the tap operation as the color of the ambient light 8. Each color selection unit 11 also accepts a slide operation by the user. In the case of a slide operation, the first display unit 10 determines that the color selection unit 11 that the user touched at the moment the user's finger was released was selected, and sets the color set in this color selection unit 11 as the color of the ambient light 8.

[0034] The first display unit 10 of this embodiment displays two adjacent color selection units 11 with a gap between them. This reduces the possibility that, when a user taps a color selection unit 11, the user will accidentally tap the color selection unit 11 next to the color selection unit 11 that the user wants to select. Furthermore, the first display unit 10 of this embodiment displays a first mark 12 that indicates the currently selected color selection unit 11 among the multiple color selection units 11. In FIG. 2 , a rectangular selection frame that surrounds the currently selected color selection unit 11 is illustrated as an example of the first mark 12. Note that the configuration of the first mark 12 is not limited to this. For example, the outline of the currently selected color selection unit 11 may be highlighted in a conspicuous color, or an arrow or triangle may be added above or below the color selection unit 11.

[0035] When the user slides the color selection unit 11 to select a set color, the first mark 12 is preferably displayed when the slide stops. In other words, the first mark 12 is preferably hidden while the user is sliding his / her finger and displayed when the user stops the finger (including when the user releases the finger). In this way, by intentionally not displaying the first mark 12 while the finger is moving, the annoyance caused by the first mark 12 being displayed in accordance with the finger movement is reduced.

[0036] The second display section 20 is a section for more precisely determining the set color of the ambient light 8. The second display section 20 of this embodiment has a color bar 21 that continuously displays the subdivided set colors. That is, the second display section 20 displays the set colors as if they were continuously changing, with no gaps between adjacent set colors.

[0037] The color bar 21 (divided setting colors) accepts tapping by the user. The second display unit 20 sets the setting color selected by the tapping operation as the color of the ambient light 8. The color bar 21 also accepts sliding operations by the user. In the case of a sliding operation, the second display unit 20 determines that the setting color touched at the moment the user's finger is released has been selected, and sets this setting color as the color of the ambient light 8.

[0038] The arrangement (order) of the set colors in the second display unit 20 corresponds to the arrangement (order) of the color selection units 11 in the first display unit 10. For example, if the blue color selection unit 11 is located at the left end of the first display unit 10 and the green color selection unit 11 is located immediately to the right of it, then the leftmost area of ​​the color bar 21 in the second display unit 20 will be filled with colors that are sub-colors of blue (e.g., blue, ultramarine, indigo, etc.), and the rightmost area will be filled with colors that are sub-colors of green (e.g., green, yellow-green, dark green, etc.).

[0039] Furthermore, the second display unit 20 of this embodiment displays a second mark 22 that indicates the currently selected color in the color bar 21 (the subdivided color settings). In Fig. 2, an inverted triangle mark above the currently selected color setting is shown as an example of the second mark 22. Note that the configuration of the second mark 22 is not limited to this. For example, a mark that surrounds the currently selected color setting, like the first mark 12, may be provided, or the currently selected color setting may be highlighted so that it stands out.

[0040] In the display device 1, when a user selects one color selection section 11 in the first display section 10, the first mark 12 points to the color selection section 11, and the second mark 22 points to the same set color as the color selection section 11 pointed to by the first mark 12. Furthermore, when a user selects one set color from the color bar 21 (subdivided set colors) in the second display section 20, the second mark 22 points to this set color, and the first mark 12 points to the color selection section 11 that is the same color as or similar to this set color. In this way, regardless of which of the two display sections 10, 20 the user operates to select a set color, the two marks 12, 22 work together to point to the selected set color.

[0041] Furthermore, when the user slides the second display unit 20 (color bar 21) to select a set color, it is preferable that the first display unit 10 hide the first mark 12 while the finger is sliding (while the finger is moving) and when the slide stops (when the finger stops). In this case, it is preferable that the first display unit 10 displays the first mark 12 so that it points to the color selection unit 11 that is the same color or a similar color as the set color selected on the second display unit 20 when the slide operation is completed (when the finger is released). In other words, when the user selects a set color from the second display unit 20, the first mark 12 is not displayed until the set color is decided, thereby avoiding inconvenience.

[0042] The third display unit 30 (image display unit) displays a vehicle interior image 31 that simulates the state of the vehicle interior with the ambient light 8 installed. The third display unit 30 is arranged on the same operation screen 4 as the two display units 10 and 20, and changes the color (hereinafter referred to as the "image color") of the ambient light 32 (hereinafter referred to as the "image light 32") in the vehicle interior image 31 to match the color setting selected by the user. The vehicle interior image 31 and the image light 32 have a preview function. That is, the image color of the image light 32 changes to match the selected color setting, allowing the user to check on the vehicle interior image 31 how the vehicle interior will change.

[0043] The image color of the image light 32 changes immediately (at the time of selection) when a set color is selected by a user's tap operation on the first display unit 10 or the second display unit 20. On the other hand, in the display device 1 of this embodiment, when a set color is selected by a user's slide operation on the first display unit 10 or the second display unit 20, the image color of the image light 32 does not change immediately.

[0044] Specifically, when the user slides the second display unit 20 to select a preset color, the third display unit 30 does not change the image color while the user is sliding the finger, but changes the image color to the preset color selected on the second display unit 20 when the user stops sliding or removes the finger. This prevents the image light 32 from being unable to keep up with the user's fast finger movements. In this case, the color of the ambient light 8 does not change while the user is sliding the finger or when the user stops sliding, but changes to the preset color selected on the second display unit 20 when the user removes the finger. In this way, the preset color is reflected in the actual color of the ambient light 8 once the sliding operation is completed, thereby preventing the color in the vehicle interior from being unstable.

[0045] Furthermore, when the user slides the first display unit 10 to select a preset color, the third display unit 30 may do the same as above, or may change the image color to the preset color selected on the first display unit 10 even while the user is sliding his / her finger. This is because, since the number of preset colors that can be selected on the first display unit 10 is small, even if the user's finger moves quickly, the image light 32 can change in accordance with the movement of the finger.

[0046] The number display unit 50 displays a number corresponding to the set color selected by the user. In the display device 1 of this embodiment, an individual number is assigned to each set color that can be set as the color of the ambient light 8. For example, the number 1 is assigned to the set color located at the leftmost position on the color bar 21, and the number increases by 1 as the set color moves to the right. Note that the set color displayed on the first display unit 10 is also displayed on the second display unit 20, and therefore the set color displayed on the first display unit 10 is assigned the same number as the number assigned to the set color on the second display unit 20.

[0047] The number display unit 50 notifies the user of the selected color by displaying a number corresponding to the selected color. When the user slides the second display unit 20 to select a color, the number display unit 50 of this embodiment displays the number in the same manner as the image color. That is, the number display unit 50 does not change the number while the finger is sliding, but changes the number to the number corresponding to the color selected on the second display unit 20 when the slide stops or the finger is released. This allows the number and the image color to be displayed in the same movement, improving the readability of the operation screen 4.

[0048] The number display unit 50 is preferably arranged adjacent to the two display units 10, 20 within the same operation screen 4. In the display device 1 of this embodiment, the second display unit 20 has a shorter horizontal dimension than the first display unit 10, and the number display unit 50 is arranged next to the second display unit 20. In the display device 1 shown in FIG. 2, the right ends (the ends toward the center of the operation screen 4) of the two display units 10, 20 are aligned, whereas the left end of the second display unit 20 is located to the right of the left end of the first display unit 10. The number display unit 50 is arranged in an empty area below the first display unit 10 and to the left of the second display unit 20. As a result, the three display units 10, 20, and 50, which have the same function of "indicating the currently selected setting color," are arranged adjacent to each other, making them easier for the user (occupant) to see and improving their appearance.

[0049] [2-2. Vehicle States and Ambient Light Elements] The vehicle 9 of this embodiment has four states: a driving state, a welcome state, a door open state, and an incoming call state. Below, the definitions of each state and the conditions under which each state is established are explained. In the vehicle 9 of this embodiment, the light control device 7 determines which of the four states the vehicle 9 is in based on information (incoming call signal, message signal) from the IG switch 71, the door sensor 72, and the terminal 80.

[0050] [1] Driving state The driving state is a state in which the vehicle 9 is in an activated state in which it can run (ignition on or power on state) and all doors are closed (first state). The driving state includes a state immediately before starting to run, while running, and when stopped, such as when waiting at a traffic light. The driving state is established when, for example, all of the following three conditions 1a to 1c are established. Condition 1a: The IG switch 71 (power switch) is on. Condition 1b: The door sensor 72 detects that all doors are closed. Condition 1c: Neither an incoming call signal nor a message signal is received.

[0051] [2] Welcome State The welcome state is a state in which the vehicle 9 is not in a start-up state in which it can be driven (ignition off or power off state) and all doors are closed. When a user gets into or gets out of the vehicle 9, this state corresponds to the welcome state. The welcome state is established when, for example, the following three conditions 2a to 2c are all established. Condition 2a: The IG switch 71 (power switch) is off. Condition 2b: The door sensor 72 detects that all doors are closed. Condition 2c: Neither an incoming call signal nor a message signal is received.

[0052] [3] Door Open State The door open state is a state in which one of the doors is open, regardless of whether the vehicle 9 is in an activated state in which it can be driven (ignition on / off or power on / off). The door open state also includes a state in which a door is half-open. The door open state is established when, for example, the following two conditions 3a and 3b are both established. Condition 3a: At least one door sensor 72 detects an open state. Condition 3b: Neither an incoming call signal nor a message signal is received.

[0053] [4] Incoming call state The incoming call state is a state in which information is received from the terminal 80, and specifically, a state in which a call is coming in to the terminal 80 (a state in which there is an incoming call). In this embodiment, when a message arrives at the terminal 80, this can also be included in the incoming call state. The condition for the incoming call state to be established is, for example, that at least one of the following two conditions 4a and 4b is established. Condition 4a: An incoming call signal is received Condition 4b: A message signal is received

[0054] The number of elements of the ambient light 8 that can be set in the driving state is greater than the number of elements of the ambient light 8 that can be set in states other than the driving state (in this embodiment, the three states are the welcome state, the door open state, and the incoming call state, hereinafter collectively referred to as the "second state"). This is because when the user uses the vehicle 9, the state is mainly the driving state. In other words, the greater number of elements that can be set in this driving state improves the user experience.

[0055] The welcome state and the door open state are also situations that tend to occur in the vehicle 9. Therefore, by making it possible to set the elements of the ambient light 8 in each of these two states, the ambient light 8 can be controlled according to the situation, which is expected to improve the user experience.

[0056] The following describes the elements that can be set in the driving state and the second state. As shown in Fig. 3, the elements that can be set in any of the four states include "on / off" and "brightness" in addition to the above-mentioned "color." "On / off" is an element that the user switches between using the ambient light 8 (turning it on) or not using it (turning it off), and is set to "on" or "off."

[0057] For example, when the driving state on / off setting is set to "off," even if all of the above conditions 1a to 1c are met (the vehicle 9 is in a driving state), the ambient light 8 will not be turned on and will be in the off state. Conversely, when the driving state on / off setting is set to "on," if all of the above conditions 1a to 1c are met (the vehicle 9 is in a driving state), the ambient light 8 will be turned on and will be in the on state. In this case, the ambient light 8 will generally be turned on at all times. The exception to this is when the relaxation mode, which will be described later, is set.

[0058] "Brightness" is a factor that adjusts the brightness value when the ambient light 8 shines (lights up or flashes). The brightness is set to any value between a minimum value (e.g., "0") and a maximum value (e.g., "10"). For example, if the driving state is set to on and the driving state brightness is set to "3," the ambient light 8 will light up at a brightness of "3" when all of the above conditions 1a to 1c are met (when the vehicle 9 is in the driving state). Also, for example, if the welcome state is set to on and the welcome state brightness is set to "2," the ambient light 8 will light up at a brightness of "2" when all of the above conditions 2a to 2c are met (when the vehicle 9 is in the welcome state).

[0059] However, in this embodiment, the ambient light 8 is illuminated at maximum brightness immediately after the vehicle 9 is activated and ready to drive while driving (immediately after the ignition is turned on or the power is turned on), regardless of the brightness setting. As a result, the interior of the vehicle is illuminated at maximum brightness immediately after the ignition is turned on or the power is turned on. The ambient light 8 continues to be illuminated at maximum brightness for a predetermined time (e.g., several to several tens of seconds) from the time it is illuminated, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, it is illuminated at the set brightness (e.g., "3"). This creates a sense of anticipation and excitement for the user as they prepare to drive, improving the user experience.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3 , the elements further include "Color Rotation Mode," "Relax Mode," "Quick Start," and "Message Receive." "Color Rotation Mode" is a mode in which the color of the ambient light 8 automatically switches between multiple predetermined colors in sequence. The color rotation mode can be set to "On" or "Off." When the color rotation mode is activated, the ambient light 8 continues to change between various colors instead of the color selected by the user. Note that when the color rotation mode is set to "Off," the color rotation mode is not activated.

[0061] The color rotation mode is included only in the elements that can be set while driving. This makes it possible to achieve an effect in which the colors continue to change automatically while the vehicle 9 is being used, which is the most frequent (longest) situation, thereby improving the user experience. Furthermore, the number of colors in the color rotation mode is fewer than the number of colors that can be set as the color of the ambient light 8 (i.e., the number of colors displayed on the second display unit 20). In this way, the reduced number of colors in the color rotation mode improves the appearance of the color transitions and enhances the color effect within the vehicle interior.

[0062] The color rotation mode is executed when the following three conditions C1 to C3 are all met: Condition C1: The vehicle 9 is in a driving state Condition C2: The color rotation mode is set to on Condition C3: The operation screen 4 is not displayed Condition C3 is a condition indicating that the user has not selected or operated any of the elements of the ambient light 8.

[0063] If any one of conditions C1 to C3 is not satisfied while the color rotation mode is being executed, the color rotation mode is temporarily stopped. In this case, the ambient light 8 may be controlled based on the state of the vehicle 9 at the time of termination and the corresponding information (set elements) about the ambient light 8. Note that if condition C3 is not satisfied (i.e., the color rotation mode is terminated by displaying the operation screen 4), a screen may be displayed on the display screen of the display device 1, asking the user whether to terminate the color rotation mode.

[0064] The "Relax mode" is a mode in which the ambient light 8 blinks. The Relax mode can be set to "On" or "Off." When the Relax mode is activated, the ambient light 8 lights up in the set color, but instead of remaining lit all the time, it repeatedly brightens and dims. This creates a flickering effect of the light, providing a space that is easy for the user to relax in and improving the user experience. When the Relax mode is set to Off, the ambient light 8 lights up in the set color at a constant brightness.

[0065] The relaxation mode is included only in the elements that can be set in the driving state. The relaxation mode is executed when the vehicle 9 is in the driving state and predetermined conditions are met. In other words, the relaxation mode is not executed unless predetermined conditions are met, even if the vehicle 9 is in the driving state. The relaxation mode of this embodiment is executed when all of the following four conditions R1 to R4 are met.

[0066] Condition R1: The vehicle 9 is in a driving state. Condition R2: The relaxation mode is set to ON. Condition R3: The operation screen 4 is not displayed. Condition R4: A predetermined time has passed with the shift position in parking.

[0067] That is, the above-mentioned predetermined condition is that conditions R2, R3, and R4 are all satisfied. Condition R4 indicates that some time has passed since the vehicle 9 was stopped. The predetermined time period for condition R4 is a preset fixed value (e.g., approximately 100 to 200 seconds). In this way, the relaxation mode is executed (i.e., the ambient light 8 blinks) not only when the relaxation mode is simply set to on, but also when conditions R3 and R4 are satisfied, that is, when the vehicle is stopped or parked and the operation screen 4 is not being operated. By blinking the ambient light 8 at this time, the user can spend time in the vehicle cabin in a relaxed mood, thereby improving the user experience.

[0068] Furthermore, when conditions C1 to C3 and conditions R1 to R4 are all met, both the color rotation mode and the relaxation mode are executed. In this case, the ambient light 8 changes color by one each time it blinks. This creates a more dreamlike interior environment and improves the user experience.

[0069] The relaxation mode is also executed when the vehicle 9 is in a driving state and a second predetermined condition is satisfied. The relaxation mode of this embodiment is also executed when the above conditions R1 to R3 and the following conditions R5 and R6 are all met. Condition R5: Quick start is set to ON. Condition R6: The shift position is in PARKING.

[0070] That is, the second predetermined condition is that all of conditions R2, R3, R5, and R6 are satisfied. Here, "quick start" is an element that omits the "predetermined time has elapsed" condition R4, one of the conditions for starting the relaxation mode, and is set to "on" or "off." When quick start is set to on, condition R5 is satisfied, and therefore condition R6 is adopted in place of condition R4. That is, if condition R6 is satisfied when the shift position is in park (without waiting for the predetermined time to elapse), and the remaining conditions R1 to R3 are also satisfied, the ambient light 8 begins to blink. In this way, the user can select the timing for executing the relaxation mode, which makes it easier to reflect the user's preferences and contributes to an improved user experience.

[0071] If any one of conditions R1 to R6 is not satisfied while the relaxation mode is running, the relaxation mode ends. In this way, the relaxation mode ends without any special operation by the user, which improves usability.

[0072] "Message reception" is an element that allows the user to select whether or not to include the case where a message arrives at the terminal 80 in the incoming call status, and is set to "on" or "off." When message reception is set to on, a message signal transmitted from the terminal 80 to the vehicle 9 (in this embodiment, the light control device 7) is received, and when message reception is set to off, a message signal transmitted from the terminal 80 to the vehicle 9 (in this embodiment, the light control device 7) is not received. In the latter case, condition 4b is no longer satisfied.

[0073] [2-3. Ambient Light Device] The light control device 7 controls the ambient light 8 based on instructions (signals) from the display device 1 described above. The light control device 7 of this embodiment stores information (elements of the ambient light 8) set on the operation screen 4 for each state of the vehicle 9, linked to each state. When the operation screen 4 is operated and the setting information is changed (updated), the light control device 7 newly stores (overwrites) the updated information.

[0074] Furthermore, as described above, the light control device 7 determines whether the vehicle 9 is in any of the above states and controls the ambient light 8 based on information corresponding to the state of the vehicle 9. For example, when the light control device 7 determines that the vehicle 9 is in a driving state, it controls the ambient light 8 based on the latest information stored in association with the driving state. Specifically, the light control device 7 controls the ambient light 8 based on the latest information on each of "color," "on / off," "brightness," "color rotation mode," "relaxation mode," and "quick start," which are included in the elements of the driving state.

[0075] Furthermore, when the light control device 7 determines that the vehicle 9 is in the welcome state, it controls the ambient light 8 based on the latest information stored in association with the welcome state. Specifically, the light control device 7 controls the ambient light 8 based on the latest information on "color," "on / off," and "brightness" included in the elements of the welcome state. Similarly, when the light control device 7 determines that the vehicle 9 is in the door open state, it controls the ambient light 8 based on the latest information on "color," "on / off," and "brightness" included in the elements of the door open state. Specifically, the light control device 7 controls the ambient light 8 based on the latest information on "color," "on / off," and "brightness" included in the elements of the door open state.

[0076] Furthermore, when the light control device 7 determines that the vehicle 9 is in an incoming call state, it controls the ambient light 8 based on the latest information stored in association with the incoming call state. Specifically, the light control device 7 controls the ambient light 8 based on the latest information on "color," "on / off," "brightness," and "message reception" included in the elements of the incoming call state.

[0077] Furthermore, the light control device 7 also controls the ambient light 8 when an element is being set on the operation screen 4, to realize the element being set. That is, the vehicle 9 has a preview function in which, when an element is being set on the operation screen 4, the ambient light 8 displays the element being set.

[0078] As described above, the ambient light 8 is controlled according to the state of the vehicle 9 and also when the element is set, so there is a possibility that the timing of the controls may overlap. For example, if the operation screen 4 for the welcome state is operated while the ambient light 8 is turned on in the driving state, the control according to the driving state and the control during the operation for setting the welcome state may interfere with each other. To prepare for such a case, a priority order is set in the light control device 7.

[0079] In the vehicle 9 of this embodiment, the following priorities are set: Priority 1: The vehicle 9 is in an incoming call state; Priority 2: An element is set on the operation screen 4; Priority 3: The vehicle 9 is in a door open state; Priority 4: The vehicle 9 is in either a driving state or a welcome state.

[0080] For example, if the vehicle 9 enters an incoming call state while the ambient light 8 is on in a driving state, the ambient light 8 is switched from control according to the driving state to control according to the incoming call state (i.e., the element set on the operation screen 4 for the incoming call state). In this way, if the light control device 7 receives an incoming call signal or a message signal while controlling the ambient light 8 with the contents of priority 4, it changes the ambient light 8 to an element for the incoming call state. This allows the user to easily know that the terminal 80 has received an incoming call or message.

[0081] Also, for example, if the vehicle 9 enters an incoming call state while the user is performing a setting operation with the operation screen 4 displayed, the ambient light 8 is switched from the lighting state (preview state) according to the setting operation to control according to the incoming call state. In this way, even if the light control device 7 receives an incoming call signal or a message signal while controlling the ambient light 8 with the contents of priority 2, it changes the ambient light 8 to an element of the incoming call state.

[0082] In other words, when the vehicle 9 enters the incoming call state, the elements set on the operation screen 4 for the incoming call state take priority, regardless of the state to which the ambient light 8 is controlled. Note that when the vehicle 9 enters the incoming call state, only the ambient light 8 is changed, and the display screen of the display device 1 (e.g., the operation screen 4) does not change. In other words, even if the display device 1 enters the incoming call state while an element is being set on the operation screen 4, the display device 1 maintains the operation screen 4 during the setting operation. This ensures operability while notifying the user that the terminal 80 has acquired information.

[0083] Also, for example, if the user displays the operation screen 4 and starts a setting operation while the ambient light 8 is lit in the welcome state, the ambient light 8 is switched from the control corresponding to the welcome state to a lighting state (preview state) that corresponds to the setting operation. In this way, when the light control device 7 is controlling the ambient light 8 with the content of priority 4 and a setting operation is performed on the operation screen 4, the light control device 7 changes the ambient light 8 to the element being set.

[0084] This allows the user to understand how the ambient light 8 will change in response to their operation not only from the third display unit 30 but also from the actual state of the interior of the vehicle. As described above, this preview function is disabled when the timing of the setting operation on the operation screen 4 (priority 2) and the timing of the reception of information by the terminal 80 (priority 1) overlap. In other words, by giving priority to the way the ambient light 8 lights up, which indicates that the terminal 80 has received information, the state of the terminal 80 (that some information has been acquired) can be notified to the user by a change in the ambient light 8, thereby improving the user experience.

[0085] When the light control device 7 of this embodiment turns on the ambient light 8 in an incoming call state, the light control device 7 turns on the ambient light 8 in a different way depending on whether the light control device 7 receives an incoming call signal or a message signal. When the light control device 7 of this embodiment receives an incoming call signal, the light control device 7 continues to flash the ambient light 8 until the incoming call signal is no longer being received (i.e., until the user answers the call or the call is hung up before the user answers). In contrast, when the light control device 7 receives a message signal, the light control device 7 turns on the ambient light 8 for a predetermined time (e.g., several seconds to 10-odd seconds) from the time of reception of the message signal.

[0086] In this way, the ambient light 8 lights up differently when an incoming call signal is received and when a message signal is received, allowing the user to recognize what information has arrived at the terminal 80 by the difference in the way the ambient light 8 lights up. Furthermore, when an incoming call signal is received, the ambient light 8 flashes until the incoming call signal is no longer received, and when a message signal is received, the ambient light 8 remains lit for a predetermined period of time from the time of reception, thereby making it possible to notify the user in an easier-to-understand manner and contributing to improved usability.

[0087] 4 to 8 are specific examples of the operation screen 4. Below, the main screen 4A and sub-screens 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E of the operation screen 4 will be described in detail using these specific examples. The main screen 4A is a screen mainly for setting the color of the ambient light 8, and at least the first display section 10 and second display section 20 are simultaneously displayed. Note that in these specific examples, the color selection section 11 and the pattern of the color bar 21 are omitted.

[0088] On the other hand, the sub-screens 4B to 4D are screens for setting elements other than the color of the ambient light 8, and are switched from the main screen 4A by a user operation. The sub-screen 4B in Fig. 5 is a sub-screen for the driving state, and is switched from the main screen 4A in Fig. 4 by a user tap operation. On the other hand, the sub-screens 4C to 4E in Figs. 6 to 8 are sub-screens for the welcome state, the door open state, and the incoming call state, respectively, and are switched from the main screens (not shown) for the welcome state, the door open state, and the incoming call state.

[0089] First, the main screen 4A will be described. Fig. 4 shows the main screen 4A in the driving state, but the main screens in the second state, i.e., the welcome state, the door open state, and the incoming call state, also have the same screen configuration as Fig. 4. The main screen in the second state (not shown) is different from the main screen 4A in Fig. 4 in that the highlighting of the characters indicating the currently set state is changed in the operation screen switching button 64 described later.

[0090] 4, the main screen 4A is provided with the above-described first display section 10, second display section 20, third display section 30, and number display section 50. In this specific example, the first display section 10 has 12 color selection sections 11 arranged in a horizontal row.

[0091] Additionally, the second display unit 20 has, below the color bar 21, a bar 23 having a horizontal dimension equal to that of the color bar 21, and an operation unit 24 that moves along the bar 23. The operation unit 24 is a portion that accepts a slide operation by the user. When the operation unit 24 is slid, the second display unit 20 determines that the setting color located directly above the operation unit 24 at the moment the user's finger is released has been selected, and sets this setting color as the color of the ambient light 8. The operation unit 24 also moves in conjunction with the second mark 22 and has the function of indicating the selected setting color.

[0092] Furthermore, a plus button 25 is located at the lower right of the bar 23, and a minus button 26 is located at the lower left of the bar 23. These buttons 25, 26 accept tap operations. When the plus button 25 is tapped once, the number of the subdivided setting color is incremented by one, and the incremented setting color is selected. Conversely, when the minus button 26 is tapped once, the number of the subdivided setting color is decremented by one, and the decremented setting color is selected. In this way, in the second display unit 20 shown in FIG. 4 , a setting color can be selected by four operations: tapping the color bar 21, sliding the color bar 21, sliding the operation unit 24, and tapping the plus button 25 and the minus button 26.

[0093] The vehicle interior image 31 displayed on the third display unit 30 is an image that simulates a state in which a passenger seated in a rear seat of the vehicle views a range from the front of the vehicle interior to the side of the rear seat. Figure 4 shows an example of the vehicle interior image 31 that simulates a state in which a passenger seated in the right rear seat views a range from near the dashboard of the left front passenger seat to near the door trim of the left rear seat.

[0094] 4, a light on / off button 60, a color button 61, an option button 62, a return button 63, an operation screen switching button 64, a setting button 65, a title display area 66, and a launcher display area 67 are also arranged.

[0095] The light on / off button 60 is a button for turning the ambient light device 6 on and off, and accepts a tap operation. When the ambient light device 6 is in the on state, the light on / off button 60 displays "light off," as shown in FIG. 4 . When this "light off" light on / off button 60 is tapped, the ambient light device 6 is switched to the off state. Conversely, when the ambient light device 6 is in the off state, the light on / off button 60 displays "light on." When this "light on" light on / off button 60 is tapped, the ambient light device 6 is switched to the on state.

[0096] The color button 61 and option button 62 are buttons for switching between the main screen 4A and the sub-screen 4B, and also have the function of displaying the currently selected screen 4A, 4B. When the main screen 4A is selected, the color button 61 is lit and the option button 62 is unlit. In this state, only the option button 62 accepts a tap operation. When the option button 62 is tapped, the operation screen 4 switches to the sub-screen 4B shown in FIG. 5, the option button 62 is lit, and the color button 61 is unlit. In this state, only the color button 61 accepts a tap operation. The return button 63 is a button for returning the currently displayed operation screen 4 (main screen 4A in FIG. 4) to the previous screen, and accepts a tap operation.

[0097] The operation screen switching button 64 is a button for switching the operation screen 4 on which the elements of the ambient light 8 can be set for each state of the vehicle 9, and also has the function of displaying the state of the vehicle 9 currently being set. In this embodiment, the four states of the vehicle 9, namely, the driving state (Driving), the welcome state (Welcome), the door open state (Door Open), and the incoming call state (Incoming Call), are displayed.

[0098] The operation screen switching button 64 displays letters indicating these four states, and the portions indicating each letter are tappable. For example, when the driving state is selected (while the user is setting the ambient light 8 elements that the user wants to realize in the driving state), the word "driving" is highlighted more than the other letters, as shown in FIG. 4. In this state, tapping another letter (for example, "welcome") switches to the operation screen 4 (main screen) for the welcome state.

[0099] The setting button 65 is a button for displaying a setting screen (one of the display screens, not shown) for setting various information, and accepts a tap operation. The setting screen is provided with at least a reset button for resetting the settings of the ambient light 8 element. The title display area 66 is an area showing the title of the operation screen 4 (here, "ambient light"). The launcher display area 67 is an area where a launcher for launching an application is displayed. Note that the title display area 66 and the launcher display area 67 may also be provided when a screen other than the operation screen 4 (such as a screen displaying content information or a setting screen) is displayed.

[0100] 5, the sub-screen 4B is provided with a fourth display section 40 that displays setting sections that are operated by the user and allow setting of information other than the selection of the set color. In this specific example, the setting sections include an on / off setting section 41, a color rotation mode setting section 42, a brightness setting section 43, a relax mode setting section 44, and a quick mode setting section 45. The four setting sections 41, 42, 44, and 45, excluding the brightness setting section 43, are provided as slide-type on / off switches, but may also be tap-type buttons.

[0101] In addition, the first display section 10, the second display section 20, and the number display section 50 provided on the main screen 4A are not displayed on the sub-screen 4B, and instead (in the area where they were displayed) the fourth display section 40 is displayed. The other components (the third display section 30, the color button 61, the option button 62, etc.) are displayed as they are on the sub-screen 4B.

[0102] The on / off setting unit 41 is a switch for setting "on / off" among the above elements. That is, the on / off setting unit 41 is for setting whether the ambient light 8 is turned on or off when the vehicle 9 is in a driving state. When the on / off setting unit 41 is set to off, the ambient light 8 does not light up even when the vehicle 9 is in a driving state, and the other setting units 42 to 45 cannot be operated.

[0103] The color rotation mode setting unit 42 is for setting the on / off of the "color rotation mode" among the above elements. The brightness setting unit 43 is for setting the "brightness" among the above elements. The brightness setting unit 43 shown in FIG. 5 has an operation unit that moves along a long horizontal bar and a plus button and a minus button. The operation unit accepts a slide operation, and the plus button and the minus button accept a tap operation. When the user slides the operation unit or taps the plus button or the minus button, the brightness setting unit 43 sets the brightness according to the operation. It is preferable that the brightness setting unit 43 indicates the currently set brightness numerically.

[0104] The relax mode setting section 44 is for setting the on / off of the "relax mode" among the above elements. The quick mode setting section 45 is for setting the on / off of the "quick start" among the above elements. The quick mode setting section 45 is operable only when the relax mode setting section 44 is on. The quick mode setting section 45 may be displayed grayed out when the relax mode setting section 44 is off.

[0105] 4 and 5, the operation screen 4 (main screen 4A and sub-screen 4B) in the driving state can be switched using the color buttons 61 and the option buttons 62. However, instead of these, a scroll bar for scrolling the screen may be provided. In other words, switching between the main screen and the sub-screen is not limited to a tap operation, but may also be a scroll operation.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 6 , the sub-screen 4C in the welcome state also has a fourth display section 40. However, in the welcome state, the two configurable elements other than "color" are "on / off" and "brightness." Therefore, the fourth display section 40 of the sub-screen 4C only has setting sections for setting these two elements (i.e., the on / off setting section 41 and the brightness setting section 43). The on / off setting section 41 and the brightness setting section 43 may be configured in the same way as those provided on the sub-screen 4B in the driving state. The other configurations are the same as those of the sub-screen 4B.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 7 , the sub-screen 4D in the door open state also has a fourth display section 40. However, in the door open state, as in the welcome state, the two configurable elements other than "color" are "on / off" and "brightness." Therefore, the fourth display section 40 of the sub-screen 4D is provided with only setting sections for setting these two elements (i.e., the on / off setting section 41 and the brightness setting section 43). Note that the on / off setting section 41 and the brightness setting section 43 may be configured similarly to those provided in the sub-screens 4B and 4C in the driving state and the welcome state. The other configurations are similar to those of the sub-screens 4B and 4C.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 8 , the sub-screen 4E in the incoming call state also includes a fourth display section 40. However, in the incoming call state, the configurable elements other than "color" include "on / off," "brightness," and "message reception." Therefore, the fourth display section 40 of the sub-screen 4E includes a message reception setting section 46 in addition to the on / off setting section 41 and brightness setting section 43. The message reception setting section 46 is used to set the on / off status of one of the elements, "message reception," and, like the other setting sections 41, 42, 44, and 45, may be a slide-type on / off switch or a tap-type button. Note that the on / off setting section 41 and brightness setting section 43 may be configured similarly to those provided on the sub-screens 4B to 4D in the driving state, etc. The other configurations are similar to those of the sub-screens 4B to 4D.

[0109] [4. Effects] (1) The vehicle 9 described above includes an ambient light 8 that illuminates the interior of the vehicle and a display device 1 that can set elements of the ambient light 8. The display device 1 is provided with an operation screen 4 that sets elements for each state of the vehicle 9. The states of the vehicle 9 include a driving state (first state) in which the vehicle 9 is in an activated state ready for driving and all doors are closed, and a second state other than the driving state. The number of elements that can be set in the driving state is greater than the number of elements that can be set in the second state. The driving state is typically a traveling state, and is the state that exists most frequently (longest) when the vehicle 9 is in use. Therefore, by increasing the number of elements of the ambient light 8 that can be set in the driving state compared to the number of elements that can be set in the second state other than the driving state, the user experience (emotions experienced by the user through operation inputs to the display device 1 and the ambient light 8, impressions that the user has, reactions of the user, etc.) can be improved.

[0110] (2) In this embodiment, the second state includes a welcome state in which the vehicle 9 is not in a start state in which it can travel and all doors are closed, and a door-open state in which one of the doors is open. This allows the elements of the ambient light 8 to be set in both the welcome state and the door-open state, so that the elements (color, brightness, lighting pattern, etc.) of the ambient light 8 can be changed according to the state (situation) of the vehicle 9, thereby further improving the user experience.

[0111] (3) Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the color rotation mode is included in the elements of the ambient light 8, and this color rotation mode can be set only while driving, thereby improving the user experience while driving. (4) In particular, in this embodiment, the number of colors in the color rotation mode is fewer than the number of colors that can be set as the colors of the ambient light 8. In this way, by limiting the number of colors in the color rotation mode, the appearance when the colors change automatically is improved, and the dramatic effect can be improved.

[0112] (5) The operation screen 4 of this embodiment is provided with a second display unit 20 (subdivision display unit) that displays all set colors horizontally and a third display unit 30 (image display unit) that displays a vehicle interior image 31. The vehicle interior image 31, which has a preview function, is displayed on the same operation screen 4 as the second display unit 20, thereby improving usability. Furthermore, when the second display unit 20 is slid to select a set color, the image color of the vehicle interior image 31 does not change during the slide but changes to the set color when the slide stops or the finger is released. This eliminates delays in the display of the image color even when the slide speed is fast, thereby preventing a decrease in usability. Furthermore, when the second display unit 20 is slid to select a set color, the color of the ambient light 8 changes to the set color when the finger is released. This prevents a situation in which the vehicle interior color changes rapidly and becomes unstable, thereby preventing a decrease in user experience.

[0113] (6) In this embodiment, the operation screen 4 is provided with a number display section 50. When the second display section 20 is slid to select a set color, the display format of the number corresponding to the set color is made the same as the display format of the image color. This allows the number, which has the function of indicating the selected set color, and the image color to be displayed in the same manner, thereby improving the visibility of the operation screen 4.

[0114] (7) In this embodiment, the operation screen 4 includes a first display unit 10 that displays a plurality of color selection units 11 arranged horizontally, each of which classifies all the set colors displayed on the second display unit 20 into similar colors. The first display unit 10 allows the user to select a preferred color from a range of standard (rough) set colors. Providing two types of display units 10, 20 on the operation screen 4 enhances usability. Additionally, when the user slides the second display unit 20 to select a set color, the first mark 12 displayed on the first display unit 10 is hidden while the finger is sliding and when the sliding stops. Once the finger is released, the first mark 12 is displayed to point to a color selection unit 11 that is the same color or a similar color as the selected set color. Because the color selection unit 11 on the first display unit 10 does not correspond to all the set colors on the second display unit 20, hiding the first mark 12 until a set color is selected on the second display unit 20 avoids hassle and improves operability.

[0115] (8) Furthermore, when the user slides the color selection unit 11 to select a set color, the first mark 12 is displayed when the slide stops. In this way, the first mark 12 is hidden while the first display unit 10 is being slid, and is displayed when the slide is temporarily stopped, so that the location where the user's finger is stopped can be clearly displayed. In addition, the annoyance of the first mark 12 being displayed in accordance with the finger movement is reduced, thereby improving usability.

[0116] (9) In the present embodiment, the ambient light 8 is turned on at maximum brightness immediately after the vehicle 9 is activated and ready to drive (immediately after the ignition or power is turned on), and after a predetermined time has elapsed since the ambient light 8 was turned on, it is turned on at the brightness set by the display device 1. This creates a sense of anticipation and excitement for the user as they are about to start driving, thereby improving the user experience.

[0117] [5. Other] The vehicle 9 and display device 1 described above are examples and are not limited to those described above. For example, the states of the vehicle 9 described above are examples, and the conditions under which each state is established are also examples. Furthermore, the states of the vehicle 9 may include at least a driving state (first state) and a second state other than the driving state. Any of the welcome state, door open state, and incoming call state may be omitted, or a state other than these (e.g., a charging state) may be included. If the incoming call state is not provided, the configuration for communicating with the terminal 80 may be omitted.

[0118] The elements of the ambient light 8 that can be set in each state are also examples and are not limited to those shown in FIG. 3 . It is sufficient that at least the number of elements that can be set in the driving state is greater than the number of elements that can be set in the second state. For example, modes such as the color rotation mode and the relaxation mode are not required in the driving state, and brightness may be omitted in the welcome state and the door open state. Conversely, special modes may be provided in the welcome state and the door open state. Note that the conditions under which the color rotation mode and the relaxation mode are executed are also examples and are not limited to the above conditions. Furthermore, the manner in which the ambient light 8 is illuminated is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the configuration in which the ambient light 8 is illuminated at maximum brightness immediately after the ignition is turned on in the driving state may be omitted.

[0119] Furthermore, in the ambient light 8 of this embodiment, the color rotation mode is included only in the elements that can be set in the driving state, but it may also be included in the elements that can be set in other states such as the welcome state or the door open state.

[0120] The screen configuration of the operation screen 4 of the display device 1 is also an example. For example, the first mark 12 and the second mark 22 may not be linked, and only the mark 12, 22 of the first display section 10 or the second display section 20 that is operated may be displayed. Furthermore, multiple color selection sections 11 may be displayed without gaps, and the subdivided set colors may not all be displayed continuously, but may be partially partitioned, for example. Furthermore, the above-described display form of the first mark 12 and the second mark 22 when a slide operation is performed is also an example.

[0121] The display format of the vehicle interior image 31 displayed on the third display unit 30 is also one example, and the display format of the number on the number display unit 50 and the display format of the image color do not have to be the same. Note that the third display unit 30 and the number display unit 50 are not essential and may be omitted. If the number display unit 50 is omitted, there is no need to assign individual numbers to the set colors, and the horizontal dimension of the second display unit 20 may be the same as the horizontal dimension of the first display unit 10.

[0122] The present invention is applicable to the manufacturing industry of vehicles equipped with ambient lighting and displays.

[0123] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Display device 2 Electronic control device 3 Output device 4 Operation screen (screen) 6 Ambient light device 7 Light control device 8 Ambient light 9 Vehicle 10 First display section (basic display section) 11 Color selection section 12 First mark 20 Second display section (subdivision display section) 22 Second mark 30 Third display section (image display section) 31 Vehicle interior image 32 Ambient light, image light of vehicle interior image 50 Number display section

Claims

1. A vehicle equipped with an ambient light that illuminates the interior of the vehicle, and a display device having an operation screen operated by a user and capable of setting elements of the ambient light, wherein the display device has the operation screen for setting the elements for each state of the vehicle, the states of the vehicle including a first state in which the vehicle is in an activated state ready to run and all doors are closed, and a second state other than the first state, and the number of elements that can be set in the first state is greater than the number of elements that can be set in the second state.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the second state includes a welcome state in which the vehicle is not in the start state and all of the doors are closed, and a door open state in which any of the doors is open.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the element includes a color rotation mode that automatically switches the color of the ambient light among a plurality of predetermined colors in sequence, and the color rotation mode is included only in the element that can be set in the first state.

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the number of colors in the color rotation mode is less than the number of colors that can be set as the color of the ambient light.

5. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the operation screen is provided with a detailed display section that displays all setting colors that can be selected and operated by the user and that can be set as the color of the ambient light, lined up horizontally, and an image display section that displays an interior image of the vehicle that simulates the state of the interior of the vehicle, and when the user slides the detailed display section to select the setting color, the image display section does not change the image color that is the color of the ambient light in the interior image of the vehicle while the user is sliding his finger, but changes the image color to the setting color selected on the detailed display section when the user stops sliding or the finger is removed, and the color of the ambient light does not change while the user is sliding his finger or when the slide stops, but changes to the setting color selected on the detailed display section when the finger is removed.

6. The vehicle described in claim 5, characterized in that the operation screen is provided with a number display section that displays a number corresponding to the set color selected by the user, and when the user slides the subdivision display section to select the set color, the number display section changes the display format of the number to the display format of the image color.

7. The vehicle described in claim 5, characterized in that the operation screen is provided with a basic display section that displays a plurality of color selection sections arranged horizontally, with all of the set colors selected and operated by the user and displayed in the detailed display section classified by similar colors, and the basic display section displays a first mark that points to the color selection section that is selected among the plurality of color selection sections, and when the user slides the detailed display section to select the set color, the first mark is hidden while the finger is sliding and when the slide is stopped, and when the finger is released, the first mark is displayed so as to point to the color selection section that is the same color or a similar color as the set color selected in the detailed display section.

8. The vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that, when the user slides the color selection section to select the set color, the first mark is displayed when the slide stops.

9. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ambient light is turned on at maximum brightness immediately after the vehicle enters the start-up state in the first state, and is turned on at the brightness set by the display device after a predetermined time has elapsed since the ambient light was turned on.

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