Display system of display for saddle-type vehicle

Abstract

A display system (20) of a display for a saddle-type vehicle includes a communication device (29A) capable of performing wireless communication with a communication target outside the vehicle. The display system comprises: a display unit (40) that includes a display screen (41) capable of displaying first information (51) including a vehicle speed acquired from an in-vehicle device and second information (52) acquired from the communication device (29A); and a control device (21) that controls display on the display screen (41). The display screen (41) is capable of switching between a first display mode (M1) in which the first information (51) is displayed and the second information (52) is not displayed, and a second display mode (M2) in which the display position of the first information (51) is changed from that in the first display mode (M1) and the second information (52) is displayed in a region (R1) made vacant by the movement of the first information (51). The control device (21) causes the display screen (41) to display in the first display mode (M1) at normal times, and automatically switches the display screen (41) to displaying in the second display mode (M2) at a timing at which the acquired second information (52) is to be displayed.

Description

Display system for saddle-ride type vehicles

[0001] The present invention relates to a display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-107619, filed on July 3, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Conventionally, in a meter device for a saddle-ride type vehicle, a configuration is known in which a vehicle speed display (display of vehicle information) is moved upward from the center of the screen and secondary information, such as infotainment information acquired from outside the vehicle, is displayed in an interrupted manner (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Whether or not the secondary information is displayed is switched by a long press of a handlebar switch. When the secondary information is displayed, the vehicle speed display is moved and reduced within the meter display screen to ensure a display area for the secondary information.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-057764

[0004] In the above-described conventional configuration, a driver operation is required to display the second information. In contrast, there is a demand for a configuration that can automatically display the second information at a required timing without requiring a driver operation.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle that can appropriately display second information separate from the display of vehicle information without requiring operation by the driver.

[0006] As a means for solving the above problems, an aspect of the present invention has the following configuration: (1) A display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle according to an aspect of the present invention is a display system (20) for a saddle-ride type vehicle including a communication device (29A) capable of wireless communication with a communication target outside the vehicle, the display system (20) including a display unit (40) having a display screen (41) capable of displaying first information (51) including a vehicle speed acquired from an in-vehicle device and second information (52) acquired from the communication device (29A), and a control device (21) for controlling the display of the display screen (41), the display screen (41) displaying the first information (51) and the second information (52). The control device (21) can switch between a first display mode (M1) in which the acquired second information (52) is not displayed and a second display mode (M2) in which the display position of the first information (51) is changed relative to the first display mode (M1) and the second information (52) is displayed in an area (R1) made vacant by the movement of the first information (51), and the control device (21) normally displays the display screen (41) in the first display mode (M1), and automatically switches the display screen (41) to the second display mode (M2) when it is time to display the acquired second information (52).

[0007] According to the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (1) of the present invention, during normal vehicle driving, only first information is displayed on the display unit, without displaying unnecessary information, and the first information is moved at the required timing to automatically insert the second information. This allows the second information to be displayed at the required timing without requiring the driver to perform a switching operation. That is, while improving the visibility of the first information, including vehicle speed, during normal driving, the second information can be automatically provided to the driver at an appropriate timing, such as when the vehicle approaches a location requiring guidance from the navigation system. Examples of communication targets outside the vehicle include GPS, the Internet, and roadside devices of a road-to-vehicle communication system. Examples of communication devices include a GPS antenna, an IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment) unit, an on-board device of a road-to-vehicle communication system, etc. The communication device may be a user terminal such as a smartphone connected to the vehicle via a wired or wireless connection. Examples of the second information acquired from communication targets outside the vehicle include navigation information, information related to music playback, information related to telephone calls, and information related to an assistant function.

[0008] (2) In the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (1) above, in the first display mode (M1), the first information (51) may overlap the center position (C3) of the display screen (41), and in the second display mode (M2), the first information (51) may be positioned above the center position (C3) of the display screen (41). According to the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (2) above, in the first display mode, the first information is positioned at the center position of the display screen to improve visibility. By moving the first information upward in the second display mode, it is possible to suppress left-right movement of the line of sight before and after switching the display mode and ensure visibility of the first information.

[0009] (3) In the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (2) above, in the second display mode (M2), the center position (C4) of the display of the first information (51) and the center position (C5) of the display of the second information (52) may be located at the left-right center (C2) of the display screen (41). According to the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (3) above, the center position of the vehicle speed display in the second display mode and the center position of the second information display are located at the left-right center of the display screen, thereby suppressing left-right movement of the line of sight in the second display mode and improving visibility.

[0010] (4) In the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in any one of (1) to (3) above, when changing the display position of the first information (51) in the second display mode (M2), the character size of the vehicle speed in the first information (51) may be changed. According to the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (4) above of the present invention, by changing the character size of the vehicle speed (for example, by making it smaller) in the second display mode, a display area for the newly inserted second information can be secured, making it easier to focus on the second information.

[0011] (5) In the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the display screen (41) may be circular, and when changing the display position of the first information (51) in the second display mode (M2), the first information (51) may move along a diameter (D1) of the shape of the display screen (41). According to the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (5) above, the circular display screen makes it easy to intuitively recognize the center position of the display screen, and the first information including vehicle speed in the first display mode can be made to stand out. By moving the first information along the diameter of the display screen, it is easy to follow the first information with one's eyes, and it is possible to ensure ease of recognition of the first information including vehicle speed.

[0012] (6) In the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the second information (52) may be navigation information, and the control device (21) may acquire information on the current position of the vehicle (1) and a guidance-requiring position on a set route of navigation, and switch the display screen (41) to the second display mode (M2) based on the distance from the current position to the guidance-requiring position, thereby causing the navigation information to be displayed in an interrupt manner. According to the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (6) above of the present invention, the navigation information can be displayed in an interrupt manner based on the distance from the current position of the vehicle to the guidance-requiring position, thereby making it possible to provide the driver with the navigation information appropriately at a timing when the navigation information is needed.

[0013] (7) In the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the second information (52) may be navigation information, the navigation information being turn-by-turn information including an arrow (57) indicating a direction of travel, the display screen (41) may be circular, and a straight portion (59) of a shaft (58) of the arrow (57) may be arranged along a diameter (D1) of the shape of the display screen (41). According to the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (7) above of the present invention, the straight portion of the arrow of the turn-by-turn navigation information is arranged along the diameter of the circular display screen, making it easier to assume that the current position of the vehicle is at the center of the display screen, and making it easier for the driver to recognize the navigation information.

[0014] According to an aspect of the present invention, a display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle can be provided that can appropriately display second information separate from the display of vehicle information without requiring operation by the driver.

[0015] 11A is a left side view of a motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 12 is a front view of the periphery of a meter unit as viewed from the rider of the motorcycle; FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a display system for the motorcycle; FIG. 14 is a front view of a display screen in a first display mode of the meter unit; FIG. 15 is a front view of a first display example of a display screen in a second display mode of the meter unit; FIG. 16 is a front view of a second display example of a display screen in a second display mode of the meter unit; FIG. 17 is a front view of a first display example in which an approaching object display is added to the display screen of the meter unit; FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the relative position of the host vehicle and an approaching object when the display of FIG. 7A is displayed; FIG. 19 is a front view of a second display example in which an approaching object display is added to the display screen of the meter unit; FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the relative position of the host vehicle and an approaching object when the display of FIG. 9A is displayed; FIG. 19 is a front view of a third display example in which an approaching object display is added to the display screen of the meter unit; FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the relative position of the host vehicle and an approaching object when the display of FIG. 9A is displayed; FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control device when the displays of FIGS. 8A and 9A are displayed; FIG. 19 is a front view of an example of display on a display screen in a third display mode of the meter unit; Fig. 10 is a front view showing a first stage of a blinker operation display example on the display screen of the meter unit. Fig. 11 is a front view showing a second stage of a blinker operation display example on the display screen of the meter unit. Fig. 12 is a front view showing a third stage of a blinker operation display example on the display screen of the meter unit. Fig. 13 is a front view showing a display example of a fourth display mode display screen of the meter unit. Fig. 14 is a front view showing a display example of a fifth display mode display screen of the meter unit.

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, directions such as front, rear, left, and right are the same as directions in the vehicle described below unless otherwise specified. In addition, in the drawings used in the following description, an arrow FR indicating the front of the vehicle, an arrow LH indicating the left side of the vehicle, an arrow UP indicating the top of the vehicle, and a line CL indicating the center of the left and right sides of the vehicle body are shown in appropriate locations. The term "middle" used in this embodiment refers not only to the center between both ends of an object, but also to the range inside the both ends of an object.

[0017] <Overall Vehicle> Fig. 1 is a left side view of a motorcycle 1, an example of a saddle-ride type vehicle. As shown in Fig. 1, motorcycle 1 includes a front wheel 2 (a steering wheel), a rear wheel 3 (a drive wheel), a front wheel suspension 4 including a front fork and the like supporting the front wheel 2, a rear wheel suspension 6 including a swing arm and the like supporting the rear wheel 3, a body frame 5 supporting the front wheel suspension 4 and the rear wheel suspension 6, and a power unit 8 supported by the body frame 5. The power unit 8 has, for example, an engine (internal combustion engine) or an electric motor as a prime mover. The power unit 8 may also include a transmission that changes the speed of the output of the prime mover. A steering handle (bar handle) 9 extending in the vehicle width direction is attached above the front wheel suspension 4. A meter unit 40 is supported in front of the center of the steering handle 9 in the left-right direction.

[0018] <Meter unit 40> Figure 2 is a front view of the meter unit 40 and its surroundings viewed from the head position (design position) of the rider of the motorcycle 1. Referring also to Figure 2, the meter unit 40 has a display screen 41 that is flat and circular in plan view. The meter unit 40 is disposed so that one side of the normal direction of the display screen 41 faces the rider's head position (i.e., faces diagonally upward and rearward). Arrow S1 in Figure 1 indicates the normal direction of the display screen 41. The upper side of the normal direction S1 faces the rider's head position. The meter unit 40 is disposed in a position where the rider, seated on the seat 7 facing forward of the vehicle, can look down in front of and below the vehicle.

[0019] 3 , the display screen 41 includes a display (liquid crystal module) 42, such as a thin film transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, and is capable of displaying in color with high resolution. The display screen 41 can display, for example, a speedometer 44, a battery level gauge 45, and a turn signal indicator 47. The meter unit 40 is a display unit that integrates the display (liquid crystal module) 42 and a display device (control circuit) 43.

[0020] The speedometer 44 is, for example, a digital meter that displays the vehicle speed in numbers, and in the first display mode M1 shown in Fig. 4, the speedometer display 55 is positioned so as to overlap with the center position C3 of the display screen 41. In the second display mode M2 ​​shown in Fig. 5, the speedometer 44 moves forward and upward along the display screen 41 (moves away from the center position C3 of the display screen 41) and displays characters in a reduced size, compared to the display in the first display mode M1.

[0021] The meter unit 40 may display other information such as an odometer / trip meter (odometer, mileage display unit), a clock, etc. For example, if the power unit 8 is equipped with a transmission, the meter unit 40 may be equipped with an indicator that displays the gear position of the transmission. The transmission may be a stepped transmission or a continuously variable transmission. The contents of the meter display described above are collectively referred to as "first information 51."

[0022] Fig. 4 is a front view showing the display screen 41 in the first display mode M1 of the meter unit 40. Fig. 5 is a front view showing the display screen 41 in the second display mode M2 ​​of the meter unit 40. Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, the meter unit 40 has, as its display modes, a first display mode M1 in which prescribed first information 51 is displayed, and a second display mode M2 ​​in which second information 52 such as navigation information is automatically inserted and displayed.

[0023] By providing the second display mode M2 ​​described above, the meter unit 40 can provide the driver with necessary information at an appropriate time without the driver having to perform a display switching operation. In the second display mode M2, the first information 51 (vehicle speed display 55), which was displayed at the center position C3 of the display screen 41 in the first display mode M1, is moved upward (upward and forward along the display screen 41) as viewed from the driver's head position. In the first display mode M1 of the embodiment, the lower part of the vehicle speed display 55 is arranged to overlap the center position C3 of the display screen 41, and the vehicle speed display 55 is biased toward the upper side of the display screen 41. Alternatively, the center position C4 of the vehicle speed display 55 may be arranged to overlap the center position C3 of the display screen 41.

[0024] In the second display mode M2, the space freed up by the movement of the vehicle speed display 55 is used to display the second information 52 (turn-by-turn navigation information in the illustrated example) in parallel with the vehicle speed display 55. In the second display mode M2 ​​of the embodiment, the turn-by-turn display is positioned so as to overlap the center position C3 of the display screen 41, and the vehicle speed display 55 is positioned above the center position C3 of the display screen 41. In the vehicle speed display 55 in the second display mode M2, the character size of the numbers indicating the vehicle speed is smaller than in the vehicle speed display 55 in the first display mode M1, and the second information 52, which is displayed in an interruptive manner, is emphasized.

[0025] When switching display modes, the vehicle speed display 55 moves up and down along the diameter D1 of the shape of the display screen 41. This prevents the driver's line of sight from moving left and right, reducing driving fatigue. The turn-by-turn display is positioned so that the straight portion 59 of the arrow 57 indicating the direction of travel is aligned with the diameter D1 at the center of the left and right of the display screen 41. This makes it easy to recognize that the vehicle (motorcycle 1, hereinafter sometimes referred to as the vehicle 1) is at the center position C3 of the display screen 41, making it easy to intuitively recognize the orientation of the arrow 57 indicating the direction of travel.

[0026] The "Turn-by-turn navigation" in the embodiment is a function that uses an arrow 57 and a simple map 61 to display the direction to go in order to follow the route to the destination based on GPS (Global Positioning System) information, and publicly known technology can be used.

[0027] In the second display mode M2, the vehicle speed display 55 and the display of the second information 52 are positioned so that their lateral centers coincide with each other. The lateral center of the vehicle speed display 55 refers to the lateral center of the digital display numbers (or, in the case of multiple digits, the central position of the lateral width of all digits), and a center position C4 is located at this lateral center position. The center position C4 in this embodiment is also the center position of the first information 51. The lateral center of the second information 52 refers to the central position of the lateral width of the display of the second information 52, and a center position C5 is located at this lateral center position. The center position C5 in this embodiment is also the center position of the second information 52. In particular, in the case of turn-by-turn navigation, it is also the central axis position of the base end side (straight portion 59) of the shaft 58 of the arrow 57 indicating the direction of travel.

[0028] In the second display mode M2, the horizontal centers of the vehicle speed display 55 and the second information 52 are located at the horizontal center position C2 of the display screen 41. A line (diameter) overlapping the horizontal center C2 of the circular display screen 41 is indicated by the symbol D1.

[0029] When switching from the first display mode M1 to the second display mode M2, the vehicle speed display 55 moves upward along the diameter D1 from the center position C3 of the display screen 41 to an upper position above the center position C3. The center position C4 of the vehicle speed display 55 is located in the horizontal center C2 of the display screen 41. The character size of the vehicle speed display 55 moved to the upper position in the second display mode M2 ​​is smaller than that of the vehicle speed display 55 located at the center position C3 in the first display mode M1, which contributes to ensuring a display area for the second information 52.

[0030] When switching from the first display mode M1 to the second display mode M2, the second information 52 moves upward along the diameter D1, for example, from below (outside the display screen 41) to enter the display screen 41, and is disposed in an empty region R1 below the upwardly moved vehicle speed display 55. A center position C5 of the second information 52 is located in the horizontal center C2 of the display screen 41. The region R1 is, for example, an region that includes a center position C3 of the display screen 41, and is an region that is highly visible to the driver.

[0031] When returning from the second display mode M2 ​​to the first display mode M1, the vehicle speed display 55 moves downward along the diameter D1 from the upper position of the display screen 41 and returns to the center position C3 of the display screen 41. After returning to the center position C3, the vehicle speed display 55 returns to the character size it had before moving to the upper position (larger than the character size at the upper position).

[0032] When returning from the second display mode M2 ​​to the first display mode M1, the second information 52 moves downward from the region R1 along the diameter D1 and disappears as if it is slipping out below the display screen 41 (outside the display screen 41).

[0033] The timing for displaying the turn-by-turn navigation (the timing for switching from the first display mode M1 to the second display mode M2) is, for example, the timing when the current position of the vehicle 1 approaches a guidance-requiring position such as an intersection or a branch road on the set route of the navigation, based on GPS information (position information acquired from GPS satellites). Specifically, the control device 21 calculates the distance from the current position of the vehicle 1 to the guidance-requiring position, and when this distance falls below a threshold, the meter unit 40 automatically switches from the first display mode M1 to the second display mode M2.

[0034] 5, in a first display example of the display screen 41 in the second display mode M2, the turn-by-turn navigation display 56 inserted into the display screen 41 in the second display mode M2 ​​includes an arrow 57 indicating the direction of travel, a simple map 61, and distance information (distance display) 62 to the guidance-requiring location. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a second display example of the display screen 41 in the second display mode M2. Referring to FIG. 6, the second display example includes lane information (lane display) 63 at the guidance-requiring location in addition to the first display example.

[0035] The configuration of the display system 20 according to the embodiment will now be described with reference to Fig. 3. The display system 20 includes a host vehicle 1 equipped with an on-board communication device 29, and an external communication device 32 installed in a roadside device (e.g., a traffic light) 31 that constitutes part of the transportation infrastructure. The meter unit 40 includes a display (liquid crystal module 42) that forms a display screen 41, and a display device (control circuit) 43 connected to the display.

[0036] A control device 21 is connected to the meter unit 40. The control device 21 is realized, for example, by a combination of software and hardware. The program (software) may be pre-stored in a storage device (memory) included in the hardware, or may be downloaded via the Internet and installed in the storage device. The program includes basic software 22 and application software (including navigation software) 23 for each function. The connection to the Internet may be made directly by the in-vehicle communication device 29 or via a user terminal such as a smartphone.

[0037] A plurality of on-vehicle devices are connected to the control device 21. The on-vehicle devices include various handle switches 24 attached to the steering wheel 9, a GPS antenna 25 that receives position information of the host vehicle 1 from a GPS (Global Positioning System), a proximity sensor 26 such as a millimeter wave radar, an acceleration sensor 27 such as an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) that detects acceleration acting on the vehicle body, a vehicle speed sensor 28 such as a wheel speed sensor or a rotation speed sensor of the power unit 8, and an on-vehicle communication device 29.

[0038] The roadside device 31 is, for example, a traffic light 31a of the traffic infrastructure, and an external communication device 32 is installed on this traffic light 31a. The external communication device 32 is capable of wireless communication with the in-vehicle communication device 29 under predetermined conditions. The in-vehicle communication device 29 is capable of wirelessly receiving location information and the like transmitted by the external communication device 32. In addition to the in-vehicle communication device 29 and the GPS antenna 25, communication devices such as an in-vehicle ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) unit and a user terminal such as a smartphone are indicated by reference numeral 29A.

[0039] In this configuration, the control device 21 causes the meter unit 40 to execute the navigation display 56 shown in Fig. 5 based on, for example, GPS information. This display is realized by the control device 21 outputting an activation signal to the meter unit 40 when the current position of the vehicle 1 is within a distance less than a first threshold value from a guidance-requiring position on the set route of the navigation (YES in step S11 of Fig. 10).

[0040] 6 (to which lane information 63 at the guidance-required location is added) according to the distance between the vehicle 1 and the guidance-required location. This display is realized by the control device 21 outputting an activation signal to the meter unit 40 when, for example, the current location of the vehicle 1 is within a distance from the guidance-required location that is less than a second threshold value that is smaller (shorter) than the first threshold value (YES in step S13 of FIG. 10).

[0041] FIG. 7A is a front view showing a first display example in which an approach display unit 65 is added to the display screen 41 of the meter unit 40. FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram showing the relative positions of the host vehicle 1 and an approaching object 1A when the display of FIG. 7A is displayed. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B , when the motorcycle 1 detects that an approaching object 1A, such as another vehicle or a pedestrian, is present around the host vehicle 1, for example, within a first radius, the motorcycle 1 causes the approach display unit 65 of the meter unit 40 to display a warning to alert the driver. At this time, the control device 21 detects the direction and distance L1 of the approaching object 1A as seen from the host vehicle 1, for example, based on detection information from the approach sensor 26, and outputs an activation signal to the meter unit 40.

[0042] The meter unit 40 includes an approach display unit 65 that can display (illuminate) an arc-shaped bar shape 66 along the outer edge 41a of the display screen 41, for example, on the outer periphery of the display screen 41. When the center position C3 of the display screen 41 is the position of the host vehicle 1, the approach display unit 65 indicates the direction in which the approaching object 1A is located by the position of the bar shape 66 on the outer periphery of the display screen 41. The position of the bar shape 66 is indicated with the up-down direction of the display screen 41 being the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 7B , when the approaching object 1A is located to the left front of the host vehicle 1, the arc-shaped bar shape 66 is displayed in a predetermined range diagonally to the upper left of the display screen 41. In the embodiment, in order to more clearly indicate the direction in which the approaching object 1A is located, dot shapes 67 are added to the inner periphery of the display screen 41 relative to the longitudinal center of the bar shape 66.

[0043] 7A and 7B are also examples in which the approach display unit 65 displays information corresponding to an approaching object 1A in the traveling direction (on one side in the left-right direction of the vehicle) indicated by the navigation display 56. This makes it possible to prevent the approach display unit 65 from being displayed frequently due to traffic congestion, etc. The examples in FIGS. 7A and 7B are examples in which the presence of an approaching object 1A in the traveling direction of the host vehicle 1 (in front of the host vehicle 1) is displayed, but the presence of an approaching object 1A behind the host vehicle 1 may also be displayed.

[0044] Fig. 8A is a front view showing a second display example in which an approach display unit 65 is added to the display screen 41 of the meter unit 40. Fig. 8B is an explanatory diagram showing the relative positions of the host vehicle 1 and an approaching object 1A when the display of Fig. 8A is displayed. As shown in Figs. 8A and 8B, even when the motorcycle 1 detects that an approaching object 1A is located behind the host vehicle 1, the motorcycle 1 causes the approach display unit 65 of the meter unit 40 to display a warning to alert the driver. In this case, the control device 21 also detects the direction and distance L2 of the approaching object 1A as seen from the host vehicle 1, for example, based on detection information from the approach sensor 26, and outputs an activation signal to the meter unit 40.

[0045] As shown in Figure 8B, when an approaching object 1A is located to the left rear of the vehicle 1, an arc-shaped bar shape 66 and dot shapes 67 are displayed in a predetermined range diagonally downward left on the display screen 41. The examples of Figures 8A and 8B are also examples in which the approach display unit 65 displays information corresponding to the approaching object 1A located in the traveling direction (one side in the left-right direction of the vehicle) indicated by the navigation display 56. In the examples of Figures 8A and 8B, the color of the bar shape 66 and dot shapes 67 is pale amber or the like, and light emission is suppressed.

[0046] FIG. 9A is a front view showing a third display example in which an approach display section 65 is added to the display screen 41 of the meter unit 40. FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram showing the relative positions of the host vehicle 1 and the approaching object 1A when the display of FIG. 9A is displayed. The example of FIG. 9A shows a display in which the distance L3 between the host vehicle 1 and the approaching object 1A is shorter than the distance L2 in FIG. 8B compared to the example of FIG. 8A. In the example of FIG. 9A, the length of the bar shape 66 on the outer periphery of the display screen 41 is increased, and the color is made more conspicuous, such as red, and the light emission is strengthened compared to the example of FIG. 8A. This makes it possible to more reliably alert the driver.

[0047] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the control device 21 when producing the displays shown in FIGS. 8A and 9A. When the vehicle power is turned on and the motorcycle starts driving, the control device 21 determines whether the distance between the host vehicle 1 and the approaching object 1A is less than a first threshold (e.g., 20 m) based on the detection information of the proximity sensor 26 (step S11). If the distance between the host vehicle 1 and the approaching object 1A is equal to or greater than the first threshold (NO in step S11), the control device 21 proceeds to step S15, where a normal display is performed without displaying the approach display unit 65, and the processing is temporarily terminated. If the distance between the host vehicle 1 and the approaching object 1A is less than the first threshold (YES in step S11), the control device 21 proceeds to step S12, where a relatively short bar shape 66 is displayed, indicating the distance to the approaching object 1A and the direction of the approaching object 1A, as shown in FIG. 8A.

[0048] Next, the process proceeds to step S13, where it is determined whether the distance between the host vehicle 1 and the approaching object 1A has become less than a second threshold value that is even shorter than the first threshold value. If the distance between the host vehicle 1 and the approaching object 1A is equal to or greater than the second threshold value (NO in step S13), the process is temporarily terminated, and the display of step S12 is continued. If the distance between the host vehicle 1 and the approaching object 1A is less than the second threshold value (YES in step S13), the process proceeds to step S14, where a relatively long bar shape 66 is displayed to emphasize the distance to the approaching object 1A and the direction of the approaching object 1A, as shown in FIG. 9A . The length of the bar shape 66 of the approach display section 65 is continuously changed depending on the distance between the host vehicle 1 and the approaching object 1A, but it may also be changed in steps.

[0049] FIG. 11 is a front view showing an example of the display screen 41 of the meter unit 40 in the third display mode M3. The third display mode M3 shown in FIG. 11 displays the inclination of the vehicle body when the vehicle 1 is traveling at an extremely low speed or when the vehicle is being pushed. In this example, a semicircular shape 71 is displayed in the lower half of the display screen 41, and the linear upper edge 71a of the semicircular shape 71 indicates the horizontal direction. The semicircular shape 71 swings within the display screen 41 so as to keep the upper edge 71a horizontal. Meanwhile, a reference line 72 is drawn on the display screen 41, spanning the left and right edges, and this reference line 72 indicates the left-right direction of the vehicle body. Thus, the inclination of the vehicle body can be recognized by measuring the angle of the reference line 72 relative to the upper edge 71a of the semicircular shape 71. A tilt angle 73, which is a numerical representation of the recognized inclination of the vehicle body (the angle of the reference line 72 relative to the upper edge 71a of the semicircular shape 71), may be displayed at the center position C3 of the display screen 41. The display (horizontal display) of FIG. 11 is realized by the control device 21 outputting an activation signal to the meter unit 40 when the vehicle power is turned on and a horizontal display request is made, for example, by the handlebar switch 24.

[0050] 12 is a flowchart showing the processing of the control device 21 when performing the display of FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 12, the control device 21 first determines whether the vehicle speed of the host vehicle 1 is equal to or less than a threshold value (e.g., 5 km / h) that is a condition for determining an extremely low speed (step S21). If the vehicle speed exceeds the threshold value (NO in step S21), a normal display without horizontal display is performed (step S25), and the processing is temporarily terminated. If the vehicle speed of the host vehicle 1 is equal to or less than the threshold value (YES in step S21), horizontal display using a semicircular shape 71 is performed.

[0051] Next, the process proceeds to step S23, where it is determined whether the accelerator of the host vehicle 1 is fully closed. This determination corresponds to determining whether the motorcycle is being pushed while being walked. If the accelerator is not fully closed (NO in step S23), the process ends temporarily and the display of step S22 continues. If the accelerator is fully closed (YES in step S23), the process proceeds to step S24, where the display of the tilt angle 73 is added to the horizontal display.

[0052] 13A to 13C show an example in which a decorative shape 75 is displayed on the display screen 41 in addition to the turn signal indicator 47. Fig. 13A is a front view showing a first stage of the turn signal operation display example on the display screen 41. Fig. 13B is a front view showing a second stage of the turn signal operation display example on the display screen 41. Fig. 13C is a front view showing a third stage of the turn signal operation display example on the display screen 41.

[0053] In a motorcycle, when the handlebar switch 24 is operated to activate the turn signal, the meter unit 40 displays a decorative shape 75 that emits light in a manner that flows from the top or bottom end of the display screen 41 to the end on the side where the turn signal is activated (one end in the left-right direction, the left end in the example of Figure 13), and then causes the arrow of the turn signal indicator 47 to flash.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 13A, the decorative shape 75 first extends in an arc shape along the outer edge 41a of the display screen 41 from the top and bottom ends of the display screen 41 toward the side where the turn signals are activated. Reference symbol 75a in the figure indicates the tip of the decorative shape 75. Fig. 13B shows the state in which the decorative shape 75 extends from the top and bottom ends of the display screen 41 to near the end on the side where the turn signals are activated. Reference symbol 75b in the figure indicates the end of the decorative shape 75.

[0055] 13C, the upper and lower decorative shapes 75 collide with each other at the end of the display screen 41 on the side where the turn signals are activated, and gradually disappear. After the decorative shapes 75 disappear, the arrow of the turn signal indicator 47 begins to flash. The decorative shapes 75 may be displayed not only once, but also multiple times. The decorative shapes 75 described above improve the appearance of the display screen 41 when the turn signals are activated, and also make it easier to recognize that the turn signals have been operated.

[0056] FIG. 14 is a front view showing an example of the display screen 41 in the fourth display mode M4 of the meter unit 40. The display example of FIG. 14 shows, for example, when the host vehicle 1 receives a signal from a traffic light 31a and displays the signal's illumination status on the display screen 41, for example, under a road-to-vehicle communication system. The display example of FIG. 14 includes a traffic light display 77 at the bottom of the display screen 41, which displays the illumination status of a target traffic light when the host vehicle 1 is waiting at a traffic light. The target traffic light is, for example, the traffic light 31a equipped with the external communication device 32 described above. The traffic light 31a and the host vehicle 1, which is stopped within a specified short distance from the traffic light 31a, communicate with each other to display the illumination status of the traffic light 31a on the display screen 41. When the traffic light 31a turns green, a departure notification display 77a, which combines a bar shape and a triangle shape, is displayed at the top of the display screen 41. This allows the host vehicle 1 to be prompted to start when the traffic light 31a turns green.

[0057] Outside the road-to-vehicle communication system, for example, when a motorcycle is waiting at a traffic light, the target traffic light may be photographed by an on-board camera, and the lighting status of the traffic light may be determined and displayed on the display screen 41. By implementing the fourth display mode M4, it is possible to prompt the host vehicle 1 to start even in a situation where there are no other vehicles, compared to a configuration in which control is performed to prompt the host vehicle 1 to start when the departure of another vehicle is detected.

[0058] Fig. 15 is a front view showing an example of a display on the display screen 41 of the meter unit 40 in the fifth display mode M5. The display example in Fig. 15 displays that the vehicle speed of the host vehicle 1 exceeds the legal speed limit. The motorcycle 1 acquires legal speed information for the road on which the vehicle is traveling, for example, based on GPS information. The motorcycle 1 may also acquire speed limit information for the road on which the vehicle is traveling, for example, by recognizing road signs using an on-board camera.

[0059] The acquired legal speed limit is compared with the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1, and if the speed exceeds the legal speed limit by a predetermined amount (for example, by 15 km / h or more), a warning display is given as follows: That is, as shown in the display example in Fig. 15 , a circular speed warning display 79 in a conspicuous color such as red is displayed around the outer periphery of the display screen 41, and a semicircular shape 79a in the same color as the speed warning display 79 is displayed at the bottom of the display screen 41, with the legal speed limit 79b displayed on this semicircular shape 79a. In this way, the legal speed limit is displayed against a conspicuous background, and a conspicuous warning display is given to the driver, thereby encouraging the driver to stop speeding.

[0060] As described above, the display system 20 of the motorcycle 1 in the above embodiment is a display system 20 for a saddle-ride type vehicle including a communication device 29A capable of wireless communication with a communication target outside the vehicle, and includes: a meter unit 40 having a display screen 41 that can display first information 51 including vehicle speed obtained from an on-board device; and second information 52 obtained from the communication device 29A; and a control device 21 that controls the display of the display screen 41. The display screen 41 is switchable between a first display mode M1 in which the first information 51 is displayed but the second information 52 is not displayed; and a second display mode M2 ​​in which the display position of the first information 51 is changed relative to the first display mode M1 and the second information 52 is displayed in the area R1 freed up by the movement of the first information 51. The control device 21 normally displays the display screen 41 in the first display mode M1, and automatically switches the display screen 41 to the second display mode M2 ​​when it is time to display the obtained second information 52.

[0061] According to this configuration, during normal vehicle driving, only the first information 51 is displayed on the meter unit 40 without displaying unnecessary information, and the first information 51 is moved at an appropriate timing to automatically insert and display the second information 52. This allows the second information 52 to be displayed at an appropriate timing without requiring a switching operation by the driver. In other words, while the visibility of the first information 51 (particularly the vehicle speed display 55) including the vehicle speed is improved during normal driving, the second information 52 can be automatically provided to the driver at an appropriate timing, such as when the vehicle approaches a location requiring guidance from the navigation system.

[0062] In the display system 20 of the motorcycle 1, in the first display mode M1, the vehicle speed display 55 overlaps with the center position C3 of the display screen 41, and in the second display mode M2, the vehicle speed display 55 is positioned above the center position C3 of the display screen 41. According to this configuration, in the first display mode M1, the vehicle speed display 55 is positioned at the center position C3 of the display screen 41 to improve visibility, and in the second display mode M2, the vehicle speed display 55 is moved upward, thereby suppressing movement of the line of sight in the left-right direction before and after switching the display mode, and ensuring visibility of the vehicle speed display 55.

[0063] In the display system 20 of the motorcycle 1, in the second display mode M2, the center position C4 of the vehicle speed display 55 and the center position C5 of the display of the second information 52 are located at the left-right center C2 of the display screen 41. According to this configuration, by locating the center position C4 of the vehicle speed display 55 and the center position C5 of the display of the second information 52 in the second display mode M2 ​​at the left-right center C2 of the display screen 41, movement of the line of sight in the left-right direction in the second display mode M2 ​​is suppressed, and visibility can be improved.

[0064] In the display system 20 of the motorcycle 1, when the position of the vehicle speed display 55 is changed in the second display mode M2, the character size of the vehicle speed is changed. According to this configuration, by changing the character size of the vehicle speed (for example, by making it smaller) in the second display mode M2, a display area for the newly inserted second information 52 can be secured, and the second information 52 can be made more noticeable.

[0065] In the display system 20 of the motorcycle 1, the display screen 41 is circular, and when the position of the vehicle speed display 55 is changed in the second display mode M2, the vehicle speed display 55 moves along the diameter D1 of the shape of the display screen 41. With this configuration, since the display screen 41 is a circular display, the center position C3 of the display screen 41 is easy to intuitively recognize, and the vehicle speed display 55 in the first display mode M1 can be made to stand out. By moving the vehicle speed display 55 along the diameter D1 of the display screen 41, the vehicle speed display 55 can be easily followed with the line of sight, ensuring ease of recognition of the vehicle speed display 55.

[0066] In the display system 20 of the motorcycle 1, the second information 52 is navigation information, and the control device 21 acquires information on the current position of the vehicle 1 and a guidance-required position on the set route of the navigation, switches the display screen 41 to the second display mode M2 ​​based on the distance from the current position to the guidance-required position, and displays the navigation information in an interrupt manner. According to this configuration, by displaying the navigation information in an interrupt manner based on the distance from the current position of the vehicle 1 to the guidance-required position, the navigation information can be provided to the driver appropriately at the timing when the navigation information is needed.

[0067] In the display system 20 of the motorcycle 1, the navigation information is turn-by-turn information including an arrow 57 indicating the direction of travel, the display screen 41 is circular, and a straight portion 59 of a shaft 58 of the arrow 57 is arranged along a diameter D1 of the shape of the display screen 41. According to this configuration, the straight portion 59 of the arrow 57 of the turn-by-turn navigation information is arranged along the diameter D1 of the circular display screen 41, which makes it easy to assume that the current position of the vehicle 1 is at the center position C3 of the display screen 41, making it easier to recognize the navigation information.

[0068] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the circular shape of the display screen is not limited to a perfect circle and may include an ellipse. Furthermore, the display screen may be a polygonal shape with a number of sides close to a circle (e.g., octagonal or more). The display system of the present embodiment may be applied to saddle-ride vehicles other than motorcycles. The saddle-ride vehicle includes all vehicles on which a driver straddles the vehicle body, including not only motorcycles (including motorized bicycles and scooters), but also three-wheeled vehicles (including vehicles with one front wheel and two rear wheels, as well as vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel) and four-wheeled vehicles (such as four-wheeled buggies). The configuration of the above-described embodiment is merely an example of the present invention, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, such as replacing components of the embodiment with known components.

[0069] 1 Motorcycle (saddle-ride type vehicle, host vehicle) 20 Display system 21 Control device 29A Communication device 40 Meter unit (display unit) 41 Display screen 51 First information 52 Second information 55 Vehicle speed display 57 Arrow 58 Shaft 59 Straight portion C2 Left-right center C3, C4, C5 Center position D1 Diameter M1 First display mode M2 ​​Second display mode R1 Area

Claims

1. A display system (20) for a saddle-ride type vehicle including a communication device (29A) capable of wireless communication with a communication target outside the vehicle, comprising: a display unit (40) having a display screen (41) capable of displaying first information (51) including a vehicle speed obtained from an in-vehicle device and second information (52) obtained from the communication device (29A); and a control device (21) for controlling the display of the display screen (41), wherein the display screen (41) is switchable between a first display mode (M1) in which the first information (51) is displayed but the second information (52) is not displayed, and a second display mode (M2) in which the display position of the first information (51) is changed relative to the first display mode (M1) and the second information (52) is displayed in an area (R1) vacated by the movement of the first information (51), The control device (21) normally displays the display screen (41) in the first display mode (M1), and when it is time to display the acquired second information (52), automatically switches the display screen (41) to the second display mode (M2).

2. A display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle as described in claim 1, wherein in the first display mode (M1), the first information (51) overlaps with a center position (C3) of the display screen (41), and in the second display mode (M2), the first information (51) is positioned above the center position (C3) of the display screen (41).

3. A display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle as described in claim 2, wherein in the second display mode (M2), a center position (C4) of the display of the first information (51) and a center position (C5) of the display of the second information (52) are positioned at the left-right center (C2) of the display screen (41).

4. A display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the display position of the first information (51) is changed in the second display mode (M2), the character size of the vehicle speed in the first information (51) is changed.

5. A display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display screen (41) is circular, and when changing the display position of the first information (51) in the second display mode (M2), the first information (51) moves along a diameter (D1) of the shape of the display screen (41).

6. A display system for a saddle-type vehicle as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second information (52) is navigation information, and the control device (21) acquires information on the current position of the vehicle (1) and a location requiring guidance on a set route of navigation, and switches the display screen (41) to the second display mode (M2) based on the distance from the current position to the location requiring guidance, and displays the navigation information in an interrupt manner.

7. A display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second information (52) is navigation information, the navigation information is turn-by-turn information including an arrow (57) indicating a direction of travel, the display screen (41) is circular, and a straight portion (59) of a shaft (58) of the arrow (57) is arranged along a diameter (D1) of the shape of the display screen (41).

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