Display display-system for straddle-type vehicle

Abstract

A display display-system (20) for a straddle-type vehicle provided with a proximity sensor (26) that detects an approaching object (1A) outside the vehicle includes a display unit (40) having a display screen (41) capable of displaying first information (51) including vehicle speed, and a control device (21) for controlling the display of the display screen (41), wherein: the display screen (41) is provided with a proximity display unit (65) that is disposed along an outer edge part (41a) of the display screen (41) and that, when the proximity sensor (26) detects the approaching object (1A), displays a bar shape (66) along the outer edge part (41a) on the side where the approaching object (1A) is detected; and the control device (21) changes the length of the bar shape (66) according to the distance between the host vehicle (1) and the approaching object (1A).

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. 2024-107701, filed on July 3, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a method for warning of the presence of another vehicle behind one's own vehicle, in which an image of the area behind the vehicle is displayed on a display screen inside the vehicle cabin, and multiple light-emitting elements are provided surrounding the display screen, and one or more of the light-emitting elements are selectively turned on to indicate the presence and position of the approaching vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 5383142

[0004] In the above-described conventional configuration, one or more light-emitting elements are selectively lit to display a message, but since light-emitting elements arranged at intervals are selectively lit, there is a problem that the content of the display is difficult to understand.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle that can make the displayed content easy to understand.

[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 equipped with a proximity sensor (26) that detects an approaching object (1A) outside the vehicle, the display system (20) includes a display unit (40) having a display screen (41) capable of displaying first information (51) including vehicle speed, and a control device (21) that controls display of the display screen (41), the display screen (41) including a proximity display unit (65) that is arranged along an outer edge (41 a) of the display screen (41) and that, when the approach sensor (26) detects the approaching object (1A), displays a bar shape (66) along the outer edge (41 a) on the side where the approaching object (1A) is detected, and the control device (21) changes the length of the bar shape (66) depending on the distance between the host vehicle (1) and the approaching object (1A).

[0007] According to the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (1) above of the present invention, the length of the bar-shaped display 66 along the outer edge 41a of the display screen 41 changes depending on the distance between the vehicle 1 and the approaching object 1A. For example, when there is ample distance to the approaching object 1A, the bar-shaped display 66 is shortened to provide a weaker notification, and when the distance to the approaching object 1A becomes closer, the bar-shaped display 66 is lengthened to provide a stronger notification to the driver. In this way, a display that is intuitively easy for the driver to understand can be provided.

[0008] (2) In the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (1) above, the shorter the distance between the host vehicle (1) and the approaching object (1A), the longer the length of the bar shape (66). According to the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (2) above, by extending the length of the bar shape 66 according to the distance between the host vehicle (1) and the approaching object 1A, when the approaching object 1A is close, the bar shape 66 stands out, making it easier to notice the presence of the approaching object 1A. In this case, a visual effect similar to that of the approaching object 1A appearing larger as it gets closer can be used to intuitively recognize that the approaching object 1A is approaching.

[0009] (3) In the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (1) or (2) above, the color of the bar shape (66) may change depending on the distance between the host vehicle (1) and the approaching object (1A). According to the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (3) above, by changing the color of the bar shape 66 depending on the distance between the host vehicle (1) and the approaching object 1A, for example, when there is ample distance to the approaching object 1A, a light color is used to reduce annoyance. On the other hand, when the distance to the approaching object 1A becomes closer, a dark and noticeable color is used to make it easier to visually recognize and to provide a strong notification to the driver.

[0010] (4) In the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (1) or (2) above, the position of the bar shape (66) may change along the outer edge (41 a) of the display screen (41) in accordance with a change in the relative position between the host vehicle (1) and the approaching object (1A). According to the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (4) above of the present invention, the position of the bar shape 66 changes in accordance with a change in the relative position between the host vehicle (1) and the approaching object 1A, allowing the user to intuitively recognize the position of the approaching object 1A.

[0011] (5) In the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (1) or (2) above, the approach indicator (65) may be disposed radially inward of the display screen (41) relative to the bar shape (66), and may include a dot shape (67) indicating the detection direction of the approaching object (1A). According to the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (5) above of the present invention, by including the dot shape 67 indicating the detection direction of the approaching object 1A in addition to the bar shape 66 of the approach indicator 65, the direction of the approaching object 1A can be recognized with pinpoint accuracy compared to when only the long bar shape 66 is displayed.

[0012] (6) In the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (5) above, the position of the dot shape (67) may change along the outer edge (41 a) of the display screen (41) in accordance with a change in the relative position between the host vehicle (1) and the approaching object (1A). According to the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (6) above of the present invention, the position of the dot shape 67 changes in accordance with a change in the relative position between the host vehicle (1) and the approaching object 1A, allowing the user to intuitively recognize the position of the approaching object 1A.

[0013] (7) In the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (6) above, the positions of the bar shape (66) and the dot shape (67) may change along the outer edge (41 a) of the display screen (41) in accordance with a change in the relative position between the host vehicle (1) and the approaching object (1A). According to the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (7) above of the present invention, the positions of the bar shape 66 and the dot shape 67 change in accordance with a change in the relative position between the host vehicle (1) and the approaching object 1A, allowing the position of the approaching object 1A to be intuitively recognized.

[0014] (8) In the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (1) or (2) above, when the distance between the host vehicle (1) and the approaching object (1A) exceeds a threshold, the display on the approach display unit (65) may disappear. According to the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (8) above, when the host vehicle (1) and the approaching object 1A become separated, the display on the approach display unit 65 disappears, thereby eliminating unnecessary display when there is no approaching object 1A in the vicinity. This simplifies the display on the display screen 41 when there is no approaching object 1A, making it easier to recognize the first information 51.

[0015] (9) In the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (1) or (2) above, the display screen (41) may be circular, and the approach display unit (65) may have the bar shape (66) in an arc shape that follows the outer edge (41 a) of the display screen (41). According to the display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (9) above, the circular shape of the display screen 41 makes it easier to imagine that the vehicle 1 is at the center position C3 of the display screen 41. This makes it easier to intuitively recognize the position of an approaching object 1A relative to the vehicle 1.

[0016] According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle that can make the displayed content easy to understand.

[0017] 11A is a left side view of a motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 12 is a front view of a meter unit at the center of the handlebar from a position corresponding to the viewpoint of a 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 of the meter unit in a first display mode; FIG. 15 is a front view of a display screen of the meter unit in a second display mode; FIG. 16 is a front view of another display screen of the meter unit in the second display mode; FIG. 17 is a first front view with an approaching object display added to the display screen of the meter unit in the second display mode; 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 second front view with an approaching object display added to the display screen of the meter unit in the second display mode; FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the relative position of the host vehicle and an approaching object when the display of FIG. 8A is displayed; FIG. 19 is a third front view with an approaching object display added to the display screen of the meter unit in the second display mode; 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 the processing of a control device when the displays of FIGS. 8A and 9A are displayed; FIG. 19 is a front view of a display screen of the meter unit in a third display mode; Fig. 10 is a front view showing a first stage of the turn signal operation display of the meter unit. Fig. 11 is a front view showing a second stage of the turn signal operation display of the meter unit. Fig. 12 is a front view showing a third stage of the turn signal operation display of the meter unit. Fig. 13 is a front view showing a display screen of the meter unit in a fourth display mode. Fig. 14 is a front view showing a display screen of the meter unit in a fifth display mode.

[0018] 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.

[0019] <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.

[0020] <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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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."

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] In the second display mode M2, the left-right centers of the vehicle speed display 55 and the second information 52 are located at the left-right center position C2 of the display screen 41. A line (diameter) overlapping the left-right center C2 of the circular display screen 41 is indicated by the symbol D1.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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).

[0034] 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).

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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).

[0042] 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).

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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 equipped with a proximity sensor 26 that detects an approaching object 1A outside the vehicle, and includes: a meter unit 40 having a display screen 41 that can display first information 51 including vehicle speed; and a control device 21 that controls the display of the display screen 41; the display screen 41 is arranged along its outer edge 41a, and includes a proximity display unit 65 that, when the proximity sensor 26 detects the approaching object 1A, displays a bar shape 66 along the outer edge 41a on the side that detects the approaching object 1A; and the control device 21 changes the length of the bar shape 66 depending on the distance between the vehicle 1 and the approaching object 1A.

[0063] According to this configuration, the length of the bar shape 66 displayed along the outer edge 41a of the display screen 41 changes depending on the distance between the vehicle 1 and the approaching object 1A, so that when there is ample distance to the approaching object 1A, the bar shape 66 is shortened to provide a weaker notification, and when the distance to the approaching object 1A becomes closer, the bar shape 66 is lengthened to provide a stronger notification to the driver.

[0064] In the display system 20 for the motorcycle 1, the shorter the distance between the vehicle 1 and the approaching object 1A, the longer the bar shape 66. With this configuration, by extending the length of the bar shape 66 according to the distance between the vehicle 1 and the approaching object 1A, the bar shape 66 stands out, making it easier to notice the presence of the approaching object 1A, and by providing a visual effect similar to that of the approaching object 1A appearing larger as it gets closer, it is possible to intuitively recognize that the approaching object 1A is approaching.

[0065] In the display system 20 of the motorcycle 1, the color of the bar shape 66 changes depending on the distance between the vehicle 1 and the approaching object 1A. With this configuration, by changing the color of the bar shape 66 depending on the distance between the vehicle 1 and the approaching object 1A, for example, when there is ample distance to the approaching object 1A, the color becomes pale, and when the distance to the approaching object 1A becomes close, the color becomes dark and conspicuous, making it easier to visually recognize and providing a strong notification to the driver.

[0066] In the display system 20 of the motorcycle 1, as the relative position between the vehicle 1 and the approaching object 1A changes, the position of the bar shape 66 changes along the outer edge 41a of the display screen 41. According to this configuration, by changing the position of the bar shape 66 as the relative position between the vehicle 1 and the approaching object 1A changes, the position of the approaching object 1A can be intuitively recognized.

[0067] In the display system 20 of the motorcycle 1, the approach display unit 65 is arranged radially inward of the bar shapes 66 on the display screen 41 and includes dot shapes 67 that indicate the detection direction of the approaching object 1A. According to this configuration, by providing the dot shapes 67 that indicate the detection direction of the approaching object 1A in addition to the bar shapes 66 of the approach display unit 65, the bar shapes 66 make it easier to recognize the approaching object 1A, while the dot shapes 67 make it easier to recognize the direction of the approaching object 1A.

[0068] In the display system 20 of the motorcycle 1, as the relative position between the vehicle 1 and the approaching object 1A changes, the position of the dot shapes 67 changes along the outer edge 41a of the display screen 41. According to this configuration, by changing the position of the dot shapes 67 as the relative position between the vehicle 1 and the approaching object 1A changes, the position of the approaching object 1A can be intuitively recognized.

[0069] In the display system 20 of the motorcycle 1, as the relative position between the host vehicle 1 and the approaching object 1A changes, the positions of the bar shapes 66 and the dot shapes 67 change along the outer edge 41a of the display screen 41. According to this configuration, by changing the positions of the bar shapes 66 and the dot shapes 67 as the relative position between the host vehicle 1 and the approaching object 1A changes, the position of the approaching object 1A can be intuitively recognized.

[0070] In the display system 20 of the motorcycle 1, when the distance between the host vehicle 1 and the approaching object 1A exceeds a threshold, the display on the approach display unit 65 disappears. According to this configuration, when the host vehicle 1 and the approaching object 1A become separated from each other, the display on the approach display unit 65 disappears, so that when there is no approaching object 1A in the vicinity, unnecessary display on the display screen 41 is eliminated, making it easier to recognize the first information 51.

[0071] In the display system 20 for the motorcycle 1, the display screen 41 is circular, and the approach display unit 65 has an arc-shaped bar 66 that follows the outer edge 41a of the display screen 41. With this configuration, the circular shape of the display screen 41 makes it easy to imagine that the host vehicle 1 is at the center position C3 of the display screen 41, making it easy to intuitively recognize the position of an approaching object 1A with the host vehicle 1 at the center.

[0072] 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.

[0073] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Motorcycle (saddle-ride type vehicle, host vehicle) 1A Approaching object 20 Display system 21 Control device 26 Approach sensor 40 Meter unit (display unit) 41 Display screen 41a Outer edge 51 First information 52 Second information 65 Approach display section 66 Bar shape 67 Dot shape C3 Center position

Claims

1. A display system (20) for a saddle-ride type vehicle equipped with a proximity sensor (26) that detects an approaching object (1A) outside the vehicle, comprising: a display unit (40) having a display screen (41) capable of displaying first information (51) including vehicle speed; and a control device (21) that controls the display of the display screen (41), wherein the display screen (41) is arranged along the outer edge (41a) of the display screen (41) and has an approach display unit (65) that displays a bar shape (66) along the outer edge (41a) on the side where the approach sensor (26) detects the approaching object (1A), when the approach sensor (26) detects the approaching object (1A), and wherein the control device (21) changes the length of the bar shape (66) depending on the distance between the vehicle (1) and the approaching object (1A).

2. A display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the shorter the distance between the vehicle (1) and the approaching object (1A), the longer the length of the bar shape (66).

3. A display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the color of the bar shape (66) changes depending on the distance between the vehicle (1) and the approaching object (1A).

4. A display system for a saddle-type vehicle as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the position of the bar shape (66) changes along the outer edge (41a) of the display screen (41) as the relative position between the vehicle (1) and the approaching object (1A) changes.

5. A display system for a saddle-type vehicle as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the approach display unit (65) is positioned radially inward of the display screen (41) relative to the bar shape (66) and is provided with a dot shape (67) indicating the detection direction of the approaching object (1A).

6. A display system for a saddle-type vehicle as described in claim 5, wherein the position of the dot shape (67) changes along the outer edge (41a) of the display screen (41) as the relative position between the vehicle (1) and the approaching object (1A) changes.

7. A display system for a saddle-type vehicle as described in claim 6, wherein the positions of the bar shape (66) and the dot shape (67) change along the outer edge (41a) of the display screen (41) as the relative position between the vehicle (1) and the approaching object (1A) changes.

8. A display system for a saddle-type vehicle as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the display of the approach display unit (65) disappears when the distance between the vehicle (1) and the approaching object (1A) exceeds a threshold value.

9. A display system for a saddle-ride type vehicle as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the display screen (41) is circular, and the proximity display section (65) has an arc-shaped bar shape (66) that follows the outer edge (41a) of the display screen (41).

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