JP6153065B2 - Vehicle information providing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle information providing apparatus that provides various types of information to a vehicle user, and more particularly, to a vehicle information providing apparatus that provides various types of information using a vehicle-mounted device and an external device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an information display system such as this type of vehicle information providing apparatus, for example, one described in Patent Document 1 below is known. In the information display system described in Patent Document 1, a vehicle-mounted device (vehicle-mounted device) such as a vehicle-mounted navigation device and a mobile terminal (external device) are connected by wire or wirelessly, and a connection state between the vehicle-mounted device and the mobile terminal Is detected, the control device on the mobile terminal side supplies the display data (external information of the vehicle) displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal to the in-vehicle device side, and the control device on the in-vehicle device side supplies from the mobile terminal The displayed display data is displayed on the in-vehicle device side display.

  Thereby, the user of a vehicle can visually recognize the information which should be displayed on the screen of external devices, such as a portable terminal, with the vehicle-mounted apparatus side display (display part) of a larger screen. When an in-vehicle device such as a navigation system installed in a vehicle is applied as the large-screen in-vehicle device side display, the display information of the portable terminal is displayed on the large-screen in-vehicle device side display installed at the optimal position in the vehicle. Can be confirmed.

JP 2003-244343 A

  In the information display system described in Patent Document 1 described above, since the display data displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal is displayed on the in-vehicle device display side having a larger screen size, the vehicle user displays it on the mobile terminal. The displayed display data can be easily visually confirmed. By the way, when presenting the external information (external information of the vehicle) held by the mobile terminal (external device) to the vehicle user on the in-vehicle device side display using wired communication or wireless communication, There was room for improvement in dealing with communication errors (abnormal communication operations).

In particular, when the vehicle is a motorcycle, the place where the display as the display unit is mounted is limited due to the structure of the vehicle, so that it is assumed that a vehicle instrument is used as the vehicle-mounted device. The vehicle meter displays information related to vehicle driving safety such as vehicle running speed, shift position, fuel remaining amount, vehicle traveling direction, etc. as vehicle status information. It was necessary to avoid the loss of the function.
Therefore, in order to deal with the above-described problems, the present invention provides external information held by an external device to a vehicle user via a display unit provided in the vehicle-mounted device. An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle information providing apparatus that does not cause the function of the original vehicle instrument to be impaired even when a communication abnormality occurs.

The present invention provides a device unit having a display unit that displays various vehicle states as vehicle state information to a user and a control unit that operates the display unit, and an external device that outputs external information of the vehicle to the device unit. A vehicle-mounted device having a communication unit that communicates with the device unit, wherein the display unit includes a first display area that displays predetermined information of the vehicle state information, and the predetermined information. A second display area for displaying other information of the different vehicle state information, the communication unit is configured to be connectable to the device unit via an attachment / detachment means, and the control means includes the attachment / detachment means A first display mode for displaying the vehicle state information on the display unit, and a second display for displaying the vehicle state information and external information of the vehicle on the display unit when connected to the communication unit via table And executes a mode, wherein in the second display mode, the display unit is operated, further said control means so that the external information of the vehicle is displayed on the second display area, the communication unit has the function of monitoring the communication operation, if it detects an abnormality of the communication operation, together with the operating the display unit so as to notify that an abnormality has occurred in the communication operation to the user, the When an abnormality in the communication operation is detected during execution of the second display mode, the display unit is operated to switch the display mode to the first display mode .

  Further, in the present invention, when the control unit detects an abnormality in the communication operation, the content of the abnormality in the communication operation relates to at least communication with the communication unit or communication between the external device and the communication unit. The display unit is operated so as to distinguish it and notify the user.

  In the case where external information held by an external device is provided to a user of the vehicle via a display unit provided in the on-vehicle device, the present invention can be applied to the original vehicle even when a communication abnormality occurs in transmission / reception of the external information. It is possible to provide an information providing device for a vehicle in which the function of the measuring instrument is not impaired.

The block diagram which shows the connection state of the information provision apparatus for vehicles by 1st Embodiment of this invention, and various electrical components. The block diagram of the information provision apparatus for vehicles by the embodiment. It is a block diagram of the information provision apparatus for vehicles when the vehicle equipment according to the embodiment and an external device are wirelessly connected. It is a block diagram of the information provision apparatus for vehicles in case the vehicle-mounted apparatus and external apparatus by the same embodiment are wired-connected. It is a general-view figure which shows an example of the vehicle mounting apparatus by the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows the display layout of the 1st display part in the 1st display mode by the embodiment. (A) is a figure which shows the display layout of the 1st display part in the 2nd display mode by the embodiment, (b) is a 2nd display mode by the same embodiment, and the 1st control means is a warning. It is a figure which shows the display layout of the 1st display part at the time of receiving a signal. It is a figure which shows the display layout of the 1st display part when communication abnormality generate | occur | produces in the 2nd display mode by the embodiment. (A) is a figure which shows the display layout of the 1st display part in 2nd display mode by 2nd Embodiment of this invention, (b) is 2nd in the 2nd display mode by the 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the display layout of the 1st display part when one control means receives a warning signal. It is a figure which shows the display layout of the 1st display part when communication abnormality generate | occur | produces in the 2nd display mode by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the information provision apparatus for vehicles by 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

(First Embodiment) The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a vehicle. Reference numeral 101 denotes a vehicular information providing apparatus. The vehicular information providing apparatus 101 includes a vehicle-mounted device (here, a vehicle instrument) 102 and an external device (here, a smartphone) that is a portable information terminal. 103 and connecting means 104 for connecting the vehicle-mounted device 102 and the external device 103.

  The vehicle-mounted device 102 is connected to electrical components such as an audio 106, an air conditioner 107, a body control unit 108, and an engine control unit 109 via an in-vehicle LAN (multiplex communication line) 105. Further, the external device 103 connected to the vehicle-mounted device 102 via the connection means 104 can be connected to the Internet via the external communication means 110.

  Next, the configuration of the vehicle information providing apparatus 101 mainly composed of the vehicle-mounted device 102 and the external device 103 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The vehicle-mounted device 102 includes a device unit 200 and a first communication unit 220 as a communication unit, and the first communication unit 220 performs communication between the device unit 200 and the external device 103. is there.

  The device unit 200 includes a vehicle information terminal (vehicle information means) 210 and a multiplex communication input / output terminal (multiplex communication input / output means) 211 for inputting / outputting various information (vehicle state signals) relating to various states of the vehicle, and a predetermined operation. The operation information terminal 212 to which the operation signal from the means 213 can be inputted, the sound output terminal 214, the vehicle interface (vehicle I / F) means 201, and the first that includes, for example, a microcomputer that controls the vehicle-mounted device 102. A control means (control means) 202, a first storage means 203 comprising a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or EEPROM in which a processing program of the first control means 202 is stored, and various information (vehicles) The first display unit (display unit) 204 such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL panel that visually informs various states) and the vehicle user Driving of the first notifying means 206 including the first sounding body 205 such as a speaker for audibly informing various information (various states of the vehicle), the first display unit 204 and the first sounding body 205 And a first driving means 207 that also serves as a control.

  Here, when the vehicle is a motorcycle, the first sounding body 205 may be a helmet speaker housed in a helmet worn by a passenger (user) who rides on the motorcycle.

  The operation means 213 includes an operation input unit for performing various operations of the vehicle-mounted device 102, and includes, for example, a cursor button and a determination button that are installed at appropriate locations in the vehicle so that the user can reach them. A cross key type operation input unit can be applied, and an operation instruction signal (remote operation instruction signal) to the external device 103 output from the operation unit 213 when the user operates the operation unit 213 is an operation information terminal 212. In addition, it is input to the first control unit 202 through the vehicle interface unit 201 and further to the external device 103 side through the connection unit 104. Note that the operation means 213 may be a touch panel type operation input unit instead of the cross key type operation input unit described above.

  The first communication unit (communication unit) 220 constitutes the connection unit 104 for connecting to the external device 103, and here, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used as the first communication unit 220. It is done.

  In this case, the first communication unit 220 is configured to be connectable to the device unit 200 constituting the main part of the vehicle-mounted device 102 via the attaching / detaching means 215 including a connector and the like. Note that the attaching / detaching means 215 may be configured such that the device unit 200 and the first communication unit 220 can be attached / detached by soldering connection of terminals, for example, instead of a connector.

  In addition, the external device 103 includes a second communication unit (here, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (registered trademark)) 260 constituting the connection unit 104 for connecting to the vehicle-mounted device 102, and various sensors (here, A GPS module) 261, an interface (I / F) means 251, a second control means 252 comprising, for example, a microcomputer for controlling the external device 103, and a processing program for the second control means 252 are stored. A second storage unit 253 comprising a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or an EEPROM, and a second display unit 254 such as a display with a touch panel for visually informing various information (various states of the vehicle) to the vehicle user. And a second sounding body 2 such as a speaker for audibly informing various users (various states of the vehicle) to the vehicle user 5, a second notification unit 256, a second display unit 254, a second drive unit 257 that also serves as a drive control of the second sounding body 255, and an external communication unit 110 for connecting to the Internet. The communication module 258 is configured.

  Here, the second communication unit 260 performs wireless communication with the first communication unit 220 provided in the vehicle-mounted device 102. That is, the second communication unit 260 can exchange data with the first communication unit 220 provided in the vehicle-mounted device 102.

  In the present embodiment, the first and second communication units 220 and 260 including the wireless communication unit are applied to the connection unit 104 between the vehicle-mounted device 102 and the external device 103. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to connect the vehicle-mounted device 102 and the external device 103 by using the connection means 104 as a wired communication means made up of a cable such as USB or HDMI (registered trademark). When switching from wireless communication means (wireless connection) to wired communication means (wired connection), the vehicle-mounted device 102 and the external device 103 are exchanged by replacing the first communication unit 220 with one corresponding to the wired communication means. Wired connection with can be realized.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the vehicle information providing apparatus 101 when the vehicle-mounted device 102 and the external device 103 are wirelessly connected. The first communication unit 220 corresponding to the wireless connection includes an antenna 270. And a wireless I / F 271, a decoder (wireless decoder) 272, and a control unit 273. The control unit 273 controls the antenna 270, the wireless I / F 271, and the decoder 272, and transmits / receives control signals to be described later to / from the first control unit 202.

  When the device unit 200 and the first communication unit 220 are connected via the attaching / detaching means 215, the data exchange between the device unit 200 of the on-vehicle equipment 102 and the external equipment 103 is performed by the connecting means 104. , Antenna 270, wireless I / F 271, and decoder 272.

  In addition, when the device unit 200 is connected to the first communication unit 220 via the attachment / detachment unit 215, data exchanged between the device unit 200 and the first communication unit 220 via the attachment / detachment unit 215 includes In addition to the video signal S1, the sound signal S2, and the control signal S3, a GND signal (ground signal), a power supply, etc. (not shown) are included. In particular, in this case, the first communication unit 220 can output to the device unit 200 at least one of the video signal S1 and the sound signal S2 sent from the external device 103 side as external information of the vehicle. .

  Of the exchanged data, the video signal S 1 is output from the decoder 272 and input (supplied) to the first control unit 202, and the control signal S 3 is output from the control unit 273 and the first control unit 202. The sound signal S 2 is output from the decoder 272 and input (supplied) to the sound output terminal 214.

  Note that the sound signal S2 output from the sound output terminal 214 (first communication unit 220) passes through a drive driver 218 as a drive unit (sound generator drive circuit) having a D / A converter 216 and an amplifier 217. , And input to a speaker 219 as a third sounding body. Here, the drive driver 218 is configured by a separate member (separate body) from the first communication unit 220 or the device unit 200.

  As described above, the drive driver 218 is configured by a member different from the first communication unit 220 or the device unit 200. For example, when the vehicle is a motorcycle, a rider who uses the motorcycle (utilization) A case in which the drive driver 218 is not mounted using a helmet speaker housed in a helmet worn by a person) is also conceivable, but such a case can be easily handled. As the speaker 219, for example, a speaker for a navigation device or an audio device mounted on a vehicle can be applied.

  In addition, the first control unit 202 provides vehicle state information (here, a vehicle speed signal indicating the traveling speed of the vehicle) as the vehicle state signal to the control unit 273 provided in the first communication unit 220. This is transmitted as a control signal S3 via the device unit 200 and the attachment / detachment means 215, and the transmitted vehicle state information is output to the second control means 252 provided in the external device 103 via the connection means 104. . Then, the second control means 252 calculates the travel distance of the vehicle based on the vehicle speed signal, and predetermined maintenance information (for example, oil change timing information) corresponding to the travel distance of the vehicle is displayed on the second display unit 254. Therefore, the second display unit 254 can be displayed to prompt the user to be alerted. According to such a configuration, the first communication unit 220 does not need to have an interface directly with the vehicle, and parts such as a protection circuit are not necessary, so that an increase in cost can be suppressed as much as possible.

  Further, in the case of such a wireless connection, the first control unit 202 has a function of monitoring the communication operation of the first communication unit 220, and specifically, the communication operation can be performed by the following two methods. We are monitoring.

  First, the first method will be described. In the first method, the first control unit 202 periodically issues an inquiry signal using the control signal S3 in order to confirm the operation of the first communication unit 220. It is monitored whether or not there is a response signal to the inquiry signal from (control unit 273). Thereby, the first control unit 202 determines that the operation of the first communication unit 220 is normal when the response signal is returned, and the first communication unit 220 when the response signal is not returned. Is determined to be abnormal. Here, the operation status of the first communication unit 220 is confirmed by the response signal to the periodic inquiry signal, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by adding a parity bit to the control signal S3, the first control unit 202 performs a parity check of the transmission data (control signal S3) from the first communication unit 220, so that the first communication unit 220 The operating status may be confirmed.

  Next, the second method will be described. In the second method, the first communication unit 220 (control unit 273) checks whether or not the external information of the vehicle sent from the external device 103 (second control means 252) is normal. Yes. Here, when the first communication unit 220 detects an abnormality in the external information, it sends a communication abnormality signal to the first control means 202 via the control signal S3. Accordingly, the first control unit 202 can detect a communication abnormality between the external device 103 and the first communication unit 220. Here, the determination as to whether or not the external information of the vehicle is normal may be any of error detection means such as an inquiry using the control signal S3 and a parity check of transmission data as described above.

  The first control unit 202 monitors the first communication unit 220 by the above-described first and second methods, so that the communication abnormality is related to the first communication unit 220 or the external device 103 and the first It is possible to distinguish whether it is related to communication with the communication unit 220. When detecting the communication abnormality, the first control means 202 notifies the vehicle user that a communication abnormality has occurred, as will be described later.

  On the other hand, FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the vehicle information providing apparatus 101 when the vehicle-mounted device 102 and the external device 103 are wired by the cable or the like instead of wirelessly connected, and this wired connection is supported. The first communication unit 220 mainly includes a wired I / F 281, a decoder (wired decoder) 282, and a control unit 283. The control unit 283 controls the wired I / F 281 and the decoder 282 and transmits / receives a control signal S3 to / from the first control unit 202.

  When the device unit 200 and the first communication unit 220 are connected via the attaching / detaching means 215, the data exchange between the device unit 200 of the on-vehicle equipment 102 and the external equipment 103 is performed by the connecting means 104. , Via a wired I / F 281 and a decoder 282.

  In addition, when the device unit 200 is connected to the first communication unit 220 via the attachment / detachment unit 215, data exchanged between the device unit 200 and the first communication unit 220 via the attachment / detachment unit 215 includes In addition to the video signal S1, the sound signal S2, and the control signal S3, a GND signal (ground signal), a power supply, etc. (not shown) are included. In particular, in this case, the first communication unit 220 can output to the device unit 200 at least one of the video signal S1 and the sound signal S2 sent from the external device 103 side as external information of the vehicle. .

  Of the exchanged data, the video signal S1 is output from the decoder 282 and input (supplied) to the first control unit 202, and the control signal S3 is output from the control unit 283 and the first control unit 202. The sound signal S2 is output from the decoder 282 and input (supplied) to the sound output terminal 214. Note that the sound signal S2 output from the sound output terminal 214 is input to the speaker 219 via a drive driver 218 as a drive unit configured by the D / A converter 216 and the amplifier 217.

  Also in the wired connection of FIG. 4, the first control unit 202 has a function of monitoring the communication operation of the first communication unit 220. Specifically, the first control unit 202 in the case of the wireless connection described above, It can be performed in the same manner as the second method. In the first method in the case of FIG. 4 (wired connection), the first control unit 202 monitors whether there is the response signal to the inquiry signal from the control unit 283 (first communication unit 220). Except for this, it can be realized by the same method as in the case of wireless connection. Similarly, in the second method in the case of FIG. 4 (wired connection), the control unit 283 (first communication unit 220) is connected to the outside of the vehicle sent from the external device 103 (second control means 252). Except for confirming whether the information is normal, it can be realized by the same method as in the case of wireless connection.

  Next, using FIGS. 5 to 8, the first control unit 202 provided in the vehicle-mounted device 102 displays on the first display unit 204 when the first and second display modes described later are executed. A display layout to be performed will be described.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the device unit 200 provided in the vehicle-mounted device 102 includes a first display unit 204 including the liquid crystal display panel, and the first display unit 204 is a vehicle user. It consists of a display for an instrument that displays various vehicle states as vehicle state information.

  When the first control unit 202 is connected to the first communication unit 220 via the attachment / detachment unit 215, the first control unit 202 receives the vehicle state signal via the multiplex communication input / output terminal 211 (or the vehicle information terminal 210). Based on the vehicle state signal, control is performed to display the first display unit 204 so that the vehicle state information corresponding to the first display mode M1 as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the first display unit 204. Do.

  In the first display mode M1 in which only the vehicle state information is displayed on the first display unit 204 without displaying any external information of the vehicle, which will be described later, the first control unit 202 uses the vehicle running information as the vehicle state information. A vehicle speed display unit 300 that displays the speed, a shift position display unit 310 that displays the shift position, a fuel remaining amount display unit 320 that displays the remaining amount of fuel, a direction indication display unit 330 that indicates the traveling direction of the vehicle, and an average fuel consumption of the vehicle The first display unit 204 is controlled so as to display the fuel consumption display unit 340 for displaying the temperature, the outside temperature display unit 350 for displaying the temperature outside the vehicle, and the warning display unit 360 on the first display unit 204. .

  Further, in the first display mode M1, the first display unit 204 has a first display area R1 and a second display area R2 which are divided. The first display region R1 is located above the first display unit 204, and the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, the remaining fuel amount display unit 320, which are the predetermined information D1 among the vehicle state information, The direction instruction display unit 330 is displayed.

  The vehicle speed display unit 300 is displayed at the center of the first display region R1, the shift position display unit 310 is positioned on the left side of the vehicle speed display unit 300 so as to be adjacent to the vehicle speed display unit 300, and the fuel remaining amount display unit 320 is a vehicle speed display. Located on the right side of the vehicle speed display unit 300 so as to be adjacent to the display unit 300, the direction indication display unit 330 is located at both ends of the first display region R1 so as to sandwich the shift position display unit 310 and the remaining fuel amount display unit 320. Is located.

  In addition, the predetermined information D1 including the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, the fuel remaining amount display unit 320, and the direction indication display unit 330 here has a high priority and the frequency with which the vehicle user visually recognizes the information. There is a lot of vehicle state information. In the first display mode M1, the display layout is such that the predetermined information D1 is displayed in the first display region R1.

  On the other hand, the second display region R2 is located below the first display unit 204, and the fuel consumption display unit 340 and the outside air temperature display unit described above, which are other information D2 of vehicle state information different from the predetermined information D1. 350 and the warning display part 360 are displayed.

  The fuel consumption display unit 340 and the outside air temperature display unit 350 are displayed in a state of being vertically arranged on the left side of the second display region R2, and the outside air temperature display unit 350 is displayed directly below the fuel consumption display unit 340. Note that when the user operates the operation means 213, the fuel consumption display unit 340 and the outside air temperature display unit 350 displayed in the second display region R2 are displayed differently (for example, the travel distance display and the engine speed). It is also possible to switch to (display). In other words, this means that the operating means 213 is at least one of the operation of the external device 103 described later and the operation of the device unit 200 provided in the vehicle-mounted device 102 (operation related to the vehicle instrument function of the device unit 200). It means that the operation is configured to be operable.

  Further, the first control means 202 receives various warning signals via the multiplex communication input / output terminal 211 (or the vehicle information terminal 210) (in this case, a trunk open signal indicating that the trunk at the rear of the vehicle is open). Is received, the first display unit 204 is displayed based on the warning signal, and accordingly, a warning “the trunk is open” is displayed on the right side of the second display region R2 in the first display unit 204. A display unit 360 is displayed. As described above, in this example, one of the vehicle state information includes the warning display unit 360 as alert information for calling attention to the user of the vehicle.

  In addition, the other information D2 including the fuel consumption display unit 340, the outside air temperature display unit 350, and the warning display unit 360 is vehicle state information that is less frequently viewed by the vehicle user. In the display mode M1, the display layout is such that other information D2 is displayed in the second display region R2. In the second display region R2 when the first display mode M1 is executed, the display area of the left region 500 where the fuel consumption display unit 340 and the outside air temperature display unit 350 are displayed, and the warning display unit 360 display The display area of the right area 510 is substantially equal.

  Next, the display layout displayed on the first display unit 204 when the first control unit 202 executes the second display mode M2 different from the first display mode M1 will be described.

  During the execution of the second display mode M2, the first control means 202 receives the vehicle state signal via the multiplex communication input / output terminal 211 (or the vehicle information terminal 210) and simultaneously via the attachment / detachment means 215. When the first communication unit 220 is connected, external information on the vehicle (herein, referred to as navigation information) is received from the external device 103 via the communication units 260 and 220, and the vehicle state signal and the navigation information are received. Based on the control, the first display unit 204 is controlled to display the display information corresponding to the second display mode M2 as shown in FIG. 7A on the first display unit 204.

  That is, in the second display mode M2, the second control unit 252 (external device 103) communicates with the first control unit 202 (device unit 200) via the communication units 260 and 220 (connection unit 104). The navigation information is output, and the first control unit 202 performs control to display the first display unit 204 so that the navigation display unit 370 (external information of the vehicle) is displayed in the second display region R2. .

  Accordingly, the display information corresponding to the second display mode M2 includes the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, the fuel remaining amount display unit 320, the direction indication display unit 330, the fuel consumption display unit 340, and the navigation display unit 370. It is included. In addition to the navigation display unit 370, the vehicle external information may be incoming mail information, incoming telephone information, music information, or the like.

  Among these, the predetermined information D1 including the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, the remaining fuel amount display unit 320, and the direction indication display unit 330 is the same as in the first display mode M1. The individual display positions of the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, the remaining fuel amount display unit 320, and the direction indication display unit 330 displayed in the display region R1 and in the second display mode M2 are the first display. The position is the same as in the mode M1.

  Thus, in the case of this example, the first display region R1 includes the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, the fuel remaining amount display unit 320, and the direction indication display unit 330 when the both display modes M1 and M2 are executed. It is configured as a fixed display area capable of displaying the predetermined information D1 in the form of a predetermined display position.

  Then, in the second display mode M2, the fuel consumption display unit 340 that is information other than the predetermined information D1 including the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, the remaining fuel amount display unit 320, and the direction indication display unit 330, and navigation The display unit 370 is displayed in the second display region R2.

  In other words, the second display mode M2 includes vehicle state information including the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, the fuel remaining amount display unit 320, the direction indication display unit 330, and the fuel consumption display unit 340, and navigation display. This is a display mode in which external information of the vehicle composed of the unit 370 is displayed on the first display unit 204.

  In the second display mode M2, the outside air temperature display unit 350 and the warning display unit 360 displayed in the second display region R2 in the first display mode M1 are not displayed, and the fuel consumption display is performed. With regard to the part 340, the digital display value of fuel consumption and the unit display are moved directly below the display of “average fuel consumption”, and the above-mentioned left side region 500 is reduced. Hereinafter, the reduced left area 500 in the second display area R2 in the second display mode M2 will be described as the left area 600.

  In the second display area R2, a navigation display unit 370 including a turn-by-turn display is displayed in the right area 610 that is located on the right side of the left area 600 except for the left area 600. As shown in FIG. 7A, the turn-by-turn display includes an arrow display 371, an intersection name display 372, and a remaining distance display 373 to the intersection. The navigation display unit 370 may apply a map display instead of the turn-by-turn display.

  That is, the above-described right area 510 formed in the second display area R2 when the first display mode M1 is executed is the right area where the right area 510 is enlarged when the second display mode M2 is executed. The navigation display unit 370 is displayed in the right area 610.

  As described above, in the case of this example, the second display region R2 is displayed with other information D2 (in accordance with the display of the navigation display unit 370 that is external information of the vehicle when the second display mode M2 is executed. For example, the display form of the fuel consumption display unit 340 and the navigation display unit 370) is configured as a variable display area that can be changed.

  Next, during the execution of the second display mode M2 shown in FIG. 7A, the display layout of the first display unit 204 when the first control unit 202 receives the warning signal is shown in FIG. This will be described based on b).

  FIG. 7B shows a modified example of the second display mode M2 in which the above-described warning display unit 360 is displayed so as to interrupt a part (at least a part) of the navigation display unit 370. In this case, the first control unit 202 has a function of determining whether or not the warning signal is generated during execution of the second display mode M2, and when it is determined that the warning signal is generated. Controls the display operation of the first display unit 204 so that a part of the navigation display unit 370 displayed on the right side of the second display region R2 is switched to the warning display unit 360.

  Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 7B, in the first display unit 204, the arrow display 371 and the intersection name display 372 that have been displayed in the second display region R2 until then are hidden, Until the arrow display 371 and the intersection name display 372 are displayed, the warning display section 360 “Trunk is open” is displayed to interrupt. Thereafter, when receiving the trunk closing signal indicating that the trunk is closed, the first control unit 202 returns the first display unit 204 to the display layout of FIG. 7A based on the trunk closing signal. In other words, control is performed to display the first display unit 204 (in order to hide the warning display unit 360 and redisplay the arrow display 371 and the intersection name display 372).

  Next, the display layout of the first display unit 204 when the first control means 202 receives the other warning signal during execution of the second display mode M2 shown in FIG. 8 will be described.

  FIG. 8 shows another modification example of the second display mode M2 in which a warning display different from the warning display unit 360 is displayed so as to interrupt a part (at least a part) of the navigation display unit 370. In this case, when detecting an abnormality in the communication operation, the first control unit 202 performs a control for causing the first display unit 204 to perform a display operation so as to notify the user that an abnormality has occurred in the communication operation. . Specifically, the first control unit 202 displays a navigation display displayed on the right side of the second display region R2 when an abnormality in communication operation is detected during execution of the second display mode M2. Control is performed to display the first display unit 204 so that a part of the unit 370 is switched to the warning display unit 361.

  Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, in the first display unit 204, the arrow display 371 and the intersection name display 372 that have been displayed in the second display region R2 until then are hidden, and the arrow display is performed until then. A warning display section 361 that “communication abnormality has occurred” is displayed so as to interrupt the place where the 371 and the intersection name display 372 are displayed. After that, when the first control unit 202 confirms that the first communication unit 220 is operating normally, the first control unit 202 returns the first display unit 204 to the display layout of FIG. In order to hide the display unit 361 and redisplay the arrow display 371 and the intersection name display 372, control is performed to display the first display unit 204.

  Here, when the first control unit 202 detects a communication operation abnormality, the warning display unit 361 displays “Communication abnormality has occurred”, but the content of the communication operation abnormality is the first. The first display unit 204 is displayed and operated so as to notify the user by distinguishing between the one related to the first communication unit 220 and the one related to communication between the external device 103 and the first communication unit 220. It is also possible.

  Specifically, although detailed illustration is omitted here, when an abnormality in the communication operation is related to the first communication unit 220, “a communication abnormality has occurred (the communication unit has an abnormality)” On the other hand, when the abnormality in the communication operation is related to the communication between the external device 103 and the first communication unit 220, “the communication abnormality has occurred (the communication between the external device and the communication unit has occurred. Is abnormal) ”is displayed. As a result, it is possible to notify the user of an abnormality in the communication operation and to present information on the location where the abnormality in the communication operation has occurred.

  In this case, when the first control unit 202 confirms that the first communication unit 220 is operating normally, the first control unit 202 returns the first display unit 204 to the display layout shown in FIG. However, when it cannot be confirmed that it is operating normally even after a predetermined time has passed, the vehicle is returned to the first display mode M1 as shown in FIG. It may be displayed. That is, at this time, when the first control unit 202 detects an abnormality in the communication operation during the execution of the second display mode M2 (or if an abnormality occurs in the communication operation even after the predetermined time has elapsed), By performing the display operation of the first display unit 204 so as to return (switch) the display mode to the first display mode M1, the first display unit 204 has vehicle state information corresponding to the first display mode M1. Is displayed. Thereby, it becomes possible to avoid notifying a user of a communication abnormal state for a long time.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the device unit 200 includes the first display unit 204 that displays various vehicle states as vehicle state information to the user, and the first control unit 202 that operates the first display unit 204. And a vehicle-mounted device 102 having an external device 103 that outputs vehicle external information to the device unit 200 and a first communication unit 220 that performs communication between the device unit 200 and a first communication unit. 220 is configured to be connectable to the device unit 200 via the attachment / detachment means 215, and the first control means 202 has a function of monitoring the communication operation of the first communication unit 220 and detects an abnormality in the communication operation. In this case, the first display unit 204 is operated so as to notify the user that an abnormality has occurred in the communication operation.

  Accordingly, in the transmission / reception of external information, the warning display unit 361 “Communication abnormality has occurred” displayed on the first display unit 204 when communication abnormality occurs is visually recognized together with the vehicle state information, so that the first display Since it is possible to grasp the situation that the display content displayed on the unit 204 is not a regular display and the display of the vehicle state information is maintained, the external information held by the external device 103 is transmitted to the user. (Vehicle instrument) When providing via the first display unit 204 provided in the vehicle 102, provision of vehicle information that does not impair the function of the original vehicle instrument even when communication abnormality occurs Can be equipment.

  In the present embodiment, the first display unit 204 displays the first display region R1 that displays the predetermined information D1 among the vehicle state information, and other information D2 of the vehicle state information that is different from the predetermined information D1. And the first control unit 202 displays vehicle state information on the first display unit 204 when connected to the first communication unit 220 via the attaching / detaching unit 215. The first display mode M1 to be displayed and the second display mode M2 to display the vehicle state information and navigation display unit (vehicle external information) 370 on the first display unit 204, and the second display mode In M2, the first display unit 204 is operated so that the navigation display unit 370 is displayed in the second display region R2.

  Therefore, when providing external information of the vehicle possessed by the external device 103 to the vehicle user via the first display unit 204 provided in the vehicle-mounted device 102, the first display on the first display unit 204 is performed. Predetermined information D1 that is displayed in the region R1 by the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, the remaining fuel amount display unit 320, and the direction indication display unit 330 is displayed regardless of the switching between the display modes M1 and M2. Since the position (display layout) is not changed, the amount of movement of information displayed on the first display unit 204 is minimized, and a vehicle information providing apparatus with an improved human machine interface is provided. Can be provided.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9. The same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts as in the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be made. Omitted. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the fuel consumption display section 340 displayed on the left side of the second display region R2 in the second display mode M2 as shown in FIG. 9A. Is in a non-display state, and the operation display unit 380 is displayed instead of the fuel consumption display unit 340.

  In the case of the second embodiment, the first control unit 202 includes an operation display unit 380 and a navigation display unit 370 that are operation information related to the operation of the external device 103 when the second display mode M2 is executed. Control is performed to display the first display unit 204 so that external information of the vehicle is displayed in the second display region R2.

  In the second embodiment, the predetermined information D1 displayed in the first display region R1 is the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, and the remaining fuel amount display unit, as in the first embodiment. 320 and a direction instruction display unit 330.

  The operation display unit 380 displays operation information of the external device 103 corresponding to the navigation display unit 370 displayed so as to be adjacent to the right side. The operation display unit 380 displays the outer shape of the operation means 213 and the operation functions that can be operated. Here, “Zoom +” corresponding to the enlargement of the map display, “Zoom −” corresponding to the reduction of the map display, and “Speak” corresponding to the voice guidance of the route guidance are exemplified as the operation functions. Has been.

  The user operates the operation means 213 while viewing the operation information displayed on the operation display unit 380 (here, “Zoom +” described above is operated). Along with the operation of the operation means 213, the operation signal output from the operation means 213 to the external device 103 side is input to the first control means 202 through the operation information terminal 212 and the vehicle interface means 201. 1 is input to the second control unit 252 of the external device 103 via the connection unit 104 and the control unit 273 (or the control unit 283) provided in the first communication unit 220.

  That is, in this case, when the first control unit 202 detects the operation signal (the operation information) related to the operation of the external device 103 output from the operation unit 213 when the user operates the operation unit 213. The operation signal is output to the second control unit 252 provided in the external device 103 via the first communication unit 220.

  The second control unit 252 operates the external device 103 based on the operation signal, inputs the enlarged map data to the second communication unit 260, and further connects the connection unit 104 and the first communication unit 220. To the first control means 202 provided in the device unit 200 via the control unit. The first control unit 202 causes the first display unit 204 to perform a display operation so that the enlarged map data (video signal) is displayed on the navigation display unit 370.

  Also in the second embodiment, the specification of the second communication unit 260 provided in the external device 103 is changed from, for example, a communication unit for wired connection (for wired communication) to a communication unit for wireless connection (for wireless communication). In the case of a change, it is not necessary to replace the device unit 200 provided in the vehicle-mounted device 102, and the first communication unit 220 provided in the vehicle-mounted device 102 is changed from that for wired connection shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. Since it is only necessary to exchange for the wireless connection shown, the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In the second embodiment, since the navigation display unit 370 and the operation display unit 380 are displayed in the second display region R2 in the second display mode M2, the vehicle user is substantially cross-shaped. There is an advantage that the button position (operation position) of the operation means 213 which is a key-type operation input unit and the operation content can be presented in an easy-to-understand manner.

  Further, in the second display mode M2 shown in FIG. 9A, when the first control unit 202 receives the warning information, at least the navigation display unit 370 shown in FIG. The first display unit 204 is displayed and operated so that a part (for example, the arrow display 371 and the intersection name display 372) is switched and displayed to the warning display unit 360 (other information D2) that “the trunk is open”. . In this regard, the same processing as the display switching from the display layout shown in FIG. 7A to the display layout shown in FIG. 7B in the first embodiment is performed.

  Similarly, in the second display mode M2 shown in FIG. 9A, when the first control unit 202 receives the other warning information, at least the navigation display unit 370 shown in FIG. The first display unit 204 is caused to display so that a part (for example, the arrow display 371 and the intersection name display 372) is switched and displayed to the warning display unit 361 that “communication abnormality has occurred”. In this regard, the same processing as the display switching from the display layout shown in FIG. 7A to the display layout shown in FIG. 8 in the first embodiment is performed.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 11. The same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts as those in the first and second embodiments, and the details thereof are used. Detailed explanation is omitted. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the external device 103 has at least two external devices having different communication interfaces (here, there are two external devices, the first external device 103a and the first external device 103a). The first communication unit 220 is configured to correspond to the two external devices.

  In this case, of the two external devices, the first external device 103a has a wirelessly connected communication interface and can be connected to the vehicle-mounted device 102 via the connection means 104. It is assumed that the second external device 103 b has a wired communication interface and can be connected to the vehicle-mounted device 102 via the connection unit 104. The configuration of the first and second external devices 103a and 103b is basically the same as that of the external device 103 employed in the first embodiment, and the second communication unit 260 (the communication Only the configuration of the interface) is different.

  The first communication unit 220 in the third embodiment is connected to one external device (the first external device 103a or the second external device 103b) of the two external devices as shown in FIG. , An antenna 270, at least two types of interface units (here, there are two types of interface units, which are referred to as wireless I / F 271 and wired I / F 281), and at least two types of decoders (here, there are two types of decoders, wireless A decoder 272 and a wired decoder 282), a control unit 291 that controls the antenna 270, the wireless I / F 271, the wireless decoder 272, the wired I / F 281, and the wired decoder 282, a wireless decoder 272, a wired decoder And a selection unit 292 that selects an output from the decoder 282.

  Here, the two types of decoders are provided so as to correspond to the two types of interface units. That is, paying attention to the first communication unit 220 and the two external devices, the wireless I / F 271 is provided so as to correspond to the first external device 103a and the wireless decoder 272, and the wired I / F 281 is connected to the first external device 103a. The second external device 103b and the wired decoder 282 are provided.

  In addition, the control unit 291 provided in the first communication unit 220 in the third embodiment is connected to one external device (that is, whether the connected external device is the first external device 103a or the second external device). 103b), the selection unit 292 can be controlled to support the first external device 103a or the second external device 103b having different communication interfaces.

  When the device unit 200 and the first communication unit 220 are connected via the attaching / detaching means 215, the device unit 200 of the vehicle-mounted device 102 and the two external devices (first and second external devices 103a). 103b) is exchanged via the connection means 104, the antenna 270, the wireless I / F 271, the wireless decoder 272, and the selection unit 292 in the case of wireless connection, and in the case of wired connection, the connection means. 104, wired I / F 281, wired decoder 282, and selection unit 292.

  Here, when the device unit 200 is connected to the first communication unit 220 via the attaching / detaching unit 215, data exchanged between the device unit 200 and the first communication unit 220 via the attaching / detaching unit 215 is performed. Includes the GND signal, the power source, and the like in addition to the video signal S1, the sound signal S2, and the control signal S3. In particular, in this case, the first communication unit 220 can output to the device unit 200 at least one of the video signal S1 and the sound signal S2 sent from the external device 103 side as external information of the vehicle. .

  Of the exchanged data, the video signal S1 is output from the selection unit 292 and input (supplied) to the first control unit 202, and the control signal S3 is output from the control unit 291 and is the first control unit. The sound signal S <b> 2 is output from the selection unit 292 and input (supplied) to the sound output terminal 214.

  Note that the sound signal S2 output from the sound output terminal 214 (first communication unit 220) is input to the speaker 219 via a drive driver 218 having a D / A converter 216 and an amplifier 217. Also in this case, the drive driver 218 is configured by a member different from the first communication unit 220 or the device unit 200.

  The control unit 291 provided in the first communication unit 220 receives the vehicle state signal (for example, a vehicle speed signal indicating the traveling speed of the vehicle) via the device unit 200 and the attaching / detaching means 215, and receives the received vehicle state. The signal is output to the second control means 252 via the connection means 104. Then, the second control means 252 calculates the travel distance of the vehicle based on the vehicle speed signal, and displays the maintenance information according to the travel distance of the vehicle on the second display unit 254. It is possible to display the display unit 254 and prompt the user to be alerted.

  According to the third embodiment, since the first communication unit 220 is connected to one of the two external devices, the wireless I / F 271 and the wired I / F 281 and the wireless I / F 271 and A first communication unit including a wireless decoder 272 and a wired decoder 282 provided so as to correspond to the wired I / F 281, and a selection unit 292 that selects an output from the wireless decoder 272 and the wired decoder 282. The control unit 291 provided in 220 controls the selection unit 292 according to one connected external device, so that the first communication unit 220 has the first external device 103a or the second external device having a different communication interface. Since it is possible to connect to the external device 103b, the versatility of the first communication unit 220 can be improved.

  Also in the case of FIG. 11, the first control unit 202 has a function of monitoring the communication operation of the first communication unit 220, specifically, the same as the first and second methods described above. Can be done. In the first method in the case of FIG. 11, the first control unit 202 monitors whether or not there is the response signal for the inquiry signal from the control unit 291 (first communication unit 220). Can be realized by the same method as the first and second methods described above. Similarly, in the second method in the case of FIG. 11, the control unit 291 (first communication unit 220) receives external information of the vehicle sent from the external devices 103a and 103b (second control means 252). Other than the fact that it is confirmed whether it is normal or that the first control means 202 can detect a communication abnormality between the external device 103a (or external device 103b) and the first communication unit 220. Can be realized by the same method as the first and second methods described above.

  In each of the above embodiments, the example in which the first display unit 204 is divided into two display regions (first and second display regions R1, R2) has been described. For example, the first display unit 204 may be divided into three or more display areas.

  The present invention relates to a vehicle information providing apparatus using a vehicle-mounted device and an external device, and the vehicle-mounted device includes not only a vehicle meter (vehicle meter) that displays vehicle information, but also a navigation device mounted on a vehicle, It can also be applied to a multi-display device or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Information provision apparatus for vehicles 102 Vehicle mounting apparatus 103 External apparatus 103a 1st external apparatus 103b 2nd external apparatus 104 Connection means 200 Equipment unit 202 1st control means (control means)
204 1st display part (display part)
213 Operating means 215 Attaching / detaching means 220 First communication section (communication section)
252 Second control means 260 Second communication unit 300 Vehicle speed display unit 310 Shift position display unit 320 Fuel remaining amount display unit 330 Direction indication display unit 340 Fuel consumption display unit 350 Outside air temperature display unit 360, 361 Warning display unit 370 Navigation display (External information of the vehicle)
380 Operation display unit M1 first display mode M2 second display mode R1 first display area R2 second display area S1 video signal S2 sound signal

Claims (2)

A device unit having a display unit that displays various vehicle states to the user as vehicle state information, and a control unit that operates the display unit;
A vehicle-mounted device having an external device that outputs external information of the vehicle to the device unit and a communication unit that performs communication between the device unit,
The display unit includes a first display area that displays predetermined information of the vehicle state information, and a second display area that displays other information of the vehicle state information different from the predetermined information,
The communication unit is configured to be connectable via the device unit and attachment / detachment means,
When the control unit is connected to the communication unit via the attachment / detachment unit, the control unit displays the first display mode for displaying the vehicle state information on the display unit, the vehicle state information, and the external information of the vehicle. A second display mode to be displayed on the display unit, and in the second display mode, the display unit is operated so that external information of the vehicle is displayed in the second display region,
Further, the control means has a function of monitoring the communication operation of the communication unit, and when detecting an abnormality in the communication operation, notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred in the communication operation. Operating the display unit and operating the display unit to switch the display mode to the first display mode when an abnormality in the communication operation is detected during execution of the second display mode. A vehicle information providing device. When the control unit detects an abnormality in the communication operation, the control unit distinguishes whether the content of the abnormality in the communication operation relates to at least communication with the communication unit or communication between the external device and the communication unit. The vehicle information providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is operated so as to notify the user.

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