JP2001281012A - Display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display device which can enhance commodity property. SOLUTION: The display device is provided with a liquid crystal panel 5, which forms various kinds of display information. The display device is provided with a liquid crystal light source 8, which illuminates the crystal panel 5 and which forms its luminous display image. The display device is provide with a control means 10, which turns on light sources 6, 7 and the light source 8, by receiving a signal input from a power-supply switch composed of an ignition switch 15 and which forms the display information on the liquid crystal panel 5. When the control means 10 receives the signal input, it causes the supply start time (t2) of device electric power, which is used to turn on the light source 8 to be delayed with respect to the supply start time (t1) of drive electric power, which is used to form the display information on the crystal panel 5.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a display device mounted on various vehicles such as automobiles, and more particularly to a display device for forming a predetermined light-emitting display image, which is covered with a dark semi-transparent panel. The present invention relates to a vehicle display device of a type in which a light-emitting display image is visually recognized so as to float in a dark background.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As this type of display device, for example, JP-A-6-221879 and JP-A-5-11888.
As described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 3 (1993), a light-emitting display image composed of a pointer and a display panel, and a light source for illuminating the display, is constituted by a pointer and an indicator of the display panel by light emission of the light source. Are formed, and the light-emitting display image is visually recognized through a dark-color semi-transmissive panel.

[0003] By the way, in such a type of display device, various types of display devices, including a pointer and a display panel, and a pointer type display for displaying measurement information such as vehicle speed and engine rotation, are used. Some have a liquid crystal panel for forming display information, and such a liquid crystal panel is also illuminated by a light source (backlight) like a pointer type display.
The luminescent display image is visually recognized through the transflective panel.

[0004]

However, according to the type or use environment (particularly at a low temperature) of the liquid crystal panel, the start-up characteristic (start-up characteristic) from the start of the supply of the driving power until the display information is actually formed. Or response characteristics)
May be dull, and even though the backlight is turned on, the liquid crystal panel itself may not be visually recognized, or a problem that only one of the background of the liquid crystal panel and the display information may be visually recognized may occur. It was a cause of impairing the merchantability.

The present invention has been made in view of these points, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a display device which can eliminate the adverse effects caused by the rising characteristics of a liquid crystal panel and can enhance its commercial value. Is what you do.

[0006]

According to the present invention, there is provided a liquid crystal panel for forming predetermined display information, a light source for illuminating the liquid crystal panel, and a light source for lighting the light source based on a predetermined signal input. And control means for causing the liquid crystal panel to form the display information, wherein the control means, upon receiving the signal input, starts supplying the driving power for forming the display information to the liquid crystal panel. Is characterized in that the start of the supply of the driving power for turning on the LED is delayed.

Further, the present invention provides a liquid crystal panel for forming predetermined display information, a light source for illuminating the liquid crystal panel, turning on the light source based on a predetermined signal input, and forming the display information on the liquid crystal panel. Control means for causing the liquid crystal panel to start supplying drive power for turning on the light source after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of supply of drive power for forming the display information on the liquid crystal panel when the signal input is received. It is characterized by doing.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the luminescent display image of the liquid crystal panel is visually recognized through a dark-color semi-transmissive panel.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A display device according to the present invention includes a liquid crystal panel for forming predetermined display information such as measurement information and driving information, a light source for illuminating the liquid crystal panel, and a power switch such as an ignition switch. Control means including a microcomputer for turning on a light source based on a signal input and forming display information on a liquid crystal panel, wherein the control means drives the liquid crystal panel to form display information when a signal input is received. The start of the supply of the driving power for turning on the light source is delayed with respect to the start of the supply of the liquid crystal, that is, the supply of the driving power to the light source is started after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the supply of the driving power to the liquid crystal panel. The time difference between the start of the driving power supply to the liquid crystal panel and the start of the driving power supply to the light source may be set to a time sufficient for the liquid crystal panel to rise in consideration of various conditions or may be completely (sufficient for the rise). If not, the time difference may be set at a level that does not impair the merchantability. By supplying drive power to the liquid crystal panel in advance of the lighting period of the light source in consideration of the rising characteristics of the liquid crystal panel, display information can be formed on the liquid crystal panel when the light source is turned on. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the adverse effects caused by the rising characteristics of the liquid crystal panel, and to enhance the marketability. Also, such a configuration, the luminescent display image of the liquid crystal panel stands out in the dark background,
The effect is great for a display device employing a semi-transparent panel of a dark color system. The present invention is not limited to the display device applied to the vehicle,
The present invention can be applied to any display device using a liquid crystal panel.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a display device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 to 5 show an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a display device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of a display mounted on the display device of FIG. Is a block diagram showing an outline of a system of the display device according to the present invention, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation of the display, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a change in brightness of the display.

In FIG. 1, the display device according to the present embodiment includes a display D, a concave (spherical) mirror M facing the display D and an eye point P of the driver, a display D and a concave mirror M.
And a dark semi-transmissive panel SP disposed on the light-emitting side of a light-emitting display image (described later) of the housing H.

As shown in FIG. 2, the indicator D is connected to a meter 1 composed of, for example, a step motor, and has a pointer 2 which swings in accordance with a measured amount (for example, a vehicle speed).
, A display panel 4 provided with an index portion 3 such as a scale, a character, a mark, or the like according to a measurement amount, and an STN-based liquid crystal panel 5 disposed in an opening formed in a predetermined portion of the display panel 4. And a pointer light source 6, a panel light source 7, and a liquid crystal light source 8 which are independently provided corresponding to the hands 2, the indicator 3, and the liquid crystal panel 5, respectively, each of which is composed of, for example, a light emitting diode. In this case, the liquid crystal panel 5 constitutes a multi-display of full dot display for displaying various information.

The hands 2, the indicator 3, and the liquid crystal panel 5 each have light transmissivity, and form independent light emission display images by turning on the light sources 6 to 8 provided behind them.

The concave mirror M reflects the light-emitting display image of the display D formed in this way to the driver side, and the light-emitting display image visually recognized through the transflective panel SP is semi-transparent to the driver. It is visually recognized as a virtual image floating in the background (the back of the background) composed of the panel SP.

The display D is electrically connected to the control means 10 as shown in FIG. 3, and its operation is controlled through the control means 10. The control means 10 includes a microcomputer 11 and various drivers 12, 13, and 14, and is connected to a power supply line via an ignition switch (switching means) 15, which is a power supply switch.

The microcomputer 11 processes an input signal from a sensor 16 for measuring a traveling speed, a distance, and the like, and outputs a control signal based on the processing result to each of the meter driver 12 and the LCD driver 14. In response, meter driver 12 and LCD driver 14 supply drive signals (drive power) for driving meter 1 and liquid crystal panel 5.

The microcomputer 11 receives a signal input (predetermined signal input) accompanying the turning on of the ignition switch 15 and outputs a control signal for turning on the pointer light source 6, the panel light source 7, and the liquid crystal light source 8 to the light source driver 13. In response to the output signal, the light source driver 13 supplies driving power to the pointer light source 6, the panel light source 7, and the liquid crystal light source 8 to light them. Further, the supply of driving power for driving the meter 1 and the liquid crystal panel 5 is started in response to a signal input to the microcomputer 11 when the ignition switch 15 is turned on.

At this time, the microcomputer 11 outputs P
A WM (pulse width modulation) function is provided, and the brightness (brightness) of each of the light sources 6 to 8 can be adjusted by operating the light source driver 13 based on the PWM signal output.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the dimming means 17 comprises a well-known rotary switch including a variable resistor installed at an appropriate location in the vehicle display device or at a location in the vicinity thereof. When the driver rotates the knob, the resistance value changes in accordance with the rotational operation position. The resistance value change in accordance with the rotational position is output as a setting signal. The setting signal output in this way is converted into a digital signal and taken into the microcomputer 11, and the microcomputer 11 outputs a control signal (PWM output signal) based on the signal to the light source driver 13, and based on the output signal, The light source driver 13 supplies driving power to the light sources 6 to 8 and adjusts the brightness (luminance), whereby the brightness of the light sources 6 to 8 can be set by the driver.

The lighting operation of each of the light sources 6 to 8 when the ignition switch 15 is turned on is controlled by the control means 10 as shown in FIG.
Is controlled as shown in FIG. That is, the control means 10
Upon receiving a signal input from the ignition switch 15,
First, after the driving power supply to the panel light source 7 and the liquid crystal panel 5 is started, the power supply to the pointer light source 6 and the liquid crystal light source 8 is started with a predetermined delay time. From the time (t1) at which drive power is supplied to the panel light source 7 and the liquid crystal panel 5 to the time (t1) at which drive power is supplied to the pointer light source 6 and the liquid crystal light source 8
The time difference (t3) up to 2) is set to, for example, about 2.0 sec in the case of the present embodiment.

As described above, in the display D in which the supply start timing of various driving powers is controlled by the control means 10, the lighting state of each of the light sources 6 to 8 and the form of display information formed on the liquid crystal panel 5 (display mode) Rise of information formation)
Changes as shown in FIG. That is, when the supply of the driving power to the panel light source 7 and the liquid crystal panel 5 is started (t1) based on the turning on of the ignition switch 15, the brightness (brightness) of the panel light source 7 is set in advance by the light control means 1
7 and stored in the control means 10 (microcomputer 11) at the last set value (ignition switch 15 ON or last ignition switch 1
Independent of the setting value of the light control means 17 when the switch 5 was turned on), it gradually increased from the minimum value to the maximum value (predetermined value) (t4) based on the PWM signal output of the microcomputer 11. Thereafter, the light control means 17 automatically adjusts the setting value to a preset value, and maintains the set level until the setting by the light control means 17 is newly changed. In this example, a set value (brightness value) preset by the light control means 17
Is smaller than the maximum value, which is a predetermined value, so that the light is reduced to the set value after rising to the maximum value.

On the other hand, the liquid crystal panel 5, to which the driving power is supplied at the same time (t1) as the panel light source 7, has a predetermined display information according to the rising characteristic of the display information, as shown by the thick dotted line in FIG. Are gradually formed, and when a predetermined time has elapsed (t4) from the start of the supply of the driving power, the formed display information is substantially stabilized.

The supply of the driving power is started with a time difference (t3) with respect to the lighting time (t1) of the panel light source 7 (t2).
The pointer light source 6 and the liquid crystal light source 8 to be operated have the following relationship with the panel light source 7 in relation to the luminance increasing operation.
Lighting is started (t2) after the brightness increasing operation is completed. At that time, the brightness of the pointer light source 6 and the liquid crystal light source 8 rises to a preset value set by the light control means 17 immediately after the start of lighting. Then, the setting level is maintained until the setting by the light control means 17 is newly changed. As a result, the brightness of the panel light source 7 and the brightness of the pointer light source 6 and the liquid crystal light source 8 match at the level set by the light control means 17.

In relation to the liquid crystal panel 5, the liquid crystal light source 8 supplies drive power to the liquid crystal panel 5 after a lapse of a predetermined time (t2) after the display information on the liquid crystal panel 5 becomes substantially stable (t4). After a lapse of a predetermined time (t3) with respect to the supply start time (t1), the supply of the driving power is started, whereby the liquid crystal light source 8 is turned on and a light-emitting display image of the liquid crystal panel 5 is formed.

Therefore, the light-emitting display image visually recognized by the driver through the semi-transmissive panel SP when the ignition switch 15 is turned on, the light-emitting display image of the index section 3 gradually increases in brightness with a series of brightness increasing operations. After rising and reaching the maximum luminance level (t4), the index unit 3
The brightness of the light-emitting display image is reduced to the set value of the light control means 17. Thereafter, the hands 2 and the light-emitting display image of the liquid crystal panel 5 emerge with a predetermined time difference at a brightness level according to the set value of the light control means 17. After the pointer 2 and the light-emitting display image on the liquid crystal panel 5 are displayed, the setting is made so that the driver can arbitrarily adjust the brightness of the light-emitting display image (each of the light sources 6 to 8) through the illuminating means 17. Have been.

As described in detail above, in this embodiment, a liquid crystal panel 5 for forming various display information and a liquid crystal light source (light source) for illuminating the liquid crystal panel 5 and forming a light-emitting display image thereof.
And a control means 10 for turning on the liquid crystal light source 8 in response to a signal input from a power switch including an ignition switch 15 and for causing the liquid crystal panel 5 to form display information. The control means 10 receives the signal input. In this case, the supply start time (t2) of the drive power for turning on the liquid crystal light source 8 is delayed with respect to the supply start time (t1) of the drive power for forming the display information on the liquid crystal panel 5, that is, the supply of the drive power to the liquid crystal panel 5 The drive power supply to the liquid crystal light source 8 is started (t2) after a lapse of a predetermined time (t3) from the start time (t1) of the liquid crystal panel 5, and the lighting timing (t2) of the liquid crystal light source 8 is considered in consideration of the rising characteristics of the liquid crystal panel 5.
Drive power can be supplied to the liquid crystal panel 5 earlier, and when the liquid crystal light source 8 is turned on (t2), the liquid crystal panel 5
In this case, display information can be formed in advance, so that the adverse effects caused by the rising characteristics of the liquid crystal panel 5 (the liquid crystal panel 5 itself cannot be seen even though the liquid crystal light source 8 is on, The problem that only one of the background of the panel 5 and the display information is visually recognized) can be solved, and the merchantability can be improved.

The time difference (t3) from the start of the driving power supply to the liquid crystal panel 5 (t1) to the start of the driving power supply to the liquid crystal light source 8 (t2) is determined at the rising of the liquid crystal panel 5 in consideration of various conditions. A sufficient time may be set, or the time difference (t3) may be set at a level that does not impair productability, even if the time is not complete (sufficient for rising).

Further, in this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a display device in which a light-emitting display image of the liquid crystal panel 5 stands out (high contrast display) in a transflective panel SP for forming a dark background. The display quality can be improved.

In this embodiment, after the control means 10 receives a signal input from the ignition switch 15, the light source (in this case, the panel light source 7) is turned on so as to gradually increase the brightness of the light-emitting display image. By doing so, a display device adopting a light-emitting display device that tends to be monotonic, particularly a display of a high contrast display type in which the front side of the display device or the display device including the display device is covered with a dark semi-transparent panel A lively feeling can be given when the device is turned on, and the merchantability can be improved.

In this embodiment, the control means 10 adjusts the brightness of the light-emitting display image in accordance with the signal input from the ignition switch 15 irrespective of the brightness of the panel light source 7 which is set in advance by the light control means 17. Then, the light source (in this case, the panel light source 7) is turned on so as to gradually increase to the maximum value (predetermined value), so that the brightness of the light-emitting display image (light source 7) is reduced from the minimum value to the predetermined value. It can be unconditionally and surely changed by the value width, whereby the effect of the change in brightness can be ensured, and the marketability can be improved.

In this embodiment, the brightness of the light-emitting display image (panel light source 7) is increased to a predetermined value, in this example, to the maximum value, and then the brightness of the light-emitting display image set in advance by the light control means 17 is adjusted. After the effect of changing the brightness of the light-emitting display image is completed, the dimming unit 17 preliminarily sets the function of turning on the light source 7 so that the light source 7 is turned on so as to adjust the brightness (dimming in this case). Since the brightness automatically returns to the set brightness, it is possible to reduce the troublesome work of adjusting the brightness to the previous brightness setting by the previous light control means 17 every time the ignition switch 15 is turned on, thereby improving convenience. , Convenience can be improved.

That is, as described above, when the panel light source 7 is gradually brightened to a predetermined value to give added value to the lighting specification, the predetermined value which is the maximum value in operation is adjusted by the light control means 17.
When the brightness level is adjusted to the setting level, the increase width in the brightness change from the minimum value to the maximum value varies according to the setting of the light control means 17, and the effect of the brightness change may not be sufficiently exerted. There is. For example, if the value set by the light control means 17 is too low, the increase width is also small, and it is difficult to provide a sufficient effect for changing the brightness. On the other hand, according to the present invention, the brightness of the light source 7 is once increased to a predetermined value regardless of the set value set in advance by the dimming means 17, so that a certain increase width can be secured. Thereby, the effect of the brightness change can be ensured. In this case, the predetermined value can be set arbitrarily as long as it is a value that can sufficiently produce a change in brightness.

[0034]

As described above in detail, the present invention provides a liquid crystal panel for forming predetermined display information, a light source for illuminating the liquid crystal panel, a light source for lighting the light source based on a predetermined signal input, and Control means for causing the liquid crystal panel to form the display information, wherein the control means, when receiving the signal input, drives the light source in response to supply of driving power for causing the liquid crystal panel to form the display information. By delaying the supply of electric power, a display device capable of improving merchantability can be provided.

According to the present invention, a liquid crystal panel for forming predetermined display information, a light source for illuminating the liquid crystal panel, the light source is turned on based on a predetermined signal input, and the display information is formed on the liquid crystal panel. Control means for causing the liquid crystal panel to start supplying drive power for turning on the light source after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of supply of drive power for forming the display information on the liquid crystal panel when the signal input is received. By doing so, it is possible to provide a display device capable of improving merchantability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a display device applied to a vehicle display device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of a display mounted on the display device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a system outline of a display device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the operation of the display.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a change in brightness of a display.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 meter 2 pointer 3 indicator part 4 display panel 5 liquid crystal panel 6 pointer light source 7 panel light source 8 liquid crystal light source (light source) 10 control means 11 microcomputer 12 meter driver 13 light source driver 14 LCD driver 15 ignition switch 16 sensor 17 dimming means D display Container H Housing M Concave Mirror P Eye Point SP Translucent Panel

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) G09G 3/20 670 G09G 3/20 670D 5C094 3/34 3/34 J 3/36 3/36 F term (reference) 2F074 AA01 BB06 DD03 EE03 GG10 2H093 NC16 NC42 ND04 ND34 NE06 3D044 BA21 BA26 BA27 BB01 BD02 5C006 AF67 AF78 BB01 BB11 EA01 FA00 FA16 FA31 5C080 AA10 BB01 BB05 DD09 EE32 FF03 JJ04 EA04 GAA 5C01

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A liquid crystal panel for forming predetermined display information, a light source for illuminating the liquid crystal panel, and control means for turning on the light source based on a predetermined signal input and causing the liquid crystal panel to form the display information. Display, wherein the control means, upon receiving the signal input, delays supply of drive power for turning on the light source with respect to supply of drive power for forming the display information on the liquid crystal panel. apparatus. 2. A liquid crystal panel for forming predetermined display information, a light source for illuminating the liquid crystal panel, and control means for turning on the light source based on a predetermined signal input and causing the liquid crystal panel to form the display information. The control means, upon receiving the signal input, starts supplying drive power for turning on the light source after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of supply of drive power for forming the display information to the liquid crystal panel. Characteristic display device. 3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the light-emitting display image of the liquid crystal panel is viewed through a semi-transmissive panel of a dark color system.