JP2003066886A - Display device and software for display control - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display device which can make a impressive illumination display with rich variation through simple constitution and to provide software for display control. SOLUTION: A 1st light emission member 2 is connected to a display microcomputer 107 through an LED driver 111. The display microcomputer 107 is equipped with an LED light emission control part 107A. The LED light emission control part 107A is equipped with an A/D conversion part 107B which converts an audio level detection signal inputted through a bus 115 into a specific digital signal, a light emission level arithmetic part 107C which computes the light emission level of an LED according to the digital signal obtained by the A/D conversion part 107B, a light emission level indication table 107D which sets light emission levels by LEDs, and a light emission indication part 107E which outputs light emission indications to the respective LEDs to the LED driver 111 through a bus 120 according to set values in the light emission level indication table 107D.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a display device and display control software for performing decorative display using a light emitting member such as an operation panel of electronic equipment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the recent advances in digital technology and communication technology, a wide variety of in-vehicle electronic and electric devices have been developed. For example, in addition to air-conditioning systems such as air conditioners that have been generally used from the past, audio systems such as radios and CD players, recently, MD players, DVD players, navigation systems, television receivers, Internet connections and electronic devices. Communication terminal devices that allow e-mail and the like, mechanism adjustment systems for adjusting seats, etc. are also widely used.

By the way, conventionally, the in-vehicle device as described above is mainly operated by pressing a switch on an operation panel provided on a dashboard or the like of a vehicle. The LED (Light Emitting Dio), which is a part of the operation panel, determines which of the many devices is being operated and its function.
de: Light emitting diode), LCD (Liquid Cr)
system display: liquid crystal display), V
FD (Vacuum Fluorescent Disp
It is displayed on a display device such as a lay: fluorescent display tube) so that the user can visually recognize it. For example, when operating a CD player, the "CDP
"LAYER" is displayed, and after the reproduction is started, the track number, reproduction time, etc. are displayed. Furthermore, playback volume, graphic equalizer display, and various other illumination displays are also provided.

[0004]

By the way, in the conventional illumination display, LEDs, LCDs, VFDs, etc. are used as they are. However, in the case of a VFD or LCD, the brightness is low, and it is difficult to achieve an illuminated illumination display. Further, even if the LED is used as it is, it is inorganic because each LED is simply turned on and off, and it is not always sufficient in terms of impact and familiarity.

The present invention has been proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and its purpose is to:
An object of the present invention is to provide a display device and display control software capable of performing illumination display with various changes and impact with a simple configuration.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a display device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of light emitting means and a display control means for gradually changing the brightness of each light emitting means. It is characterized by having and. In the invention according to claim 1 as described above, since the individual light emitting means do not merely blink but gradually change the brightness, there is a wide variety of impacts such that the light appears to move as a whole. Illumination display is possible.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the display device according to the first aspect, the display control means includes a light emission control section for controlling brightness based on a light emission time per unit time in each light emitting means. It is characterized by having. In the invention according to claim 2 as described above, the brightness can be adjusted by controlling the light emission time of the light emitting means without adjusting the voltage or using a special light emitting means, so that the control structure is simple. Can be one. In particular, since it is suitable for brightness adjustment with a digital signal, it can be controlled using a computer, and an inexpensive device can be configured.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the display device according to the first or second aspect, the light emission control section calculates the light emission time per unit time based on the level of an input signal. It is characterized by having an arithmetic unit. In the invention described in claim 3 as described above, for example, blinking or brightness of each light emitting means changes in association with the level of the audio signal, which is useful for creating a pleasant atmosphere.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the display device according to any one of the first to third aspects, there is provided a diffusing means for diffusing light from the light emitting means.
In the invention according to claim 4 as described above, since the light of the plurality of light emitting means is diffused by the diffusing means, the division of the individual light emitting means is eliminated, and an analog display which is familiar and warm to human beings is displayed. Can be done.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the display device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the light emitting means is a light emitting diode. In the invention described in claim 5 as described above, since the light emitting means is the light emitting diode, the control structure can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be saved.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, display control software controls a computer to set a duty ratio of a light emission control digital signal for causing each of a plurality of light emission means to emit light, and the light emission control digital signal is set. It is characterized in that each light emitting means is caused to emit light based on In the invention described in claim 6 as described above, the brightness of the light emitting means can be easily adjusted by the duty ratio, so that the display can be realized by the high-speed processing.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the display control software according to the sixth aspect, the duty ratio is set according to an input signal from the outside by controlling a computer. In the invention according to claim 7 as described above, the brightness of the light emitting means can be quickly changed in association with an input signal from the outside.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the display device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the display control means is arranged so that the light emitting means emits light in response to an incoming call from a mobile telephone. Is connected to an incoming call detection unit for detecting an incoming call of a mobile phone. According to the invention described in claim 8 above, when the mobile phone receives an incoming call, the light emitting means emits light, so that it is possible to make a visual judgment even in a situation where the incoming call sound is difficult to hear due to ambient noise or the like.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the display device according to any one of the first to fifth and eighth aspects, the voice input means is provided by being provided with a voice input means. The display control means has a hands-free portion that enables a telephone call via, and the light emitting means emits light in accordance with at least one of a reception voice signal and a transmission voice signal of the mobile phone. It is characterized in that a hands-free part is connected. According to the invention described in claim 9 as described above, it is possible to visually enjoy a hands-free call by changing the light of the light emitting means that emits light according to the call voice.

The invention according to a tenth aspect is the first to fifth aspects.
8. The display device according to any one of 8 and 9, wherein the display control unit is configured to emit the sound so that the light emission unit emits light in accordance with at least one of an audio signal and an operation detection signal input from an audio device. It is characterized in that the device is connected. In the invention according to claim 10 as described above, the light emitting means emits light in association with the audio signal of the audio equipment and the operation switching, so that the visual enjoyment is increased.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the display device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, an incoming call detection unit for detecting an incoming call of a mobile telephone and a voice input means are provided, and the mobile unit is provided. A hands-free unit that enables a call through the voice input unit by being connected to a body telephone, and the light-emitting unit detects the detection signal from the incoming call detection unit and the hands-free unit. The display control means includes the incoming call detection unit and the hands so that the display control unit emits light in accordance with at least one of a received voice signal and a transmitted voice signal, and at least one of an audio signal and an operation detection signal input from an audio device. When the free section and the audio device are connected and the incoming call detection unit detects an incoming call, an input signal to the display control means is changed from the signal of the audio device to the handheld device. Characterized by a selector unit for switching the free part of the signal. According to the eleventh aspect of the invention as described above, when an incoming call is received by the mobile phone when the light emitting means emits light according to the acoustic device, the selector unit automatically sets the mobile phone side. Since the mode is switched to the light emission control, it is not mixed with the light emission display on the audio equipment side.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the display device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, an incoming call detecting section for detecting an incoming call of a mobile telephone and a voice input means are provided. A hands-free unit that enables a call through the voice input unit by being connected to a body telephone, and the light-emitting unit detects the detection signal from the incoming call detection unit and the hands-free unit. The display control means includes the incoming call detection unit and the hands so that the display control unit emits light in accordance with at least one of a received voice signal and a transmitted voice signal, and at least one of an audio signal and an operation detection signal input from an audio device. When the free section and the audio device are connected and a call is made using the mobile phone,
It is characterized in that it has a selector section for switching an input signal to the display control means from a signal of the audio equipment to a signal of the hands-free means. Claim 12 as described above
In the described invention, when the mobile phone is used to make a call when the light emitting means emits light according to the acoustic device, the selector automatically switches to the light emission control on the mobile phone side. Therefore, it is not mixed with the light emitting display on the side of the audio device.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the display device according to the eleventh aspect or the twelfth aspect, a call switch that enables a call by the mobile telephone and a changeover of the selector section is provided in the handsfree section. It is characterized by being connected. In the invention according to claim 13 as described above, when the call switch is operated at the time of receiving an incoming call or making a call, the light emission control on the mobile telephone side is automatically switched, so that the light emission display on the audio equipment side is mixed. Never.

[0019]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the part related to information processing in the present embodiment is typically realized by controlling a computer with software. The software in this case realizes the operation and effect of the present invention by physically utilizing the hardware of the computer.
The conventional technique is also applied to the common part with the conventional technique. However, in this case, the types and configurations of the hardware and software, the range processed by the software, and the like can be changed in various ways, so in the following description, virtual circuit blocks that realize the respective functions of the present invention and the embodiment will be used. .

[1. First Embodiment] [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of Display Device] First, the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. 1 is a perspective view of the display device, and FIG. 2 is its AA.
FIG. That is, the display device is similar to that shown in FIGS.
, The printed wiring board 1, the first light emitting member 2,
The holder 3, the light guide member 4, the second light emitting member 5, the reflecting member 6, the light collecting member 7, and the diffusing member 8 are provided. The printed wiring board 1 is configured with a control device for controlling the light emission of a first light emitting member 2 and a second light emitting member 5, which will be described later, or a wiring pattern for connection to the control device. The plurality of first light emitting members 2 are attached to the printed wiring board 1 in one row in the horizontal direction. Each first light emitting member 2
For example, a plurality of chip LEDs can be used.

A frame-shaped holder 3 surrounding the first light emitting member 2 is attached to the printed wiring board 1. A light guide member 4 is attached to the holder 3. The light guide member 4 is a cylindrical translucent resin, and is provided in a horizontal direction at a position corresponding to the front of the first light emitting member 2. Then, the surface of the light guide member 4 is blasted so as to diffuse the light guided inside.

A second light emitting member 5 for irradiating light from the end of the light guide member 4 is built in one end of the holder 3. As the second light emitting member 5, for example, blue L
ED can be used. The surface of the light guide member 4 on the side of the second light emitting member 5 is not subjected to the blast treatment, and the surface on the side opposite thereto is provided with the reflecting member 6. As the reflecting member 6, for example, a reflecting film can be used.

Further, a light collecting member 7 and a diffusing member 8 are provided between the first light emitting member 2 and the light guiding member 4.
The condensing member 7 is formed of a translucent resin or the like, and as shown in FIG. 2, in order to condense the light from the first light emitting member 2, its cross section is inclined so as to narrow toward the front. Has been. The diffusing member 8 is arranged between the light collecting member 7 and the light guide member 4 in order to diffuse the light from the first light emitting member 2. A diffusion film can be used as the diffusion member 8.

[1-1-2. Configuration of Control Device] Next, a control device for controlling light emission of the above-described display device will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Note that this control device is an example in which a chip LED is used as the first light emitting member 2 and a blue LED is used as the second light emitting member 5. As shown in FIG. 3, the overall configuration of the control device includes a main microcomputer 10
1, CD mechanism unit 102, tuner unit 103, PLL-
IC 104, amplifier section 105, electronic volume control section 1
06, display microcomputer 107, key matrix 108, V
It is composed of an FD driver 109, a VFD 110, and an LED driver 111. These respective units are connected via buses 112 to 120 so that various signals can be input and output.

The main microcomputer 101 controls the entire control device. The CD mechanism section 102 reproduces a CD or the like according to an instruction from the main microcomputer 101. The tuner unit 103 receives broadcast waves from radio, television, etc. via the antenna ANT. The PLL-IC 104 performs various controls based on the clock supplied from the crystal oscillator,
In the present embodiment, the tuner 103 controls the reception frequency. The amplifier unit 105 causes the speaker SP to reproduce sound based on signals from the tuner unit 103 and the CD mechanism unit 102. The electronic volume control unit 106 switches the signals from the tuner unit 103 and the CD mechanism unit 102 input via the buses 113 and 114 by an input selector, and controls the volume and sound quality reproduced by the amplifier unit 105. .

The display microcomputer 107 controls the display of the VFD 110, the first light emitting member 2 and the second light emitting member 5. The key matrix 108 is for detecting which key (button switch on the front panel or the like) is operated by the matrix wiring. LE
The D driver 111 and the VFD driver 109 are drivers that control the light emission of the chip LED, the blue LED, and the VFD.

LED Light Emission Control Section As shown in FIG. 4, the display microcomputer 107 has an LED light emission control section 107A having the following functional blocks. That is, the LED light emission control unit 107A receives the audio level detection signal from the electronic volume control unit 106, which is input via the bus 115,
A / D converter 107B for converting into a predetermined digital signal
And a light emission level calculation unit 107C that calculates the light emission level of the LED based on the digital signal converted by the A / D conversion unit 107B, a light emission level instruction table 107D that sets the light emission level of each LED, and a light emission level. Each LE according to the setting value in the instruction table 107D
LED driver 1 for issuing a light emission instruction to D via bus 120
11, and a light emission instructing unit 107E for outputting to 11. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the LED light emission control unit 107A also controls the lighting of the second light emitting member 5.

Further, the display microcomputer 107 uses the above LE.
In addition to the D light emission control unit 107A, the following functions are provided for display control of the VFD 110. That is, the display microcomputer 107 determines the key detected in the key matrix 108, and outputs the determined key to the bus 1
It outputs to the main microcomputer 101 via 16. Then, the control result of the CD mechanism unit 102, the tuner unit 103, the amplifier unit 105, the electronic volume control unit 106 and the like by the main microcomputer 101 is displayed by the display microcomputer 10.
7, the display data is generated based on this, and a signal for controlling the VFD driver 109 is output via the bus 119 based on the generated display data.
As a result, various displays are displayed on the VFD 110.

[1-2. Action] [1-2-1. Light Emission of Display Device] The operation of the present embodiment as described above will be described below. First, light emission in the display device will be described. That is, when the second light emitting member 5 is caused to emit light, the light travels along the inside of the light guide member 4 and is reflected by the reflecting member 6. Then, the surface of the light guide member 4 is blasted, and the diffusing member 8 is provided behind it, so that the light is diffused and the whole is illuminated. On the other hand, when the first light emitting member 2 attached to the printed wiring board 1 is caused to emit light, the light is collected by the light collecting member 7, and when the light passes through the light guide member 4, the second light emitting member 5 The light of the first light emitting member 2 can be seen in the light. At this time, the boundaries between the plurality of first light emitting members 2 cannot be discriminated, and the light of the first light emitting members 2 becomes an elongated light as a whole, and emerges in a state where the surroundings are blurred. appear.

For example, red L is used as the first light emitting member 2.
When an ED is used and a blue LED is used as the second light emitting member 5, pink light appears to stand out in the blue-violet background. When the blue LED is not turned on, red light appears to stand out in the black ground. In this state, the individual first
When the light emitting member 2 is turned on in a specific order, the light travels like a searchlight by laser light. Note that FIG.
6 and 6 are examples of those in which the display device H as described above is arranged above and below the front panel to display, for example, the high frequency level in the upper stage and the low frequency level in the lower stage. Shows an example of the light emitting state.

[1-2-2. Light Emission Control of Display Device] A process of controlling light emission in the above display device will be described. In the following description, the first light emitting member 2 will be simply called an LED. LED Brightness Control First, a method of controlling the brightness of each LED by a signal from the display microcomputer 107 will be described. That is,
The brightness of the LED is controlled stepwise by the length of the lighting time (duty ratio) per unit time. For example, FIG. 7 shows a timing chart showing a lighting / extinguishing signal when the brightness of the LED is set to 6 levels. In FIG. 7, the unit time is 10 ms, and ON
The LED lights up when it is (HIGH) and turns off.
The LED turns off when it is (LOW).

In the case of the brightness 6 which is the brightest,
When the duty ratio is 10/10, all lights are on. In the case of the next brightness 5, the duty ratio is 8/10,
Lights for 8 ms in 10 ms. When the next brightness is 4, the duty ratio is 6/10 and 6ms out of 10ms.
Light. In the case of the next brightness 3, the duty ratio is 4/10 and the light is turned on for 4 ms in 10 ms. In the case of the next brightness 2, the duty ratio is 2/10 and 10ms
It lights up for 2ms. When the brightness 1 is the darkest, the duty ratio is 0/10, and all lights are off.

The flow of the brightness control processing as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process
It is repeated every 1 ms based on the timer. Further, the brightness instruction of each LED is given by the light emission instructing unit 107E.
Is performed by referring to the light emission level instruction table 107D. This light emission level instruction table 107D
For example, as shown in FIG. 9, any one of the above-mentioned six brightness values is set in each TB 1 to 10 corresponding to each LED in a one-to-one correspondence. Furthermore, in this process, 1ms
The variable A is used to make a timing of 10 ms by counting 10 times.

That is, the value of the variable A (for example, it is assumed that it is initialized to 9 or more in the case of the first processing) is incremented by 1 (step 801). Then A
Is 10 or more (step 802), the value of TB in the emission level instruction table is referred to as 2
The LEDs of the above (brightness 2 or more) are turned on, and the LEDs of less than 2 (brightness 1) are turned off (step 803). After that, the value of A is initialized to 0 (step 804), and the processing for the first 1 ms ends.

Next, the value of the variable A is incremented by 1 (step 801). Then, since the value of A becomes 1 (step 802), the same lighting state as described above is maintained (steps 802, 805 to 808), and the process ends. Next, the value of the variable A is incremented by 1 (step 801). Then, since the value of A becomes 2 (steps 802, 805 to 808), the value of TB in the light emission level instruction table is referred to and the value is 3 or more (brightness 3
The LEDs above are turned on, the LEDs less than 3 (brightness 1 and 2) are turned off (step 812), and the process ends. Next, the value of the variable A is incremented by 1 (step 801). Then, the value of A becomes 3 (steps 802, 805 to 808), the lighting state is maintained (step 812), and the process ends.

Next, the value of the variable A is incremented by 1.
(Step 802). Then, since the value of A becomes 4 (steps 802, 805 to 807), the value of TB in the light emission level instruction table is referred to, and the LED whose value is 4 or more (brightness 4 or more) is turned on. Less than (brightness 1
The LED of 3) is turned off and the process ends. Next, the value of the variable A is incremented by 1 (step 801). Then, the value of A becomes 5. (Steps 802, 805
~ 807), the lighting state is maintained (step 810),
The process ends. Next, the value of the variable A is incremented by 1 (step 801). Then, since the value of A becomes 6 (steps 802, 805 to 806), the value of TB in the light emission level instruction table is referred to, and the LED whose value is 5 or more (brightness 5 or more) is turned on. The LEDs of less than (brightness 1 to 4) are turned off (step 810), and the process ends. Next, the value of the variable A is incremented by 1 (step 801). Then, the value of A becomes 7 (steps 802, 805 to 806), the lighting state is maintained (step 810), and the process ends.

Next, the value of the variable A is incremented by 1.
(Step 801). Then, since the value of A becomes 8 (steps 802 and 805), the value of TB in the light emission level instruction table is referred to, the LED having the value of 6 or more (brightness 6) is lit, and the value of less than 6 (brightness is The LEDs 1 to 5) are turned off (step 809), and the process ends. next,
The value of the variable A is incremented by 1 (step 80)
1). Then, the value of A is 9 (steps 802, 8
05), the above lighting state is maintained (step 80).
9), the process ends. As described above, by repeating the process every 1 ms, it is possible to light each LED with 6 levels of brightness.

LED Brightness Change Processing Next, the flow of processing when the brightness of each LED is sequentially changed according to the audio level will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is repeated every 100 ms based on the timer. The brightness of each LED is calculated by the light emission level calculation unit 107C based on the conversion value of the A / D conversion unit 107B and set in the light emission level instruction table 107D. Further, in this process, the variable n for obtaining the position of the TB to be lit in the table and the variable B for storing the position of the lit LED are used. First, the variable n is initialized to 1 (step 1001). Then, referring to the content (brightness value) of TBn, if it is larger than 1 (in the case of an LED to be turned on) (step 1002), the content (brightness value) of TBn is decremented by 1 (step 10).
03). When it is 1 or less (in the case of an LED which is not turned on), the value of the variable n is incremented by 1 (step 10).
04). Such processing is repeated until the value of the variable n exceeds 10, and when it exceeds 10, (step 100
5) and proceeds to step 1006.

In step 1006, the audio level value input to the A / D converter 107B is converted. The higher the input audio level value, the higher this value. Then, the value of the variable B representing the previous lighting position of the LED is compared with the A / D converted value this time (step 1007). As a result, if the A / D converted value is larger, the value of B is incremented by 1.
(Step 1008). Otherwise, set the value of B to 1
Decrement (step 1011). Further, the value of the variable B is assigned to the variable n indicating the table position of the LED to be turned on (step 1009), and 6 which is the value for turning on the LED brightest is assigned to the TBn position of the table corresponding to the LED. (Step 1010). By repeating the above process every 100 ms, each LED can be turned on with 6 levels of brightness according to the audio level.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, a processing example when the audio level is converted into a value of 1 to 10 will be described. That is, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a change in the brightness of the LED over time, and time elapses from the upper stage to the lower stage. The numbers in each time correspond to the values in the tables TB1 to TB10 and indicate the brightness of the LEDs. First, at time t, all LEDs are off (brightness 1). Then, the LED is turned on by the above procedure performed every 100 ms. That is,
When n is initialized to 1 at the first t + 100 (step 1001), the value of TB1 is 1 (step 100).
2), n is incremented by 1 and becomes 2 (step). 2 is less than 10 (step 100
4), the value of TB2 is compared with 1 (step 100)
2). In the case of t + 100, the values of TB1 to 10 are always 1, so even if the above processing is repeated, TB1 to 1
The value within 0 does not change, and the process proceeds to the A / D conversion process of the input audio level (step 1006).

In this example, it is assumed that the audio levels corresponding to TBs 1 to 10 have been converted to 1 to 10. Further, it is assumed that B is initialized to 0. Then, since the converted value of the audio level in TB1 is larger than the value 0 of B (step 1007), B is incremented by 1 to 1 (step 100).
8) Then, 1 which is the value of B is substituted for n (step 1009) and 6 showing the brightest value is substituted for TB1 (step 1010). Therefore, the LED corresponding to TB1 has the brightness of 6 Lights up.

At the next t + 200, n is initialized to 1 (step 1001), and the value of TB1 which is the previous lighting position is 6 (step 1002). It is set to be 5 (step 1003). Then, n is incremented by 1 and becomes 2 (step 1004).
The value of n, 2 is less than 10 (step 10
05), the value of TB2 is compared with 1 (step 100).
2). In the case of this t + 200, since the values of TB2 to 10 are 1, even if the above processing is repeated, TB
The value within the range of 2 to 10 does not change, and the A / D conversion process of the input audio level is performed (step 100).
6).

Next, since the converted value of the audio level in TB2 is larger than the value 1 of B (step 1
007), B is incremented by 1 to become 2 (step 1008), 2 which is the value of B is substituted for n (step 1009), and 6 showing the brightest value is substituted for TB2 (step 1010). ). Therefore, TB
The LED corresponding to 1 lights up with a brightness of 5, and the LED corresponding to TB2 lights up with a brightness of 6. When the above process is repeated, after the TB 10 lights up at 6, the process of decrementing B by 1 is repeated at step 1011. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, it is possible to display such that, with the passage of time, the lighting position of the LED moves to the right and then returns to the left, and the light trails. Note that, in FIG. 12, the LEDs are separated from each other in order to clarify the light emission of the individual LEDs, but the actual light emission has a unity structure without separation, as shown in the light emission of the display device. The light will move left and right.

[1-3. [Effect] According to the present embodiment as described above, the light of the second light emitting member 5 is obscured by the diffusion member 8 and the light guide member 4, and is condensed by the light condensing member 7 therein. Since the light of the plurality of first light emitting members 2 emerges in a collective form, it is possible to obtain a display with an impact.

The light of the second light emitting member 5 is guided by the light guiding member 4
In this case, the light enters from the surface that has not been blasted, is reflected by the reflection member 6, is guided to the light guide member 4, and is diffused by the blasting treatment on the surface and the diffusion member 8 on the back surface. Then, the light of the first light emitting member 2 is also condensed by the condensing member 7 and then guided to the light guide member 4. Therefore, an illumination display with high brightness can be realized.

Further, since the light of the first light emitting member 2 does not have the division of the light emitting member as in the case where the LED is exposed and used, it is possible to realize a display in which the light is smoothly drawn and moved like a searchlight. , It is possible to provide an analog display that is friendly and warm to humans.
In particular, it can be linked with the volume by emitting light in correspondence with the audio level, which is useful for creating a pleasant atmosphere inside the vehicle.

When the light of the first light emitting member 2 is viewed through the light guide member 4 which is illuminated by the second light emitting member 5, various display variations can be obtained by combining a plurality of kinds of colors. Because you can get it, you can enjoy visually with a display that you will never get tired of.

Further, since it is realized by controlling the first light emitting member 2 by a digital signal, it can be controlled by an ordinary microcomputer, and a simple structure and an inexpensive device can be realized. In particular, since the control is based on the duty ratio, the brightness can be determined at high speed and can be quickly linked to the input value of the audio signal or the like. Further, by using the LED, the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

[2. Second Embodiment] [2-1. Configuration] The configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention,
This will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 130 is a control device for controlling the light emission of the display device according to signals from the on-vehicle audio equipment (CD player, MD player, tuner, etc.) and the mobile phone PH, and the input selector 1
31, rectifier circuit 132, display microcomputer 133, LED driver 134, LED135, hands-free circuit 13
6, an incoming call detection circuit 137, a TEL button 138 and the like. The display microcomputer 133, the LED driver 134, and the LED 135 (including the mechanical configuration of the display device) are the same as those shown in the above-described first embodiment, and therefore their explanations are omitted. Also, PH in the figure is
A mobile phone connected to the hands-free circuit 136.

The input selector 131 is means for selectively switching the input signals from the on-vehicle audio equipment (CD player, MD player, tuner, etc.) and the hands-free circuit 136. The rectifier circuit 132 is means for rectifying an input signal. The hands-free circuit 136 is composed of a reception circuit 136a, a transmission circuit 136b, and an echo canceller circuit 136c. Receiver circuit 136a
Is a circuit that amplifies the sound received from the mobile phone PH. The transmitting circuit 136b is composed of an amplifying circuit for amplifying a transmitting voice input from a microphone and a filter circuit for cutting ambient noise and passing only a human voice. The echo canceller circuit 136c prevents howling (echo) from the microphone and is receiving a call (when the other party is talking).
It is a circuit that cuts the input signal from the microphone.

The incoming call detection circuit 137 is used for the mobile phone PH.
When an incoming call is detected, the LED 135 is a means for inputting an incoming call detection signal to the display microcomputer 133 so that the current audio level display is stopped and the predetermined incoming call pattern is emitted. Also,
The incoming call detection circuit 137 also has a function of causing the input selector 131 to select the hands-free circuit 136 side as an input signal according to the incoming call detection signal. TEL button 13
Reference numeral 8 denotes a switch which, when pressed, causes the input selector 131 to select the handsfree circuit 136 side as an input signal. The hands-free circuit 136 is set to be turned on in response to the pressing of the TEL button 138.

[2-2. Action] [2-2-1. Light Emission Control According to Audio Signal] The operation of the present embodiment as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the light emission control according to the audio signal will be described. That is, when using audio equipment,
The audio signal of the device used (any one of CD, MD, tuner, etc.) is input to the input selector 131 (step 1401). The output signal from the input selector 131 is rectified by the rectifier circuit 132, and the display microcomputer 133
A / D conversion is performed when the input is made (step 140).
2). The display microcomputer 133 performs the light emission level calculation as described in the first embodiment based on the A / D converted audio level (step 1403). If the incoming call detection circuit 137 does not detect an incoming call to the mobile phone PH, driver data communication is performed at the calculated light emission level (step 1405), and the LED driver 134 causes the LED 135 to emit light (step 1406). .

[2-2-2. Light-Emission Control When Incoming Call is Called] Next, light-emission control when the mobile phone PH receives an incoming call will be described.
That is, when the incoming call detection circuit 137 detects the incoming call of the mobile phone PH in step 1404,
In response to the incoming call detection signal, the display microcomputer 133 selects a predetermined light emission pattern data at the time of incoming call (step 1407). And the user is TE
Unless the L button 138 is pressed to switch to the call state (step 1408), driver data communication based on the light emission pattern data is performed (step 140).
5) The LED driver 134 causes the LED 135 to emit light (step 1406).

[2-2-3. Light emission control during call] Further, light emission control during a hands-free call by the mobile phone PH will be described. That is, in step 1408, when the user presses the TEL button 138 to switch to the call state, or when the user presses the TEL button 138.
When you make a call by pressing, the input selector 131
The signal from the hands-free circuit 136 is selected as the input signal (step 1410). At this time, the power of the hands-free circuit 136 is turned on. Then, the transmitted voice signal of the user input from the microphone is amplified by the amplification circuit in the transmission circuit 136b, and noise is cut by the filter circuit. The transmitted voice signal is input to the rectifier circuit 132 and rectified, and then input to the display microcomputer 133 (step 1409), and the light emission associated with the transmitted voice is performed by the processing of step 1402 and subsequent steps.

On the other hand, the received voice signal input from the mobile phone PH during a call is amplified in the receiving circuit 136a, enters the input selector 131, is input to the rectifying circuit 132, is rectified, and then enters the display microcomputer 133 (step 1).
409). Then, by the processing from step 1402 onward, light emission linked with the received voice is performed.

[2-3. [Effect] According to the second embodiment as described above, even when the ring tone of the mobile phone PH is hard to hear due to ambient noise while the vehicle is traveling, the incoming call is notified by the very characteristic light emission display. Therefore, the user can visually judge. In particular, the display portion is large and conspicuous as compared with the case where it is displayed on a segment or the like inside the LCD display or VFD display of a mobile phone or car audio, and thus the visibility is good.

Also, the user can visually enjoy the light emission while making a hands-free call. Further, when receiving a call or during a call, the light emission control on the mobile phone PH side is automatically switched, which saves the user's trouble and does not mix with the light emission display on the audio device side.

[3. Other Embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The number and shape of the light guide means, the number and arrangement direction of the light emitting means, etc. are arbitrary.
For example, as shown in FIG. 15, it is possible to provide the light guide member 4 with an angle or a curve and arrange the first light emitting member 2 and the second light emitting member 5 accordingly. In addition, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 17, the second light emitting member 5 and the first light emitting member 2 are arranged in the same direction, and the light from the second light emitting member 5 is a portion where the corners of the light guide member 4 are dropped. 4a or a reflection member 4b that is separately provided and reflected to the light guide member 4. Further, the first light emitting members 2 are not limited to those arranged in one row, and may be arranged in any of a plurality of rows, intersecting rows, a ring shape, a frame shape, a concentric circle shape, a radial shape, and the like.

Various combinations of light emission colors of the light emitting means are possible. For example, as shown in the above embodiment, the first light emitting member 2 and the second light emitting member 5 have different colors. Alternatively, they may be made to have the same color, and light may be made to stand out depending on the degree of brightness. The plurality of first light emitting members 2 may include different colors. Light guide member 4, reflecting member 6, light collecting member 7
It is also possible to perform coloring by using a colored member for at least one of the diffusing member 8 and the like, or by interposing a colored filter. Each member may be selected or exchanged so as to have a color desired by the user. Further, the light emitting member is not limited to the LED as long as it can emit light electronically.

Further, the control method is not limited to the one exemplified in the above embodiment. For example, instead of making the whole light flow to the left and right, split from the center to the left and right,
It is also possible to control so that each of them emits light that moves. Further, it is not always necessary that the number of groups of light is one, and a plurality of groups of lights may be moved in synchronization or independently. Further, the control is not limited to the one controlled according to the audio level. For example,
The user may select and display a preset specific display pattern, or the user may set a desired display pattern. The hardware configuration for control is not limited to the above, and various computers, dedicated circuits, etc. can be applied. The variables and table storage areas required for processing are not limited to particular ones, and various memories and registers can be freely used and set.

The equipment included in the control device is not limited to the above-exemplified ones, and an ET for collecting fees through the navigation system or the built-in antenna.
C in-vehicle device, information terminal with internet connection function,
All devices used now or in the future can be applied, such as a system that realizes the functions of a plurality of different devices by one computer, a system for automatic operation, an air conditioning system, and the like. Also, the audio equipment is not limited to the CD player, MD player, and tuner illustrated above as long as the equipment outputs audio signals.

As the mobile phone, any computer such as a PHS, a PDA with a telephone function, a mobile device, etc. can be applied in addition to the mobile phone. Further, the pattern for light emission upon receiving an incoming call may be set in advance by default or may be configured to be input and set by the user. The call signal may be set to emit light only in response to the received voice signal or only the transmitted voice signal. Even during a call or when using audio equipment, the light may be set to emit light in an arbitrary pattern without interlocking with the audio signal. Further, the switching signal may be detected in accordance with the switching of the operation of the audio device, and the light may be set to emit light in an arbitrary pattern.

[0063]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to provide a display device and display control software capable of performing illumination display with a variety of impacts with a simple configuration.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a display device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line AA of the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flock diagram showing a configuration of a control device in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an LED light emission control unit in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing an application example of the embodiment of FIG. 1 to a front panel.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing an application example of the embodiment of FIG. 1 to a front panel.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a control signal for the brightness of an LED in the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of LED brightness control processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a diagram showing an example of a light emission level instruction table in the processing of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an LED brightness change process in the first embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a diagram showing a transition of a light emission level instruction table in the processing of FIG.

12 is a diagram showing a transition of light emission in the processing of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of a control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure of light emission control processing in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the display device of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the display device of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the display device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Printed wiring board 2 ... First light emitting member 3 ... Holder 4 ... Light guide member 4a ... Cut-off part 4b, 6 ... Reflective member 5 ... Second light emitting member 7 ... Light collecting member 8 ... Diffusing member 101 ... Main microcomputer 102 ... CD mechanical section 103 ... Tuner section 105 ... Amplifier section 106 ... Electronic volume control unit 107, 133 ... Display microcomputer 107A ... Emission control unit 107B ... A / D converter 107C ... Emission level calculator 107D ... Emission level instruction table 107E ... Emission instruction section 108 ... Key matrix 109 ... VFD driver 110 ... VFD 111, 134 ... LED driver 112-120 ... bus 130 ... Control device 131 ... Input selector 132 ... Rectifier circuit 135 ... LED 136 ... Hands-free circuit 136a ... Receiving circuit 136b ... Transmitting circuit 136c ... Echo canceller circuit 137 ... Incoming call detection circuit 138 ... TEL button

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 5C080 AA07 BB03 CC03 DD21 EE13                       EE28 FF08 HH14 JJ01 JJ02                       JJ04 JJ06 JJ07 KK43 KK47                 5C096 AA11 BA01 BA02 BC02 BC04                       CA06 CC03 CC06 CC21 CD04                       CD24 CD53 CE02 CF02 CG01                       DC03 DC05 DC18 DC29 FA12

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A display device comprising: a plurality of light emitting means; and a display control means for gradually changing the brightness of each light emitting means. 2. The display control means has a light emission control section for controlling the brightness based on the light emission time per unit time in each light emission means.
Display device described. 3. The display according to claim 1, wherein the light emission control unit has a light emission level calculation unit that calculates a light emission time per unit time based on a level of an input signal. apparatus. 4. A diffusing means for diffusing light from the light emitting means.
The display device according to item. 5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting means is a light emitting diode. 6. A computer is controlled to set a duty ratio of a light emission control digital signal for causing each of a plurality of light emission means to emit light, and each light emission means is caused to emit light based on the light emission control digital signal. Display control software characterized by. 7. The display control software according to claim 6, wherein the duty ratio is set according to an input signal from the outside by controlling a computer. 8. An incoming call detection section for detecting an incoming call of a mobile telephone is connected to the display control means so that the light emitting means emits light in response to an incoming call of a mobile telephone. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 9. The mobile phone includes a voice input unit, and has a hands-free unit that enables a telephone call via the voice input unit by being connected to the mobile phone. The light emitting unit receives a mobile phone call. 9. The hands-free unit is connected to the display control means so as to emit light in response to at least one of a voice signal and a transmission voice signal. Display device according to. 10. The audio equipment is connected to the display control means so that the light emitting means emits light in response to at least one of an audio signal and a motion detection signal input from the audio equipment. Claim 1 to
The display device according to any one of 5, 8, and 9. 11. A hands-free system, which comprises an incoming call detection unit for detecting an incoming call of a mobile phone, and a voice input unit, and enables a call via the voice input unit by being connected to the mobile phone. And a detection signal from the incoming call detection unit,
The display control means is configured to emit light in response to at least one of a received voice signal and a transmitted voice signal from the handsfree unit, and at least one of an audio signal and an operation detection signal input from an audio device. A call detection unit, the hands-free unit, and the audio device are connected, and when an incoming call is detected by the incoming call detection unit, an input signal to the display control unit is a hands-free unit from the signal of the audio device. 6. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a selector unit that switches to the signal of FIG. 12. A hands-free device, which comprises an incoming call detection unit for detecting an incoming call of a mobile phone, and a voice input unit, and enables a call via the voice input unit by being connected to the mobile phone. And a detection signal from the incoming call detection unit,
The display control means is configured to emit light in response to at least one of a received voice signal and a transmitted voice signal from the handsfree unit, and at least one of an audio signal and an operation detection signal input from an audio device. The call detection unit, the hands-free unit, and the audio device are connected, and when making a call using the mobile phone, an input signal to the display control unit is changed from the signal of the audio device to the hands-free unit. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a selector unit that switches to a signal. 13. The display according to claim 11, wherein the hands-free unit is connected with a call switch that enables a call by the mobile phone and switching of the selector unit. apparatus.