JP2017052431A - Vehicle brightness control device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicle brightness control device capable of suppressing degradation of efficiency of cooling or heating of an air conditioning device of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A vehicle brightness control device includes an air-conditioning information acquiring part which acquires air-conditioning information that reflects a state of an air conditioning device that performs air conditioning in a cabin of a vehicle, an information generation part which calculates recommended brightness, during air conditioning, of a display which is attached in the cabin of the vehicle and displays various information based on the air-conditioning information, and generates brightness control information that reflects the recommended brightness and an information output part for outputting the brightness control information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle brightness control apparatus that controls the brightness of a display mounted on a vehicle.

  A navigation device and an AV (audio visual) device are attached to the vehicle, and these devices are provided with a display having a relatively large screen such as an LCD. Some meter devices use an LCD. Furthermore, a display device that can display various data by integrating the display units of various in-vehicle devices, such as MFD (Multi Function Display), has become widespread. These display units can change the brightness by a user operation.

  When the driver's gaze brightness is detected and the driver changes from not gazing to the in-vehicle display device to the gaze state, the in-vehicle display device brightness is calculated based on the gaze luminance detected before the change. A technique related to brightness control of an in-vehicle display device to be controlled is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

  Further, even when the blowing means such as a blower is stopped, the state where the air outlet display and the inside / outside air display are always displayed on the indicator panel is maintained, and the brightness thereof is higher than that in the normal display state where the blowing means is operating. A technique is disclosed in which low brightness is set and manual air conditioner air outlet selection and internal / external air introduction switching can be performed appropriately and easily (see Patent Document 2).

JP 2012-162126 A JP 09-286230 A

  The backlight type LCD uses a cold cathode tube or an LED as a light source. A meter device that does not use an LCD has a light source for meter illumination. These light sources or circuits that drive the light sources generate heat during operation. The amount of heat released by this increases when the brightness of the display is high, and decreases when the brightness of the display is low. Also, the larger the display screen, the greater the amount of heat generated. The generated heat is released into the vehicle interior.

  When air conditioning the vehicle interior, during cooling, if the brightness of the display is high, the cooling efficiency is reduced due to heat radiation from the display. Moreover, at the time of heating, if the brightness | luminance of a display is low, heating efficiency will fall. Since the air conditioner for vehicles tries to compensate for the reduced efficiency, it consumes extra fuel or battery power accordingly. It may also affect the running of the vehicle.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228667 does not describe that it corresponds to the heat dissipation of the above-described display. Patent Document 2 only displays a lower brightness than when the air conditioner for a vehicle is in operation while the air conditioner for a vehicle is stopped, and does not support the heat radiation of the display.

  Against the background of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle brightness control device that can suppress a decrease in cooling or heating efficiency of a vehicle air conditioner.

  A vehicle brightness control apparatus for solving the above-described problems is attached to a vehicle interior based on the air conditioning information acquisition unit that acquires the air conditioning information reflecting the state of the air conditioning apparatus that performs air conditioning in the vehicle interior. An information generating unit that calculates recommended luminance at the time of air conditioning of the display that displays various types of information, generates luminance control information reflecting the recommended luminance, and an information output unit that outputs the luminance control information.

  With the above configuration, by calculating the recommended luminance of the display device according to the state of the air conditioner, the amount of heat released from the display device can be controlled, and the air conditioning efficiency can be improved. In addition, by outputting the brightness control information to another vehicle device, the brightness adjustment can be performed in the other vehicle device, and the air conditioning efficiency can be further improved. Furthermore, consumption of fuel or battery power can be suppressed. The influence on the running of the vehicle can also be suppressed.

The figure which shows the structure of the brightness | luminance control apparatus for vehicles. The flowchart which shows a brightness | luminance control process. The flowchart which shows a brightness | luminance control cancellation | release process.

  FIG. 1 shows an example in which a vehicle brightness control device is applied to a navigation device 1 mounted on a vehicle. The navigation device 1 includes an ECU 10 and a display 15, an operation unit 16, and a position detection unit 17 connected to the ECU 10.

  The ECU 10 includes a well-known CPU 11 that is an information creation unit of the present invention, a memory 12 that is a storage unit of the present invention connected to the CPU 11, a signal input / output circuit, an IO 13 that is an information output unit of the present invention, and an in-vehicle LAN 40. The communication interface circuit for performing communication via the communication interface 14 includes the air conditioning information acquisition unit, the information output unit, the solar radiation amount information acquisition unit, and the prime mover information acquisition unit of the present invention.

  As the memory 12, for example, a nonvolatile storage medium such as a flash memory is used. The memory 12 stores data necessary for the operation of the navigation device 1 such as a control program and electronic map data. Various functions of the navigation device 1 are realized by the CPU 11 executing the control program.

  The display unit 15 uses, for example, an LCD. The operation unit 16 may be a touch panel formed on the display screen of the display device 15 or a known mechanical switch.

  For example, the position detection unit 17 receives a GPS signal from a well-known GPS satellite, and detects the current position of the vehicle on the electronic map data based on the GPS signal.

  The in-vehicle LAN 40 is connected to an air conditioner ECU 20 included in the air conditioner 2 that air-conditions the interior of the vehicle. The air conditioner ECU 20 is configured as a computer including a well-known CPU, ROM, RAM (all not shown) and the like. Then, the CPU executes the air conditioning control program stored in the ROM, thereby realizing various functions of the air conditioner 2.

  An air conditioner unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2 is connected to the air conditioner ECU 20. The air conditioner unit 21 includes a known HVAC (Heating Ventilating and Air-Conditioning) unit, an air conditioning sensor group, and an operation unit operated by a user. . The HVAC unit is configured in an air intake port for taking in the inside air (air in the vehicle interior) or outside air (air outside the vehicle air), and a duct formed with an air outlet opening in the vehicle interior. It includes a blower that sends out conditioned air, a temperature adjustment of the conditioned air, a damper for switching between the inside and outside air, and a blower outlet and a driving unit thereof.

  For example, in addition to the solar sensor 22 that detects the amount of solar radiation, the air conditioning sensor group includes an internal air temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the vehicle, an external air temperature sensor that detects the temperature outside the vehicle, and an air temperature immediately after passing through the evaporator. It includes well-known sensors such as a post-evaporator sensor that detects temperature and a humidity sensor that detects humidity in the vehicle interior. The solar radiation sensor 22 may be included in the navigation device 1.

  The air conditioner ECU 20 sets the air conditioning mode based on the operation state of the operation unit and the state of the air conditioning sensor group. And based on the set air conditioning mode, by outputting a drive command signal to each drive unit, the blower and the damper are driven and controlled, and the temperature, air volume, inside / outside air intake switching of the conditioned air generated in the duct, and Well-known air conditioning control such as air outlet switching is performed.

  The air conditioner ECU 20 outputs air conditioning information including at least the operating state (cooling or heating) of the air conditioner 2 to another vehicle device such as the navigation device 1 via the in-vehicle LAN 40. You may include the air volume of a blower in air-conditioning information.

  The in-vehicle LAN 40 is connected to an engine ECU 30 that performs drive control of a motor (engine or motor) of the vehicle. The engine ECU 30 outputs prime mover information including the rotation state of the prime mover to other vehicle devices via the in-vehicle LAN 40.

  FIG. 2 shows a luminance control process included in the control program stored in the memory 12 and executed by the CPU 11 at a predetermined timing. First, air conditioning information is acquired from the air conditioner ECU 20 via the in-vehicle LAN 40 (S11). Next, it is determined whether or not the air conditioning information includes that the air conditioner 2 is in operation. When the air conditioner is not in operation (S12: No), this process ends.

  On the other hand, when the air conditioner is in operation (S12: Yes), luminance information including the current luminance of the display 15 is acquired (S13). The luminance information is stored in a predetermined area of the memory 12. When the luminance is changed by the operation of the user operation unit 16, the changed luminance is stored. The memory 12 also stores in advance a default value of brightness (for example, brightness when the navigation device 1 is activated).

  Next, the current luminance is stored (saved) in the memory 12 (S14). Next, the operating state of the air conditioner 2 is determined based on the air conditioning information. When the air conditioner 2 is in the cooling operation (S15: Yes), a value lower than the current luminance (recommended luminance of the present invention) is set in the luminance control information (S16). As the setting method, for example, any of subtracting a predetermined value from the current luminance or multiplying the current luminance by a predetermined coefficient smaller than 1 may be used. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S17.

  The above-described configuration corresponds to “the information creation unit lowers the recommended brightness lower than the current brightness of the display when the air conditioning information includes a state where the air conditioner is in the cooling operation”. With this configuration, if the brightness of the display device is lowered, the amount of heat release is reduced, so that a reduction in cooling efficiency can be suppressed.

  On the other hand, when the air conditioner 2 is in the heating operation (S15: No → S18: Yes), a value higher than the current luminance (recommended luminance of the present invention) is set in the luminance control information (S19). As the setting method, for example, either a predetermined value is added from the current luminance, or the current luminance is multiplied by a predetermined coefficient larger than 1 may be used. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S17.

  The above-described configuration corresponds to “the information creating unit makes the recommended brightness higher than the current brightness of the display when the air conditioning information includes a state where the air conditioner is in the heating operation”. With this configuration, if the brightness of the display is increased, the amount of heat release increases, and the display plays the role of a heater, which can contribute to an increase in heating efficiency.

  In S17, luminance control information is output. In the navigation device 1, the brightness of the display 15 is changed based on the brightness control information. In addition, the brightness control information is output to other devices via the in-vehicle LAN 40. Examples of other devices include a well-known AV (audio visual) device and a meter ECU that performs display control of an instrument panel of a vehicle. When the other apparatus acquires the brightness control information, the other apparatus can change the brightness of its display device based on the brightness control information.

  Note that when the air conditioner 2 is not in the heating operation (S15: No → S18: No), the present process is terminated. In this case, since it is considered that the air blowing operation is being performed, the process may proceed to S16.

  When the air conditioning information includes the blower air volume, the brightness control information may be set according to the blower air volume. During cooling operation, the amount of decrease in luminance is increased as the blower air volume increases. During heating operation, the amount of increase in luminance is increased as the blower air volume increases. This configuration corresponds to “the information creating unit sets the recommended luminance according to the air volume when the air conditioning apparatus includes the air volume during operation”. This configuration can further contribute to the improvement of air conditioning efficiency by finely setting the luminance.

  FIG. 3 shows luminance control release processing that is included in the control program stored in the memory 12 and executed by the CPU 11 at a predetermined timing. This process corresponds to “the information creating unit reflects a predetermined brightness in the brightness control information instead of the recommended brightness when a predetermined release condition is satisfied”. With this configuration, if necessary, the brightness can be changed to a brightness different from the recommended brightness even while the air conditioner is in operation.

  First, the operation state of the operation unit 16 is confirmed (S31). When the luminance is changed by the user's operation of the operation unit 16 (S32: Yes), the luminance after the change is reflected in the luminance control information (S33). At this time, the current luminance stored in the memory 12 may be replaced with the changed luminance. After this, the process proceeds to S34.

  The above-mentioned configuration is “providing that the user has an operation unit for performing operation input, and that the user has performed an operation for changing the brightness of the display unit, and the information creation unit is changed by the user when the release condition is satisfied. This is equivalent to “the predetermined brightness is set as the brightness”. With this configuration, priority can be given to user operations.

  On the other hand, when the user has not changed the brightness (S32: No), the solar radiation amount information included in the air conditioning information is acquired via the in-vehicle LAN 40 (S35). When the solar radiation sensor is provided in the navigation device 1, the solar radiation amount information may be acquired from the solar radiation sensor. Next, it is determined whether or not the amount of solar radiation is below a predetermined threshold. When the amount of solar radiation is below the threshold (S36: Yes), the luminance according to the amount of solar radiation is reflected in the luminance control information (S37). At this time, the current brightness stored in the memory 12 may be replaced with a brightness corresponding to the amount of solar radiation. After this, the process proceeds to S34.

  The above-described configuration includes a “irradiance amount information acquisition unit that acquires information including the amount of solar radiation incident on the interior of the vehicle, and the release condition is that the amount of solar radiation falls below a predetermined threshold. This is equivalent to “the luminance determined according to the amount is a predetermined luminance”. With this configuration, it is possible to eliminate a state where it is difficult to see the display screen in a state where the amount of solar radiation is small, for example, when traveling in a tunnel or shade. When returning to a state where the amount of solar radiation is large, the luminance before changing to the luminance corresponding to the amount of solar radiation may be used. The luminance before the change is saved in the memory 12 in advance.

  On the other hand, when the amount of solar radiation does not fall below the threshold value (S36: No), motor information from the engine ECU 30 is acquired via the in-vehicle LAN 40 (S38). Next, it is determined whether or not the prime mover is stopped. For example, when the start switch that permits the start of the prime mover is in the OFF state, it is determined that the prime mover is stopped. So-called stoppage of the prime mover by idling stop may be excluded.

  When the prime mover is not stopped (S39: No), this process is terminated. On the other hand, when the prime mover is stopped (S39: Yes), the brightness control information reflects the default brightness (S40). Instead of the default brightness, the current brightness saved in the memory 12 (that is, the brightness before changing to the recommended brightness) may be used. After this, the process proceeds to S34.

  The above-mentioned configuration includes a “storage unit that stores the current luminance of the display when the recommended luminance is calculated, and a prime mover information acquisition unit that obtains prime mover information including the state of the prime mover of the vehicle. The information generation unit corresponds to “the luminance read out from the storage unit is a predetermined luminance”. With this configuration, at the next start-up of the prime mover, the brightness read from the storage unit, that is, the brightness set by the user before the start of the air conditioning operation can be restored. Since it is considered that the user's preference is reflected on the brightness, it is possible to save the user from having to manually restore the brightness.

  In S34, the brightness control information is output. In the navigation device 1, the brightness of the display 15 is changed based on the brightness control information. In addition, the brightness control information is output to other devices such as fulfillment via the in-vehicle LAN 40.

  Although the embodiments have been described above, these are merely examples, and are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art are possible without departing from the scope of the claims. .

1 Navigation device (Vehicle brightness control device)
2 Air conditioner 10 ECU
11 CPU (information creation unit)
12 Memory (storage unit)
13 IO (information output unit)
14 Communication IF (air conditioning information acquisition unit, information output unit, solar radiation amount information acquisition unit, prime mover information acquisition unit)
15 Display 16 Operation unit 17 Position detection unit

Claims (7)

An air-conditioning information acquisition unit that acquires air-conditioning information reflecting the state of an air-conditioning apparatus that performs air-conditioning in the vehicle interior;
Based on the air conditioning information, an information creation unit that calculates the recommended brightness at the time of air conditioning of a display that is installed in the vehicle interior and displays various information, and creates brightness control information that reflects the recommended brightness;
An information output unit for outputting the brightness control information;
A vehicle brightness control apparatus comprising:   2. The vehicle brightness according to claim 1, wherein when the air conditioning information includes a state in which the air conditioner is in a cooling operation, the information creating unit makes the recommended brightness lower than a current brightness of the display. Control device.   The said information preparation part makes the said recommended brightness | luminance higher than the present brightness | luminance of the said display, when the said air conditioning information contains the state in which the said air conditioning apparatus is heating operation. Luminance control device for vehicles.   4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, when a predetermined release condition is satisfied, the information creating unit reflects a predetermined brightness in the brightness control information instead of the recommended brightness. 5. Brightness control device. Provided with an operation unit for user operation input,
The release condition is that the user has performed an operation to change the brightness of the display,
The vehicular luminance control device according to claim 4, wherein when the release condition is satisfied, the information creating unit sets the luminance changed by the user as the predetermined luminance. A solar radiation amount information acquisition unit for acquiring information including the solar radiation amount incident on the interior of the vehicle;
The cancellation condition is that the amount of solar radiation falls below a predetermined threshold,
6. The vehicle brightness control device according to claim 4, wherein the information creation unit sets the brightness determined in accordance with the amount of solar radiation as the predetermined brightness. 7. A storage unit for storing the current luminance of the display unit when the recommended luminance is calculated;
A prime mover information obtaining unit for obtaining prime mover information including a state of the prime mover of the vehicle;
With
The release condition is that the prime mover has stopped,
The vehicular luminance control device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the information creation unit sets the luminance read from the storage unit as the predetermined luminance.

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