JP2024084481A - Display device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a display device for vehicle capable of making display much more appropriate.SOLUTION: A display device 1 for vehicle mounted on a vehicle and performing display toward the outside of the vehicle comprises: a first lighting fixture unit 10 capable of displaying characters and graphics; a display control part 32 for controlling a display state of the first lighting fixture unit 10; and an information acquisition part 31 for acquiring the state of the vehicle and information about other traffic participants outside the vehicle. The display control part 32, on the basis of the information acquired by the information acquisition part 31, switches among three display states of displaying only characters, displaying only graphics, and displaying both characters and graphics.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a display device for a vehicle.

Conventionally, a vehicle display device has been proposed that displays information to traffic participants outside the vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This vehicle display device is equipped with a display unit that is capable of both text display and graphic display. This display device can clearly communicate information by displaying text, and can also communicate information in an intuitive and familiar way by displaying graphics.

JP 2020-170693 A

The vehicle display device described in Patent Document 1 displays text and graphics, allowing for clear information transmission as well as intuitive and familiar information transmission. However, there were times when neither display was appropriate.

The present invention was made to solve these problems, and its purpose is to provide a vehicle display device that can provide a more appropriate display.

The vehicle display device according to the present disclosure is a vehicle display device that is mounted on a vehicle and displays information toward the outside of the vehicle, and includes a display unit capable of displaying characters and figures, a display control unit that controls the display state of the display unit, and an acquisition unit that acquires information on the state of the vehicle and other traffic participants outside the vehicle, and the display control unit switches between three display states, displaying only characters, displaying only figures, and displaying both characters and figures, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit.

This disclosure makes it possible to provide a vehicle display device that can provide even more optimal display.

1 is a front view of a vehicle showing a state in which a display device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted; 1 is a block diagram showing a vehicle display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a front view of the first lamp unit shown in FIG. 1 . 1A is a first front view showing an example of the light-emitting state of the first lamp unit and the second lamp unit shown in FIG. 1, where (a) shows a first display example, (b) shows a second display example, (c) shows a third display example, and (d) shows a fourth display example. A second front view showing examples of the display state of the first lighting unit and the second lighting unit shown in Figure 1, where (a) shows a first display example, (b) shows a second display example, and (c) shows a third display example. 1 is a flowchart showing a light emission control method for a vehicle display device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a front view of a second lamp unit according to a first modified example. FIG. 11 is a front view of a second lamp unit according to a second modified example. FIG. 13 is a front view of a second lamp unit according to a third modified example.

The present invention will be described below in accordance with a preferred embodiment. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, in the embodiment described below, some configurations are omitted from illustration and description, but it goes without saying that publicly known or well-known technologies are used as appropriate for the details of the omitted technologies, within the scope of not causing any contradiction with the contents described below.

Fig. 1 is a front view of a vehicle showing the state in which a vehicle display device according to this embodiment is mounted, and Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the vehicle display device according to this embodiment. The vehicle display device 1 shown in Fig. 2 is mounted on a vehicle and displays information toward the outside of the vehicle, and includes a first lamp unit (display section) 10, a pair of second lamp units (second display sections) 20, and a control section 30.

The first lamp unit 10 is a horizontally elongated light-emitting display unit provided, for example, near the center of the vehicle width at the front of the vehicle as shown in FIG. 1. This first lamp unit 10 is composed of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), micro LEDs, LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays), organic LEDs, etc. The first lamp unit 10 is capable of displaying more detailed and diverse information than the second lamp unit 20. The first lamp unit 10 is capable of displaying characters and figures.

The pair of second lamp units 20 are light-emitting display units provided in pairs at positions that are on the outside left and right sides of the first lamp unit 10 when facing the first lamp unit 10. As described below, the second lamp unit 20 has multiple lens units (see reference numerals 21 to 23 in FIG. 3) and multiple light-emitting elements such as LEDs (not shown).

The control unit 30 shown in FIG. 2 controls the entire vehicle display device 1. In particular, in this embodiment, the control unit 30 controls the display state of the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20. The control unit 30 includes an information acquisition unit (acquisition unit) 31 and a display control unit 32.

The information acquisition unit 31 inputs and acquires external information. The external information is information on the state of the vehicle (for example, when stopped, when traveling at a speed of XX km/h, and when waiting to turn right, etc.), information on other traffic participants, and information on the collision risk. Outside the vehicle display device 1, a judgment unit is provided that judges the state of the vehicle based on information on vehicle traveling such as vehicle speed and engine speed, information on the position of the shift lever, information on component failures, information on whether the occupant is seated or fastened with a seat belt, and information on the operation of the vehicle such as the wipers. The information acquisition unit 31 acquires information on the state of the vehicle from such a judgment unit. Furthermore, outside the vehicle display device 1, a detection unit is provided that detects other traffic participants such as other vehicles and pedestrians based on information on an image captured by a camera (not shown) mounted on the vehicle. The information acquisition unit 31 acquires information on other traffic participants from such a detection unit. In addition, outside the vehicle display device 1, a judgment unit is provided that judges the collision risk of the vehicle colliding with other traffic participants based on information on the state of the vehicle and information on other traffic participants. The information acquisition unit 31 acquires collision risk information from such a determination unit.

In the vehicle display device 1 according to this embodiment, the information acquisition unit 31 acquires information by inputting information from the determination unit, detection unit, and judgment unit. However, the information acquisition unit 31 is not limited to this, and may be configured to include all or part of these units internally and acquire information by performing calculations on its own.

In the following description, the information acquisition unit 31 inputs information on the collision risk determined as one of three levels: "low," "medium," or "high." Here, a "low" collision risk corresponds to a case where a collision can be avoided by decelerating only by operating the accelerator, for example, and a "medium" collision risk corresponds to a case where a collision must be avoided by decelerating by operating the accelerator and brake, for example. A "high" collision risk corresponds to a case where a collision must be avoided by moving the vehicle by operating the handle (steering) in addition to operating the accelerator and brake, for example.

The display control unit 32 controls the display state of the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20 based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 31. In particular, the display control unit 32 switches between three display states: displaying only text, displaying only graphics, and displaying both text and graphics.

When only text is displayed, information can be transmitted clearly. When only figures are displayed, information can be transmitted in an intuitive and familiar way. In particular, when figures are displayed, information can be transmitted to young children who cannot understand text.

Furthermore, when both text and graphics are displayed, it is possible to achieve both. For example, when giving way to another traffic participant, it is desirable to communicate information in a friendly manner, but if only graphics are displayed, it is difficult to tell that the person is giving way, and when only text is displayed, the communication is unfriendly, although it is clear that the person is giving way. The display control unit 32 according to this embodiment can communicate information in a clear, intuitive and friendly manner by displaying both text and graphics, making it possible to further optimize the display.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display control unit 32 uses the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20 to display a representation of a human face. To display a representation of a human face, the first lamp unit 10 is capable of displaying a figure that resembles a mouth and is longer in the width direction than in the height direction, and the second lamp unit 20 is capable of emitting light in a pattern that resembles human eyes (particularly in a circular shape).

Figure 3 is a front view of the second lamp unit 20 shown in Figure 1. Note that in Figure 3, up and down refer to the vertical direction of the vehicle, and left and right refer to the left and right as seen from the viewer's side when viewing the vehicle from the front.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second lamp unit 20 has an annular lens portion 21 that can emit light in an annular shape (a perfect circle in the example shown in FIG. 3) and an intersection lens portion 22 that can emit light in an intersection shape (a cross shape in the example shown in FIG. 3). Each lens portion 21, 22 has a light-emitting element on the back surface, and lights up when the light-emitting element is turned on.

When viewed from the front, the annular lens section 21 includes an upper annular lens section 21a on the upper side, a right annular lens section 21b on the right side, a lower annular lens section 21c on the lower side, and a left annular lens section 21d on the left side. Each of these annular lens sections 21a to 21d is arc-shaped. The annular lens section 21 also includes first to fourth connecting lens sections 21e to 21h that are approximately square-shaped. Each connecting lens section 21e to 21h is arranged so that its apex faces up, down, left, and right. Of these connecting lens sections 21e to 21h, the first connecting lens section 21e is arranged between the upper annular lens section 21a and the right annular lens section 21b. The second connecting lens section 21f is arranged between the right annular lens section 21b and the lower annular lens section 21c. The third connecting lens section 21g is arranged between the lower annular lens section 21c and the left annular lens section 21d. The fourth connecting lens portion 21h is disposed between the left annular lens portion 21d and the upper annular lens portion 21a.

The intersection lens portion 22 includes a central lens portion 22a, radial lens portions 22b-22e, and semicircular lens portions 22f-22i. The intersection lens portion 22 also includes the connection lens portions 21e-21h described above. Therefore, the connection lens portions 21e-21h constitute part of the annular lens portion 21 and also constitute part of the intersection lens portion 22, and are used for both.

The central lens portion 22a is provided at a position that is the center of intersection. The position that is the center of intersection is also the center position of the circular annular lens portion 21. The central lens portion 22a is substantially square-shaped. The central lens portion 22a is arranged with its vertices facing in the up, down, left and right directions.

The radiating lens parts 22b to 22e are provided at positions that radiate from the central lens part 22a. The radiating lens parts 22b to 22e are substantially rectangular. The radiating lens parts 22b to 22e are arranged with their vertices facing the up, down, left and right directions. The first radiating lens part 22b is formed to extend in a direction of 45 degrees to the upper right of the central lens part 22a, and its outer tip faces the first connecting lens part 21e. The second radiating lens part 22c is formed to extend in a direction of 45 degrees to the lower right of the central lens part 22a, and its outer tip faces the second connecting lens part 21f. The third radiating lens part 22d is formed to extend in a direction of 45 degrees to the lower left of the central lens part 22a, and its outer tip faces the third connecting lens part 21g. The fourth radiating lens part 22e is formed to extend in a direction of 45 degrees to the upper left of the central lens part 22a, and its outer tip faces the fourth connecting lens part 21h.

Semicircular lens portions 22f-22i are provided protruding outward from each of connection lens portions 21e-21h, i.e., from the outside of annular lens portion 21. Semicircular lens portions 22f-22i are substantially semicircular in shape, with the arcs of the semicircles facing outward. First semicircular lens portion 22f is disposed outside first connection lens portion 21e. Second semicircular lens portion 22g is disposed outside second connection lens portion 21f. Third semicircular lens portion 22h is disposed outside third connection lens portion 21g. Fourth semicircular lens portion 22i is disposed outside fourth connection lens portion 21h.

Furthermore, the second lamp unit 20 has a fan lens portion 23. The fan lens portion 23 is provided so as to fill in the area inside the annular lens portion 21 where the cross lens portion 22 is not arranged. The fan lens portion 23 has an upper fan lens portion 23a, a right fan lens portion 23b, a lower fan lens portion 23c, and a left fan lens portion 23d. Each of the fan lens portions 23a to 23d has a fan shape with a central angle of approximately 90 degrees. Each of the fan lens portions 23a to 23d is arranged with the central angle side facing the central lens portion 22a. The upper fan lens portion 23a is arranged in the upper part of the annular lens portion 21, that is, in the area sandwiched between the upper annular lens portion 21a, the fourth radial lens portion 22e, and the first radial lens portion 22b. The right sector lens portion 23b is disposed in the right part of the annular lens portion 21, i.e., in the area sandwiched between the right sector lens portion 21b, the first radial lens portion 22b, and the second radial lens portion 22c. The lower sector lens portion 23c is disposed in the lower part of the annular lens portion 21, i.e., in the area sandwiched between the lower sector lens portion 21c, the second radial lens portion 22c, and the third radial lens portion 22d. The left sector lens portion 23d is disposed in the left part of the annular lens portion 21, i.e., in the area sandwiched between the left sector lens portion 21d, the third radial lens portion 22d, and the fourth radial lens portion 22e.

Figures 4 and 5 are front views showing examples of the display state of the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20 shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20 perform the following display according to the control of the display control unit 32.

First, as shown in FIG. 4(a), the display control unit 32 displays a horizontally long straight line in the lower area (lower area) LA of the first lamp unit 10 to represent the closed-eyes state. Furthermore, the display control unit 32 illuminates the light-emitting element on the rear side of the annular lens unit 21 of the second lamp unit 20 to make the annular lens unit 21 shine (hereinafter, the lens unit is expressed as emitting light because the viewer sees the lens unit illuminated by the light-emitting element as if it were emitting light), representing the open-eyes state with the eyes open. In this way, the display control unit 32 conveys information to external traffic participants that the vehicle is currently in a normal driving state by the closed-eyes state and the open-eyes state. The display state shown in FIG. 4(a) is displayed, for example, when the state shown in FIG. 4(b) to FIG. 4(d) and FIG. 5 does not apply.

Also, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the display control unit 32 displays a horizontally long rectangle in the lower area LA of the first lamp unit 10 to represent the open state. Also, the display control unit 32 displays the word "hello" in the upper area UA of the first lamp unit 10. Furthermore, the display control unit 32 causes only the upper annular lens portion 21a and the first and fourth connecting lens portions 21e and 21h of the second lamp unit 20 to emit light to represent the upper arc state in which the eyes form an upwardly convex arc. In this way, the display control unit 32 conveys information to external traffic participants that a greeting is being made by the open state, the word "hello," and the upper arc state. The display state shown in FIG. 4(b) is displayed, for example, when the information acquisition unit 31 acquires information that other traffic participants are present on the display side of the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20, and the state shown in FIG. 4(c), FIG. 4(d), and FIG. 5 does not apply.

As shown in FIG. 4(c), the display control unit 32 displays a horizontally long downward arc shape in the lower area LA of the first lamp unit 10 to represent a smiling state. The display control unit 32 also displays the words "We are departing" in the upper area UA of the first lamp unit 10. Furthermore, the display control unit 32 causes the annular lens unit 21 of the second lamp unit 20 to emit light to represent an open-eyed state. In this way, the display control unit 32 conveys information to external traffic participants that the vehicle is about to move forward by using the smiling state, the words "We are departing", and the open-eyed state. The display state shown in FIG. 4(c) is displayed, for example, when the vehicle is stopped, the shift lever is in drive, and information is acquired by the information acquisition unit 31 that another traffic participant is present on the display side.

As shown in FIG. 4(d), the display control unit 32 displays a horizontally long downward arc shape in the lower area LA of the first lamp unit 10 to represent a smiling state. The display control unit 32 also displays the words "Please take your time" in the upper area UA of the first lamp unit 10. Furthermore, the display control unit 32 causes only the upper annular lens portion 21a and the first and fourth connecting lens portions 21e and 21h of the second lamp unit 20 to emit light to represent an upward arc state. In this way, the display control unit 32 conveys information to external traffic participants that the vehicle is giving way by the smiling state, the words "Please take your time" and the upward arc state. The display state shown in FIG. 4(d) is displayed when there is another traffic participant at an intersection or a crosswalk and the vehicle is stopped.

As shown in FIG. 5(a), the display control unit 32 displays a horizontally long wave-shaped shape in the lower area LA of the first lamp unit 10 to express a confused state. The display control unit 32 also displays the word "Danger" in the upper area UA of the first lamp unit 10. Furthermore, the display control unit 32 causes the cross lens unit 22 of the second lamp unit 20 to emit light to express a cross state. In this way, the display control unit 32 conveys information to external traffic participants that there is a risk of collision by the confused state, the word "Danger", and the cross state. The display state shown in FIG. 5(a) is displayed when the information acquisition unit 31 acquires information that another traffic participant is present on the display side, and when information indicating a collision risk level that is less than the first risk level and equal to or greater than the second risk level is acquired (specifically, when information indicating a collision risk level of "medium" is acquired). Note that the second risk level is a risk level lower than the first risk level.

As shown in FIG. 5(b), the display control unit 32 causes the first lamp unit 10 to display the word "Danger" in large letters. Furthermore, the display control unit 32 turns off the second lamp unit 20. In this way, the display control unit 32 conveys information to external traffic participants that there is a relatively high risk of collision by displaying only the word "Danger" in large letters. The display state shown in FIG. 5(b) is displayed when the information acquisition unit 31 acquires information that another traffic participant is present on the display side and when information indicating a collision risk level equal to or higher than the first risk level (predetermined risk level) is acquired (specifically, when information indicating a collision risk level of "high" is acquired).

As shown in FIG. 5(c), the display control unit 32 displays a horizontally long rectangle in the lower area LA of the first lamp unit 10 to represent the open state. Furthermore, the display control unit 32 causes the cross lens unit 22 of the second lamp unit 20 to emit light to represent the cross state. In this way, the display control unit 32 conveys information to alert external traffic participants by displaying the closed state and the cross state. The display state shown in FIG. 5(c) is displayed when the information acquisition unit 31 acquires information that another traffic participant is present on the display side, and information indicating a collision risk level less than the second risk level is acquired (specifically, when information indicating a collision risk level of "low" is acquired) or when another vehicle approaches more closely than necessary.

When information indicating a collision risk equal to or greater than a predetermined risk level is acquired, the vehicle display device 1 as described above displays only text to clearly communicate the risk, as shown in FIG. 5(b). In particular, when the vehicle display device 1 displays only text in this manner, the character size is larger than when both displays shown in FIG. 4(b) to FIG. 4(d) and FIG. 5(a) are performed. The character size is, for example, 180 mm to 230 mm in length and width.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5(b), when only text is displayed in the first lamp unit 10, the vehicle display device 1 turns off the second lamp unit 20. This prevents attention from being drawn to the second lamp unit 20.

The vehicle display device 1 also displays a horizontally elongated figure in the lower area LA of the first lamp unit 10, as shown in Figures 4, 5(a) and 5(c). Here, the lower area LA is lower in the height direction than the center point of the second lamp unit 20 (the center position of the central lens portion 22a). Therefore, the mouth is displayed at a lower position than the eyes, making the facial expression more appropriate.

Next, a flowchart showing the processing of the vehicle display device 1 according to this embodiment is shown. As shown in FIG. 6, first, the information acquisition unit 31 of the control unit 30 inputs information from the outside and acquires information on the vehicle state, information on other traffic participants, and information on the collision risk (S1).

Next, the information acquisition unit 31 determines the display state of the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20 based on the information acquired in step S1 (S2). Thereafter, the display control unit 32 controls the display so as to achieve the display state determined in step S2 (S3). At this time, the display control unit 32 displays only text, only graphics, or both for the first lamp unit 10. Furthermore, the display control unit 32 displays a human face by displaying the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20. Thereafter, the process shown in FIG. 6 ends.

In this way, the vehicle display device 1 according to this embodiment obtains information on the vehicle's status and other traffic participants outside the vehicle, and switches between three display states: display of text only, display of graphics only, and display of both text and graphics. As a result, when only text is displayed, information can be transmitted clearly, and when only graphics are displayed, information can be transmitted in an intuitive and familiar way. In addition, because it is possible to display both text and graphics, it is possible to achieve a display that combines both, making the display even more appropriate.

In addition, when only text is displayed, the text size is made larger than when both displays are displayed, so information that you want to clearly communicate to others is displayed larger, improving the clarity of the information you transmit.

The vehicle also includes a pair of second lamp units 20 provided to the left and right of the first lamp unit 10, and the second lamp units 20 are capable of emitting light in a circular shape, and the first lamp unit 10 is capable of displaying a graphic that is longer in the width direction than in the height direction. This allows the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20 to display a graphic that resembles a human face. Thus, while attracting people's attention with the display that resembles a face, it is possible to display only a graphic or both, thereby reducing the possibility of the display being overlooked.

In particular, by using the vehicle display device 1 to display a human face, it is possible to provide a more familiar display than a graphic display. Therefore, when the vehicle display device 1 is installed in an autonomous vehicle, it is possible to effectively add familiarity to the autonomous vehicle, even though the autonomous vehicle is a mechanical vehicle that is not steered by a human, and this can be useful in forming rapport between people and the autonomous vehicle.

In addition, when the acquired collision risk information is equal to or greater than a predetermined risk level, displaying only text reduces the risk of misunderstanding the communication of collision risk information, allowing for a more appropriate display.

In addition, when only text is displayed, the text size must be between 180mm and 230mm, so that traffic participants with binocular vision of 0.7 at a distance of 40m can see the text accurately, and appropriate display can be provided.

In addition, when only text is displayed in the first lighting unit 10, the display control unit 32 turns off the second lighting unit 20, so that unnecessary display is deleted when the text is recognized, allowing information to be transmitted more appropriately.

When the first lamp unit 10 displays a figure that is longer in the width direction than in the height direction, the figure is displayed in the lower area LA, which is lower in the height direction than the center point of the second lamp unit 20. As a result, the horizontally elongated figure resembling a mouth is displayed at a position lower than the center point of the second lamp unit 20, allowing for an appropriate facial expression.

The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and modifications may be made or known technologies may be combined without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, the second lamp unit 20 may be as shown in Figures 7 to 9. Figure 7 is a front view of the second lamp unit 20a according to the first modified example. The second lamp unit (second display section) 20a according to the first modified example is configured without the semicircular lens sections 22f to 22i, as compared to the one shown in Figure 3. Even with this configuration, it is possible to emit light in at least a circular shape and to create an expression that resembles an eye.

Figure 8 is a front view of the second lamp unit 20b according to the second modification. The second lamp unit (second display unit) 20b according to the second modification does not have a central lens portion 22a, as compared to the one shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, the second lamp unit 20b according to the second modification has a different shape of the radiating lens portions 122b to 122e compared to the one shown in Figure 3. The radiating lens portions 122b to 122e according to the second modification are substantially pentagonal in shape with a triangular portion added to a substantially rectangular shape. The triangular portion is added to the side of the rectangle facing the center of the ring. As a result, the radiating lens portions 122b to 122e have a pointed shape toward the center of the ring, and the radiating lens portions 122b to 122e express the appearance of spreading from the center. Even with this configuration, it is possible to emit light in at least a ring shape and express an eye, as in the first modification.

Figure 9 is a front view of the second lamp unit 20c according to the third modified example. Compared to the second lamp unit (second display section) 20c shown in Figure 8, the second lamp unit (second display section) according to the third modified example does not have the semicircular lens sections 22f to 22i. Even with this configuration, it is still possible to emit light in at least a circular shape and to create an expression that resembles an eye.

As described above, the second lamp unit 20 can be configured in any way, and various modifications are possible, as long as it is capable of emitting light in a circular pattern to mimic an eye.

In addition, in this embodiment, the display control unit 32 sets the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20 to the display state shown in Figures 4 and 5, but this is not limited to this and various expressions are possible. In particular, in Figures 4 and 5, the second lamp unit 20 is displayed in the same way on the left and right, but it is also possible to display differently on the left and right.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example of the vehicle display device 1 provided at the front of the vehicle has been described, but the vehicle display device 1 may be provided at the rear or side of the vehicle, not limited to the front, and may emit light from inside the vehicle toward the outside.

Furthermore, the vehicle display device 1 according to this embodiment may also function as an existing lamp such as a headlamp, or may be provided separately from an existing lamp.

In addition, the display control unit 32 may cause each of the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20 to flash, or may cause only a portion of the unit to have a different color. Furthermore, the display control unit 32 may change the color, shape, etc. of all or a portion of each of the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20 in a time-division manner.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the center points of the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20 are arranged to be at the same height, but this is not limited to this, and they may be at different heights. In this case, by making the center point of the second lamp unit 20 higher than the center point of the first lamp unit 10, it becomes easier to express the face.

In addition, in the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, when the first lamp unit 10 displays both text and graphics, the text is displayed in the upper area UA and the graphics are displayed in the lower area LA, but this may be reversed if possible.

In addition, in this embodiment, the first lamp unit 10 emits light in a perfect circle as an example of an annular shape, but it is not limited to a perfect circle shape, and may be an ellipse, diamond, or other shape as long as it is annular and does not interfere with the eye-like shape. Also, in this embodiment, the inside of the annular shape of the first lamp unit 10 is non-emitting light, as shown in FIG. 4(b), but this is not limiting, and the inside may emit light.

In addition, in this embodiment, the detection unit provided outside (or inside) the vehicle display device 1 acquires information on captured images from a camera mounted on the vehicle when detecting other traffic participants outside the vehicle. However, this is not limited to the above, and if possible, the detection unit may detect other traffic participants based on GPS position information between the vehicle and other vehicles, information on captured images from cameras installed in other vehicles or on the roadside, and information from a radar device mounted on the vehicle.

Furthermore, in the vehicle display device 1 according to this embodiment, only text is displayed when the collision risk is equal to or greater than a predetermined collision risk, but the display of only text is not limited to this case. For example, when a host vehicle that has been parked for a long period of time starts moving, there is a high possibility that the host vehicle is in a parking lot. In such a case, when there are other traffic participants nearby, only the text "Starting" may be displayed to clearly communicate information to pedestrians and the like in the parking lot.

Furthermore, in the above description, it is assumed that lens portions 21 to 23 and 122b to 122e are individual lens members, but this is not a limitation, and each lens portion 21 to 23 and 122b to 122e may be integrated into one lens member, etc.

1: Vehicle display device 10: First lamp unit (display unit)
20, 20a, 20b, 20c: Second lighting unit (second display unit)
21: Annular lens unit 30: Control unit 31: Information acquisition unit (acquisition unit)
32: Display control unit LA: Lower area (lower area)

Claims (7)

A vehicle display device that is mounted on a vehicle and displays information toward the outside of the vehicle,
A display unit capable of displaying characters and graphics;
A display control unit that controls a display state of the display unit;
An acquisition unit that acquires information on a state of the vehicle and information on other traffic participants outside the vehicle,
The display device for a vehicle, wherein the display control unit switches between three display states, including displaying only text, displaying only graphics, and displaying both text and graphics, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit increases a character size when only characters are displayed compared to when both are displayed. A pair of second display units are provided at positions on the left and right outer sides of the display unit when the user faces the display unit,
The second display unit is capable of emitting light in a ring shape,
The display device for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the display unit is capable of displaying a graphic that is longer in a width direction than in a height direction. The acquisition unit acquires information on a collision risk between the vehicle and other traffic participants determined based on a state of the vehicle and information on other traffic participants outside the vehicle,
The display device for a vehicle according to claim 2 , wherein the display control unit controls the display unit to display only text when the collision risk acquired by the acquisition unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined collision risk. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the size of characters displayed on the display unit is 180 mm to 230 mm in length and width when only characters are displayed. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 3 , wherein the display control unit turns off the second display unit when only characters are displayed on the display unit. 4. The vehicle display device according to claim 3, wherein when the display unit displays a figure that is longer in a width direction than in a height direction, the display unit displays the figure in an area that is lower in a height direction than a center point of the second display unit.

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