JP5220718B2 - Vehicle display device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle display device that is arranged in the vicinity of a driver and displays visual information related to a meter and navigation.

  In general, visual information (for example, map information, route information, facility information, etc.) output by a navigation device is displayed on a display device (for example, a liquid crystal display) arranged in a center console portion of the vehicle. Is transmitted to the operator. However, in such a display device arranged in the center console unit, the driver's line of sight is often moved, and the driver may miss information displayed on the display device.

Therefore, a technique for displaying a navigation image in a meter panel is considered (see Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3).
For example, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, a display device is provided entirely in a meter panel, not a mechanical meter, and a pointer-driven meter image (analog meter image) is displayed on the display device. . Then, a navigation image is displayed together with the meter image so that both images can be viewed without a large movement of the line of sight.

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, both a digital meter image and a navigation image are displayed on a display device provided in a meter panel. Also in this case, both the meter image and the navigation image can be visually recognized without a large line-of-sight movement.

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 3, a liquid crystal display device is provided between mechanical meters, and a navigation image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device. Also in this case, both the meter display and the navigation image can be visually recognized in the same meter panel without large line-of-sight movement.

JP, 2004-157434, A JP-A-11-51686 JP 2004-251722 A

  In the above-described prior art, there is no disclosure or suggestion that the display timing of the navigation image displayed in the meter panel is considered in relation to the meter image or meter display (hereinafter referred to as meter image). Not.

  As the navigation image, for example, an image of a map display screen or a route guidance screen can be considered. And when the user sets the destination for route guidance, when the user instructs the completion of the setting while the route to the destination is displayed on the screen, or when viewing the detailed map The navigation image will be watched.

  However, if the meter image and the navigation image are displayed at the same time, the degree of gazing at the navigation image is reduced. Since the meter image is displayed together with the navigation image in the same display device, the degree of gazing at the navigation image is reduced. On the other hand, even if it is a mechanical meter, when the illumination light source of the pointer part or the dial part is turned on regardless of daytime or nighttime, if it is displayed together with such meter display and navigation image, the navigation image The degree of gaze is reduced.

  In view of such problems, the present invention provides a vehicular display device that can create a state in which a navigation image can be watched when a meter image and a navigation image are mixedly displayed in a meter panel. Objective.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, for example, the following vehicle display device (1: In this section, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, the “best mode for carrying out the invention” is The components described in the “Form” column are shown in parentheses, but this description is not meant to limit the scope of the claims).

  That is, a display means (30) provided in the meter panel and a display control means (10) for displaying navigation images and meter images (31a to 31d) on the display means (30) are provided. The display means (30) has a navigation display area (32) that is an area for displaying the navigation image and a meter display area (31) that is an area for displaying a meter image. Then, the display control means (10) is in a state in which the navigation apparatus and the meter image are not displayed on the display means (30) through the command receiving means (3, 5) for receiving an operation command from the user. When it is determined that the operation has been accepted or when it is determined that the vehicle has entered the first predetermined state by the state detection means for detecting a predetermined state of the vehicle, a navigation image is displayed, and then a command is issued. When it is determined that the second predetermined operation has been received via the receiving means (3, 5), or it is determined that the vehicle has entered the second predetermined state by the state detecting means for detecting a predetermined state of the vehicle. In such a case, the meter image is displayed together with the navigation image.

  As the “command receiving means”, for example, an ignition (IGN) switch (5) or an accessory (ACC) switch (3) can be considered. Specifically, when the user (for example, the driver) rotates the ignition key inserted into the key cylinder, the ACC switch (3) is turned on first, and when the user further rotates the IGN switch (5). Therefore, in this case, the first predetermined operation corresponds to “an operation to turn on the ACC switch (3)”, and the second predetermined operation corresponds to an “operation to turn on the IGN switch (5)”.

  In this way, the driver first turns on the ACC switch (3) to display a navigation image, and performs an operation for setting a destination for route guidance or displaying a detailed map. Can do. In such an operation, it is preferable to watch the navigation image more, but since the meter image is not displayed at this time, it is effective in that the navigation image can be watched. Then, when the driver further rotates the ignition key, the IGN switch (5) is turned on.

  Therefore, when the driver wants to gaze at the navigation image, the driver needs only to keep the ACC switch (3) on. If the driver does not need to gaze at the navigation image and wants to display the meter image, the driver can It is only necessary to turn on the IGN switch (5) for the first time.

  Examples of the “state detection means” include a sensor that detects that the driver is seated in the driver's seat. For example, when the driver is seated in the driver's seat, a vignetting image is displayed, and an operation for setting a destination for route guidance or a detailed map can be displayed for viewing. Then, when the ignition key is rotated, the IGN switch (5) is turned on, and a meter image can be displayed.

  Examples of the “command receiving unit” include the ACC switch (3) and the IGN switch (5), and the “state detection unit” includes, for example, a sensor that detects that the driver is seated in the driver's seat. However, these are related to the time-sequential relationship such as “ACC switch on → IGN switch on” or “Seating detection with seating sensor → IGN switch on”, for example, in normal riding operation on the vehicle. It is an example of two switches or sensor-switches or two sensors. For this reason, the present invention can be applied to other switches, sensors, and switches, or two sensors, which are in a temporal relationship in a normal riding operation on a vehicle.

  Further, when the navigation command receiving means (11) for receiving an operation command from the user that affects the display content of the navigation image is provided, the display control means (10) is specified by the navigation command receiving means (11) from the user. It may be determined that the second predetermined operation has been received when the command is received.

  For example, when the navigation image is a screen image for setting a destination, the driver usually performs various operations for setting the destination. Therefore, for example, when a destination is input via the navigation command receiving means (11) and a command indicating that the route setting is completed in a state where the route to the destination is displayed on the screen, the navigation image is displayed. Therefore, it is considered that the necessity of gazing at has become relatively low, and it is determined that the second predetermined operation has been accepted, and the meter image is displayed. In addition to route setting, for example, when an operation for displaying a detailed map is performed, when an operation command for returning from the detailed map to the normal map is received via the navigation command receiving means (11), the navigation image is watched. It is considered that the necessity to do so has become relatively low. Therefore, it is determined that the second predetermined operation has been accepted at that time, and the meter image is displayed.

  In the case of this vehicle display device, the meter image is displayed together with the navigation image when it is determined that the second predetermined operation has been received while the navigation image is displayed. This method realizes a state in which only a navigation image is displayed and a state in which both a meter image and a navigation image are displayed, using operations corresponding to each as a trigger. Therefore, there is an advantage that the user's intention is more easily reflected.

  In addition, when setting a route, a command indicating that the route setting has been completed is received as described above. For example, the driver simply checks the geography around the destination by scrolling the map. In some cases, route setting is not performed. In such a case, no instruction is given to indicate that the route setting has been completed. In order to cope with such a situation, the following may be performed. That is, the display control unit determines that the second predetermined state has been reached when the navigation command receiving unit continues to receive a command from the user for a predetermined time, and displays the meter image.

  However, in the case of the above-described display device for a vehicle, in order to display both the meter image and the navigation image, the second predetermined operation is always required after the first predetermined operation. Therefore, the following devices may be devised if the labor of such an operation is omitted as much as possible.

  That is, the display means (30) similar to the vehicle display device is provided, but the display control means (10) for displaying the navigation image and the meter image on the display means (30) has the following display control. I do. That is, when it is determined that a predetermined operation has been received via the command receiving means (3, 5) for receiving an operation command from the user in a state where no navigation image or meter image is displayed on the display means (30), or the vehicle When it is determined that the vehicle has entered the first predetermined state by the state detection means for detecting the predetermined state, a navigation image is displayed, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the meter image is displayed as the navigation image. It is displayed together.

  This “predetermined time” is an appropriate time for the user to confirm the details of the map, for example, and it is conceivable to set a time such as 30 seconds. In addition, the command receiving means (3, 5) in this case may be, for example, an IGN switch (5) or an ACC switch (3), and the “operation to turn on the ACC switch (3)” or “IGN switch (5) Any one of “operation to turn on” can be considered as “predetermined operation”.

  In this way, if the driver turns on the ACC switch (3) or the IGN switch (5), the navigation image is displayed, and then the meter image is automatically displayed together with the navigation image, for example, after 30 seconds. Thus, the operation time is reduced.

  By the way, when displaying a navigation image without displaying a meter image, you may devise as follows. The display means (30) has a navigation display area (32) that is an area for displaying a navigation image and a meter display area (31) that is an area for displaying a meter image. The display area of the navigation image does not need to be the same in the case where the navigation image is displayed without displaying the meter image and the case where the navigation image is displayed together with the meter image and the navigation image.

  Therefore, the following may be performed. That is, when displaying only the navigation image without displaying the meter image, the display control means (10) displays the navigation image with the navigation display area (32) enlarged, and displays the meter image together with the navigation image. In the case of display, the navigation image is displayed in a state where the navigation display area (32) that has been enlarged is restored.

  In this way, the navigation image that the user wants to watch more can be displayed in the enlarged display area. As a case where the navigation image is displayed in a state where the navigation display area is enlarged as described above, for example, the above-described screen for setting the destination or the image of the detailed map screen may be displayed. Of course, other images may be used.

  By the way, in the vehicle display device of the present invention, the navigation image is displayed with priority over the meter image. However, the vehicle driver confirms the start of power supply to various parts of the vehicle such as various warning light images. The vehicle state image to be displayed may be displayed together with the navigation image. That is, it is meaningful in that the vehicle state is notified to the driver as early as possible. In that case, it is preferable to configure as shown in claim 7. That is, the display means has a vehicle state display area for displaying the vehicle state image, and the display control means displays the navigation state image and also the vehicle state image.

  The vehicle display device (1) described above is premised on a so-called digital meter type that displays an image regarding a meter. The following vehicle display devices are premised on a mechanical meter type.

  That is, the illumination light source (136, 137) of the mechanical meter provided in the meter panel, the display means (132) provided in the meter panel, the lighting control of the illumination light source, and the navigation image on the display means. Control means (110) for executing display control to be displayed. The control means (110) accepts an operation command from the user in a state where the navigation image is not displayed on the display means (132) and the illumination light source (136, 137) for the mechanical meter is not turned on. When it is determined that the first predetermined operation has been received via the command receiving means (3, 5), or when it is detected that the vehicle has entered the first predetermined state by the state detecting means for detecting a predetermined state of the vehicle. If the determination is made, the navigation image is displayed, and then the vehicle is detected by the state detection means for detecting the second predetermined operation via the command receiving means (3, 5) or the predetermined state of the vehicle. When it is determined that the second predetermined state is detected, the illumination light source (136, 137) for the mechanical meter is turned on.

  The “command receiving means” and the “state detection means” are the same as described above, and for example, an IGN switch (5), an ACC switch, or a seating sensor can be considered. For this reason, for example, the driver turns on the ACC switch (3) to display a navigation image, performs an operation for setting a destination for route guidance, performs a route setting completion command operation, or displays a detailed map. You can display it. In such an operation, it is preferable to watch the navigation image more, but since the meter image is not displayed at this time, it is effective in that the navigation image can be watched. The illumination light source (136, 137) for the mechanical meter is turned on only when the driver further turns the ignition key to turn on the IGN switch (5).

  Therefore, when the driver wants to gaze at the navigation image, the driver needs only to keep the ACC switch (3) turned on, so that the navigation image need not be gazeed, and the illumination light source (136, 136) for the mechanical meter is eliminated. If it is possible to turn on 137), an operation of turning on the IGN switch (5) for the first time only has to be performed.

  Further, when the navigation command receiving means (161) for receiving an operation command from the user that affects the display content of the navigation image is provided, the control means (110) is configured so that the navigation command receiving means (161) is specified by the user. When the command is received, it may be determined that the second predetermined operation is received. About the effect by this, it is the same as that of the case of the display apparatus for vehicles in the case of the digital meter type mentioned above.

  The display control means determines that the second predetermined state has been reached when the navigation command receiving means has not received a command from the user for a predetermined time, and the illumination light source for the mechanical meter is determined. You may make it light. About the effect by this, it is the same as that of the case of the display apparatus for vehicles in the case of the digital meter type mentioned above.

To turn on the mechanical the meter illumination source (136, 137) together with displaying the navigation image in the above-described mechanical vehicle display device assumes meter type (101), always after the first predetermined operation A second predetermined operation is required. Therefore, a device as shown in claim 1 may be devised if it is possible to save such an operation.

That is, the vehicle display device according to claim 1 includes the illumination light source (136, 137) and display means (132) of the mechanical meter similar to the vehicle display device described above, but the illumination light source (136). The control means (110) that executes the lighting control of 137) and the display control for displaying the navigation image on the display means (132) performs the following control. That is, the command receiving means (3, 5) for receiving the operation command from the user in a state where the navigation image is not displayed on the display means (132) and the illumination light sources (136, 137) of the mechanical meter are not turned on. ) When it is determined that the first predetermined operation has been received via the navigation system or when it is determined that the vehicle has entered the first predetermined state by the state detection means for detecting the predetermined state of the vehicle. When a predetermined time based on the user's operation or operation, which is considered to be relatively highly necessary to watch the navigation image afterwards, is displayed, the display of the navigation image is maintained and the illumination of the mechanical meter is maintained. The light sources (136, 137) are automatically turned on.

  The “predetermined time” is an appropriate time for the user to check the details of the map, for example, as described in the case of the vehicle display device in the case of the digital meter type described above. It is possible to set.

  Further, a warning light illumination light source provided in the meter panel may be provided, and the control means may display a navigation image and turn on the warning light illumination light source. About the effect by this, it is the same as that of the case of the display apparatus for vehicles in the case of the digital meter type mentioned above.

  By the way, the display apparatus for vehicles demonstrated so far may be used independently, and may be used with the navigation apparatus separately mounted in the vehicle. However, if it is used together with the navigation device (50), synchronization with the navigation device (50) can be considered. That is, data communication with the navigation device (50) is possible (in FIG. 1, data communication is performed via the communication unit 20), and the control means (110) is connected to the navigation device (50). The navigation image to be displayed is obtained and displayed, and the display contents are displayed in synchronization with the navigation device (50).

  When displaying the display content in synchronization with the navigation device, for example, the vehicle display device receives a synchronization signal transmitted from the navigation device, and controls to synchronize the display based on the synchronization signal. Alternatively, the synchronization signal may be transmitted from the vehicle display device to the navigation device to synchronize the display.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the display apparatus 1 for vehicles of 1st Embodiment, and the navigation apparatus 50 connected to it. It is a front view of display device 1 for vehicles of a 1st embodiment. It is a time chart for demonstrating the action | operation of the vehicle display apparatus 1 of 1st Embodiment. It is a time chart for demonstrating the operation | movement of another aspect in the display apparatus 1 for vehicles of 1st Embodiment. It is a time chart for demonstrating the operation | movement of another aspect in the display apparatus 1 for vehicles of 1st Embodiment. It is a time chart for demonstrating the operation | movement of another aspect in the display apparatus 1 for vehicles of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the display apparatus 1 for vehicles of 2nd Embodiment. It is a front view of the display apparatus 101 for vehicles of 2nd Embodiment. It is a time chart for demonstrating the action | operation of the display apparatus 101 for vehicles of 2nd Embodiment.

  Embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and can take various forms as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[First Embodiment]
[Description of configuration]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a vehicle display device 1 and a navigation device 50 connected thereto according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the vehicle display device 1. The vehicle display device 1 and the navigation device 50 are each composed of components described below, and are used by being mounted on a vehicle. First, the vehicle display device 1 will be described.

<Configuration of vehicle display device 1>
The vehicle display device 1 includes a meter control unit 10, an operation switch group 11, an in-vehicle LAN communication unit 15, a communication unit 20, a TFT light source 25, and a TFT display 30.

  The in-vehicle LAN communication unit 15 includes various ECUs (for example, engine ECU, AT-ECU, etc.) and various warning sensors (brake warning light, hydraulic warning light, exhaust temperature warning light, battery warning light) connected to a not-shown in-vehicle LAN. , ABS warning light, engine warning light, door warning light, etc.).

  The communication unit 20 is connected to the navigation device 50 (specifically, connected to the communication unit 70 of the navigation device 50) and is responsible for communication with the navigation device 50. The image data of the navigation image displayed mainly on the TFT display 30 is received.

The TFT light source 25 is a light source for the TFT display 30.
The TFT display 30 is provided in a meter panel (not shown) and includes a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, and the like. The TFT display 30 has a color image display function, and the display area is divided into a meter display area 31, a navigation display area 32, and a vehicle state display area 33, as shown in FIG. be able to.

  The meter display area 31 is a display area for displaying vehicle speed information acquired from various ECUs (not shown) via the in-vehicle LAN communication unit 15, engine speed, fuel remaining amount, engine cooling water temperature, and the like as images in an analog meter style. is there. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, a speed meter image 31a and a remaining fuel meter image 31c are displayed on the left side as viewed from the driver, and a tachometer image 31b and an engine are displayed on the right side as viewed from the driver. A cooling water temperature meter image 31d is displayed.

  The navigation display area 32 displays a navigation image (for example, an image such as a map near the current position, an icon indicating the current position, or a guide map for route guidance) acquired from the navigation device 50 via the communication unit 20. This is a display area. As will be described in detail later, in a predetermined state, the navigation display area 32 can be enlarged and a navigation image can be displayed as shown in FIG.

  The vehicle state display area 33 acquires a warning sensor state acquired from various warning sensors (not shown) via the in-vehicle LAN communication unit 15, that is, information indicating whether or not a warning is necessary. Is a display area for displaying as a warning lamp image corresponding to the corresponding warning sensor. The warning light image is an image schematically showing warning lights such as a brake warning light, a hydraulic pressure warning light, an exhaust temperature warning light, a battery warning light, an ABS warning light, an engine warning light, and a door warning light. Since this image itself is publicly known content, detailed explanation is omitted.

  The operation switch group 11 includes a touch panel configured integrally with the display surface of the TFT display 30, mechanical key switches provided around the TFT display 30, and the like, and inputs various commands from the driver. . The touch panel and the TFT display 30 are laminated and integrated. There are various types of touch panels such as a pressure-sensitive method, an electromagnetic induction method, a capacitance method, and a combination thereof. Any of them may be used.

  The meter control unit 10 is composed mainly of a well-known microcomputer comprising a CPU, ROM, RAM, SRAM, I / O and a bus line connecting these components, and the program stored in the ROM and RAM is stored in the program. Various processes are executed based on this. For example, based on data received from various ECUs via the in-vehicle LAN communication unit 15, the vehicle speed, engine speed, fuel remaining amount, engine cooling water temperature, etc. are displayed on the meter display area 31 of the TFT display 30 by analog display. Warning sensors acquired from various warning sensors via the in-vehicle LAN communication unit 15 or a map image is displayed on the navigation display area 32 of the TFT display 30 based on the image data sent from the navigation device 50 Based on the state, a process of displaying a warning light image indicating a warning content that requires a warning in the vehicle state display area 33 of the TFT display 30 is executed.

  Further, an accessory (ACC) switch 3 and an ignition (IGN) switch 5 are also connected to the meter control unit 10. In the present embodiment, when the ignition key is operated by the driver and the ACC switch 3 is turned on, the vehicle display device 1 is supplied with power, and each part of the vehicle display device 1 can be operated. It becomes. It should be noted that the IGN switch 5 is not turned on by rotating the ignition key, but a configuration in which the user holding the so-called smart key turns on the switch by rotating the knob or pressing the button may be adopted. Of course, good.

<Configuration of Navigation Device 50>
Navigation device 50, navigation control unit 60, operation switch group 61 for inputting various instructions from the user, TFT light source 62, TFT display 63, and position detector 64 for detecting the current position of the vehicle , A map data input device 65 for inputting data from a map storage medium in which map data, voice data, and the like are recorded, and a communication unit 70 having a communication function with the vehicle display device 1 are provided.

  The operation switch group 61 includes a touch panel configured integrally with the display surface of the TFT display 63, mechanical key switches provided around the TFT display 63, and the like, and inputs various commands from the driver. .

The TFT light source 62 is a light source for the TFT display 63.
The TFT display 63 is provided in a center console section (not shown), and includes a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, and the like. The TFT display 63 has a color image display function. The display screen is specified from the current location of the vehicle detected by the position detector 64 and the map data input from the map data input unit 65. Additional data such as a mark indicating the current location, a guide route to the destination, a name, a landmark, and marks of various facilities can be displayed in an overlapping manner. Also, facility guides can be displayed.

  The position detector 64 receives a radio wave from a GPS (Global Positioning System) artificial satellite via a GPS antenna (not shown) and outputs the received signal, and the magnitude of rotational motion applied to the vehicle. And a distance sensor for detecting the distance traveled from the longitudinal acceleration or the like of the vehicle. The navigation control unit 60 calculates the position / orientation / speed of the vehicle based on the output signals from these sensors.

  The communication unit 70 is connected to the vehicle display device 1 (specifically, connected to the communication unit 20 of the vehicle display device 1), and is responsible for communication with the vehicle display device 1. Image data of an image to be displayed mainly on the vehicle display device 1 is transmitted.

  The map data input device 65 is a device for inputting various data stored in a map data storage medium (not shown) (for example, a hard disk or a DVD-ROM). Map data storage media include map data (node data, link data, cost data, background data, road data, name data, mark data, intersection data, facility data, etc.), voice data for guidance, voice recognition data, etc. Is remembered. Instead of inputting these data from the map data storage medium, these data may be input via a communication network.

  The navigation control unit 60 is configured around a well-known microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, SRAM, I / O, and a bus line connecting these components, and the program stored in the ROM and RAM is stored in the program. Various processes are executed based on this. For example, the current position of the vehicle is calculated as a set of coordinates and traveling directions based on each detection signal from the position detector 64, and a map or the like near the current position read via the map data input device 65 is displayed on the TFT display 63. Route calculation processing for calculating the optimum route from the current position to the destination based on the processing to be displayed and the map data stored in the map data input device 65 and the destination set according to the operation of the operation switch group 61 Or the route guidance process etc. which guide a route by displaying the calculated route on the TFT display 63 are executed.

  An accessory (ACC) switch 3 is also connected to the navigation control unit 60. When the ignition key is operated by the driver and the ACC switch 3 is turned on, power is supplied to the navigation device 50. Thus, each part of the navigation device 50 becomes operable.

[Description of operation and effect]
Next, the operation of the vehicle display device 1 will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG. As for the operation of the navigation device 50, only a necessary part in relation to the vehicle display device 1 will be described.

  When the ignition key is operated by the driver to enter the accessory power supply (ACC) state (see FIG. 3A), each part of the vehicle display device 1 and the navigation device 50 becomes operable. Then, the meter control unit 10 of the vehicle display device 1 turns on the TFT light source 25 (see FIG. 3C) and starts a display process of the navigation image on the TFT display 30 (FIG. 3D). reference). On the other hand, the navigation control unit 60 of the navigation device 50 turns on the TFT light source 62 and starts a navigation image display process on the TFT display 63 (see FIG. 3H).

  The meter control unit 10 of the vehicle display device 1 that has started the display processing of the navigation image, as shown in FIG. 2A, the navigation display area 32 in the TFT display 30 is compared with the state shown in FIG. To enlarge. In the state shown in FIG. 2B, a meter display area 31, a navigation display area 32, and a vehicle state display area 33 must be secured on the TFT display 30. That is, a speed meter image 31a, a tachometer image 31b, a fuel remaining amount meter image 31c, and an engine cooling water temperature meter image 31d are displayed in the meter display region 31, and a warning light image is displayed in the vehicle state display region 33. The display area 32 becomes relatively small. In contrast, in the state shown in FIG. 2A, since only the navigation image is displayed, the navigation image is displayed after the navigation display area 32 is enlarged as much as possible. That is, in the state shown in FIG. 2B, the place secured as the meter display region 31 and the vehicle state display region 33 is also used as the navigation display region 32 in the state shown in FIG.

  Then, when the ignition key is further operated by the driver to enter the ignition power supply (IGN) state (see FIG. 3B), the meter control unit 10 displays the display area of the TFT display 30 in FIG. From the state where the navigation display area 32 is enlarged as shown in FIG. 2B, as shown in FIG. 2B, the “normal display” state in which the meter display area 31, the navigation display area 32 and the vehicle state display area 33 are secured. Change to A meter image (speed meter image 31a, tachometer image 31b, fuel remaining amount meter image 31c, engine cooling water temperature meter image 31d) is displayed on the meter display region 31, and a warning light image is displayed on the vehicle state display region 33. (See FIG. 3F).

  Among these, when displaying the meter image (speed meter image 31a, tachometer image 31b, fuel remaining amount meter image 31c, engine cooling water temperature meter image 31d) on the meter display area 31, the pointer portion is displayed on the dial portion. Than before. In other words, when the ignition power supply (IGN) is entered (see FIG. 3B), the meter image (speed meter image 31a, tachometer image 31b, remaining fuel meter image 31c, engine cooling water temperature meter image 31d) is displayed on the meter display area 31. The image of only the pointer portion in) is displayed (see FIG. 3E). When a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) elapses after the pointer portion image is displayed, the dial portion image is displayed as shown in FIG.

  In this manner, when the driver rotates the ignition key inserted into the key cylinder so that the ACC switch 3 is turned on, the state shown in FIG. The navigation image can be displayed in the navigation display area 32 in an enlarged state as compared with FIG. Therefore, it is possible to display a navigation image in a state where such a display area is enlarged and to perform an operation for setting a destination for route guidance or to display a detailed map. Note that the driver can perform operations for purpose setting and operations such as map enlargement / reduction via the operation switch group 11. In such an operation, it is preferable to watch the navigation image more. However, since the meter image is not displayed at this time, the navigation image can be watched effectively.

  For example, if the destination setting is completed and the navigation image does not need to be watched, and the meter image is to be displayed, the driver may further turn the ignition key by turning the ignition key. . Conversely, when the driver wants to watch the navigation image, the driver needs only to keep the ACC switch 3 turned on. If the driver wants to keep the navigation image enlarged as shown in FIG. The operation to turn on the IGN switch 5 is not necessary.

  Further, the display of the meter images 31a to 31d is devised also in terms of production. That is, the dial portion image is displayed after a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) elapses after the pointer portion image is displayed. By doing in this way, with respect to the image of the meter portion, the pointer is displayed in a state where the dial is not displayed, and then the dial is displayed. Therefore, the effect of rendering is further enhanced, and the meter images 31a to 31d are displayed. It is effective in increasing the interest of the driver.

  The warning light images are all displayed once for checking the initial state, and then not displayed when there is no actual need for warning. For example, if the IGN switch 5 remains in the ON state, the display is not automatically performed after a predetermined time such as 3 seconds. In addition, when the engine is started, it is not automatically displayed. A known method may be used for dealing with the warning light image after the display, and since it is not the main point of the present invention, detailed description thereof is omitted.

[Another aspect]
(1) In the above description, the ACC switch 3 is turned on as a trigger for enlarging and displaying the navigation image, and the IGN switch 5 is turned on as a trigger for returning the navigation image to the normal display and displaying it together with the meter image and the warning light image. These are examples of two switches that have a temporal relationship, such as “ACC switch 3 is turned on → IGN switch 5 is turned on” in a normal riding operation on the vehicle. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to other switches as long as they are two switches that are temporally related to each other in a normal riding operation on the vehicle.

  For example, a switch (door switch) that detects that the driver's door has been opened, a switch that detects that the ignition key has been inserted into the key cylinder (key insertion switch), an ACC switch, and an IGN switch Considering the turn-on order, the temporal relationship in the normal boarding operation on the vehicle is door switch → key insertion switch → ACC switch → IGN switch. Accordingly, the operation for turning on any of the door switch, the key insertion switch, and the ACC switch is designated as a “first predetermined operation”, and the navigation image is enlarged to display any one of the key insertion switch, the ACC switch, and the IGN switch. The operation that is turned on and that occurs after the first predetermined operation is referred to as a “second predetermined operation”, and the navigation image may be returned to the normal display and displayed together with the meter image and the warning light image. . Of course, it is also conceivable to employ other operations for the switches as the first or second predetermined operation.

  Moreover, it is good also as a trigger when it detects that it became "the 1st predetermined state" by the state detection means which detects the predetermined state of a vehicle instead of such a switch. Examples of the state detection means include a sensor that detects that the driver is seated in the driver's seat. For example, when it is detected as a “first predetermined state” that the driver is seated by a seating sensor that detects that the driver is seated in the driver's seat, the navigation image is enlarged and then the IGN switch 5 is turned on. Then, display control may be performed so that the navigation image is returned to the normal display and displayed together with the meter image and the warning light image.

  In addition to this, when it is detected that the door is locked, when it is detected that the seat belt is worn, when it is detected that the door is closed (for example, when the door is not inserted) Can also be considered as the “first predetermined state”.

  The “second predetermined state” includes, for example, when the parking brake is released, when the accelerator pedal is depressed, when the shift lever is operated, and when the vehicle speed is less than 0 based on a signal from the vehicle speed sensor. When it is detected that the size has increased, it is conceivable. These indicate a state in which the vehicle is about to start or has started.

  (2) In the above description, the ACC switch 3 is turned on as a trigger for enlarging the navigation image, and the IGN switch 5 is turned on as a trigger for returning the navigation image to the normal display and displaying it together with the meter image and the warning light image. As the “trigger for returning the navigation image to the normal display and displaying it together with the meter image and the warning light image”, the following operation may be employed. That is, when a specific command is input via the operation switch group 11, the navigation image is returned to the normal display and displayed together with the meter image and the warning light image. The operation of the vehicle display device 1 in that case will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG.

  As described above, when the navigation image to be enlarged is an image of the route setting screen, for example, when the driver sets a destination, the route to the destination is displayed in the navigation display area 32. Ask the driver if the setting is complete. Specifically, a “complete” switch image is displayed on the screen, and a guidance display such as “please press the completion switch if this guide route is acceptable” is displayed. Here, when the driver depresses the “complete” switch image portion, the path setting is completed by detecting the depressing operation on the touch panel integrated with the display surface of the touch TFT display 30 in the operation switch group 11. The switch is turned on (see FIG. 4B). Of course, instead of the touch panel, one of mechanical key switches provided around the TFT display 30 may be adopted as the path setting completion switch. 4B is the same as that in FIGS. 3A and 3C except for the portion where the path setting completion switch is ON, that is, FIGS. 4A and 4C are the same as FIGS. Therefore, explanation is omitted.

  As described above, when the instruction indicating that the route setting is completed is received, it is considered that the necessity of gazing at the navigation image is relatively low. Therefore, an enlarged display as illustrated in FIG. Therefore, the meter image and the warning light image are displayed as shown in FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 4, the case of route setting is taken as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when an operation for displaying a detailed map is performed, if an operation command for returning from the detailed map to the normal map is received via the operation switch group 11, it is considered that the necessity of gazing at the navigation image is relatively low. Therefore, when the “operation command to return to the normal map” is received, the enlarged display as shown in FIG. 2 (a) is stopped, and the meter image or warning light image is displayed as shown in FIG. 2 (b). Is also possible.

  (3) Accept a command indicating that the route setting has been completed as described with reference to FIG. 4, or accept an operation command to return from the detailed map to the normal map as described in the different mode (2). In such a case, a meter image or warning light image may be displayed triggered by the specific operation. However, for example, the driver may simply scroll the map and check the geography around the destination by himself / herself, and may not set the route. In such a case, no instruction is given to indicate that the route setting has been completed. Therefore, it may be determined that a “second predetermined state” has been reached when a state in which a command from the user is not received for a predetermined time continues, and a meter image or a warning light image may be displayed. The operation of the vehicle display device 1 in that case is shown in the time chart of FIG. As shown in FIG. 5B, when a predetermined time has passed without any operation after the scroll operation has been completed (timeout), the enlarged navigation image is returned to the normal display. A meter image and a warning light image are displayed.

  (4) In the above description, the navigation image is enlarged and displayed when the ACC switch 3 is turned on, and the navigation image is returned to the normal display and displayed together with the meter image and the warning light image when the IGN switch 5 is turned on. This method realizes a state in which only the navigation image is enlarged and a state in which the navigation image is returned to the normal display and displayed together with the meter image and the warning light image, using the corresponding driver's operation as a trigger. Therefore, there is an advantage that the driver's intention is more easily reflected.

  However, in order to display both the meter image and the navigation image, it is necessary to always turn on the IGN switch 5 after turning on the ACC switch 3. Therefore, if the labor of such an operation is saved as much as possible, the following device may be devised.

  That is, when the ACC switch 3 is turned on, the navigation image is enlarged and displayed, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the navigation image is returned to the normal display and displayed together with the meter image and the warning light image. This “predetermined time” is an appropriate time for the user to confirm the details of the map, for example, and it is conceivable to set a time such as 30 seconds.

The trigger for enlarging and displaying the navigation image may be “ON of the IGN switch 5” instead of “ON of the ACC switch 3”.
In this way, if the driver turns on the ACC switch 3 or the IGN switch 5, a navigation image is displayed, and then, for example, a meter image and a warning light image are automatically displayed together with the navigation image after 30 seconds. Thus, the operation time is reduced.

  However, in this case, for example, after a predetermined time of 30 seconds has elapsed, the navigation image automatically changes from enlarged display to normal display. Therefore, in the case where there is a difference in required time depending on the person who operates as in the route setting, the navigation image is enlarged when the ACC switch 3 is turned on, and the navigation image is returned to the normal display when the IGN switch 5 is turned on. And “display together with warning light image” is preferable.

  (5) In the above embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 3, the navigation image is displayed with priority over the meter image and various warning light images. However, as shown in FIG. Various warning light images may be displayed together with the navigation image. This is because it is meaningful in that the vehicle state is notified to the driver as early as possible. In that case, the vehicle state display area 33 shown in FIG. 2B may be displayed in combination with the enlarged navigation image shown in FIG. Since the vehicle state display area 33 is a relatively small display area, the visibility of the navigation image is not greatly impaired.

  (6) For the navigation device 50, for example, a speaker (voice output unit) is provided if a voice guidance function is added, or a microphone (voice) is added if a function for inputting instructions from the driver by voice is added. An input unit) may be provided. In addition to the operation switch group 61, a remote control sensor for receiving a signal from a remote controller operated by the driver may be provided if a function that allows the driver to input an instruction by remote control operation is added. Since these are all known techniques, detailed description thereof is omitted.

[Second Embodiment]
[Description of configuration]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the vehicle display device 101 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a front view of the vehicle display device 101. The vehicle display device 1 according to the first embodiment described above is premised on a so-called digital meter type that displays an image regarding a meter. On the other hand, the vehicular display device 101 of the second embodiment is premised on a mechanical meter type.

  The vehicle display device 101 includes a meter control unit 110, an in-vehicle LAN communication unit 115, a speed meter 131a, a tachometer 131b, a fuel meter 131c, a water temperature meter 131d, a pointer illumination light source 136, and a dial illumination light source 137. A warning lamp 133 (see FIG. 7), a warning lamp illumination light source 135, a TFT light source 125, a TFT display 132, an operation switch group 161, a position detector 164 for detecting the current position of the vehicle, A map data input unit 165 for inputting data from a map storage medium in which map data, voice data, and the like are recorded.

  The in-vehicle LAN communication unit 115 includes various ECUs (for example, engine ECU, AT-ECU, etc.) connected to an in-vehicle LAN (not shown) and various warning sensors (brake warning light, hydraulic warning light, exhaust temperature warning light, battery warning light). , ABS warning light, engine warning light, door warning light, etc.).

  The speed meter 131a is a meter for displaying the speed of the vehicle, and is configured to operate based on a signal from the control unit 110. Control unit 110 acquires vehicle speed information from a speed sensor (not shown) via in-vehicle LAN communication unit 115, and outputs a signal corresponding to the speed information to speed meter 131a.

  The tachometer 131b is a meter for displaying the rotational speed of the engine, and is configured to operate based on a signal from the control unit 110. Control unit 110 acquires engine speed information from an engine ECU (not shown) via in-vehicle LAN communication unit 115, and outputs a signal corresponding to the speed information to tachometer 131b.

  The fuel meter 131c is a meter for displaying the amount of remaining fuel, and is configured to operate based on a signal from the control unit 110. The control unit 110 acquires fuel remaining amount information from a sensor (not shown) that detects the remaining amount of fuel provided in the fuel tank via the in-vehicle LAN communication unit 115, and outputs a signal corresponding to the remaining fuel amount information. Output to the fuel meter 131c.

  The water temperature meter 131d is a meter for displaying the level of the engine coolant temperature, and is configured to operate based on a signal from the control unit 110. The control unit 110 acquires water temperature information from a sensor (not shown) that detects the water temperature of the engine cooling water via the in-vehicle LAN communication unit 115, and outputs a signal corresponding to the water temperature information to the water temperature meter 131d.

  The pointer illumination light source 136 is provided for each pointer of each meter 131a, 131b, 131c, 131d and is a light source for illuminating the pointer. As the light source, various light emitters such as LEDs can be used.

Similarly to the pointer illumination light source 136, the dial illumination light source 137 is provided for each dial of each meter 131a, 131b, 131c, 131d, and is a light source for illuminating the dial.
The warning light 133 is, for example, a brake warning light, a hydraulic pressure warning light, an exhaust temperature warning light, a battery warning light, an ABS warning light, an engine warning light, a door warning light, and the like, and the contents of each warning are schematically or by letters. A lamp is provided. Since this lamp itself is a known content, a detailed description is omitted.

The warning lamp illumination light source 135 is provided for each warning lamp (warning lamp) described above, and is a light source for illuminating the warning lamp.
The TFT light source 125 is a light source for the TFT display 132.

  The TFT display 132 is provided between the speed meter 131a and the tachometer 131b in the meter panel, and includes a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like. The TFT display 30 has a color image display function, and displays a navigation image (for example, an image such as a map near the current position, an icon indicating the current position, or a guide map for route guidance). To do.

  The operation switch group 161 includes a touch panel configured integrally with the display surface of the TFT display 132, and inputs various commands from the driver. The touch panel and the TFT display 132 are laminated and integrated.

  The position detector 164 receives a radio wave from a GPS (Global Positioning System) artificial satellite via a GPS antenna (not shown) and outputs the received signal, and the magnitude of the rotational motion applied to the vehicle. And a distance sensor for detecting the distance traveled from the longitudinal acceleration or the like of the vehicle. Then, based on the output signals from these sensors, the control unit 110 calculates the position, direction, speed, etc. of the vehicle.

  The map data input device 165 is a device for inputting various data stored in a map data storage medium (not shown) (for example, a hard disk or a DVD-ROM). Map data storage media include map data (node data, link data, cost data, background data, road data, name data, mark data, intersection data, facility data, etc.), voice data for guidance, voice recognition data, etc. Is remembered. Instead of inputting these data from the map data storage medium, these data may be input via a communication network.

  The meter control unit 10 is composed mainly of a well-known microcomputer comprising a CPU, ROM, RAM, SRAM, I / O and a bus line connecting these components, and the program stored in the ROM and RAM is stored in the program. Various processes are executed based on this. For example, for meter-related control, the speed meter 131a, tachometer 131b, fuel meter 131c, and water temperature meter 131d are driven based on data received from various ECUs or the like via the in-vehicle LAN communication unit 115. The illumination light source 136, dial illumination light source 137, and warning lamp illumination light source 135 are controlled to be turned on / off. On the other hand, as navigation-related control, the current position of the vehicle is calculated as a set of coordinates and traveling directions based on each detection signal from the position detector 164, and the map near the current position read via the map data input device 165 is used. Are displayed on the TFT display 132, the map data stored in the map data input device 165, and the destination set in accordance with the operation of the operation switch group 161. A route calculation process for calculating a route, a route guidance process for guiding the route by displaying the calculated route on the TFT display 132, and the like are executed.

  The control unit 110 is also connected to the ACC switch 3 and the IGN switch 5. When the driver operates the ignition key to turn on the ACC switch 3, the vehicle display device 101 is powered on. Supply is performed and each part of the display apparatus 1 for vehicles becomes operable.

[Description of operation and effect]
Next, the operation of the vehicle display device 101 will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG.
When the ignition key is operated by the driver to be in the accessory power supply (ACC) state (see FIG. 9A), each part of the vehicle display device 101 becomes operable. Then, the control unit 110 turns on the TFT light source 125 (see FIG. 9C), and starts a navigation image display process on the TFT display 132 (see FIG. 9D).

  When the ignition key is further operated by the driver to enter the ignition power supply (IGN) state (see FIG. 9B), the control unit 110 turns on the pointer illumination light source 136 and the warning lamp illumination light source 135 (see FIG. 9). 9 (e) and (f)). When a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) has elapsed since the pointer illumination light source 136 was turned on, the dial illumination light source 137 is turned on (see FIG. 9G). That is, regarding the speed meter 131a, the tachometer 131b, the fuel meter 131c, and the water temperature meter 131d, first, only the pointer is turned on, and then the dial is turned on after a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) has passed.

  In this way, if the driver rotates the ignition key inserted into the key cylinder to turn on the ACC switch 3, the navigation image can be displayed on the TFT display 132 of the vehicle display device 101. Therefore, it is possible to display a navigation image on the TFT display 132 and perform an operation for setting a destination for route guidance or display a detailed map for viewing. Note that the driver can perform operations for purpose setting and operations such as map enlargement / reduction via the operation switch group 11. In such an operation, it is preferable to pay more attention to the navigation image, but at this time, the illumination light sources 135, 136, and 137 for the speed meter 131a, the tachometer 131b, the fuel meter 131c, the water temperature meter 131d, and the warning light are not turned on. Therefore, it is effective to watch the navigation image.

  For example, if the destination setting is completed and the navigation image does not need to be watched and the meter display or the like is desired, the driver may further turn the ignition key 5 by turning the ignition key. . In other words, if the driver wants to watch the navigation image without turning on the illumination light sources 135, 136, and 137 for the speed meter 131a, the tachometer 131b, the fuel meter 131c, the water temperature meter 131d, and the warning light, the IGN switch No operation to turn on 5 is necessary.

  For the meters 131a to 131d, the dial illumination light source 137 is turned on after a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) elapses after the pointer illumination light source 136 is turned on. By doing in this way, with respect to the meters 131a to 131d, the pointer is turned on in a state where the dial is not turned on, and then the dial is turned on. It is effective in increasing the interest of the person.

  Note that the warning lights 133 are all turned on once for checking the initial state, and then turned off when no warning is actually required. For example, if the IGN switch 5 remains in the ON state, the light is automatically turned off after a predetermined time e.g. 3 seconds. When the engine is started, it is turned off. As a countermeasure after the IGN switch 5 of the warning lamp 133 is turned on, a publicly known method may be used, and since it is not the main point of the present invention, a detailed description is omitted.

[Another aspect]
(1) Although the second embodiment is not connected to the navigation device 50 as in the first embodiment, it may be connected to the navigation device 50 as in the first embodiment. Conversely, the vehicular display device 1 of the first embodiment can also be realized independently without being connected to the navigation device 50.

  (2) ON of the ACC switch 3 as a trigger for enlarging the navigation image, the IGN switch 5 as a trigger for turning on the illumination light sources 135, 136 and 137 for the speed meter 131a, tachometer 131b, fuel meter 131c, water temperature meter 131d and warning light Illustrated on. However, as described in another aspect of the first embodiment described above, a door switch, a key insertion switch, or the like may be employed.

  Further, the latter “trigger for turning on the illumination light sources 135, 136, and 137 for the speed meter 131a, the tachometer 131b, the fuel meter 131c, the water temperature meter 131d, and the warning light” is also described in another aspect of the first embodiment described above. Similarly to the case, a case where a specific command (for example, a command indicating that the route setting is completed) is input via the operation switch group 161 may be adopted.

  (3) In addition, the contents described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 as another aspect of the first embodiment can be similarly applied as another aspect in the second embodiment, and the same effects are obtained.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Display apparatus for vehicles, 3 ... ACC switch, 5 ... IGN switch,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Meter control part, 11 ... Operation switch group, 15 ... In-vehicle LAN communication part,
20 ... Communication unit, 25 ... TFT light source, 30 ... TFT display, 31 ... Meter display area,
31a ... Speed meter image, 31b ... Tachometer image, 31c ... Fuel level meter image,
31d ... Engine coolant temperature meter image, 32 ... Navigation display area,
33 ... Vehicle state display area, 50 ... Navigation device, 60 ... Navigation control unit,
61 ... Operation switch group, 62 ... TFT light source, 63 ... TFT display,
64 ... Position detector 64 ... Map data input device, 70 ... Communication section,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 ... Display apparatus for vehicles, 110 ... Control part, 115 ... In-vehicle LAN communication part,
125 ... TFT light source, 131a ... speed meter, 131b ... tachometer,
131c ... Fuel meter, 131d ... Water temperature meter, 132 ... TFT display,
133 ... Warning light, 135, ... Warning light illumination light source, 136 ... Pointer illumination light source,
137: Dial illumination light source, 161: Operation switch group, 164: Position detector,
165 ... Map data input device.

Claims (1)

An illumination light source of a mechanical meter provided in the meter panel;
Display means provided in the meter panel;
Control means for executing lighting control of the illumination light source and display control for displaying a navigation image on the display means;
The control means includes a first command receiving means for receiving an operation command from the user in a state where no navigation image is displayed on the display means and the illumination light source of the mechanical meter is not turned on. When it is determined that a predetermined operation has been received or when it is determined that the vehicle has entered the first predetermined state by the state detection means for detecting a predetermined state of the vehicle, only the navigation image is displayed, Thereafter, when a predetermined time has elapsed based on the operation or the operation of a user needs to watch the navigation image is considered relatively high, while maintaining the display of the navigation image, automatic illumination light source of the mechanical meter vehicle display apparatus which comprises causing to be lighted.

Images