JP7846912B2 - Automotive electronic equipment - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to in-vehicle electronic devices such as radar detectors and navigation systems, which are equipped with display means such as a liquid crystal display device and provide predetermined information to the vehicle driver.

Conventionally, there have been in-vehicle electronic devices equipped with liquid crystal displays that display various types of information and speech synthesis devices that output various types of information as audio. For example, a radar detector, an in-vehicle electronic device, is configured to display a warning indicating proximity to a speed measuring device using images, photographs, or text on the liquid crystal display when it detects microwaves emitted from a speed measuring device, or when the current location, acquired by GPS (Global Positioning System), approaches the stored location information of the speed measuring device (when a predetermined proximity relationship is reached). It also outputs the warning content as audio using a speech synthesis device (Patent Document 1).

Furthermore, the primary function of a navigation system is to provide route guidance to a destination based on the vehicle's location information acquired via GPS or other means. The navigation system incorporates map data containing detailed road information, displays detailed maps in color on an LCD screen, and provides voice-guided directions. Such navigation systems include portable devices called PNDs (Personal Navigation Devices) (Patent Document 2). Typical PNDs are detachable from a stand on the dashboard, allowing them to be removed and carried. Additionally, there are PNDs specifically designed for motorcycles, featuring waterproof and shock-resistant housings and reflective LCDs that are easily visible even in direct sunlight.

In addition, recent in-vehicle electronic devices include radar detectors with navigation functions and navigation systems with warning functions. Both of these display detailed maps with letters, symbols, and numbers indicating roads and surrounding facility names, as well as icons indicating the location information of the object being warned about (Point of Interest = POI).

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-9546 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-86215 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-292702

However, conventional in-vehicle electronic devices displayed a wide variety of information in color on detailed maps using numerous colors. This meant that the display of this information was often inconspicuous, making it difficult for users to quickly grasp the necessary map information.

To address these problems, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-292702 (Patent Document 3) proposes a map generation device that provides both a regular map displayed in color and a highlighting map displayed in grayscale, and displays parking lot markers in color on the highlighting map to make them stand out.

However, recent navigation systems, in addition to the traditional facility icons representing schools, kindergartens, daycare centers, post offices, fire stations, police stations, factories, shrines, temples, and parking lots, now also display icons for gas stations, restaurants, hamburger shops, convenience stores, banks, etc., in different colors for each company. Therefore, in urban areas and along national highways, numerous colorful facility and company icons are displayed on the map. This presents a problem: simply displaying the map in grayscale, as in the map generation device described in Patent Document 3, does not make the colored parking lot icons stand out. Furthermore, since the aforementioned company icons are reproductions of the company logo designs, they cannot be changed to a grayscale color different from the logo colors defined by each company.

Furthermore, in-vehicle electronic devices equipped with warning functions must display a POI (Point of Interest) icon to alert the user when the vehicle approaches a designated object. However, with numerous colorful icons displayed on a color map, it is difficult to identify the POI icon at a glance, posing a problem in providing quick and reliable warnings in emergencies.

In particular, with navigation systems or radar detectors for motorcycles, because drivers cannot take their eyes off the road while driving, they can only glance at the screen display for a split second, and therefore have a very strong need to grasp necessary information at a glance. Despite this, when conventional in-car electronic devices, which are not significantly different in design from those for automobiles, are installed on motorcycles, there is a problem in that drivers cannot easily grasp only the information they need from the screen display while driving.

In other words, on-board electronic devices for motorcycles are mounted around the handlebars or on the fuel tank. The handlebars and fuel tank area of a typical motorcycle are composed of numerous metal parts, and the on-board electronic devices, with their LCD displays encased in plastic casings, did not match the appearance or texture of these metal parts. Therefore, even when trying to quickly scan the screen display, the user's eyes were drawn to the plastic casing and LCD display, which were in stark contrast to the metal parts, making it difficult to pinpoint and access the necessary information from the screen. As a result, users while driving often had to repeatedly review the screen display to finally grasp the necessary information. In particular, the maps, text, symbols, numbers, and icons displayed on conventional screens had an appearance and texture far removed from the actual metal parts, and whether displayed in color or grayscale, they stood out more than the surrounding metal parts, attracting the user's attention.

This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an in-vehicle electronic device that allows users to easily grasp necessary information from the display on the screen, and in particular, when mounted on a motorcycle, makes necessary information stand out in the user's field of vision.

To achieve the above objective, the in-vehicle electronic device of the present invention comprises (1) a display means capable of displaying a number of colors on a screen, and a control means for controlling the display of predetermined information on the screen, wherein the control means is configured to display at least a portion of the information in color, and the remaining portion in monochrome in a different color from the color display. (2) Preferably, the control means is configured to display at least a portion of the information included in the monochrome display in color.

According to the above configuration, for example, by displaying only the information you want to draw the user's attention to in color, and the rest in monochrome, you can make the information the user needs stand out.

Here, the term "display means" in this invention broadly includes display devices equipped with information-displaying displays such as LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays), Organic ELDs (Organic Electroluminescent Displays), or CRTs (Cathode Ray Tubes). Furthermore, "screen" refers to the displayable area of the display means's display. Moreover, the display must be capable of displaying "a large number of colors" on the screen. For example, if it can display approximately 60,000 to 260,000 colors, it can form a colorful display and also express the brightness gradation (changes in color intensity) of a monochrome display. However, there is no limit to the number of colors that can be displayed on the display; it is desirable to use a display capable of displaying a larger number of colors.

Furthermore, in this invention, "color display" refers to a display expressed using at least one chromatic color different from that of a monochrome display. On the other hand, "monochrome display" refers to a display expressed using shades or brightness of a single color, and includes not only grayscale, which is expressed using only the brightness differences of achromatic colors such as white, gray, and black, but also displays expressed using only the brightness differences of a single chromatic color.

Furthermore, the "configuration in which at least a portion of the information contained in the monochrome display is displayed in color" in (2) above includes both cases where the area of the monochrome display is larger than the area of the color display, and conversely, where the area of the color display is larger than the area of the monochrome display. In either case, a configuration in which the area surrounding the color display is monochrome is preferred. This is because such a configuration makes the boundary between the color display and the monochrome display clearer, improving the visibility of the color display. More preferably, the area of the monochrome display is larger than the area of the color display, and the entire color display is surrounded by the monochrome display. With such a configuration, the entire color display within the monochrome display can be clearly highlighted, further improving the visibility of the color display. For example, if a button, which is an operation part, is displayed in grayscale, and a portion of the button is displayed in color when the button is operated, it is preferable to display only a portion surrounded by the monochrome display (e.g., characters, shapes, symbols, etc. displayed on the button) in color, rather than displaying the entire button in color.

(3) Preferably, the control means is configured to be able to switch between a first display mode in which all the information on the screen is displayed in color, and a second display mode in which at least a portion of the information is displayed in color and the other portion is displayed in monochrome.

According to the above configuration, for example, under normal circumstances, all information on the screen can be displayed in color as before. However, when a specific event occurs or based on user instructions, information other than the necessary information can be switched to monochrome, while only the essential information is highlighted in color.

For example, if the in-vehicle electronic device is a radar detector, all information, including the map, is normally displayed in color. When the vehicle approaches a warning target, the map switches to monochrome, and a color POI (Point of Interest) icon appears on the map. Similarly, if the in-vehicle electronic device is a navigation system, when the vehicle approaches a left or right turn point, the entire map, except for the area surrounding the turn point, switches to monochrome, and only the area surrounding the turn point is displayed in color. In these examples, the vehicle icon on the map should always be displayed in color to make it stand out.

(4) Preferably, the control means is configured to omit some of the predetermined information when switching from the first display mode to the second display mode, and to display the information in monochrome.

Recent radar detectors and navigation systems feature detailed maps that display text indicating the names of major facilities, roads, and railways, as well as facility icons representing schools, kindergartens, daycare centers, post offices, fire stations, police stations, factories, shrines, temples, parking lots, etc., and business icons representing gas stations, restaurants, hamburger shops, convenience stores, banks, etc. However, users utilize radar detectors and navigation systems for specific purposes, and not all of the diverse information displayed on detailed maps is necessarily relevant to their needs. Conversely, displaying unnecessary information can hinder the visibility of essential information.

Therefore, with the above configuration, when switching from color display to monochrome display, unnecessary information can be omitted, significantly improving the visibility of necessary information. "Omitting information" here includes not displaying some or all of the information to be omitted. In particular, not displaying all of the information to be omitted improves the visibility of the necessary information that is not omitted.

For example, if this in-vehicle electronic device is a radar detector, when the vehicle approaches a warning target, the map switches to a monochrome display, omitting text, facility icons, and company icons unrelated to the vehicle's path from the screen to simplify the information displayed on the map, and then displaying color POI icons on the map. Afterward, when the warning is lifted, such as when the vehicle passes the warning target, the map returns to its original state.

Furthermore, if this in-vehicle electronic device is a navigation system, when the route to the destination is determined, the map will switch to a monochrome display, omitting text, facility icons, and company icons unrelated to the vehicle's route. In this case, it is preferable to display the road the vehicle is traveling on, as well as text, facility icons, and company icons indicating information around that road, in color. Then, when the vehicle arrives at its destination and the navigation system ends its guidance, the map will be restored to its original state.

The process of switching from color display to monochrome display and the process of omitting unnecessary information from the color display may be performed simultaneously or sequentially. Preferably, the timing should be such that the unnecessary information is perceived by the user as being removed at the same time as the switch to monochrome display.

(5) Preferably, the control means is configured to display multiple pieces of information as objects on the screen, and to display one or more objects in color while displaying the other information in monochrome.

According to the above configuration, among the various objects displayed on the screen, only those objects that indicate information necessary for the user can be highlighted by displaying them in color. Here, "objects" include all virtual objects displayed on the screen, such as maps, text characters, icons, the control panel described later, and window frames that demarcate the display area. Of these objects, only those that indicate information necessary for the user are displayed in color, while objects indicating other information are displayed in monochrome.

(6) Preferably, the control means is configured to display in color multiple predetermined objects for the same type of information, or multiple predetermined objects for different types of related information.

According to the above configuration, when there is multiple pieces of information necessary for the user, or information related to information the user needs, all objects representing this information can be highlighted by displaying them in color. For example, if this in-vehicle electronic device is a radar detector, when the vehicle approaches multiple warning targets, identical or different types of POI icons will be displayed in color on the monochrome map. Similarly, if this in-vehicle electronic device is a navigation system, only specific types of facility icons (e.g., post offices) along the road the vehicle is traveling along will be displayed in color on the monochrome map. Furthermore, since it is not possible to display company icons with reproduced logo designs in monochrome, in such cases, the company icons necessary for the user (e.g., convenience stores) can be displayed in color, while the display of unnecessary company icons can be omitted.

As described above, this in-vehicle electronic device allows users to highlight only the information they need by displaying it in color. Therefore, even when the device contains a wide variety of information, users can easily identify the information they require. This means that even when radar detectors and navigation systems are loaded with more detailed maps, users can visually select only the necessary information through color display, monochrome display, or display omission, enabling further performance improvements to in-vehicle electronic devices.

Here, we will briefly explain "information of the same type" and "information of different types that are related" in this invention. First, whether multiple pieces of information are of the "same type" or "different types" should be determined according to common social understanding. Similarly, whether multiple pieces of information are "related" or not should be determined in the same way. According to the example above, only the post office icon among the facility icons may be designated as "same type," or the school, kindergarten, nursery school, post office, fire station, police station, factory, shrine, temple, parking lot, etc., included in the facility icons may be designated as either "same type" or "different types that are related." Then, the data for displaying these icons can be associated with each other by means of adding a common identifier, etc.

(7) Preferably, the color display is made into a 3D object, the monochrome display into a 2D object, and the 3D color display is placed on top of the 2D monochrome display.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to differentiate between objects that represent necessary information and objects that represent unnecessary information, not only by whether they are displayed in color or monochrome, but also by whether they are 3D or 2D. This makes it easier for users to grasp the necessary information from the information displayed on the screen.

For example, necessary facility icons, company icons, and POI icons may be represented as color-displayed 3D objects and placed on a map, which is a monochrome-displayed 2D object, depending on the user's purpose. In this case, the icons necessary for the user will appear three-dimensional on the flat map, and their color will attract the user's attention, enabling rapid visual recognition.

Furthermore, the means of distinguishing necessary information are not limited to differences between color and monochrome displays, or between 3D and 2D. For example, a color-displayed 3D object can be moved on top of a static, monochrome 2D object to create a distinction between "movement" and "stillness," or a color-displayed 3D object can be made to float on a monochrome 2D object to create a difference in height. By creating these differences, it becomes possible to assign importance to the numerous pieces of information displayed on the screen, enabling the direct and clear communication of only the necessary information to the user.

(8) Preferably, the control means divides the screen into a plurality of display areas, displays different information in each display area, and configures the information in at least one of the display areas to be displayed in monochrome.

According to the above configuration, even when the screen is divided into multiple display areas and different information is displayed in each area, the information necessary for the user can be made to stand out. In this case, a distinction between color and monochrome display may be made within one display area, or a distinction between color and monochrome display may be made within each of the multiple display areas. As an example of the former, if a first display area is provided that displays a large, detailed map across the entire screen, and a second display area is provided that displays an enlarged map when the vehicle approaches a warning target or a left or right turn point, one of the maps displayed in the first or second display area can be set to monochrome. As an example of the latter, both maps displayed in the first or second display area can be set to monochrome, while the vehicle icon, the road representing the vehicle's path, POI icons, facility icons that serve as landmarks for left or right turn points, and company icons on each map can be set to color.

(9) Preferably, the control means displays an operation unit on the screen that can receive user input, and when displaying, at least a portion of the operation unit is displayed in color, and the remaining portion is displayed in monochrome in a different color. For example, (10) the control means displays the operation unit in monochrome before receiving user input, and displays at least a portion of the operation unit in color after receiving user input, or (11) the control means can display an operation unit on the screen that can receive user input, and when displaying, displays the operation unit in color before receiving user input, and displays at least a portion of the operation unit in monochrome after receiving user input.

Up to this point, the application of this invention has been illustrated by examples such as maps displayed on a screen, and the characters, symbols, figures, facility icons, and company icons on the map. However, it is not limited to these, and can also be applied to operation units displayed on a screen. Here, "operation unit" refers to a screen display that receives input from the user and allows the in-vehicle electronic device to execute various functions or configure various functions. This broadly includes 2D or 3D objects such as icons and buttons (including switches, keys, bars, etc., which use similar input means to these operation units but with different representations) that represent file contents, program functions, etc., using characters, figures, symbols, etc.

According to the above configuration, the entire control panel is displayed in monochrome, while information such as text, graphics, and symbols included in the control panel can be highlighted in color, making it easy to grasp the functions and other information displayed on the control panel. This improves the operability of the in-vehicle electronic device, enabling quick and accurate operation by the user.

Furthermore, the operating unit to which the present invention is applied may be configured to display a portion of the operating unit in color before user input, and then switch this color display to a monochrome display after user input (i.e., the entire operating unit becomes monochrome after input). Conversely, the entire operating unit may be displayed in monochrome before user input, and then switch to displaying a portion of the operating unit in color after input. Alternatively, the portion of the operating unit that should be highlighted may always be displayed in color, regardless of whether user input has occurred or not.

(12) Preferably, the operation unit is configured as a 2D or 3D object that mimics an icon or button for causing the control means to execute one of a plurality of pre-programmed functions, or (13) the operation unit is configured as a 2D or 3D object that mimics a keyboard including a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numbers, or symbols.

According to the above configuration, almost the entirety of the control elements, such as icons, buttons, and keys, is displayed in monochrome. Information indicating various functions, including emojis, text characters, numbers, symbols, and shapes, is highlighted in color, making it easier for the user to understand the meaning and select the appropriate control element, thus enabling quick and accurate operation.

The present invention, comprising the above configuration, can be widely applied to the operation parts of an in-vehicle electronic device, such as i) multiple menu buttons displayed on the menu screen, ii) volume adjustment buttons, brightness adjustment buttons, and various setting buttons displayed on the options screen, iii) buttons such as "Yes," "No," and "OK" displayed on the confirmation window, iv) map scale switching buttons, screen display switching buttons, and menu bars displayed on the map screen, and v) various keyboard keys displayed on the input screen. This makes it possible to highlight information contained in the operation parts, or other parts that the user wants to draw attention to, using color display.

(14) Preferably, the control means is configured to display a map on the screen and to display at least the elements of the land area of the map in monochrome. For example, (15) the elements of the land area of the map may include at least a background color indicating land, high-standard roads, and low-standard roads, and the brightness of the high-standard roads may be set higher and the brightness of the low-standard roads lower, based on the brightness of the background color. (16) More preferably, the control means is configured to switch the map between the color display and the monochrome display, and when switching from the color display to the monochrome display, some of the information included in the color display of the map may be omitted to display the map in monochrome.

The above configuration is a specific example of applying the present invention to the maps of radar detectors and navigation devices. By displaying at least the elements included in the land area of the map in monochrome, the color-displayed information that the user wants to draw attention to can be made to stand out on the map. Here, "elements included in the land area of the map" broadly includes not only the background color indicating land, high-standard roads, and low-standard roads, but also various elements displayed on the land area of the map, such as traffic lights, traffic signs, national highway signs, facility icons, landmarks, and POI icons. The present invention highlights those elements that the user wants to draw attention to by displaying them in color. However, since company icons, even though they are elements included in the land area of the map, cannot be displayed in monochrome, unnecessary company icons are omitted when switching the map from color to monochrome display. Furthermore, not limited to company icons, omitting unnecessary information from the monochrome display of elements included in the land area of the map simplifies the map, making the color displays on the map more prominent.

Here, "necessary information" and "unnecessary information" on the map can be determined based on the functions of this in-vehicle electronic device. For example, the decision of whether to omit information when switching to monochrome display can be made based on whether or not it is necessary to perform a function requested by the user. "Necessary information" identified by such criteria will be highlighted in color or displayed in monochrome on the map, depending on its necessity for performing the function. On the other hand, "unnecessary information" identified by the above criteria will be omitted when switching to monochrome display. As a result, only "necessary information" relevant to the user's purpose can be displayed on the screen, and among this, information that is particularly necessary for performing the function can be displayed in color.

For example, a radar detector has a warning function that displays a POI (Point of Interest) icon indicating the location of a speed measuring device to alert the user. To perform this warning function, a map, road, vehicle icon, and one or more POI icons indicating the detected speed measuring device are necessary; these constitute "necessary information." Other "necessary information" may include landmarks such as facility icons and company icons along the vehicle's route. When the user turns on the warning function and the vehicle approaches a speed measuring device, for example, the vehicle icon and POI icon will be displayed in color, while the map, road, landmark facility icons, and company icons will be displayed in monochrome. All other "unnecessary information," such as text, unnecessary facility icons, and company icons outside the vehicle's route, will be omitted from the map.

Here, the more "unnecessary information" is omitted from the map, the easier it becomes to see the "necessary information." For example, even if two or more speed measuring devices are detected, only the POI icon on the vehicle's path, preferably the nearest POI icon, may be displayed in color, while other POI icons are omitted from the monochrome map. Even if a lot of information is omitted from the map, the omitted "unnecessary information" will reappear on the map after the warning is cleared, so there is no impact on the normal display of the radar detector. Thus, according to the present invention, when a user requests the execution of a predetermined function provided in the in-vehicle electronic device, only the information necessary for the execution of that function can be displayed on the screen, and among those, only the essential information can be highlighted in color. As a result, when the function is executed, the user can grasp the necessary information on the screen at a glance.

Similarly, a navigation system, for example, has a route guidance function that guides the vehicle to its destination. To perform this route guidance function, a map, roads indicating the route to the destination, a vehicle icon, and landmark icons such as facility and business icons near left or right turn points are necessary; these constitute "necessary information." When the user sets a destination and starts route guidance, for example, only the roads indicating the route to the destination, the vehicle icon, and landmark icons such as facility and business icons near left or right turn points are displayed in color, while the entire map, including surrounding roads, becomes monochrome. At this time, all text, facility icons, and business icons unrelated to route guidance are omitted from the map. As a result, when the route guidance function is executed, the user can grasp the route to the destination displayed on the screen at a glance.

(17) Preferably, the control means can execute an alarm function that displays an alarm icon indicating the location of a predetermined alarm target on the map when predetermined conditions are met, and the map is displayed in color when the alarm function is not executed, and in monochrome when the alarm function is executed.

According to the above configuration, when the in-vehicle electronic device is equipped with a warning function, a warning icon is displayed in color on a monochrome map when the vehicle approaches a warning target object, drawing the user's attention to the warning icon on the map. This allows the user to easily understand the type, location, and distance to the warning target object, enabling quick and reliable warning in emergencies.

The term "alarm icon" here includes the POI (Point of Interest) icons mentioned above, and broadly encompasses icons indicating the location information of designated objects (or areas) that need to be notified to the user. The objects to be notified can be arbitrarily set, and the alarm icon will be displayed on the screen when the notification conditions are met.

Furthermore, alarm icons should be grouped according to the type and importance of the object, and the type and importance should be represented by a common color or shape. For example, objects could be grouped into alarm, warning, and notification categories according to their degree of urgency. Icons for objects requiring an alarm could be red, those requiring a warning could be yellow, and those only requiring notification could be blue or green.

To elaborate, objects requiring warnings may include, for example, speed measuring devices such as loop coils, LH systems, H systems, and radar-type speed cameras. Furthermore, objects requiring warnings may include, for example, speed trap areas, mobile speed camera areas, pursuit-type enforcement areas, stop sign enforcement areas, intersection enforcement areas, other enforcement areas, seat belt checkpoints, drunk driving checkpoints, mobile phone checkpoints, other checkpoint areas, intersection monitoring points, and traffic signal violation prevention systems. Additionally, objects requiring notification may include, for example, highway traffic police units, N systems, traffic monitoring systems, police stations, accident-prone areas, service areas, parking areas, highway oases, highway tunnels/continuous tunnels, highway radio reception areas, roadside rest areas, viewpoint parking, parking lots, and public restrooms.

(18) Preferably, the reflection of light and shadow are depicted by the difference in brightness of the monochrome display, and the monochrome display is configured to be a 2D or 3D object having an appearance that mimics a metal surface.

According to the above configuration, information displayed on the screen can be distinguished not only by the difference between color and monochrome, but also by the presence or absence of visually recognizable texture on the metal surface.

In other words, while a color display within a monochrome display attracts the user's attention due to the difference in color, both share the commonality of being abstract displays (to put it extremely, both are "pictures"), and there were certain limitations in visually distinguishing between the two. Therefore, the present invention, with the above configuration, takes simple monochrome display a step further, creating an object with a metallic surface depicted by differences in brightness, thereby providing a difference in "texture" that can be distinguished at a glance from the abstract color display. Recent advancements in CG technology and higher resolution displays have made it possible to achieve representations ranging from abstract, picture-like expressions (non-photorealistic) to photographic, realistic expressions (photorealistic), allowing even relatively small display devices mounted in automotive electronic equipment to represent realistic metallic surfaces as if they were real objects.

(19) Preferably, the configuration is such that a hairline pattern is drawn on the metal surface of the 2D or 3D object by the difference in brightness of the monochrome display colors.

According to the above configuration, by adding a hairline pattern to the metal surface of a monochrome 2D or 3D object, it becomes possible to depict the texture of the metal surface more realistically, and the difference in "texture" compared to a color display becomes even more pronounced. Here, "hairline" generally refers to a metal surface finishing method, a process that creates fine linear scratches on the metal surface through polishing. The "hairline pattern" in this invention is not particularly limited, but includes, for example, linear scratches in vertical, horizontal, and diagonal directions, as well as linear scratches that appear as circles spreading outwards from the center.

Furthermore, to render the metal surface of a 2D or 3D object more realistically, it is possible to represent not only hairline patterns, but also metalwork such as punch holes, uneven patterns, slits, engravings, screws, bolts, and other metalworking processes, as well as surface alterations such as tarnishing, rust, cracks, and fissures. Alternatively, the metal surface of a 2D or 3D object may be given a mirror finish without adding a hairline pattern.

(20) Preferably, the display for conveying the information is drawn on the metal surface of the 2D or 3D object by the difference in brightness of the monochrome display.

According to the above configuration, by including predetermined information in monochrome display on the metal surface of a 2D or 3D object, the information can be made less conspicuous. Preferably, by rendering the information by mimicking general metal processing, the texture of the metal surface of the 2D or 3D object can be expressed more realistically. For example, it is possible to render the information in relief by mimicking etching or engraving on the metal surface of a 2D or 3D object, or to render the information planarly by mimicking the surface treatment of an oxide film, thereby making the appearance of the 2D or 3D object look more metallic.

(21) Preferably, the monochrome display color has saturation, and this color is used to represent the coloration resulting from the metal surface treatment of the 2D or 3D object.

According to the above configuration, the metallic surface of a 2D or 3D object can be displayed in a single, saturated monochrome color without compromising the metallic texture. "Coloring by surface treatment of metal" here includes, for example, coloring treatment using an oxide film on the metallic surface or a clear finish dyeing treatment. By mimicking these surface treatments, the reflection and shadows of light, hairline patterns, etc., which are essential for expressing the metallic texture, are not lost, making the appearance of a 2D or 3D object appear as a colored metallic surface.

(22) Preferably, the 2D or 3D object, which is displayed in monochrome, should be configured to resemble a metal plate.

According to the above configuration, 2D or 3D objects with an appearance mimicking a metal surface can be given contours and thickness, making them appear like actual metal parts, and the difference in "texture" from the color display becomes even more pronounced. Here, "appearance mimicking a metal plate" includes not only flat metal plates but also objects that appear to be metal plates processed into a three-dimensional form.

(23) Preferably, the metal plate, which is the monochrome display, is configured to have a display for conveying the information drawn on it using a representation that mimics the unevenness or punching of metal.

According to the above configuration, as described above, by rendering information onto a monochrome metal plate that mimics the unevenness and cutouts formed by metalworking processes such as etching, engraving, and punching, the appearance of a 2D or 3D object can be made to look more like metal.

For example, the map displayed on the screen can be a flat metal plate, and information such as roads, traffic lights, traffic signs, national highway signs, facility icons, and landmarks included in this map can be drawn by mimicking the raised and recessed areas and cutouts formed by metalworking techniques such as etching, engraving, and punching. Alternatively, the icons, buttons, and keys displayed on the screen can be made from flat or three-dimensionally processed metal plates, and information such as characters, shapes, and symbols can be drawn on these controls by mimicking the raised and recessed areas and cutouts formed by metalworking techniques such as etching, engraving, and punching.

(24) Preferably, the control means is configured to switch the display for conveying the information contained in the monochrome display to the color display. (25) More preferably, the display for conveying the information is drawn on the metal plate which is the monochrome display using a representation that mimics metal die-cutting, and the representation mimicking die-cutting is switched to the color display using a representation that mimics illumination from the back of the metal plate.

According to the above configuration, the map and control panel are displayed in monochrome, while only the information that the user wants to draw attention to is highlighted in color, allowing users to easily grasp the necessary information from the screen display. In particular, by switching information that mimics die-cutting to color, as if illuminated from behind a monochrome metal plate, a difference in the "physical attributes" of metal and light can be created between these displays, making the color display stand out more effectively within the monochrome display.

The configuration of the present invention described in (18) to (25) above is particularly effective for in-vehicle electronic equipment for motorcycles. Firstly, by creating differences in "color," "texture," and "physical attributes" between the monochrome display mimicking a metal surface and the color display, the color-displayed information can be made more prominent, allowing the user to easily grasp the necessary information even while driving a motorcycle. Secondly, the monochrome display mimicking a metal surface matches the appearance and texture of metal parts around the motorcycle's handlebars and fuel tank, making the monochrome display less conspicuous in the user's field of vision. In other words, the present invention mimics actual metal parts by making the appearance of the monochrome display resemble a metal surface. As a result, the color display on the screen particularly attracts the user's attention, allowing for instantaneous transmission of necessary information.

Furthermore, if the in-vehicle electronic device implementing the display modes described in (18) to (25) above is equipped with a housing configured as described in (26) to (30) below, not only the display on the screen but the entire in-vehicle electronic device will enhance the sense of unity with the metal parts of the motorcycle, and the visibility of the color display, which differs significantly in appearance and texture from metal, will be improved.

(26) Preferably, at least the peripheral portion of the screen of the housing constituting the in-vehicle electronic device is made of metal or a non-metallic material with an appearance that mimics a metal surface, and the monochrome display is configured as a 2D or 3D object with an appearance that mimics a metal surface.

According to the above configuration, not only is the on-screen display monochrome, but the appearance and texture of the housing constituting this in-vehicle electronic device can be matched to the metal parts around the motorcycle's handlebars and fuel tank, making the housing less conspicuous in the user's field of vision. This makes the color-displayed information on the screen more prominent, allowing the user to access the information they need precisely.

(27) Preferably, the monochrome display should have an appearance that mimics the metal surface of the housing. Furthermore, (28) More preferably, if the in-vehicle electronic device is for a motorcycle, at least the peripheral portion of the housing around the screen should have an appearance that mimics the surface of one of the metal parts constituting the motorcycle.

Automotive electronics are typically mounted on the dashboard or other interior surfaces of automobiles, while those for motorcycles are generally mounted on the exterior, around the handlebars. In the interior of a car, which is primarily constructed with synthetic resin materials, the synthetic resin casing of the electronics doesn't particularly attract the user's attention. However, the exterior of a motorcycle is composed of metal parts, and an electronic device encased in synthetic resin doesn't match the appearance and texture of these metal components, drawing the user's eye when they try to view the screen.

Therefore, with the above configuration, the monochrome display on the screen, the casing adjacent to the screen, and the metal parts constituting the two-wheeled vehicle all share a common metal surface, making the color-displayed information on the screen stand out significantly. Here, "two-wheeled vehicle" includes, for example, bicycles and motorcycles, and this in-vehicle electronic device is particularly suitable for motorcycles, which are composed of many metal parts. In other words, when this in-vehicle electronic device is mounted on a motorcycle, the visibility of the color display, which differs significantly in appearance and texture from metal within the electronic device including the screen and casing, can be improved. As a result, even motorcycle users who cannot take their eyes off the road while driving can glance at the display on the screen and grasp the necessary information at a glance.

(29) Preferably, at least the portion of the housing that is visible when the screen is viewed from a vertical direction should be made of metal or a non-metallic material with an appearance that mimics a metal surface.

According to the above configuration, the exterior of the housing of this in-vehicle electronic device can be made of a metal surface within the visible range of the user driving the motorcycle, preventing the user's eyes from being drawn to the housing when trying to view the screen.

(30) Preferably, the surface of the parts of the housing other than the parts made of metal or non-metallic material with an appearance resembling a metal surface may be made black.

The casing of this in-vehicle electronic device does not need to be made of metal or a non-metallic material that mimics a metal surface; it is sufficient to make it appear black, like a shadow.

(31) Preferably, the in-vehicle electronic device is configured to be a navigation system for an automobile or motorcycle.

As described above, when the present invention is applied to a navigation system, necessary information can be easily grasped from a detailed map containing a large amount of information. In particular, when this navigation system is mounted on a motorcycle, the visibility of the color display, which differs significantly in appearance and texture from metal, can be improved within the navigation system, including the screen and housing. As a result, necessary information can be highlighted in the user's field of vision, allowing for instantaneous grasp of necessary information even while driving a motorcycle.

As described above, according to the present invention, necessary information can be easily grasped from the display on the screen, and in particular, when mounted on a motorcycle, it becomes possible to make necessary information stand out in the user's field of vision.

Figures (a) and (b) are perspective views showing the external appearance of an in-vehicle electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This block diagram shows the configuration of the above-mentioned in-vehicle electronic equipment. This is a partial perspective view showing the above-mentioned in-vehicle electronic equipment mounted on a motorcycle. Figures (a) and (b) are front views showing the menu screen in monochrome. This is a front view showing the option screen for monochrome display. This is a front view showing a keyboard screen with a monochrome display. This is a front view showing a color map screen. This is a front view showing a map screen in monochrome. This is a front view showing an example of the changes to the monochrome map screen shown above. This is a front view showing other examples of changes to the monochrome map screen shown above. This diagram shows the details of the land elements in the map above. This diagram shows the details of the icons (general) on the map above. This diagram shows the details of the icons (facilities, businesses) on the map above. This diagram shows the details of the icons (warnings) on the map above. This is a front view showing an example of a menu screen with a monochrome display. This is a front view showing an example of a menu screen with a monochrome display. This is a front view showing an example of the option screen with monochrome display. This is a front view showing an example of a keyboard screen with a monochrome display. This is a front view showing an example of a monochrome map screen (route guidance). This is a front view showing an example of a monochrome map screen (route guidance). This is a front view showing an example of a monochrome map screen (route guidance) and highway display. This is a front view showing an example of a monochrome map screen (route guidance) and highway display. This is a front view showing an example of a monochrome map screen (route guidance) and a full-map radar display (warning display). This is a front view showing an example of a monochrome display confirmation window.

The following description will detail an in-vehicle electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to Figures 1 to 14. In this embodiment, a navigation system for a motorcycle equipped with an alarm function is provided as an example of the in-vehicle electronic device.

<Overall configuration of this navigation system>
Figures 1(a) and 1(b) show the external appearance of the navigation device 10 according to this embodiment. The navigation device 10 is equipped with various mechanisms shown in Figure 2 inside and outside a thin, rectangular housing 11. This navigation device 10 is configured to be firmly fixed to the handlebars or fuel tank of a motorcycle via a cradle or mounting adapter (not shown) (see Figure 3).

In Figure 1(a), the front of the housing 11 is equipped with a thin display unit (display means) 12, such as an LCD or organic ELD. A transparent touch panel 13 for detecting the coordinates of the touched position is provided on this display unit 12. In this embodiment, the navigation device 10 has a water-resistant and vibration-resistant structure. A waterproof rubber sheet (not shown) is interposed at the joint between the housing 11 and the display unit 12 to prevent water droplets from entering the housing 11 through this joint.

In Figure 1(b), waterproof covers 14, 15, and a power switch 16 are provided on the side of the housing 11. A memory card reader 17, such as an SD card reader shown in Figure 2, is housed directly beneath the waterproof cover 14, and the waterproof cover 14 protects the memory card reader 17 from water droplets and dust. Meanwhile, a headphone jack 19 and a USB terminal 20, shown in Figure 2, are housed directly beneath the waterproof cover 15, and the waterproof cover 15 protects the headphone jack 19 and the USB terminal 20 from water droplets and dust. Furthermore, a waterproof rubber sheet (not shown) is interposed at the joint between the housing 11 and the power switch 16 to prevent water droplets from entering the housing 11 through this joint.

As shown in Figure 2, a memory card 18 containing map data is inserted into the memory card reader 17. The navigation device 10 can use the map data stored on the memory card 18 to provide route guidance. Furthermore, the navigation device 10 can be connected to a PC via the USB terminal 20 to perform software application updates. In addition to the route guidance function, the navigation device 10 also has a warning function that detects vehicle speed measuring devices, etc., and can update the information on the warning target objects (location information including longitude and latitude, type information, etc.) stored on the memory card 18.

If there is update information in the data stored on the memory card 18, the control unit (control means) 26 stores (downloads) the update information in the database 27 and updates the data in the database 27. The database 27 can be implemented using non-volatile memory (e.g., EEPROM) attached to the microcontroller of the control unit 26 or externally to the microcontroller.

Returning to Figure 1(b), a battery cover 21 is fitted to the right side of the rear of the housing 11. A battery (not shown) is housed directly beneath this battery cover 21. A waterproof rubber sheet (not shown) is also interposed at the joint between the housing 11 and the battery cover 21 to prevent water droplets from entering the housing 11 through this joint. For the battery of this navigation device 10, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion battery is preferable.

Furthermore, the housing 11 contains a speaker 22, a GPS receiver 23, a microwave receiver 24, and a wireless receiver 25. The speaker 22 outputs sounds such as various operation sounds, sound effects, voice guidance, rerouting sounds, speed limit sounds, GPS positioning sounds, or non-positioning sounds. In addition, this navigation device 10 is equipped with a music player function, and can output music data stored on the memory card 18 through the speaker 22. If headphones (not shown) are connected to the headphone terminal 19, the above sounds will be output through the headphones.

In Figure 2, the control unit 26 primarily consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs control processing according to a program. It executes predetermined processing based on information input from the various input devices (touch panel 13, GPS receiver 23, microwave receiver 24, wireless receiver 25, etc.) and outputs predetermined messages and alarms using output devices (display unit 12, speaker 22, etc.).

The various functions of this navigation device 10 are stored as programs on the EEPROM of the control unit 26, and are realized by the CPU executing these programs. The various functions of this navigation device 10 are described in detail below.

<<Route guidance function>>
Database 27 stores road network information for route guidance. The control unit 26 can use this road network information to search for a route from one location to another. Database 27 also stores a telephone number database that associates telephone numbers with the location information and names of the houses, companies, facilities, etc. associated with those telephone numbers, and an address database that associates addresses with the location information of those addresses. The control unit 26 reads road network information for the area around the current location from database 27 and displays a map of the area around the current location on the display unit 12.

The control unit 26 can then perform the route guidance function. First, the control unit 26 displays a destination setting menu (see Figure 16) on the display unit 12. This destination setting menu includes buttons such as a phone number search button, an address search button, and a facility name search button, prompting the user to select a method for setting the destination. The user selects the destination setting method via the touch panel 13.

For example, if the phone number search button is pressed, the control unit 26 displays a phone number input screen and retrieves location information corresponding to the entered phone number from the database 27. Similarly, if the address search button is pressed, it displays an address selection input screen and retrieves location information corresponding to the entered address from the database 27. The control unit 26 sets the retrieved location information as the destination location information and calculates a recommended route from the current location to the destination based on the road network information stored in the database 27. For this recommended route calculation, a known method such as Dijkstra's algorithm can be used. The control unit 26 displays the calculated recommended route along with a map of the surrounding area. For example, the route from the current location to the destination is displayed as the recommended route in a predetermined color (e.g., "green").

<<Radar Scope Display Function>>
Database 27 stores location information of warning targets such as speed measuring devices, along with their type. The radar scope display function searches for warning targets within a predetermined range (for example, within a range of approximately 1 km) from the current position detected by the GPS receiver 23, based on the location information stored in database 27, and displays the relative positional relationship between the vehicle and the warning target on the display unit 12.

While the radar scope display function is running, the control unit 26 displays a map on the display unit 12 and also displays an arrow-shaped vehicle icon on the map indicating the vehicle's position. Furthermore, if an event occurs during the operation of the radar scope display function (i.e., if predetermined conditions for issuing a warning are met), the control unit 26 displays POI icons with letters such as "L," "RD," "P," and "N" on the map to indicate the type and location of the object to be warned. If an event occurs during the operation of the radar scope display function, the control unit 26 performs control processing to execute one of the following functions: GPS warning function, radar wave warning function, or wireless warning function.

<<GPS alarm function>>
The control unit 26 displays an alarm on the display unit 12 when the current location detected by the GPS receiver 23 and the location of the alarm target stored in the database 27 approach a predetermined distance. The alarm is displayed in various ways, for example, by displaying a POI icon indicating the location information of the alarm target on the map (see Figure 19), or by displaying an alarm screen overlaid on the currently displayed map screen (see Figure 23). At this time, the control unit 26 outputs an audio message from the speaker 22 indicating the type and distance of the alarm target, such as "LH system 500m ahead."

Examples of objects that can be warned about by the GPS warning function include speed measuring devices (loop coils, LH systems, H systems, radar speed cameras, etc.), speed trap areas, mobile speed camera areas, pursuit-type enforcement areas, stop sign enforcement areas, intersection enforcement areas, other enforcement areas, seat belt checkpoints, drunk driving checkpoints, cell phone checkpoints, other checkpoint areas, intersection monitoring points, traffic signal violation prevention systems, highway traffic police units, N systems, traffic monitoring systems, police stations, accident-prone areas, service areas, parking areas, highway oases, highway tunnels/continuous tunnels, highway radio reception areas, roadside stations, viewpoint parking areas, parking lots, public restrooms, etc.

<<Radar wave warning function>>
The radar wave warning function is a warning function that displays a warning on the display unit 12 and outputs a warning sound from the speaker 17 when the microwave receiver 24 detects radio waves corresponding to microwaves in a predetermined frequency band emitted from the speed measuring device. For example, when microwaves in a predetermined frequency band emitted from the speed measuring device are detected by the microwave receiver 24, a schematic diagram or photograph of the radar stored in the database 27 is displayed as a warning on the display unit 14, and audio data stored in the database 27 is read out and the voice "Radar. Pay attention to speed" is output from the speaker 22.

<<Wireless alarm function>>
The wireless warning function is a function that, when the wireless receiver 24 receives radio waves emitted by emergency vehicles, etc., issues a warning to prevent interference with their driving. The wireless warning function scans frequencies such as speed enforcement radio, car location radio, digital radio, low-power radio, police station activity radio, police telephone, police activity radio, tow truck radio, helicopter telemetry radio, fire helicopter telemetry radio, fire radio, ambulance radio, highway radio, and security radio. When a radio signal is received on a scanned frequency, a schematic diagram indicating that a radio signal corresponding to that frequency has been received, stored in the database 27 for each radio type, is displayed on the display unit 12 as a warning screen. At the same time, audio data stored in the database 27 for each radio type is read out and an alarm sound indicating the type of radio signal is output from the speaker 22. For example, when a speed enforcement radio signal is received, an audio message such as "Speed enforcement radio. Be careful of speed" is output.

Here, the radar scope display function, GPS warning function, radar wave warning function, and wireless warning function each have multiple different types of warning targets set, as described above, and a priority order is defined according to the type of warning target. The priority order of each warning target is visualized, for example, by color-coding the warning icons in groups of "red," "yellow," "blue," or "green" in order of priority (see Figure 14).

<Cabinet>
Next, the housing 11 of the navigation device 10 will be described in detail. In Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the navigation device 10 uses a housing 11 that is almost entirely made of metal. As shown in Figure 3, the navigation device 10 is mounted around the handlebars 31 of a motorcycle 30, and in this embodiment, the metal surface of the housing 11 is made to have an appearance and texture that matches the metal parts around the handlebars 31.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the parts of the rear of the housing 11 indicated by reference numerals 23, 24, and 25, as shown in Figure (b), are made of non-metallic material such as plastic, allowing for the transmission of radio waves to be received by the GPS receiver 23, microwave receiver 24, and wireless receiver 25. Note that the housing 11 can also be made entirely of metal, provided that radio wave reception is possible for each receiver 23-25. For example, if slits or small holes for radio wave reception are provided on the rear of the housing 11, or if the antennas of each receiver 23-25 are located outside the housing 11 and connected by connectors, the housing 11 can be made entirely of metal.

Here, around the handlebars 31 of the motorcycle 30, there is a dense concentration of metal parts such as the handlebar clamp 32, top bridge 33, speedometer 34, tachometer 35, front fork 36, and fuel tank 37. By making the housing 11 out of metal, the navigation device 10 is made to blend in with the metal parts around the handlebars 31, making it visually inconspicuous. This prevents the user's eyes from being drawn to the housing 11 when trying to look at the display of the navigation device 10 while driving.

The metal surface of the housing 11 should preferably have the same or similar appearance and texture as any of the metal parts around the handle 31. For example, if the cases of the handle 31, speedometer 34, and tachometer 35 are plated, the housing 11 can be plated to give it the same appearance and texture as these metal parts. Also, for example, if the handle clamp 32 and top bridge 33 are made of unpainted aluminum, the housing 11 can be made of unpainted aluminum to give it the same appearance and texture as these metal parts. On the other hand, if the navigation device 10 is mounted on the fuel tank 37, it is preferable to paint the housing 11 the same color as the fuel tank 37.

In this embodiment, the housing 11 is made entirely of metal. However, at least the portion visible to the user during operation may be made of metal, while the remaining portion may be made of non-metallic materials, such as plastic with sufficient strength or carbon fiber. Specifically, the housing 11 can be divided into two halves, a front and a back. The front half covering the area around the display unit 12 can be made of metal, while the back half can be made of non-metallic materials. Preferably, the non-metallic back half should be made of a black color (more preferably a matte black) that has low light reflection, as this will not attract the user's eye during operation and will also blend well with the surrounding metal parts.

Furthermore, the entire or a part of the housing 11 may be made of a non-metallic material, provided that the material can be processed to mimic the appearance of a metal surface. For example, the housing 11 may be made of a general-purpose plastic such as ABS or polypropylene, or a general-purpose engineering plastic such as polyacetal or polycarbonate, and these plastics may be plated.

<Display mode of the display unit>
As described above, in this embodiment, the housing 11 of the navigation device 10 is disguised as a metal part around the steering wheel 31 to make it less likely to attract the user's attention while driving. However, this configuration alone does not achieve the objective of the present invention, which is to allow the user to instantly grasp the necessary information. To achieve this objective, in this embodiment, less important information displayed in the display unit 12 is disguised as a metal part 32 to 37 around the steering wheel 31 to make it less conspicuous, and the visibility of necessary information is significantly improved. The characteristic display modes of the display unit 12 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 4 to 14.

<<Menu Screen>>
Figures 4(a) and 4(b) are front views of the menu screen displayed on the display unit 12 when the navigation device 10 is powered on. In Figure 4(a), the menu screen of this embodiment consists of a background 41, a navigation button 42, a music button 43, a picture button 44, and an option button 45 (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as "displays 14 to 45"). These displays 41 to 45 are all monochrome displays expressed in grayscale, depicting a metal surface using only the differences in brightness of achromatic colors such as white, gray, and black. Monochrome displays refer to displays expressed using the shades or brightness of a single color, and may be displays expressed using only the differences in brightness of a single chromatic color such as red or blue, rather than just grayscale.

In this embodiment, each of the displays 41 to 45 is an object with an appearance resembling a metal plate. The contrast between light and dark colors of the monochrome display creates a display that mimics the texture of a metal surface and actual metalwork. Preferably, by making the background 41 a 2D object and the navigation buttons 42, music buttons 43, picture buttons 44, and option buttons 45 3D objects, the three-dimensional buttons 42 to 45 can be made to stand out against the flat background 41, improving the operability of the menu screen.

<<<Drawing on a metal surface>>>
First, as a common feature of these displays 41 to 45, the reflection of light and shadow are depicted by the difference in brightness of the monochrome display colors, thereby mimicking the luster of a metal surface. For example, in the background 41 in Figure 4(a), the area indicated as "light" is the reflection of light, and the area indicated as "dark" is the shadow. In addition, in this embodiment, a hairline pattern 40 is drawn over the entire surface of each display 41 to 45 to dull the luster of the metal surface. In this way, a metal surface can be represented by depicting at least the luster, and by further adding depictions of surface treatments performed in actual metal processing, it is possible to make it look even more like a metal surface.

Note that in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the hairline pattern 40 is depicted in an exaggerated and schematic manner for ease of explanation. However, in actual displays, a hairline pattern equivalent to that of the actual metal parts can be rendered (see Figures 15 and 16). Thus, the metal surfaces of each display 41-45 can be rendered at least through light reflection and shadow, and by adding metalworking elements such as the hairline pattern 40, they can be made to look more like metal surfaces. As a result, the appearance and texture of the metal parts 32-37 around the handlebars 31 of the motorcycle 30 shown in Figure 3, the housing 11 of this navigation device 10, and each display 41-45 of the display unit 12 can be made consistent, making the background and buttons themselves less conspicuous.

Here, it is preferable that the metal surfaces of the displays 41-45 on the display unit 12 be rendered to have an appearance and texture similar to the metal surfaces of the housing 11 and the metal parts 31-37 of the motorcycle 30. More preferably, they should be rendered with high image quality, high resolution, and precision to the point where they are indistinguishable from the actual metal surfaces. However, even a rendering that appears to be a metal surface to a user who glances at it briefly while driving will still provide a camouflage effect that discourages the user's attention.

<<<Visualization of Information>>>
Each of the displays 41 to 45 contains characters 41a to 45a and figures 42b to 44b to convey information such as functions. In this embodiment, these characters 41a to 45a and figures 42b to 44b are displayed using a drawing method different from the conventional method. Specifically, the characters 41a to 45a and figures 42b to 44b are all drawn to mimic general metalworking by using the contrast of light and dark colors in a monochrome display. With conventional text and diagrams, the drawing method differs from that of the metal surface, and even if the characters and figures represented by such a drawing method are displayed in monochrome, they can be clearly distinguished from the drawing on the metal surface, causing the displayed characters and figures to stand out. Therefore, in this embodiment, by drawing characters and figures on the metal surface to mimic general metalworking, these characters and figures are made less conspicuous on the metal surface.

In this embodiment, characters 41a to 45a are drawn on each display 41 to 45, which mimics a metal plate, by mimicking metal die-cutting. The die-cut areas (character portions) of these characters 41a to 45a are dark in color, while the edges of the metal plate visible around the die-cut areas are light in color across the width of the plate thickness. The characters 41a to 45a were die-cut to allow for color display of characters that are to be highlighted, as if illuminated from the back of the metal plate (see reference numerals 42a and 42c in Figure 4(b)).

Furthermore, the navigation button 42, music button 43, and picture button 44 are each depicted with the shapes 42b, 43b, and 44b of a "magnifying glass," "musical note," and "camera," respectively, drawn in a manner that mimics etching. This etching-like drawing allows for variations in the representation of shapes and other elements by reproducing the degree of corrosion on a metal surface.

For example, Figure 4(a) shows a representation where the degree of corrosion on the metal surface is low, and the shapes 42b, 43b, and 44b of the "magnifying glass," "musical note," and "camera" appear as if they have been slightly discolored on the metal surface (in reality, they look like the shapes in Figure 15 or Figure 16). When representing a low degree of corrosion on the metal surface, it is best to make the gloss and hairline finish of the etched shapes 42b-44b the same as those of the unetched metal surface, so that the shapes 42b-44b appear translucent.

Furthermore, the higher the degree of corrosion on the metal surface, the deeper and more recessed the corrosion area appears, resulting in a difference in appearance and properties between the corrosion area and the metal surface. For example, as seen in the button representing the "map code" in Figure 16, the corrosion area is recessed compared to the metal surface, and its surface appears as a dull, rough surface. If the degree of corrosion is increased even further, the corrosion area will appear similar to the cut-out shapes shown in characters 41a to 45a.

Thus, the less pronounced the corrosion on the metal surface, the less noticeable the drawn shapes and other elements become. Conversely, the more pronounced the corrosion, the more noticeable the drawn shapes and other elements become. Therefore, for example, drawing shapes on frequently used buttons with a high degree of corrosion and on less frequently used buttons with a low degree of corrosion would make it easier for users to select buttons according to their needs.

<<Switching from monochrome to color display>>
In the menu screen shown in Figure 4(a), the user can switch the characters 41a to 45a of any of the Navigation button 42, Music button 43, Picture button 44, and Option button 45 to color display according to their needs. This color display refers to a display expressed using at least one chromatic color different from the monochrome display. For example, as in this embodiment, if the monochrome display is a grayscale consisting of achromatic colors such as white, gray, and black, then any chromatic color will be considered a color display. Also, if the monochrome display is expressed using shades or brightness of a single chromatic color, then any other chromatic color with a different hue will be considered a color display. Below, specific examples of switching from monochrome display to color display will be explained with reference to the menu screens shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b).

First, when the power switch 15 (see Figure 1(b)) or a menu button (not shown) located on the housing 11 of the navigation device 10 is pressed, a menu screen consisting only of monochrome display, as shown in Figure 4(a), is displayed. As described above, the characters 41a to 45a included in each of the displays 41 to 45 on the menu screen are drawn with a dark, cut-out space and a bright edge surrounding this space, before operation is performed on the touch panel 13. In such a menu screen, the background 41, navigation buttons 42, music buttons 43, picture buttons 44, and option buttons 45 are all represented by shades or brightness of achromatic colors. Therefore, the stimulation that these displays 41 to 45 provide to human color vision is equal, and there is no difference in visibility. Consequently, the user's eye will not be drawn to any of the displays 41, 42, 43, 44, or 45 on the menu screen.

Next, when the user touches, for example, the navigation button 42 on the menu screen via the touch panel 13, the letters 42a on the navigation button 42 switch to color display, as shown in Figure 4(b) (see the dotted line labeled 42c in the figure). In this embodiment, the letters 42a of "NAVI," which are cut out from the metal plate of the navigation button 42, are displayed in color by illuminating them from the back with colored light.

Specifically, the letters 42a of "NAVI" are drawn to appear as if they are emitting light in a chromatic color, and the area within the dotted line labeled with symbol 42c is displayed in color. For example, the letters 42a of "NAVI" located at the center of the light emission may be drawn darkly, and the light leaking from around the letters 42a may be drawn fainter, both in the same chromatic color. Alternatively, only the letters 42a of "NAVI" may be drawn to appear as if they are self-emitting in a chromatic color. Furthermore, the letters 42a of "NAVI" may be filled with a solid color to create a difference in texture from the navigation button 42, which realistically reproduces a metallic surface.

<<< Effects and Benefits >>>
In this way, by switching the text 42a of the navigation button 42 to color display, the visual stimulation to the human eye for the text 42a among the displays 41 to 45 on the menu screen becomes stronger, attracting the user's eye to the color-displayed text 42a when viewing the menu screen. As a result, the user can immediately understand that the operation of the navigation button 42 has been successfully performed and that the route guidance function of this navigation device has been executed.

In particular, in the navigation device 10 of this embodiment, each display 41 to 45 in the menu screen is drawn on a metal surface with an appearance and texture similar to the metal surface of the housing 11. Therefore, when a user glances at the display unit 12 while driving, they are not drawn to unnecessary displays on the housing 11 or the menu screen, and the user can access the necessary characters 42a on the display unit 12 with pinpoint accuracy.

<<Options screen>>
Next, as another display mode of the display unit 12, the options screen shown in Figure 5 will be explained as an example. When a user touches the options button 45 on the menu screen shown in Figure 4(a), the word "OPTION" 45a lights up in color, similar to Figure 4(b), and the display unit 12 switches to the options screen shown in Figure 5.

In Figure 5, the options screen of this embodiment consists of a background 51, three level control units 52, 52, 52, and a changeover switch 53. Unlike the menu screens in Figures 4(a) and 4(b) described above, the options screen of this embodiment includes color display during the monochrome display from the initial state.

＜＜＜Background＞＞＞
The background 51 mimics the luster of a metal surface by depicting light reflection and shadows through the contrast of light and dark colors in the monochrome display. In this embodiment, a grid pattern 50 is also drawn on the surface of the background 51 to make it look more like a metal surface. The title of this option screen and the user-configurable items are displayed on this background 51 using color characters 51a to 51e, respectively. The color characters 51a to 51e provide a stronger visual stimulus to the human eye than the monochrome metal surface, thus attracting the user's attention to these characters 51a to 51e when viewing the option screen.

Here, the color-displayed characters 51a to 51e provide the same visual stimulus to human color perception, so there is no difference in visibility. Therefore, a user viewing the options screen will need to search to some extent for the item they wish to change among these characters 51a to 51e. However, since users typically do not change settings while driving, this does not pose a particular problem.

<<<Level control unit>>>
The level control unit 52 has a configuration in which a - button 52A and a + button 52C (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as "± buttons 52A and 52C") are placed at the left and right ends of the indicator 52B. The ± buttons 52A and 52C are designed to resemble small, mirror-finished metal plate buttons through the contrast of light and dark in a monochrome display. The ± buttons 52A and 52C display the "-" symbol 52a and the "+" symbol 52c in monochrome by drawing that mimics punching or etching. The indicator 52B is designed to resemble a thin cylindrical metal rod, and its metal surface is given the same mirror finish as the ± buttons 52A and 52C through the contrast of light and dark in a monochrome display.

In this embodiment, the brightness of the level control unit 52 is increased, and the brightness of the background 51 is decreased, creating a difference in appearance and texture between the two metal surfaces. This makes the smoothly shining, mirror-finish level control unit 52 stand out against the dark, heavy background 51 of the grid pattern. Similarly, the level control unit 52 may be either a 2D or 3D object, but preferably, the background 51 is a 2D object and the level control unit 52 is a 3D object. This makes the three-dimensional level control unit 52 stand out against the planar background 51, improving the operability of setting changes.

The operation of the level control unit 52 will now be explained. When a user touches the ± buttons 52A or 52C via the touch panel 13, the monochrome "-" symbol 52a or "+" symbol 52c switches to a color display. For example, the "-" symbol 52a or "+" symbol 52c of the ± buttons 52A or 52C is displayed in color as if illuminated from behind with colored light. As shown by reference numeral 52d in Figure 5, the "-" symbol 52a is drawn as if it is emitting light in a color, and the area within the dotted line becomes the color display.

Furthermore, when the user touches the ± buttons 52A or 52C, the illumination 52b of indicator 52B increases or decreases depending on the number of touches or the duration. This linear illumination 52b is a chromatic color display, making it stand out in contrast to the monochrome displays of indicator 52B, ± buttons 52A and 52C, and background 51. The illumination 52b visually indicates the levels of "volume," "brightness (daytime)," and "brightness (nighttime)" (see reference numerals 51ab to 51d in the figure) based on its length. The use of color in a monochrome display makes the changes in its length easily visible.

Here, the light-emitting element 52b only needs to be a chromatic color different from the monochrome display. However, in this embodiment, the color scheme is designed to make the color display's light-emitting element 52b more noticeable. For example, it is preferable to differentiate the light-emitting element 52b into a central and peripheral color to create a difference in brightness. In the example shown in Figure 5, the central part of the light-emitting element 52b is made a color with high brightness, while the peripheral part is made a color with lower brightness than the central part. Preferably, if the central part of the light-emitting element 52b is made white, which has the highest brightness, and the peripheral part is made a chromatic color with high saturation, the brightness of the central part of the light-emitting element 52b will appear higher, further improving visibility during monochrome display.

<<<<Changeover switch>>>
The changeover switch 53 is for setting the display mode of the "full map radar display" (see reference numeral 51e in the figure). Here, "full map radar display" refers to an alarm screen displayed on the map screen for the route guidance function, which displays an alarm icon on the map when the vehicle approaches an object to be warned about, and informs the user of the location and type of the object to be warned about (see the right half of the screen in Figure 23). Such display modes of the "full map radar display" include, for example, a "mode that is always displayed" and a "mode that is displayed when an alarm is issued". Furthermore, the "mode that is displayed when an alarm is issued" has a "normal" mode that displays all items of the full map radar display and a "minimized" mode that displays only the type of object to be warned about.

The toggle switch 53 in this embodiment mimics a horizontally elongated metal plate button by using the contrast of light and dark in its monochrome display. This toggle switch 53 displays color characters 53a in a different color from the monochrome display. Each time the toggle switch 53 is touched, these characters 53a switch between, for example, "Always on display," "Alarm display (normal)," or "Alarm display (minimized)," displaying the setting for "Full map radar display" (see reference numeral 51e in the figure). By displaying color characters 53a within the monochrome toggle switch 53, the characters 53a are made more prominent, further improving their visibility.

<<Keyboard screen>>
Next, as another display mode of the display unit 12, the keyboard screen shown in Figure 6 will be explained as an example. When the user touches the navigation button 42 on the menu screen shown in Figure 4(a), the word "NAVI" 42a switches to a color display, and the route guidance function is executed. The keyboard screen shown in Figure 6 is used for inputting destinations and keyword searches in the route guidance function.

In the figure, the keyboard screen of this embodiment consists of a keyboard body 61 and a plurality of key buttons 62, 62, 62… which mimic a metal surface using a monochrome display, and a liquid crystal display unit 63 which mimics a black and white liquid crystal panel using a monochrome display. The keyboard body 61 has a stepped recess 61a formed by pressing a metal plate and a rectangular punched-out window 61b. The key buttons 62, 62, 62… for character input are arranged in the recess 61a, and the liquid crystal display unit 63 is arranged in the punched-out window 61b. In this embodiment, the keyboard body 61 has a low-brightness metal surface, while each key button 62 has a high-brightness metal surface, making each key button 62 stand out on the keyboard body 61.

Each key button 62 displays a monochrome character, symbol, or shape 62a, 62a, 62a… using a drawing technique that mimics punching or etching. When the user touches each key button 62 via the touch panel 13, the monochrome character, symbol, or shape 62a switches to a color display.

In this embodiment, the keyboard screen employs two different color display modes. The first mode, similar to the embodiment described above, displays the characters 62a of the key button 62 touched by the user in a way that makes them appear as if they are illuminated from behind with chromatic light. For example, as shown by reference numeral 62b in Figure 6, the character "な" 62a is drawn as if it is emitting chromatic light, and the area within the dotted line on the key button 62 is displayed in color. On the other hand, the second mode depicts the entire key button 62 as if it were transparent, and displays the entire key button 62 touched by the user as if it were emitting chromatic light. For example, as shown by reference numeral 62c in Figure 6, the entire key button 62, including the character "決" (OK), is drawn as if it is emitting chromatic light, and the area within the dotted line on the background 61 is displayed in color.

<<Map screen>>
Next, as another display mode of the display unit 12, the map screen shown in Figures 7 to 9 will be explained as an example. Once the destination is identified using the keyboard screen shown in Figure 6 and the route to the destination is determined, route guidance will begin using the color map screen shown in Figure 7.

<<<Color Map Screen>>> The map screen shown in Figure 7 includes land elements that make up Map 70, and various icons on Map 70, as in conventional systems, and these are displayed in a variety of chromatic colors. Details of the land elements of Map 70 and the various icons on Map 70 are shown in Figures 11-13. Note that the map screen shown in Figure 7 is a simplified representation of the actual navigation device's map screen for illustrative purposes, and the land elements in Figure 11 and the various icons in Figures 12 and 13 are merely examples of those actually used.

In Figures 7 and 11, the land elements constituting map 70 include land areas 71A, high-standard roads 71B, low-standard roads 71C, and destination routes 71D. In the color display shown in Figure 7, for example, land areas 71A are color-coded for each predetermined area using "light yellow/light pink/light blue/light green," etc. For example, high-standard roads 71B are displayed in "blue," and low-standard roads 71C are displayed in "bright blue" or "bright brown." Destination routes 71D indicate the route to the destination; for example, they are normally displayed in "green," and when the route is congested, they are displayed in "red" (see "Colors in Color Display" in Figure 11). Furthermore, in the color display shown in Figure 7, these land areas 71A, high-standard roads 71B, low-standard roads 71C, and destination routes 71D are all displayed as planar 2D objects, as in the conventional method (see "Display Type" in Figure 11).

In Figures 7 and 12, common icons displayed on the map 70 include, for example, the vehicle icon 72, the traffic light icon 73A, the destination icon (see Figure 12), the highway icon 73B, the national highway icon 73C, and the prefectural road icon 73D. In the color display shown in Figure 7, for example, the vehicle icon 72 is displayed in "red," the traffic light icon 73A in "green + yellow + red," and the destination icon 73B in "white + black." The highway icon 73B, the national highway icon 73C, and the prefectural road icon 73D are all displayed in "blue + white," following the actual road signs (see "Colors in Color Display" in Figure 12). Furthermore, in the color display shown in Figure 7, these vehicle icons 72, traffic light icons 73A, destination icons (see Figure 12), highway icons 73B, national highway icons 73C, and prefectural road icons 73D are all displayed as flat 2D objects, as in the conventional method (see "Display Type" in Figure 12).

In Figures 7 and 13, the facility icons displayed on the map 70 include, for example, a school icon 74A, a hospital icon 74B, a shrine icon 74C, and a building icon 74D. Additionally, business icons 25, 25, 25… for gas stations, restaurants, hamburger shops, convenience stores, banks, etc., are also displayed on the map 70. In the color display shown in Figure 7, for example, the school icon 74A is displayed in "green + white," the hospital icon 74B in "white + black," the shrine icon 74C in "white + black," and the building icon 74D in "gray." Furthermore, each business icon 25 is displayed in the color of the logo defined by each company (see "Color in Color Display" in Figure 13). In the color display shown in Figure 7, these facility icons 74A-74D and each business icon 25 are displayed as flat 2D objects, as in the conventional method (see "Display Type" in Figure 13).

In Figures 7 and 14, the warning icons displayed on the map 70 include, for example, POI icons such as the loop coil icon 76A, LH system icon 76B, new H system icon (see Figure 14), radar speed camera icon 76C, checkpoint area icon (see Figure 14), enforcement area icon (see Figure 14), N system icon (see Figure 14), and accident-prone area icon 77. Note that these POI icons are merely examples; the warning icons displayed on the map 70 broadly include icons indicating the location information of predetermined objects (or target areas) that need to be notified to the user.

In this embodiment, the POI icons described above are grouped into alarm, warning, and notification categories according to the degree of urgency of the object being warned about, and the icons are color-coded according to the group. In the color display shown in Figure 7, for example, the loop coil icon 76A, LH system icon 76B, new H system icon, and radar speed camera icon 76C all belong to the alarm group and are displayed in "red + white". The checkpoint area icon and enforcement area icon both belong to the warning group and are displayed in "yellow + white". The N system icon and accident-prone area icon 77 both belong to the notification group and are displayed in "blue + white" (see "Colors in Color Display" in Figure 14). Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the color display shown in Figure 7, the POI icons described above are displayed as planar 2D objects, as in the conventional system (see "Display Type" in Figure 14).

<<<Monochrome map screen>>>
In the color map screen shown in Figure 7, when the vehicle approaches a warning target object within a predetermined distance, the display unit 12 switches to the monochrome map screen shown in Figure 8. In this embodiment, unnecessary information is omitted, and only the information necessary to perform the warning function is displayed on the screen. To perform the warning function, particularly important information is highlighted in color, while the rest is displayed in monochrome. In this embodiment, "information necessary to perform the warning function" refers to information necessary to convey matters concerning the warning target object to the user. This monochrome map screen will be described below with reference to Figure 8.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>
First, when switching from the color map screen shown in Figure 7 to the monochrome map screen shown in Figure 8, unnecessary information is omitted in order to perform the warning function. In this embodiment, the text characters on the map 70 shown in Figure 7, facility icons 74A to 74D and company icons 75 that are unrelated to the vehicle's route (destination route 81D) are omitted from the screen, simplifying the information displayed on the map 80 shown in Figure 8.

The "Display Omission" column in Figures 11 to 14 illustrates whether or not certain elements can be omitted when switching to the monochrome map screen shown in Figure 8. For example, regarding the land elements of the map shown in Figure 11, "Land" and "Destination Route" are not omitted (see reference numerals 81A and 81D in Figure 8). During the execution of the route guidance function, the destination route 81D indicates the current path of the vehicle and is necessary to inform the user of warning objects along the path. Also, land 81A is the background of the road that constitutes the vehicle's path; while its importance as information is low, it is necessary for constructing the map screen. On the other hand, "High-Standard Roads" and "Low-Standard Roads" may be omitted unless they are part of the vehicle's path. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, roads 81C that intersect with the vehicle's path and roads 81C that are close to the vehicle's path may be useful for determining the vehicle's position, so their display does not need to be omitted.

For example, regarding the general icons on the map shown in Figure 12, all icons except the vehicle icon 81D indicating the location of the "own vehicle" may be omitted. However, icons that are useful for determining the location of the vehicle or the object being warned about do not need to be omitted (see reference numeral 83A in Figure 8). Also, while the route guidance function is running, the display of the "destination" icon does not need to be omitted.

For example, the facility and company icons on the map shown in Figure 13 are unnecessary information for the alarm function and may be omitted entirely. However, as in this embodiment, facility and company icons along the destination route 81D, which is the vehicle's path, are useful for determining the location of the vehicle or the object being warned about, and therefore do not need to be omitted (see reference numeral 75 in Figure 8).

For example, the warning icons on the map shown in Figure 14 may be omitted if they are not located in the vehicle's path or near the vehicle. However, as in this embodiment, all warning icons that can be displayed at the current map scale 80 may be displayed (see reference numerals 86A to 86C and 87 in Figure 8).

<<<<<Map display methods>>>>>
In Figure 8, the monochrome map screen according to this embodiment consists of land 81A, low-standard roads 81C necessary for fulfilling the warning function, destination route 81D (high-standard road 81B), vehicle icon 82, traffic light icon 83A, company icon 75, and all warning icons 86A to 86C, 87 that can be displayed at the current map 80 scale.

Of these displays, the land area 81A, low-standard road 81C, and signal icon 83A are represented as monochrome displays using shades or brightness of a single color, while the destination route 81D, vehicle icon 82, company icon 75, and warning icons 86A-86C and 87 are represented as color displays in a different color scheme from the monochrome displays.

First, let's explain the components of the monochrome display in Figure 8. In this embodiment, the land elements of the map 80, namely land areas 81A and low-standard roads 81C, are represented as 2D objects with an appearance that mimics a metal surface. Land areas 81A are rendered to mimic the color, gloss, and surface treatment of the metal surface (for example, unpainted aluminum) of the housing 11 shown in Figure 3, making it difficult for the user to distinguish between the housing 11 and land areas 81A at a glance. Furthermore, low-standard roads 81C are rendered to mimic etching on the metal surface of land areas 81A, resulting in a display that is less likely to appear unnatural on top of the metal-surface-like land areas 81A.

Furthermore, if common icons such as "traffic lights," "destinations," "expressways," "national roads," and "prefectural roads" shown in Figure 12 are not omitted, they will be displayed in grayscale on the map 80 in Figure 8 to make them less conspicuous. The same applies if facility icons such as "schools," "hospitals," "shrines," and "buildings" shown in Figure 13 are not omitted. Also, when these icons are displayed in grayscale, they will be rendered using a technique that mimics the textured or cut-out finish of metal, such as etching, to minimize any visual incongruity on the land area 81A (see "Color in Monochrome Display" in Figures 12 and 13).

Next, the components of the color display in Figure 8 will be explained. In this embodiment, the destination route 81D is displayed in the same manner as the light emission 52b of the indicator 52B shown in Figure 5. That is, the destination route 81D mimics a line of light emission extending along the vehicle's path, with a high-brightness color (e.g., "white") in the center and a lower-brightness color (e.g., "blue," "green," "red," or "purple") in the periphery. This destination route 81D, which mimics light emission, is a two-dimensional object, and is displayed in color in a way that resembles a high-standard road 81B drawn on the metal surface of land 81A by mimicking a cutout, illuminated from behind with chromatic light.

The vehicle icon 82 is changed from a 2D object as shown in Figure 7 to a 3D object as shown in Figure 8 (see "Display Type" in Figure 12). The 3D vehicle icon 82 is drawn as a red arrow-shaped 3D object, with a height difference between it and the metal surface of the land 81A, and is depicted as floating above the illuminated destination route 81D.

Each of the warning icons 86A-86C and 87 is changed from a 2D object as shown in Figure 7 to a 3D object as shown in Figure 8, similar to the vehicle icon 82 described above (see "Display Type" in Figure 12). Each of the 3D warning icons 86A-86C and 87 is drawn as a spherical solid, and is given a height difference from the metal surface of the land 81A, so that it appears to be floating above the land 81A, the high-standard road 81B, the low-standard road 81C, or the destination route 81D. Regarding the height difference on the screen, the land 81A is displayed at the lowest position, each of the warning icons 86A-86C and 87 is in the middle, and the vehicle icon 82 is displayed at the highest position. Therefore, the vehicle icon 82 can pass over each of the warning icons 86A-86C and 87 displayed on the destination route 81D. Furthermore, each of the warning icons 86A-86C and 87 is rotated in one direction on the map 80, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 8, so that they can be easily distinguished from the vehicle icon 82 and the company icon 75.

In this embodiment, the company icons 75 along the destination route 81D are displayed without omission. When the company icons 75 are not omitted, they are displayed in the color of each company's logo, as in Figure 7.

<<<Example of changing the monochrome map screen>>>
Figure 9 shows an example of a modified version of the monochrome map screen shown in Figure 8 above. The map screen shown in Figure 9 is configured to omit less necessary information from the monochrome map screen shown in Figure 8 above, in order to notify the nearest warning object in the vehicle's path.

In the color map screen shown in Figure 7, when the vehicle approaches a warning target object within a predetermined distance, the display unit 12 switches to the monochrome map screen shown in Figure 9. In the map screen shown in Figure 9, only the destination route 81D, the vehicle icon 82, and the nearest warning icon 86A are displayed in color on the monochrome map 80, which mimics a metal surface, while all other icons shown in Figure 7 are omitted.

Furthermore, the map 80 and destination route 81D are displayed as 2D objects, and only the most important elements—the user's vehicle icon 82 and the nearest warning icon 86A—are displayed as 3D objects on these 2D objects. In addition, the 3D warning icon 86A is rotated on the map 80 in the direction of the arrow shown in the diagram, strongly attracting the user's attention on the monochrome map 80, which mimics a metallic surface.

In this embodiment, the map screen displays only the minimum necessary information 81D, 82, and 86A on the monochrome map 80 to notify the nearest warning object in the vehicle's path. Therefore, even a user driving a motorcycle can access the necessary information 81D, 82, and 86A on the screen with pinpoint accuracy, allowing them to grasp the positional relationship between their vehicle and the nearest warning object at a glance.

<<<Other examples of changes to the monochrome map screen>>>
The embodiments shown in Figures 8 and 9 above illustrate cases where the navigation device 10 displays the map 80 in monochrome when issuing a warning. However, the display modes of the present invention are not limited to warning announcements. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the navigation device 10 may switch the map from color display to monochrome display when guiding the vehicle to its destination.

During the execution of the route guidance function, the navigation device 10 displays a detailed map in color, including all land elements, general icons, facility icons, and company icons, until the vehicle approaches a left or right turn point (see Figure 7). Then, when the vehicle approaches a predetermined distance from the left or right turn point, the detailed color map is switched to the monochrome map 90 shown in Figure 10.

The map 90 in Figure 10, similar to the embodiments in Figures 8 and 9, displays high-standard roads 91B and low-standard roads 91C on a land area 91A that mimics a metal surface, using a drawing technique that mimics etching. All of these components are represented as monochrome 2D objects. On this monochrome map 90, the destination route 91D, the vehicle icon 92, and the flag icon 93 are displayed in color. The destination route 91D is a 2D object that mimics a line of light extending along the vehicle's path, while the vehicle icon 92 and flag icon 93 are 3D objects.

In this embodiment, for example, a flag icon 93 such as "red" or "yellow" is displayed at the vehicle's right-turn point, and this flag icon 93 is made to flash to make it stand out. Furthermore, in this embodiment, to make the vehicle's right-turn point even clearer, all less necessary land elements, general icons, facility icons, and company icons are omitted, similar to the embodiment in Figure 9.

As described above, the map screen of this embodiment displays only the minimum necessary information to inform the user of the vehicle's right-turn point, such as the destination route 91D which represents the vehicle's path, the vehicle icon 92 indicating the vehicle's position, and the flag icon 93 indicating the vehicle's right-turn point, in color on the monochrome map 90. This allows the user to grasp the right-turn point on the map 90 at a glance, and the actual positional relationship between the vehicle and the right-turn point becomes clear.

<Other changes>
The in-vehicle electronic equipment of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the in-vehicle electronic equipment to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the motorcycle navigation device with the configuration shown in Figures 1 to 3, but can also be applied to navigation devices for bicycles or automobiles, as well as in-vehicle electronic equipment with various configurations, such as radar detectors.

Furthermore, the screen displays shown in Figures 4 to 14 are merely examples, and the design of the displays for realizing various functions of in-vehicle electronic devices can be freely changed, as long as they include the monochrome display configuration that is a characteristic of this invention.

<Examples of monochrome display>
Examples of the monochrome display in the in-vehicle electronic device of the present invention (actual CG screens) are shown in Figures 15 to 24.

Figures 15 and 16 both show the menu screen in monochrome, with the background and each menu icon rendered to resemble a hairline metal surface. Touching the "Search" icon on the top menu screen shown in Figure 15 switches the "Search" text to color (illuminates), and the destination setting menu screen shown in Figure 16 is displayed.

Figure 17 shows the options screen in monochrome. The buttons and key switches have a hairline-patterned metal surface, creating a contrast in texture with the smooth, glossy background, making the controls visually distinguishable. Touching the "Settings" icon on the top menu screen shown in Figure 15 switches the "Settings" text to color (illumination), and the options screen shown in Figure 17 is displayed.

Figure 18 shows a monochrome keyboard screen. The buttons and key switches have a hairline-patterned metal surface, creating a contrast in texture with the matte background, making the controls visually distinguishable. Touching any of the "Free Word," "Address," or "Facility" icons on the destination setting menu screen shown in Figure 16 will switch these characters to color (illumination), and the keyboard screen shown in Figure 18 will appear.

Figure 19 shows a monochrome map screen, where all information, including land, roads, general icons, facility icons, and company icons, is displayed in detail. Of this information, the vehicle icon, company icons, and warning icons are displayed in color, while all others are displayed in monochrome. In addition, windows for "Current Time," "Direction/GPS Reception," "Map Scale," and "Vehicle Speed," which mimic metal plates, are displayed overlappingly on the map. In this embodiment, these "Current Time," "GPS Reception," "Map Scale," and "Vehicle Speed" windows are rendered with translucency, allowing the map display underneath to be seen through them. The route display window including "Koshu Kaido" and the warning display window (minimized display) including "LH System 314m" are also rendered with translucency. Note that this warning display window is the display mode when the "Full Map Radar Display" setting on the options screen shown in Figure 17 is set to "Warning Display (Minimized)," and the type and distance of the warning target are displayed in a long, narrow rectangular window. In this embodiment, the alarm display window is colored red to attract the user's attention.

Figure 20 shows a monochrome map screen. Compared to the map screen in Figure 19, it differs in that the "Current Location," "Nearby Facilities," "Register Location," and "Go Here" operation buttons are displayed redundantly on the map. Only these operation buttons are represented as 3D objects with a hairline-patterned metallic surface, making them visually distinguishable from the other 2D objects.

Figures 21 and 22 both show a monochrome map screen and highway display, with the left half of the screen displaying the map and the right half displaying the highway. In Figure 21, the map screen displays the following windows overlapping on a map of the area around the highway the vehicle is traveling on: "Current Time," "Direction/GPS Reception," "Map Scale," "Vehicle Speed," "Distance to Destination," "Estimated Arrival Time," and "Intersection Information." Within this map screen, the vehicle icon, the "red arrow" indicating north and the "Out of Range" text in the "Direction/GPS Reception" section, the two straight arrows in the "Intersection Information" section, and the background of "Shinkyobashi" in the "Intersection Information" section are displayed in color, while all other displays are in monochrome.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 21, the highway display background shows a route display consisting of the road, a lit destination route and a vehicle icon, up and down scroll buttons, a "Current Vehicle Location" display button with the same arrow mark as the vehicle icon, a "Back" operation button, three guidance icons indicating the distance to facilities on the highway such as interchanges and parking areas, a "Road Name" window containing the text "Tokyo Expressway KK Line," and a "Next Facility Information" window containing the text "Shinkyobashi 260m," all overlapping.

Then, in the highway display shown in Figure 21, when the "Current Vehicle Position" display button is touched, the arrow mark illuminates for a few seconds, and then the "Current Vehicle Position" display button and the up/down scroll buttons slide off-screen, revealing the "Current Vehicle Position" display shown in Figure 22. The "Current Vehicle Position" display shown in Figure 22 consists of a combination of an illuminated indicator bar and a vehicle icon.

In the highway display shown in Figure 21, the vehicle icon and the three guidance icons are displayed in color, while all other displays are in monochrome. In the "Current Vehicle Position" display shown in Figure 22, the illuminated portion of the indicator bar and the vehicle icon are displayed in color. The three guidance icons are drawn to resemble a hairline-patterned metal plate, and are colored to mimic the coloring process of an oxide film.

Figure 23 shows a monochrome map screen and a full-map radar display. The left half of the screen displays the map, and the right half displays the full-map radar. Note that the full-map radar display in this embodiment is the display configuration when the "Full-Map Radar Display" setting on the options screen shown in Figure 17 is set to "Display during warning (normal)" or "Always on display." It consists of a status bar at the top of the screen, a full-map radar scope in the center of the screen, and a display of the type and distance of the alerted object at the bottom of the screen.

In this embodiment, the map on the left half of the screen is displayed in grayscale monochrome, while the full-map radar scope on the right half of the screen is displayed in red monochrome. Within these maps and the full-map radar scope, only the vehicle icon, warning icons, and destination route are displayed in color; all other information is displayed in monochrome.

Figure 24 shows a monochrome confirmation window displayed on a normal color map screen. This confirmation window consists of a 2D object background resembling a matte metal plate and two 3D objects resembling a hairline metal surface, each containing two operation buttons. The metal plate background displays message text using etching-like rendering, and each operation button also displays "Yes" and "No" using etching-like rendering. Touching either operation button causes the "Yes" or "No" text to illuminate in color.

10. Navigation system (in-vehicle electronic equipment)
11. Enclosure 12. Display unit (display means)
13 Touch panel 14, 15 Waterproof cover 16 Power switch 17 Memory card reader 18 Memory card 19 Headphone jack 20 USB port 21 Battery cover 22 Speaker 23 GPS receiver 24 Microwave receiver 25 Wireless receiver 26 Control unit (control means)
27 Database 30 Motorcycle 31 Handlebars 32 Handlebar clamp 33 Top bridge 34 Speedometer 35 Tachometer 36 Front fork 37 Fuel tank 40 Hairline finish 41 Background 42 Navigation button 43 Music button 44 Picture button 45 Option button 41a-45a Text 42b-44b Shapes 42c Illumination 50 Grid pattern 51 Background 51a-51e Text 52 Level control section 52A + button 52B Indicator 52C - button 52a, 52c Symbols 52b, 52d Illumination 53 Toggle switch 53a Text 61 Keyboard body 61a Recess 61b Punched window 62 Key buttons 62a Text 62b, 62c Illumination 63 LCD display section 70 Color maps 80, 90 Monochrome maps 71A, 81A, 91A Land 71B, 81B, 91B High-standard roads 71C, 81C, 91C Low-standard roads 71D, 81D, 91D Destination routes 72, 82, 92 Vehicle icon 73A, 83A Traffic light icon 73B Expressway icon 73C National road icon 73D Prefectural road icon 74A School icon 74B Hospital icon 74C Shrine icon 74D Building icon 75 Business icon 76A, 86A Loop coil icon 76B, 86B LH system icon 76C, 86C Radar speed camera icon 77, 87 Accident-prone area icon 93 Flag icon

Claims (4)

An electronic device comprising a display means capable of displaying a number of colors on a screen, and a control means for controlling the display of predetermined information on the screen,
The aforementioned predetermined information is,
It is a map,
The control means is
An electronic device characterized by displaying the land and roads constituting the map in grayscale, while controlling the central part of the destination route, which indicates the route to the destination, to be displayed in white, and the surrounding area around the central part of the destination route to be displayed in chromatic color. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the display of the grayscale representation of the land areas constituting the map to be displayed by the gloss of a metal surface. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means controls the grayscale display of the roads constituting the map to be displayed as a metal surface with metal processing. A program for a computer to implement the functions of an electronic device described in any one of claims 1 to 3.