JPH097097A - Display control device and navigation device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] It is an object to provide a display control device and a navigation device capable of adjusting the brightness of a display screen without wiring to a vehicle. [Structure] Based on the output from the clock means 5, the ROM section 8
When the control means 9 determines that the change time based on the sunrise and sunset stored in the display means 3 is reached, the control means 9 adjusts the brightness displayed by the display means 3 on the backlight means 4 to a predetermined brightness. It was configured to let.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a display control device for controlling the brightness of a display screen displaying an image signal and a navigation device equipped with such a display control device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, GPS (Grobal P
operating system), a self-supporting sensor such as a geomagnetic sensor, or current position information obtained by combining them and map data stored in an optical disk, an IC card, or the like, and a liquid crystal display (Liquid Crystal D
There is an increasing demand for a navigation device that informs the user of the position of the vehicle on the map by displaying it on a display device such as isplay: hereinafter referred to as "LCD"), and various navigation devices have been developed. .

Although a liquid crystal display used as the display means is provided with a backlight for making the screen easy to see, the display screen becomes difficult to see due to a change in brightness around the device, so that the backlight is used, for example, during the day and night. The user can easily see the display screen by adjusting the brightness of the display. The change in the brightness of the backlight is switched in conjunction with the switch of the car light (hereinafter referred to as "automatic switching mode"). It is also possible for the user to manually adjust the brightness of the backlight (hereinafter referred to as "manual switching mode") without interlocking with the lights of the vehicle.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional configuration, since it is interlocked with the light of the vehicle, it is necessary to connect it to the switch of the light of the vehicle in a retrofitted device such as a vehicle-mounted television device or a navigation device. However, there is a problem in that it takes a lot of time to install.

Further, when the manual switching mode is once set, the user must perform a switching operation of the mode in order to switch to the automatic switching mode. However, there is a problem in that it requires a large operation load.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a display control device and a navigation device capable of adjusting the brightness of a display screen without wiring to a vehicle. To do.

[0007]

In order to achieve this object, the present invention provides a positioning means for positioning the position of a vehicle, a map storage means for storing map data, and a position and map data for the vehicle. Display means for displaying, adjusting means for adjusting the brightness displayed by the display means, time measuring means for measuring the time, and change time storage means for storing the change time for changing the brightness displayed by the display means, When it is determined that the change time stored in the change time storage means is reached based on the output of the time measuring means, the adjusting means is provided with control means for adjusting the brightness displayed by the display means to a predetermined brightness.

A positioning means for positioning the position of the vehicle,
The map storage means for storing map data, the display means for displaying the position and map data of the vehicle, the adjusting means for adjusting the brightness displayed by the display means, the clocking means for clocking, and the display means are displayed. Change time storage means for storing the change time for changing the brightness, operating means for the user to manually adjust the adjusting means, and whether the adjusting means is operated manually from the output of the operating means. Even if the adjusting means is operated manually from the flag means for determining whether or not the output of this flag means, the change time stored in the change time storage means is based on the output of the timekeeping means. When the determination is made, the adjusting means includes a control means for adjusting the brightness displayed by the display means to a predetermined brightness.

Further, the modification time stored in the modification time storage means is data obtained on the basis of the times of sunrise and sunset.

Further, the change time is obtained for each area where the sunrise and sunset times are different, and the change time corresponding to the area where the position of the vehicle obtained by the positioning means corresponds is used.

Further, the time measuring means is for measuring the current date and time, and the change time storing means is configured to store a plurality of change times corresponding to the month and day.

[0012]

With this configuration, the change time is stored in advance, and when the change time is reached, the adjusting means adjusts the brightness of the display means to a predetermined brightness.

Even when the adjusting means is manually adjusted, the display means is automatically adjusted to a predetermined brightness when the change time is reached.

Further, the change time obtained based on the sunrise and sunset times is obtained, and the change time is obtained for each area where the sunrise and sunset are different, and the position of the measured vehicle corresponds. Since the change time according to the area to be used is used, the brightness can be adjusted to an appropriate brightness even in a wide area.

Since the change time has a plurality of change times according to the month and day, it is possible to adjust the brightness to an appropriate level throughout the year.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a navigation device having a display control device is shown.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a navigation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is a positioning means composed of GPS, 5 is a timekeeping means for measuring the current date and time, 6 is a storage means for storing map data, and 3 is a vehicle position and map data is displayed. The display means 7 is an operation means for performing various data input operations, and 8 is a ROM (Read) that stores a control program of a control means 9 described later and a change time at which the backlight means 4 described later adjusts the brightness. Only Memory) section, 9 is a control means for controlling the entire apparatus based on the control program stored in the ROM section 8, and 10 is a RAM (Random Access Memory) section for temporarily storing various data. is there.

As the positioning means 1, a GPS that receives positioning data from GPS satellites to determine the position of the vehicle is used, but the positioning means is not limited to this, and a self-supporting sensor such as a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor is used. The position of the vehicle may be obtained based on the output of a sensor called. When GPS is used, the GPS satellite is provided with a precise atomic clock, and therefore the time measuring means 5 may measure time based on time information sent from the GPS satellite.

The storage means 6 stores map data in which map information is digitized, and in recent years, a CD-ROM having a large storage capacity is mainly used. The map data is read by the information reading unit 2 according to an instruction from the control unit 9 and is temporarily stored in the RAM unit 10.

The control means 9 processes the map data read in the RAM section 10 and writes it in the video RAM section 11 to display the map on the display means 3.

As the display means 3, a CRT display, an LCD or the like is used, but in this embodiment, an LCD using the backlight means 4 is used. A cold cathode fluorescent tube, a hot cathode fluorescent tube, or the like is used as a light source of the backlight unit 4, and the brightness thereof can be switched in two steps in this embodiment. Further, as the usage method, there are a light guide method using a light guide plate such as acrylic and a reflection method in which the light of the fluorescent tube is directly radiated from the back side of the LCD. is not.

The operation of the navigation device configured as described above will be described below. However, in the present embodiment, the backlight means 4 is turned on at the brightness of the previous operation at the same time when the apparatus is activated, and
The automatic switching mode shall be entered automatically.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the operation of the navigation device in one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the change times stored in the ROM section in one embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, first, the user operates the operation means 7 to turn on the start switch of the apparatus.
Then, (step 1), the control means 9 turns on the backlight means 4 at the brightness when the previous apparatus was operated (step 2), and the control means 9 has an automatic switching mode indicating that the automatic switching mode is to be performed. The mode active flag is set (step 3).

Next, the control means 9 reads the current date and time from the timekeeping means 5 (step 4), and the ROM section 8
By referring to the change time for switching the brightness of the backlight means 4 stored in (step 5), if the change time has been reached, it is determined whether the backlight means 4 should be darkened or lightened (step 6). ).

Here, FIG. 3 shows the change times at which the backlight means 4 stored in the ROM section 8 switches between bright and dark. As shown in FIG. 3, the ROM section 8 stores 4
The time when the backlight unit 4 is divided into two periods and the time when the backlight unit 4 is made bright is stored as the change time in each period. The time for making the backlight unit 4 brighter and the time for making it darker are different in each period, because the sunrise and sunset times change depending on the season even in the same place, and the backlight unit 4 is adjusted according to the time. This is because the light and darkness of 4 is switched. RO is read when the current date and time are read in step 3.
The backlight unit 4 is determined to be dark or bright by referring to the time information stored in the M section 8. For example, assuming that the current date and time is 6:00 am on December 10, it is determined from the time information that the backlight unit 4 should be darkened. Even at the same time, if the date is June 30, it is determined that the backlight unit 4 is bright.

Although not shown, the sunrise and sunset changes greatly depending on the area. Therefore, in the area included in the map data, the change time according to the area where the sunrise and sunset times are different. Alternatively, the change time of the area to which the vehicle position obtained by the positioning means 1 corresponds may be used.

Returning to FIG. 2, when it is determined in step 6 that the backlight means 4 is made dark, it is determined whether or not the backlight means 4 is currently in the dark state (step 7). If the backlight unit 4 is in the dark state, the auto mode active flag is set (step 8). Step 7
If it is determined that the backlight unit 4 is not in the dark state, that is, in the bright state, it is determined whether or not the auto-active flag is set (step 9), and if it is set, the backlight unit 4 is darkened. (Step 1
0).

Next, the time when the start switch of the device is turned on is the time zone for brightening the backlight, and if it is determined in step 5 that the backlight means 4 is to be brightened, whether or not the backlight is currently in the dark state is determined. Is determined (step 11). If the backlight unit 4 is in the bright state, the auto mode active flag is set (step 1
4). If it is determined in step 11 that the backlight means 4 is in the dark state, it is determined whether or not the auto active flag is set (step 12), and if it is set, the backlight means 4 is brightened (step 1).
3).

In the above operation, the navigation device is turned on.
In the state, it is performed about every 1 second, and if the determination result of step 6 and the determination result of the brightness of the backlight unit 4 of step 7 and step 11 are the same, step 8
And in step 14, the auto mode active flag is set. Further, when the current time has passed the time at which the current time is switched between light and dark while the navigation device is operating, the determination result of step 6 does not match the determination result of the brightness of the backlight unit of step 7 and step 11, and the determination result of step 9 is different. To step 10, step 12 to step 1
3, the brightness of the backlight means 4 is switched.

Next, a case where the brightness of the backlight means 4 is manually switched will be described. For example, it may be dark in the daytime, such as in the case of rain, and in such a case, the brightness of the backlight unit 4 is manually switched.
In the present embodiment, it is possible to manually make the brightness of the backlight unit 4 dark in the daytime and conversely make the brightness of the backlight unit 4 bright at night, but in the following description, the backlight will be made in the daytime. I will explain how to darken the brightness of.

As shown in FIG. 2, when it is determined in step 6 that the backlight means 4 is to be brightened, the backlight means 4 becomes bright with the auto mode active flag set. Here, when the operation for darkening the backlight is manually performed from the operation means 7 (step 1
5) Then, the control means 9 resets the auto mode active flag (step 16) and reduces the brightness of the backlight means 4 (step 17). Step 4 in this state
Returning to step 6, it is determined in step 6 that the backlight unit 4 is made bright, and the process proceeds to step 11. In step 11, the backlight unit 4 is determined to be in the dark state, and in step 12
However, since the auto mode active flag is reset, the process proceeds to step 15 without passing through step 13. Therefore, even when the backlight is brightened, if the backlight unit 4 is manually darkened, the state is maintained.

Next, when the change time for dimming the backlight means 4 has elapsed while the brightness of the backlight means 4 is manually switched, that is, the backlight is dimmed during the daytime, steps 11 to 14 are performed. Then, the automatic mode active flag is set and the automatic switching mode is restored.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that it is time to change the brightness of the backlight means 4 on the basis of the output of the timing means 5, the backlight means 4 is automatically operated. It is possible to switch the brightness.

Even when the manual switching mode is set, when the change time stored in advance in the ROM section 8 is reached, the setting is switched to the automatic switching mode and the backlight means 4 is automatically operated. It is possible to switch the brightness.

Further, since the change time according to the area where the sunrise and sunset times are different is provided, and the brightness of the backlight means 4 is switched based on the change time in the corresponding area of the position of the positioned vehicle, Even when it is used in a wide area, switching can be performed at an appropriate time.

Since the change time according to the date is provided, the brightness of the backlight means 4 can be switched at an appropriate time throughout the year even in the same place.

[0038]

As described above, according to the present invention, the change time is stored in advance, and when the change time is reached, the brightness of the display means is adjusted to a predetermined brightness by the adjusting means. Wiring to the car and its construction are not required.

Even if the adjusting means is manually operated, the display means is automatically adjusted to a predetermined brightness when the change time is reached, so that the operation load on the user is reduced and particularly The effect is great if the user is driving.

Further, the change time is obtained based on the sunrise and sunset times, and the change times corresponding to the areas where the sunrise and sunset times are different are applied respectively. You can adjust the brightness.

Further, since the change time is provided with a plurality of change times according to the month and day, even in the same place, it is possible to automatically adjust to an appropriate brightness throughout the year.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a navigation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the navigation device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a change time of the ROM section in the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Positioning Means 3 Display Means 4 Backlight Means (Adjustment Means) 5 Timekeeping Means 6 Storage Means (Map Storage Means) 7 Operating Means 8 ROM Section (Change Time Storage Means) 9 Control Means

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A display means for displaying an image signal, an adjusting means for adjusting the brightness displayed by the display means, a time measuring means for measuring time, and a change time for changing the brightness displayed by the display means. When it is determined that the change time stored in the change time storage means is stored based on the stored change time storage means and the output of the time counting means, the brightness displayed by the display means is displayed on the adjusting means. A display control device comprising: a control unit for adjusting the brightness to a predetermined level. 2. A display means for displaying an image signal, an adjusting means for adjusting the brightness displayed by the display means, a time measuring means for measuring time, and a change time for changing the brightness displayed by the display means. Change time storage means that is stored, operation means for a user to manually adjust the adjustment means, and flag means that determines from the output of the operation means whether or not the adjustment means is manually operated. According to the output of the flag means, even when the adjusting means is manually operated, it is determined that the change time stored in the change time storing means is reached based on the output of the time measuring means. In this case, the display control device is characterized in that the adjusting means is provided with control means for adjusting the brightness displayed by the display means to a predetermined brightness. 3. The display according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the change time stored in the change time storage means is data obtained based on the time of sunrise and sunset. Control device. 4. The clocking means clocks the current date and time, and the change time storage means stores a plurality of change times according to the date. The display control device according to claim 3. 5. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein the control means causes the adjusting means to adjust so that the daytime is bright and the nighttime is dark. 6. The display means includes a liquid crystal display,
3. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting unit includes a backlight. 7. Positioning means for positioning the vehicle position, map storage means for storing map data, display means for displaying the vehicle position and the map data, and brightness displayed by the display means. Adjusting means for adjusting the time, a time measuring means for measuring the time, a change time storing means for storing the change time for changing the brightness displayed by the display means, and the change time storing means based on the output of the time measuring means. A navigation device comprising: a control unit that adjusts the brightness displayed by the display unit to a predetermined brightness when it is determined that the change time stored in the unit is reached. 8. A positioning means for positioning the position of a vehicle, a map storage means for storing map data, a display means for displaying the position of the vehicle and the map data, and a brightness displayed by the display means. Adjusting means for adjusting the time, a time measuring means for measuring the time, a change time storing means for storing the change time for changing the brightness displayed by the display means, and a user for manually adjusting the adjusting means. The operating means, the flag means for determining whether the adjusting means is manually operated from the output of the operating means, and the adjusting means being manually operated from the output of the flag means. Also, when it is determined that the change time stored in the change time storage means is reached based on the output of the time measuring means, the adjusting means adjusts the brightness displayed by the display means to a predetermined brightness. Navigation apparatus characterized by comprising a control means. 9. The navigation according to claim 7, wherein the change time stored in the change time storage means is data obtained based on the time of sunrise and sunset. apparatus. 10. The change time is obtained for each area where the sunrise and sunset times are different, and it is applicable to use the change time corresponding to the area where the vehicle position obtained by the positioning means is applicable. The navigation device according to claim 9, wherein: 11. The clocking means clocks the current date and time, and the change time storage means stores a plurality of change times corresponding to the date. The navigation device according to claim 9. 12. The navigation device according to claim 7, wherein the control means causes the adjusting means to adjust so that it is bright in the daytime and dark in the nighttime. 13. The navigation device according to claim 7, wherein the display means includes a liquid crystal display, and the adjusting means includes a backlight. 14. The positioning means is a GPS (Grobal Positio).
9. The navigation device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the time measuring means measures time based on information included in positioning data received from GPS.