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`(54) Titlee of the Inveention: AUUTOMOTIVVE DISPLAYY UNIT
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` of an enginne for travelinng
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`with a y device(s) wing auxiliaryehicle handlistates of a velay various sTo enable to displ
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`(57) Abstract:
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`Subject:
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`simple sttructure
`least a state
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`Resolutioon means:
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`A meter deevice M thatt displays at
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`drive andd a state of vvehicle travelling, and an auxiliary deevice state deetection meaans 17 that
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`detects a state of an aautomatic veehicle followwing type cruuise control 337 to assist vvehicle spee
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`of an or blinking otness, color ouch as brightormation, su; display infoare included;control oof a vehicle a
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`indicatorr 3 of the meter device MM, is changeaable; and a ccontrol meanns that variabbly controls
`the
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`indicatorr 3 accordingg to at least tthe state of aautomatic ve
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`hicle followwing type cruuise control 337 is
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`established. Then, thhe display innformation, ssuch as brighhtness, colorr or blinking
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`of the indiccator
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`AMH00494
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`Honda Ex. 1005
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`3, is channged accordiing to the staate of the auttomatic vehiicle followinng type cruisse control 377, and
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`it can cauuse a driver tto recognizee [the changee of informattion] with exxcellent visuual recognitioon.
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`AMH00495
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`CLAIMS
`1. An automotive display unit, comprising:
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`a meter device that displays at least a state of an engine for traveling drive and a state of
`vehicle traveling, and
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`auxiliary device state detection means that detects a state of a vehicle handling auxiliary
`device to assist vehicle speed control, wherein
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`a variable display part where display information is changeable is established in the meter
`device; and
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`control means that variably controls the variable display part according to at least the state of
`the vehicle handling auxiliary device is established.
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`2. The automotive display unit according to claim 1, wherein
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`the meter device is an analog type with an indicator display; and
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`the variable control part is an indicator to change the display information, such as brightness,
`color or blinking.
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`3. The automotive display unit according to claim 1, wherein
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`the meter device is a digital type with a number display; and
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`the variable display part is a light-emitting part that is located next to the number display, and
`where the display information, such as brightness, color or blinking, is changed.
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`4. The automotive display unit according to any of claim 2 or 3, wherein
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`the vehicle handling auxiliary device is an automatic vehicle following type cruise control
`that controls its own speed to a set vehicle speed according to the state of a forward [moving]
`vehicle; and
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`the variable display part gives a driver a realization of information about whether the cruise
`control is in operation, [the cruise control is] in operation and accelerating or decelerating, [the
`cruise control is] in operation and [its own vehicle] is following a leading vehicle, or [the cruise
`control is] in operation and [its own vehicle] is traveling at the set vehicle speed according to
`display information, such as brightness, color or blinking.
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`AMH00496
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`

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`5. The automotive display unit according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein
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`the vehicle handing auxiliary device is a navigation device that presents map information;
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`vehicle speed detection means that detects a vehicle speed is established; and
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`the control means changes the variable display part according to map information, such as a
`type or a curvature of a traveling road, and a vehicle speed.
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`6. The automotive display unit according to claim 5, wherein
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`the vehicle handling auxiliary device includes an antilock brake control device for antilock
`brake control and a traction control device for drive force control of drive wheels;
` brake control detection means for detecting an activation state of the antilock brake control
`device and drive force control detection means for detecting an activation state of the traction
`control device are established; and
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`the control means changes the variable display part according to map information, such as a
`type or a curvature of a traveling road, a vehicle speed, the activation state of the antilock brake
`control device and the activation state of the traction control device.
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`7. The automotive display unit according to claim 5, wherein
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`the vehicle handling auxiliary device includes a headlight and a wiper device, and
` headlight detection means for detecting whether or not the headlight is illuminated and wiper
`detection means for detecting whether or not wipers are activated are established; and
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`the control means changes a variable display part according to map information, such as a
`type or a curvature of a traveling road, whether or not the headlight is illuminated and whether or
`not the wipers are activated.
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`8. The automotive display unit according to any of claims 4 to 7, wherein
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`vehicle speed detection means for detecting its own vehicle speed is established;
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`collision measuring means for measuring a distance from a leading vehicle and relative speed
`is established; and
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`the control means calculates an upper limit speed so as not to collide against the leading
`vehicle by its own car according to the measured inter-vehicular distance and relative speed, and
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`AMH00497
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`

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`changes the variable display part according to the upper limit speed and the detected vehicle
`speed of its own car.
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`9. The automotive display unit according to any of claims 4 to 7, wherein
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`vehicle speed detection means for detecting its own vehicle speed is established;
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`shift position detection means for detecting a shift position is established; and
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`the control means calculates an allowable vehicle speed with excellent gas mileage from the
`detected vehicle speed and shift position, and changes the variable display part according to the
`allowable vehicle speed and the detected own vehicle speed.
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`10. The automotive display unit according to any of claims 4 to 7, wherein
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`vehicle speed detection means for detecting its own vehicle speed is established;
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`steering angle detection means for detecting a steering angle is established;
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`environment detection means for detecting traveling environment, such as weather or a
`coefficient of road surface friction, is established; and
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`the control means calculates a steering angle so as not to cause its own vehicle to spin
`out/fishtail according to the detected vehicle speed and traveling environment, and changes the
`variable display part according to the allowable steering angle and the detected steering angle.
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`11. The automotive display unit according to any of claims 4 to 10, wherein
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`a pointer that indicates a specific traveling state, such as the set vehicle speed, the upper limit
`speed, the allowable vehicle speed or the allowable steering angle, is established.
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`12. The automotive display unit according to any of claims 1 to 3, comprising:
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`a plurality of types of the vehicle handling auxiliary device are provided, wherein
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`activation state detection means for detecting an activation state and a vehicle state of the
`plurality types of vehicle handling auxiliary device is established; and
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`the control means automatically selects the variable control of the variable display part
`according to a state of each vehicle handling auxiliary device, according to a vehicle state and a
`state of each vehicle handling auxiliary device.
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`AMH00498
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`13. The automotive display unit according to any of claims 1 to 3, comprising:
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`a plurality of the vehicle handling auxiliary devices are provided, wherein
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`a mode switch that can manually switch the variable control of the variable display part
`according to a state of each vehicle handling auxiliary device is established.
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`[0001]
`TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION
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`The present invention relates to an automotive display unit that enables a display according
`to a state of a vehicle handling auxiliary device(s) utilizing a vehicle meter device.
`[0002]
` As a conventional automotive display device, for example, an automotive meter device
`shown in Fig. 24 is available (see Japanese Utility Model Publication S64-27781). In other
`words, this automotive meter device is, for example, an automotive speed meter, and an indicator
`3 is equipped on a dial 1.
`[0003]
` A light introducing part 7 is established in an indicator shaft 5 of the indicator 3. A light
`guiding member 9 is established at the lower side of the dial 1 by corresponding to the light
`introducing part 7. An illumination lamp 11 is arranged at one end side of the light guiding
`member 9. A warning lamp 13 is established at the other end side of the light guiding member 9.
`A yellow warning lens 15 is established in the light guiding member 9 by facing this warning
`lamp 13.
`[0004]
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`Then, when the warning lamp 13 is off, a light of the illumination lamp 11 emits a light by
`guiding from the light introducing part 7 to the indicator 3 via the light guiding member 9, and
`the indicator 3 can be clearly indicated even during nighttime. Further, if the warning lamp 13
`illuminates when [a system’s] hydraulic pressure is lower than a predetermined value, a light
`transmits through the warning lens 15, and is guided to the indicator 3 from the light introducing
`part 7 via the light guiding member 9. With this action, the indicator 3 emits a yellow light,
`which is different from a color of the warning lamp 13 upon light-off (white). With such light
`emission of the indicator 3 where its color has been changed to the yellow, a driver can certainly
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`AMH00499
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`notice a warning, such as the lower hydraulic pressure than a predetermined value, without an
`overlook.
`[0005]
`PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION
` Now, when such vehicle meter is applied to a speed alarm, a certain condition for a vehicle
`speed is set, and the speed alarm can go off according to whether or not [the vehicle speed]
`exceeds this set condition.
`[0006]
` However, since a speed limit is different between on open roads and express ways, it is
`necessary to change the set condition according to types of roads. In other words, since timing
`of alarm, the set condition for an alarm vehicle speed or a purpose of alarm varies according to a
`condition of a vehicle or road environment, there is a problem that it is difficult to implement
`such various set conditions simply by changing the color of the indicator 3 as described above.
`[0007]
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`In the meantime, a liquid crystal display unit is separately established without utilizing a
`meter device, and it is possible to let a driver recognize this by accurately displaying the various
`set conditions.
`[0008]
` However, although a driver often checks a meter device during traveling, he/she may feel
`confusion by looking at a liquid crystal device during this checking. Further, if such liquid
`crystal device is used, a special space for this becomes required, and it may cause cost increase.
`[0009]
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`Then, the present invention aims at provision of an automotive display unit that can
`accurately display variously-changing set conditions according to various environmental
`conditions where a vehicle is in, with a simple structure without any distraction or unpleasant
`interference.
`[0010]
`MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM
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`In order to solve the problem above, the invention of claim 1 is characterized such that
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`a meter device that displays at least a state of an engine for traveling drive and a state of
`vehicle traveling, and
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`AMH00500
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`

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`an auxiliary device state detection means that detects a state of a vehicle handling auxiliary
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`device to assist vehicle speed control, are included;
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`a variable display part where display information is changeable is established in the meter
`device; and
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`a control means that variably controls the variable display part according to at least the state
`of the vehicle handling auxiliary device is established.
`[0011]
` According to the invention of claim 1, the meter device displays at least a state of an engine
`for traveling drive and a vehicle traveling state, and the vehicle handling auxiliary device assists
`operation of vehicle speed control of a vehicle. Then, the auxiliary device state detection means
`detects a state of the vehicle handling auxiliary device, and the control means can variably
`control the variable display part of the meter device at least according to a state of the vehicle
`handling auxiliary device.
`[0012]
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`The invention of claim 2 is the automotive display unit according to claim 1 characterized
`such that
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`the meter device is an analog type with an indicator display; and
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`the variable control part is an indicator to change the display information, such as brightness,
`color or blinking.
`[0013]
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`In the invention of claim 2, display information, such as brightness, color or blinking of the
`variable display part, can be changed at least according to a state of the vehicle handling
`auxiliary device.
`[0014]
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`The invention of claim 3 is the automotive display unit according to claim 1 characterized
`such that
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`the meter device is a digital type with a number display; and
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`the variable display part is a light-emitting part that is located next to the number display, and
`where the display information, such as brightness, color or blinking, is changed.
`[0015]
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`AMH00501
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`In the invention of claim 3, in addition to the operation of the invention of claim 1, display
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`information, such as brightness, color or blinking of the light-emitting part that is adjacent to the
`number display, can be changed at least according to a state of the vehicle handling auxiliary
`device.
`[0016]
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`The invention of claim 4 is the automotive display unit according to any of claim 2 or 3
`characterized such that
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`the vehicle handling auxiliary device is an automatic vehicle following type cruise control
`that controls its own speed to a set vehicle speed according to the state of a forward [moving]
`vehicle; and
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`the variable display part gives a driver a realization of information about whether the cruise
`control is in operation, [the cruise control is] in operation and accelerating or decelerating, [the
`cruise control is] in operation and [its own vehicle] is following a leading vehicle, or [the cruise
`control is] in operation and [its own vehicle] is traveling at the set vehicle speed according to
`display information, such as brightness, color or blinking.
`[0017]
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`In the invention of claim 4, in addition to the operation of invention of either claim 2 or 3, its
`own vehicle speed can be controlled to a set vehicle speed according to a state of a vehicle ahead
`by the automatic vehicle following type cruise control. Then, display information, such as
`brightness, color or blinking of the variable display part, can cause a driver to recognize
`information about whether or not the cruise control is in operation, the cruise control is in
`operation and [the vehicle] is accelerating or decelerating, the cruise control is in operation and
`[the vehicle] is following a leading vehicle, or the cruise control is in operation and traveling at a
`set vehicle speed.
`[0018]
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`The invention of claim 5 is the automotive display unit according to any of claims 1 to 3
`characterized such that
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`the vehicle handing auxiliary device is a navigation device that presents map information;
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`vehicle speed detection means that detects a vehicle speed is established; and
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`the control means changes the variable display part according to map information, such as a
`type or a curvature of a traveling road, and a vehicle speed.
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`AMH00502
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`[0019]
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`In the invention of claim 5, in addition to the operation of the invention of any of claims 1 to
`3, map information can be presented by the navigation device. Then, the vehicle speed is
`detected by the vehicle speed detection means; the variable display part is changed according to
`map information, such as a type or a curvature of a traveling road, and the vehicle speed; and
`these can cause a driver to recognize a relationship between the map information and the vehicle
`speed.
`[0020]
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`The invention of claim 6 is the automotive display unit according to claim 5, characterized
`such that
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`the vehicle handling auxiliary device includes an antilock brake control device for antilock
`brake control and a traction control device for drive force control of drive wheels;
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`a brake control detection means for detecting an activation state of the antilock brake control
`device and a drive force control detection means for detecting an activation state of the traction
`control device are established; and
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`the control means changes the variable display part according to map information, such as a
`type or a curvature of a traveling road, a vehicle speed, the activation state of the antilock brake
`control device and the activation state of the traction control device.
`[0021]
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`In the invention of claim 6, in addition to the operation of the invention of claim 5, an
`activation state of the antilock brake control device is detected by the brake control detection
`means; an activation state of the traction control device is detected by the drive force control
`detection means; and the control means can change the variable display part according to the
`map information, such as a type or a curvature of the traveling road, the vehicle speed, the
`activation state of the antilock brake control device and the activation state of the traction control
`device. Therefore, these can cause a driver to recognize the relationship between the road
`surface condition and the vehicle speed.
`[0022]
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`The invention of claim 7 is the automotive display unit according to claim 5, characterized
`such that
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`the vehicle handling auxiliary device includes a headlight and a wiper device, and
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`AMH00503
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`

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`a headlight detection means for detecting whether or not the headlight is illuminated and a
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`wiper detection means for detecting whether or not wipers are activated are established; and
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`the control means changes a variable display part according to map information, such as a
`type or a curvature of a traveling road, whether or not the headlight is illuminated and whether or
`not the wipers are activated.
`[0023]
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`In the invention of claim 7, in addition to the operation of the invention of claim 5, whether
`or not the headlight is illuminated is detected by the headlight detection means; whether or not
`the wipers are activated is detected by the wiper detection means; and the control means can
`change the variable display part according to the map information, such as a type or a curvature
`of the traveling road, whether or not the headlight is illuminated and whether or not the wipers
`are activated. Therefore, these can cause a driver to recognize a relationship between weather or
`day or night, and, the vehicle speed.
`[0024]
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`The invention of claim 8 is the automotive display unit according to any of claims 4 to 7,
`characterized such that
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`a vehicle speed detection means for detecting its own vehicle speed is established;
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`a collision measuring means for measuring a distance from a leading vehicle and relative
`speed is established; and
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`the control means calculates an upper limit speed so as not to collide against the leading
`vehicle by its own car according to the measured inter-vehicular distance and relative speed, and
`changes the variable display part according to the upper limit speed and the detected vehicle
`speed of its own car.
`[0025]
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`In the invention of claim 8, in addition to the operation of the invention of any of claims 4 to
`7, the collision measurement means measures a distance from a leading vehicle, and a relative
`speed; the vehicle speed detection means detects its own vehicle speed; the control means
`calculates an upper limit speed so as not to collide against the leading vehicle by its own car
`according to the measured intro-vehicular distance from the leading vehicle and relative speed;
`and the variable display part can be changed according to this upper limit speed and the detected
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`AMH00504
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`

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`own vehicle speed. Therefore, the relationship between the leading vehicle and its own vehicle
`can cause a driver to recognize the vehicle speed of its own vehicle.
`[0026]
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`The invention of claim 9 is the automotive display unit according to any of claims 4 to 7,
`characterized such that
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`a vehicle speed detection means for detecting its own vehicle speed is established;
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`a shift position detection means for detecting a shift position is established; and
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`the control means calculates an allowable vehicle speed with excellent gas mileage from the
`detected vehicle speed and shift position, and changes the variable display part according to the
`allowable vehicle speed and the detected own vehicle speed.
`[0027]
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`In the invention of claim 9, in addition to the operation of the invention of any of claims 4 to
`7, the vehicle speed of its own vehicle is detected by the vehicle speed detection means, and a
`shift position is detected by the shift position detection means. The control means calculates am
`allowable vehicle speed with good gas mileage from the detected vehicle speed and the shift
`position, and the variable display part can be changed according to this allowable vehicle speed
`and the detected vehicle speed of its own vehicle. Therefore, the relationship with the gas
`mileage can cause a driver to recognize the vehicle speed of its own vehicle.
`[0028]
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`The invention of claim 10 is the automotive display unit according to any of claims 4 to 7,
`characterized such that
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`a vehicle speed detection means for detecting its own vehicle speed is established;
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`a steering angle detection means for detecting a steering angle is established;
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`an environment detection means for detecting traveling environment, such as weather or a
`coefficient of road surface friction, is established; and
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`the control means calculates a steering angle so as not to cause its own vehicle to spin
`out/fishtail according to the detected vehicle speed and traveling environment, and changes the
`variable display part according to the allowable steering angle and the detected steering angle.
`[0029]
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`In the invention of claim 10, in addition to the operation of the invention of any of claims 4
`to 7, the vehicle speed of its own vehicle is detected by the vehicle speed detection means, and
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`AMH00505
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`traveling environments, such as weather or a coefficient of road surface friction, are detected by
`the environment detection means. The control means calculates a steering angle so as not to
`cause its own vehicle to spin out/fishtail according to the detected vehicle speed and the traveling
`environments, and the variable display part can be changed according to the allowable rudder
`angle and the detected steering angle. Therefore, these can cause a driver to recognize the
`relationship between the vehicle speed of its own vehicle and the steering angle that will not
`cause its own vehicle to spin out/fishtail.
`[0030]
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`The invention of claim 11 is the automotive display unit according to any of claims 4 to 10,
`characterized such that
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`a pointer that indicates a specific traveling state, such as the set vehicle speed, the upper limit
`speed, the allowable vehicle speed or the allowable steering angle, is established.
`[0031]
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`In the invention of claim 11, in addition to the operation of the invention of any of claims 4
`to 10, specific traveling conditions, such as a set vehicle speed, an upper limit speed, an
`allowable vehicle speed or an allowable steering angle, can be indicated by the pointer.
`Therefore, a driver can recognize the specific traveling conditions, such as a set vehicle speed or
`an upper limit speed, by looking at the pointer.
`[0032]
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`The invention of claim 12 is the automotive display unit according to any of claims 1 to 3,
`including a plurality of types of the vehicle handling auxiliary device are provided, characterized
`such that
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`an activation state detection means for detecting an activation state and a vehicle state of the
`plurality types of vehicle handling auxiliary device is established; and
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`the control means automatically selects the variable control of the variable display part
`according to a state of each vehicle handling auxiliary device, according to a vehicle state and a
`state of each vehicle handling auxiliary device.
`[0033]
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`In the invention of claim 12, in addition to the operation of the invention of any of claims 1
`to 3, the control means can automatically select the variable control of the variable display part
`according to the state of each vehicle handling auxiliary device, according to the vehicle state
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`AMH00506
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`and state of each vehicle handling auxiliary device. Therefore, even if there are a plurality of
`types of the vehicle handling auxiliary devices, the variable display part according to the state of
`each vehicle handling auxiliary device can be variably controlled effortlessly.
`[0034]
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`The invention of claim 13 is the automotive display unit according to any of claims 1 to 3,
`including a plurality of the vehicle handling auxiliary devices are provided, characterized such
`that
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`a mode switch that can manually switch the variable control of the variable display part
`according to a state of each vehicle handling auxiliary device is established.
`[0035]
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`In the invention of claim 13, in addition to the operation of the invention of any of claims 1
`to 3, the variable control of the variable display part according to the state of each vehicle
`handling auxiliary device can be manually switched by a mode switch. Therefore, even if a
`plurality of types of vehicle handling auxiliary devices are provided, the variable display part
`according to the state of any vehicle handling auxiliary device can be variably controlled
`according to optional selection by a driver.
`[0036]
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`EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
` Hereafter, embodiments of the present invention are explained.
`[0037] (First Embodiment)
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`Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of the automotive display unit relating to the First Embodiment
`of the present invention. This automotive display unit is equipped with a speed meter M and a
`control circuit 17. The speed meter M is integrated into a not-shown meter cluster as a portion of
`a meter device. The meter device displays at least a condition of an engine for traveling drive
`and a vehicle traveling state. As the condition of the engine for traveling drive, the number of
`engine rotations is exemplified, and as the vehicle traveling state, a vehicle speed is exemplified.
`This vehicle speed is indicated by the speed meter M. Further, other than those, a hydraulic
`pressure gauge and a water temperature gauge are also incorporated into the meter cluster.
`[0038]
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`The speed meter M is roughly composed with the dial 1, the indicator 3, a rotational drive
`part 19, a light guiding member 21 and lamps P1 and P2 as light sources.
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`AMH00507
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`

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`[0039]
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`The dial 1 is secured to a not-shown meter housing, and a scale with characters displaying
`speed is established. The indicator 3 indicates a vehicle speed, and a narrower first indicator part
`23 and a wider second indicator part 25 are overlapped, and are adhered to an indicator shaft 5.
`These first and second indicator parts 23 and 25 are molded with, for example, optical fiber.
`First and second light guiding linkage convex parts 23b and 25b are established in bases 23a and
`25a of the indicator parts 23 and 25, respectively. The light guiding linkage convex parts 23b
`and 25b come into contact with first and second light guide plates 27 and 29, respectively, and
`they fulfill a role to guide a light to the indicator. A first light introducing part 27a is protruded
`in the first light guiding plate 27, and a second light introducing part 29a is protruded in the
`second light guiding plate 29. The lamps P1 and P2 are faced and arranged in the first and second
`light introducing parts 27a and 29a, respectively.
`[0040]
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`Further, it is designed such that a signal of an ignition switch 33 and a light switch 35 is
`entered into a control circuit 17. It is designed such that the signal from the control circuit 18 is
`entered into the lamps P1 and P2. Then, it is designed such that a light is introduced into the first
`and second indicator parts 23 and 25 via the first and second light introducing parts 27a and 29a,
`the first and second light guiding plates 27 and 29, and the first and second light guiding linkage
`convex parts 23b and 25b, by illuminating the lamps P1 and P2, respectively. Further, brightness
`and color of the indicator 3 can be changed by differentiating the color of light sources of the
`lamps P1 and P2, and the indicator 3 can be displayed by blinking the lamps P1 and P2 and the
`display information can be changed. Therefore, the indicator 3 constitutes the variable display
`part in the present embodiment, and this variable display part 3, and it is configured such that
`this variable display part 3 is placed in the meter device.
`[0041]
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`It is designed such that a signal from an automatic vehicle following type cruise control (an
`automatic vehicle following type auto-speed control device ASCD) 37 is entered into the control
`circuit 17. This automatic vehicle following type ASCD 37 controls a speed of its own vehicle
`according to the situation of the forward vehicle to a set vehicle speed, and constitutes a vehicle
`handling auxiliary device in the present embodiment. The automatic vehicle following type
`ASCD 37 is composed of a vehicle speed setting switch 39 of an auto cruise system, an inter-
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`AMH00508
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`

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`vehicular distance detection circuit 41, an inter-vehicular distance calculation circuit 43, a
`vehicle speed control determination circuit 45, a throttle/brake control signal output part 47 and a
`throttle/brake control circuit 49. Then, it is designed such that signals from the vehicle speed
`setting switch 39 and the throttle/brake control signal output part 47 are entered into the control
`circuit 17. Therefore, the control circuit 17 determines a state of the automatic vehicle following
`type ASCD 37 according to these signals, and the control circuit 17 constitutes the auxiliary
`device state detection means that detects a state of the vehicle handling auxiliary device for
`assisting the operation of the vehicle speed control of the vehicle in the present embodiment.
`Further, the control circuit 17 outputs signals to the lamps P1 and P2 according to the state of the
`detected automatic vehicle following type ASCD and variably controls the indicator 3, and it
`constitutes the control means in the present invention.
`[0042]
` Herein, the automatic vehicle following type ASCD 37 is explained.
`[0043]
` A preview distance control system mounted in a Diamante by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation,
`launched in 1995, is one example of these. This [control system] is to adjust an engine output
`using a video camera and a laser beam instead of human eyes. The video camera reads a
`condition of a traveling road as an image, and recognizes a lane to be traveled by a computer.
`Further, whether or not there is any leading car is recognized by a laser radar placed within a
`bumper, and, a distance from its own vehicle and a direction are recognized. Then, a relative
`speed to the leading vehicle is calculated by the computer based upon information from the
`camera and the radar, and whether or not its own car is situated at a safe distance even if it
`continuously travels at the speed set by a cruise control (a device enabling its own vehicle to
`continuously travel at a speed without accelerating once a certain speed is set) or whether or not
`it is necessary to slow down is determined, and a command is issued to an automatic
`transmission and the vehicle downshifts. Further, not only downshifting, control of an actuator,
`such as a gas pedal or a brake is also considered sometime in the future.
`[0044]
`
` Next, operation of this preview distance control system is explained. When there is no
`leading car, as similar to a normal cruise control, the throttle is merely adjusted so as to maintain
`a set speed, and a driver should focus on handling operation. Further, when a vehicle, which is
`
`AMH00509
`
`

`

`slower than its ow