U.S. patent application number 15/233603 was filed with the patent office on 2018-02-15 for system, method, and apparatus to selectively control brightness of liquid crystal display.
This patent application is currently assigned to Caterpillar Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Caterpillar Inc.. Invention is credited to Jeffrey A. BRUSH, Daniel J. Leach.
Application Number | 20180047347 15/233603 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61159296 |
Filed Date | 2018-02-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180047347 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BRUSH; Jeffrey A. ; et
al. |
February 15, 2018 |
SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS TO SELECTIVELY CONTROL BRIGHTNESS OF
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY
Abstract
The disclosure relates to a system, a method, and an apparatus
to selectively control brightness of information displayed on a
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). A graphics layer can be provided in a
display area of the LCD, and a semi-transparent mask layer can be
provided above the graphics layer. An information graphics layer
can be provided above the semi-transparent mask layer. The
information graphics layer can be controlled to selectively display
predetermined information on the LCD at an intended brightness,
while remaining information from the underlying graphics layer can
be dimmed relative to the brightness of the display predetermined
information by activation of the semi-transparent mask layer.
Inventors: |
BRUSH; Jeffrey A.; (Dunlap,
IL) ; Leach; Daniel J.; (East Peoria, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Caterpillar Inc. |
Peoria |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Caterpillar Inc.
Peoria
IL
|
Family ID: |
61159296 |
Appl. No.: |
15/233603 |
Filed: |
August 10, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09G 2360/144 20130101;
G08B 25/10 20130101; G08B 21/187 20130101; B60K 2370/154 20190501;
B60K 2370/1531 20190501; B60K 2370/347 20190501; G09G 5/377
20130101; G09G 2380/10 20130101; G09G 3/3406 20130101; G09G 2354/00
20130101; B60K 35/00 20130101; B60K 2370/20 20190501; G09G
2320/0626 20130101; G09G 2340/12 20130101; G09G 2320/08 20130101;
B60K 2370/155 20190501; B60K 37/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G09G 3/34 20060101
G09G003/34; B60K 35/00 20060101 B60K035/00; G08B 21/18 20060101
G08B021/18; G09G 3/36 20060101 G09G003/36 |
Claims
1. A vehicle comprising: one or more sensors each configured to
detect one or more operating conditions of the vehicle; a Liquid
Crystal Display (LCD) provided in an operator area of the vehicle,
the LCD having a display area and configured to selectively display
a graphics layer in the display area, a dimming mask layer over the
graphics layer, and an alert layer over the dimming mask layer, the
alert layer including one or more alerts to alert an operator of
the vehicle regarding the one or more operating conditions of the
vehicle detected by the one or more sensors; and control circuitry
in communication with the LCD and the one or more sensors, the
control circuitry configured to: determine an abnormal operating
condition of the vehicle based on data from the one or more sensors
corresponding to the one or more operating conditions of the
vehicle, and activate, simultaneously and responsive to the
determined abnormal operating condition of the vehicle, the alert
layer to display the one or more alerts, the dimming mask layer,
and brightness reduction of the graphics layer, the alert layer,
the dimming mask layer, and the brightness reduction being
simultaneously activated such that a brightness level of the one or
more alerts is greater than a brightness level of the graphics
layer by at least a predetermined brightness amount, wherein the
dimming mask layer covers the graphics layer entirely in a front
view of the LCD and is free of any cut-out portions that preclude
dimming of the dimming mask layer in areas defined by the cut-out
portions.
2. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising input circuitry
configured to receive an input to dim the LCD, wherein the control
circuitry is configured to activate simultaneously the alert layer
to display the one or more alerts, the dimming mask layer, and the
brightness reduction of the graphics layer responsive to receipt of
the input to dim the LCD.
3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein activation of the alert layer
does not cause a change of any graphics of the graphics layer
displayed in the display area.
4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the control circuitry is
configured to: determine that the abnormal operating condition of
the vehicle is no longer detected, and deactivate the alert layer
responsive to the determination that the abnormal operating
condition of the vehicle is no longer detected.
5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the control circuitry is
configured to control display of the one or more alerts, the
dimming mask, and the graphics layer on the LCD at the same
time.
6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the dimming mask layer consists
of a single dimming layer.
7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the control circuitry is
configured to adjust a level of transparency of the dimming mask
layer after the simultaneous activation of the alert layer, the
dimming mask layer, and the brightness reduction of the graphics
layer.
8. A control system to selectively control brightness, the control
system comprising: a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD); and a
controller, in communication with the LCD, configured to: control
display of a graphics layer in a display area of the LCD, control
display of a transparency-controllable mask layer over the graphics
layer such that a transparency amount provided by the mask layer
covers the display area of the LCD, and control display of at least
one indication of an information layer over the mask layer, the
information layer having a plurality of indications, the plurality
of indications including the displayed at least one indication, and
the plurality of indications being individually displayable as part
of the information layer, wherein a brightness level of any
indications of the information layer displayed in the display area
of the LCD is greater than a brightness level of any portion of the
graphics layer displayed in the display area of the LCD.
9. The control system of claim 8, wherein the controller is
configured to control display of the graphics layer, the
semi-transparent mask layer, and the information layer with at
least one of the plurality of indications responsive to receipt of
an input to dim the LCD.
10. The control system of claim 9, wherein the input to dim the LCD
is generated based on detection of an abnormal operating condition
of a machine having the LCD.
11. The control system of claim 8, wherein the display of the
information layer includes display of two or more of the plurality
of indications, at least one of the two or more of the plurality of
indications being a warning regarding a detected abnormal operating
condition of a machine.
12. The control system of claim 8, wherein a total area of any
displayed indicator of the information layer is one of from
approximately 5% to approximately 25% of the display area of the
LCD, from approximately 10% to approximately 25% of the display
area of the LCD, from approximately 15% to approximately 25% of the
display area of the LCD, and from approximately 20% to
approximately 25% of the display area of the LCD.
13. The control system of claim 8, wherein the controller is
configured to control transparency of the semi-transparent mask
layers at a same time when the information layer displays any of
the indications in the display area of the LCD.
14. The control system of claim 8, wherein the semi-transparent
mask layer is free of any cut-out portions that preclude changing
transparency of the transparency-controllable mask layer in areas
defined by the cut-out portions.
15. A method to selectively control brightness of a Liquid Crystal
Display (LCD), the method comprising: providing a graphics layer in
a display area of the LCD; providing a semi-transparent mask layer
above the graphics layer; and providing an indication layer above
the semi-transparent mask layer, the indication layer being
controllable independent of the graphics layer and the
semi-transparent mask layer to selectively display at least one
graphical indication such that the at least one graphical
indication, when displayed, always has a brightness greater than a
brightness of any graphics of the graphics layer displayed when the
at least one graphical indication is displayed.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: displaying graphics
of the graphics layer in the display area of the LCD; activating
only one transparency value of the semi-transparent masking layer;
and displaying the at least one graphical indication of the
indication layer.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the displaying the graphics of
the graphics layer, the activating only the one transparency value
of the semi-transparent mask layer, and the displaying the at least
one graphical indication are performed responsive to an input to
dim the LCD.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the input to dim the LCD is a
control signal generated by control circuitry responsive to
detection of an abnormal operating condition of a machine having
the LCD.
19. The method of claim 16, further comprising increasing or
decreasing a transparency level of the semi-transparent mask layer
by a predetermined amount so as to effectively transition to
activation of another semi-transparent mask layer and deactivate
the prior semi-transparent mask layer.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein the semi-transparent mask layer
defines a same area as an area of the graphics layer and is free of
any cut-outs that preclude changing transparency of the
semi-transparent masking layer in areas defined by the cut-outs to
dim corresponding portions of the graphics layer underlying the
cut-outs.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a Liquid Crystal Display
(LCD), and more particularly, to controlling individual brightness
of select information items displayed on the LCD.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Machines, such as on-road vehicles and off-road vehicles,
can include a display to display or indicate various operating
conditions or parameters of the machines, so that an operator may
take necessary action or simply be informed based on the displayed
operating condition information. Drawing operator attention to a
specific portion of the display can be important to quickly and
effectively communicate important information to the operator, such
as high priority or urgent information (e.g., a persistent
condition, a warning, or an alert). In this regard, display of such
important information within the display can require display at
brightness levels higher than a brightness level or levels of other
graphics displayed on the display.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 9,378,688 (hereinafter the '688 patent)
describes a control system and method for controlling brightness in
areas of an LCD. According to the '688 patent, the LCD includes a
first display area and a second display area. A controller, in
communication with the LCD, can be configured to display an icon at
an icon brightness level in the first display area and a first
image in the second display area. The controller can be configured
to further apply a mask image over the second display area. As
such, the first image is visible through the mask image at a first
composite brightness level that is less than the icon brightness
level.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is
provided. The vehicle includes one or more sensors each configured
to detect one or more operating conditions of the vehicle, and a
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) provided in an operator area of the
vehicle. The LCD has a display area and is configured to
selectively display a graphics layer in the display area, a dimming
mask layer over the graphics layer, and an alert layer over the
dimming mask layer. The alert layer includes one or more alerts to
alert an operator of the vehicle regarding the one or more
operating conditions of the vehicle detected by the one or more
sensors. The vehicle further includes control circuitry in
communication with the LCD and the one or more sensors. The control
circuitry is configured to: determine an abnormal operating
condition of the vehicle based on data from the one or more sensors
corresponding to the one or more operating conditions of the
vehicle. The control circuitry is also configured to activate,
simultaneously and responsive to the determined abnormal operating
condition of the vehicle, the alert layer to display the one or
more alerts, the dimming mask layer, and brightness reduction of
the graphics layer. The alert layer, the dimming mask layer, and
the brightness reduction are simultaneously activated such that a
brightness level of the one or more alerts is greater than a
brightness level of the graphics layer by at least a predetermined
brightness amount. The dimming mask layer covers the graphics layer
entirely in a front view of the LCD and is free of any cut-out
portions that preclude dimming of the dimming mask layer in the
areas defined by the cut-out portions.
[0005] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a control
system is provided. The control system includes a Liquid Crystal
Display (LCD) and a controller in communication with the LCD. The
controller is configured to control display of a graphics layer in
a display area of the LCD. The controller is further configured to
control display of a transparency-controllable mask layer over the
graphics layer such that a transparency amount provided by the mask
layer covers the display area of the LCD. The controller is also
configured to control display of at least one indication of an
information layer over the mask layer. The information layer has a
plurality of indications, the plurality of indications including
the displayed at least one indication, and the plurality of
indications are individually displayable as part of the information
layer. A brightness level of any indications of the information
layer is greater than a brightness level of any portion of the
graphics layer displayed in the display area of the LCD.
[0006] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method to
selectively control brightness of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is
provided. The method includes providing a graphics layer in a
display area of the LCD, providing a semi-transparent masking layer
above the graphics layer, and providing an indication layer above
the semi-transparent mask layer. The indication layer is
controllable independent of the graphics layer and the
semi-transparent mask layer to selectively display at least one
graphical indication such that the at least one graphical
indication, when displayed, always has a brightness greater than a
brightness of any graphics of the graphics layer displayed when the
at least one graphical indication is displayed.
[0007] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be
apparent from the following description and the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, are illustrative of one or
more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, and, together
with the description, explain various embodiments of the disclosed
subject matter. Further, the accompanying drawings have not
necessarily been drawn to scale, and any values or dimensions in
the accompanying drawings are for illustration purposes only and
may or may not represent actual or preferred values or dimensions.
Where applicable, some or all select features may not be
illustrated to assist in the description and understanding of
underlying features.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a vehicle according
to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded representation of a portion
of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) according to one or more
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of a portion of the LCD of
FIG. 2, according to one or more embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control system to control
individual brightness of select graphics displayed on the LCD
according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;
and
[0013] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method of selectively controlling
individual brightness of select areas of the LCD, according to one
or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The description set forth below in connection with the
appended drawings is intended as a description of various
embodiments of the described subject matter and is not necessarily
intended to represent the only embodiment(s). In certain instances,
the description includes specific details for the purpose of
providing an understanding of the described subject matter.
However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In
some instances, well-known structures and components may be shown
in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of
the described subject matter. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same
or the like parts.
[0015] Any reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or
"an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure,
characteristic, operation, or function described in connection with
an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, any
appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment"
in the specification is not necessarily referring to the same
embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures,
characteristics, operations, or functions may be combined in any
suitable manner in one or more embodiments, and it is intended that
embodiments of the described subject matter can and do cover
modifications and variations of the described embodiments.
[0016] It must also be noted that, as used in the specification,
appended claims and abstract, the singular forms "a," "an," and
"the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. That is, unless clearly specified otherwise, as used
herein the words "a" and "an" and the like carry the meaning of
"one or more." Additionally, it is to be understood that terms such
as "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," "side,"
"height," "length," "width," "upper," "lower," "interior,"
"exterior," "inner," "outer," and the like that may be used herein,
merely describe points of reference and do not necessarily limit
embodiments of the described subject matter to any particular
orientation or configuration. Furthermore, terms such as "first,"
"second," "third," etc. merely identify one of a number of
portions, components, points of reference, operations and/or
functions as described herein, and likewise do not necessarily
limit embodiments of the described subject matter to any particular
configuration or orientation.
[0017] Generally speaking, embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter can separate predetermined important information, such as
high priority information or urgent information (e.g., a persistent
condition, a warning, or an alert) from an underlying
semi-transparent mask and underlying graphics of a graphics layer
below the semi-transparent mask by displaying the important
information on a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) brighter than the
graphics of the graphics layer displayed on the LCD. The brighter
important information can be selectively displayed by selective
activation of an additional graphics layer above the
semi-transparent mask. Thus, the important information of the
additional graphics layer can be displayed at an intended
brightness level, while allowing remaining information displayed on
the LCD by the graphics layer to be displayed at a brightness level
below the intended brightness level of the important information.
Further, the semi-transparent mask can cover the whole display area
of the LCD and may be free of any cut-out portions, such as holes
or openings, that may preclude changing transparency of the
semi-transparent mask in areas defined by the cut-out portions to
modify brightness (e.g., dim) of corresponding portions of the
graphics layer underlying the cut-out portions.
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a vehicle
100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
Of course, though FIG. 1 illustrates vehicle 100, embodiments of
the disclosed subject matter are not limited to vehicles and can be
implemented in other forms of machinery, including stationary
machines. Non-limiting examples of stationary machines according to
embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can include a generator
set and a stationary crane, for instance.
[0019] The vehicle 100 according to one or more embodiments may
include a powertrain 101 and an operator cabin 102 mounted on a
frame of the vehicle 100. The powertrain 101 may include a power
source 104 to provide energy in various forms (e.g., power) to
perform operations of the vehicle 100. The power source 104 may be,
but is not limited to, an internal combustion engine and a hybrid
engine. The powertrain 101 may further include a transmission 106
to transmit mechanical power from the power source 104 to a set of
ground engaging members 108. In one or more embodiments, the
transmission 106 may be or include a gear box having multiple gear
drives to change a gear ratio. The gear box may be operably coupled
to the set of ground engaging members 108. In another embodiment,
the transmission 106 may include a generator to derive electric
power from the mechanical power generated by the power source 104.
In such a case, each ground engaging member of the set of ground
engaging members 108 may be coupled to an electric motor such that
the electric motor receives the electrical power from the generator
to drive the set of ground engaging members 108.
[0020] The vehicle 100 may further include one or more sensors 110.
In an embodiment, each of the components of the vehicle 100, such
as the power source 104, the transmission 106, and the set of
ground engaging members 108 of the vehicle 100, can be connected to
one or more sensors 110 to detect an operating condition or
characteristic of the vehicle 100. In another embodiment, multiple
sensors 110 may be coupled to each of the power source 104, the
transmission 106, and the set of ground engaging members 108 to
detect operating conditions or characteristics of the vehicle 100.
In one or more embodiments, the sensors 110 may be, but are not
limited to, a fluid or charge level sensor, a temperature sensor, a
Global Position System (GPS) sensor, a pressure sensor, a torque
sensor, and a tire-pressure monitoring sensor.
[0021] In one or more embodiments, the operating condition of the
vehicle 100 may correspond to, but is not limited to, a fuel level
in a fuel tank, a coolant temperature, an engine temperature,
vehicle speed, and a battery charge level. In one example,
operating conditions of the vehicle 100 can be associated with the
power source 104 and may include, but are not limited to, speed of
the engine and aftertreatment parameters, such as temperature of
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), pressure of DEF, and a level of DEF in
a DEF storage tank. In another example, operating conditions may be
associated with the transmission 106 and may include, but are not
limited to, a gear ratio of the transmission 106, transmission
torque, a transmission fluid level, and a transmission fluid
temperature. In yet another example, operating conditions
associated with the vehicle 100 can be related to the set of ground
engaging members, such as tire pressure in the case of tires being
the ground engaging members.
[0022] In the non-limiting illustrated in FIG. 1, a first sensor
110A may be coupled to the power source 104 of the vehicle 100 to
detect one or more operating conditions of the power source 104.
The first sensor 110A may be in communication with a control system
112 of the vehicle 100. The first sensor 110A may be configured to
transmit data representative of the detected one or more operating
conditions of the power source 104 to the control system 112. A
second sensor 110B may also be provided, and can be coupled to the
transmission 106 of the vehicle 100, for instance, to detect one or
more operating conditions of the transmission 106. The second
sensor 110B may be in communication with the control system 112 of
the vehicle 100. The second sensor 110B may be configured to
transmit data representative of the one or more operating
conditions of the transmission 106.
[0023] In one or more embodiments, the control system 112, or a
portion thereof, may be disposed in the operator cabin 102 of the
vehicle 100. In one or more embodiments, the control system 112 may
be provided in an operator area 113 provided in the operator cabin
102 of the vehicle 100. The operator area 113 may be referred to as
an operator console having control inputs (e.g., levers, switches,
a touch screen, etc.) within the operator cabin 102 to control
operation of the vehicle 100. The operator area 113 may be further
defined as an area surrounding an operator seat within the operator
cabin 102. In one or more embodiments, the control system 112 may
be provided in a suitable location visually accessible by an
operator of the vehicle 100. Further, in one or more embodiments,
components of the control system 112 may be disposed at a location
remote from the vehicle 100, and can receive data from the sensors
110 and/or a controller 114 of the vehicle 100 using wireless
communication components of the vehicle 100. In such a case, an
operator located remotely from the vehicle 100 may control some or
all functions of the control system 112 from the remote location.
Further, the control system 112 may include the controller 114,
which may be embodied in or as circuitry, and a Liquid Control
Display (LCD) 116 communicably coupled to the controller 114 such
that the controller 114 can control information displayed on the
LCD 116, particularly individual brightness control of different
graphics displayed on the LCD.
[0024] The controller 114 may be configured to receive data from
each of the sensors 110 (e.g., first sensor 110A and the second
sensor 110B) regarding corresponding operating conditions of the
vehicle 100, such as operating conditions of the power source 104
and the transmission 106 (and/or other components of the vehicle
100). The controller 114 may include input circuitry 124, and the
input circuitry 124 may be communicably coupled to the sensors 110
to receive data from the sensors 110 regarding sensed operating
conditions or characteristics of the vehicle 100. Thus, the
controller 114 can determine one or more abnormal operation
conditions of the vehicle 100 based on data received from the
sensors 110. The controller 114 may also communicate (i.e., send
signals for control and display) with the LCD 116 to control
content displayed on the LCD 116 and how the content is displayed
(e.g., individual brightness of graphics displayed on the LCD
116).
[0025] In an embodiment, the LCD 116 may be disposed in the
operator area 113 of the vehicle 100. For example, the LCD 116 may
be disposed at a location visually accessible to the operator of
the vehicle 100. Further, the LCD 116 may be configured to display
to the operator data or information pertaining to one or more
determined operating conditions or characteristics of the vehicle
100 or conditions surrounding the vehicle 100, such as ambient
light. The operating conditions or characteristics of the vehicle
100 may be displayed on the LCD 116 via graphics embodied in the
LCD 116, which may be provided based on different graphics layers
as discussed in more detail below.
[0026] The control system 112 can also include a user interface 118
communicably connected to the controller 114. In an embodiment, the
user interface 118 may be a separate component disposed in the
operator area 113 within the operator cabin 102. In another
embodiment, the LCD 116 may be integrally formed with the user
interface 118. That is, the LCD 116 may be configured to receive an
input from the operator of the vehicle 100. The user interface 118
may be configured to enable the operator to interact with the
controller 114 of the control system 112 to control the vehicle 100
or systems or components thereof, such as settings for the LCD 116
or information displayed on the LCD 116. In one or more
embodiments, the user interface 118 may be a touch screen, and may
be an integral part of the LCD 116. Additionally or alternatively,
in one or more embodiments, the user interface 118 may be or
include a mouse, a pointer, and/or a keyboard. In some
implementations, and as explained above, the sensor 110 may be
configured to transmit, to the controller 114, data representative
of operating conditions of other components of the vehicle 100.
[0027] The control system 112 may further include a light sensor
120 and a speaker 121 disposed in the operator area 113 within the
operator cabin 102 of the vehicle 100. The light sensor 120 may be
communicably connected to the controller 114. Generally speaking,
the light sensor 120 can detect a brightness level of an ambient
light, for instance, within the operator cabin 102. The light
sensor 120 may further transmit a signal indicative of the
brightness level of the ambient light to the control system 112. In
one or more embodiments, the light sensor 120 may be disposed at
any location in the vehicle 100 to communicate data indicative of
the brightness level of the ambient light. Further, the light
sensor 120 may be disposed in proximity to the LCD 116, to detect a
brightness level associated with a space around the LCD 116. The
speaker 121 may be communicably connected to the control circuitry
114. In one or more embodiments, the speaker 121 may be disposed at
any location in the vehicle 100 to provide an audio signal to the
operator, for instance.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic exploded view of a portion of
the LCD 116 according to one or more embodiments of the present
disclosure. The LCD 116 can define a display area 202. Further, the
LCD 116 can have a graphics layer 204, a dimming mask layer 206,
and an information layer 208. The dimming mask layer 206 may
consist of a single dimming mask, though in one or more embodiments
of the disclosed subject matter the transparency of the single
dimming mask layer may be varied such that the single dimming mask
can effectively operate as a plurality of different dimming mask
layers, each having different transparencies, and operable on an
individual basis depending upon the amount of dimming to be applied
to the underlying graphics layer 204. The information layer 208 can
be over the dimming mask layer 206, which can be over the graphics
layer 204.
[0029] Generally speaking, information displayable by the
information layer 208 may be important information having a higher
priority or urgency as compared to the information displayable by
the graphics layer 204. Thus, the information layer 208 may be
referred to herein as an alert layer in a case where the
information layer 208 includes alert or warning information to
display on the LCD 116.
[0030] Graphics indicative of the various operating conditions of
the vehicle 100 may be displayed in the LCD 116 at different
brightness levels, depending upon whether such information is
displayable by the graphics layer 204 or the information layer 208.
In this regard, generally speaking, the controller 114 of the
control system 112 can control a brightness level of the graphics
layer 204, a transparency amount of the dimming mask layer 206, and
a brightness level of the information layer 208.
[0031] The graphics layer 204 may be provided on the display area
202 of the LCD 116, and may cover some or all of the display area
202. Graphics, such as graphics pertaining to operating conditions
of the vehicle 100, may be embodied on the graphics layer 204 of
the LCD 116. In one or more embodiments, the graphics of the
graphics layer 204 may provide vehicle-related information, such as
information regarding operating conditions or characteristics of
the vehicle 100. Other information may be provided by the graphics
layer, such as ambient temperature information surrounding the
vehicle, date information, time information, map information,
terrain information, battery level, fuel level, engine temperature,
lubricant level, a camera feed, a video input, etc.
[0032] As noted above, the dimming mask layer 206 may be provided
over the graphics layer 204. The dimming mask layer 206 may have a
same area as the display area 202 of the LCD 116. Thus, the dimming
mask layer may cover the display area 202 completely. Further, the
dimming mask layer 206 can be free of any cut-out portions, such as
openings, holes or tabs, including any such portions at edges of
the dimming mask layer 206. Thus, the dimming mask layer 206 may
also cover the entire area of the graphics layer 204 and the
display area 202 of the LCD 116. Any use of the term "dimming mask
layer" herein may al so refer to a "semi-transparent mask
layer."
[0033] The dimming mask layer 206 may be a semi-transparent layer
(e.g., an electronically generated layer generated using software,
for instance) provided over the graphics layer 204. Generally
speaking, the dimming mask layer 206 can control the brightness (or
"dimness") of the graphics layer 204 based on a transparency value
of the dimming mask layer 206. In one or more embodiments, the
dimming mask layer 206 may be controllable by the controller 114 to
change a transparency value, level or percent of the dimming mask
layer 206. More specifically, the transparency of the dimming mask
layer 206 may be changed to selectively vary and/or set the
brightness of displayed graphics of the graphics layer 204.
[0034] In addition, in one or more embodiments, the brightness of
the graphics of the graphics layer 204 of the LCD 116 may be
modified, for instance reduced, via backlighting control of the LCD
116, which may be controlled by the controller 114. For example, in
one or more embodiments, the brightness of the graphics embodied on
the graphics layer 204 may be adjusted based on the level of the
ambient light within the operator cabin 102 of the vehicle 100, as
detected by the light sensor 120, for instance. The operator of the
vehicle 100 may also manually adjust the brightness level of the
graphics of the graphics layer 204.
[0035] As noted above, the information layer 208 can be provided
above or over the dimming mask layer 206. In one or more
embodiments, the information layer 208 may be a single layer (e.g.,
a graphics layer generated using software, for instance) provided
above or over the dimming mask layer 206. The information layer 208
may be controlled by the controller 114 to display one or more
indication or information items 210 to be more readily noticed or
understood by the operator of the vehicle 100. For example, the one
or more information items 210 may be warnings or alerts to the
operator of the vehicle 100 generated based on a detected operating
condition or characteristic of the vehicle 100. The term
"information items 210" as used herein may interchangeably be
referred to as "indications." In one or more embodiments, the
graphics associated with the information items 210 may include, but
are not limited to, one or more alerts or warnings indicative of
operating characteristics surrounding the power source 104, a
coolant temperature, a battery, the transmission 106, a
transmission temperature, a service reminder, a Diesel Exhaust
Particulate Filter (DPF), and/or a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
level.
[0036] In one or more embodiments, the dimming mask layer 206 may
be controllable independent of the information layer 208. Further,
the dimming mask layer 206 and the information layer 208 may be
controllable independent of the graphics layer 204 of the LCD 116.
Of course, the information layer 208, the dimming mask layer 206,
and the graphics layer 204 may be activated simultaneously or at
the same time, meaning, for instance, that all three layers
contribute to display characteristics of the display area 202 of
the LCD 116.
[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic front view of a portion of
the LCD 116 according to one or more embodiments of the present
disclosure. As mentioned earlier, each of the one or more sensors
110 may detect a corresponding operating condition of the vehicle
100. Further, the sensors 110 may communicate data indicative of
the operating condition of the vehicle 100 to a controller 114
(which may be embodied in or as control circuitry). The input
circuitry 124 of the controller 114 may receive the data indicative
of the operating condition or conditions of the vehicle 100 from
the one or more sensors 110. The controller 114 may receive an
input to adjust (e.g., dim) the brightness of the LCD 116. The
input to adjust the brightness of the LCD 116 may be generated
based on detection of an operating condition of the vehicle 100 or
a condition associated with operation of the vehicle, such as an
ambient light level in an area of viewing the LCD 116. Additionally
or alternatively, the input to adjust the brightness of the LCD 116
may be based on operator adjustment of the brightness of the LCD
116 using the user interface 118, for instance. Thus, the input to
adjust the brightness of the LCD 116 may include an instruction
that corresponds to reducing the brightness level of the LCD 116
and/or increasing the brightness level of the LCD 116. The
controller 114 may also determine one or more abnormal operation
conditions of the vehicle 100 based on data from the one or more
sensors 110.
[0038] The controller 114 can control display graphics of the
graphics layer 204 in the display area 202 of the LCD 116 based on
the data indicative of the detected operating conditions of the
vehicle 100. The controller 114 can also control display of
graphics of the graphics layer 204 not expressly based on the
detected operating conditions of the vehicle 100, such as template
operating condition information that may not change based on
changing operating conditions of the vehicle 100.
[0039] The controller 114 may further activate the dimming mask
layer 206, for instance, from a fully transparent state. Activation
of the dimming mask layer 206 can cause the dimming mask layer 206
to be "displayed" over the graphics layer 204, i.e., the tint or
opacity of dimming mask layer 204 can be noticed by a viewer of the
LCD 116 at least based on the effect of dimming the underlying
graphics layer 204. Further, as noted above, the dimming mask layer
206 may completely cover or completely overlap the display area 202
(and the graphics layer 204) in a front view of the LCD 116, such
as illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0040] The controller 114 may further activate the information
layer 208 to control display of at least one indication or
information item 210 of the information layer 208 on the LCD 116,
over the dimming mask layer 206 and the graphics layer 204, for
instance, based on a detected or determined abnormal operation
condition of the vehicle 100 and/or an input to dim the LCD. The
information layer 208 may include a plurality of information items
210, though not all of the information items 210 may be displayed
at once. That is, one or more of the information items 210 may be
displayed based on one or more criteria, such as responsive to a
particular detected or determined operating condition of the
vehicle 100 and/or an input to dim the LCD. Of course, in one or
more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, all information
items 210 associated with the information layer 208 may be
displayed at once. The input to dim the LCD 116 (and activate the
information layer 208) may be generated based on detection of an
abnormal operation condition of the vehicle 100. Thus, the input to
dim the LCD 116 may be a control signal from the controller 114
generated in responsive to detection of the abnormal operation
condition of vehicle 100. In some embodiments, the input to dim the
LCD may be a manual input by the operator to a control panel
configured to control the LCD 116. In one or more embodiments, the
at least one information item 210 may include one or more
alerts.
[0041] The controller 114 may cause or control display of at least
one information item 210 of the information layer 208 over the
dimming mask layer 206 (and the graphics layer 204). In one or more
embodiments, the information layer 208 may have a plurality of
information items 210 that are individually or collectively
displayable as part of the information layer 208. Further, though
FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show the information layer 208 being comprised of
a single area, of a particular shape and graphics configuration,
one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can have an
information layer 208 with different and distinct information areas
with differing graphics forming at least one information item
210.
[0042] The display of the at least one information item 210 by the
information layer 208 may not cause a change of display of the
graphics displayed on the graphics layer 204 of the LCD 116. A
total area of the at least one indication or information item 210
of the alert layer 208 may be a portion of the display area 202 of
the LCD 116. For example, the total area of the indication or
information item 210 of the alert layer 208 may be at least one of
from approximately 5% to approximately 25% of the display area 202
of the LCD 116, from approximately 10% to approximately 25% of the
display area 202 of the LCD 116, from approximately 15% to
approximately 25% of the display area 202 of the LCD 116, and from
approximately 20% to approximately 25% of the display area 202 of
the LCD 116. Further, the at least one indication or information
item 210 may overlap or be over a graphic of the graphics layer
204, for instance, to emphasize the indication or information item
210 relative to the underlying graphic.
[0043] Upon activation of the information layer 208, the controller
114 may increase the brightness level of the information layer 208,
which may mean merely making one or more information items 210 of
the information layer 208 appear in a case where such information
items 210 were not previously visible. Simultaneously, the
controller 114 may decrease the transparency level of the dimming
mask layer 206 to make the dimming mask layer 206 less transparent.
Optionally, the transparency level of the dimming mask layer 206
can be decreased from fully transparent (i.e., 100% transparency)
to a transparency value less than 100%. As such, the brightness
level of any information items 210 of the information layer 208 may
be greater than the brightness level of any portion of the graphics
layer 204, for example, by at least a predetermined brightness
amount. In one or more embodiments, the brightness level of
graphics of the information layer 208 may always be brighter than
any graphics of the underlying graphics layer 204.
[0044] In one or more embodiments, the predetermined brightness
amount may be determined based on the level of the ambient light
within the operator cabin 102 of the vehicle 100 detected by the
light sensor 120, for instance. Additionally or alternatively, the
predetermined brightness amount may be determined based on severity
of determined abnormal operation condition of the vehicle 100. In
one or more embodiments, the predetermined brightness amount may be
determined based on factors including, but not limited to,
surrounding factors of the vehicle 100 such as visibility of the
operator within and outside the operator cabin 102. It may be
contemplated that the controller 114 may cause display of the
dimming mask layer 206 at a same time when the information layer
208 displays any of the indication or information items 210.
[0045] Further, the controller 114 may activate the information
layer 208 to display information in the form of a warning or an
alert in the display area 202 of the LCD 116 to emphasize one or
more of the indication or information item 210 of the information
layer 208, as shown in FIG. 3, for instance. Thus, generally
speaking, any information items 210 displayed upon activation of
the information layer 208 may be brighter than any displayed
graphics of the underlying graphics layer 104.
[0046] Of course, activation of the information layer 208 may cause
display of less than all of information items 210 available to
display by the information layer 208. For example, activation of
the information layer 208 can activate only information items 210
that pertain to a sensed or determined operating condition of the
vehicle 100. Optionally, another one or more information items 210
pertaining to another sensed operation condition of the vehicle 100
may be displayed with the already displayed information items 210.
Alternatively, the already displayed information items 210
pertaining to the prior sensed or determined operating condition of
the vehicle 100 may be deactivated (i.e., no longer displayed) such
that only another one or more information items 210 pertaining to
the another sensed operation condition of the vehicle 100 are
displayed by the information layer 208.
[0047] The activation of the information layer 208 to display
information may not cause a change of any graphics of the graphics
layer 204. As noted above, the controller 114 may, simultaneously
or at the same time, activate the dimming mask layer 206 and
brightness reduction of the graphics layer 204 of the LCD 116 based
on backlighting control of the LCD 116. Optionally, brightness of
displayed information items 210 and the graphics of the graphics
layer 204 can be decreased after the initial activation of the
information layer 208, though the brightness of the displayed
information items 210 of the information layer 208 may always be
brighter than the graphics of the graphics layer 204, for instance,
by a predetermined amount of brightness (i.e., a brightness ratio).
For example, brightness of displayed information items 210 of the
information layer 208 and the graphics of the graphics layer 204
can be decreased in response to an input by the operator at user
interface 118 to reduce the overall brightness of the LCD 116.
However, the brightness of the displayed information items 210 can
remain brighter than the displayed graphics of the graphics layer
204.
[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a control system, such
as control system 112, for controlling individual brightness of
select graphics in a display area of the LCD 116 according to one
or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0049] The control system 112 may include at least one controller
114. The controller 114 may be a processor including a single
processing unit or a number of processing units, all of which may
include multiple computing units. The explicit use of term
"processor" should not be construed to refer exclusively to
hardware capable of executing a software application. Rather,
according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the
controller 114 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors,
microcomputers, digital signal processor, central processing units,
state machines, logic circuits, and/or any device that may be
capable of manipulating signals based on operational instructions.
Among the capabilities mentioned herein, the controller 114 may
also be configured to receive, transmit, and execute
computer-readable instructions. The controller 114 may also enable
digital content to be consumed in the form of video for output via
the LCD 116 and/or audio for output via the speakers 121.
Generally, the controller 114 may be interconnected via a bus 402
to various devices, such as memory 404. In one or more embodiments,
the memory 404 may include a Random Access Memory (RAM) and/or a
Read Only Memory (ROM). In one or more embodiments, an Input/Output
adapter may connect to peripheral devices, such as program storage
devices that may be readable by the control system 112. The control
system 112 may read the instructions from the program storage
devices and follow the instructions to perform operations, methods
and/or processes according to one or more embodiments of the
disclosed subject matter.
[0050] The control system 112 may further include a user interface
adapter that may connect the user interface 118 to the bus 402 to
gather user inputs from the user interface. The user interface 118
may include, but not limited to, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone,
and/or a touch screen device. Additionally, a communication adapter
may connect the bus 402 to a data processing network, and a display
adapter may connect the bus 402 to the LCD 116, which may be
embodied as an output device.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0051] The present disclosure relates to the LCD 116 having an
information layer 208 provided over the dimming mask layer 206,
which can be provided over the graphics layer 204, and a method 500
for selectively controlling individual brightness of predetermined
portions of the LCD 116. The information layer 208 and the dimming
mask layer 206 may be applied over or in front of the graphics
layer 204 of the LCD 116. The dimming mask layer 206 may be applied
throughout the display area 202 of the LCD 116, that is, cover
completely the display area 202 and/or the graphics layer 204. The
information layer 208 may selectively and timely display important
information, such as one or more warnings or alerts, to the
operator of the vehicle 100. Such selective and timely display of
information items 210 of the information layer 208 can be based on
and in response to detection of one or more operating conditions of
the vehicle 100. As a non-limiting example, the operator of the
vehicle 100 can set the brightness of the LCD 116 to an acceptable
viewing brightness for operating the vehicle 100, while embodiments
of the disclosed subject matter can periodically provide more
brightly displayed information items on the LCD 116 in an effort to
draw operator attention to such information items.
[0052] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of the method 500 to
selectively control individual brightness of select areas of the
LCD 116 according to one or more embodiments of the present
disclosure. Such selective brightness control can be performed
using controller 114, which may be embodied in or as control
circuitry.
[0053] At block 502, the method 500 may include providing the
graphics layer 204 in the display area 202 of the LCD 116.
Generally, the controller 114 may control the display of graphics
of the graphics layer 204 in the display area 202 of the LCD 116.
The graphics may correspond to vehicle-related information, such as
static and/or dynamic vehicle operating information. Examples of
static vehicle operating information include templates regarding
fuel status, engine temperature, vehicle speed, battery charge, and
lubricant temperature, for instance. Examples of dynamic vehicle
operating information include current status indicators regarding
fuel level, engine temperature, vehicle speed, battery charge, and
lubricant temperature, for instance. Additional information may be
provided by the graphics of the graphics layer 104, such as GPS or
map information associated with a current or anticipated position
of the vehicle 100.
[0054] At block 504, the method 500 may include providing the
dimming mask layer 206 over the graphics layer 204. The controller
114 may control a transparency value of the dimming mask layer 206
provided over the graphics layer 204. The controller 114 may
control the transparency level of the dimming mask layer 206 to
control the brightness of the graphics layer 204. For example, the
dimming mask layer 206 may dim a brightness level of the graphics
layer 204. Different predetermined amounts of transparency values
for the dimming mask layer 206 may be stored in memory 404, and the
controller 114 can set (or reset) the transparency value of the
dimming mask layer 206 to one of the stored transparency
values.
[0055] At block 506, the method 500 may include providing the
information layer 208 over the dimming mask layer 206. The
controller 114 may further display at least one graphical
indication or information item 210 of the information layer 208,
for instance, in response to detection of an abnormal operation
condition of the vehicle 100. The information layer 208 may be
controllable independent of the graphics layer 204 and the dimming
mask layer 206. Any indications or information items 210 displayed
upon activation of the information layer 208 can be brighter than
displayed graphics of the graphics layer 204.
[0056] As block 508, the method 500 can include displaying graphics
of the graphics layer 204, activating the dimming mask layer 206 to
present an amount of transparency, for instance, less than 100%
transparency, and displaying select graphics of the information
layer 208, particularly graphics corresponding to one or more
indications or information items 210. The brightness of the
graphics of the information layer 208 can be greater than the
graphics of the graphics layer 204, even if the brightness level of
the graphics of the information layer 208 is lowered. Further, the
activation of the dimming mask layer 206 can be responsive to a
detected operating condition or characteristic, such as an
operating condition or characteristic of the vehicle 100 and/or a
detected ambient light amount outside the vehicle 100 or inside the
operator cabin 102 of the vehicle 100. Likewise, the display of
graphics of the information layer 208 may be based on and
responsive to the detected operating condition or
characteristic.
[0057] While aspects of the present disclosure have been
particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments
above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the
modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without
departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such
embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the
present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *