JP2016043757A - Information providing device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information providing device for a vehicle, that suppresses a movement amount of a visual line of a user visually recognizing a display unit to a required minimum, and thereby is capable of improving a human-machine interface.SOLUTION: An information providing device for a vehicle includes: a vehicular meter having a first display unit and first control means for operating the first display unit; and external devices connected to the vehicular meter via connection means. The first display unit has: a first display region R1 for displaying prescribed information D1 out of vehicle state information; and a second display region R2 for displaying other information D2 of the vehicle state information. When determined that the vehicular meter and the external devices are in a connected state, the first control means causes the first display unit to operate so as to display icons 410 related to operation of the external devices in the second display region R2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle information providing device that provides various types of information to a vehicle user, and more particularly, to a vehicle information providing device that provides various types of information using a vehicle meter (vehicle mounted device) and an external device. Is.

  As a vehicle information providing device such as an in-vehicle information system, for example, a portable information device (external device) and a vehicle-mounted multimedia computer with a liquid crystal display (vehicle-mounted device) mounted on the vehicle are connected to Patent Document 1 below, A configuration that can be controlled mutually is disclosed. As a result, vehicle external information (audio player, navigation system, Internet browser) held by the portable information device is displayed to the vehicle user via the display (display unit) provided in the in-vehicle multimedia computer. Is possible.

JP 2001-22482 A

  In the vehicle information providing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 described above, it is possible to easily use the portable information device in the vehicle, and the in-vehicle information system (vehicle) is highly convenient for the vehicle user. Information providing device). By the way, when presenting external information (external information of a vehicle) possessed by a portable information device to a vehicle user using an existing display instead of a dedicated display, there is room for improvement regarding the display layout of the external information. there were.

  In particular, assuming that an existing display is an instrument display (display unit) provided in a vehicle instrument (vehicle-mounted equipment), vehicle status information such as the vehicle traveling speed is usually displayed on the instrument display. In order to display the external information held by the portable information device in addition to the instrument display on which the vehicle state information is displayed, various information displayed on the instrument display (various information here) It is necessary to change the layout of information including the vehicle state information and the external information.

However, if the layout of various information displayed on the instrument display is changed in this way, the user of the vehicle who is driving the vehicle while visually recognizing the various information moves his / her line of sight when viewing the various information. Since it is necessary to do this, it is expected that it will be confused (feeling uncomfortable), which is not desirable from the viewpoint of a human machine interface (HMI). For example, when the vehicle is a motorcycle, the place where the dedicated display is mounted is limited due to the structure of the vehicle, so it is assumed that the existing display (instrument display) is used.
Therefore, the present invention pays attention to the above-described improvements, and when providing external information held by an external device to a vehicle user via a display unit provided in a vehicle meter, the user who visually recognizes the display unit. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information providing device for a vehicle that can minimize the amount of eye movement of the vehicle and improve the human machine interface.

  The present invention relates to a vehicle instrument having a display unit that displays various vehicle states as vehicle state information to a user, and a first control unit that operates the display unit, and the vehicle instrument is connected via the connection unit. And an external device having second control means for outputting external information of the vehicle to the first control means, wherein the display unit displays first information among the vehicle state information. A display area; and a second display area for displaying other information of the vehicle status information different from the predetermined information, wherein the first control means connects the vehicle instrument and the external device. If it is determined that the state has been achieved, the display unit is operated to display an icon relating to the operation of the external device in the second display area.

  According to the present invention, the display unit includes a touch-type display including a touch panel that can be touched by a user, and the icon is different from the first icon that executes a predetermined function and the predetermined function. At least a second icon for executing another function, and the first control means receives external information related to the predetermined function based on a touch operation of the first icon by a user. When a touch operation on the second icon by the user is detected under the condition displayed in the display area, the external information related to the predetermined function is switched to the external information related to the other function. Therefore, the display unit is operated.

  Further, in the present invention, when the first control means switches and displays the external information related to the predetermined function to the external information related to the other function, the display position of the icon is not changed. The display unit is operated.

  According to the present invention, the second icon includes a telephone function icon related to a telephone function, and the first control means displays external information related to the predetermined function in the second display area. When a touch operation of the telephone function icon by the user is detected under the conditions being performed, the external information related to the predetermined function is switched and displayed on the telephone function display unit related to the telephone function, and The display unit is operated so as to suppress display of an icon.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the first control means determines that the alert information for alerting the user among the vehicle state information has been generated, the display of the icon is performed until a predetermined condition is satisfied. The display unit is operated so as to suppress the above.

  In the present invention, the first control means may be configured such that a predetermined time has passed under the condition that the alert information is displayed in the second display area, and the alert information is urgent. If not, it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

  When providing external information possessed by an external device to a vehicle user via a display unit provided in a vehicle meter, the present invention minimizes the amount of eye movement of the user viewing the display unit. It is possible to provide an information providing device for a vehicle that is suppressed and has an improved human machine interface.

The block diagram which shows the connection state of the information provision apparatus for vehicles by 1st Embodiment of this invention, and various electrical components. The block diagram of the information provision apparatus for vehicles by the 1st embodiment. The general-view figure which shows an example of the meter for vehicles by the 1st embodiment. (A) is a figure which shows the display layout of the display part in a 1st display mode when a vehicle meter and an external device are not connected, (b) is a vehicle meter and an external device connected. It is a figure which shows the display layout of the display part in a 1st display mode when there is. (A) is a figure which shows the display layout of the display part in the state by which the navigation display part was displayed on the 2nd display area in 2nd display mode, (b) is 2nd display in 2nd display mode. It is a figure which shows the display layout of the display part in the state by which the audio display part was displayed on the area | region. The figure which shows the display layout of the display part in the state by which the telephone function display part was displayed on the 2nd display area in the 2nd display mode by the said 1st Embodiment. (A) is a figure which shows the display layout of the display part when a telephone history icon is touch-operated, (b) is a figure which shows the display layout of the display part when a telephone dial icon is touch-operated. (A) is a figure which shows the display layout of a display part when the 1st control means by 2nd Embodiment of this invention receives alerting information, (b) is alerting information by the 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the display layout of the display part after predetermined time passes since it generate | occur | produced. It is a figure which shows the display layout of a display part when the 1st control means by the said 2nd Embodiment receives the alert information which requires emergency. The figure which shows the timing chart of alerting information and icon display when the 1st control means by the said 2nd Embodiment receives alerting information.

(First Embodiment) The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a vehicle. Reference numeral 101 denotes a vehicular information providing apparatus. The vehicular information providing apparatus 101 includes a vehicular instrument 102, an external device (here, a smartphone) 103 that is a portable information device, a vehicular instrument 102, and an external device. And a connection means 104 for connecting the terminal 103 to the terminal 103.

  The vehicle instrument 102 is connected to electrical components such as an audio 106, an air conditioner 107, a body control unit 108, and an engine control unit 109 via an in-vehicle LAN (multiplex communication line) 105. Further, the external device 103 connected to the vehicle meter 102 via the connection means 104 can be connected to the Internet via the communication means 110.

  Next, the configuration of the vehicle information providing apparatus 101 mainly composed of the vehicle instrument 102 and the external device 103 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The vehicle instrument 102 includes a vehicle information terminal (vehicle information means) 210 and a multiplex communication input / output terminal (multiplex communication input / output means) 211 for inputting / outputting various information (vehicle state signals) relating to various states of the vehicle, An operation information terminal 212 through which an operation input signal from the operation means 213 can be input, a vehicle interface (vehicle I / F) means 201, and a first control means 202 comprising a microcomputer for controlling the vehicle meter 102, First storage means (storage means) 203 comprising a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or EEPROM in which the processing program of the first control means 202 is stored, and various information (various vehicle conditions) to the vehicle user A first display unit (display unit) 204 such as a liquid crystal display panel for visually informing the vehicle and various information (various states of the vehicle) to the vehicle user The drive control of the 1st alerting | reporting means 206 which consists of 1st sounding bodies 205, such as a speaker to alert | report, the 1st display part 204, the 1st sounding body 205, and various analog type (pointer type) instruments 207 is carried out. A first drive unit 208 that also serves as a first communication unit (herein referred to as Bluetooth (registered trademark)) 209 as a wireless communication unit that constitutes the connection unit 104 for connecting to the external device 103; ing.

  Here, the 1st display part 204 in this example consists of a touch-type display including the touch panel in which the touch operation by the user of a vehicle is possible. The first display unit 204 as a touch-type display has a configuration in which, for example, a resistive touch panel or a capacitive touch panel is placed on a display area of a liquid crystal display panel, and the vehicle user Functions as a switch by touching a touch panel location corresponding to the display area.

  Various analog type instruments 207 are not shown in detail here, but a speedometer for analogly indicating the vehicle speed, a tachometer for analogly indicating the engine speed of the vehicle, and an analog instruction for the fuel amount in the tank. And at least one of a thermometer for analog display of the temperature of the engine coolant.

  The first communication unit 209 performs wireless communication with a later-described second communication unit provided in the external device 103. That is, the first communication unit 209 can exchange data with the second communication unit provided in the external device 103.

  When the vehicle is a motorcycle, the headset 214 including the wireless wireless headset shown in FIG. 2 is provided in the vehicle meter 102 via the wireless communication means 215 as Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication. The first communication unit 209 may be connected.

  Although detailed illustration is omitted here, the headset 214 includes headphones and a microphone (microphone) housed in a helmet worn by a passenger (user) who rides the motorcycle, a first communication unit 209, and the like. A third communication unit (not shown) capable of performing wireless communication between the two. Thus, for example, when incoming call information described later is transmitted from the external device 103 side to the vehicular instrument 102 via the communication units 260 and 209, the passenger (user) can call the headset 214. It is possible to make a call with the other party who has called the external device 103 using the headphones and microphone.

  The operation means 213 includes an operation input unit for performing various operations of the vehicle instrument 102, and includes, for example, a cursor button and a determination button that are installed at appropriate positions in the vehicle so that the user can reach them. A cross key type operation input unit can be applied, and an operation input signal (remote operation input signal) to the external device 103 output from the operation unit 213 when the user operates the operation unit 213 is an operation information terminal 212. In addition, it is input to the first control unit 202 through the vehicle interface unit 201 and further to the external device 103 side through the connection unit 104. Note that the operation means 213 may be a touch panel type operation input unit instead of the cross key type operation input unit described above.

  The external device 103 includes a second communication unit (here, Bluetooth (registered trademark)) 260 as a wireless communication unit that constitutes the connection unit 104 for connecting to the vehicle instrument 102, and various sensors (here, GPS). 261, interface (I / F) means 251, second control means 252 comprising, for example, a microcomputer for controlling the external device 103, and processing programs for the second control means 252 are stored. A second storage unit 253 comprising a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or an EEPROM, and a second display unit 254 such as a display with a touch panel for visually notifying various information (various states of the vehicle) to the vehicle user. Second sounding body 255 such as a speaker for audibly informing various information (vehicle various states) to the vehicle user The communication which comprises the 2nd alerting | reporting means 256 which consists of this, the 2nd drive means 257 which served as drive control of the 2nd display part 254 and the 2nd sounding body 255, and the communication means 110 for connecting with the internet Module 258.

  In the present embodiment, the first and second communication units 209 and 260 including the wireless communication unit are applied to the connection unit 104 between the vehicle instrument 102 and the external device 103. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to connect the vehicular instrument 102 and the external device 103 using the connection means 104 including a wired connection means such as USB.

  In the present embodiment, the first communication unit 209 is provided in the vehicular meter 102, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a gateway (G / W) means (not shown) connected to the in-vehicle LAN 105 is provided. By providing the first communication unit 209 in the gateway means, the vehicular meter 102 and the external device 103 can be connected.

  Next, using FIGS. 3 to 7, the first control unit 202 provided in the vehicle instrument 102 displays on the first display unit 204 when the first and second display modes described later are executed. A display layout to be performed will be described.

  Here, the vehicle meter 102 includes the first display unit 204 described above as shown in FIG. 3, and the first display unit 204 displays various vehicle states as vehicle state information to the vehicle user. It consists of a touch-type display for measuring instruments.

  The first control means 202 receives the vehicle state signal via the multiplex communication input / output terminal 211 (or the vehicle information terminal 210), and based on the vehicle state signal, FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b). In order to display the vehicle state information corresponding to the first display mode M1 as shown in FIG. 4 on the first display unit 204, the first display unit 204 is controlled to perform display operation.

  In the first display mode M1 in which only the vehicle state information is displayed on the first display unit 204 without displaying any external information of the vehicle, which will be described later, the first control unit 202 uses the vehicle running information as the vehicle state information. A vehicle speed display unit 300 that displays the speed, a shift position display unit 310 that displays the shift position, a fuel remaining amount display unit 320 that displays the remaining amount of fuel, a direction indication display unit 330 that indicates the traveling direction of the vehicle, and an average fuel consumption of the vehicle The first display unit 204 is controlled so as to display the fuel consumption display unit 340 for displaying the temperature and the outside air temperature display unit 350 for displaying the temperature outside the vehicle on the first display unit 204.

  Further, in the first display mode M1, the first display unit 204 has a first display area R1 and a second display area R2 which are divided. The first display region R1 is located above the first display unit 204, and the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, the remaining fuel amount display unit 320, which are the predetermined information D1 among the vehicle state information, The direction instruction display unit 330 is displayed.

  The vehicle speed display unit 300 is displayed at the center of the first display region R1, the shift position display unit 310 is positioned on the left side of the vehicle speed display unit 300 so as to be adjacent to the vehicle speed display unit 300, and the fuel remaining amount display unit 320 is a vehicle speed display. Located on the right side of the vehicle speed display unit 300 so as to be adjacent to the display unit 300, the direction indication display unit 330 is located at both ends of the first display region R1 so as to sandwich the shift position display unit 310 and the remaining fuel amount display unit 320. Is located.

  In addition, the predetermined information D1 including the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, the fuel remaining amount display unit 320, and the direction indication display unit 330 here has a high priority and the frequency with which the vehicle user visually recognizes the information. There is a lot of vehicle state information. In the first display mode M1, the display layout is such that the predetermined information D1 is displayed in the first display region R1.

  On the other hand, the second display region R2 is located below the first display unit 204, and the fuel consumption display unit 340 and the outside air temperature display unit described above, which are other information D2 of vehicle state information different from the predetermined information D1. 350 is displayed. For example, in this case, the fuel consumption display unit 340 and the outside air temperature display unit 350 are displayed in a state of being arranged side by side in the second display region R2, and the outside air temperature display unit 350 is displayed directly below the fuel consumption display unit 340. ing.

  And other information D2 which consists of fuel consumption display part 340 and outside air temperature display part 350 serves as vehicle state information which is less frequently viewed by the user of the vehicle, and in the first display mode M1, The display layout is such that the information D2 is displayed in the second display region R2.

  In the case of this example, the empty display area 400 (dotted line portion in FIG. 4A) of the second display region R2 corresponding to the region excluding the fuel consumption display unit 340 and the outside air temperature display unit 350 includes Icons to be described later relating to external information type selection are displayed. For example, in this case, the empty display area 400 is provided on the right side of the second display area R2.

  Here, the first control means 202 has a function of determining whether or not the vehicle meter 102 and the external device 103 are connected in a communicable manner. Is determined not to be in a communicable state (that is, when it is determined that the communication connection between the first communication unit 209 and the second communication unit 260 has not been established). Control is performed to display the first display unit 204 so that the display area 400 is not displayed (see FIG. 4A). Thus, since the empty display area 400 is in the non-display state, it is possible to notify the user that the function of the external information of the vehicle cannot be used.

  On the other hand, when the first control unit 202 determines that the vehicle instrument 102 and the external device 103 are connected in a communicable manner (that is, between the first communication unit 209 and the second communication unit 260). The first display unit 204 is displayed to display a plurality of icons 410 related to the operation of the external device 103 in the empty display area 400 in the second display area R2. Control to operate is performed (see FIG. 4B).

  The icon 410 includes, for example, a first icon 411 including a navigation function icon related to a navigation function (predetermined function) and a telephone function icon related to a telephone function (other functions different from the predetermined function). And a third icon 413 including an audio function icon related to an audio function (another function different from the predetermined function).

  In this case, the first icon 411 that executes the navigation function is located above the second icon 412 that executes the telephone function so as to be adjacent to the second icon 412, and is below the second icon 412. A third icon 413 for executing the audio function is located adjacent to the second icon 412. As described above, the icons 411 to 413 are displayed side by side in the empty display area 400, so that the user recognizes that the function of the external information of the vehicle can be used.

  Next, the display layout displayed on the first display unit 204 when the first control unit 202 executes the second display mode M2 different from the first display mode M1 will be described.

  When executing the second display mode M2, the user can touch the icons 411 to 413 displayed on the first display unit 204 (second display region R2) which is a touch display. Is possible.

  For example, when the user performs a touch operation on the first icon 411 that is a navigation function icon, the first control unit 202 receives the vehicle state signal via the multiplex communication input / output terminal 211 (or the vehicle information terminal 210). At the same time, external information on the vehicle (here, referred to as navigation information) is received from the external device 103 via the communication units 260 and 209, and based on the vehicle state signal and the navigation information, as shown in FIG. In order to display the display information corresponding to the second display mode M2 on the first display unit 204, the first display unit 204 is controlled to display.

  That is, in the second display mode M2, the second control means 252 provided in the external device 103 outputs navigation information to the first control means 202 via the connection means 104 (each communication unit 260, 209). Then, the first control unit 202 performs control to display the first display unit 204 so that the navigation display unit 360 that is external information (external device information) of the vehicle is displayed in the second display region R2. Do.

  Accordingly, the display information corresponding to the second display mode M2 includes the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, the fuel remaining amount display unit 320, the direction indication display unit 330, the navigation display unit 360, and the icons 411 to 413. And are included.

  Among these, the predetermined information D1 including the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, the remaining fuel amount display unit 320, and the direction indication display unit 330 is the same as in the first display mode M1. The individual display positions of the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, the remaining fuel amount display unit 320, and the direction indication display unit 330 displayed in the display region R1 and in the second display mode M2 are the first display. The position is the same as in the mode M1.

  Thus, in the case of this example, the first display region R1 includes the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, the fuel remaining amount display unit 320, and the direction indication display unit 330 when the both display modes M1 and M2 are executed. It is configured as a fixed display area capable of displaying the predetermined information D1 in the form of a predetermined display position.

  In the second display mode M2, the navigation display unit 360, which is information other than the predetermined information D1 including the vehicle speed display unit 300, the shift position display unit 310, the remaining fuel amount display unit 320, and the direction indication display unit 330, and each Icons 411 to 413 are displayed in the second display area R2.

  By the way, in this 2nd display mode M2, the fuel consumption display part 340 and the external temperature display part 350 which were displayed on 2nd display area R2 in the 1st display mode M1 will be in a non-display state. And the navigation display part 360 which consists of turn-by-turn display is displayed in 2nd display area R2 location except the empty display area 400. FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, the turn-by-turn display includes an arrow display 361, an intersection name display 362, and a remaining distance display 363 to the intersection.

  In addition, when performing turn-by-turn display as external information of the vehicle, the second control means 252 instead of outputting image information to the vehicle instrument 102 side via the connection means 104 (each communication unit 209, 260). A command may be output. For example, a plurality of types of turn-by-turn display information are stored in the first storage unit 203 in advance, and the first control unit 202 stores the turn-by-turn display information corresponding to the command from the first storage unit 203. This can be dealt with by reading and displaying on the first display unit 204.

  Thereby, it is possible to reduce the amount of information output from the second control means 252 to the vehicle instrument 102 side via the connection means 104 (respective communication units 209 and 260). The navigation display unit 360 may apply a map display instead of the turn-by-turn display. At this time, the second control unit 252 outputs the image information via the connection unit 104 (each communication unit 209, 260).

  Next, from the state of FIG. 5A, the display transition of the second display region R2 when the vehicle user touches the third icon 413 that is an audio function icon is shown in FIG. 5B. Based on

  For example, when the display in the state of FIG. 5A is performed, the user of the vehicle touches the third icon 413 to change the type of external information of the vehicle (here, audio). An input signal (type switching instruction signal) is input to the first control unit 202. Based on the audio display input signal, the first control means 202 determines the type of external information of the vehicle displayed in the second display area R2 from the navigation display section 360 as shown in FIG. 5B. Control is performed to display the first display unit 204 so as to switch to the audio display unit 370.

  That is, in this case, the first control unit 202 uses the external information (navigation display unit 360) related to the navigation function (the predetermined function) based on the touch operation of the first icon 411 by the user as the second. When a touch operation on the third icon 413 by the user is detected under the conditions displayed in the display area R2, external information (navigation display unit 360) related to the navigation function is displayed as the audio function (the other function). The first display unit 204 is controlled to display and switch to external information (audio display unit 370) related to ().

  At this time, the second control means 252 provided in the external device 103 outputs audio information to the first control means 202 via the connection means 104 (respective communication units 260 and 209). 202 performs control to display the first display unit 204 so that the audio display unit 370 that is external information of the vehicle is displayed in the second display region R2. As shown in FIG. 5B, the audio display unit 370 includes an artist name 371, a song name 372, and operation icons 373 such as a play / stop switch.

  In the case of displaying characters such as artist names and song titles in music information, character fonts are stored in the first storage means 203 in advance, and the first control means 202 instructs the display contents of the external information of the vehicle. This character font is combined and displayed based on the above.

  Further, in this case, the first control unit 202 converts external information (navigation display unit 360) related to the navigation function (the predetermined function) to external information (audio function) related to the audio function (the other function). When switching the display to the display unit 370), control is performed to display the first display unit 204 so that the display position of the icon 410 (the icons 411 to 413) is not changed.

  Next, based on FIG. 6, the display transition of the second display region R2 when the vehicle user touches the second icon 412 that is a telephone function icon from the state of FIG. explain.

  For example, when the display in the state of FIG. 5A is performed, the user of the vehicle touches the second icon 412 to change the type of external information of the vehicle (here, it is called a telephone). An input signal (type switching instruction signal) is input to the first control unit 202. Based on this telephone function display input signal, the first control means 202 determines the type of vehicle external information displayed in the second display area R2 from the navigation display section 360 as shown in FIG. Control is performed to display the first display unit 204 so as to switch to the display unit 420.

  That is, in this case, the first control unit 202 uses the external information (navigation display unit 360) related to the navigation function (the predetermined function) based on the touch operation of the first icon 411 by the user as the second. When a touch operation on the second icon 412 (phone function icon) by the user is detected under the conditions displayed in the display area R2, external information (navigation display) related to the navigation function (the predetermined function) is detected. Unit 360) is switched to external information (telephone function display unit 420) related to the telephone function (the other function), and the display of the icon 410 is suppressed (hidden). The display unit 204 is controlled to display.

  Thus, in the case of this example, when the user touches any one of the icons 411 to 413, the vehicle displayed on the second display area R2 under the control of the first control unit 202 is displayed. The type of external information is switched.

  At this time, the second control means 252 provided in the external device 103 outputs the telephone function information to the first control means 202 via the connection means 104 (respective communication units 260 and 209), and performs the first control. The means 202 performs control to display the first display unit 204 so that the telephone function display unit 420 which is external information of the vehicle is displayed in the second display region R2. The telephone function display unit 420 includes a telephone history icon 421 and a telephone dial icon (tenkey icon) 422 as shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, for example, when the user touches the telephone history icon 421 from the state shown in FIG. 6, an input signal for displaying the telephone history is input to the first control unit 202. The first control unit 202 displays the call history display unit 430 in the second display region R2 of the first display unit 204, as shown in FIG. In order to achieve this, control is performed to display the first display unit 204.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the call history display unit 430 displays the name 431 of the other party who called the external device 103, the telephone number 432 of the mobile terminal owned by the other party, And a date and time display 433 indicating the date and time when the call has been made.

  Further, for example, when the user touches the telephone dial icon 422 from the state of FIG. 6, an input signal for telephone dial display is input to the first control unit 202. Based on the input signal for telephone dial display, the first control means 202 displays a numeric keypad capable of inputting numbers in the second display area R2 of the first display unit 204 as shown in FIG. 7B. In order to display the unit 440, the first display unit 204 is controlled to display. Note that when the above-described call history display unit 430 and numeric keypad display unit 440 are displayed in the second display region R2, the icon 410 is not displayed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the vehicle meter having the first display unit 204 that displays various vehicle states as vehicle state information to the user and the first control unit 202 that operates the first display unit 204. 102, an external device 103 having a second control means 252 that is connected to the vehicle meter 102 via the connection means 104 and outputs external information of the vehicle to the first control means 202, The display unit 204 includes a first display region R1 for displaying the predetermined information D1 in the vehicle state information, and a second display region R2 for displaying other information D2 of the vehicle state information different from the predetermined information D1. And the first control unit 202 determines that the vehicle instrument 102 and the external device 103 are connected, the icons 411 to 41 relating to the operation of the external device 103 are displayed in the second display region R2. In order to display the (icon 410), it is intended to operate the first display unit 204.

  Accordingly, the predetermined information D1 including the vehicle speed display unit 300 and the like displayed in the first display area R1 is displayed at its display position (display layout) regardless of whether the icon 410 is displayed in the second display area R2. ) Is unchanged, and there is an advantage that the amount of line-of-sight movement of the user who visually recognizes the first display unit 204 can be minimized. Further, the display method of the icon 410 is changed according to the connection status between the vehicle instrument 102 and the external device 103 (that is, depending on whether or not the vehicle meter 102 and the external device 103 are communicably connected). Therefore, the user can determine whether or not various functions (navigation function, etc.) related to the external information of the vehicle can be used by visually recognizing the icon 410, and for the vehicle with an improved human machine interface. An information providing apparatus can be provided.

  In the present embodiment, the first display unit 204 includes a touch-type display including a touch panel that can be touched by the user, and the icon 410 executes the navigation function (the predetermined function). An icon 411 and at least a second icon 412 for executing the telephone function (the other function) different from the navigation function are provided, and the first control unit 202 touches the first icon 411 by the user. When a touch operation of the second icon 412 by the user is detected under the condition that external information (navigation display unit 360) related to the navigation function is displayed in the second display region R2 based on the operation, the navigation External information related to the function (navigation display unit 360) is related to the telephone function. In order to switch the display to the external information (telephone function display unit 420), the first display unit 204 is controlled to perform display operation, so that the user simply touches the icon 410 to display the external information of the vehicle. Since the type can be easily selected, it is possible to provide a vehicle information providing apparatus with improved human-machine interface (operability).

  In the present embodiment, the first control unit 202 converts external information (navigation display unit 360) related to the navigation function (the predetermined function) to external information (the other function) related to the audio function (the other function). When the display is switched to the audio display unit 370), the first display unit 204 is controlled so as not to change the display position of the icon 410 (the icons 411 to 413), thereby performing the first display. Even when the icon 410 is displayed on the unit 204, there is an advantage that the amount of line-of-sight movement of the user viewing the first display unit 204 can be minimized.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the first control unit 202 has a condition in which external information (navigation display unit 360) related to the navigation function (the predetermined function) is displayed in the second display region R2. When a touch operation on the second icon 412 (phone function icon) by the user is detected, external information related to the navigation function (navigation display unit 360) is converted to external information related to the telephone function (the other function). Provided to the user by controlling the display operation of the first display unit 204 so that the display of the icon 410 is suppressed (not displayed) while being switched to the (phone function display unit 420). Information provision device for vehicles with reduced human information and improved human machine interface (visibility) It is possible to provide.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. The same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts as in the first embodiment, and the details thereof are used. The detailed explanation is omitted.

  FIG. 8 shows a first control capable of receiving various warning signals via the multiplex communication input / output terminal 211 (or the vehicle information terminal 210) during execution of the second display mode M2 shown in FIG. The display layout of the 1st display part 204 when the means 202 receives the said various warning signal is shown.

  The first control unit 202 has a function of determining whether or not a warning signal is generated during execution of the second display mode M2, and determines that the warning signal is generated (here, FIG. 10). The navigation display unit 360 displayed in the second display area R2 excluding the empty display area 400 is switched to the warning display unit 380 when the warning signal is generated at time t1. Thus, the first display unit 204 is controlled to display.

  Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 8A, in the first display unit 204, the navigation display unit 360 that has been displayed in the second display region R2 excluding the empty display area 400 is not displayed. In the second display area R2 excluding the empty display area 400, a warning display unit 380 serving as warning information for alerting the vehicle user that the amount of remaining fuel is small is interrupted and displayed. The For example, in the second display area R2 excluding the empty display area 400, a warning display portion 380 as fuel remaining amount warning information “please refuel” is displayed instead of the navigation display portion 360 (interrupt display). .

  At this time, since the first control unit 202 detects (receives) the warning signal, the first control unit 202 causes the first display unit 204 to perform a display operation so that the icon 410 is not displayed. As a result, the amount of information displayed on the first display unit 204 can be reduced as much as possible, and the visibility of the remaining fuel amount warning information can be improved.

  Then, the first control unit 202 waits for a predetermined time T1 (first time) from time t1 (the vehicle user recognizes the fuel remaining amount warning information at the predetermined time T1 here). Control for causing the first display unit 204 to perform display operation so that the above-described icons 410 (the icons 411 to 413) are displayed again in the empty display area 400 that has not been displayed until then. Is performed (see FIG. 8B).

  That is, in the case of the second embodiment, when the first control unit 202 determines that the alert information (the fuel remaining amount warning information) for alerting the user among the vehicle state information has occurred. The first display unit 204 is operated to display (inhibit) the display of the icon 410 (the icons 411 to 413) until a predetermined time T1 elapses from time t1 (a predetermined condition is satisfied). Under the condition that the alert information (the remaining fuel amount warning information) is displayed in the second display area R2, the predetermined time T1 has passed and the alert information (the remaining fuel amount warning information) is urgent. If the predetermined condition is not required, a process for determining that the predetermined condition is satisfied is executed.

  After that, when the first control unit 202 receives a warning release signal indicating that the remaining amount of fuel has increased due to fuel supply at time t2 in FIG. 10, the first display unit 202 based on the warning release signal. For example, in order to restore the display 204 to the display layout of FIG. 5A (that is, to hide the warning display unit 380 and redisplay the navigation display unit 360), control is performed to display the first display unit 204. Do.

  Thereafter, at time t3 in FIG. 10, the first control means 202 alerts the user that another warning signal different from the warning signal (here, the host vehicle is likely to collide with the preceding vehicle). The navigation display unit 360 displayed in the second display area R2 excluding the empty display area 400 is switched and displayed to another warning display unit 381. The display unit 204 is controlled to display.

  That is, at this time, in the first display unit 204, the navigation display unit 360 that has been displayed in the second display region R2 excluding the empty display area 400 until then becomes non-display state, and the second display region Another warning display unit 381 as the rear-end collision warning information that requires an emergency of “braking” is displayed as an interrupt at R2 (see FIG. 9).

  At this time, since the first control unit 202 detects (receives) the other warning signal, the first control unit 202 causes the first display unit 204 to perform display operation so that the icon 410 is not displayed. Accordingly, the amount of information displayed on the first display unit 204 can be reduced as much as possible, and the visibility of the rear-end collision warning information can be improved.

  The first control unit 202 determines that the other warning signal continues to be generated even after the predetermined time T1 (second time) has elapsed from time t3, and the non-display state of the icon 410 is continued. In such a manner (that is, the display in the state of FIG. 9 is maintained as it is), the first display unit 204 is controlled to perform the display operation.

  Thereafter, the first control unit 202 determines that the rear-end collision warning information has been canceled at time t4 in FIG. 10, and returns the first display unit 204 to, for example, the display layout of FIG. In other words, control is performed to display the first display unit 204 in order to hide the other warning display unit 381 and redisplay the navigation display unit 360 and the icon 410.

  That is, in this case, when the first control unit 202 determines that the alert information (the rear-end collision warning information) for calling attention to the user among the vehicle state information is generated, the rear-end collision warning information is canceled. Until it is performed (a predetermined condition is satisfied), a process of causing the first display unit 204 to perform a display operation is performed so as to suppress (prohibit) the display of the icon 410 (the icons 411 to 413). The establishment of the predetermined condition here means that the rear-end collision warning information is released.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment described above, when warning information such as the remaining fuel amount warning information and the rear-end collision warning information is generated, the first display unit 204, according to the content of the warning information, Since the notification method of the icon 410 is changed (from switching whether or not the icon 410 is displayed), it is possible to present alert information that improves safety and convenience to the vehicle user. There are advantages.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Information provision apparatus for vehicles 102 Instrument for vehicles 103 External apparatus 104 Connection means 202 1st control means 203 1st memory | storage means (memory means)
204 1st display part (display part)
209 First communication unit 213 Operation unit 252 Second control unit 260 Second communication unit 360 Navigation display unit (external information of vehicle)
370 Audio display (vehicle external information)
380 Warning display (warning information)
381 Other warning display (warning information)
410 icon 411 first icon 412 second icon 413 third icon D1 predetermined information D2 other information M1 first display mode M2 second display mode R1 first display area R2 second display area

Claims (6)

A vehicle meter having a display unit that displays various vehicle states to the user as vehicle state information, and first control means for operating the display unit;
An external device having a second control means connected to the vehicle instrument via a connection means and outputting external information of the vehicle to the first control means,
The display unit includes a first display area that displays predetermined information of the vehicle state information, and a second display area that displays other information of the vehicle state information different from the predetermined information,
When the first control means determines that the vehicle instrument and the external device are connected, the display unit displays the icon related to the operation of the external device in the second display area. An information providing device for a vehicle characterized by operating the vehicle. The display unit includes a touch-type display including a touch panel that can be touched by a user,
The icon includes at least a first icon for executing a predetermined function and a second icon for executing another function different from the predetermined function,
The first control means is configured so that the external information related to the predetermined function is displayed in the second display area based on a touch operation of the first icon by the user. The display unit is operated to switch and display external information related to the predetermined function to external information related to the other function when a touch operation on the second icon is detected. The vehicle information providing apparatus according to 1. The first control means operates the display unit so that the display position of the icon is not changed when the external information related to the predetermined function is switched to the external information related to the other function. The vehicle information providing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The second icon includes a telephone function icon related to the telephone function,
When the first control means detects a touch operation on the telephone function icon by a user under a condition in which external information related to the predetermined function is displayed in the second display area, the first control means 3. The display unit is operated so as to switch and display external information related to the function to a telephone function display unit related to the telephone function and to suppress display of the icon. Vehicle information providing device. When the first control means determines that the alert information for alerting the user among the vehicle state information is generated, the first control means suppresses the display of the icon until a predetermined condition is satisfied. The vehicle information providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is operated. The first control means performs the predetermined operation when a predetermined time elapses and the warning information is not urgent under the condition that the warning information is displayed in the second display area. 6. The vehicle information providing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein it is determined that the condition is satisfied.

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