JPWO2014112091A1 - Information display control device - Google Patents

Abstract

The information display control device 10 can be linked to the communication terminal 30 and controls the first and second image display devices 21a and 21b. The image processing unit 13 of the information display control device 10 acquires an image of an application running on the communication terminal 30 and event occurrence information on the communication terminal 30 via the communication unit 12. When an event occurs in the communication terminal 30, the image processing unit 13 displays an application image on the first image display device 21a, and displays an event image indicating the occurrence of the event on the second image display device 21b.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information display control device that controls the operation of an information display device, and more particularly to an information display control device having a cooperation (link) function with an external communication terminal.

  In recent years, information display devices having a communication function with communication terminals such as smartphones and mobile phones have been put into practical use. As such an information display device, an image or sound output by an application program (hereinafter simply referred to as “application”) running on a communication terminal is acquired and output from its own display unit or speaker, Some have a link function (for example, MirrorLink (registered trademark) function) that enables a cooperative operation with a communication terminal, such as receiving a user operation based on voice and controlling the communication terminal.

  In general, when an event such as an incoming call occurs during execution of an application in a communication terminal, the execution of the application is interrupted. At this time, the screen display of the communication terminal is usually switched from an image (application image) output by the application to an image notifying the occurrence of an event. Therefore, even if the information display device is linked to the communication terminal and displays an application image acquired from the communication terminal, when an event occurs in the communication terminal, transmission of the application image from the communication terminal is interrupted. In this case, the display on the information display device is also switched to an image that notifies the occurrence of an event at the communication terminal.

  For example, when an in-vehicle information display device is displaying a map output by a navigation application operating on a communication terminal, and there is an incoming call to the communication terminal, the display on the information display device is Switch to the incoming call screen. Then, the driver cannot see the map until the call is finished, and convenience is lowered.

  For example, in Patent Document 1 below, when an in-vehicle information display device displays a map of a navigation application of a communication terminal, the map is stored as needed, and when an event occurs in the communication terminal, the information display device Techniques have been proposed for continuing to display the map stored immediately before. According to this technique, even if there is an incoming call to the communication terminal, the map remains displayed on the information display device, so that the driver can continue to view the map.

JP 2011-254299 A

  When an event occurs in a communication terminal and a map stored immediately before is displayed, the information display device disclosed in Patent Literature 1 displays simple information indicating the occurrence of an event (call incoming) on the map. That is, the image of the application on the mobile terminal and the image indicating the occurrence of the event on the mobile terminal are displayed simultaneously on one screen. For this reason, the structure of the screen display becomes complicated or the display area of each image is limited, and the visibility of each image is impaired. In addition, when the screen is configured with a touch panel, there is a concern that the operability of the touch panel may be reduced if the visibility of each image is reduced.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides an information display control device capable of ensuring the visibility of both an application image of a mobile terminal and an image showing an event occurrence on the mobile terminal. The purpose is to do.

  An information display control device according to the present invention is an information display control device capable of controlling a plurality of display devices, and includes a communication unit that communicates with a communication terminal, an image of an application operating on the communication terminal, and the communication An event processing unit that acquires event occurrence information in a terminal via a communication unit, and displays an image of the application and an event image indicating the occurrence of the event on different display devices, respectively.

  According to the present invention, since the application image and the event image are displayed on different display devices, the screen display of each display device can be simplified, and the visibility of both the application image and the event image can be ensured. In addition, the application image and the event image can be displayed at different positions (orientations), which can contribute to the improvement of convenience.

  Objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

1 is a configuration diagram of an information display system according to Embodiments 1 and 2. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating cooperation operation | movement with an information display control apparatus and a communication terminal. It is a figure for demonstrating cooperation operation | movement with an information display control apparatus and a communication terminal. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the information display control apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 when an event generate | occur | produces in a communication terminal. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an image display operation of the information display control apparatus according to the first embodiment during a link with a communication terminal. FIG. 10 is a diagram for illustrating a first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for illustrating a second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for illustrating a fourth modification of the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the image display operation | movement of the information display control apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 in the link with a communication terminal. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation of an information display control apparatus according to Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of an information display system according to Embodiment 3. It is a figure which shows the example of an allocation information table. It is a figure which shows the example of an allocation information table. It is a figure which shows the example of an allocation information table. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an image display operation of the information display control device according to the third embodiment during a link with a communication terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the update process of an allocation information table. It is a figure for demonstrating the update process of the allocation information table at the time of adding an image display apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the update process of the allocation information table when an image display apparatus is cut off. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of an information display system according to a fourth embodiment.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an information display system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The information display system includes an information display control device 10 and a first image display device 21a, a second image display device 21b, an audio output device 22, a first operation input device 23a, and a second operation input device 23b connected thereto. The communication terminal 30 that can be linked (linked) to the information display control device 10 is included.

  The information display control device 10 controls the images to be displayed on the first image display device 21 a and the second image display device 21 b and the sound to be output to the sound output device 22. The first operation input device 23 a and the second operation input device 23 b are user interfaces for a user to perform an operation on the information display control device 10 or a remote operation of the communication terminal 30 via the information display control device 10. The first operation input device 23a is associated with the first image display device 21a, and the second operation input device 23b is associated with the second image display device 21b. That is, the first operation input device 23a is used for an operation based on the display of the first image display device 21a, and the second operation input device 23b is used for an operation based on the display of the second image display device 21b.

  The information display control device 10, the first image display device 21a, the second image display device 21b, the audio output device 22, the first operation input device 23a, and the second operation input device 23b can all be mounted on a vehicle. As a specific product in which the information display control device 10 is incorporated, for example, a car navigation device, a digital television, a video game machine, or the like can be considered.

  The first image display device 21a, the second image display device 21b, the audio output device 22, the first operation input device 23a, and the second operation input device 23b may be built in the information display control device 10 or externally attached. It may be a device. When the first image display device 21a, the second image display device 21b, the audio output device 22, the first operation input device 23a, and the second operation input device 23b are external devices, between them and the information display control device 10 Each of the connections (communications) may be wired or wireless.

  The first and second image display devices 21a and 21b are typically liquid crystal display devices, but any device having an image display function (for example, a television display device, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a vehicle instrument panel). Or a game controller with a screen). The audio output device 22 is generally a speaker, headphones, or the like, but any device having an audio output function may also be used.

  The first and second operation input devices 23 a and 23 b are basically used for the operation of the information display control device 10, but when the information display control device 10 is linked to the communication terminal 30, the user The communication terminal 30 can also be remotely operated via the network. The first and second operation input devices 23a and 23b may be hardware such as operation buttons, operation sticks, a keyboard, and a track pad, or may be software keys using icons displayed on the screen. When displaying the software key as the first operation input device 23a on the first image display device 21a, the first image display device 21a and the first operation input device 23a may be one touch panel having both functions. Similarly, the second image display device 21b and the second operation input device 23b may be a single touch panel.

  The information display control device 10 includes a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, an image processing unit 13, an image storage unit 14, an audio processing unit 15, a communication terminal information analysis unit 16, a communication terminal control unit 17, and a storage unit 18. . The information display control device 10 is configured using a computer, and each element of the information display control device 10 is realized by the computer operating in accordance with a control program 181 stored in the storage unit 18. The storage unit 18 is configured by hardware such as a hard disk, a removable disk, and a memory.

  The control unit 11 has a function of controlling the entire information display control device 10 according to the control program 181. The control unit 11 can also execute the application program 182 for the information display control device 10 stored in the storage unit 18.

  The communication unit 12 has a function of performing communication necessary for the information display control device 10 to link with the communication terminal 30, and transmits various information such as image data, audio data, and control commands to and from the communication terminal 30. Communicate. The communication method between the communication unit 12 and the communication terminal 30 may be wired communication using, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or a LAN (Local Area Network) cable, or may be a wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like. Wireless communication may be used.

  The image processing unit 13 has a function of generating image signals for displaying images on the first and second image display devices 21a and 21b. In particular, in a state where the information display control device 10 is linked to the communication terminal 30, the image processing unit 13 acquires an image (application image) output by an application running on the communication terminal 30 via the communication unit 12. It can be displayed on the first image display device 21a or the second image display device 21b. Further, when an event occurs in the linked communication terminal 30, the image processing unit 13 acquires an image (event image) indicating the occurrence of the event from the communication terminal 30 via the communication unit 12, and displays the image as the first image. It can be displayed on the display device 21a or the second image display device 21b.

  The image storage unit 14 has a function of storing application images (screen shots) acquired from the communication terminal 30 as needed while the information display control device 10 is linked to the communication terminal 30.

  In the first embodiment, one of the first and second image display devices 21a and 21b is defined as a display device (application display device) for displaying an application image, and the other is for displaying an event image. Display device (event display device). Here, it is assumed that the first image display device 21a is an application display device and the second image display device 21b is an event display device.

  When the image processing unit 13 displays the application image acquired from the communication terminal 30 via the communication unit 12 on the first image display device 21a (application display device), a predetermined event occurs in the communication terminal 30. Then, the image processing unit 13 acquires an event image from the communication terminal 30 via the communication unit 12, and displays it on the second image display device 21b (event display device). At this time, the image processing unit 13 continues to display the application image on the first image display device 21a. However, during the event occurrence, the transmission of the application image from the communication terminal 30 is interrupted, and the application image is acquired from the communication terminal 30. become unable. In that case, the image processing unit 13 displays the application image immediately before the occurrence of the event stored in the image storage unit 14 instead of the application image from the communication terminal 30.

  The audio processing unit 15 has a function of generating an audio signal for causing the audio output device 22 to output audio. In particular, in a state where the information display control device 10 is linked to the communication terminal 30, the voice processing unit 15 acquires the voice output by the application running on the communication terminal 30 via the communication unit 12, and the voice output device 22 can be output. Furthermore, when a predetermined event occurs in the communication terminal 30, the sound processing unit 15 can also output a sound for notifying the user of the occurrence of the event from the sound output device 22.

  The communication terminal information analysis unit 16 performs identification and state determination of the communication terminal 30 based on information (data) acquired from the communication terminal 30 via the communication unit 12. Information acquired by the communication terminal information analysis unit 16 from the communication terminal 30 includes, for example, attribute information of the application being executed on the communication terminal 30 (application type and the like), and attribute information of the communication terminal 30 (model name, function, Phone number, owner name, etc.), occurrence information of each event (incoming phone call, incoming mail, battery exhausted, communication disabled, etc.). The event occurrence information is also sent to the image processing unit 13, whereby the image processing unit 13 can perform processing according to the event occurrence state.

  The communication terminal control unit 17 has a function of controlling the communication terminal 30 by transmitting various control commands and data to the communication terminal 30 via the communication unit 12. In a state where the information display control device 10 is linked to the communication terminal 30, the user uses the first operation input device 23a to perform an operation based on the image of the operation screen of the communication terminal 30 displayed on the first image display device 21a. The second operation input device 23b can be used to perform an operation based on the image of the operation screen of the communication terminal 30 displayed on the second image display device 21b. The user's operation content is transmitted to the communication terminal 30 by the communication terminal control unit 17, and the communication terminal 30 performs an operation corresponding to the operation content. As a result, remote operation of the communication terminal 30 using the first operation input device 23a or the second operation input device 23b is realized.

  In the first embodiment, since the first image display device 21a is an application display device, the operation screen image of the communication terminal 30 displayed on the first image display device 21a operates on the communication terminal 30. It is an image of the operation screen of the application. Further, since the second image display device 21b is an event display device, the image of the operation screen of the communication terminal 30 displayed on the second image display device 21b is an image of the operation screen for the event that occurred in the communication terminal 30. is there.

  The communication terminal 30 is a smartphone or a mobile phone, and links to the information display control device 10 in addition to the communication function with the far-end communication device 42 via the communication network 41 (network in which the communication terminal 30 is located). Communication function. Further, the communication terminal 30 executes an application for the communication terminal 30, thereby enabling a telephone function, an e-mail (e-mail) transmission / reception function, an Internet browsing function (browser function), and a GPS (Global Positioning System) 43. Various functions such as a navigation function for performing route guidance by using it can be exhibited.

  Since the configuration of the communication terminal 30 may be the same as that of a general smartphone, for example, detailed description thereof is omitted, but FIG. 1 illustrates a display unit 31, an operation unit 32, and a control unit 33 particularly related to the present invention. Yes.

  The display unit 31 displays an image of an application being executed on the communication terminal 30, or displays an event notification screen or an operation screen image when an event occurs. The operation unit 32 is a user interface of the communication terminal 30, and the user can perform operations on applications and events using the operation unit 32. The control unit 33 executes a control program for the communication terminal 30 to control basic functions (communication function, call function, etc.) of the communication terminal 30, and executes various applications to Various functions can be performed on the communication terminal 30.

  Next, the operation of the information display system according to Embodiment 1 will be described. In the following description, the information display control device 10, the first image display device 21a, the second image display device 21b, the audio output device 22, the first operation input device 23a, and the second operation input device 23b are all in-vehicle devices. The communication terminal 30 is assumed to be a smartphone.

  In addition, the first image display device 21a and the first operation input device 23a are configured as one touch panel ("first touch panel device 212a" described later), and the second image display device 21b and the second operation input device 23b are also configured. It is assumed that it is configured as one touch panel (a “second touch panel device 212b” described later). Similarly, the display unit 31 and the operation unit 32 of the communication terminal 30 are also configured as one touch panel (touch panel unit 312).

  In the following description, a navigation application that performs route guidance is illustrated as an application that operates on the communication terminal 30, and an incoming call is illustrated as an event that occurs in the communication terminal 30. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to the combination of the application and the event. For example, the communication terminal 30 application may be a browser, an image viewer, a moving image reproduction application, or the like, and an event that occurs in the communication terminal 30 may be an incoming e-mail or the like.

  First, an outline of the cooperation (link) function between the information display control device 10 and the communication terminal 30 will be described. When the information display control device 10 and the communication terminal 30 are physically connected by wire or wireless and a link is established by both communication, the application display device connected to the information display control device 10 as shown in FIG. The same image as the touch panel unit 312 (display unit 31) of the communication terminal 30 is displayed on the one touch panel device 212a (first image display device 21a). Note that the second touch panel device 212b (second image display device 21b), which is an event display device, is in a non-display state when no event occurs in the communication terminal 30.

  While the information display control device 10 and the communication terminal 30 are linked, contents such as images and sounds output from the communication terminal 30 are transmitted to the information display control device 10, and the information display control device 10 transmits the contents to the first content. It is possible to output using the touch panel device 212a and the audio output device 22.

  Further, the user operates the first touch panel device 212a (first operation input device 23a) while the information display control device 10 and the communication terminal 30 are linked to each other, thereby operating the touch panel unit 312 (operation of the communication terminal 30). The communication terminal 30 can be operated remotely with the same feeling as operating the unit 32). The touch panel unit 312 of the communication terminal 30 can be operated even while the link is established, and the communication terminal 30 can be operated from either the touch panel unit 312 or the first touch panel device 212a.

  For example, when the user touches the “navigation” icon displayed on the first touch panel device 212a from the state illustrated in FIG. 2, the communication terminal 30 performs the same operation as when the touch panel unit 312 of the communication terminal 30 is operated. The navigation application starts. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the image (here, a map) of the application is displayed on the touch panel unit 312 of the communication terminal 30, and the same image as the touch panel unit 312 of the communication terminal 30 is also displayed on the first touch panel device 212a. Is displayed. For example, when the application outputs a voice for route guidance, the voice is output from the voice output device 22 connected to the information display control device 10.

  In this way, in a state where the information display control device 10 and the communication terminal 30 are linked, the information display control device 10 and the communication terminal 30 perform an operation in cooperation with each other.

  Next, the operation of the information display control device 10 when a predetermined event occurs in the communication terminal 30 during the link with the communication terminal 30 will be described.

  When a predetermined event occurs in the linked communication terminal 30, the information display control device 10 continues to display the application image of the communication terminal 30 on the first touch panel device 212a, and displays an event image indicating the occurrence of the event. 2 Display on the touch panel device 212b. The event image is not limited to an image intended only for notification of event occurrence, but may be an image of an event operation screen (user interface).

  For example, when a call incoming event occurs in the communication terminal 30 from the state of FIG. 3, an image of a screen (incoming call screen) for notifying the incoming call is displayed on the touch panel unit 312 of the communication terminal 30 as shown in FIG. Is done. Here, as an image of the incoming call screen, an image made up of characters representing the name and telephone number of the caller and operation buttons (icons) of “call start” and “hold” is illustrated.

  On the other hand, when an incoming call event occurs in the communication terminal 30, the information display control device 10 displays the event image (image of the incoming call screen) acquired from the communication terminal 30 on the second touch panel device 212b as shown in FIG. . At this time, the information display control device 10 maintains the display of the application image on the first touch panel device 212a, but since the transmission of the application image from the communication terminal 30 is interrupted, it is stored in the image storage unit 14 immediately before the incoming call. The displayed application image is displayed. In this way, the application image and the event image are displayed on different screens, so that the display of each screen can be simplified and the visibility of both the application image and the event image can be ensured.

  The user can remotely operate the communication terminal 30 by touching the event image displayed on the second touch panel device 212b. For example, in the state of FIG. 4, when the user touches the “call start” button of the event image displayed on the second touch panel device 212 b, a hands-free call using the communication terminal 30 can be started.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an image display operation of the information display control apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment during the link with the communication terminal 30.

  When the link between the information display control device 10 and the communication terminal 30 is established, the image processing unit 13 of the information display control device 10 can communicate with the communication terminal as shown in FIG. The application image received from 30 (hereinafter “received application image”) is displayed on the first image display device 21a (first touch panel device 212a) which is a display device for applications (steps S11 and S12). At this time, nothing is displayed on the second image display device 21b (second touch panel device 212b) which is an event display device.

  When an event occurs in the communication terminal 30 (YES in step S12), the image processing unit 13 uses the application image stored in the image storage unit 14 (hereinafter referred to as “stored application image”) as the first as shown in FIG. While displaying on the image display device 21a (step S13), the event image is displayed on the second image display device 21b (step S14). Steps S13 and S14 are repeatedly executed until the event of the communication terminal 30 ends (step S15).

  Thereafter, when the event ends (YES in step S15), the process returns to step S11, and the information display control device 10 displays the received application image on the first image display device 21a until the next event occurs (second image). The display device 21b returns to the non-display state).

  In the present embodiment, a configuration in which an application display device (first image display device 21a) and an event display device (second image display device 21b) are connected to the information display control device 10 one by one is shown. However, there may be a plurality of them. When there are a plurality of application display devices, an application image is displayed on each of the plurality of application display devices in steps S11 and S13. If there are a plurality of event display devices, an event image is displayed on each of the plurality of event display devices in step S16.

  According to the information display control device 10 according to the first embodiment, since the application image and the event image of the communication terminal 30 are displayed on different display devices, the screen display on each display device is simplified, and the application image and The visibility of both event images can be secured.

  In addition, the application image and the event image can be displayed at different positions (orientations), which can contribute to the improvement of convenience. For example, the application display device (first image display device 21a) is arranged at a position that can be seen by a plurality of persons, and the event display device (second image display device 21b) is arranged at a position that can be seen only by the owner of the communication terminal 30. By doing so, it is possible to prevent others from seeing the incoming call screen (such as the name and telephone number of the caller), and the privacy of the owner of the communication terminal 30 can be protected.

  Specifically, when the driver's communication terminal 30 is linked to the in-vehicle information display control device 10 and the navigation application is executed by the communication terminal 30, the application display device is placed on the dashboard (front panel) of the vehicle. It is conceivable to arrange the event display device in the driver's seat. In this case, the map displayed on the application display device of the dashboard can be viewed by both the driver and the passenger, and the incoming call screen displayed on the event display device of the driver's seat is the driver (communication terminal 30). Only the owner). Of course, when the communication terminal 30 linked to the information display control device 10 is the property of a passenger in the passenger seat of the vehicle, the event display device may be arranged in the passenger seat.

  In addition, the driver's communication terminal 30 is linked to the in-vehicle information display control device 10, and application images (for example, a TV broadcast screen, a game play screen, etc.) that the driver cares about are displayed for the application. In the case of displaying on the driver, it is conceivable that the application display device is disposed at a position (passenger seat, rear seat, etc.) that is not visible to the driver, and the event display device is disposed at the driver seat. As a result, it is possible to prevent the driver's attention from being distracted and protect the driver's privacy.

  In the above description, the first and second image display devices 21a and 21b have been described as individual display devices. However, the first and second image display devices 21a and 21b can be divided into two units using one screen, for example. You may implement | achieve with the split view monitor which displays an image in a different direction (for example, a driver's seat side and a passenger seat side), respectively.

[First Modification]
Some events that occur in the communication terminal 30 do not require notification to the user. For example, it is less necessary to notify the user of information that is less urgent, such as reception of application update information. In addition, among incoming call events, it is conceivable that the user wishes to refuse notification of incoming calls from a specific caller or incoming calls without caller ID.

  Therefore, in the first modification, whether to display an event image is determined in consideration of the content of the event that has occurred in the communication terminal 30. Specifically, a specific event is determined in advance so that notification to the user is unnecessary, and when the specific event occurs, the event display device (second image display device 21b) is not displayed. Leave. That is, when a specific event that does not require notification to the user occurs, step S14 in FIG. 5 is omitted.

  For example, when a specific event that does not require notification to the user (in this case, an incoming call without caller ID notification) occurs from the state of FIG. 3, the second image display device 21b (second touch panel) is used as shown in FIG. The application image is displayed on the first image display device 21a (first touch panel device 212a) without displaying the event image (image of the incoming call screen) on the device 212b). Also in this case, since the transmission of the application image from the communication terminal 30 is interrupted by the incoming call, the stored application image stored in the image storage unit 14 immediately before the incoming call is used.

  Note that it is preferable that the user can arbitrarily set which event is notified (or which event is not notified).

[Second Modification]
In FIG. 1, the first and second operation input devices 23 a and 23 b are shown as individual devices, but they may be configured as a single operation input device 23 as shown in FIG. 7. That is, the single operation input device 23 may be switched to an operation mode that functions as the first operation input device 23a or an operation mode that functions as the second operation input device 23b as necessary.

  The switching of the operation mode may be performed by a user operation, or may be automatically performed by the control unit 11. As a method of automatically switching the operation mode, for example, the operation mode is normally set to the operation mode that functions as the first operation input device 23a, and the second operation input device 23b is used while the event image is displayed on the second image display device 21b. A method of switching to a functioning operation mode can be considered.

[Third Modification]
Although FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which the single audio output device 22 is connected to the information display control device 10, as shown in FIG. 8, the first audio output device 22a associated with the first image display device 21a and A second audio output device 22b associated with the second image display device 21b may be provided.

  In the information display system of FIG. 1, both the voice of the application of the communication terminal 30 (application voice) and the voice of notifying the event (event voice) are output from the voice output device 22, but the information display system of FIG. Then, the application sound is output from the first sound output device 22a, and the event sound is output from the second sound output device 22b.

  According to the information display system of FIG. 8, a set (set) of the first image display device 21a, the first sound output device 22a and the first operation input device 23a, the second image display device 21b, and the second sound output device 22b. In addition, since different users can use the set of the second operation input device 23b, a multi-user system can be constructed.

[Fourth Modification]
The positions where the first and second image display devices 21a and 21b connected to the information display control device 10 are arranged may be arbitrary, but when they are on-vehicle devices, one or both of them are arranged by a speedometer or the like. It may be placed on the instrument panel. For example, FIG. 9 shows an example in which the second image display device 21b (event display device) is incorporated in a part of the instrument panel 50.

  A touch panel (second touch panel device 212b) including the second image display device 21b and the second operation input device 23b may be incorporated in the instrument panel. A general instrument panel located in front of the handlebar is not suitable for operational use, so it may not be useful to incorporate a touch panel, but it is a center meter type instrument placed in the center of the dashboard. Since the operation panel is easy to operate, it can be said that incorporating a touch panel is highly useful.

  The first to fourth modifications can be applied to the information display systems of the following second to fourth embodiments.

<Embodiment 2>
In the first embodiment, the assignment that the first image display device 21a is an application display device and the second image display device 21b is an event display device is fixed, but in the second embodiment, the assignment is made. Can be replaced.

  The configuration of the information display system according to Embodiment 2 may be the same as that shown in FIG. However, in the information display system according to the second embodiment, the user orders the information display control device 10 to replace the display content of the first image display device 21a and the display content of the second image display device 21b. "Can be input from the first operation input device 23a or the second operation input device 23b.

  When the display replacement request is input, the information display control device 10 allocates the application display device and the event display device in the first and second image display devices 21a and 21b (which is set as the application display device, which is set as the application display device). Replace event display device).

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an image display operation of the information display control apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment during a link with the communication terminal 30.

  When the link between the information display control device 10 and the communication terminal 30 is established, the image processing unit 13 of the information display control device 10 can communicate with the communication terminal as shown in FIG. The application image (received application image) received from 30 is displayed on the first image display device 21a (first touch panel device 212a), which is an application display device (steps S21 and S22). At this time, nothing is displayed on the second image display device 21b (second touch panel device 212b) which is an event display device.

  When an event occurs in the communication terminal 30 (YES in step S22), the image processing unit 13 displays the application image (stored application image) stored in the image storage unit 14 as an application display device (here, the first image display device 21a). (Step S23) and the event image is displayed on the event display device (here, the second image display device 21b) (step S24).

  Moreover, the information display control apparatus 10 confirms at any time whether or not a display replacement request has been input (step S25). If the display replacement request has not been input (NO in step S25), the current assignment of the application display device and the event display device is maintained. If a display replacement request has been input (YES in step S25), the allocation is switched (step S26).

  The above steps S23 to S26 are repeatedly executed until the event of the communication terminal 30 ends (step S27).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the application image is displayed on the first image display device 21a and the event image is displayed on the second image display device 21b (the first image display device 21a is the application display device, In a state where the second image display device 21b is an event display device), when the user inputs a display replacement request, the assignment between the application display device and the event display device is switched. That is, the first image display device 21a becomes an event display device, and the second image display device 21b becomes an application display device. Therefore, when the event of the communication terminal 30 has not ended (NO in step S27) and the next steps S23 and S24 are executed, the event image is displayed on the first image display device 21a as shown in FIG. Then, the application image is displayed on the second image display device 21b.

  Further, when the user inputs a display replacement request again from the state of FIG. 11, the first image display device 21a is the application display device, and the second image display device 21b is returned to the original state of the event display device. . Therefore, when steps S23 and S24 are executed next, the display of the first and second image display devices 21a and 21b returns to the state shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, when the event ends (YES in step S27), the process returns to step S21, and the information display control device 10 displays the received application image on the first image display device 21a until the next event occurs (second image). The display device 21b is not displayed). If the assignment between the application display device and the event display device is switched at the end of the event, the original state (the first image display device 21a is the application display device and the second image display is displayed). The device 21b is returned to the event display device).

  As described above, when the assignment between the application display device and the event display device can be changed, the user can check the application image and the event image by switching them on the same screen, thereby improving convenience. .

  In the flow of FIG. 10, the assignment of the application display device and the event display device returns to the original state at the end of the event, but the state before the end of the event may be maintained. In the second embodiment, the application display device and the event display device can be switched while the event is generated. However, the application display device and the event display device may be switched when the event does not occur.

<Embodiment 3>
In the third embodiment, the user can arbitrarily set the assignment of the application display device and the event display device in the first and second image display devices 21a and 21b.

  FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of an information display system according to the third embodiment. The configuration of the system is basically the same as that shown in FIG. 1, but the storage unit 18 stores an allocation information table 183 that stores information (allocation information) indicating allocation between the application display device and the event display device. Yes.

  Specifically, the allocation information includes an identifier of each image display device connected to the information display control device 10 (for example, a device name, a MAC address (Media Access Control address), etc.) and the content of the image to be displayed (display content (display content ( Application image or event image)). For example, when two image display devices (first and second image display devices 21a and 21b) are connected to the information display control device 10 as shown in FIG. 12, the allocation information table 183 has a configuration as shown in FIG. Become. In the example of the allocation information table 183 shown in FIG. 13, the “display content” of the allocation information of the first image display device 21a is set to “application image”, and the “display content” of the allocation information of the second image display device 21b is set. Set to “Event Image”.

  The information display control device 10 reads the allocation information of each image display device from the allocation information table 183 in the storage unit 18, and based on the allocation information, each image display device becomes an application display device or an event display device. Set. When the allocation information of the first and second image display devices 21a and 21b is set as shown in FIG. 13, the information display control device 10 allocates the first image display device 21a to the application display device and the second image. The display device 21b is assigned to the event display device.

  The allocation information stored in the allocation information table 183 can be changed by the user. For example, the assignment information table 183 is changed from the contents of FIG. 13 to “event contents” of the assignment information of the first image display device 21a as shown in FIG. 14, and the second image display device 21b. The “display content” of the allocation information can be changed to “application image”. When the allocation information table 183 is changed as shown in FIG. 14, the information display control device 10 changes the first image display device 21a to an event display device, and changes the second image display device 21b to an application display device. To do.

  Further, for example, when five image display devices (first to fifth image display devices) are connected to the information display control device 10, an assignment including assignment information of the five image display devices as shown in FIG. An information table 183 is created. As shown in FIG. 15, the “display content” of the allocation information can be set to “no display”. The image display device set to “no display” is not used for displaying an application image or an event image.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an image display operation of the information display control apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment during a link with the communication terminal 30.

  When the link between the information display control device 10 and the communication terminal 30 is established, the control unit 11 of the information display control device 10 accesses the allocation information table 183 in the storage unit 18 and is connected to the information display control device 10. The allocation information of each image display device is read (step S31). Based on the assignment information, the control unit 11 determines which image display device is assigned to the application display device and which image display device is assigned to the event display device (step S32), and sends it to the image processing unit 13. Notice.

  While no event occurs in the communication terminal 30, the image processing unit 13 displays the application image (received application image) received from the communication terminal 30 on the application display device (step S33). At this time, nothing is displayed on the event display device. For example, if the allocation information in the allocation information table 183 is set as shown in FIG. 13, the application image is displayed on the first image display device 21a (first touch panel device 212a) as shown in FIG. The display device 21b (second touch panel device 212b) is not displayed.

  The control unit 11 confirms at any time whether or not the allocation information stored in the allocation information table 183 has been changed by the user (step S34). If there is no change in the allocation information (NO in step S34), the current allocation of the application display device and the event display device is maintained. If there is a change (YES in step S34), the allocation information is read again (step S31), the application display device and the event display device are determined (step S32), and this is notified to the image processing unit 13. To do. For example, when the allocation information in the allocation information table 183 is changed from the content in FIG. 13 to the content in FIG. 14, the first image display device 21a is in a non-display state and the second image display is contrary to FIG. An application image is displayed on the device 21b.

  The above steps S31 to 34 are repeatedly executed while no event occurs in the communication terminal 30 (step S35).

  When an event occurs in the communication terminal 30 (YES in step S35), the image processing unit 13 displays the application image (stored application image) stored in the image storage unit 14 on the application display device (step S36). The event image is displayed on the event display device (step S37). Steps S36 and S37 are repeatedly executed until the event of the communication terminal 30 ends (step S38).

  According to the information display system according to the third embodiment, the user can freely specify the application display device and the event display device by changing the contents (assignment information) of the assignment information table 183. Convenience is improved.

  Although FIG. 16 shows an example on the assumption that the assignment information is changed in a state where no event has occurred, the assignment information may be changed even during the occurrence of the event.

  By the way, in the information display system according to the third embodiment, the so-called hot plug technology that enables connection (expansion) and disconnection of the image display apparatus with respect to the information display control apparatus 10 while the information display control apparatus 10 is turned on. Can be considered. In this case, it is necessary to update the allocation information table 183 (addition or deletion of allocation information) in accordance with the connection or disconnection of the image display apparatus with respect to the information display control apparatus 10. Below, the update process of the allocation information table 183 will be described.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the update processing of the allocation information table 183.

  In the information display control device 10 that supports hot plugging, the control unit 11 constantly monitors whether the image display device is connected or disconnected (steps S41 and S42).

  When an image display device is newly connected to the information display control device 10 (YES in step S41), the control unit 11 sets allocation information (item of “display content”) of the newly connected image display device. Thus, the request is made to the user (step S43), and the setting (input) of the allocation information by the user is awaited (step S44).

  The user sets the “display content” of the allocation information to “application image” when the newly connected image display device is an application display device, and “event image” when the event display device is an event display device. Set to. Further, when the newly connected image display device is not used, the “display content” of the allocation information can be set to “no display”.

  When the allocation information of the newly connected image display device is set (YES in step S44), it is added to the allocation information table 183 and the allocation information table 183 is updated (step S45). For example, from the state where two image display devices (first and second image display devices) are connected, another image display device (third image display device) is newly connected, and “display contents” of the allocation information is displayed. "Is set to" event image ", the allocation information of the newly connected image display device is added to the allocation information table 183 as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the image display device is disconnected from the information display control device 10 (YES in step S42), the control unit 11 deletes the allocation information of the disconnected image display device from the allocation information table 183, and allocates the allocation information table. 183 is updated (step S46). For example, when one image display device (third image display device) is disconnected from a state in which three image display devices (first to third image display devices) are connected, as shown in FIG. From 183, the allocation information of the detached third image display device is deleted.

  In this way, by updating the allocation information table 183 according to the connection and disconnection of the image display device, the information display control device 10 can be adapted to hot plug, and convenience is improved.

<Embodiment 4>
In each of the above embodiments, the event display device during which no event has occurred in the information display system or the image display device in which the “display content” of the allocation information is set to “no display” is not used. (Period in which it is not displayed). In the first modification of the first embodiment, even if an event occurs, if the event does not notify the user, the event display device is maintained in the non-display state. Therefore, in this embodiment, an image display device that is not being used is shifted to a power saving mode (for example, a power down mode, a sleep mode, a low luminance mode, etc.) to reduce power consumption of the information display system.

  FIG. 20 is a configuration diagram of an information display system according to the fourth embodiment. In the information display system according to the fourth embodiment, the image display device connected to the information display control device 10 includes a power saving unit that operates itself in the power saving mode. FIG. 20 illustrates an example in which the information display control device 10 is connected to the first image display device 21a including the power saving unit 211a and the second image display device 21b including the power saving unit 211b.

  For example, when the first image display device 21a is assigned to the application display device and the second image display device 21b is assigned to the event display device, the second image display device is displayed while the event image is not displayed. Since 21b is not used, the control unit 11 controls the power saving unit 211b to place the second image display device 21b in the power saving mode. Conversely, when the first image display device 21a is assigned to the event display device and the second image display device 21b is assigned to the application display device, the first image display is performed while the event image is not displayed. Since the device 21a is not used, the control unit 11 controls the power saving unit 211a to set the first image display device 21a to the power saving mode.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to save power in the information display system. For example, when the information display control device 10 is mounted on an electric vehicle and is supplied with power from a battery of the electric vehicle, an effect of extending the cruising distance of the electric vehicle can be obtained.

  It should be noted that the present invention can be freely combined with each other within the scope of the invention, and each embodiment can be appropriately modified or omitted.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail, the above description is illustrative in all aspects, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that countless variations that are not illustrated can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Information display control apparatus, 11 Control part, 12 Communication part, 13 Image processing part, 14 Image storage part, 15 Voice processing part, 16 Communication terminal information analysis part, 17 Communication terminal control part, 18 Storage part, 181 Control program, 182 application program, 183 allocation information table, 22 audio output device, 23 operation input device, 21a first image display device, 21b second image display device, 22a first audio output device, 22b second audio output device, 23a first Operation input device, 23b Second operation input device, 212a First touch panel device, 212b Second touch panel device, 30 communication terminal, 41 communication network, 42 far end communication device, 43 GPS, 31 display unit, 32 operation unit, 33 Control unit, 312 touch panel unit, 50 instrument panel.

An information display control device according to the present invention is an information display control device capable of controlling a plurality of display devices, and includes a communication unit that communicates with a communication terminal, an image of an application operating on the communication terminal, and the communication An image processing unit that acquires event occurrence information in a terminal via a communication unit, and displays an image of the application and an event image indicating the occurrence of the event on different display devices, and the image processing unit includes: And a table of allocation information that defines which of the plurality of display devices is used for the image of the application and which is used for the event image .

An information display control device according to the present invention is an information display control device capable of controlling a plurality of display devices, and includes a communication unit that communicates with a communication terminal, an image of an application operating on the communication terminal, and the communication The event occurrence information in the terminal is acquired via the communication unit, and the operation mode of the operation input device and the image processing unit that displays the image of the application and the event image indicating the occurrence of the event on different display devices are switched. A control unit, and the image processing unit includes a table of allocation information that defines which of the plurality of display devices is used for the image of the application and which is used for the event image. When the event has not occurred, the control unit sets the operation mode of the operation input device to the application image. When the event occurs, the operation mode of the operation input device is based on the display of the display device on which the event image is displayed. Set to the operation mode used for operation .

Claims (9)

An information display control device capable of controlling a plurality of display devices,
A communication unit for communicating with a communication terminal;
An image of an application operating on the communication terminal and event occurrence information on the communication terminal are acquired via the communication unit, and the image of the application and the event image indicating the occurrence of the event are respectively displayed on different display devices. An image processing unit to be displayed;
An information display control device comprising: The information display control according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit interchanges an image to be displayed on the display device for an image of the application and an image to be displayed on the display device for the event image in accordance with an instruction from a user. apparatus. The information according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit includes a table of allocation information that defines which of the plurality of display devices is used for the image of the application and which is used for the event image. Display control device. The information display control apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the allocation information is rewritable by a user. When the display device is newly connected to the information display device, the image processing unit adds the display device assignment information to the table, and when the display device is disconnected from the information display device, the display device assignment information. The information display control device according to claim 3, wherein the information display control device is deleted from the table. An image storage unit that stores the image of the application acquired by the image processing unit;
When the acquisition of the image of the application is interrupted by an event that has occurred in the communication terminal, the image processing unit displays the image of the application stored in the image storage unit on the display device for the image of the application. The information display control device according to claim 1 to be displayed. A plurality of operation input devices associated with each of the plurality of display devices can be connected,
The information display control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a communication terminal control unit that controls the communication terminal by transmitting a user operation on the plurality of operation input devices to the communication terminal via the communication unit. A plurality of audio output devices associated with each of the plurality of display devices can be connected,
The audio output device corresponding to the application image display device outputs audio of the application, and the audio output device corresponding to the event image display device outputs audio indicating the occurrence of the event. The information display control device according to claim 1, further comprising a processing unit. The information display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an unused display apparatus among the plurality of display apparatuses is shifted to a power saving mode.

Images