WO2009087459A2

WO2009087459A2 - Display image specification generation device, display image specification generation method, display image specification generation program, in-vehicle image display device, portable image display device, image display system, image display device, image display method, image display program, and recording medium

Info

Publication number: WO2009087459A2
Application number: PCT/IB2008/003618
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tetsuya Tada
Original assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
Priority date: 2007-12-26
Filing date: 2008-12-24
Publication date: 2009-07-16
Also published as: WO2009087459A3; JP2009153696A

Abstract

A display image specification generation device is equipped with an operation information acquisition unit (40) that acquires actual operation information representing an actual operation state of a vehicle, an environment information acquisition unit (40) that acquires actual environment information representing an actual running environment of the vehicle, and a specification information generation unit (30) that generates specification information on a display image that can be changed in accordance with an operation input of a user (an image displayed on a display by a game console (10)) corresponding to the actual operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit and the actual environment information acquired by the environment information acquisition unit, in accordance with a specification generation condition that determines the specification information on the display image according to a relationship between operation information and environment information. The display image specification generation device as described above or the like makes it possible to further enhance the degree of association between the actual running of the vehicle and the display image.

Description

DISPLAY IMAGE SPECIFICATION GENERATION DEVICE, DISPLAY IMAGE

SPECIFICATION GENERATION METHOD, DISPLAY IMAGE

SPECIFICATION GENERATION PROGRAM, IN-VEHICLE IMAGE DISPLAY

DEVICE, PORTABLE IMAGE DISPLAY DEVICE, IMAGE DISPLAY SYSTEM,

IMAGE DISPLAY DEVICE, IMAGE DISPLAY METHOD, IMAGE DISPLAY

PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention relates to a display image specification generation device, a display image specification generation method, a display image specification generation program, an in-vehiclc image display device, a portable image display device, an image display system, an image display device, an image display method, an image display program, and a recording medium.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0002] As a conventional art, there is known a driver-specific data processing device (e.g., see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-79855 (JP-A-2000-79855)) including a memory fitting portion to which a portable memory unit carried by a driver can be removably fitted, and a data processing portion for processing driver-specific data in association with the portable memory unit. This driver-specific data processing device is characterized by reading out driving history data, which have been recorded on the portable memory unit as the driver-specific data when the portable memory unit is connected to a vehicle, from the portable memory unit to perform a driving replay processing when the portable memory unit is removed from the vehicle to be fitted to the memory fitting portion. In this driver-specific data processing device, the driving replay

1

CGIClBWQK! COPY processing is characterized by including a replay game processing of causing a vehicle image to run on a road image displayed on a screen in accordance with an input operation of the driver, and the replay game processing is characterized by reflecting a characteristic of the driver obtained on the basis of the driving history data on the running of the vehicle image.

[0003] The vehicle is a special moving body whose surrounding environment changes in various manners in the course of running. Therefore, if such information on the environment can be reflected on a display image such as the aforementioned vehicle image, the degree of association between the actual running of the vehicle and the display image can further be enhanced.

[0004] In this respect, according to the aforementioned conventional art, although data on an actually performed driving operation are sent and received, the information on the environment in which the vehicle actually runs cannot be reflected on the aforementioned display image.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Thus, the invention provides a display image specification generation device, a display image specification generation method, a display image specification generation program, an in-vehicle image display device, a portable image display device, an image display system, an image display device, an image display method, an image display program, and a recording medium that can further enhance the degree of association between the actual running of a vehicle and a display image.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a display image specification generation device that generates specification information on a display image that can be changed in accordance with an operation input of a user. This display image specification generation device is equipped with an operation history information acquisition unit that acquires operation history information on an operation state undergone by a vehicle, an environment history information acquisition unit that acquires environment history information on a running environment undergone by the vehicle, and a specification information generation unit that generates specification information on the display image corresponding to the operation history information acquired by the operation history information acquisition unit and the environment history information acquired by the environment history information acquisition unit, in accordance with a specification generation condition having the operation history information and the environment history information as factors for generating specification information on the display image.

[0007] It should be noted herein that the specification information generation unit may generate specification information on the display image in accordance with a type of the running environment obtained from the environment history information. Further, the specification information generation unit may generate specification information on the display image in accordance with a stay state in the running environment obtained from the operation history information and the environment history information. Further, the specification information generation unit may generate specification information on the display image in accordance with an elapsed time in the running environment obtained from the operation history information and the environment history information. Further, the specification information generation unit may generate specification information on the display image in accordance with a running distance in the running environment obtained from the operation history information and the environment history information. Further, the specification information generation unit may generate the specification information such that the display image is associated with the running environment

[0008] Further, the display image may be an object image or a background image. Further, the display image may differ depending on each vehicle. [0009] Further, the specification information on the display image may be specification information for determining characteristics of the display image. The characteristics are, for example, a form of the display image and a number of images prepared as the display image. [0010] Further, an image display system having the display image specification generation device and a display unit mounted in a vehicle to display the display image is also preferred. Further, the display unit may be installed outside the vehicle. Further, the display unit may be incorporated in a device portable by the user.

[0011] Further, an tn-vehide image display device equipped with the display image specification generation device and a display unit that displays the display image is also preferable.

[0012] Further, a portable image display device portable by a user that is equipped with the display image specification generation device and a display unit that displays the display image is also preferable.

[0013] Further, a recording medium on which specification information on the display image generated by the display image specification generation device is recorded is also preferable.

[0014] Further, according to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an image display device equipped with a display unit that displays a display image that can be changed in accordance with an operation input of a user, and a display control unit that causes the display unit to display the display image in accordance with specification information on the display image generated using, as a generation condition, operation history information on an operation state undergone by a vehicle and environment history information on a running environment undergone by the vehicle. It should be noted herein that the image display device may be equipped with a specification information acquisition unit that acquires specification information on the display image from the vehicle. Further, the image display device may be portable by the user.

[0015] Further, according to still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a display image specification generation method for generating specification information on a display image that can be changed in accordance with an operation input of a user.

This method includes an operation history information acquisition step of acquiring operation history information on an operation state undergone by a vehicle, an environment history information acquisition step of acquiring environment history information on a running environment undergone by the vehicle, and a specification infbimation generation step of generating specification infoπnation on the display image corresponding to the operation history information acquired by the operation history information acquisition step and the environment history information acquired by the environment history infoπnation acquisition step, in accordance with a specification generation condition having the operation history infoπnation and the environment history infoπnation as factors for generating specification infoπnation on the display image.

[0016] Further, according to still another aspect of the invention, there is provided an image display method in which the display image is displayed by a display unit that displays a display image that can be changed in accordance with an operation input of a user, in accordance with specification information on the display image generated using, as a generation condition, operation history infoπnation on an operation state undergone by a vehicle and environment history infoπnation on a running environment undergone by the vehicle.

[0017] Further, according to still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a display image specification generation program for generating specification information on a display image that can be changed in accordance with an operation input of a user. This display image specification generation program causes a computer to function as an operation history information acquisition unit that acquires operation history information on an operation state undergone by a vehicle, an environment history information acquisition unit that acquires environment history information on a running environment undergone by the vehicle, a specification infoπnation generation unit that generates specification infoπnation on the display image corresponding to operation history infoπnation acquired by the operation history infoπnation acquisition unit and environment history information acquired by the environment history information acquisition unit, in accordance with a specification generation condition having the operation history infoπnation and the environment history infoπnation as factors for generating specification information on the display image, and a specification information output unit that outputs specification information generated by the specification information generation unit Farther, it is also preferable that the recording medium be a computer-readable recording medium on which the display image specification generation program is recorded.

[0018] Still further, according to still another aspect of the invention, there is provided an image display program for causing a display unit to display a display image that can be changed in accordance with an operation input of a user. This image display program is designed to cause a computer to function as a display control unit that causes the display unit to display the display image in accordance with specification information on the display image generated using, as a generation condition, operation history information on an operation state undergone by a vehicle and environment history information on a running environment undergone by the vehicle. Further, the recording medium is a computer-readable recording medium on which the image display program is recorded.

[0019] According to the display image specification generation device, the display image specification generation method, the display image specification generation program, the in-vehicle image display device, the portable image display device, the image display system, the image display device, the image display method, the image display program, and the recording medium, which have been described above, the degree of association between the actual running of the vehicle and the display image can further be enhanced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of this invention will be described in the following detailed description of example embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

FIG 1 is a view showing a configuration of a vehicle/game console interactive system 1 as the first embodiment of an image display system according to the invention;

FIG 2 is a view showing a configuration of a vehicle/game console interactive system β 2 as the second embodiment of an image display system according to the invention;

FIG 3 is a view for explaining a detailed configuration of a navigation device 30,

FIG 4 is a flowchart of a display image specification generation method;

FIG S is a first concrete example of a flowchart for generating specification information on a game image created by a game console 10;

FIG 6 is a view showing change amounts of the sum of game points that are determined on the basis of a relationship between running distance and congestion circumstance;

FIG 7 is a view showing increase amounts of the number of characters that are determined on the basis of a relationship between running state and passage spot;

FIG 8 is a second concrete example of a flowchart for generating specification information on a game image created by the game console 10;

FIG 9 is a view showing changes in the form of a sea character in accordance with increases in the sum of sea points and changes in the form of a mountain character in accordance with increases in the sum of mountain points;

FIG 10 is a third concrete example of a flowchart for generating specification information on a game image created by the game console 10;

FIG 11 is a fourth concrete example of a flowchart for generating specification information on a game image created by the game console 10;

FIG 12 is a view showing changes in the form of a character "Ya chan" in accordance with changes in friendliness degree; and

FIG 13 is a view for explaining a detailed configuration of the game console 10.

npf A^i P.n DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0021] The best mode of carrying out the invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings. FIG 1 is a view showing a configuration of a vehicle/game console interactive system 1 as the first embodiment of an image display system according to the invention. The vehicle/game console interactive system 1 is a system for reflecting information possessed by the vehicle side on a function allocated to the game console 10 side and/or reflecting information possessed by the game console 10 side on a function allocated to the vehicle side. In the vehicle/game console interactive system 1, for example, information directly acquirable from the vehicle through a navigation device 30 mounted on the vehicle and an in-vehicle ECU 40 and indirect information obtained on the basis of that information are recorded on a memory card 13 writably connected to the navigation device 30. Then, the memory card 13, which is carried by a user, is readably connected to the game console 10, which is installed outside the vehicle, for example, at home. Then, the game console 10 executes a predetermined game program to cause a display 12 to display a game image reflecting information recorded on the memory card 13, which is readably connected to the game console 10. [0022] Subsequently, components of the system 1 will be described in detail. First of all, the vehicle side will be described. The vehicle is mounted with the navigation device 30, which can be removably connected to the memory card 13 brought in by the user, the in-vehicle ECU (in-vehicle computer) 40, which is connected to the navigation device 30 via a communication line such as CAN communication, and a display 50 for passengers sitting in front passenger seats and rear passenger seats. Hie navigation device 30 and the display SO may be configured integrally.

[0023] The navigation device 30 is endowed with, for example, an own vehicle position detection function for detecting an own vehicle position on the basis of a position signal and the like acquired from a GPS receiver for receiving an orbit signal from a GFS satellite, a route search function for calculating a route to a destination on the basis of map information stored in a map database and traffic information such as congestion information obtained through a VICS or the like, which has been received from an information control center outside the vehicle or the like, and an image display function for causing the display to display a current position, a map, and a searched route. [0024] FIG 3 is a view for explaining a detailed configuration of the navigation device 30. The navigation device 30 is an electronic control unit equipped with at least a microcomputer 35 as an arithmetic unit and a map database 31 as a storage unit for storing map information such as map data and Point of Interest (POI) data. [0025] The microcomputer 35 is equipped with a central processing unit 35a for processing a control program and the like, a memory 35b for storing the control program, and an input/output portion 35c for performing input/output control with respect to the outside. These components are connected to one another via an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus. Pieces of information are exchanged among these components via these buses.

[0026] Further, included in the map data stored in the map database 31 are pieces of geographical information, for example, landform information such as seas, mountains, deserts, forests, rivers, and lakes, road type information such as general roads, toll roads, national roads, prefectural roads, farm roads, mountain roads, and forest roads, road shape information such as straight roads, curves, fork roads, intersections, uphill slopes, and downhill slopes, and structure information such as tunnels, railroad crossings, bridges, buildings, parking lots, toll gates for toll roads, and ETC lanes, with coordinate data of their respective spots (respective nodes) specified. Further, the map data may include, for example, detailed attribute information on the respective spots, such as radii of curves, curvatures of curves, cants, road surface gradients, numbers of lanes of roads, lane widths, positions of stop lines, right turn lanes, left turn lanes, altitudes, and statutory information such as legal speeds and the like. .

[0027] On the other hand, the POI data stored in the map database 31 are accessory data for adding values to the respective spots (respective nodes). The POI data are tied to the respective nodes, and the contents thereof are rewritable. Mentionable as the contents of the POI data on the respective nodes are, for example, skin information on those nodes such as icons and image data, point information on those nodes associated with games, names of those nodes, addresses of those nodes, phone numbers of those nodes, URL information on those nodes, audio data on those nodes, and the like. [0028] The navigation device 30 generates environment history information on a running environment in which the own vehicle has actually run on the basis of, for example, an own vehicle position detected through the own vehicle position detection function and the map information in the map database 31, and writes and saves the generated environment history information into a storage unit such as a running history database 34 as running history information. Further, the navigation device 30 can read and acquire environment history information from the running history database 34. Further, the navigation device 30 may generate environment history information on a running environment in which the own vehicle has actually run on the basis of an own vehicle position detected through the own vehicle position detection function, and information on the outside around the own vehicle obtained through a sensor, communication, or the like, such as traffic information such as congestion information and meteorological information such as the weather, and may readably save the generated environment history information into the running history database 34 as running history information. That is, the navigation device 30 can acquire, from the running history database 34, environment history information on a running environment around the own vehicle in the past or from the past to the present

[0029] For example, the navigation device 30 generates environment history information (geographical history information) on landforms, roads, landmarks, and the like with stay history (running history) of the own vehicle, on the basis of coordinate data on an own vehicle position detected through the own vehicle position detection function and coordinate data on the map information in the map database 31, and readably stores the generated geographical history information Into the running history database 34 as running history information. Further, for example, the navigation device 30 generates environment history information (congestion history information) on a congestion circumstance caused during the running of the own vehicle on the basis of traffic information such as congestion information received from outside the vehicle, and readably stores the generated congestion history information into the running history database 34 as running history information. Further, for example, the navigation device 30 generates environment history information (meteorological history information) on a meteorological circumstance at the time of the running of the own vehicle on the basis of meteorological information such as the weather (which can be detected by surrounding environment detection devices such as an outside air temperature sensor, a raindrop sensor, a wiper switch, and an altimeter), and readably stores the generated meteorological history information into the running history database 34 as running history information.

[0030] Further, the navigation device 30 generates operation history information on an actual operation state of the own vehicle to the present on the basis of, for example, an own vehicle position detected through the own vehicle position detection function and information input from the in-vehicle ECU 40 and an in-veh.de sensor 60, and readably saves the generated operation history information into the running history database 34 as running history information. That is, the navigation device 30 can acquire, from the running history database 34, operation history information on an actual operation state of the own vehicle in the past or from the past to the present

[0031] Foi example, the navigation device 30 acquires vehicle behavior data representing the behavior of the vehicle as a state quantity, as operation history information generated on the basis of information input from the in-vehicle ECXJ 40 and the in-vehicle sensor 60. Mentionable as the vehicle behavior data are, for example, a vehicle speed, an acceleration/deceleration of the vehicle, an engine rotational speed, a roll angle, a yaw rate, and the like. Further, the navigation device 30 acquires driving operation data representing a driving operation performed by the driver as a state quantity, as operation history information generated on the basis of, for example, information input from the in-vehicle ECU 40 and the in-vehicle sensor 60. Mentionable as the driving operation data are, for example, brake operation information such as a depression force applied to a brake pedal, a depression stroke of the brake pedal, and a depression speed of the brake pedal, steering operation information such as a steering angle and a steering speed, accelerator operation information such as a depression force applied to an accelerator pedal, a depression stroke of the accelerator pedal, and a depression speed of the accelerator pedal, and the like. Further, the navigation device 30 may acquire time data representing an elapsed time such as a running time of the vehicle and running distance data on the vehicle as operation history information generated on the basis of, for example, information input from the in-vehicle ECU 40 and the in-vehicle sensor 60 (or possibly from a timer possessed by the user).

[0032] An electronic control unit equipped with microcomputers such an engine ECU for controlling an engine, a brake ECU for controlling the brake, and a steering ECU for controlling a steering mechanism can be mentioned as a concrete example of the in-vehide ECU 40. Further, an accelerator sensor, a brake sensor, a steering sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, an engine rotational speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a roll angle sensor, a yaw rate sensor, or the like can be mentioned as a concrete example of the in-vehicle sensor 60.

[0033] Hie navigation device 30 acquires operation history information on the vehicle and environment history information on the vehicle from the running history database 34, and generates, on the basis of the acquired history information, specification information required for the outputting of a display image controlled by the game console 10. The "generation" of specification information may include the "change" of specification information. The display image controlled by the game console 10 is, for example, an image of an object or a background displayed by the display 12 at home or the display 50 mounted in the vehicle. As concrete examples, the image of the object is that of a game character (which is not necessarily a person but may be a character appearing as an animal, a cat; or the like), an hem, or the like, and the image of the background is a background image in a game story such as a menu image, an ending image, or an image of a virtual landscape where characters exist. These display images can be changed by the game console 10, which receives an operation input of the user, in accordance with the operation input That is, the display images are altered as a processing result of a control program of the game console 10 for the operation input of the user. [0034] By generating specification information on a display image created by the game console 10 on the basis of environment history information or history information as a combination of environment history information and operation history information, a virtual and artificial display image created by the game console 10, which is displayed by the display 12 at home, the display 50 mounted in the vehicle, or the like, can be changed in accordance with changes in an actual operation state of the vehicle and an actual state such as a iunning environment For example, the characteristics of display images such as an image of a game character, an image of an item, and an image of a background (as concrete examples, the forms, such as the shapes, patterns, and colors of character images and hern images, the number of those images, the sound of the character) can be changed in accordance with changes in the actual state, and the contents of a game, such as a game story, game points set in the game, and game items can be changed in accordance with changes in the actual state.

[0035] The navigation device 30 generates specification information on a display image in accordance whh, for example, a type of an actual running environment obtained from environment history information (e.g., a type of a running environment classified according to a predetermined classification standard, such as a type of a landfoπn such as a coastal region or a mountainous region, a type of a road such as a general road or a toll road, or the like). Accordingly, by changing the type of the actual running environment (by actually running in a running environment of a different type), the specification information on the generated display image can also be changed in a manner corresponding to the change in the type. For example, when the number of the types of the environment where the vehicle actually runs increases, the number of the types of the display image whose specification information changes can be increased. Further, the navigation device 30 can generate, in accordance with, for example, an actual running environment, specification information on a display image linked in a corresponding manner with each type of the running environment. More specifically, when the actual running environment is a seaside, specification information on a display image linked in advance in a corresponding manner with sea is generated. When the actual running environment is a mountainous region, specification information on a display image linked in advance in a corresponding manner with mountain is generated. When the actual running environment is a countryside, specification information on a display image linked in advance in a corresponding manner with countryside is generated. By linking the display image in a corresponding manner as described above, the type of a display image whose specification information is generated can be specified when the vehicle runs in each environment.

[0036] Further, the navigation device 30 generates specification information on a display image in accordance with, for example, a stay state (e.g^ an elapsed time such as a running time, a running distance, a running speed, a running frequency, a number of times of running, a running date, a running hour, and a running season) in an actual running environment obtained from operation history information and environment history information. Accordingly, by changing the stay state in an actual running environment, the specification information on a generated display image can also be changed in a manner corresponding to the change in the stay state. The navigation device 30 can generate, in accordance with, for example, a stay state in an actual running environment, specification information on a display image linked in a corresponding manner with the running environment As a concrete example, when a coastal region is included in the environment history information in the running history database 34 as a running environment with a running history, specification information where a character associated with the coastal region increases in power or the sum of game points increases as the stay time, the running time, the running distance or the like in the coastal region, which is stored in the running history database 34 as operation history information, increases, is generated. Further, for example, specification information where the number of background images associated with displayable seas increases is generated. [0037] Further, in accordance with, for example, a passage location such as a passage spot or a passage district, specification information on a display image linked in a corresponding manner with the passage location is generated. As a concrete example, when the passage of a current spot of the own vehicle past a prescribed checkpoint is acquired from vehicle behavior data or map data, specification information where a character linked in a corresponding manner with the checkpoint increases in power or the sum of game points linked in a corresponding manner with the checkpoint increases every time the checkpoint is passed is generated.

[0038] FIG 4 is a flowchart of a display image specification generation method. This flowchart complies with a display image specification generation program stored in the memory 3Sb in the microcomputer 35 of the navigation device 30 shown in FIG 1. The display image generation program can be recorded on a recording medium 70 such as a . CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM, and is read by the navigation device 30 through communication or via the recording medium 70 to be stored into the memory 35b. [0039] The central processing unit 35a of the microcomputer 35 acquires from the running history database 34 operation history information generated on the basis of information input from the in- vehicle ECU 40 and the in-vehicle sensor 60, in accordance with the display image specification generation program (step 10). By the same token, the central processing unit 35a acquires from the running history database 34 environment history information generated on the basis of map information in the map database 31 (step 12). The processings in step 10 and step 12 may be performed in reverse order or at the same time.

[0040] The central processing unit 35a then reads ont specification information where both operation history information and environment history information coincide with a specification generation condition, from a display image specification generation condition database 32 on which specification generation condition data for generating specification information on the basis of operation history information and environment history information are recorded, in accordance with the display image specification generation program, and thereby generates specification information corresponding to the operation history information acquired in step 10 and the environment history information acquired in step 12 (step 14). The specification generation condition data are determined in advance from a relationship between operation history information and environment history information, and are stored in the display image specification generation condition database 32.

[0041] The central processing unit 35a then outputs the specification information generated in step 14 via the input/output portion 35c, in accordance with the display image specification generation program (step 16). This specification information is output to the memory card 13 fitted to a memory card fitting portion 33 such as an input/output connector. As a result, the specification information generated by the navigation device 30 is stored in the memory card 13.

[0042] FIG S is a first concrete example of a flowchart for generating specification information on a game image created by the game console 10. The navigation device 30 determines, on the basis of VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) information (congestion information) acquired as actual environment information, whether or not a running spot of the own vehicle is a detour spot off a congested road (step 20). When it is determined that the own vehicle is making a detour off the congested road, the navigation device 30 generates specification information where the sum of game points increases, in accordance with a predetermined increase standard, such that an advantage is gained in a game of the game console 10 in which a total score of game points is competed for (step 22). The sum of game points is increased every time a predetermined running distance is covered or a predetermined running time elapses, for example, as long as it is determined that the own vehicle is making a detour off the congested road. Further, the sum of game points may be increased, for example, at a predetermined increase rate corresponding to the story of the game. [0043] It should be noted herein that FlG 6 is a view showing amounts of changes in the sum of game points that are determined on the basis of a relationship between running distance and congestion circumstance. The relational map shown in FIG 6 is stored in the display image specification generation condition database 32 as the aforementioned specification generation condition data. According to FIG 6, the navigation device 30 acquires from the running history database 34 detour experience information on a congested road based on congestion information as environment history information (congestion history information), acquires from the running history database 34 running distance information at the time of the running on a detour road in a congestion circumstance in the past as operation history information, and generates specification information where the sum of game points increases as the accumulated value of the running distance increases while making a detour off the congested road (eg., the sum of game points increases by 1 as soon as the own vehicle covers 4 km after having started to run on the congested road, and by 2 as soon as the own vehicle covers 6 km after having started to ran on the congested road).

[0044] In FIG 5, the navigation device 30 determines, on the basis of own vehicle position information acquired as actual environment information, map information acquired as actual environment information, and running state information acquired as actual operation information, whether or not the own vehicle has passed a spot for imparting a character image (step 24). The spot for imparting the character image is a spot where a character image utilizable by the game console 10 is newly imparted through the passage of the vehicle. When it is determined that the own vehicle is passing the prescribed impartation spot, the navigation device 30 generates specification information where the number of game characters utilizable by the game machine 10 increases (step 26). The number of game characters that are imparted every time the own vehicle passes a character image impartation spot may be increased at a predetermined increase rate corresponding to, for example, a story of a game. [0045] It should be noted herein that FIG 7 is a view showing amounts of increase in the number of characters that are determined on the basis of a relationship between running state and passage spot The relational map shown in FIG 7 is stored in the display image specification generation condition database 32 as the aforementioned specification generation condition. According to FIG 7, the navigation device 30 acquires character image impartation spot information as actual environment information, acquires running/stopped information representing a running state as actual operation information, and generates specification information where the number of characters increases by one every time the own vehicle passes a character impartation spot while rptining-

[0046] The navigation device 30 records specification information generated in steps 22 and 26 on the memory card 13 fitted to the memory card fitting portion 33 (step 28). [0047] FIG 8 is a second concrete example of a flowchart for generating specification information on a game image created by the game console 10. The navigation device 30 determines, on the basis of own vehicle position information acquired as actual environment information, map information acquired as actual environment information, and running state information acquired as actual operation information, whether or not the own vehicle is running within a predetermined distance α km from a coastal line (step 30). When the own vehicle is running within α km from the coastal line, the navigation device 30 generates specification information where the sum of game points called "sea points" increases, in accordance with a predetermined increase standard, such that an advantage is gained in a game of the game console 10 that necessitates increasing the sum of "sea points" (step 32). Hie sum of sea points is increased every time a predetermined running distance is covered or a predetermined running time elapses, for example, as long as it is determined that the own vehicle is running within α km from the coastline. Further, the sum of sea points may be increased at a predetermined increase rate corresponding to the story of the game.

[0048] Further, the navigation device determines, on the basis of own vehicle position information acquired as actual environment information, map information acquired as actual environment information, and running state information acquired as actual operation information, whether or not the own vehicle is running at or above an altitude β m (step 34). When the own vehicle is running at or above the altitude β m, the navigation device 30 generates specification information where the sum of game points called "mountain points" increases, in accordance with a predetermined increase standard, such that an advantage is gained in a game of the game console 10 that necessitates increasing the sum of "mountain points" (step 36). The sum of mountain points is increased every time a predetermined running distance is covered or a predetermined running time elapses, for example, as long as it is determined that the own vehicle is running at or above the altitude β m. Further, the sum of mountain points may be increased at a predetermined increase rate corresponding to the story of the game. [0049] The navigation device 30 records the specification information generated in steps 32 and 36 on the memory card 13 fitted to the memory card fitting portion 33 (step 38).

[0050] FIG 9 is a view showing changes in the form of a sea character in accordance with increases in the sum of sea points and changes in the form of a mountain character in accordance with increases in the sum of mountain points. The sea character and the mountain character are images displayed on the display 12 by the game console 10, on the basis of specification information generated in FIG 8. The form of the sea character changes in accordance with the sum of sea points, and the form of the mountain character changes in accordance with the sum of mountain points. As described above, when the own vehicle actually runs in a coastal region, specification information where the sum of sea points increases is thereby generated. Therefore, the game console 10 executes a game program on the basis of the specification information, and can thereby change the form of the sea character displayable on the display 12 in association with an actual running mode in the coastal region. By the same token, when the own vehicle actually runs in a mountainous region, the form of the mountain character displayable on the display 12 can thereby be changed in association with an actual running mode in the mountainous region.

[0051] The navigation device 30 acquires from the running history database 34 landform information on a coastal region, a mountainous region, or the like with a running experience as environment history information (geographical history information), acquires from the running history database 34 running distance information, running time information, or the like at the time of running in the past in a region having the landform as operation history information, and generates specification information where the sum of game points such as mountain points or sea points increases as the accumulated value of running distance, running time, or the like at the time of running in the region having the landform increases.

[0052] FIG 10 is a third concrete example of a flowchart for generating specification information on a game image created by the game console 10. The navigation device 30 determines whether or not a target fuel consumption value has been input from an input device 52 such as a touch panel or an audio input device (step 40). When the target fuel consumption value has been input, the navigation device 30 sets the input value as the target fuel consumption value (step 42). When the target fuel consumption value has not been input, the navigation device 30 sets a past average fuel consumption value stored as ninning history information in the naming history database 34 as the target fuel consumption value (step 44). When an actual fuel consumption value is equal to or larger than the target fuel consumption value for a predetermined period, the navigation device 30 generates specification information where the sum of game points and the number of game characters increase (step 48). Further, when the actual fuel consumption value is equal to or smaller than (the target fuel consumption value - εl), the navigation device 30 generates specification information where the sum of game points and the number of game characters decrease (step 52). It should be noted that εl is a predetermined value for setting a hysteresis in making a comparison in magnitude. [0053] The navigation device 30 records the specification information generated in steps 48 and 52 on the memory card 13 fitted to the memory card fitting portion 33 (step 54).

[0054] For example, the navigation device 30 acquires from the running history database 34 landfoπn information on a coastal region, a mountainous region, or the like with a running experience as environment history information (geographical history information), acquires from the running history database 34 average fuel consumption value information at the time of running in the past in a region having the landfoπn as operation history information, and generates specification information where the contents of games such as game points and game characters change in accordance with a difference between an average fuel consumption value and an actual fuel consumption value in running in the region having the landfbπn.

[0055] FIG 11 is a fourth concrete example of a flowchart for generating specification information on a game image created by the game console 10. When a legal speed of a road on which the own vehicle is currently running is recognized on the basis of own vehicle position information and map information acquired as actual environment information (step 60), the navigation device 30 sets the legal speed as a target speed (step 62). When the actual vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the target speed for a predetermined period, the navigation device 30 generates, on the basis of vehicle speed information acquired as actual operation information, specification information where an evaluation reference level utilized in a game called "friendliness degree" increases (step 66). Farther, when the actual vehicle speed is equal to or higher than (the target speed + ε2) for a predetermined period, the navigation device 30 generates specification information where the friendliness degree decreases (step 70). It should be noted that ε2 is a predetermined value for setting a hysteresis in making a comparison in magnitude. [005(1 Hie navigation device 30 records the specification information generated in steps 66 and 70 on the memory card 13 fitted to the memory card fitting portion 33 (step 72).

[0057] FIGL 12 is a view showing changes in the form of a character "Yu chan" in accordance with changes in friendliness degree. Yu chan is an image displayed on the display 12 by the game console 10 on the basis of specification information generated in FIG 11. The form of Yu chan changes in accordance with friendliness degree. As described above, when a driver of the vehicle observes a legal speed while driving, specification information where the friendliness degree increases is thereby generated. On the other hand, when the driver of the vehicle does not observe the legal speed while driving, specification information where the friendliness degree decreases is thereby generated. Therefore, the game console 10 executes a game program on the basis of the specification information, and can thereby change the form of Yu chan, which is displayable on the display 12, in association with the friendliness degree of actual driving.

[0058] For example, the navigation device 30 acquires from the running history database 34 target speed information such as legal speed information on a running road on which the own vehicle has run as environment history information, acquires from the running history database 34 vehicle speed information on the own vehicle at the time of running on the running road as operation history information, and generates specification information where "the friendliness degree", which corresponds to the difference between target speed and own vehicle speed, changes. For example, "the friendliness degree" increases as the amount of a difference obtained by subtracting an own vehicle speed from a target speed increases in the positive direction, and "the friendliness degree" decreases as the amount of the difference increases in the negative direction. [0059] Next, a detailed configuration of the game console 10 installed outside the vehicle will be described. FIG 13 is a view for explaining the detailed configuration of the game console 10. The game console 10 is installed indoors or outdoors, and is an electronic control unit equipped with the microcomputer IS as an arithmetic unit. The game console 10 is equipped with an input device S3 such as an operation controller or a touch panel, which transmits an operational intention of the user to the game console 10. In accordance with an operation signal from the input device S3, the game console 10 changes the game image such as a character image or a background image, which is displayed on the display 12, and changes the sound of a character image, which is output from the speaker 14.

[0060] The microcomputer IS is equipped with a central processing unit ISa for processing a control program such as an image display program or the like, a memory ISb for storing a control program, and an input/output portion ISc for performing input/output control with respect to the outside. These components are connected to one another via an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus. Pieces of information are exchanged among these components via these buses.

[0061] The control program stored in the memory ISb may be acquired via a recording medium 71 or a communication line such as the Internet The recording medium 71 records a program readable by the microcomputer IS. As a concrete example of the recording medium 71, a DVD-ROM or a CD-ROM is mentioned. When the microcomputer IS processes an image display program as part of a game program, a game image as a processing result of the image display program is displayed on the display 12 as an output unit

[0062] Further, the game console 10 can be removably connected to the memory card 13. The memory card 13 is a portable memory unit that can be carried by the user. The microcomputer IS can write/read information into/from the memory card 13 fitted to the memory card fitting portion 11. The microcomputer 15 reads out from the memory card 13 specification information on a display image such as a character image, and executes the image display program with the aid of the specification information read out [0063] In accordance with the image display program, the central processing unit ISa of ^• the microcomputer 15 reads out specification information on a display image from the memory card 13 fitted to the memory card fitting portion 11. In accordance with the image display program, the central processing unit ISa then reflects the specification information read out on the specification information currently set on the game console 10 side, and thereby updates the specification information on a display image such as a character image. In accordance with the image display program, the central processing unit 15a then causes the display 12 to display the display image such as the character image on the basis of the updated specification information.

[0064] When specification information where the sum of game points is changed is read out from the memory card 13, the central processing unit 15a changes the sum of game points currently set on the game console 10 side, in accordance with change command contents included in the specification information. Due to this change, the specification information on the display image on the game console 10 side is updated. Mentionable as the change command contents included in the specification information are, for example, a change amount (increase amount/decrease amount) of the sum of game points, a change rate (increase rate/decrease rate) of the sum of game points, and the like, hi the case of FIG 9, the central processing unit 15a causes the display 12 to display a character image corresponding to the updated sum of game points. The same holds true for the case of FIG 12.

[0065] Further, when specification information where the number of game characters is changed is read out from the memory card 13 as well, the number of utilizable game characters that are currently set on the game console 10 side is changed. Due to this change, the specification information on the display image on the game console 10 side is updated. The central processing unit 15a causes the display 12 to display a character image with the updated number of utilizable game characters fixed as a limit [0066] hi consequence, according to the foregoing embodiment of the invention, the degree of association between the actual running of the vehicle and the display image can further be enhanced As a result, the game interacts with the actual operation state of the vehicle and the actual running environment of the vehicle. A new, attractive, and enjoyable game can thereby be provided. Also, communication between a user (e.g., a child) engrossed in the game and a driver of the vehicle (a parent of the child) can be promoted, and hence a more enjoyable moving space can be provided. If the driver drives the vehicle with ingenuity, the display image of the game console changes. Therefore, the pleasure of driving and the pleasure of playing a game can be synergistically heightened. For example, a user goes by car to a previously unvisited place to change the contents of a game. Consequently, the pleasure of playing the game and the pleasure of driving can further be heightened.

[0067] Although the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described above, the invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiment thereof. The foregoing embodiment of the invention can be subjected to various modifications and replacements without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0068] For example, in the foregoing embodiment of the invention, the navigation device 30 mounted in the vehicle generates specification information on a game. However, another computer mounted in the vehicle, the game console 10 itself, or a computer installed at an information control center outside the vehicle or the like may generate specification information on a display image. In the case where specification information is generated outside the vehicle as described above, operation history information and environment history information, which are obtained in the vehicle, may be sent to a computer outside the vehicle such as the game console 10 via radio communication.

[0069] Further, as specification information on a display image, data on the display image itself may be exchanged between the vehicle side and the game console 10 side. Further, in the case where different images are provided for a plurality of vehicles respectively, greater varieties of display images utilizable in the game console 10 can be acquired in actually driving the plurality of the vehicles than in driving a single vehicle. [0070] Further, for example, FIG 2 is a view showing a configuration of a vehicle/game console interactive system 2 as the second embodiment of an image display system according to the invention. Unlike the case of the system 1 of FIG 1 having the game console installed indoors (or outdoors), tor example, at home, at an amusement arcade, or the like in a substantially stationary manner, the vehicle/game console interactive system 2 has a game console designed as a portable instrument that can be carried by a user. The components of the system 2 shown in FIG 2 are substantially identical to those of the system 1. Therefore, the detailed configurations, functions, and the like of the components of the system 2 will not be described hereinafter.

[0071] The portable game console 20 has the removable memory card 13 and a display 22. Ia the vehicle/game console interactive system 2 as well as the system 1, for example, information directly acquirable from the vehicle through the navigation device 30 mounted in the vehicle or the in-vehicle ECU 40 and indirect information obtained on the basis of that information are recorded on the memory card 13, which is writably connected to the game console 20 connected to the navigation device 30. The game console 20 then executes a predetermined game program, and thereby causes the display 22 to display a game image reflecting information recorded on the memory card 13, which is readably connected. In the case of FlG 2, while remaining in the vehicle, a user having the game console 20 can enjoy a game image reflecting actual information such as actual running information on the vehicle and actual environment information on the vehicle (not only actual information on the own vehicle in which the user stays but also actual information on another vehicle that has been acquired through radio communication such as vehicle-to-vehicle communication or road-to-vehicle communication).

[0072] The memory card 13 connected to the game console 10 of FIG 1 can also be used as a memory card removably connectable to the game console 20 of FIG 2. Further, the memory card 13 removably connected to the game console 20 of FIG 2 can also be used as a memory card removably connectable to the game console 10 of FIG 1. Further, the game console 20 may cause either the display 22 or the display 50 to display an image. [0073] In order to cause the in- vehicle display 50 to display a display image controlled by the game console 20, it is appropriate, for example, to connect the game console 20 to the navigation device 30. Further, a display image controlled by a game console installed in advance in the vehicle may be displayed on the iπ-vehicle display SO. Further, in the case where the game console 20 is connected to the navigation device 30, the navigation device 30 may send specification information to the game console 20. The game console 20, which has received the specification information, records the specification information on the memory card 13.

Claims

1. A display image specification generation device that generates specification information on a display image that can be changed in accordance with an operation input of a user, comprising: an operation history information acquisition unit (40, 60) that acquires operation history information on an operation state undergone by a vehicle; an environment history information acquisition unit (40, 60) that acquires environment history information on a running environment undergone by the vehicle; and a specification information generation unit (30) that generates specification information on the display image corresponding to the operation history information acquired by the operation history information acquisition unit (40, 60) and the environment history information acquired by the environment history information acquisition unit (40, 60), in accordance with a specification generation condition having the operation history information and the environment history information as factors for generating specification information on the display image.

2. Hie display image specification generation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the specification information generation unit (30) generates specification information on the display image in accordance with a type of the running environment obtained from the environment history information.

3. The display image specification generation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the specification information generation unit (30) generates specification information on the display image in accordance with a stay state in the running environment obtained from the operation history information and the environment history information.

4. The display image specification generation device according to claim 3, characterized in that the specification information generation unit (30) generates specification information on the display image in accordance with an elapsed time in the running environment obtained from the operation history information and the environment history information.

5. The display image specification generation device according to claim 3, characterized in that the specification information generation unit (30) generates specification information on the display image in accordance with a running distance in the running environment obtained from the operation history information and the environment history information.

6. The display image specification generation device according to any one of claims 1 through S, characterized in that the specification information generation unit (30) generates the specification information such that the display image is associated with the running environment

7. The display image specification generation device according to any one of claims 1 through 6, characterized in that the display image is an object image.

8. The display image specification generation device according to any one of claims 1 through 6, characterized in that the display image is a background image.

9. The display image specification generation device according to any one of claims 1 through 8, characterized in that the display image differs depending on each vehicle.

10. The display image specification generation device according to any one of claims 1 through 9, characterized in that the specification information on the display image is specification information for determining characteristics of the display image.

11. The display image specification generation device according to claim 10, characterized in that the specification information on the display image is specification information for determining a form of the display image.

12. The display image specification generation device according tσ claim 10, characterized in that the specification information on the display image is specification information for determining a number of images prepared as the display image.

13. An image display system having the display image specification generation device according to any one of claims 1 through 12 and a display unit (SO) that displays the display image, wherein the display unit (50) is mounted in a vehicle.

14. An image display system having the display image specification generation device according to any one of claims 1 through 12 and a display unit (12, 22) that displays the display image, wherein the display unit (12, 22) is installed outside a vehicle.

15. An image display system having the display image specification generation device according to any one of claims 1 through 12 and a display unit (22) that displays the display image, wherein the display unit (22) is incorporated in a device portable by the user.

16. An in-vehide image display device equipped with the display image specification generation device according to any one of claims 1 through 12 and a display unit (12, 22, 50) that displays the display image.

17. A portable image display device portable by a user, equipped with the display image specification generation device according to any one of claims 1 through 12 and a display unit (22) that displays the display image.

18. A recording medium (13) on which specification information on the display image generated by the display image specification generation device according to any one of claims 1 through 12 is recorded.

19. An image display device comprising: a display unit (12, 22, SO) that displays a display image that can be changed m accordance with an operation input of a user; and a display control unit (10, 20, 30) that causes the display unit to display the display image in accordance with specification information on the display image generated using, as a generation condition, operation history information on an operation state undergone by a vehicle and environment history information on a running environment undergone by the vehicle.

20. The image display device according to claim 19, characterized by further comprising: a specification information acquisition unit (30) that acquires specification information on the display image from the vehicle.

21. The image display device (22) according to claim 19 or 20, characterized by being portable by the user.

22. A display image specification generation method for generating specification information on a display image that can be changed in accordance with an operation input of a user, comprising: an operation history information acquisition step of acquiring operation history information on an operation state undergone by a vehicle; an environment history information acquisition step of acquiring environment history information on a running environment undergone by the vehicle; and a specification information generation step of generating specification information on the display image corresponding to the operation history information acquired in the operation history information acquisition step and the environment history information acquired in the environment history information acquisition step, in accordance with a specification generation condition having the operation history information and the environment history information as factors for generating specification information on the display image.

23. An image display method characterized in that the display image is displayed by a display unit (12, 22, SO) that displays a display image that can be changed in accordance . with an operation input of a user, in accordance with specification information on the display image generated using, as a generation condition, operation history information on an operation state undergone by a vehicle and environment history information on a running environment undergone by the vehicle.

24. A display image specification generation program for generating specification information on a display image that can be changed in accordance with an operation input of a user, characterized by causing a computer to function as an operation history information acquisition unit (40, 60) that acquires operation history information on an operation state undergone by a vehicle, an environment history information acquisition unit (40, 60) that acquires environment history information on a running environment undergone by the vehicle, a specification information generation unit (30) that generates specification information on the display image corresponding to operation history information acquired by the operation history information acquisition unit (40, 60) and environment history information acquired by the environment history information acquisition unit (40, 60), in accordance with a specification generation condition having the operation history information and the environment history information as factors for generating specification information on the display image, and a specification information output unit (30) that outputs specification information generated by the specification information generation unit (30).

25. A computer-readable recording medium (13) on which the display image specification generation program according to claim 24 is recorded.

26. An image display program for causing a display unit to display a display image that can be changed in accordance with an operation input of a user, characterized by causing a computer to function as a display control unit (10, 20, 30) that causes the display unit (12, 22, 50) to display the display image in accordance with specification information on the display image generated using, as a generation condition, operation history information on an operation state undergone by a vehicle and environment history information on a running environment undergone by the vehicle.

27. A computer-readable recording medium (13) on which the image display program according to claim 26 is recorded.