WO2016084360A1 - Display control device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A display control device for a vehicle, said display control device comprising: a first input device (14) which is disposed in a position in which operation is performed by a non-driving passenger; a first operation-receiving section which receives, from the passenger and via the first input device, an instructional operation that relates to apparatuses (10, 40) providing functions that can be used in the vehicle interior by a passenger and which causes the apparatuses to implement processing corresponding to the instructional operation; and a first display control section which controls content displayed on a first display (23) installed within the field of vision of a driver who is facing towards the front of the vehicle. The first display control section displays, on the first display, an image corresponding to the operation, said image corresponding to the processing that has been carried out or is being implemented by the apparatuses according to the instructional operation.

Description

Display control device for vehicle Cross-reference of related applications

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-238980 filed on November 26, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle display control device that controls display contents of a display used for presenting information to a driver.

As a related art related to a vehicle display control device for controlling display contents of a display (referred to as a driver display) used for presenting various information to a driver, for example, a device disclosed in Patent Document 1 There is.

The device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided on a steering wheel, and is used for a driver to execute a desired process on a predetermined operation target device. The operation of the operation target device and the display content of the meter display. And control means for controlling. This meter display corresponds to the driver display described above. The predetermined operation target device refers to an operation target by the user among mobile terminals brought into the vehicle by the user, such as smartphones, in addition to in-vehicle devices such as audio devices (these are collectively referred to as operable devices). The device selected as.

The control means disclosed in Patent Document 1 causes the operation target device to perform processing corresponding to the control signal based on the control signal input from the steering switch, and the executed (or currently executed) processing. An image corresponding to is displayed on the meter display.

The image display on the meter display is canceled when the steering switch is not operated for a certain period of time.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-115578

According to the configuration of Patent Document 1, by viewing an image displayed on a meter display, it is possible to confirm its own operation result or to perform a subsequent instruction operation based on the image. Therefore, according to the configuration of Patent Document 1, the operability of the driver can be improved.

However, Patent Document 1 does not consider operations on various operable devices by passengers other than the driver, for example, passengers in the passenger seat (so-called passengers), and display control of the meter display triggered by the operations.

For example, input devices such as a haptic device and a touch panel integrated with the center display are provided at positions that can be operated by the driver and passengers in the passenger seat, such as the center of the instrument panel in the vehicle width direction and the center console. May have been.

That is, not only the driver but also the passenger in the passenger seat can select a device to be operated from various operable devices via the input device, and execute a desired process on the operated device. Can be indicated (assumed configuration).

In such an assumed configuration, it is preferable that the driver can recognize the operation content performed by the passenger on the passenger seat.

The present disclosure is intended to provide a vehicle display control device that allows a driver to recognize the contents of an operation performed by a non-driving occupant on a device that provides a function that can be used by the occupant in the passenger compartment.

A vehicle display control apparatus according to an example of the present disclosure is used by a passenger in a vehicle interior via a first input device provided at a position operated by a non-driving occupant who is an occupant other than the driver, and the first input device. A first operation receiving unit that receives an instruction operation by an occupant for a device that provides a possible function, and that causes the device to execute a process corresponding to the instruction operation, and that is installed in the field of view of the driver facing the front of the vehicle A first display control unit that controls display content of the first display. When the first operation accepting unit accepts an instruction operation, the first display control unit displays an operation corresponding image, which is an image corresponding to a process performed by the device according to the instruction operation or being executed, on the first display. To display.

The first operation reception unit causes the device corresponding to the operation to perform processing corresponding to the instruction operation of the occupant for the predetermined device received via the first input device. Further, the first display control unit displays an operation corresponding image corresponding to the process executed (or being executed) based on the instruction operation on the first display corresponding to the driver display described above.

Since the first input device is provided at a position operated by a non-driving occupant (for example, a passenger in the passenger seat), the operation received by the first operation receiving unit may be an operation performed by the non-driving occupant. obtain. When the operation received by the first operation receiving unit is an operation performed by a non-driving occupant, an image corresponding to the instruction operation performed by the non-driving occupant is displayed on the first display. .

According to the display control apparatus for a vehicle, the driver performs an operation performed by a non-driving occupant on a device that provides a function that can be used by the occupant in the passenger compartment by viewing an image displayed on the meter display. The contents can be recognized.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings,
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a vehicle display system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the multimedia control unit. FIG. 3 is an example of a main menu screen displayed on the center display. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the steering switch. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the meter display. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the meter control unit. FIG. 7 is an example of the display screen of the center display. FIG. 8 is an example of the display screen of the center display. FIG. 9 is an example of the display screen of the center display. FIG. 10 is an example of the display screen of the meter display. FIG. 11 is an example of the display screen of the meter display. FIG. 12 is an example of a display screen of the center display in the second modification, FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the multimedia control unit in the third modification.

(Embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a vehicle display system 100 to which the vehicle display control device according to the present disclosure is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle display system 100 includes a multimedia unit 10, a meter unit 20, a steering switch 30, and a mobile terminal 40. The vehicle display system 100 corresponds to an example of a vehicle display control device.

The multimedia unit 10, the meter unit 20, and the steering switch 30 are all mounted on the vehicle, and the multimedia unit 10 and the meter unit 20, and the meter unit 20 and the steering switch 30 are each a well-known in-vehicle network. Are connected so that they can communicate with each other. Further, the multimedia unit 10 and the portable terminal 40 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other using a well-known wired communication technique or wireless communication technique.

The mobile terminal 40 is a mobile terminal such as a well-known smartphone in which an application program for operating as a mobile terminal in the present embodiment (referred to as a vehicle cooperation application) is installed. A general portable terminal operates as the portable terminal 40 included in the vehicle display system 100 when the vehicle cooperation application is operating.

The portable terminal 40 only needs to have a communication function for performing mutual communication with the multimedia unit 10, and is a communication terminal (so-called wearable device) such as a tablet terminal, a spectacle-type or a wristwatch type in addition to a smartphone. May be. For the sake of convenience, among the configurations of portable terminals such as general smartphones, the description of those that are not necessary for the description of the present embodiment is omitted.

(Configuration of multimedia unit 10)
First, the configuration of the multimedia unit 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the multimedia unit 10 includes a multimedia control unit 11, a center display 12, a speaker 13, a multimedia operation unit 14, a multimedia memory (hereinafter referred to as MM memory) 15, and an external device connection. The unit 16 is provided. The multimedia control unit 11, the center display 12, the speaker 13, the multimedia operation unit 14, the MM memory 15, and the external device connection unit 16 are configured to be able to communicate with each other. In the following, multimedia is abbreviated as MM as appropriate.

The multimedia control unit 11 controls operations of the center display 12, the speaker 13, the multimedia operation unit 14, the MM memory 15, and the external device connection unit 16. Details of the multimedia control unit 11 will be described later.

The center display 12 is a display arranged near the center of the instrument panel in the vehicle width direction. The center display 12 is capable of full color display, for example, and can be configured using a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like. The center display 12 displays text and images based on instructions from the multimedia control unit 11. Since the center display 12 is disposed near the center of the instrument panel in the vehicle width direction, the driver and the passenger in the passenger seat can confirm the display contents. In the following description, the term “user” is used when the driver is not distinguished from an occupant other than the driver (non-driving occupant). Passenger seat passengers are also non-drivers. Non-driving crew members are also called passengers.

This center display 12 corresponds to the second display of the present disclosure. Note that the second display of the present disclosure may be a display provided on the back surface portion of the front seat so that a passenger in the rear seat can visually recognize the second display.

The speaker 13 is a well-known audio output device that converts audio data input from the multimedia control unit 11 into audio (including simple sounds and music) and outputs the audio.

The multimedia operation unit 14 is an input device operated by the user to cause the multimedia control unit 11 to execute a desired function. The user can cause the multimedia unit 10 (more specifically, the multimedia control unit 11) or the portable terminal 40 to execute a desired process by operating the multimedia operation unit 14. For example, by operating the multimedia operation unit 14, the user can select music to be played, give instructions to play / stop music, and adjust the volume. The multimedia operation unit 14 corresponds to the first input device of the present disclosure.

In this embodiment, the multimedia operation unit 14 is a touch panel stacked on the center display 12 as an example. When the multimedia operation unit 14 detects a touch operation from the user, the multimedia operation unit 14 outputs a touch position signal indicating a position touched by the user on the touch panel (referred to as a touch position) to the multimedia control unit 11. The touch position information may be expressed in a format such as coordinates. The user can cause the multimedia control unit 11 to execute processing corresponding to the option by touching a button (strictly speaking, a touch panel on the button) displayed as an option on the center display 12.

As another aspect, the multimedia operation unit 14 may be a mechanical switch disposed around the center display 12. Further, a known haptic device provided near the center console may be used. Furthermore, the multimedia operation unit 14 may be realized by appropriately combining a touch panel, a mechanical switch, a haptic device, and the like. The multimedia operation unit 14 may be provided at a position operated by a passenger in the rear seat.

The MM memory 15 is a rewritable nonvolatile storage medium. As the MM memory 15, a known storage medium such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a flash memory can be used. In this embodiment, as an example, the MM memory 15 is assumed to be a hard disk.

The MM memory 15 stores navigation data and a plurality of music files. Here, the navigation data is data used by the navigation processing unit F1 to be described later for various processes such as map data indicating road connection relations.

A music file is a file for each song, and in addition to the music data of the song, the genre to which the song belongs, the artist of the song, the album that contains the song, the song title, performance time, etc. Contains metadata. A plurality of music files are stored in a hierarchical structure that is distinguished for each attribute such as an album in which the music is recorded, an artist, and a music genre.

The external device connection unit 16 is a communication interface for performing communication with the mobile terminal 40. That is, it may be realized by at least one of a wireless communication unit compliant with a predetermined short-range wireless communication standard and a wired connection unit such as a USB connector.

The multimedia control unit 11 is configured as a normal computer, and includes a well-known CPU, ROM, nonvolatile memory such as flash memory, volatile memory such as RAM, I / O, and a bus line connecting these configurations. (Both not shown) and the like. A nonvolatile storage medium such as a ROM or a flash memory stores program modules and data for the CPU to execute various processes.

As shown in FIG. 2, the multimedia control unit 11 includes a navigation processing unit F1, an audio processing unit F2, an air conditioner processing unit F3, an external device cooperation unit F4, an MM side display control unit F5, and an MM side operation reception as functional blocks. Unit F6, audio output control unit F7, and MM side communication processing unit F8. Note that some or all of the functions executed by the multimedia control unit 11 may be configured by hardware using one or a plurality of ICs.

The navigation processing unit F1 is a functional block that performs processing similar to that of a known navigation device, and uses the navigation data stored in the MM memory 15 to perform various processes corresponding to the user's instruction operation. Execute. For example, the navigation processing unit F1 executes a process for displaying a map image around the current position (referred to as a surrounding map image), a destination setting process, a route guidance process for guiding the travel of the guide route, and the like. Note that the current position of the vehicle may be specified based on a reception result of a GPS receiver or the like (not shown).

The navigation processing unit F1 provides the display output data corresponding to the processing executed (or being executed) based on the user's instruction operation to the MM side display control unit F5. The display output data here is data for drawing an image displayed on the center display 12 by the MM side display control unit F5. As another aspect, the display output data may be image data or a video signal that can be displayed on the center display 12 as it is.

Also, when there is audio data to be output as a result of the processing executed (or being executed) based on the user's instruction operation, the audio output data is provided to the audio output control unit F7. Hereinafter, the function provided by the navigation processing unit F1 is referred to as a navigation function.

The audio processing unit F2 performs individual processing relating to selection of content desired by the user, reproduction, volume (volume) adjustment, fast-forwarding and rewinding of music (music data) and video (video data) in the content, and the like. Execute. The audio processing unit F2 provides display output data corresponding to the processing executed (or being executed) based on the user's instruction operation to the MM side display control unit F5.

In addition, when there is audio data (for example, music data) to be output as a result of processing executed (or being executed) based on a user's instruction operation, audio output control is performed on the audio output data. Provided to part F7. Hereinafter, the function provided by the audio processing unit F2 is referred to as an audio function.

The air conditioner processing unit F3 controls the operation of an air conditioner (not shown) mounted on the vehicle, and executes individual processes related to air conditioning selection, on / off switching, temperature adjustment, and the like. The air conditioner processing unit F3 provides the MM-side display control unit F5 with display output data corresponding to the processing executed (or being executed) based on the user's instruction operation. Hereinafter, the function provided by the air conditioner processing unit F3 is referred to as an air conditioner function.

In the present embodiment, as an example, the multimedia control unit 11 is provided with functions (F1 to F3) corresponding to known navigation devices, audio devices, and air conditioners, but is not limited thereto.

As another aspect, a navigation ECU, an audio ECU, and an air conditioner ECU corresponding to each of the navigation processing unit F1, the audio processing unit F2, and the air conditioner processing unit F3 may be provided outside the multimedia control unit 11. ECU is an abbreviation for Electronic Control Unit. In such an aspect, the multimedia control unit 11 outputs a control signal corresponding to the user's instruction operation input via the multimedia operation unit 14 or the steering switch 30 to each ECU, and appropriately performs the user's instruction operation. A corresponding process may be executed.

The external device cooperation unit F4 performs processing for establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal 40. In the state where the connection between the mobile terminal 40 and the multimedia unit 10 is established, individual application processes belonging to various functions of the mobile terminal 40 such as a call function, a mail function, and a Web browsing function are performed. Execute in cooperation with the portable terminal 40.

Here, the call function is a function related to incoming / outgoing calls, and the mail function is a function related to transmission / reception processing such as creation of a mail or voice reading of received mail, and a web browsing function. Indicates a function of browsing a Web site on the Internet.

And the external apparatus cooperation part F4 acquires the data for display output corresponding to the process performed based on user operation (or during execution) from the portable terminal 40, and provides it to the MM side display control part F5. Further, when there is audio data (for example, music data) to be output as a result of processing executed (or being executed) based on a user operation, the audio output control unit outputs the audio output data. Provide to F7. Here, it is assumed that the communication connection between the portable terminal 40 and the multimedia unit 10 has already been established.

The navigation function, the audio function, the air conditioner function, the telephone call function, the mail function, the web browsing function, etc. exemplified above correspond to the functions that can be used by the user in the passenger compartment. Of course, the functions available to the user in the passenger compartment are not limited to those exemplified above. For example, the multimedia control unit 11 has an operation reproduction function for reproducing a moving image file stored in the MM memory 15 and a television function for receiving a radio wave broadcast from a television station to display a television program. Also good.

In addition, a navigation function, an audio function, a video playback function, a television function, and the like may be provided in the mobile terminal 40. On the contrary, it is good also as an aspect with which the vehicle equipment which connects a mail function, a telephone call function, a web browsing function, etc. to the multimedia control part 11 or a multimedia unit is provided. Hereinafter, a function block that provides various functions that can be used by the user in the vehicle interior, such as a navigation function, or an electronic device (here, the mobile terminal 40 or the multimedia unit 10) is referred to as a function provider. Various functions that can be used by the user in the passenger compartment may be distinguished depending on the service of the functions.

In addition, the device that provides a function that can be used by the user in the vehicle interior of the present disclosure refers to the multimedia unit 10 itself and the mobile terminal 40. Of course, when the navigation ECU, the audio ECU, the air conditioner ECU, and the like are provided as other modes as described above, these ECUs also correspond to devices that provide functions usable by the user in the vehicle interior.

The MM side display control unit F5 controls display contents (information type, layout, etc.) of the center display 12. More specifically, image data to be displayed on the center display 12 is generated based on display output data provided from a function provider such as the navigation processing unit F1, and displayed on the center display 12.

Note that the case where display output data is provided from a function provider means that the function provider performs a desired process via the multimedia operation unit 14 or the steering switch as will be described later. This is a case where the instruction operation is performed. Further, the display output data provided from the function provider is data corresponding to the user's instruction operation. That is, the MM side display control unit F5 displays an image corresponding to the instruction operation by the user. The MM side display control unit F5 corresponds to the second display control unit of the present disclosure.

The image displayed on the center display 12 by the MM side display control unit F5 includes various buttons that function as options for instructing a process desired by the user. An example of the display screen of the center display 12 is shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a screen (referred to as a main menu screen) for the user to select a desired function from a plurality of functions available to the user in the passenger compartment. The main menu screen is displayed, for example, immediately after the multimedia unit 10 is activated, when an instruction operation by the user is not performed, or when an operation for instructing the main menu screen to be displayed is performed by the user. Just do it.

Each of the buttons B1 to B6 shown in FIG. 3 is a button corresponding to each function available to the user. For example, the button B1 is a button for the user to use the navigation function, and the button B2 is a button for the user to use the audio function. For example, the user can call an image for selecting a finer function (subfunction) included in the navigation processing unit F1 by touching the button B1. And in each image called sequentially according to a user's directions operation, a user can make navigation processing part F1 perform desired processing because a user chooses a desired button.

Each button is assigned a unique button ID, and the MM side operation accepting unit F6 described later executes from the button ID to the function that the user intends to use and the function provider corresponding to the function. The process can be specified. The button ID for each button and the information for specifying the process corresponding to the button may be stored in the ROM or MM memory. The MM side display control unit F5 provides button arrangement information indicating an area in which various buttons displayed on the current display screen are arranged to the MM side operation reception unit F6. Details of the operation of the MM side display control unit F5 will be described later.

Based on the user operation on the multimedia operation unit 14, the MM side operation reception unit F6 causes the function provider corresponding to the user operation to execute a process corresponding to the user operation. In the present embodiment, the MM side operation accepting unit F6 identifies a button selected by the user, and causes the function provider corresponding to the selected button to execute a process corresponding to the selected button. The button selected by the user may be specified based on the touch position input from the multimedia operation unit 14 and the button arrangement area information.

That is, the MM side operation accepting unit F6 specifies the content of the user instruction from the user operation on the multimedia operation unit 14, and causes the function provider corresponding to the instruction to execute the process corresponding to the instruction. Accordingly, the user operation on the multimedia operation unit 14 corresponds to an instruction operation on a desired function provider. This MM side operation reception unit F6 corresponds to a first operation reception unit of the present disclosure.

Further, when receiving a user operation on the multimedia operation unit 14, the MM side operation receiving unit F6 generates information (MM side operation information) indicating the user operation or instruction contents determined from the user operation, and performs MM side communication. The data is provided to the meter unit 20 via the processing unit F8. Here, the MM side operation information is the button ID of the button selected by the user. As another aspect, the MM-side operation information includes information (program number and function name) indicating the contents of processing executed corresponding to the button ID, and a function (for example, navigation function) that the user intends to use. It may be information.

The audio output control unit F7 controls the operation of the speaker. In other words, audio output data input from each function provider is provided to the speaker and output as audio. In addition, when audio output data is input from a plurality of function providers, data to be output may be determined based on a predetermined priority order.

The MM side communication processing unit F8 performs communication processing with the meter unit 20. For example, the MM side communication processing unit F8 outputs to the meter unit 20 MM side operation information provided from the MM side operation accepting unit F6 and display output data output from each function provider in accordance with a user operation. To do.

Further, the MM side communication processing unit F8 acquires meter side operation information from the meter unit 20. The meter side operation information is information indicating the content of an instruction for a predetermined function provider, which is performed by the driver via the steering switch 30. When the MM side communication processing unit F8 acquires the meter side operation information from the meter unit 20, the MM side communication processing unit F8 executes processing based on the instruction content included in the meter side operation information to the function provider corresponding to the instruction content. Let The MM side communication processing unit F8 corresponds to the multimedia side communication unit of the present disclosure.

(Configuration of steering switch 30)
Next, the configuration of the steering switch 30 will be described. The steering switch 30 is disposed in the steering wheel in a range where a finger that grips the rim portion can easily reach, for example, a spoke portion. The steering switch 30 corresponds to the second input device of the present disclosure. The second input device is not limited to the steering switch 30 as long as it is installed at a position where the driver can operate.

An example of the configuration of the steering switch 30 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the steering switch 30 is formed in a circular shape as a whole, and includes a determination key 31 and four direction keys 32U, 32D, 32L, and 32R. The enter key 31 is formed in a circular shape and is arranged at the center of the steering switch 30. Each of the direction keys 32U to 32R is one of the steering switch 30 and the region on the outer peripheral side of the determination key 31 that is divided into four equal parts in the circumferential direction. Each of the direction keys 32U to 32R is assigned with the up, down, left and right directions.

The driver can move the cursor to a desired item from among a plurality of items displayed on the meter display 23 by pushing the direction keys 32U to 32R, and push the enter key 31. The item can be selected (and determined) by. A control signal output from the steering switch 30 based on such an operation is input to the meter unit 20 (particularly, the meter control unit 21) via the in-vehicle network.

(Configuration of meter unit 20)
As shown in FIG. 1, the meter unit 20 includes a meter control unit 21, various meters 22, a meter display 23, and a meter memory 24. The meter control unit 21 and each of the various meters 22, the meter display 23, and the meter memory 24 are configured to communicate with each other. The meter control unit 21 controls operations of the meter 22, the meter display 23, and the meter memory 24. Details of the meter control unit 21 will be described later.

The meter 22 is various instruments that represent the running state of the vehicle. The meter control unit 21 sequentially acquires detection results of various sensors mounted on the vehicle via an in-vehicle network (not shown), and on the basis of the acquired detection results, various meter 22 operations (guideline rotations). Control).

As shown in FIG. 5, the meter unit 20 in the present embodiment includes a vehicle speed meter 22 </ b> A that represents a vehicle speed and an engine rotation speed meter 22 </ b> B that represents an engine rotation speed as the meters 22. The meter unit 20 may include, as the meter 22, a fuel meter that indicates the remaining amount of fuel, a water temperature meter that indicates the temperature of the cooling water, an odometer that indicates the total travel distance of the vehicle, and the like.

In the present embodiment, the analog meter 22 is provided as shown in FIG. 5, but the present invention is not limited to this. An image corresponding to various meters 22 may be displayed on the meter display 23 described below. Further, the meter unit 20 may include an indicator for warning that a half door, forgetting to close the trunk, a decrease in the remaining amount of fuel, a seat belt not attached, or the like. These indicators may also be displayed on the meter display 23 as images.

The meter display 23 is a display arranged on the upper part of the driver seat front portion of the instrument panel. That is, it is a display provided in the area where the combination meter is arranged. In the present embodiment, as an example, the meter display 23 is arranged between the vehicle speed meter 22A and the engine speed meter 22B as shown in FIG.

The meter display 23 is capable of full color display, for example, and can be configured using a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like. The meter display 23 displays text and images based on instructions from the meter control unit 21.

This meter display 23 corresponds to the first display of the present disclosure. The first display only needs to be a display disposed at a position that falls within the driver's field of view (especially the effective field of view) with the face facing the front direction of the host vehicle, and is not limited to the meter display 23. Absent. The first display may be, for example, a known head-up display that displays various information by projecting a virtual image on a part of the windshield in front of the driver's seat.

Further, the first display may be set at a position within a predetermined angle from the center of the headrest of the driver's seat with reference to a direction extending in the front direction of the vehicle from the center of the headrest of the driver's seat (that is, 0 degrees). It ’s fine. The predetermined angle here may be determined based on an average effective viewing angle of a human, for example, 30 degrees in the vertical direction and 20 degrees in the horizontal direction.

The meter memory 24 is a rewritable nonvolatile storage medium, and here, as an example, a removable storage medium such as an SD card is used.

The meter control unit 21 is configured as an ordinary computer. The meter control unit 21 is a well-known CPU, ROM, non-volatile memory such as flash memory, volatile memory such as RAM, I / O, and a bus line connecting these configurations ( All are not shown). A nonvolatile storage medium such as a ROM or a flash memory stores program modules and data for the CPU to execute various processes.

The meter control unit 21 includes a meter side display control unit G1, a meter side operation receiving unit G2, and a meter side communication processing unit G3 as functional blocks as shown in FIG. A part or all of the functions executed by the meter control unit 21 may be configured by hardware using one or a plurality of ICs.

The meter-side display control unit G1 controls display contents (such as information type and layout) on the meter display 23. More specifically, when the MM-side operation information is input from the multimedia unit 10, the meter-side display control unit G1 performs the user operation received by the MM-side operation reception unit indicated by the MM-side operation information. A corresponding image is generated and displayed on the meter display 23. This meter-side display control unit G1 corresponds to the first display control unit of the present disclosure.

In addition, when the meter side operation accepting unit G2 to be described later accepts a user operation (that is, an instruction operation) for using the function of the multimedia unit 10 or the portable terminal 40 via the steering switch 30, An image corresponding to the instruction operation is generated and displayed on the meter display 23.

The image to be displayed on the meter display 23 may be generated based on display output data provided from the multimedia unit 10. As another aspect, data for generating an image to be displayed on the meter display 23 is stored in the meter memory 24, and the meter-side display control unit G1 performs a user instruction operation based on the data. It is good also as an aspect which produces | generates a corresponding image.

In addition, the display screen of the meter display 23 includes various buttons selected by the user, similarly to the display screen of the center display 12. This button corresponds to the item described in the description of the configuration of the steering switch 30. A unique button ID is assigned to each button, and the processing desired by the user can be specified from the button ID.

The button ID for each button and the information for specifying the process corresponding to the button may be stored in the ROM or meter memory. The button ID of the button displayed on the center display 12 and the button ID of the button displayed on the meter display 23 may be the same or associated with each other. Details of the operation of the meter-side display control unit G1 will be described later.

The meter side operation accepting unit G2 accepts an operation by the driver for using the functions of the multimedia unit 10 or the portable terminal 40 via the steering switch 30. The functions provided in the multimedia unit 10 or the portable terminal 40 are functions that can be used by the user in the passenger compartment, such as the navigation function and the audio function described above. This meter side operation reception part G2 is equivalent to the 2nd operation reception part of this indication.

The operations for using these functions include the movement of the cursor (or item) based on the push operation to the direction keys 32U to 32R and the operation of selecting a desired button based on the push operation to the enter key 31. Point to. That is, it refers to an operation for selecting a desired function from a plurality of functions such as a navigation function and an audio function, a selection operation for executing a finer process belonging to the selected function (for example, selection of music), and the like. An operation of pushing the enter key 31 and selecting a desired button (that is, an item) corresponds to an example of an instruction operation of the present disclosure.

Further, the meter side operation accepting unit G2 generates information (meter side operation information) indicating the content of the instruction operation by the driver accepted via the steering switch 30, and the multimedia unit via the meter side communication processing unit G3. 10 to provide. Similarly to the MM side operation information, the meter side operation information may be the button ID of the button selected by the driver.

The meter side communication processing unit G3 performs communication processing with the multimedia unit 10. For example, the meter side operation information provided from the meter side operation reception unit G2 is transmitted to the multimedia unit 10. The meter side communication processing unit G3 acquires MM side operation information and display output data input from the multimedia unit 10. When the MM side operation information is acquired from the multimedia unit 10, the meter side communication processing unit G3 provides the MM side operation information to the meter side display control unit G1. Along with this, the meter-side display control unit G1 controls the display content of the meter display 23. This meter side communication processing unit G3 corresponds to the meter side communication unit of the present disclosure.

(About operation of MM side display controller F5)
Here, the operation of the MM side display control unit F5 will be described in more detail. The MM side display control unit F5 displays the main display unit illustrated in FIG. 3 immediately after activation of the multimedia unit 10 or when a predetermined process (for example, a route guidance process) is not executed. A predetermined image corresponding to the menu screen is displayed as a steady display image. The steady display image here refers to an image to be displayed when a user does not perform an instruction operation for a certain period of time (a holding time described later).

When an instruction operation is performed by the user via the multimedia operation unit 14 or the steering switch 30, an image based on display output data output from the function provider is generated according to the instruction operation. And displayed on the center display 12. Hereinafter, an image displayed based on a user's instruction operation is also referred to as an operation-compatible image.

Here, when the type of display output data input based on the instruction operation by the user (that is, the type of image to be displayed) is a predetermined type, the MM side display control unit F5 The operation corresponding image displayed based on the display output data is adopted as the steady display image. The type of image adopted as the steady display image is an image that does not require a subsequent user instruction operation such as a surrounding map image, a route guidance image, a music reproduction image, and a moving image reproduction image. The route guidance image is an image displayed based on display output data output while the navigation processing unit F1 executes the route guidance processing, and is an image that guides the driving route to the driver. The music playback image is an image showing information about the music data being played back.

In addition, an image for setting a destination belonging to the navigation function, an image for selecting a music file to be played belonging to the audio function, and the like are images that require a subsequent user operation, and are displayed as steady display images. Shall not apply.

When a plurality of display output data corresponding to the steady display image are input, an image corresponding to each of the display output data is displayed on the center display 12 with a predetermined layout. Just do it. A method for displaying an image corresponding to each of a plurality of types of functions may be realized with the aid of a well-known method as disclosed in, for example, WO 2006/022191.

In addition, when the operation-corresponding image displayed based on the instruction operation by the user is a type of image that does not correspond to the steady display image, the MM side display control unit F5 displays the image for a certain time (referred to as a holding time). The display of the operation-compatible image is canceled. Here, the holding time may be a predesigned time, and is assumed to be 3 seconds as an example here. In addition, when the display of the operation corresponding image is canceled, the steady display image is displayed in a predetermined layout.

However, a new instruction operation (referred to as a subsequent instruction operation) related to the instruction operation (referred to as the previous instruction operation) that has triggered the display of the operation-compatible image within the holding time after the operation corresponding image is displayed. If it has been performed, the operation corresponding image resulting from the subsequent instruction operation is displayed in the area where the original operation corresponding image was displayed. That is, while the user continues to perform an instruction operation for the same function, the display of the image corresponding to the function is continued.

Note that the image displayed using the previous instruction operation as a trigger and the image displayed using the subsequent instruction operation as a trigger may be the same image. Further, in the present embodiment, when an instruction operation for the same function by the user is continuously executed, an image displayed as an operation corresponding image is sequentially updated to an image corresponding to each instruction operation. Not limited to this. While the user continues to perform the instruction operation for the same function, the same image may be continuously displayed.

Whether or not the user continues the instruction operation for the same function may be determined based on the elapsed time since the last instruction operation was input. For example, if the subsequent instruction operation is not performed within the holding time after the previous instruction operation is input, it may be determined that the user does not continue the instruction operation for the same function (that is, has been interrupted). .

Note that the new instruction operation related to the previous instruction operation includes an operation for performing the new instruction operation (preliminary operation). The preliminary operation includes a cursor movement, a screen scroll operation, an enlarged / reduced display operation of the operation mode image, a character input operation, and the like.

A flow of a series of processes performed by the MM side display control unit F5 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9. FIG. FIG. 7 is an example of a display screen of the center display 12 when the route guidance image Im1 is displayed. Here, it is assumed that the route guidance image Im1 is adopted as a steady display image.

In the state shown in FIG. 7, when the user selects and operates the button B2 for using the audio function, the MM-side display control unit F5 uses the display output data provided from the audio processing unit F2 as shown in FIG. The audio menu image Im2 shown in FIG. Note that the audio menu image Im2 is an image that does not correspond to the regular display image, and is an image that includes buttons B21 to B26 for selecting a desired subfunction among various subfunctions included in the audio processing unit F2. . In the present embodiment, as an example, an operation corresponding image that does not correspond to a steady display image is displayed as a pop-up on the steady display image.

If a new instruction operation is performed on the audio processing unit F2 within the holding time after the audio menu image Im2 is displayed, a new instruction operation is performed in the area displaying the audio menu image Im2. The operation corresponding image Im3 corresponding to is displayed. That is, the display content in the pop-up window is changed while maintaining the display of the pop-up window.

On the other hand, if a new instruction operation is not performed on the audio processing unit F2 within a certain time after the audio menu image Im2 is displayed, the pop-up window corresponding to the audio function is terminated, and FIG. Return to the display screen shown in.

Note that the case where the instruction operation is received as described above is not only the case where the user performs an instruction operation via the multimedia operation unit 14, but also because the instruction operation via the steering switch 30 is performed by the driver. This is also the case. That is, even when meter-side operation information is input from the meter unit 20, the same operation as when the MM-side operation reception unit F6 receives an instruction operation by the user is performed.

(About operation of meter side display control part G1)
Next, the operation of the meter side display control unit G1 will be described. The meter-side display control unit G1 also displays an image corresponding to an instruction operation by the user (that is, an operation-corresponding image) on the meter display 23 as described above.

Also, the meter-side display control unit G1 sets and displays a steady display image on the meter display 23 as appropriate, similarly to the MM-side display control unit F5. For example, immediately after the meter unit 20 is activated, a preset image is displayed as a steady display image. Thereafter, when a predetermined type of operation-corresponding image is displayed, the operation-corresponding image is adopted as a steady display image.

The steady display image for the meter side display control unit G1 is an image that is displayed when an instruction operation is not performed by the user for a predetermined holding time, similarly to the steady display image for the MM side display control unit F5. . Note that the holding time of the meter-side display control unit G1 may be different from the holding time for the MM-side display control unit F5 (for example, 4 seconds).

Incidentally, the meter display 23 is disposed in the driver's field of view, and is conventionally a display disposed in an area for displaying vehicle information. Accordingly, the type of image corresponding to the steady display image on the meter display 23 is preferably an image of a type that supports the driving operation of the driver, such as an image that guides the travel route. The image that is displayed as a steady display image in the initial state is an image that represents information on the vehicle's shift position, azimuth angle, outside air temperature, vehicle interior temperature, and the like, and information on the environment outside and inside the vehicle interior. And it is sufficient. The steady display image may be changed based on a user operation.

Here, the operation of the multimedia unit 10 and the meter unit 20 when the multimedia operation unit 14 is operated by the user will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, as an example, it is assumed that the display screen of the center display 12 displays the route guidance image Im1 shown in FIG. 7 as a steady display image. That is, the navigation processing unit F1 is executing the route guidance process based on an instruction operation by the user, and the display output data corresponding to the route guidance process is being output.

When the MM side display control unit F5 displays the route guidance image Im1 on the center display 12, the meter side display control unit G1 also displays a simple route guidance image Im1a corresponding to the route guidance image Im1. This simple route guidance image Im1a is an image for guiding the driving route to the driver.

In the present embodiment, images displayed on the meter display 23 and the center display 12 are images having different display modes as images corresponding to the route guidance processing, but the present invention is not limited to this. As another aspect, the same image (for example, route guidance image Im1) may be displayed on each of the meter display 23 and the center display 12.

In the state shown in FIG. 7, when the user (for example, a passenger in the passenger seat) touches the button B2 for using the audio function, the multimedia unit 10 indicates that the button B2 has been operated. The side operation information is transmitted to the meter unit 20.

When the meter-side display control unit G1 acquires the MM-side operation information, the meter-side display control unit G1 generates an image corresponding to the user operation received by the MM-side operation reception unit based on the MM-side operation information, and displays the image on the meter display 23. The user operation accepted by the MM side operation accepting unit here is an operation for using the audio function. That is, the meter-side display control unit G1 also displays an audio menu image Im2a that is an image including buttons B21 to B26 for selecting a desired sub-function among various sub-functions included in the audio processing unit F2. (See FIG. 11). The audio menu image Im2a is an image corresponding to the aforementioned audio menu image Im2 (FIG. 8).

Since the audio menu image Im2a is not a steady display image, the meter-side display control unit G1 has not received a new operation instruction belonging to the audio function within the holding time after displaying the audio menu image Im2a. The display of this image is canceled. In that case, the display screen of the meter display 23 returns to the screen shown in FIG.

Further, when a new operation instruction belonging to the audio function is issued within the holding time after the audio menu image Im2a is displayed, an image relating to the audio function is continuously displayed. That is, the display of the image related to the audio function is continued.

(Summary of embodiment)
According to the above configuration, an image corresponding to an operation performed by the user on the multimedia operation unit 14 is displayed not only on the center display 12 but also on the meter display 23. For example, when the passenger on the passenger seat performs an operation of selecting the button B2 for using the audio function on the multimedia operation unit 14, the audio menu image Im2a is displayed on the meter display 23.

The driver recognizes that the audio menu image Im2a is displayed on the meter display 23, and paradoxically recognizes that the passenger in the passenger seat has performed an operation for using the audio function. Can do.

Also, for an operation corresponding image that is not designated as a steady display image, if the subsequent instruction operation is not performed before the predetermined holding time elapses after the display, the display ends. Therefore, the image corresponding to the interrupted operation is not displayed indefinitely, and the visibility of the steady display image can be improved. In the meter display 23, the visibility of vehicle information and the like can be improved.

Further, when a subsequent instruction operation is performed via the multimedia operation unit 14 after the operation-supporting image is displayed and a predetermined holding time elapses, an image of the function operated by the user on the meter display 23 Continue to display. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the image regarding the function being operated from being displayed on the meter display 23 even when the operation is being continued.

Furthermore, if the display of all the operation-corresponding images is canceled after a lapse of a certain time after the images are displayed, the images corresponding to the route guidance process will not be displayed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, an image (that is, a steady display image) that continues to be displayed even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of display is set in advance, and the operation-corresponding image displayed based on the instruction operation by the user is steady. When it corresponds to the display image, the display of the image is continued. By setting it as such an aspect, a user's convenience can be improved.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this indication was described, this indication is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and the following modification is also included in the technical scope of this indication, and also a summary other than the following is given. Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope.

(Modification 1)
In the above, when the type of image to be adopted as the steady display image is determined in advance, and the operation corresponding image displayed using the user's instruction operation as a trigger corresponds to the steady display image, the operation corresponding image is displayed as a steady display. The aspect employ | adopted as an image was illustrated. In other words, when the operation corresponding image displayed using the instruction operation by the user as a trigger is an image of a predetermined type, the display is continued even after the holding time has elapsed, and the operation corresponding image belonging to another function is displayed. The mode employ | adopted as an image displayed when canceling | released was illustrated.

However, the operation of each display control unit is not limited to this. For example, as long as the subsequent operation is not performed within the holding time after displaying all the operation-corresponding images, the display may be canceled after the holding time has elapsed since the display. The image displayed after the display of the operation-compatible image may be an image of a type designated by the user before the operation-compatible image is displayed.

(Modification 2)
In the above-described embodiment, the display mode of the operation corresponding image on the center display 12 has been illustrated as being superimposed on the steady display image, but is not limited thereto. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the MM side display control unit F5 may display an operation corresponding image corresponding to an instruction operation by the user side by side on another image (that is, a steady display image). The layout of the display screen of the center display 12 (the arrangement and display size of each image) may be determined according to the combination of the types of images to be displayed. 12 is a screen corresponding to FIG. 8 and is displayed when the button B2 is selected in the situation where FIG. 7 is displayed.

(Modification 3)
In general, the in-vehicle device incorporates a function (that is, a travel forcing function) that prohibits execution of a predetermined process when the vehicle is traveling. The multimedia control unit 11 in the third modification also has a travel forcing function that prohibits execution of some of the processes provided by various function providers when the vehicle is traveling. The configuration and operation of the multimedia control unit 11 in such an aspect will be described.

In the third modification, a storage area such as a ROM of the multimedia control unit 11 stores a list of processes to be subjected to the travel forcing function, an instruction operation (button ID, etc.) for executing the process, and an image ID. It is assumed that The image ID here is an identification number unique to each image generated by the MM side display control unit F5 based on display output data from each function provider.

The MM side operation accepting unit F6 can determine whether or not the user's instruction operation is an instruction operation that is a target of the travel forcing function by referring to the list. Further, the MM-side display control unit F5 can determine whether the operation-corresponding image currently displayed temporarily is an image corresponding to the instruction operation that is the target of the travel forcing function.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the multimedia control unit 11 in the third modification includes a traveling state determination unit F9 in addition to the above-described various functional blocks (F1 to F8). The traveling state determination unit F9 determines whether or not the vehicle is traveling based on the detection result of an in-vehicle sensor (not shown).

When the traveling state determination unit F9 determines that the vehicle is stopped, when the shift position is the parking position or when the parking brake is on, the vehicle speed is 0 km / h (or a predetermined value). Or less). Further, when the traveling state determination unit F9 determines that the vehicle is traveling, the vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined threshold (for example, 0 km / h), or the shift position is other than the parking position. For example, the position may be set. Alternatively, it may be determined that the vehicle is traveling when the steering angle is changing.

The traveling state determination unit F9 may determine whether the vehicle is traveling by appropriately combining the conditions exemplified here. Further, it may be determined whether or not the vehicle is traveling by a known method other than those exemplified here. The traveling state determination unit F9 detects that the vehicle has started to travel based on the transition from the stopped state to the traveling state. This traveling state determination unit F9 corresponds to the traveling determination unit of the present disclosure.

When the driving state determination unit F9 detects that the vehicle has started to travel, when the operation-corresponding image corresponding to the instruction operation targeted for the traveling forcing function is displayed on the center display 12, The MM side display control unit F5 cancels the display of the image even before the holding time has elapsed.

In addition, not only when the operation corresponding image corresponding to the instruction operation targeted for the travel forcing function is displayed, the subsequent instruction operation that can be input by the user in the currently displayed operation corresponding image is the Even in the case of the target, the display of the operation corresponding image may be canceled.

(Modification 4)
In the above-described third modification, the aspect in which the display state of the operation corresponding image corresponding to the instruction operation that is the target of the travel forcing function is exemplified in the multimedia unit 10, but the meter unit 20 performs the same processing. You may let them.

In other words, the meter control unit 21 also has a function corresponding to the traveling state determination unit F9, and an operation corresponding to the instruction operation that is the target of the traveling forcing function when it is detected that the vehicle has started traveling by the function. When the corresponding image is displayed on the meter display 23, the meter-side display control unit G1 cancels the display of the image even before the holding time has elapsed. According to such an aspect, the visibility of vehicle information and the like can be improved.

(Modification 5)
In the above, an image whose display is canceled as the holding time elapses may be temporarily saved in a RAM or the like and redisplayed based on a user operation. According to such an aspect, the user can continue the instruction operation subsequent to the operation corresponding image that is once not displayed.

For example, for an image whose display is canceled as the holding time elapses, an icon image for calling the image is displayed at the corner of each display. Then, when the icon image is selected by the user, the operation corresponding image corresponding to the selected icon image may be displayed again. This modification 5 may be realized with the aid of the technique of Patent Document 1, for example.

(Modification 6)
In the above-described embodiment, the multimedia control unit 11 exemplifies a mode in which an instruction operation by a user with respect to various function providers is received via the multimedia operation unit 14 and the steering switch 30 mounted on the vehicle. Not exclusively. For example, the multimedia control unit 11 may accept an instruction operation by a user for various function providers via an external operation device such as the mobile terminal 40. That is, the user may execute instructions for various function providers using an input device or a voice recognition function provided in the mobile terminal 40.

For the instruction operation by the user via such an external operation device, the same processing as the instruction operation by the user via the multimedia operation unit 14 may be performed.

Claims (9)

1. A first input device (14) provided at a position operated by a non-driving occupant who is an occupant other than the driver;
   A first operation for accepting an instruction operation by an occupant to a device (10, 40) that provides a function that can be used by an occupant in a passenger compartment via the first input device, and causing the device to execute a process corresponding to the instruction operation. Reception part (F6),
   A first display control unit (G1) for controlling the display content of the first display (23) installed in the field of view of the driver facing the front direction of the vehicle,
   When the first operation receiving unit receives the instruction operation, the first display control unit displays an operation corresponding image that is an image corresponding to a process performed by the device according to the instruction operation or being executed. A vehicle display control device for displaying on the first display.
2. In claim 1,
   The first display control unit is a vehicle display control device that cancels the display of the operation corresponding image when a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation corresponding image was displayed.
3. In claim 2,
   The instruction operation that triggered the display of the operation-compatible image is the previous instruction operation,
   When the new instruction operation related to the previous instruction operation is a subsequent instruction operation,
   The first display control unit performs a new instruction operation related to the instruction operation that has triggered display of the operation-compatible image within a predetermined time after the operation-compatible image is displayed. If the reception is accepted,
   The operation corresponding image corresponding to the subsequent instruction operation is continued in the area where the operation corresponding image corresponding to the previous instruction operation is displayed or the operation corresponding image corresponding to the previous instruction operation is displayed. Display control device for vehicles.
4. In claim 3,
   The first display control unit is a vehicle display control device that displays a predetermined steady display image when the display of the operation-compatible image is canceled.
5. In claim 4,
   The steady display image is a preset image immediately after the start of the vehicle display control device,
   When the operation corresponding image displayed based on the instruction operation is an image of a predetermined type, the first display control unit adopts the operation corresponding image as the steady display image. apparatus.
6. In any one of Claim 2 to 5,
   A second input device (30) provided at a position operable by the driver;
   A second operation accepting unit (G2) that accepts the instruction operation by the driver for the device via the second input device, and causes the device to execute a process corresponding to the instruction operation;
   A second display control unit (F5) for controlling an image displayed on the second display (12) installed at a position where the non-driving occupant can visually recognize,
   The second display controller is
   When the first operation accepting unit or the second operation accepting unit accepts the instruction operation, the operation corresponding image corresponding to the instruction operation is displayed on the second display,
   A new instruction operation related to the instruction operation that has triggered the display of the operation corresponding image within a certain time after the operation corresponding image is displayed is received by the first operation reception unit or the second operation reception. When the unit accepts the operation corresponding image corresponding to the newly accepted instruction operation,
   Within a certain time after displaying the operation-corresponding image, a new instruction operation related to the instruction operation that triggered the display of the operation-corresponding image is received by the first operation accepting unit and the second operation accepting. A vehicle display control device that cancels display of the operation-compatible image when none of the units accepts the operation.
7. In claim 6,
   When the instruction operation that triggered the display of the operation-compatible image is the previous instruction operation, and the new instruction operation related to the previous instruction operation is the subsequent instruction operation,
   The first display control unit includes:
   Even when the second operation accepting unit accepts the instruction operation, the operation corresponding image corresponding to the instruction operation is displayed on the first display,
   A new instruction operation related to the instruction operation that triggers the display of the operation corresponding image within a certain time after the operation corresponding image is displayed is received by the first operation reception unit or the second operation reception. When the department accepts
   The operation corresponding image corresponding to the subsequent instruction operation is continued in the area where the operation corresponding image corresponding to the previous instruction operation is displayed or the operation corresponding image corresponding to the previous instruction operation is displayed. Display control device for vehicles.
8. In claim 6 or 7,
   A travel determination unit (F9) for determining whether or not the vehicle is traveling;
   The second display control unit is the case where the operation-corresponding image is temporarily displayed on the second display, and the instruction operation that triggered the display of the operation-corresponding image, or the instruction When the instruction operation following the operation is an instruction operation prohibited from being performed while the vehicle is traveling, the travel determination unit detects that the vehicle has started to travel from a stopped state The display control apparatus for vehicles which cancels | releases the display of the said operation corresponding | compatible image on the said 2nd display.
9. In any one of Claims 6 to 8,
   A multimedia unit (10) comprising: the first input device; the first operation receiving unit; and the second display control unit;
   A meter unit (20) comprising the first display control unit, the second input device, and the second operation receiving unit;
   The multimedia unit further transmits multimedia side operation information indicating the instruction operation received by the first operation receiving unit to the meter unit, and acquires information transmitted from the meter unit. Side communication unit (F8),
   The meter unit transmits meter-side operation information indicating the instruction operation received by the second operation reception unit to the multimedia unit, and acquires the multimedia-side operation information transmitted from the multimedia unit. Meter side communication unit (G3)
   The second display control unit specifies the instruction operation received by the second operation reception unit based on the meter-side operation information, and displays the operation corresponding image corresponding to the specified instruction operation on the second display. Displayed on the
   The first display control unit specifies the instruction operation received by the first operation reception unit based on the multimedia-side operation information, and displays the operation corresponding image corresponding to the specified instruction operation. A vehicle display control device for displaying on a display.
   
   

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