Vehicle display control device, vehicle display method, and vehicle display program

Abstract

To obtain a vehicle display control device which can inhibit mistaking a type of a switch without needing move of a sight line widely, and to obtain a vehicle display method and a vehicle display program.SOLUTION: A vehicle display control device 10 displays multiple icons, which correspond to a steering switch group including touch sensor type first switches and a non-touch sensor type second switch, on a display part provided forward of a driver seat. When a touch operation to the first switch is detected, first icons corresponding to the first switch and a second icon corresponding to the second switch are displayed on the display part. On the other hand, when a non-touch operation to the second switch is detected, the first icons and the second icon are not displayed on the display part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle display control device, a vehicle display method, and a vehicle display program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an operating device with multiple switches on the steering wheel. In this operating device, functions assigned to the multiple switches are displayed as images on the front window using a head-up display. In addition, this operating device is provided with a touch switch (cross switch) that detects touch operations adjacent to a push switch that detects push operations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-057540 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] By displaying the functions assigned to multiple switches as images on the windshield, as in the operating device described in Patent Document 1, the occupant can easily operate any switch while looking forward. However, by simply looking at the image displayed on the windshield, it is not possible to recognize that the types of switches are different between the image corresponding to a push switch and the image corresponding to a touch switch. This may lead to the occupant mistaking the type of switch for an incorrect input operation, which may cause the occupant to feel uncomfortable that the intended operation is not being accepted.

[0005] In consideration of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a display control device, a display method, and a program for a vehicle that can suppress misidentification of switch types without requiring a driver to move his or her line of sight significantly while driving. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle display control device described in claim 1 is a vehicle display control device that displays a plurality of icons corresponding to a steering switch group having a first touch sensor switch and a second non-touch sensor switch on a display unit provided in front of the driver's seat, the plurality of icons including a first icon corresponding to the first switch and a second icon corresponding to the second switch, and has a display control unit that displays both the first icon and the second icon when a touch operation on the first switch is detected, and hides both the first icon and the second icon when a non-touch operation on the second switch is detected.

[0007] In the vehicle display control device described in claim 1, a plurality of icons corresponding to a steering wheel switch group including a first touch sensor switch and a second non-touch sensor switch are displayed on a display unit provided in front of the driver's seat. This allows a passenger to operate any switch while looking at the display unit without looking at the steering wheel switch group.

[0008] The plurality of icons include a first icon corresponding to the first switch and a second icon corresponding to the second switch. When a touch operation to the first switch is detected, both the first icon and the second icon are displayed on the display unit. As a result, in the case of a touch sensor type first switch in which it is difficult to obtain an operational feeling from the touch, the first icon displayed on the display unit can be visually grasped to improve operability and the type of the switch can be understood. In addition, when the occupant touches the first switch, the presence of the second switch can be easily grasped by the display of the second icon. This allows smooth movement from the first switch to the second switch.

[0009] On the other hand, when a non-touch operation of the second switch is detected, both the first icon and the second icon are hidden on the display unit. This reduces the amount of information available from the display unit when the non-touch sensor type second switch is operated, making it easier for the occupant to rely on information obtained through touch using the operating finger, etc. As a result, the tactile sensation of the surface of the non-touch sensor type second switch is made easier to feel, improving operability and allowing the occupant to understand the switch type.

[0010] In this manner, the vehicle display control device can suppress misidentification of switch types without causing the driver to move his or her line of sight significantly while driving.

[0011] The vehicle display control device described in claim 2 has the configuration described in claim 1, and when a touch operation on a first switch is detected, the display control unit displays the first icon corresponding to the first switch in a more emphasized manner than the second icon, and displays operation information related to an in-vehicle device assigned to the first switch.

[0012] In the vehicle display control device according to claim 2, when a touch operation on the first switch is detected, the first icon is displayed more emphasized than the second icon, and operation information related to the in-vehicle device assigned to the first switch is displayed. As a result, even when both the first icon and the second icon are displayed on the display unit, it is possible to intuitively know that an operation is being performed on the first switch by the highlighting of the first icon, and further to know the assigned in-vehicle device by looking at the operation information.

[0013] In addition, the term "in-vehicle equipment" as used here is a concept that includes, for example, devices such as air conditioners, audio, car navigation systems, and voice input devices, as well as driving support devices such as ACC (adaptive cruise control) and LTA (lane tracing assist).

[0014] The vehicle display control device described in claim 3 is configured as described in claim 1 or claim 2, and when a touch operation in which an occupant's operating finger slides on the surface of the first switch in the direction in which the second switch is located is detected, the display control unit hides the first icon and the second icon and displays operation information related to an in-vehicle device assigned to the second switch.

[0015] In the vehicle display control device described in claim 3, when it is detected that the occupant's operating finger slides on the surface of the first switch in the direction of the second switch, the first icon and the second icon are hidden and operation information related to the in-vehicle device assigned to the second switch is displayed. This makes it possible to predict the operation of the second switch and present the operation information of the second switch to the occupant in advance.

[0016] The vehicle display control device described in claim 4 has the configuration described in claim 1, wherein the first switch is configured to be able to change the in-vehicle device assigned to the first switch by switching the hierarchy displayed on the display unit, and the display control unit displays both the first icon and the second icon when an in-vehicle device related to the in-vehicle device assigned to the second switch is assigned to the first switch and a touch operation on the first switch is detected, and displays the first icon and hides the second icon when an in-vehicle device not related to the in-vehicle device assigned to the second switch is assigned to the first switch and a touch operation on the first switch is detected.

[0017] In the vehicle display control device according to claim 4, the in-vehicle device assigned to the first switch can be changed by switching the hierarchy displayed on the display unit. When the in-vehicle device assigned to the first switch is related to the in-vehicle device assigned to the second switch, both the first icon and the second icon are displayed on the display unit. This makes it possible to display the icon corresponding to the second switch when there is a high possibility that the second switch will be operated after the first switch is operated.

[0018] On the other hand, when the in-vehicle device assigned to the first switch is not related to the in-vehicle device assigned to the second switch, the first icon is displayed on the display unit and the second icon is hidden. In this way, when the second switch is unlikely to be operated after the first switch is operated, the display content can be made easier to understand by hiding the display of the icon with the lower priority.

[0019] The vehicle display method described in claim 5 is a display method for displaying, on a display unit provided in front of a driver's seat, a plurality of icons corresponding to a steering switch group having a first touch sensor switch and a second non-touch sensor switch, the plurality of icons including a first icon corresponding to the first switch and a second icon corresponding to the second switch, and when a touch operation on the first switch is detected, both the first icon and the second icon are displayed, and when a non-touch operation on the second switch is detected, both the first icon and the second icon are hidden.

[0020] The vehicle display program described in claim 6 is a program for displaying, on a display unit provided in front of a driver's seat, a plurality of icons corresponding to a steering switch group having a first touch sensor switch and a second non-touch sensor switch, the plurality of icons including a first icon corresponding to the first switch and a second icon corresponding to the second switch, and causing a computer to execute a process of displaying both the first icon and the second icon when a touch operation on the first switch is detected, and hiding both the first icon and the second icon when a non-touch operation on the second switch is detected. Effect of the Invention

[0021] As described above, the vehicle display control device, vehicle display method, and vehicle display program of the present invention have the excellent effect of preventing misidentification of switch types without requiring significant movement of the line of sight while driving. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a front passenger compartment of a vehicle to which a vehicle display control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. [Diagram 2] 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of the steering wheel in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a display unit in this embodiment, showing the first hierarchical level of left switches and the first hierarchical level of right switches. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows an example of a display on a display unit in this embodiment, where (A) shows the first hierarchical level of left-side switches, and (B) shows the second hierarchical level of left-side switches. [Diagram 5] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a touch operation in which an operating finger is slid over the surface of the left switch. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing examples of display on the display unit before and after the touch operation illustrated in FIG. 5, in which (A) shows an example of display before the touch operation, and (B) shows an example of display after the touch operation. [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a vehicle display control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a vehicle display control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of a display process performed by the vehicle display control device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, a vehicle display control device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 9. As shown in Fig. 1, an instrument panel 14 is provided at the front of the vehicle interior of a vehicle 12 to which the vehicle display control device 10 of this embodiment is applied. A windshield glass 16 is provided at the front end of the instrument panel 14, and this windshield glass 16 extends in the vertical direction and the width direction of the vehicle to separate the inside and outside of the vehicle interior.

[0024] A display screen 17 is provided on the windshield glass 16. The display screen 17 is a projection surface on which an image is projected from the head-up display 15 (see FIG. 7) onto a partial area of ​​the windshield glass 16, and is provided in an area of ​​the windshield glass 16 on the front side of the driver's seat.

[0025] Further, a meter display 19 is provided on the driver's seat side (right side of the vehicle) of the instrument panel 14. The meter display 19 is capable of displaying information related to the traveling of the vehicle 12, such as vehicle speed, engine RPM, and mileage, as well as information related to the state of the vehicle 12, such as the operation status of warning lights and other lights. The meter display 19 is provided on the front side of the driver's seat and above the steering wheel 18, which will be described later.

[0026] A steering wheel 18 is provided below the meter display 19 on the instrument panel 14 via a steering column (not shown). The steering wheel 18 has a pair of rim portions 18A provided on the left and right in the vehicle width direction. Each of the pair of rim portions 18A is formed in an arc shape that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction, and is provided to protrude to the left and right. An occupant in the driver's seat steers the steering wheel 18 by gripping the pair of rim portions 18A with the left and right hands.

[0027] A hub portion 18B constituting the center is provided between the pair of rim portions 18A, and the rim portion 18A and the hub portion 18B are connected by a plurality of spoke portions 18C (two in this embodiment).

[0028] The spoke parts 18C are provided in two locations, between the right rim part 18A and the hub part 18B, and between the left rim part 18A and the hub part 18B. Here, a right switch 20R is provided on the spoke part 18C between the right rim part 18A and the hub part 18B. Furthermore, a left switch 20L is provided on the spoke part 18C between the left rim part 18A and the hub part 18B. The right switch 20R and the left switch 20L will be described in detail later.

[0029] The right switch 20R and the left switch 20L each constitute a steering switch group including a plurality of switches. In this embodiment, when the vehicle display control device 10 detects the operation of the right switch 20R or the left switch 20L, a plurality of icons corresponding to each switch are displayed on a display unit provided in front of the driver's seat.

[0030] As an example of this display unit, the display screen 17 of the windshield glass 16 or the meter display 19 of the instrument panel 14 can be used. The display unit of this embodiment is the meter display 19, for example.

[0031] (Hardware configuration) Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the vehicle display control device 10. As shown in Fig. 7, the vehicle display control device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit: processor) 26, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 28, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 30, a storage 32, a communication interface 34, and an input / output interface 36. Each component is connected to each other via a bus 38 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0032] The CPU 26 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU 26 reads the programs from the ROM 28 or the storage 32, and executes the programs using the RAM 30 as a working area. The CPU 26 controls each of the above components and performs various calculation processes according to the programs recorded in the ROM 28 or the storage 32.

[0033] The ROM 28 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 30 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 32 is configured with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs including an operating system and various data.

[0034] The communication interface 34 is an interface for the ECU 24 to communicate with a server and other devices, and uses standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI, and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0035] The input / output interface 36 is connected to the HUD (head-up display) 19, in-vehicle equipment 39, right switch 20R, and left switch 20L. Specifically, the input / output interface 36 is connected to the HUD 19 that projects an image onto the display screen 17, and receives a signal from the CPU 26, causing the image to be projected from the HUD 19 onto the display screen 17. The in-vehicle equipment 39 is a general term that includes devices such as an air conditioner, audio, a car navigation system, and a voice input device, as well as driving support devices such as an ACC (active cruise control) and an LTA (lane tracing assist).

[0036] (Steering switch group) The right switch 20R is composed of multiple touch switches of a touch sensor type. Specifically, the right switch 20R includes a right center switch 40 disposed in the center, a right upper switch 42 disposed on the upper right side, a left upper switch 44 disposed on the upper left side, and a right lower switch 46 disposed on the lower part.

[0037] The right switch 20R also includes a right touch sensor 48 that detects touch operations on the switches of the right switch 20R. The right touch sensor 48 is, for example, a capacitive electrostatic sensor, and can detect contact of an operating finger with the surface of the right switch 20R.

[0038] 2, the right-side center switch 40 has a substantially rectangular operation surface, with the upper, lower, right, and left areas being an upper switch 40A, a lower switch 40B, a right switch 40C, and a left switch 40D, respectively. These sensor switches are mainly used to operate driving support devices, such as the meter displays of various in-vehicle devices.

[0039] It should be noted that different functions are assigned to the up switch 40A, the down switch 40B, the right switch 40C, and the left switch 40D when the images (icons or characters representing each switch) displayed on the meter display 19 are switched.

[0040] The right upper switch 42 is disposed to the upper right of the right center switch 40, and has a substantially rectangular operation surface that is approximately half the width of the operation surface of the right center switch 40. The right upper switch 42 is assigned the function of activating the ACC.

[0041] The left upper switch 44 is disposed at the upper left of the right center switch 40, and has a substantially rectangular operation surface that is approximately half the width of the operation surface of the right center switch 40. The left upper switch 44 is assigned the function of activating the LTA.

[0042] In this embodiment, an inverted T-shaped discrimination protrusion 49 is provided on the surface of the right switch 20R to separate the right center switch 40, the right upper switch 42, and the left upper switch 44. The occupant can operate any switch by feeling the sensation of their fingertip passing over the discrimination protrusion 49 on the surface of the right switch 20R without visually checking the operating surface of the steering switch.

[0043] The right lower switch 46 is disposed below the right center switch 40, and has a substantially rectangular operation surface having a width equal to that of the operation surface of the right center switch 40. The right lower switch 46 is assigned a function of switching the image (icon or character) corresponding to the right switch 20R displayed on the meter display 19. In other words, it switches the hierarchical level displayed on the meter display 19.

[0044] 7, the left switch 20L is composed of a plurality of touch switches and non-touch switches. Specifically, the left switch 20L includes a left center switch 50 located in the center, a thumbwheel switch 52 located at the top, and a left lower switch 54 located at the bottom.

[0045] The left switch 20L also includes a left touch sensor 56 that detects touch operations on the touch sensor type left center switch 50 and left lower switch 54. The left touch sensor 56 is, for example, a capacitance type electrostatic sensor, and can detect contact of an operating finger with the surfaces of the left center switch 50 and left lower switch 54.

[0046] 2, the left center switch 50 is configured as a touch sensor type touch switch. The left center switch 50 has a substantially rectangular operation surface, with the upper, lower, right, and left areas being an upper switch 50A, a lower switch 50B, a right switch 50C, and a left switch 50D, respectively. Different functions are assigned to the upper switch 50A, the lower switch 50B, the right switch 50C, and the left switch 50D depending on the hierarchy displayed on the meter display 19.

[0047] The thumbwheel switch 52 is disposed above the left center switch 50 and is configured as a non-touch sensor type switch. The thumbwheel switch 52 is a rotary switch configured with a known thumbwheel mechanism, and includes a thumbwheel 52B that is provided so as to be rotatable through an opening in a switch bezel 52A provided in the spoke portion 18C. The thumbwheel switch 52 performs input operations to in-vehicle devices assigned to the switch by outputting signals according to the direction and amount of rotation of the thumbwheel 52B. In this embodiment, the function of adjusting the audio volume is assigned to the thumbwheel switch 52.

[0048] The left lower switch 54 is configured as a touch sensor switch. The left lower switch 54 is disposed below the left center switch 50, and has a substantially rectangular operation surface having a width equal to that of the operation surface of the left center switch 50. The left lower switch 54 is assigned a function of switching the hierarchical level of the image displayed on the meter display 19 and corresponding to the left switch 20.

[0049] (Functional configuration) The vehicular display control device 10 realizes various functions using the hardware resources shown in Fig. 7. The functional configuration realized by the vehicular display control device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 8.

[0050] 8, the vehicular display control device 10 includes, as functional components, a communication unit 80, an operation detection unit 82, an operation acceptance determination unit 84, and a display control unit 88. Each functional component is realized by the CPU 26 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 28 or the storage 32.

[0051] The communication unit 80 communicates with the server and devices outside the vehicle through the communication interface 34 .

[0052] The operation detection unit 82 detects operations on the right switch 20R and the left switch 20L. Specifically, when one of the touch sensor switches of the right switch 20R and the left switch 20L is touched, the operation detection unit 82 detects an input to the in-vehicle device 39 corresponding to the operated switch. In addition, when the thumb wheel switch 52 (non-touch switch) of the left switch 20L is operated, the operation detection unit 82 detects an input to the in-vehicle device 39 corresponding to the thumb wheel switch 52.

[0053] The operation detection unit 82 detects a "preparatory operation" and an "execution operation" for touch operations performed on a touch sensor switch. A "preparatory operation" is a touch operation performed immediately before an input operation to the in-vehicle device 39 is performed. For example, the first touch operation detected after a time period equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold has elapsed since one of the touch sensor switches was last operated may be detected as the "preparatory operation". A touch operation in which the capacitance detected by the touch sensor is less than a predetermined threshold may be detected as the "preparatory operation". A touch operation in which an operating finger is slid across the operating surface of a touch sensor switch may be detected as the "preparatory operation".

[0054] Moreover, the "execution action" refers to a touch operation as an input operation to the in-vehicle device 39. For example, a "tap operation" of tapping the operation surface of a switch, or a "long press operation" of pressing the operation surface for a long time with a fingertip, may be regarded as an "execution action" and detected as being distinct from a "preparation action."

[0055] The acceptance determination unit 84 determines whether or not an input to the in-vehicle device 39 is operable when the function of the operation detection unit 82 detects the input. That is, the right center switch 40 and the left center switch 50 are assigned different functions depending on the hierarchy displayed on the meter display 19, and therefore are switched to an inoperable state in some hierarchies. Then, the acceptance determination unit 84 determines whether or not each of the right center switch 40 and the left center switch 50 is in an inoperable state in which input cannot be accepted.

[0056] When a tap operation is detected by the function of the operation detection unit 82, the display control unit 88 displays on the meter display 19 images (icons or characters) corresponding to the right switch 20R and the left switch 20L.

[0057] (Explanation of display information) Here, an example of display information displayed on the meter display 19 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 6(B). Fig. 3 shows an image of a first-level menu screen corresponding to the right switch 20R and an image of a first-level menu screen corresponding to the left switch 20L. This menu screen is configured to display a plurality of icons corresponding to the right switch 20R and the left switch 20L. The display of the plurality of icons corresponds to the arrangement of the steering switch group. Also, some of the plurality of icons are displayed to imitate the appearance of the right switch 20R and the left switch 20L.

[0058] 3, a right center frame portion 60 is displayed on the right side of the meter display 19. The right center frame portion 60 is an icon with an image imitating the right center switch 40. Icons M1 to M4 are displayed in the upper, lower, right, and left areas of the right center frame portion 60, and the icons M1 to M4 correspond to the upper switch 40A, the lower switch 40B, the right switch 40C, and the left switch 40D of the right center switch 40.

[0059] In this embodiment, the icons M1 and M2 are icons that display an image imitating a display with the letter "i" displayed adjacent to an image of an arrow indicating the up and down directions. The icons M1 and M2 correspond to a function for setting details of the contents to be displayed on the meter display 19 and the display screen 17.

[0060] The icons M3 and M4 are icons that display an image imitating the character string "DISP" adjacent to an image of an arrow indicating the left and right directions. The icons M3 and M4 correspond to a function of switching various meter displays that are set to be displayable on the meter display 19 and the display screen 17.

[0061] A right upper frame portion 62 is displayed at the upper right of the right center frame portion 60. The right upper frame portion 62 is an icon that resembles the right upper switch 42. An icon M5 that resembles a vehicle and a meter is displayed superimposed on this right upper frame portion 62. The icon M5 corresponds to the ACC function.

[0062] A left upper frame portion 64 is displayed in the upper left of the right center frame portion 60. The left upper frame portion 64 is an icon that resembles the left upper switch 44. An icon M6 that resembles a vehicle and a lane is displayed superimposed on this left upper frame portion 64. The icon M6 corresponds to the function of the LTA.

[0063] The right center frame portion 60, the right upper frame portion 62, and the left upper frame portion 64 are displayed in an island shape with intervals corresponding to the shape of the discrimination protrusion 49.

[0064] A right lower frame 66 is displayed below the right center frame 60. The right lower frame 66 is an icon that resembles the right lower switch 46. An icon M7 that resembles a shape of overlapping rectangles is displayed superimposed on this right lower frame 66. The icon M7 corresponds to a function for changing the hierarchy of the image (icon or text) that corresponds to the right switch 20R. That is, by switching the display, the in-vehicle device assigned to the right switch 20R is changed.

[0065] Meanwhile, a left center frame portion 70 is displayed on the left side of the meter display 19. The left center frame portion 70 is an icon having an image imitating the left center switch 50. The display of this left center frame portion 70 can be switched between the first hierarchical level and the second hierarchical level by operating the left lower switch 54.

[0066] As shown in Figure 3, in the first hierarchical layer of the left center frame portion 70, icons M8 to M11 are displayed in the upper, lower, right and left areas of the left center frame portion 70, and the icons M8 to M11 correspond to the upper switch 50A, the lower switch 50B, the right switch 50C and the left switch 50D of the left center switch 50.

[0067] The icons M8 to M9 displayed on the first hierarchical level are mainly assigned to operations for the vehicle's air conditioner.

[0068] Icons M8 and M9 have the word "TEMP" displayed adjacent to an image of an arrow indicating up and down, and correspond to a function for changing the temperature of the air conditioner. Icon M10 is shaped to resemble an occupant and the direction of airflow, and corresponds to a function for changing the direction of airflow of the air conditioner. Icon M11 is shaped to resemble a vehicle, and corresponds to the function for recirculating internal air.

[0069] A left lower frame 72 is displayed below the left center frame 70. The left lower frame 72 is an icon that resembles the left lower switch 54. An icon M12 that resembles a shape of two overlapping rectangles is displayed superimposed on the left lower frame 72. The icon M12 corresponds to a function for changing the hierarchy of the image (icon or text) that corresponds to the left switch 20L. That is, by switching the display, the in-vehicle device assigned to the left switch 20L is changed.

[0070] 4(A) shows the first hierarchical level of the display of the meter display 19 corresponding to the left switch 20L. When the occupant performs an "execution action" on the left lower switch 54 in this state, the display of the meter display 19 is switched to the second hierarchical level of the display shown in FIG. 4(B).

[0071] In the second layer, icons M13 to M16 are displayed superimposed on the left center frame portion 70. These icons M13 to M16 are mainly assigned operation functions for in-vehicle devices corresponding to calls, audio, and voice input. In addition, in this second layer, a left upper frame portion 74 imitating the thumb wheel switch 52 is displayed above the left center frame portion 70.

[0072] Icon M13 is shaped like a telephone and corresponds to the call function. Icon M14 is shaped like a passenger speaking and corresponds to the voice recognition function. Icons M15 and M16 are shaped like arrows indicating the left and right directions and correspond to the forward and back track functions of the audio.

[0073] A left upper frame portion 74 is displayed above the left center frame portion 70. The left upper frame portion 74 is an icon imitating the thumbwheel switch 52 to which an operation for adjusting the audio volume is assigned. That is, the thumbwheel switch 52 represented by the left upper frame portion 74 is assigned an operation related to the audio as an in-vehicle device, similar to the icons M15 and M16 of the left center frame portion 70. Therefore, when the display of the meter display 19 is switched to the second hierarchical level, an operation of a touch sensor type switch is performed, and in addition to the icon corresponding to the left center switch 50, an icon of the thumbwheel switch 52 is displayed. This allows the occupant to intuitively grasp the presence of the thumbwheel switch 52, which has a high degree of functional relevance, while operating the left center switch 50.

[0074] Furthermore, in the second hierarchical layer of the left center switch 50, when a touch operation in which the occupant's operating finger P1 slides on the surface of the left center switch 50 in the direction in which the thumbwheel switch 52 is arranged is detected, the left center frame portion 70, the left lower frame portion 72, and the left upper frame portion 74 are made non-displayable. Then, operation information Q2 of the thumbwheel switch 52 is displayed on the display portion.

[0075] As an example, with reference to Figures 5, 6(A) and 6(B), we will explain a display example when the occupant's operating finger P1 slides from the right switch 50C of the left center switch 50 to the upward side where the thumbwheel switch 52 is provided.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 5, before and after the operating finger P1 slides, the display of the image corresponding to the left switch 20L switches from the display in FIG. 6(A) to the display in FIG. 6(B).

[0077] In Fig. 6(A), the vehicle display control device 10 detects a touch operation of the right switch 50C on which the operating finger P1 is placed. In this state, the left center frame portion 70, the left lower frame portion 72, the left upper frame portion 74, and icons M13 to M16 are displayed on the display screen of the meter display 19. That is, icons corresponding to both the touch sensor type switches and the non-touch sensor type switches provided on the left switch 20L are displayed. This allows the occupant to intuitively grasp the arrangement of the multiple switches by looking at the display screen when operating the flat surface of the left center switch 50.

[0078] In this state, icon M15 corresponding to the right switch 50C touched by operating finger P1 is displayed more emphasized than the other icons, and information Q1 related to the skip operation assigned to the right switch 50C is displayed as "operation information" adjacent to icon M15. This emphasizes the operation on the touch-sensitive switch.

[0079] Next, when the operating finger P1 is slid in the direction of the thumbwheel switch 52, the icon corresponding to the switch disappears from the display screen, and only the "operation information" of the thumbwheel switch 52 is displayed. This makes it possible to switch the display screen before operating the thumbwheel switch 52.

[0080] Also, by hiding the icon corresponding to the switch, it is possible to intuitively grasp that the type of switch will be changed to a type of switch different from the touch sensor type. Also, because visual information is reduced, the occupant can more easily rely on tactile information obtained from the operating finger P1, making it easier to grasp the operation type of the thumbwheel switch 52.

[0081] In the example shown in Fig. 6(B), information regarding audio volume operation is displayed as "operation information" for the thumbwheel switch 52. "Operation information Q2" for the thumbwheel switch 52 is displayed in the same position as the display of "operation information Q1" corresponding to the touch sensor switch. This makes it possible to suppress any discomfort felt by the occupant regarding operability even after the icon corresponding to the switch is switched to non-display.

[0082] It should be noted that the display image is also switched to that shown in FIG. 6B when an input operation is immediately performed on the thumb wheel switch 52 without sliding the operating finger P1.

[0083] (An example of display processing) Next, an example of the flow of display processing related to the display of the second hierarchical layer of the left switch 20L by the vehicular display control device 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 9. This display processing is executed when the display of the display section corresponding to the left center switch 50 is switched to the second hierarchical layer by an input operation to the left lower switch 54. The display processing is executed by the CPU 26 reading a program from the ROM 28 or the storage 32, expanding it in the RAM 30, and executing it.

[0084] 9, in step S102, the CPU 26 determines whether or not a touch operation on the touch sensor switches (left center switch 50 and left lower switch 54) has been detected by the function of the operation detection unit 82. If the CPU 26 determines that a touch operation has been detected, the process proceeds to step S104. If the CPU 26 does not detect a touch operation, the CPU 26 ends the display process.

[0085] In step S104, the CPU 26 displays icons corresponding to the left switches 20L (the left center switch 50, the left lower switch 54, and the thumb wheel switch 52), and then proceeds to the process of step S106.

[0086] In step S106, the CPU 26 determines whether or not a touch operation in which the occupant's operating finger slides on the surface of the touch sensor switch in the direction in which the non-touch sensor switch is arranged has been detected by the function of the operation detection unit 82. If the CPU 26 determines that a sliding movement has been detected, the CPU 26 proceeds to processing of step S110. If the CPU 26 does not detect a sliding movement, the CPU 26 proceeds to processing of step S108 without switching the display of the display unit.

[0087] In step S108, the CPU 26 determines whether or not an operation on the non-touch sensor switch (thumb wheel switch 52) has been detected by the function of the operation detection unit 82. If the CPU 26 detects an operation on the non-touch sensor switch, the CPU 26 proceeds to processing in step S110. If the CPU 26 does not detect an operation on the non-touch sensor switch, the CPU 26 ends the display processing.

[0088] In step S110, the CPU 26 makes the icon corresponding to the left switch 20L non-displayable, and displays operation information related to the in-vehicle device assigned to the non-touch sensor switch (thumb wheel switch 52), and then ends the display process.

[0089] (action) As described above, in the vehicle display control device 10 of this embodiment, when a touch operation on a touch sensor switch provided on the steering wheel 18 is detected, both an icon corresponding to the touch sensor switch and an icon corresponding to a non-touch sensor switch are displayed (FIG. 6(A)). As a result, in the case of a touch sensor switch, which is difficult to sense the operation of, the icon corresponding to the touch sensor switch can be visually grasped to improve operability and the switch type can be understood. In addition, when the occupant touches the touch sensor switch, the display of the icon corresponding to the non-touch sensor switch makes it easier to grasp the presence of the non-touch sensor switch. Therefore, the operating finger P1 can be smoothly moved from the touch sensor switch to the non-touch sensor switch without looking at the operating part of the steering wheel 18.

[0090] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 6(B), when a non-touch operation on a non-touch sensor switch is detected, both the icon corresponding to the touch sensor switch and the icon corresponding to the non-touch sensor switch are hidden on the display unit. This reduces the amount of information available from the display unit when operating a non-touch sensor switch, making it easier for the occupant to rely on information obtained through touch using the operating finger, etc. As a result, the tactile sensation on the surface of the non-touch sensor switch is made easier to feel, improving operability and allowing the occupant to understand the switch type.

[0091] As shown in Fig. 6(A), when a touch operation on a touch sensor switch is detected, the icon of the touch sensor switch is displayed more emphasized than the icon of the non-touch sensor switch. Furthermore, operation information related to the in-vehicle device assigned to the touch sensor switch being operated is displayed. As a result, even if both the icon of the touch sensor switch and the icon of the non-touch sensor switch are displayed on the display unit, the operation on the touch sensor switch can be intuitively grasped by highlighting the icon of the touch sensor switch.

[0092] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, even if it is detected that the occupant's operating finger P1 has slid on the surface of the touch sensor switch in the direction in which the non-touch sensor switch is arranged, the icon corresponding to the switch is hidden (Fig. 6(B)). Specifically, both the icon corresponding to the touch sensor switch and the icon corresponding to the non-touch sensor switch are hidden, and the display is switched to operation information of the non-touch sensor switch. This makes it possible to predict the operation of the non-touch sensor switch and to present the operation information of the non-touch sensor switch to the occupant in advance.

[0093] In addition, in this embodiment, the in-vehicle device assigned to the touch sensor switch can be changed by switching the hierarchy displayed on the display unit. When the in-vehicle device assigned to the touch sensor switch is related to the in-vehicle device assigned to the non-touch sensor switch, both the icon corresponding to the touch sensor switch and the icon corresponding to the non-touch sensor switch are displayed on the display unit. This allows the icon corresponding to the non-touch sensor switch to be displayed when there is a high possibility that the non-touch sensor switch will be operated after the touch sensor switch is operated.

[0094] On the other hand, when the in-vehicle device assigned to the first switch is not related to the in-vehicle device assigned to the second switch, the first icon is displayed on the display unit and the second icon is hidden. In this way, when the possibility that the non-touch sensor switch will be operated after the touch sensor switch is operated is low, the display of the low priority icon is hidden, making it easier to understand the displayed content. [supplementary explanation]

[0095] Although the embodiment has been described above, it is needless to say that the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in the present embodiment, a capacitance sensor is used to detect a touch operation, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a known sensor such as a pressure sensor may be used instead.

[0096] In the above embodiment, an example in which the information is displayed on the meter display has been described, but a similar display may be displayed on the display screen 17 of the windshield glass 16 from a head-up display.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the thumb wheel switch is provided as an example of the non-touch sensor switch provided in the steering switch group, but the present invention is not limited to this. The non-touch sensor switch may be, for example, a contact detection type push switch.

[0098] Furthermore, the processing that the CPU 26 reads and executes the program in the above embodiment may be executed by various processors other than the CPU 26. Examples of the processor in this case include a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and a dedicated electric circuit that is a processor having a circuit configuration designed exclusively for executing a specific process such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The above process may be executed by one of these various processors, or may be executed by a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types, for example, by multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA. The hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0099] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, various data is stored in the storage 32, but this is not limiting. For example, a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory may be used as the storage unit. In this case, various programs and data are stored in these recording media. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 10 Vehicle display control device 17 Display screen (display section) 18 Steering Wheel 19 Meter display (display section) 39 In-vehicle equipment 40 Right-side center switch (first switch) 42 Right upper switch (first switch) 44 Left upper switch (first switch) 46 Right side lower switch (first switch) 50 Left center switch (first switch) 52 Thumbwheel switch (second switch) 54 Left lower switch (first switch) 74 Left upper frame (second icon) 90 Display control section M1~M16 Icons (First Icon) Q2 Operation information

Claims

1. A display control device for a vehicle that displays a plurality of icons corresponding to a steering switch group including a first touch sensor switch and a second non-touch sensor switch on a display unit provided in front of a driver's seat, the plurality of icons includes a first icon corresponding to the first switch and a second icon corresponding to the second switch, A display control device for a vehicle has a display control unit that displays both the first icon and the second icon when a touch operation on the first switch is detected, and hides both the first icon and the second icon when a non-touch operation on the second switch is detected.

2. 2. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1, wherein when a touch operation on a first switch is detected, the display control unit displays the first icon corresponding to the first switch more emphasized than the second icon and displays operation information regarding an in-vehicle device assigned to the first switch.

3. when a touch operation in which an occupant's operating finger slides on a surface of the first switch in a direction in which the second switch is arranged is detected, the display control unit makes the first icon and the second icon invisible and displays operation information related to an in-vehicle device assigned to the second switch. The display control device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the first switch is configured to change an in-vehicle device assigned to the first switch by switching a hierarchy displayed on the display unit, the display control unit, when an in-vehicle device related to an in-vehicle device assigned to the second switch is assigned to a first switch, displays both the first icon and the second icon when a touch operation on the first switch is detected; 2. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1, wherein when an in-vehicle device unrelated to the in-vehicle device assigned to the second switch is assigned to the first switch, the first icon is displayed and the second icon is hidden when a touch operation on the first switch is detected.

5. A display method for displaying a plurality of icons corresponding to a steering switch group including a first touch sensor switch and a second non-touch sensor switch on a display unit provided in front of a driver's seat, the method comprising: the plurality of icons includes a first icon corresponding to the first switch and a second icon corresponding to the second switch, A display method for a vehicle, which displays both the first icon and the second icon when a touch operation on the first switch is detected, and hides both the first icon and the second icon when a non-touch operation on the second switch is detected.

6. A program for displaying a plurality of icons corresponding to a steering switch group including a first touch sensor switch and a second non-touch sensor switch on a display unit provided in front of a driver's seat, the plurality of icons includes a first icon corresponding to the first switch and a second icon corresponding to the second switch, A display program for a vehicle that causes a computer to execute a process of displaying both the first icon and the second icon when a touch operation on the first switch is detected, and hiding both the first icon and the second icon when a non-touch operation on the second switch is detected.

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