Vehicle display control device

Abstract

To provide a vehicular display control device capable of improving the operability and arrangement flexibility of a switching part and reducing the number of physical switches.SOLUTION: A vehicular display control device 100 includes: a multi-display 11 capable of displaying switches 20 each for switching the operation state of a prescribed function provided in a vehicle; a meter operation switch 12 for operating the switches 20 displayed on the multi-display 11; and a meter ECU 13 for controlling the display of the switches 20 on the multi-display 11. The meter ECU 13 determines the arrangement of the switches 20 of multiple types specified on a function-by-function basis, according to at least either of a prescribed criterion and a criterion set by a user, and performs display control to display the switches 20 in conformity with the arrangement.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display control device for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, mounting structures for various operation switches attached to a controller of an automotive air conditioner have been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The controller of the automotive air conditioner is equipped with various operation switches as switching units for switching the operating state of the air conditioner's functions. Examples of the various operation switches include an A / C switch that turns the compressor on and off, a fan switch that changes the fan speed, and an OFF switch that stops the system. These various operation switches are configured as push-button switches (so-called physical switches).

[0003] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 describes that groove-shaped members and key-shaped members are formed on the top, bottom, left, and right sides of various operation switches, and that one operation switch can be fitted with one groove-shaped member and the other key-shaped member on any of the top, bottom, left, and right sides.The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 also describes that by making the various operation switches structured so that they can be connected adjacent to each other, space saving can be achieved in installing the operation switches. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-305724 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, there is a limit to how much space can be saved by reducing the distance between operation switches. Recently, the number of required operation switches has increased due to the increasing functionality and customizability of vehicles. However, it is difficult to arrange all of these operation switches in a location that is easy to operate, for example, on the instrument panel. Because the above-mentioned operation switches are so-called physical switches, an increase in the number of operation switches poses a problem of reduced operability and freedom in placement of the operation switches (switching units).

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a vehicle display control device that improves the operability and freedom of placement of the switching unit and enables a reduction in the number of physical switches. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

[0008] (1) A display control device for a vehicle according to the present invention comprises a display unit capable of displaying a switching unit for switching the operating state of a predetermined function installed in the vehicle, an operation unit for operating the switching unit displayed on the display unit, and a display control unit for controlling the display of the switching unit on the display unit, wherein the display control unit determines the arrangement of multiple types of switching units specified for each function according to at least one of predetermined criteria and criteria set by a user, and performs display control to display the switching unit in accordance with the arrangement.

[0009] According to the vehicular display control device of the present invention, the layout of multiple types of switching units specified for each predetermined function installed in the vehicle is determined according to at least one of predetermined criteria defined in advance and criteria set by the user, and the multiple types of switching units are displayed on the display unit in accordance with the layout. This makes it possible to preferentially display switching units having functions with high priority according to the vehicle's situation or switching units having functions selected by the user on the display unit. As a result, the operability and layout freedom of switching units (operation switches) displayed on the display unit can be improved. Furthermore, the number of physical switches can be reduced by the amount of switching units displayed on the display unit.

[0010] (2) In the vehicular display control device according to the present invention, the predetermined criterion is preferably at least one of an operating state of the vehicle when a user operates the operation unit and a priority for the placement of the switching unit determined by the user's operation. With this configuration, switching units having highly usable functions among predetermined functions installed in the vehicle are preferentially placed in positions on the display unit that are easy to see, thereby improving the visibility and operability of the highly usable switching units.

[0011] (3) In this case, it is preferable that the priority for the placement of the switching units is determined based on the total score quantified for each function, and the display control unit displays the plurality of switching units on the display unit so as to be placed on the basis of the determined priority. With this configuration, the switching units with the highest total score are placed in positions that are easy to see on the display unit, thereby improving the visibility and operability of the switching units with the highest usability based on the total score.

[0012] (4) The vehicular display control device according to the present invention may preferably include a list display accepting unit that causes the display unit to display a list of each of the plurality of switching units, and the display control unit causes the display unit to display a list of each of the plurality of switching units on the condition that the user selects the list display accepting unit. This configuration makes it easier to visually recognize each of the plurality of switching units at once. This improves the visibility of the switching units, thereby shortening the search time when searching for a desired switching unit.

[0013] (5) In this case, preferably, the display control unit, on the condition that the user selects the list display accepting unit, displays a list of the switching units in an upper row with their arrangements determined in accordance with a predetermined criterion, and displays a list of the switching units in a lower row with their arrangements determined in accordance with a priority for the arrangement of the switching units determined by a user operation. With this configuration, it is possible to display both the switching units whose arrangements are determined in accordance with a predetermined criterion and the switching units whose arrangements are determined in accordance with a priority determined by a user operation on the display unit.

[0014] (6) The vehicular display control device according to the present invention may preferably include a registration unit for pre-registering any of the plurality of switching units, and the display control unit may display the switching unit registered in the registration unit on the display unit on the condition that the user selects the registration unit. With this configuration, by pre-registering frequently used switching units in the registration unit, the frequently used switching units can be quickly displayed on the display unit by simply selecting the registration unit later. This reduces the search time and effort required for searching for frequently used switching units. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle display control device that can improve the operability and freedom of placement of a switching unit and reduce the number of physical switches. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle display control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 1(a) is a diagram showing a dedicated ON / OFF switch, FIG. 1(b) is a diagram showing a learning switch, and FIG. 1(c) is a diagram showing a meter operation switch. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an example of an image diagram showing various switches displayed on a multi-display. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a table used when determining priorities based on the sum of numerically assigned points for each predetermined function installed in a vehicle. [Figure 5] 3 is a flowchart showing processing performed by a meter ECU of the vehicle display control device according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] A vehicle display control device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily drawn to exact scale. In addition, similar components are designated by similar reference numerals throughout the drawings.

[0018] A vehicular display control device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. The vehicular display control device 100 switches the operation state of a predetermined function installed in the vehicle between an ON state and an OFF state, or displays information on a multi-display 11 (described later) to improve operability of various operation switches 20 (see Figure 3) for switching the operation state of the predetermined function in multiple steps or continuously.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle display control device 100 includes a multi-display 11, a meter operation switch 12 (see Figure 2(c)), a meter ECU 13, a dedicated ON / OFF switch 14 (see Figure 2(a)), a learning switch 15 (see Figure 2(b)), and a memory unit 16.

[0020] The meter ECU 13 is connected to the multi-display 11, the meter operation switch 12, the dedicated ON / OFF switch 14, the learning switch 15, and the memory unit 16 so that information can be communicated between them. The meter ECU 13 also communicates information regarding the operating state (ON / OFF information and operating state) of a predetermined function with the associated ECU 17 via a CAN (Controller Area Network). The multi-display 11 is an example of a "display unit" in the present invention. The meter operation switch 12 is an example of an "operation unit" in the present invention. The meter ECU 13 is an example of a "display control unit" in the present invention. The dedicated ON / OFF switch 14 is an example of a "list display receiving unit" in the present invention. The learning switch 15 is an example of a "registration unit" in the present invention.

[0021] The multi-display 11 can display various switches 20 (see FIG. 3) for switching the operating states of predetermined functions installed in the vehicle. The various switches 20 are an example of the "switching unit" of the present invention. The multi-display 11 is, for example, an instrument panel or an operation panel of a car navigation system installed in the vehicle. These panels are configured with a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, or the like.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3 , the display screen of the multi-display 11 is divided into an upper fixed display section 21 and a lower multi-display section 22. Predetermined switches 20 are displayed on the upper fixed display section 21 of the multi-display 11. For example, switches 20 such as an idling stop 21a, a corner sensor 21b, a smart assist 21c, a lane departure prevention 21d, and an auto high beam 21e are displayed on the upper fixed display section 21. Switches 20 selected (customized) by the user according to priority are displayed on the lower multi-display section 22 of the multi-display 11. For example, switches 20 such as a reverse-linked rear wiper 22a, a corner sensor 22b, a shift-linked door lock 22c, an answerback buzzer 22d, and a lane keeping control 22e are displayed on the lower multi-display section 22. Furthermore, the switches 20 do not necessarily have to be physical switches such as push switches, but may include pseudo switches that can be switched between an ON state and an OFF state by user customization on the multi-display 11.

[0023] The desired switch 20 can be selected (or touched in the case of a touch panel) with the meter operation switch 12 on the display screen of the multi-display 11 to switch between ON and OFF states. This reduces the number of physical switches, enabling cost savings and improving the design freedom around the instrument panel.

[0024] Furthermore, customization, which can normally only be performed in the P range, can be switched between the ON and OFF states with a simple operation while driving. For example, by pressing the meter operation switch 12 after the reverse-interlocked rear wiper starts operating, priority is determined and the reverse-interlocked rear wiper 22a is displayed at the top of the display on the multi-display 11 (in the case of a cursor type, the cursor is set on the reverse-interlocked rear wiper 22a), and the ON and OFF states can be switched by simply pressing the center portion 12b of the meter operation switch 12 (see FIG. 2(c)).

[0025] Furthermore, among the predetermined functions, functions that are used frequently (for example, steering assist) are displayed with priority. The priority is determined based on the vehicle speed, the shift position, the operating status of each system, etc. The display content on the multi-display 11 is simplified to a level that can be operated while driving, and the display of characters and the like is kept to a minimum, such as only displaying the content of the selected switch 20.

[0026] The meter operation switch 12 (see FIG. 2(c)) can be used to perform selection operations and confirmation operations for various switches 20 displayed on the multi-display 11. The meter operation switch 12 may be, for example, a physical switch provided on the steering wheel, or may be operated by a touch panel of a car navigation system.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 2(c), by operating the up, down, left, and right portions 12a of the meter operation switch 12, it is possible to move the cursor 30 displayed on the multi-display 11 up, down, left, and right. In addition, by pressing the center portion 12b of the meter operation switch 12, it is possible to confirm (select) the item on which the cursor 30 is lit or the various switches 20. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the cursor 30 is displayed on the reverse-interlocked rear wiper 22a at the bottom left of the multi-display 11, and therefore, by pressing the center portion 12b of the meter operation switch 12, the reverse-interlocked rear wiper 22a can be switched between ON and OFF states.

[0028] The meter ECU 13 performs display control of the various switches 20 on the multi-display 11. In this embodiment, the meter ECU 13 determines the layout of the various switches 20 defined for each function in accordance with at least one of a predetermined criterion defined in advance and a criterion set by the user, and performs display control to display the various switches 20 in accordance with the layout.

[0029] The predetermined criterion is at least one of the operating state of the vehicle when the user operates the meter operation switch 12 and the priority regarding the arrangement of the various switches 20 determined by the user's operation.

[0030] The priority of the placement of the various switches 20 is determined based on the sum of the numerically assigned points for each function. For example, the priority (priority order) of the placement of the various switches 20 is determined based on a table 40 as shown in FIG. 4. The table 40 as described above is stored in advance in the storage unit 16. The table 40 shown in FIG. 4 includes the following items: "functions (items) installed in the vehicle," "whether the vehicle is stopped," "vehicle speed," "whether the ignition has been switched from ON to P range," "shift position," "system operation," "sounding history," "number of selections," and "base points."

[0031] The priority for the placement of the various switches 20 is determined based on the total score of the "relevant condition score," "selection score," and "basic score." The "relevant condition score" is the total score based on the "functions (items) installed in the vehicle," "whether the vehicle is stopped," "vehicle speed," "whether the ignition has been switched from ON to P range," "shift position," "system operation," and "sounding history" shown in FIG. 4. The "selection score" is a score based on the "number of selections" shown in FIG. 5. The "basic score" is a score based on the "basic score" shown in FIG. 5.

[0032] For example, for the item "Average fuel economy refueling reset," points are added if the vehicle is stopped, if the ignition is switched from ON to P position, if a refueling judgment is made as a system operation, and base points are added according to the number of times the item is selected. A refueling judgment is made when, for example, the fuel level exceeds a predetermined level when the fuel tank is refueled. As described above, the priority is determined based on the magnitude of the total points calculated for each item, and the meter ECU 13 displays each of the multiple switches 20 on the multi-display 11 based on the determined priority.

[0033] The dedicated ON / OFF switch 14 (see FIG. 2(a)) may be, for example, a physical switch provided on the steering wheel (steering wheel) or may be operated by a touch panel of a car navigation system. The dedicated ON / OFF switch 14 is a switch that, when pressed (selected) by a user, causes a list of each of the multiple switches 20 to be displayed on the multi-display 11, a meter, a DA (display audio), etc. Specifically, as described above, the meter ECU 13 determines and displays a list of the various switches 20 in the upper section of the multi-display 11 according to a predetermined criterion, and also displays a list of the various switches 20 in the lower section according to the priority of the arrangement of the various switches 20 determined by a user's operation.

[0034] The learning switch 15 (see FIG. 2(b)) is used to pre-register (store in the memory unit 16) any switch 20 among the multiple various switches 20. The learning switch 15 may be, for example, a physical switch provided on the steering wheel, or may be operated by a touch panel of a car navigation system.

[0035] When registering an arbitrary switch 20 in advance, the cursor 30 is moved by operating the up, down, left, and right portions 12a of the meter operation switch 12 to select the arbitrary switch 20, and the registration (assignment) is completed on the condition that the learning switch 15 is pressed and held (for example, pressed and held for 2 seconds or more).

[0036] On the other hand, when displaying (calling) the registered switches 20, the meter ECU 13 displays the various switches 20 registered in the learning switch 15 (stored in the storage unit 16) on the multi-display 11 on the condition that the learning switch 15 is pressed for a short time (for example, for less than two seconds). In other words, the learning switch 15 functions as an ON / OFF switch for a pre-registered function.

[0037] Next, the processing performed by the meter ECU 13 of the vehicle display control device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0038] In step S11, it is determined whether or not the dedicated ON / OFF switch 14 has been pressed by the user. If it is determined in step S11 that the dedicated ON / OFF switch 14 has been pressed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the dedicated ON / OFF switch 14 has not been pressed (No), the process ends.

[0039] Next, in step S12, a switch selection screen is displayed. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, as described above, predetermined switches 20 are displayed in the upper fixed display section 21 of the multi-display 11, and switches 20 selected by the user according to priority are displayed in the lower multi-display section 22. Then, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0040] Next, in step S13, the switch 20 for switching the operation state of a predetermined function installed in the vehicle between ON and OFF is selected by operating the top, bottom, left, and right portions 12a of the meter operation switch 12. Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0041] In step S14, it is determined whether the learning switch 15 has been pressed and held down. If it is determined in step S14 that the learning switch 15 has been pressed and held down (Yes), the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that the learning switch 15 has not been pressed and held down (No), the process proceeds to step S16.

[0042] In step S15, the selected switch 20 is stored in the learning switch 15. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the reverse-linked rear wiper 22a displayed on the multi-display 11 is selected (the cursor 30 is displayed), so the reverse-linked rear wiper 22a is registered in the learning switch 15. The registration information of the learning switch 15 is stored in the storage unit 16. Then, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0043] In step S16, it is determined whether or not a confirmation operation has been performed using the meter operation switch 12. If it is determined in step S16 that the center portion 12b of the meter operation switch 12 has been pressed and a confirmation operation has been performed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S17. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that the center portion 12b of the meter operation switch 12 has not been pressed and a confirmation operation has not been performed (No), the process returns to step S14.

[0044] In step S17, the ON or OFF state of the selected system (predetermined function) is confirmed, and this process ends.

[0045] According to the embodiment described above, the following effects (1) to (6) can be obtained.

[0046] (1) In the vehicular display control device 100 according to the above embodiment, the layout of multiple types of switches 20 specified for each predetermined function installed in the vehicle is determined according to at least one of predetermined criteria defined in advance and criteria set by the user, and the switches 20 are displayed on the multi-display 11 in accordance with the determined layout. This makes it possible to preferentially display on the multi-display 11 switches 20 having functions with high priority according to the vehicle situation or switches 20 having functions selected by the user. As a result, it is possible to improve the operability and freedom of layout of the switches 20 displayed on the multi-display 11. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the number of physical switches by the amount of the switches 20 displayed on the multi-display 11.

[0047] (2) In the vehicle display control device 100 according to the above embodiment, the placement of each of the multiple switches 20 is determined according to a predetermined criterion that is at least one of the vehicle operating state when the user operates the meter operation switch 12 and the priority of the placement of the switches 20 determined by the user's operation. As a result, the switches 20 having highly usable functions among the predetermined functions installed in the vehicle are preferentially placed in easy-to-see positions on the multi-display 11, thereby improving the visibility and operability of the highly usable switches 20.

[0048] (3) In the vehicle display control device 100 according to the above embodiment, the multiple switches 20 are displayed on the multi-display 11 so as to be arranged based on the priority determined by the total score quantified for each predetermined function installed in the vehicle. As a result, the switches 20 are arranged in the most visible positions on the multi-display 11 in descending order of the total score, thereby improving the visibility and operability of the switches 20 that are most usable based on the total score.

[0049] (4) In the vehicle display control device 100 according to the above embodiment, the multiple switches 20 are displayed in a list on the multi-display 11 on the condition that the dedicated ON / OFF switch 14 is selected by the user. This makes it easier to visually recognize each of the multiple switches 20 at once. This improves the visibility of the switches 20, thereby reducing the search time required to search for a desired switch 20.

[0050] (5) In the vehicle display control device 100 according to the above embodiment, on the condition that the dedicated ON / OFF switch 14 is selected by the user, a list of switches 20 is displayed in a predetermined arrangement on the upper level (fixed display unit 21) of the multi-display 11, and a list of switches 20 selected by the user according to priority is displayed in a predetermined arrangement on the lower level (multi-display unit 22). This makes it possible to display on the multi-display 11 both switches 20 whose arrangement is determined according to a predetermined standard on the upper level (fixed display unit 21) and switches 20 whose arrangement is determined according to priority determined by user operation on the lower level (multi-display unit 22).

[0051] (6) In the vehicle display control device 100 according to the above embodiment, the switches 20 registered in the learning switch 15 are displayed on the multi-display 11 on the condition that the learning switch 15 is selected by the user. This allows frequently used switches 20 to be registered in the learning switch 15 in advance (stored in the storage unit 16), so that the frequently used switches 20 can be quickly displayed on the multi-display 11 by simply selecting the learning switch 15 later. This saves search time and effort when searching for frequently used switches 20.

[0052] (Variation) The above embodiment can be modified as follows.

[0053] In the above embodiment, a multi-display is shown as an example of the display unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the switching unit can be displayed on a display unit other than a multi-display as long as it is capable of displaying the switching unit.

[0054] In the above embodiment, a meter operation switch is shown as an example of an operation unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, as long as it is possible to operate the switching unit displayed on the display unit, it is also possible to operate the switching unit using an operation unit other than a meter operation switch.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the meter ECU is shown as an example of a display control unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, as long as display control for displaying the switching unit can be performed, it is also possible to configure a control unit other than the meter ECU to perform display control for the switching unit.

[0056] The above-described embodiments are merely examples of applications of the present invention, and it goes without saying that any other embodiments within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 11: Multi-display (display unit) 12: Meter operation switch (operation part) 13: Meter ECU (display control unit) 14: Dedicated ON / OFF switch (list display reception area) 15: Learning switch (registration section) 16: Storage section 20: Switch (switching part) 21:Fixed display section 22: Multi-display section 30: Cursor 40: Table 100: Vehicle display control device

Claims

1. a display unit capable of displaying a switching unit for switching the operating state of a predetermined function installed in the vehicle; an operation unit for operating the switching unit displayed on the display unit; a display control unit that controls the display of the switching unit in the display unit; a list display receiving unit dedicated to displaying a list of each of the plurality of switching units on the display unit; and The display control unit determining an arrangement of the plurality of types of switching units defined for each of the functions according to at least one of a predetermined criterion defined in advance and a criterion set by a user, and displaying a list of each of the plurality of switching units on the display unit on the condition that the list display receiving unit is selected by a user; The switching unit is configured to be selectable by the operation unit or touch panel; A display control device for a vehicle, comprising:

2. 2. The vehicular display control device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined criteria are at least one of an operating state of the vehicle when the user operates the operation unit and a priority regarding the placement of the switching unit determined by the user's operation.

3. a registration unit for registering in advance any one of the plurality of switching units, 3. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays the switching unit registered in the registration unit on the display unit, on the condition that the registration unit is selected by a user.

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