Straddle-type vehicle systems, control methods and applications

Abstract

This invention provides a straddle-type vehicle system that simplifies the display of images reflecting the driving state and flexibly adapts to changes in the conditions or content displayed. The straddle-type vehicle system includes a straddle-type vehicle and an application program that operates in a portable information terminal capable of communicating with the straddle-type vehicle. The straddle-type vehicle includes a vehicle body, a handlebar switch, a vehicle image display device, and a vehicle image control device. The portable information terminal includes a terminal control device. The application program, executed within the terminal control device, upon receiving a selection command from the vehicle image control device based on the operation of the handlebar switch, causes the terminal control device to select a display image from a plurality of images and send the image data of the display image. When the straddle-type vehicle is detected to be in motion, the terminal control device sends suppression image data indicating that the handlebar switch cannot be selected, replacing the image data of the display image, and suspends the selection of the display image corresponding to the receipt of the selection command.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a straddle-type vehicle system, control method, and application. Prior Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a motorcycle display device mounted on a motorcycle that is a straddle-type vehicle. This motorcycle display device includes an operating section provided on the handlebars, a display section that also serves as a speed display, and a processing unit. The processing unit generates image information based on communication with an external machine. Furthermore, the processing unit detects the motorcycle's driving status and outputs an image to the display section based on the detected driving status. Previous technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-018014 Summary of the Invention

[0004] [The problem the invention aims to solve] In systems that display images sent from portable information terminals on the speedometer of straddle-type vehicles, it is sometimes desirable to make the display of images in straddle-type vehicles reflect the driving status in a concise manner and to flexibly respond to changes in the conditions or content displayed.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a straddle-type vehicle system, control method, and application program, which makes the display of images in the straddle-type vehicle reflect the driving status in a concise manner and can flexibly respond to changes in the reflected conditions or the content displayed. [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0006] For example, the locomotive shown in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a manual operation unit. An external machine selects an image to be displayed based on the operation of the manual operation unit and sends it to a display device for the locomotive. The image sent from the external machine is displayed on a portion of a display unit that shows the vehicle's speed. Furthermore, the locomotive display device detects the locomotive's driving status. And, based on the detected driving status, the locomotive display device selects and displays a specific image.

[0007] As in the example above, in a system where images sent from an external mobile terminal are displayed on a display device installed in a straddle-type vehicle, there may be requests, such as to change the content of a specific image displayed based on the driving status, or to change the conditions under which a specific image is displayed. Such changes are addressed through hardware or software modifications, such as changes to the speed display device or its control device. However, such changes are equivalent to altering parts of the vehicle's function or structure, and are sometimes difficult to implement easily. For example, even in cases where software modifications are possible, the straddle-type vehicle still needs to be taken to a vehicle repair shop or auto parts dealership for modification work. Furthermore, when designing a straddle-type vehicle, the following approach is considered: all posable changes in image and display conditions are stored in the display device's control unit, the display unit shows a list of changes, and selection is made by operating the handlebar switch. However, this method cannot cope with future changes that exceed the assumed scope, and even in situations where changes can be made to cope, the selection operation of the lever switch, which needs to be operated while maintaining the lever, becomes complicated.

[0008] The inventors considered concentrating the final image selection mechanism in the portable information terminal. In this case, image data for a specific image displayed based on a specific driving state is contained in the portable information terminal, becoming one of the candidates for images sent from the portable information terminal. The specific image is selected in the portable information terminal and sent to the straddle-type vehicle. An image indicating that selection of the handlebar switch is not permitted is also selected in the portable information terminal based on driving detection and sent to the straddle-type vehicle. According to this configuration, in the straddle-type vehicle, for example, the mechanism for memorizing the specific image or selecting the specific image for display can be omitted. Therefore, in the straddle-type vehicle, the display of a specific image can be handled simply by having the function of displaying images received from the portable information terminal. Since the image selection function is centralized in the portable information terminal, it is possible to address requirements such as changing the content of a specific image or changing the conditions for displaying a specific image through software updates of the portable information terminal. For example, by downloading specific image data to the portable information terminal or downloading the application that generates the image data to the portable information terminal, it is possible to change the display function of a specific image while eliminating the need for functional or structural changes that would result from modifications to straddle-type vehicles or suppressing the complex operation of handlebar switches. Therefore, the present invention is made to ensure that the display of images reflects the driving state in a concise manner and can flexibly respond to changes in the conditions reflected or the content displayed. Based on this understanding, the present invention was completed.

[0009] The present invention can provide the following straddle-type vehicle system.

[0010] (1) A straddle-type vehicle system comprising a straddle-type vehicle and an application program that operates in a portable information terminal capable of communicating with the straddle-type vehicle. The above-mentioned straddle-type vehicles have: The vehicle body includes handlebars that are held by hand by the rider of the aforementioned straddle-type vehicle; A handle switch is mounted on the aforementioned handle; A speed display unit, mounted on the aforementioned vehicle body, displays the speed and image of the straddle-type vehicle; and The vehicle image control device has the function of communicating with the aforementioned portable information terminal and controlling the aforementioned speed display; The aforementioned portable information terminal is equipped with a terminal control device. The aforementioned terminal control device, acting as a computer, has the function of communicating with the aforementioned vehicle image control device. The vehicle image control device sends a selection command to the terminal control device based on the rider's operation of the handlebar switch while holding the handlebar, instructing the terminal control device to select one image from a plurality of images as the display image. When image data is received from the aforementioned terminal control device, the speed display device displays an image of the aforementioned image data. The aforementioned application, executed within the aforementioned terminal control device, upon receiving a selection command from the vehicle image control device based on the operation of the aforementioned handlebar switch, causes the terminal control device to select the display image from the plurality of images and sends the image data of the display image. When the aforementioned straddle-type vehicle is detected to be in motion, the terminal control device sends suppression image data indicating that the selection operation of the handlebar switch cannot be performed, in place of the image data of the displayed image, and stops the selection of the displayed image in response to the receipt of the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch.

[0011] According to the straddle-type vehicle system described in (1) above, the vehicle image control device sends a selection instruction to the terminal control device based on the rider's operation of the handlebar switch while holding the handlebar. This instruction causes the terminal control device to select one image from a plurality of images as the display image. When a terminal control device executing an application receives a selection instruction, it selects a display image from a plurality of images and sends the image data of the display image. When the vehicle image control device receives image data from the terminal control device, it causes the speed display to display the image data. When the terminal control device executing the application detects that the vehicle is in motion, it sends suppressed image data, representing a suppressed image, to replace the displayed image data. The suppressed image indicates that the handlebar switch cannot be selected. Furthermore, when the terminal control device detects that the vehicle is in motion, it stops selecting the displayed image, which is based on receiving a selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch. According to this straddle-type vehicle system, the final selection mechanism for the image data to be displayed is centralized in the portable information terminal. That is, the suppressed image data for the suppressed image selected and displayed while the straddle-type vehicle is in motion is contained in the portable information terminal. The suppressed image is treated as one type of image sent from the portable information terminal. The suppressed image is selected in the portable information terminal and sent to the straddle-type vehicle while it is in motion. Therefore, in the straddle-type vehicle, for example, the mechanism for remembering the suppressed image or selecting the display of the suppressed image can be omitted. The straddle-type vehicle can handle the display of the suppressed image simply by having the function of displaying the image received from the portable information terminal. The function of selecting images is concentrated in portable information terminals. Therefore, by updating the software of portable information terminals, it is possible to address requirements such as changing the content of the suppressed image or changing the conditions for displaying the suppressed image. Thus, it is possible to suppress changes in function or structure that occur during the modification of straddle-type vehicles, and to change the display form of the suppressed image while suppressing complex menu selection operations on the handlebar switch. Therefore, it is used to make the image display reflect the driving status in a simple way, and to flexibly respond to the requirements of changes in the reflected conditions or the content displayed.

[0012] A straddle-type vehicle is a vehicle equipped with a saddle-shaped seat. It is designed for the rider to sit astride the seat. Straddle-type vehicles are not limited to scooters, light motorcycles, off-road motorcycles, or road motorcycles; they also include snowmobiles, jet skis, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Straddle-type vehicles may also have at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel. Straddle-type vehicles are not limited to motorcycles; they can also be three-wheeled motorcycles with one pair of wheels for the front or rear, or four-wheeled motorcycles with one pair of wheels for each of the front and rear. Straddle-type vehicles can also be configured to turn in a leaning posture towards the center of a curve.

[0013] A portable information terminal is an information terminal that can be carried by the rider. It is of a size that the rider can carry. A portable information terminal may be, for example, a smartphone. However, there are no particular limitations on the type of portable information terminal; it may also be a tablet computer or a wearable device. Furthermore, when the rider is seated on a straddle-type vehicle, the portable information terminal may also be detachably mounted on the vehicle body. Portable information terminals may also include a terminal operating device. The terminal operating device may be, for example, a touch screen. The touch screen has a display for showing images and a translucent touch panel overlapping the display. However, the structure of the terminal operating device is not particularly limited; for example, it may also be a display for showing images and a switch located away from the display.

[0014] A speedometer, for example, is a speedometer that displays the speed of a straddle-type vehicle. The speedometer, for example, has an area for displaying the numerical speed and an area for displaying an image of image data received from a terminal control device. In this case, the speedometer may also have an area for displaying the numerical speed as an image and an area for displaying an image of the image data received from the terminal control device. Furthermore, the speedometer may also display information other than the numerical speed and the image of the received image data. The speedometer is, for example, mounted on a handlebar. However, the mounting location of the speedometer is not particularly limited; for example, it may be mounted in a location on the vehicle body other than the handlebar. The speedometer displays still images. More specifically, the speedometer may have the function of displaying only still images. In this case, the configuration of the speedometer is simplified, and the displayed image can be updated through intermittent communication corresponding to one image. However, the display function of the speedometer is not particularly limited; for example, it may also be able to display moving images.

[0015] The vehicle image control device, for example, has the function of controlling the display of a driving speed value on a speedometer. The vehicle image control device is installed in a straddle-type vehicle. The vehicle image control device is, for example, integrated with a speedometer. For example, the vehicle image control device directly detects the driving speed of the straddle-type vehicle and displays the driving speed value on the speedometer. However, the vehicle image control device is not particularly limited; for example, it may not control the display of the driving speed value, but control the display of the image received from the terminal control device. Furthermore, the vehicle image control device may also control displays other than the driving speed value.

[0016] Suppressed images can be, for example, images that use text or pictographs to indicate that the selection operation of the lever switch is not possible. There are no particular limitations on suppressed images; for example, they may contain text or graphics indicating that the vehicle is in motion, or they may be plain images that contain neither text nor graphics.

[0017] Specifically, image data refers to image data representing an image. Image data can be in the form of a bitmap or a compressed format. Suppressed image data is a type of image data. The content of suppressed image data differs from other image data. Suppressed image data, for example, may have the same data format as other image data.

[0018] The detection of a straddle-type vehicle's movement is not limited to strictly determining whether the speed is zero. To suppress frequent changes in the display, the movement of the straddle-type vehicle can be detected, for example, by the time the speed exceeds a reference speed for a reference period. The speed can be obtained directly from the straddle-type vehicle. However, the method of obtaining the speed is not particularly limited; for example, it can also be indirectly detected as the movement speed of the terminal control device. The non-moving state of the straddle-type vehicle refers to the state in which the movement of the straddle-type vehicle is not detected.

[0019] An application is a program that runs on a computer's terminal control device. For example, an application is a program that connects wirelessly to a vehicle image control system installed in a straddle-type vehicle and is used to send or retrieve image data from the straddle-type vehicle. Applications are sometimes also called connected applications. An application differs from the operating system (OS) required for the operation of a portable information terminal. For example, a terminal control device running an OS downloads and installs an application via the Internet. The terminal control device then executes the application.

[0020] (2) As in (1) straddle-type vehicle system, in which The aforementioned application, executed within the aforementioned terminal control device, causes the terminal control device to set a display hold attribute for maintaining the display state of a specified image within the image that can be displayed on the aforementioned speed display. When the image data sent to the vehicle image control device has the display hold attribute, the transmission of the suppressed image data is omitted.

[0021] According to the straddle-type vehicle system described in (2) above, when the image data previously sent to the vehicle image control device has a display hold attribute, i.e., when an image with the display hold attribute is being displayed, even if the straddle-type vehicle is detected to be moving, the suppression image will not be sent from the terminal control device. Therefore, even if the vehicle enters a moving state, the display of the image with the display hold attribute will be maintained as is. For example, by setting a display hold attribute for an image that should not disappear even when the straddle-type vehicle is moving, such as displaying vehicle maintenance information that the straddle-type vehicle needs maintenance, the suppression image will not be displayed even if the vehicle starts moving while the image is being displayed, but the display of vehicle maintenance information will be maintained. The exception condition for not starting to suppress the display of the image when the vehicle is in motion can be set by, for example, by operating a portable information terminal or a portable information terminal application. That is, it is possible to change the exception for suppressing the display of the image while suppressing changes in the function or structure of the straddle-type vehicle or complex operations of the handlebar switch. Therefore, it can flexibly handle exceptions to suppressing the display of images.

[0022] There are no particular limitations on the type of image displayed for the hold-up attribute, as long as it relates to information of urgency that should not be lost simply because the straddle-type vehicle is in motion. For example, the type of image displayed for the hold-up attribute could also be related to the driving status or the driving environment. For example, it could also be weather information or earthquake information.

[0023] (3) A straddle-type vehicle system as in (1) or (2), wherein The aforementioned application, executed within the aforementioned terminal control device, causes the terminal control device to send the aforementioned image data displaying the image when it detects that the straddle-type vehicle is not in motion. When the vehicle image control device receives the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch, the selection of the displayed image is restarted.

[0024] According to the straddle-type vehicle system described in (3) above, when the straddle-type vehicle is not in motion, the suppression of image display is deactivated, and the selection and display of the displayed image can be performed. Therefore, the conditions for deactivating the suppression of image display can be flexibly addressed.

[0025] (4) A control method comprising using a portable information terminal equipped with a terminal control device capable of communicating with a straddle-type vehicle to control the display of a vehicle image display device installed on the body of the straddle-type vehicle. Based on the rider's operation of the handlebar switch while maintaining the handlebars mounted on the vehicle body, a selection command is sent to the terminal control device to instruct it to select one image from a plurality of images as the display image. When a selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch is received from the vehicle image control device, the display image is selected from the plurality of images, and the image data of the display image is sent. When the image data is received from the aforementioned terminal control device, the image of the image data is displayed on the speed display. When the vehicle is detected to be in motion, the suppressing image data indicating that the selection operation of the handlebar switch cannot be performed is sent instead of the display image data, and the selection of the display image corresponding to the receipt of the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch is stopped.

[0026] Based on the above configuration, the image display is designed to reflect the driving status in a simple manner, and can flexibly respond to changes in the conditions or content being displayed.

[0027] Furthermore, the present invention can provide the following straddle-type vehicle system. (5) A straddle-type vehicle system comprising a straddle-type vehicle and a portable information terminal capable of communicating with the straddle-type vehicle. The above-mentioned straddle-type vehicles have: The vehicle body includes handlebars that are held by hand by the rider of the aforementioned straddle-type vehicle; A handle switch is mounted on the aforementioned handle; A speed display unit, mounted on the aforementioned vehicle body, displays the speed and image of the straddle-type vehicle; and The vehicle image control device has the function of communicating with the aforementioned portable information terminal and controlling the aforementioned speed display; The aforementioned portable information terminal is equipped with a terminal control device. The aforementioned terminal control device, acting as a computer, has the function of communicating with the aforementioned vehicle image control device. The vehicle image control device, based on the rider's operation of the handlebar switch while holding the handlebar, sends a selection command to the terminal control device, instructing the terminal control device to select one image from a plurality of images as the display image. When image data is received from the aforementioned terminal control device, the speed display device displays an image of the aforementioned image data. The aforementioned terminal control device, by executing an application, selects the display image from the plurality of images when it receives a selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch from the vehicle image control device, and sends the image data of the display image. When the driving of the aforementioned straddle-type vehicle is detected, suppression image data indicating that the selection operation of the aforementioned handlebar switch cannot be performed is sent instead of the aforementioned display image data, and the selection of the aforementioned display image corresponding to the receipt of the aforementioned selection command based on the operation of the aforementioned handlebar switch is stopped.

[0028] Based on the above configuration, similar to (1) above, the configuration is designed to make the display of the image reflect the driving state in a simple way, and to be able to flexibly respond to the requirements of changes in the reflected conditions or the content displayed.

[0029] (6) As in (5), straddle-type vehicle system, wherein The aforementioned terminal control device sets a display hold attribute for a specified image in the image that can be displayed on the aforementioned speed display device to maintain the display state, and When the image data sent to the vehicle image control device has the display hold attribute, the transmission of the suppressed image data is omitted.

[0030] Based on the above configuration, similar to (2) above, it is possible to suppress changes in the function or structure of straddle-type vehicles, or complex operations of handlebar switches, while also making changes to suppress exceptions to the display of images. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly address the setting of exceptions to suppress the display of images.

[0031] (7) A straddle-type vehicle system as in (5) or (6), wherein When the aforementioned terminal control device detects that the aforementioned straddle-type vehicle is not in motion, it sends the aforementioned image data of the displayed image, and When the vehicle image control device receives the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch, the selection of the displayed image is restarted.

[0032] Based on the above configuration, when the straddle-type vehicle is not in motion, the suppression of image display is deactivated, allowing for the selection and display of the displayed image. Therefore, the conditions for deactivating the suppression of image display can be flexibly addressed.

[0033] Furthermore, the present invention can provide the following applications. (8) An application that controls the aforementioned portable information terminal of any of (5) to (7) straddle-type vehicle systems. The aforementioned application, executed within the aforementioned terminal control device, causes the terminal control device to select the display image from the plurality of images and send the image data of the display image when it receives the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch from the aforementioned vehicle image control device. When the aforementioned straddle-type vehicle is detected to be in motion, the terminal control device sends suppression image data indicating that the selection operation of the handlebar switch cannot be performed, in place of the image data of the displayed image, and stops the selection of the displayed image in response to the receipt of the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch.

[0034] Based on the above configuration, the image display is designed to reflect the driving status in a simple manner, and can flexibly respond to changes in the conditions or content being displayed.

[0035] The technical terms used in this specification are for defining specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any or all combinations of one or more of the associatedly exemplified components. As used in this specification, the terms "including," "comprising," or "having," and variations thereof, are used to specify the presence of the described features, processes, operations, elements, components, and / or equivalents, but may include one or more steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used in this specification, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and / or equivalents are used broadly, including both direct and indirect installation, connection, and joining. Furthermore, "connection" and "joining" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or joining, but may include direct or indirect electrical connections or joining. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms that are as defined in a commonly used dictionary shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant art and the invention, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formalized sense unless expressly defined in this specification. In the description of this invention, it is to be understood that a plurality of techniques and processes are disclosed. Each of these has individual advantages, and each of the foregoing may be used in conjunction with one or more of the other disclosed techniques, or, as appropriate, with all of the other disclosed techniques. Therefore, for clarity, this description avoids unnecessarily repeating all possible combinations of the various steps. Nevertheless, the specification and the claims should be understood and interpreted as including all such combinations within the scope of this invention and the technical solutions. This specification describes a novel straddle-type vehicle system and control method. In the following description, numerous specific details will be set forth for illustrative purposes to provide a comprehensive understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. This invention should be considered as illustrative and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown in the following figures or description. [Effects of the Invention]

[0036] According to the present invention, the display of images is designed to be simple in reflecting the driving state and can flexibly respond to changes in the conditions reflected or the content displayed. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0037] Figures (a) to (d) in Figure 1 illustrate one embodiment of a straddle-type vehicle system. Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the straddle-type vehicle system shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of one example of the straddle-type vehicle system shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 4 is an illustration of an example of a portable information terminal display screen. Figure 5 is a table showing examples of images and the attributes set for images. Implementation

[0038] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a straddle-type vehicle system. Part (a) of Figure 1 is a schematic view of the exterior of the straddle-type vehicle system. Part (b) of Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a portable information terminal. Part (c) of Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of the straddle-type vehicle system. Part (d) of Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the display transitions in the vehicle image display device.

[0039] The straddle-type vehicle system S shown in Figure 1 includes a straddle-type vehicle 1, a portable information terminal 2, and an application 23. The application 23 operates within the portable information terminal 2, which can communicate with the straddle-type vehicle 1.

[0040] The straddle-type vehicle 1 includes a body 11, a handlebar switch 12, a speed display 13, and a vehicle image control device 14. Furthermore, the straddle-type vehicle 1 includes wheels 17.

[0041] The vehicle body 11 supports the wheels 17. The vehicle body 11 includes a handlebar 11b. The handlebar 11b is held by the hand H of the rider R of the straddle-type vehicle 1. The rider R of the straddle-type vehicle 1 holds the handlebar 11b of the straddle-type vehicle 1 by hand H, thereby allowing the straddle-type vehicle 1 to be steered. A handlebar switch 12 is mounted on the handlebar 11b. The handlebar switch 12 is positioned so that it can be operated by the rider R's hand H while holding the handlebar 11b. A speed display 13 is mounted on the vehicle body 11. The speed display 13 displays an image showing the travel speed of the straddle-type vehicle 1. The speed display 13 also displays a stationary image. The speed display 13, for example, has an area for displaying the travel speed and an area different from the area for displaying the image. The speed display 13, for example, displays the numerical value of the travel speed as an image. However, the speed display 13 may also be configured as, for example, a seven-segment display. The vehicle image control device 14 has the function of communicating with the portable information terminal 2. The vehicle image control device 14 can communicate with the portable information terminal 2 via short-range wireless communication. Short-range wireless communication includes, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Furthermore, the vehicle image control device 14 controls the speed display 13. More specifically, the vehicle image control device 14 controls the display operation of the speed display 13. The vehicle image control device 14 detects the speed of the straddle-type vehicle 1 and displays the speed value on the speed display 13. As shown in the lower part of Figure 1(c), the vehicle image control device 14 controls the computer of the speed display 13 via an executable program 15. More specifically, the vehicle image control device 14 includes a processor 14a, a communication unit 14b for wireless communication with the portable information terminal 2, and a memory 14c for storing the program 15 and data. The processor 14a executes the program 15 to perform the functions and processing of the vehicle image control device 14.

[0042] The portable information terminal 2 can communicate with the straddle-type vehicle 1. Furthermore, the portable information terminal 2 can communicate with a computer network other than the straddle-type vehicle 1. As shown in part (b) of Figure 1, the portable information terminal 2 includes a terminal operating device 21 and a terminal control device 22. Specifically, the terminal control device 22 has the function of communicating with the vehicle image control device 14. The terminal control device 22 controls the computer of the terminal control device 22 by executing application 23. More specifically, the terminal control device 22 includes a processor 22a that executes the application 23, a communicator 22b that communicates wirelessly with the vehicle image control device 14, and a memory 22c that stores the application 23 and data. The processor 22a communicates with the vehicle image control device 14 by executing the application 23 stored in the memory 22c, and controls the terminal operation device 21. The application 23 is obtained, for example, via a computer network such as the Internet. The application 23 is, for example, released by the manufacturer of the straddle-type vehicle 1. For example, the straddle-type vehicle system S is constructed by the rider R operating the portable information terminal 2 to obtain the application 23 and install the application 23 onto the portable information terminal 2.

[0043] The terminal operating device 21 displays an image for operation and accepts operations related to the displayed image. The terminal operating device 21 is, for example, a touch screen.

[0044] The portable information terminal 2 has a plurality of images A, B, C, D... More specifically, the portable information terminal 2 has image data representing each of the plurality of images A, B, C, D... In this embodiment, there is also a case where images A to D are used as representatives to describe images A, B, C, D... The portable information terminal 2 is capable of providing image data that can be displayed on the speed display 13. The image data is stored, for example, in the memory 22c of the portable information terminal 2. The image data is acquired, for example, by the terminal control device 22 communicating with devices other than the portable information terminal 2 and the straddle-type vehicle 1 via a network. Also, for example, the image data is generated by executing application software different from application 23 in the terminal control device 22. Also, for example, the image data is generated by the shooting action of a camera (not shown) provided by the portable information terminal 2. For example, as shown in part (c) of Figure 1, image A is a vehicle information image representing vehicle information. Image B is, for example, a photograph obtained by taking a picture. Image C is, for example, a weather information image representing a weather forecast. Image D is, for example, an image representing other information. Images A, B, C, D... may also belong to different image groups. Image groups are, for example, application software. For example, image A may also be a representative image of a plurality of images output by the application software as an image group displaying vehicle information. The portable information terminal 2 has a suppressed image Z. More specifically, the portable information terminal 2 has suppressed image data representing the suppressed image Z. The suppressed image Z, for example, indicates that the rider R cannot perform a selection operation on the handlebar switch 12. The suppressed image Z, for example, indicates that the selection action corresponding to the image selection operation is suppressed. The suppressed image Z may also indicate a message prohibiting the rider R from performing a selection operation. The data format of the suppressed image Z is the same as that of images A, B, C, D…

[0045] Next, the operation of the vehicle image control device 14 and the portable information terminal 2 will be explained. The vehicle image control device 14 performs control processing by executing program 15. Furthermore, the terminal control device 22 of the portable information terminal 2 performs control processing by executing application 23.

[0046] The vehicle image control device 14 sends a selection command to the terminal control device 22 based on the rider R's hand H operating the handlebar switch 12 while holding the handlebar 11b. The selection command is instruction data that instructs the terminal control device 22 to select one image from a plurality of images A to D. The image selected from images A to D according to the selection command is the displayed image. Furthermore, when the vehicle image control device 14 receives image data from the terminal control device 22, it causes the speed display device 13 to display the image data.

[0047] When the terminal control device 22 receives a selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch 12 from the vehicle image control device 14 by executing the application 23, it selects a display image from a plurality of images A to D and sends the image data of the display image. For example, whenever a selection command is received, the terminal control device 22 sequentially selects one image from the plurality of images A to D as the display image. Furthermore, when each of images A to D is an image group containing multiple images, the terminal control device 22 sends image data of the images contained in the selected image group. Moreover, the terminal control device 22 may, for example, select an image sequentially from the selected image group according to the instruction to select each image in the image group, and send the image data of the selected image.

[0048] When the terminal control device 22 detects that the straddle-type vehicle 1 is in motion, it sends suppression image data of suppression image Z instead of the image data of the displayed image (one of images A to D). Then, the terminal control device 22 stops the selection of the displayed image, which is based on the receipt of a selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch 12. During the movement of the straddle-type vehicle 1, by displaying suppression image Z instead of the displayed image selected by the rider R, it is possible to suppress the rider R's gaze at the image.

[0049] The terminal control device 22 detects the movement of the straddle-type vehicle 1, for example, based on the detection result of the moving speed of the portable information terminal 2. When the portable information terminal 2 is carried by the rider R or detachably mounted on the vehicle body 11, the moving speed of the portable information terminal 2 can be used to detect the movement of the straddle-type vehicle 1. Since the vehicle image control device 14 mounted on the vehicle body 11 receives image data from the portable information terminal 2, the probability that the portable information terminal 2 is carried by the rider R or mounted on the vehicle body 11 is relatively high. Therefore, the moving speed of the portable information terminal 2 easily reflects the driving status of the straddle-type vehicle 1. For example, the communication device 22b has a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiving function. The terminal control device 22 can detect the moving speed of the portable information terminal 2 based on the location information of the portable information terminal 2 obtained from the communication device 22b. Furthermore, the terminal control device 22 may be configured as follows: by wirelessly communicating with the vehicle image control device 14 that controls the speed display 13, it can directly obtain data on the driving status of the straddle-type vehicle 1 from the straddle-type vehicle 1, thereby detecting the driving of the straddle-type vehicle 1.

[0050] Furthermore, the terminal control device 22 cannot select the suppressed image Z based on the received selection command. That is, the suppressed image Z is an image outside the selection range corresponding to the received selection command. In other words, the terminal control device 22 selects an image other than the suppressed image Z based on the received selection command. Therefore, it is possible to suppress situations where the suppressed image is displayed due to the operation of the handlebar switch 12 in a non-driving state, and the aforementioned suppressed image represents inappropriate content where the selection of the image is suppressed.

[0051] In the straddle-type vehicle system S of this embodiment, the final selection mechanism for image data including the display image of the suppressed image Z is centralized in the portable information terminal 2. That is, the suppressed image data of the suppressed image Z selected and displayed when the straddle-type vehicle 1 is in motion is one of the candidate image data sent from the portable information terminal 2. The suppressed image Z is selected in the portable information terminal 2 and sent to the straddle-type vehicle 1 when the straddle-type vehicle 1 is in motion. Therefore, in the straddle-type vehicle 1, the mechanism for remembering the suppressed image Z or selecting the display of the suppressed image Z can be omitted. That is, in the straddle-type vehicle 1, the display of the suppressed image Z can be handled simply by having the function of displaying image data received from the portable information terminal 2.

[0052] Since the function of selecting the image is concentrated in the portable information terminal 2, it is possible to respond to requirements such as changing the content of the suppression image Z or changing the conditions for displaying the suppression image Z by updating the application 23 of the portable information terminal 2. Therefore, it is possible to change the display form of the suppression image Z while suppressing changes in function or structure that occur during the modification work accompanying the straddle-type vehicle 1, or by eliminating the need for complex selection operations of the setting menu of the handlebar switch 12. Therefore, the straddle-type vehicle system S according to this embodiment is used to make the display of images A to Z reflect the driving state in a simple manner, and can flexibly respond to the requirements of changes in the reflected conditions or the content displayed.

[0053] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the straddle-type vehicle system shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 shows the control in the portable information terminal 2 and the control in the vehicle image control device 14.

[0054] The control in the portable information terminal 2 is implemented by the terminal control device 22 executing the application 23. The control in the vehicle image control device 14 is implemented by the vehicle image control device 14 executing the application 15.

[0055] Whenever the handlebar switch 12 is operated (Yes in S21), the vehicle image control device 14 executes the selection command transmission process (S22). The vehicle image control device 14 sends the selection command to the terminal control device 22.

[0056] When the terminal control device 22 receives a selection command from the vehicle image control device 14 (yes in S11), it performs a selection and transmission process (S12). Each time the terminal control device 22 receives a selection command, it sequentially selects one image from a plurality of images (A~D). The terminal control device 22 then sends the image data of the displayed image to the vehicle image control device 14.

[0057] When the vehicle image control device 14 receives image data (Yes in S23), it performs image display processing (S24). The vehicle image control device 14 causes the speed display device 13 to display the content image of the received image data. The vehicle image control device 14 maintains the display of the content image in the speed display device 13 until the next image data is received.

[0058] Furthermore, when the terminal control device 22 detects the movement of the straddle-type vehicle 1 (yes in S13), it performs image suppression processing (S14). The terminal control device 22 sends the suppressed image data of the suppressed image Z to the vehicle image control device 14. Consequently, when the vehicle image control device 14 receives the image data of the suppressed image Z (yes in S23), it performs image display processing (S24). As a result, the suppressed image Z is displayed. Furthermore, during the period when the straddle-type vehicle 1 is detected to be in motion (S15), the terminal control device 22 neither receives the selection command (S11) nor performs the selection and transmission process (S12). Therefore, the selection of the display image based on the receipt of the selection command is suspended.

[0059] As described above, the vehicle image control device 14 performs selection command transmission processing (S21, S22) and image display processing (S23, S24). The terminal control device 22 performs selection and transmission processing (S11, S12) and image suppression processing (S13, S14, S15).

[0060] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of one example of the straddle-type vehicle system shown in Figures 1 and 2. Referring to Figure 3, more detailed actions not included in the flowchart of Figure 2 will be explained. For parts common to Figure 2, the same symbols will be used, and explanations may sometimes be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0061] The terminal control device 22 in the portable information terminal 2 can, for example, perform attribute setting processing (S101). In the attribute setting processing, the terminal control device 22 sets a display retention attribute for the image that is to be displayed in the image that can be displayed on the speed display 13.

[0062] The attributes of the image can be set by the terminal control device 22 according to the rider R's operation of the terminal operation device 21. Figure 4 is an illustration of an example of a portable information terminal display screen. As shown in Figure 4, the terminal control device 22 causes the terminal operation device 21 to display a list of images, and sets attributes based on the operations performed on the terminal operation device 21 corresponding to the display positions of each image.

[0063] Figure 5 is a table showing examples of images and the attributes set for images. In the example shown in Figure 5, images A through D are shown as images that can be displayed on the speedometer 13. For each image, examples of display content and display hold attributes are shown. For example, the display hold attribute is set for image A, which displays vehicle information. More specifically, the vehicle information is vehicle maintenance information. Vehicle information, for example, may be information displaying the replacement time of parts based on the vehicle's mileage. Attributes are set, for example, based on the operation of the portable information terminal 2, without requiring complex operation of the handlebar switch 12. Furthermore, the presence or absence of certain attributes is inherent to the corresponding image and may not be changeable by the operation of the terminal operating device 21.

[0064] Refer to Figure 3 for further explanation. The terminal control device 22 executes the selection and transmission process (S12) upon receiving the selection instruction (Yes in S11). The terminal control device 22 then transmits the image data of the selected display image. When the image data previously sent to the vehicle image control device 14 has a display hold attribute (in S102, this is true), the terminal control device 22 omits the transmission of the suppressed image data of the suppressed image Z (S14). When an image with the display hold attribute set (such as image A in Figure 5) is being displayed, even if the movement of the straddle-type vehicle 1 is detected, the suppression image data of the suppression image Z will not be sent from the terminal control device 22. Therefore, even if the straddle-type vehicle 1 is in a moving state, the display of image A with the display hold attribute set will remain unchanged. By setting the display hold attribute for image A, which contains information such as vehicle maintenance information that is urgent enough not to disappear due to the movement of the straddle-type vehicle 1, the display of vehicle maintenance information image A will remain even if the vehicle starts moving while image A is being displayed, and the suppression image Z will not be displayed. In this way, the rider R can confirm the need for maintenance by viewing the image displayed on the speed display 13 while the vehicle is in motion. The setting of the exception condition that prevents the display of image Z from being suppressed even when the vehicle is in motion, as described above, can be executed, for example, by operating the portable information terminal 2 or the application 23 of the portable information terminal 2. That is, it is possible to change the exception for suppressing the display of image Z while suppressing changes to the function or structure of the straddle-type vehicle 1 or complex operations of the handlebar switch 12.

[0065] The terminal control device 22 sends suppressed image data of the suppressed image Z based on the detection of the movement of the straddle-type vehicle 1 (in S13).

[0066] The setting of exceptions to suppressing image Z can be performed, for example, by operating the portable information terminal 2 or the application 23 of the portable information terminal 2. That is, it is possible to change the exceptions to suppressing the display of image Z while suppressing changes to the function or structure of the straddle-type vehicle 1 or complex operations of the handlebar switch 12.

[0067] When the terminal control device 22 detects that the straddle-type vehicle 1 is not in a driving state (no in S15), it may perform a resumption transmission process (S104). Detecting a non-driving state means that no driving state is detected. The terminal control device 22 transmits the image data of the displayed image through the resumption transmission process. For example, the terminal control device 22 may retransmit the image data that was transmitted in the selection and transmission process (S12) before transmitting the suppression image data of the suppression image Z transmitted based on the detection of driving of the straddle-type vehicle 1. When the terminal control device 22 receives a selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch 12 from the vehicle image control device 14, it resumes the selection of the display image (S11, S12).

[0068] When the straddle-type vehicle 1 is not in motion, the display of the suppressed image Z is deactivated, allowing for the selection and display of a new image. By changing the displayed image from the suppressed image Z, the rider R is informed that an image can be selected and displayed. The conditions for deactivating the suppressed image Z can also be modified to account for exceptions to the display of the suppressed image Z, even when there are changes to the function or structure of the suppressed straddle-type vehicle 1 or complex operations of the handlebar switch 12.

[0069] 1: Straddle-type vehicles 2: Portable information terminal 11: Vehicle body 11b: Handle bar 12: Handle lever switch 13: Speed ​​display machine 14: Vehicle Image Control Device 14a: Processor 14b: Communication device 14c: Memory 15: Program 17: Wheels 21: Terminal operating device 22: Terminal control device 22a: Processor 22b: Communication device 22c: Memory 23: Application H: Hand R: Rider S: Straddle-type vehicle system

Claims

1. A straddle-type vehicle system comprising a straddle-type vehicle and an application program operating in a portable information terminal capable of communicating with the straddle-type vehicle, the straddle-type vehicle comprising: a body including a handlebar held by the rider of the straddle-type vehicle; a handlebar switch mounted on the handlebar; a speed display mounted on the body and displaying the speed and an image of the straddle-type vehicle; and a vehicle image control device having the function of communicating with the portable information terminal and controlling the speed display; the portable information terminal having a terminal control device, the terminal control device being a computer and having the function of communicating with the vehicle image control device, the vehicle image control device sending a selection command to the terminal control device, based on the rider's operation of the handlebar switch while holding the handlebar, to cause the terminal control device to select one image from a plurality of images as the display image, and, upon receiving image data from the terminal control device, causing the speed display to display the image of the image data. The application, executed in the terminal control device, when receiving a selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch from the vehicle image control device, causes the terminal control device to select the display image from the plurality of images and send the image data of the display image. When the driving of the straddle-type vehicle is detected, the terminal control device sends suppression image data indicating that the selection operation of the handlebar switch cannot be performed, instead of the image data of the display image, and stops the selection of the display image in accordance with the receipt of the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch.

2. As in the straddle-type vehicle system of claim 1, wherein the application, by being executed in the terminal control device, causes the terminal control device to set a display hold attribute for a specified image in the image that can be displayed on the speed display, and when the image data sent to the vehicle image control device has the display hold attribute, the transmission of the image suppression data is omitted.

3. As in claim 1 or 2, in a straddle-type vehicle system, wherein the application, by being executed in the terminal control device, causes the terminal control device to send the image data of the display image when it detects that the straddle-type vehicle is not in motion, and to resume the selection of the display image when receiving the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch from the vehicle image control device.

4. A control method comprising using a portable information terminal equipped with a terminal control device capable of communicating with a straddle-type vehicle to control a display of a vehicle image display device mounted on the vehicle body, wherein, based on an operation performed by a rider on a handlebar switch while holding the handlebars mounted on the vehicle body, a selection command is sent to the terminal control device to select one image from a plurality of images as the display image; upon receiving the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch from the vehicle image control device, the display image is selected from the plurality of images, and image data of the display image is sent; upon receiving the image data from the terminal control device, the image data is displayed on a speed display; and upon detecting vehicle movement, suppression image data indicating that selection operation on the handlebar switch is not permitted is sent instead of the image data of the display image, and the selection of the display image corresponding to the receipt of the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch is stopped.

5. A straddle-type vehicle system comprising a straddle-type vehicle and a portable information terminal capable of communicating with the straddle-type vehicle, the straddle-type vehicle comprising: a body including a handlebar held by the hand of a rider of the straddle-type vehicle; a handlebar switch mounted on the handlebar; a speed display mounted on the body and displaying the speed and an image of the straddle-type vehicle; and a vehicle image control device having the function of communicating with the portable information terminal and controlling the speed display; the portable information terminal comprising a terminal control device, the terminal control device being a computer and having the function of communicating with the vehicle image control device, the vehicle image control device sending a selection command to the terminal control device, based on the rider's operation of the handlebar switch while holding the handlebar, to cause the terminal control device to select one image from a plurality of images as the display image, and, upon receiving image data from the terminal control device, causing the speed display to display the image of the image data. The aforementioned terminal control device, by executing an application, selects the display image from the plurality of images when it receives the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch from the vehicle image control device, and sends the image data of the display image. When the driving of the straddle-type vehicle is detected, it sends suppression image data indicating that the selection operation of the handlebar switch cannot be performed, instead of the image data of the display image, and stops the selection of the display image in accordance with the receipt of the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch.

6. As in claim 5, the straddle-type vehicle system wherein the terminal control device sets a display hold attribute for a specified image in the image that can be displayed on the speed display to maintain the display state, and when the image data sent to the vehicle image control device has the display hold attribute, the transmission of the image suppression data is omitted.

7. As in claim 5 or 6, in a straddle-type vehicle system, when the terminal control device detects that the straddle-type vehicle is not in motion, it sends the image data of the displayed image and restarts the selection of the displayed image when receiving the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch from the vehicle image control device.

8. An application that controls the portable information terminal of a straddle-type vehicle system as described in any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the application, executed in the terminal control device, causes the terminal control device to select the display image from the plurality of images and send the image data of the display image when it receives the selection instruction based on the operation of the handlebar switch from the vehicle image control device; and when the straddle-type vehicle is detected to be in motion, causes the terminal control device to send the suppression image data of the suppression image indicating that the selection operation of the handlebar switch cannot be performed, in place of the image data of the display image, and stops the selection of the display image in accordance with the receipt of the selection instruction based on the operation of the handlebar switch.

Images