Display control device and method for vehicle, display device for vehicle, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having program recorded

Abstract

The present application relates to a display control device and method for a vehicle, a display device for a vehicle, and a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon, wherein the display control device for a vehicle is configured such that, for a switch to which a first function that is assigned to change from a first state to a second state for a first press, and a third function other than a second function that is assigned to change from the second state to the first state for a second or subsequent press, or a function that is not assigned to a second or subsequent press, is assigned, in a state in which an image thereof is displayed on a display, if the switch is pressed once, a first mark indicating that the function that is not assigned to the second or subsequent press is displayed, or a second mark indicating that the third function is assigned to the second or subsequent press is displayed, in a display region corresponding to the switch in the display device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a display control device for vehicles, a display device for vehicles, a display control method for vehicles, and a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium on which a display control program for vehicles is recorded. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-075157 discloses a technology that displays the configuration of a group of switches installed on the steering wheel of a vehicle as an image on a HUD (Head-up Display).

[0003] Sometimes, the switches on a vehicle's steering wheel include switches that change from state 1 to state 2 upon the first press, but cannot return from state 2 to state 1 upon subsequent presses (also known as "one-way switches"). When the image of the steering wheel switches is displayed on the HUD, the user may mistakenly believe that the one-way switch was pressed more than twice. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a vehicle display control device, a vehicle display device, a vehicle display control method, and a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium containing a vehicle display control program, which enables a user to recognize the action of pressing the switch more than twice when the switch is displayed on the display device, in the case that the switch changes from state 1 to state 2 by the first press and cannot return from state 2 to state 1 by the second press.

[0005] Form 1

[0006] A vehicle display control device includes: a memory; and a processor connected to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to: for a switch that is assigned a first function to transition from a first state to a second state for a first press and is not assigned a function for a second or subsequent press, or is assigned a second function to transition from a second state to a first state for a second or subsequent press, when the switch is pressed once while its image is displayed on a display, display a first flag indicating that no function is assigned for a second or subsequent press, or a second flag indicating that the third function is assigned for a second or subsequent press, in the display area corresponding to the switch on the display.

[0007] In the first embodiment, an image of a switch that is assigned a first function (transitioning from state 1 to state 2 upon the first press) and is not assigned a function for subsequent presses, or is assigned a third function (transitioning from state 2 to state 1 upon subsequent presses), is displayed on the screen. Here, when the switch is pressed once, a first indicator indicating that no function is assigned for subsequent presses, or a second indicator indicating that the third function is assigned for subsequent presses, is displayed in the display area corresponding to the switch. Thus, when a switch that transitions from state 1 to state 2 upon the first press and cannot return from state 2 to state 1 upon subsequent presses is displayed on the display device, the user can recognize the action when the switch has been pressed more than twice.

[0008] Second Form

[0009] Based on the vehicle display control device described in the first embodiment, the switch is configured to perform the first function of changing from the first state where cruise control is on to the second state where cruise control is off upon the first press, and is not configured to perform the function for subsequent presses.

[0010] According to the second form, the display of the first mark can make the user aware that even if the switch that has been pressed to change from the state of cruise control being on to the state of cruise control being off is pressed further, it is impossible to return from the state of cruise control being off to the state of cruise control being on.

[0011] Form 3

[0012] Based on the vehicle display control device described in the first embodiment, the switch is configured to perform the first function of changing the cruise control from the first state where cruise control is off to the second state where cruise control is activated based on the previous setting value upon the first press, and the third function of increasing the set speed of cruise control upon subsequent presses.

[0013] According to the third form, the display of the second mark can make the user realize that even if the switch that was pressed to change from the state where cruise control is off to the state where cruise control is activated at the previous setting value is pressed further, the state where cruise control is activated at the previous setting value cannot be returned to the state where cruise control is off.

[0014] 4th Form

[0015] Based on the vehicle display control device described in any of the first to third forms, the display is a HUD.

[0016] In the fourth configuration, the display device is a HUD, which reduces the amount of eye movement required when the user visually recognizes the state in front of the vehicle through the windshield and visually recognizes the image displayed on the screen, compared to cases where the display is an instrument panel.

[0017] 5th Form

[0018] A vehicle display device, comprising: a vehicle display control device according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments; and the aforementioned display.

[0019] According to the fifth form, similar to the first form, when a switch that changes from state 1 to state 2 upon the first press but cannot return from state 2 to state 1 upon subsequent presses is displayed on the screen, the user can recognize the action when the switch has been pressed more than twice.

[0020] 6th Form

[0021] A display control method for a vehicle includes a processor controlling a switch to transition from a first state to a second state upon the first press, and to which a third function other than a function to transition from a second state to a first state upon subsequent presses or a second function to transition from a second state to a first state upon subsequent presses, when the switch is pressed once while its image is displayed on a screen, a first flag indicating that no function to transition from a second state to a second state is assigned, or a second flag indicating that the third function is assigned upon subsequent presses, is displayed in the display area corresponding to the switch on the screen.

[0022] According to the sixth form, similar to the first form, when a switch that changes from the first state to the second state upon the first press but cannot return from the second state to the first state upon subsequent presses is displayed on the display device, the user can recognize the action when the switch has been pressed more than twice.

[0023] 7th Form

[0024] A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, wherein the non-transitory computer-readable recording medium records a vehicle display control program for causing a computer to perform the following processing, the processing including: for a switch that is assigned a first function to transition from a first state to a second state for a first press and is not assigned a function for a second or subsequent press, or is assigned a second function to transition from a second state to a first state for a second or subsequent press, when the switch is pressed once while its image is displayed on a display, displaying in the display area corresponding to the switch a first flag indicating that no function is assigned for a second or subsequent press, or a second flag indicating that the third function is assigned for a second or subsequent press.

[0025] According to the seventh form, similar to the first form, when a switch that changes from state 1 to state 2 upon the first press but cannot return from state 2 to state 1 upon subsequent presses is displayed on the screen, the user can recognize the action when the switch has been pressed more than twice.

[0026] This disclosure has the effect of making the user aware of the action when the switch is pressed more than twice, in cases where the switch is displayed on the screen as a switch that changes from state 1 to state 2 upon the first press but cannot return from state 2 to state 1 upon subsequent presses. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a simplified structure of the vehicle display and its surroundings according to the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a simplified structural diagram representing an example of a HUD.

[0029] Figure 3 It is a functional block diagram of the display control ECU.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of the front of the vehicle's cargo compartment as seen from the rear.

[0031] Figure 5 It's an enlarged image showing a portion of the steering wheel.

[0032] Figure 6 It is a flowchart representing the control processing performed by the display control ECU.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the HUD when ACC is on.

[0034] Figure 8It means from Figure 7 This is an example of the image displayed on the HUD when the switch is pressed and the ACC is switched off.

[0035] Figure 9 It means from Figure 8 This is an example of an image displayed on the HUD after a specified period of time.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the image displayed on the HUD when the ACC is off.

[0037] Figure 11 It means from Figure 10 This is an example of an image displayed on the HUD when the switch is pressed and the state changes to the state where ACC is activated with the previous setting.

[0038] Figure 12 It means from Figure 11 This is an example of an image displayed on the HUD after a specified period of time. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 The diagram shows a vehicle display 10 according to this embodiment. The vehicle display 10 is mounted in a vehicle and includes a head-up display (HUD) 12 as an example of a display, and a display control ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 22 that controls the display of images based on the HUD 12. Furthermore, the display control ECU 22 is an example of a vehicle display control device according to this disclosure.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the HUD 12 includes: a display unit (projector) 14 that emits projection light for displaying an image; a mirror 16, which is composed of a concave mirror and reflects and projects the projection light emitted from the display unit 14 onto the windshield 18 of the vehicle; and a mirror angle changing ACT (actuator) 20. The area 74 in the windshield 18 for projecting the displayed image (see reference) Figure 4 The interior surface of the windshield 16 is treated with a semi-transparent, semi-reflective mirror, allowing the user to visually recognize the projected image and also see the outside world through the windshield 18. The mirror angle adjustment ACT20 allows the user to change the position of the projected image onto the windshield 18 by changing the angle of the mirror 16.

[0041] like Figure 1As shown, the display control ECU 22 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 24, which serves as an example of a hardware processor, and memory 26 such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). Additionally, the display control ECU 22 includes non-volatile storage units 28 such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), a communication interface (I / F) 30, and input / output I / F 31. The CPU 24, memory 26, storage units 28, communication I / F 30, and input / output I / F 31 are communicatively connected to each other via an internal bus 32. The CPU 24 can be a single CPU or multiple CPUs. Alternatively, other processors such as GPUs can be used instead of CPUs or based on them.

[0042] The control program 34 is stored in the storage unit 28. The display control ECU 22 reads the control program 34 from the storage unit 28 and expands it in the memory 26. The expanded control program 34 in the memory 26 is then loaded onto the CPU 24 and executed, thereby serving as... Figure 3 The control unit 36 ​​shown functions.

[0043] When the image of a group of switches (e.g., the turn signal switches 44R and 44L described later) is displayed on the HUD 12, the control unit 36 ​​performs the following processing: the group of switches includes switches that are assigned a first function (transitioning from a first state to a second state upon the first press) and are not assigned a function for the second press, or a third function (transitioning from a second state to a first state upon the second press). That is, when the switch is pressed once, the control unit 36 ​​displays a first flag in the display area of ​​the HUD 12 corresponding to the switch, indicating that no function is assigned for subsequent presses, or a second flag indicating that the third function is assigned for subsequent presses. Furthermore, the control program 34 is an example of a vehicle display control program disclosed herein.

[0044] Additionally, the display control ECU 22 is connected to the system bus 40, which in turn connects to the in-vehicle equipment 42, the right turn switch group 44R, the left turn switch group 44L, and the switch management ECU 80. The in-vehicle equipment 42 includes, in addition to devices such as air conditioning, audio, vehicle navigation system, and voice input devices, driving assistance devices such as ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) and LTA (Lane Tracing Assist). Furthermore, ACC is an example of cruise control in this disclosure.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, an instrument panel 72 is provided at the front of the passenger compartment of a vehicle 70 equipped with the vehicle display device 10 according to this embodiment. A windshield 18 is disposed at the front end of the instrument panel 72, extending in the vertical direction and the width direction of the vehicle to divide the passenger compartment into the interior and exterior. On the driver's side (right side of the vehicle) of the instrument panel 72, a steering wheel 76 is provided via the steering column. The steering wheel 76 has a generally annular rim portion 76A. In addition, a hub portion 76B constituting the central portion is provided on the inner circumference side of the rim portion 76A, and the rim portion 76A and the hub portion 76B are connected by a plurality of spoke portions 76C (three in this embodiment).

[0046] The spoke portions 76C are located in three places: between the right side of the rim portion 76A and the hub portion 76B; between the left side of the rim portion 76A and the hub portion 76B; and between the lower side of the rim portion 76A and the hub portion 76B. Here, a right turn switch group 44R is provided in the spoke portion 76C between the right side of the rim portion 76A and the hub portion 76B. Additionally, a left turn switch group 44L is provided in the spoke portion 76C between the left side of the rim portion 76A and the hub portion 76B.

[0047] The right turn signal switch group 44R includes a right first tactile switch 46, a right second tactile switch 48, and a right third tactile switch 50, which are each composed of contact-detection type switches. Furthermore, the right turn signal switch group 44R includes a right first electrostatic sensor 52, a right second electrostatic sensor 54, and a right third electrostatic sensor 56.

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, the right first tactile switch 46 is approximately pentagonal with rounded corners, and includes an upper switch 46A, a lower switch 46B, a right switch 46C, and a left switch 46D. Therefore, the right first tactile switch 46 is configured to be pressable up, down, left, and right.

[0049] Additionally, a right-first electrostatic sensor 52 is provided on the right-first tactile switch 46, which can detect when a user sitting in the driver's seat of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the user) touches the right-first tactile switch 46. Specifically, it can detect which of the following switches in the right-first tactile switch 46—the upper switch 46A, the lower switch 46B, the right switch 46C, and the left switch 46D—the user touches.

[0050] When viewed from the front of the steering wheel 76, the second right tactile switch 48 is positioned to the left of the first right tactile switch 46, forming an approximately rectangular shape with the vertical direction of the vehicle as its longer side, and includes an upper switch 48A and a lower switch 48B. Therefore, the second right tactile switch 48 is configured to be pressable up and down.

[0051] Additionally, a second electrostatic sensor 54 is provided on the second right tactile switch 48, which can detect when a user touches the second right tactile switch 48. Specifically, it can detect which of the upper switch 48A and the lower switch 48B in the second right tactile switch 48 is touched by the user.

[0052] When viewed from the front of the steering wheel 76, the right third touch switch 50 is positioned below the right first touch switch 46 and the right second touch switch 48, forming an approximately rectangular shape with the vehicle width direction as the long side. A right third electrostatic sensor 56 is provided in the right third touch switch 50, configured to detect when the user touches the right third touch switch 50.

[0053] On the other hand, such as Figure 1 As shown, the left turn signal switch group 44L includes a first left tactile switch 58, a second left tactile switch 60, and a third left tactile switch 62, each composed of a contact-detection type switch. Furthermore, the left turn signal switch group 44L includes a first left electrostatic sensor 64, a second left electrostatic sensor 66, and a third left electrostatic sensor 68.

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown, the left first tactile switch 58 is approximately pentagonal with rounded corners, and includes an upper switch 58A, a lower switch 58B, a right switch 58C, and a left switch 58D. Therefore, the left first tactile switch 58 is configured to be pressable up, down, left, and right.

[0055] Additionally, a left-first electrostatic sensor 64 is provided on the left-first tactile switch 58, which can detect when a user touches the left-first tactile switch 58. Specifically, it can detect which of the following switches in the left-first tactile switch 58—the upper switch 58A, the lower switch 58B, the right switch 58C, and the left switch 58D—the user touches.

[0056] When viewed from the front of the steering wheel 76, the second left tactile switch 60 is located to the right of the first left tactile switch 58, forming an approximately rectangular shape with the vertical direction of the vehicle as its longer side, and includes an upper switch 60A and a lower switch 60B. Therefore, the second left tactile switch 60 is configured to be able to be pressed up and down.

[0057] Additionally, a second electrostatic sensor 66 is provided on the second left tactile switch 60, which can detect when a user touches the second left tactile switch 60. Specifically, it can detect which of the upper switch 60A and the lower switch 60B in the second left tactile switch 60 is touched by the user.

[0058] When viewed from the front of the steering wheel 76, the third left tactile switch 62 is positioned below the first left tactile switch 58 and the second left tactile switch 60, forming an approximately rectangular shape with the vehicle width as its longer side. A third left electrostatic sensor 68 is installed in the third left tactile switch 62 to detect when a user touches it.

[0059] Figure 1 The switch management ECU 80 shown, like the display control ECU 22, includes a CPU, memory, non-volatile storage unit, and communication I / F, etc. The storage unit of the switch management ECU 80 stores a function allocation table 82. The function allocation table 82 registers the functions assigned to each switch in the switch groups 44R and 44L when the vehicle 70 is in each state, and the conditions for the vehicle 70 to transition to each state.

[0060] If any of the switches in the turn signal switch group 44R and 44L is pressed, the switch management ECU 80 reads the function assigned to the pressed switch from the function allocation table 82. Furthermore, the switch management ECU 80 notifies the on-board unit 42 corresponding to the read function of the execution of the function read through the switch pressing.

[0061] For example Figure 7 An image of the switch group 44R displayed on HUD 12 shows the first state of ACC being activated in vehicle 70. Each switch's function is indicated by an icon or text. For example, the right switch 58C is assigned the function of transitioning vehicle 70 from the first state of ACC being activated to the second state of ACC being deactivated. If, for example, the user presses the right switch 58C in the first state, the switch management ECU 80 notifies the ACC device in the on-board unit 42 of the transition to the second state of ACC being deactivated.

[0062] Next, as for the purpose of this embodiment, refer to Figure 6 The control processing performed by the display control ECU 22 during the period when the ignition switch of vehicle 70 is on will be explained.

[0063] In step 200 of the control processing, the control unit 36 ​​determines whether to display an image of at least one of the switch groups 44R and 44L on the HUD 12. In this embodiment, as an example, if the user touches any one of the switches in the switch group 44R, the image of the switch group 44R is displayed on the HUD 12. Similarly, if the user touches any one of the switches in the switch group 44L, the image of the switch group 44L is displayed on the HUD 12.

[0064] Therefore, if no switches in switch groups 44R and 44L are touched, a negative determination is made in step 200, and the process returns to step 200, repeating the determination process in step 200. In this case, the images of switch groups 44R and 44L are not displayed on the HUD 12. On the other hand, if at least one of switch groups 44R and 44L is touched, a positive determination is made in step 200, and the process moves to step 202. In this case, the image of the touched switch group 44 in switch groups 44R and 44L is set as the display target.

[0065] Furthermore, if the image of the touched switch group 44 is temporarily displayed on the HUD 12 and then the touch is released, the display of the image can be immediately eliminated, or the display of the image can be eliminated after a predetermined time has elapsed since the touch was released.

[0066] In step 202, the control unit 36 ​​obtains information from the switch management ECU 80 indicating the function allocation status of each switch in the switch group (at least one of the switch groups 44R and 44L) to the display object (information registered in the function allocation table 82).

[0067] In step 204, the control unit 36 ​​generates an image of the switch group (at least one of switch groups 44R and 44L) of the display object based on the information obtained in step 202. That is, firstly, the control unit 36 ​​reads data simulating the image of the switch group 44 of the display object from the storage unit 28, etc. Next, the control unit 36 ​​assigns a function that is performed when pressed to each switch in the switch group 44 of the display object, and depicts the icon or text corresponding to the assigned function in the display area of ​​the read image corresponding to the aforementioned switch.

[0068] As an example Figure 7 This illustrates the state where, with ACC enabled, each switch in switch group 44R, which is the display target, has its corresponding icon or text displayed in its respective display area, corresponding to its assigned function. Additionally, as an example, Figure 10This shows the state where, with ACC off, each switch in switch group 44R, which is the display object, has its corresponding icon or text depicted in the corresponding display area, corresponding to its assigned function.

[0069] Next, the control unit 36 ​​compares the image generated through the above processing (an image simulating the switch group 44 of the display object) with other images displayed on the HUD 12 (e.g., Figure 7 The image shown (indicating vehicle speed and gear shift position, etc.) is synthesized. Furthermore, the control unit 36 ​​displays the synthesized image on the HUD 12.

[0070] In the next step 206, the control unit 36 ​​determines whether the user has touched any of the switches in the display object's switch group 44. If the determination in step 206 is negative, step 206 is repeated until a positive determination is made. If the determination in step 206 is positive, the process moves to step 208. In step 208, the control unit 36 ​​highlights the displayed icon or text in the display area corresponding to the touched switch.

[0071] As an example Figure 7 This example demonstrates how, with ACC on, touching the right switch 46C in switch group 44R (the switch group to be displayed) will highlight the string "Cancel" in the display area corresponding to the right switch 46C. Additionally, as an example, Figure 10 An example is shown where, with the ACC off, touching the upper switch 46A in switch group 44R (the switch group to be displayed) will cause the string "RES" to be highlighted in the display area corresponding to the upper switch 46A. In this way, by highlighting the display area corresponding to the switch touched by the user, the user can recognize the location of their touch.

[0072] In step 210, the control unit 36 ​​determines whether the switch touched by the user has been further pressed by the user. For example, if the user removes their finger from the switch without pressing it, a negative determination is made in step 210 and the process returns to step 206. On the other hand, if the user has further pressed the switch, a positive determination is made in step 210 and the process moves to step 212.

[0073] In step 212, the control unit 36 ​​determines whether the switch pressed by the user is a switch used to transition from the ACC on state to the ACC off state. In this embodiment, the switch used to transition from the ACC on state to the ACC off state is... Figure 7When ACC is on, the right switch 46C displays the string "Cancel" in the corresponding display area. Furthermore, the right switch 46C is a one-way switch that changes from the first state (ACC on) to the second state (ACC off) upon the first press, and cannot return from the second state (ACC off) to the first state (ACC on) upon subsequent presses. More specifically, the right switch 46C is a one-way switch that is not assigned a function for subsequent presses.

[0074] Therefore, when in Figure 7 If, with ACC on, the right switch 46C, which displays the string "Cancel" in the corresponding display area, is pressed, a positive determination is made in step 212, and the process moves to step 214. In step 214, the control unit 36 ​​displays the string "Canceled," indicating that the transition to the second state (ACC off) has been completed by pressing the right switch 46C once, in the display area above the area displaying vehicle speed, etc., on the HUD 12 (see reference). Figure 8 The string 90 shown is used to indicate this. Thus, based on the string "Cancelled" displayed on HUD12, the user can understand that even if the right switch 46C is pressed further, it is impossible to return from the ACC off state 2 to the ACC on state 1.

[0075] Furthermore, in step 216, the control unit 36 ​​sets a circular first indicator 92 (see reference) indicating that the right switch 46C is not assigned a function for subsequent presses. Figure 8 The display area corresponding to the right switch 46C is shown in the HUD12. This allows the user to understand the action of the right switch 46C when it is pressed more than twice, which changes from the first state (ACC on) to the second state (ACC off) due to the first press and cannot return from the second state (ACC off) to the first state (ACC on) due to subsequent presses.

[0076] If step 216 is performed, the process proceeds to step 226, where the control unit 36 ​​determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the string was displayed on the HUD 12 in step 214. Furthermore, the predetermined time in step 214 is, for example, approximately several seconds (two seconds as an example). If step 226 results in a negative determination, step 226 is repeated until a positive determination is made.

[0077] If a positive determination is made in step 226, proceed to step 228. In step 228, the control unit 36 ​​removes the string displayed on the HUD 12 in step 214 (see also...) from the HUD 12. Figure 9 If step 228 is performed, then return to step 200.

[0078] Furthermore, if the switch pressed by the user is not the switch used to change the state from ACC on to ACC off, a negative determination is made in step 212 and the process moves to step 218. In step 218, the control unit 36 ​​determines whether the switch pressed by the user is the switch used to change the state from ACC off to ACC on at the previous set value (e.g., the previous set vehicle speed).

[0079] In this embodiment, the switch used to transition from the ACC off state to the state of ACC being activated based on the previous setting is... Figure 10 The upper switch 46A, displayed in the corresponding display area when ACC is off, shows the string "RES". Furthermore, this upper switch 46A is a one-way switch that, upon the first press, transitions from the ACC-off state (1) to the ACC-off state (2) upon the previous setting, but cannot return from the ACC-off state (2) upon subsequent presses to the ACC-off state (1). More specifically, this upper switch 46A is a one-way switch that, upon subsequent presses, is assigned a function other than transitioning from the ACC-off state (2) to the ACC-off state (1), specifically, increasing the set speed of ACC.

[0080] Furthermore, the function of "transitioning from the second state of ACC activation to the first state of ACC deactivation" mentioned above is an example of the second function in this disclosure. In addition, the functions other than the function of transitioning from the second state of ACC activation to the first state of ACC deactivation and the function of "increasing the set speed of ACC" are examples of the third function in this disclosure.

[0081] Therefore, in Figure 10 With ACC off as shown, if the upper switch 46A, which displays the string "RES" in the corresponding display area, is pressed, a positive determination is made in step 218, and the process moves to step 220. In step 220, the control unit 36 ​​displays the string "Restored" in the display area above the area displaying vehicle speed, etc., on the HUD 12, indicating that the transition to the second state of ACC activation from the previous setting value has been completed by pressing the upper switch 46A once (see reference). Figure 11 (as shown in string 94). Thus, based on the string "Restored" displayed on HUD12, the user can be made aware that even if the upper switch 46A is pressed further, the ACC cannot be returned from the second state of starting the ACC to the first state of being off, which was the previous setting value.

[0082] Furthermore, in step 222, the control unit 36 ​​activates the second indicator 96 (see reference) indicating that the switch 46A is a switch for increasing the set speed of ACC upon pressing it a second time or later. Figure 11 The display area corresponding to the upper switch 46A in the HUD12 is displayed. Thus, the user can understand the action of the upper switch 46A when it is pressed more than twice, which changes from the first state of ACC being off to the second state of ACC being activated by the previous setting value due to the first press, and cannot return to the first state of ACC being off by pressing it more than twice.

[0083] If step 222 is performed, the process proceeds to step 226. In step 226, the control unit 36 ​​determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the string was displayed on the HUD 12 in step 220. If step 226 results in a negative determination, step 226 is repeated until a positive determination is made. If a positive determination is made in step 226, the process proceeds to step 228. In step 228, the control unit 36 ​​removes the string displayed on the HUD 12 in step 220 from the HUD 12 (see also...). Figure 12 If step 228 is performed, then return to step 200.

[0084] Furthermore, if the switch pressed by the user is not the switch used to transition from the ACC off state to the state of starting the ACC at the previous setting value, a negative determination is made in step 218 and the process proceeds to step 224. Moreover, in step 224, the control unit 36 ​​performs processing corresponding to other switches that were pressed.

[0085] Thus, in this embodiment, when the image of a switch that is assigned a first function (transitioning from state 1 to state 2 upon the first press) and not assigned a function for subsequent presses, or a third function (transitioning from state 2 to state 1 upon subsequent presses) is displayed on the HUD 12, the control unit 36 ​​performs the following processing: When the switch is pressed once, the control unit 26 displays a first flag 92 indicating that no function is assigned for subsequent presses, or a second flag 96 indicating that a third function is assigned for subsequent presses, in the display area corresponding to the switch on the HUD 12. Therefore, when a switch that transitions from state 1 to state 2 upon the first press and cannot return from state 2 to state 1 upon subsequent presses is displayed on the display device, the user can recognize the action when the switch has been pressed more than twice.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the aforementioned switch is assigned a first function for the first press, transitioning from the first state of ACC being on to the second state of ACC being off, while subsequent presses do not assign a function. Thus, the first indicator 92 allows the user to recognize that even if the switch, pressed further to transition from the state of ACC being on to the state of ACC being off, cannot return from the state of ACC being off to the state of ACC being on.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the aforementioned switch is configured to perform a first function—changing the ACC from a first state of being off to a second state of being ACC activated at the previous setting value—on the first press, and a third function—increasing the set speed of the ACC—on subsequent presses. Thus, the second indicator 96 allows the user to understand that even if the switch, pressed further to change the ACC state from being off to being ACC activated at the previous setting value, cannot return the ACC-off state from the state of being ACC-activated at the previous setting value.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a HUD is used as the display. Therefore, compared to cases where the display is an instrument panel, the amount of eye movement required when a user visually recognizes the state of the vehicle ahead through the windshield and sees the image displayed on the display can be reduced.

[0089] Furthermore, the above description addresses the cases where the ACC is in state 1 (on) and state 2 (off), and the cases where the ACC is off in state 1 and state 2 (off) is activated using the previous settings. However, the states 1 and 2 in this disclosure are not limited to the states described above and may be other states as well.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above text, as an example of the third function in this disclosure, the function of "increasing the set speed of ACC" was described, but it is not limited to this. The third function can be any function other than the second function, for example, it can also be "decelerating the set speed of ACC".

[0091] Furthermore, while the above description illustrates an example of a display using HUD12, this disclosure is not limited to this, and the display may also be an instrument display or other types of display.

[0092] Furthermore, the description above describes a configuration in which a control program 34, which is an example of a vehicle display control program disclosed herein, is pre-stored (installed) in the storage unit 28. However, the vehicle display control program disclosed herein can also be provided in a manner recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium such as an HDD, SSD, or DVD.

Claims

1. A display control device for a vehicle, wherein, The vehicle display control device includes: Memory; and The processor connected to the memory, The processor is configured as follows: For a switch that is assigned a first function to transition from state 1 to state 2 upon the first press, and is not assigned a function for subsequent presses, when the switch is pressed once while its image is displayed on the screen, a first indicator is displayed in the display area corresponding to the switch on the screen, indicating that no function is assigned for subsequent presses.

2. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1, wherein, The switch is a switch that is assigned the first function for the first press, which changes the cruise control from the first state (cruise control is on) to the second state (cruise control is off), and is not assigned a function for subsequent presses.

3. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The display is a HUD.

4. A display device for a vehicle, wherein, The vehicle display device includes: Vehicle display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; and The display.

5. A display control method for a vehicle, wherein, The processor performs the following control: For a switch that is assigned a first function to transition from state 1 to state 2 upon the first press, and is not assigned a function for subsequent presses, when the switch is pressed once while its image is displayed on the screen, a first indicator is displayed in the display area corresponding to the switch on the screen, indicating that no function is assigned for subsequent presses.

6. A display control method for a vehicle, wherein, The processor performs the following control: For a switch that is assigned a first function (transitioning from state 1 to state 2) upon the first press and is not assigned a third function (other than a second function (transitioning from state 2 to state 1) upon subsequent presses), when the switch is pressed once while its image is displayed on the screen, a first flag indicating that no function is assigned for subsequent presses, or a second flag indicating that the third function is assigned for subsequent presses, is displayed in the display area corresponding to the switch on the screen. The switch is a switch that is assigned the first function for the first press, which changes the cruise control from the first state (cruise control is on) to the second state (cruise control is off), and is not assigned a function for subsequent presses.

7. A display control method for a vehicle, wherein, The processor performs the following control: For a switch that is assigned a first function (transitioning from state 1 to state 2) upon the first press and is not assigned a third function (other than a second function (transitioning from state 2 to state 1) upon subsequent presses), when the switch is pressed once while its image is displayed on the screen, a first flag indicating that no function is assigned for subsequent presses, or a second flag indicating that the third function is assigned for subsequent presses, is displayed in the display area corresponding to the switch on the screen. The switch is configured to perform the first function of transitioning the cruise control from the first state (cruise control off) to the second state (cruise control activated at the previous setting value) upon the first press, and the third function of increasing the set speed of the cruise control upon subsequent presses.

8. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, wherein, The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium records a vehicle display control program for causing a computer to perform processing, the processing including: For a switch that is assigned a first function to transition from state 1 to state 2 upon the first press, and is not assigned a function for subsequent presses, when the switch is pressed once while its image is displayed on the screen, a first indicator is displayed in the display area corresponding to the switch on the screen, indicating that no function is assigned for subsequent presses.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, wherein, The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium records a vehicle display control program for causing a computer to perform processing, the processing including: For a switch that is assigned a first function (transitioning from state 1 to state 2) upon the first press and is not assigned a third function (other than a second function (transitioning from state 2 to state 1) upon subsequent presses), when the switch is pressed once while its image is displayed on the screen, a first flag indicating that no function is assigned for subsequent presses, or a second flag indicating that the third function is assigned for subsequent presses, is displayed in the display area corresponding to the switch on the screen. The switch is a switch that is assigned the first function for the first press, which changes the cruise control from the first state (cruise control is on) to the second state (cruise control is off), and is not assigned a function for subsequent presses.

10. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, wherein, The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium records a vehicle display control program for causing a computer to perform processing, the processing including: For a switch that is assigned a first function (transitioning from state 1 to state 2) upon the first press and is not assigned a third function (other than a second function (transitioning from state 2 to state 1) upon subsequent presses), when the switch is pressed once while its image is displayed on the screen, a first flag indicating that no function is assigned for subsequent presses, or a second flag indicating that the third function is assigned for subsequent presses, is displayed in the display area corresponding to the switch on the screen. The switch is configured to perform the first function of transitioning the cruise control from the first state (cruise control off) to the second state (cruise control activated at the previous setting value) upon the first press, and the third function of increasing the set speed of the cruise control upon subsequent presses.

11. A display control device for a vehicle, wherein, The vehicle display control device includes: Memory; and The processor connected to the memory, The processor is configured as follows: For a switch that is assigned a first function (transitioning from state 1 to state 2) upon the first press and is not assigned a third function (other than a second function (transitioning from state 2 to state 1) upon subsequent presses), when the switch is pressed once while its image is displayed on the screen, a first flag indicating that no function is assigned for subsequent presses, or a second flag indicating that the third function is assigned for subsequent presses, is displayed in the display area corresponding to the switch on the screen. The switch is a switch that is assigned the first function for the first press, which changes the cruise control from the first state (cruise control is on) to the second state (cruise control is off), and is not assigned a function for subsequent presses.

12. A display control device for a vehicle, wherein, The vehicle display control device includes: Memory; and The processor connected to the memory, The processor is configured as follows: For a switch that is assigned a first function (transitioning from state 1 to state 2) upon the first press and is not assigned a third function (other than a second function (transitioning from state 2 to state 1) upon subsequent presses), when the switch is pressed once while its image is displayed on the screen, a first flag indicating that no function is assigned for subsequent presses, or a second flag indicating that the third function is assigned for subsequent presses, is displayed in the display area corresponding to the switch on the screen. The switch is configured to perform the first function of transitioning the cruise control from the first state (cruise control off) to the second state (cruise control activated at the previous setting value) upon the first press, and the third function of increasing the set speed of the cruise control upon subsequent presses.

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