Display control device and display control method

Abstract

A display control device controls the display screen of a touch panel display (2) that can be operated by a user from the left and right seats of a vehicle. The display control device includes a controller (10) that controls the display screen based on the user's touch operation on the touch panel display (2). The controller (10) outputs a first control command for displaying a main screen (41) containing left and right seat icons. When one of the left and right seat icons is operated, the controller (10) outputs a second control command for displaying a setting screen (51, 61) for one of the left and right seats, which is the seat corresponding to the seat icon operated in the main screen (41). The setting screen (51, 61) includes a display of control items related to the temperature control of a seat that the user can input. The setting screen (51, 61) is located on the display screen one seat side further away from the other seat side than the left and right seat side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a display control device and a display control method for controlling the display screen of a display mounted on a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, an in-vehicle adjustment input device for inputting temperature control information to a vehicle-mounted temperature adjustment device was known (Patent Document 1). This in-vehicle adjustment input device includes a display unit, an input detection unit, a display control unit, and an input content acquisition unit. The input detection unit has an operation surface corresponding to a first position on the display surface of the display unit, and detects a second position on the operation surface where an input operation has been performed. The display control unit controls the display unit. The input content acquisition unit acquires the display content displayed at the first position corresponding to the second position detected by the input position detection unit, and uses it as input content. The temperature adjustment device includes a contact temperature adjustment device that contacts a part of the occupant's body and applies at least one of heating or cooling to the contacted part. If the input position detection unit detects more than a predetermined number of input operations for the same display content within a predetermined first time period, the display control unit displays contact temperature adjustment input content, representing the input content for the contact temperature adjustment device, as display content on the display surface. A contact temperature adjustment input screen containing the contact temperature adjustment input content is displayed in a new window generated on the temperature adjustment input screen.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-175817 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in the aforementioned in-vehicle adjustment input device, the input screen for adjusting the contact temperature is located approximately in the center of the display surface of the display unit, which presents the following problem: when the user is seated, it is difficult to input on the screen, resulting in low operability.

[0008] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a display control device and display control method that can improve operability even when the user is seated.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] The present invention solves the above problems by outputting a first control command for displaying a main screen on a touch panel display that enables the user to operate from the passenger seat and driver's seat of the vehicle. The main screen includes a passenger seat icon corresponding to the passenger seat and a driver seat icon corresponding to the driver's seat. When the passenger seat icon is operated, the passenger seat setting screen is displayed on the display screen at a position closer to the passenger seat than the driver's seat. When the driver's seat icon is operated, the driver's seat setting screen is displayed on the display screen at a position closer to the driver's seat than the passenger seat. Multiple temperature control items in the passenger seat setting screen and multiple temperature control items in the driver's seat setting screen are symmetrically arranged on the display screen.

[0011] The effects of the invention

[0012] According to the present invention, operability can be improved even when the user is seated. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of an ambient temperature control system according to this embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 It has Figure 1 An example of the main view of the dashboard display.

[0015] Figure 3 Is Figure 1 An example of the main screen displayed on a monitor.

[0016] Figure 4 Is Figure 3 When the passenger seat icon on the main screen is interacted with Figure 1 An example of the passenger seat settings screen displayed on the monitor.

[0017] Figure 5 Is Figure 3 When the driver's seat icon in the main screen is manipulated Figure 1 An example of the driver's seat settings screen displayed on the monitor.

[0018] Figure 6 Is Figure 3 When the air conditioner icon on the main screen is manipulated Figure 1 An example of an air conditioning settings screen displayed on a monitor.

[0019] Figure 7 Is Figure 6 When the passenger seat image in the air conditioning settings screen is manipulated... Figure 1An example of the second passenger seat settings screen displayed on the monitor.

[0020] Figure 8 Is Figure 6 When the driver's seat image in the air conditioning settings screen is manipulated... Figure 1 An example of the second driver's seat settings screen displayed on the monitor.

[0021] Figure 9 Is Figure 6 When the rear seat icon in the air conditioning settings screen is activated, Figure 1 An example of the rear seat settings screen displayed on a monitor. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The following description, based on the accompanying drawings, illustrates one embodiment of the display control device and display control method according to the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the display control device involved in this embodiment is implemented as part of an ambient temperature control system. Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the ambient temperature control system 1 according to this embodiment. The ambient temperature control system 1 is a system installed in a vehicle that controls the ambient temperature inside the vehicle compartment. In this embodiment, the steering wheel of the vehicle is located on the right side relative to the vehicle's direction of travel, and a so-called right-hand drive vehicle is used as an example to illustrate the display control device and display control method according to the present invention. Furthermore, the vehicle is described as having a driver's seat located on the right side relative to the vehicle's direction of travel, a passenger seat located on the left side relative to the vehicle's direction of travel, and a rear seat behind the driver's seat and the passenger seat where multiple occupants can sit. The driver's seat and the passenger seat are provided separately. The structure of the rear seat is not particularly limited; the rear seat can be a structure where each occupant has a separate seat, or a structure where multiple occupants can sit on a row of long seats. Furthermore, the vehicle's passenger capacity can be two or more people. The display control device and display control method involved in this invention can also be applied to vehicles without rear seats, and vehicles that have a third row of rear seats in addition to the first and second rows of seats where the driver's seat and the front passenger seat are set as the first row and the rear seats are set as the second row.

[0023] like Figure 1As shown, the ambient temperature control system 1 includes a display 2, an ambient temperature control device 3, and a controller 10. The controller 10, for example, can constitute the display control device according to this embodiment of the present invention. The various components of the ambient temperature control system 1 are connected via, for example, vehicle networks such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network) to send and receive information. The ambient temperature control system 1 according to this embodiment accepts touch operations via a touch panel display 2 and controls the ambient temperature control device 3 based on the touch operations. The ambient temperature control system 1 can adjust the ambient temperature inside the vehicle compartment by the action of the ambient temperature control device 3 based on touch operations. The display control device of the present invention controls the display screen of the display 2 to improve operability related to ambient temperature control inside the vehicle compartment. Furthermore, the display control device of the present invention improves both operability and visibility of displays related to ambient temperature inside the vehicle compartment.

[0024] Display 2 is a touch panel type display installed in a vehicle. The touch panel type display 2 has a pressure-sensitive sensor that detects the pressure applied to the display 2 during contact operation based on resistance, voltage, etc. The structure of the pressure-sensitive sensor is not particularly limited, and a pressure-sensitive sensor structure known at the time of application can be appropriately used. Furthermore, the touch panel is not limited to pressure-sensitive type; it can also be electrostatic or other types. Display 2 only needs to be a touch panel type display, and the type of display is not particularly limited. Display 2 can be either a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (OEL) display.

[0025] Figure 2 This is an example of a front view near the dashboard, which has display 2. For example... Figure 2 As shown, display 2 is the display on the front part of the instrument panel (center display). Display 2 is positioned in front of the driver and passenger seats in a manner that allows occupants to reach it from both the driver's and passenger's seats. Additionally, display 2 is positioned between the driver's and passenger's seats. Figure 2 In this configuration, the display 2 is located to the left of the steering wheel S relative to the vehicle's direction of travel, and is positioned within reach of both the occupant sitting in the driver's seat (hereinafter referred to as the "driver") and the occupant sitting in the front passenger seat (hereinafter referred to as the "front passenger"). In other words, both the driver and the front passenger can touch the display 2 to operate it, therefore the display 2 is a display that can be shared by both the driver and the front passenger.

[0026] The driver or front passenger inputs commands for the ambient temperature control device 3 (described later) into the display 2 by touching the display 2 with their fingers or a device that acts as a substitute for fingers. Touch operation involves touching icons or buttons displayed on the display 2 with a finger or similar object. Touch operations include tapping (touching the screen once), double-tapping (touching the screen twice), long-pressing (holding down the screen), swiping (sliding the finger across the screen), flicking (quickly flicking the finger across the screen), pinching / pulling (touching the screen with two fingers and bringing the fingers closer together / away), etc. Furthermore, touch operation can also be a so-called hovering operation, where a finger or similar object is brought close to the display screen without directly touching it. However, the method of touch operation is not limited to these methods and can also include other methods.

[0027] When the driver or front passenger touches the display 2, the display 2 detects the location of the touch on the screen and outputs the detected location information to the controller 10. One or more screens displayed on the display 2 are controlled by the controller 10. Control commands for displaying image data are input from the controller 10 to the display 2. The display 2 displays one or more screens based on the image data.

[0028] Ambient temperature control device 3 is a device used to control the ambient temperature inside the carriage. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the ambient temperature control device 3 includes a seat temperature control device 30, a steering wheel heater 33, and an air conditioning device 34.

[0029] Seat temperature control device 30 is a device installed inside the vehicle seat, such as... Figure 1 As shown, this includes a seat heater 31 and an air-conditioned seat 32. The seat temperature control device 30 is configured for each seat in the vehicle. Figure 1 The image shows a seat temperature control device 30, but seat temperature control devices 30 are provided for the driver's seat, the front passenger seat, and the rear seats respectively. Furthermore, the number of seat temperature control devices 30 provided for the rear seats is not particularly limited.

[0030] The seat heater 31 includes heating elements such as heating wires and is a device that uses heat emitted from the heating elements to heat the back of an occupant sitting in the seat. The heating elements are, for example, assembled into the seat cushion (seat surface) and seat back of the seat. The back of the occupant includes the occupant's spine, waist, hips, and legs. The seat heater 31 is controlled by a controller 10. Examples of control commands output from the controller 10 to the seat heater 31 include heating commands and set temperatures. For example, when the controller 10 inputs a control command including a heating command and a set temperature, the seat heater 31 heats its heating elements to bring the surface temperature of the seat to the set temperature. Furthermore, the control method for the seat heater 31 is not particularly limited, and methods known at the time of application can be appropriately used.

[0031] The air-conditioned seat 32 is a device that provides a cooling sensation to the back of an occupant by venting through multiple air vents. The air vents are located, for example, near the seat cushion and the seat surface of the backrest. The air-conditioned seat 32 has an air supply function and / or a dehumidification function. For example, the air-conditioned seat 32 blows out a predetermined amount of cool air from the air vents to provide a cooling sensation to the back of the occupant. Additionally, the air-conditioned seat 32 removes moisture by drawing air from the air vents (exhaust air) to provide a cooling sensation to the back of the occupant. Furthermore, the air-conditioned seat 32 is controlled by a controller 10. Examples of control commands output from the controller 10 to the air-conditioned seat 32 include air supply commands, dehumidification commands, set airflow, and set temperature. For example, when the controller 10 inputs control commands including air supply commands, set airflow, and set temperature, the air-conditioned seat 32 delivers air at the set temperature at the set airflow from the air vents. Additionally, when the air-conditioned seat 32 receives a control command including a dehumidification command from the controller 10, it draws air from the vent. Furthermore, the control method for the air-conditioned seat 32 is not particularly limited, and methods known at the time of application can be appropriately used. In the following description, it will be assumed that the air-conditioned seat 32 has at least an air supply function.

[0032] A steering wheel heater 33 is installed on the steering wheel of a vehicle. The steering wheel heater 33 is a device that includes heating elements such as heating wires assembled into the steering wheel, and uses heat emitted from these heating elements to warm the driver's hands, which are in contact with the steering wheel. The steering wheel heater 33 is controlled by a controller 10. Examples of control commands output from the controller 10 to the steering wheel heater 33 include heating commands and temperature settings. For example, when the controller 10 inputs a control command including a heating command and a temperature setting, the steering wheel heater 33 heats its heating elements to bring the surface temperature of the steering wheel to the set temperature. Furthermore, the control method for the steering wheel heater 33 is not particularly limited, and methods known at the time of application can be appropriately used.

[0033] Air conditioning unit 34 is a device that adjusts the temperature, humidity, etc. of the air inside the passenger compartment; it is an air conditioner. Air conditioning unit 34 consists of an air conditioning system including a compressor, and has outlets for blowing air into the seating space of the occupants, a defroster for removing fog from the windshield and / or side windows, etc. The outlets are located on the dashboard and at the bottom of the dashboard. The dashboard outlets are front outlets, configured to blow air towards the front of the seats. The lower outlets on the dashboard are lower outlets, configured to blow air towards the lower part of the seats. The airflow direction varies depending on the orientation within the outlet. The defroster has an outlet for blowing air from the front portion of the dashboard along the windshield, outputting air generated by the air conditioning system. Air conditioning unit 34 is controlled by controller 10. Examples of control commands output from controller 10 to air conditioning unit 34 include air supply command, dehumidification command, set temperature, set airflow, and set airflow direction. When the air conditioning unit 34 is input to the controller 10 with a control command including an air supply command, a set temperature, a set air volume, and a set air direction, it delivers air at the set temperature from an outlet set according to the set air direction at the set air volume. Furthermore, the control method for the air conditioning unit 34 is not particularly limited, and methods known at the time of application can be appropriately used.

[0034] The controller 10 is composed of a computer with hardware and software, including a memory storing programs and a CPU that executes the programs stored in the memory. Furthermore, as operating circuits, it can replace the CPU or be used in conjunction with the CPU, such as an MPU, DSP, ASIC, or FPGA. The controller 10 includes a display control unit 11 for controlling the display screen of the display 2 and an ambient temperature control unit 12 for controlling the ambient temperature control device 3, serving as functional blocks. The controller 10 implements the functions of each functional block through software stored in the memory. However, the controller 10 is not limited to having a display control unit 11 and an ambient temperature control unit 12; for example, it may also have control blocks for controlling various systems within the vehicle, such as controlling the audio system and the navigation system. It is not limited to controlling the display 2 and the ambient temperature control device 3, but may also control other in-vehicle equipment. Furthermore, the various systems included in the vehicle are controlled by multiple ECUs, but... Figure 1 In the diagram, multiple ECUs are illustrated as controller 10. Furthermore, the display control device of the present invention may at least have a display control unit 11 of controller 10, and the ambient temperature control system 1 may also be a structure consisting of blocks other than controller 10 having the aforementioned other functions.

[0035] The display control unit 11 controls the display screen of the display 2. Furthermore, when a touch operation is detected by the display 2, the display control unit 11 receives an operation command corresponding to the location or type of the touch operation on the display screen. The display control unit 11 generates an image indicating the operating status of the ambient temperature control device 3. The display control unit 11 outputs control commands to the display 2 for displaying a screen containing the generated image. The operating status of the ambient temperature control device 3 is displayed in a manner that allows occupants to recognize it by changing the shape, color, pattern, animation, etc., of the image contained in the screen. Additionally, the display control unit 11 outputs the received operation commands to the ambient temperature control unit 12.

[0036] The ambient temperature control unit 12 controls the ambient temperature control device 3 based on the operation instructions received from the display control unit 11. The operation instructions include the controlled device among the various devices included in the ambient temperature control device 3, the operating mode of the controlled device, the controlled item of the controlled device, and the control quantity of the controlled item. The ambient temperature control unit 12 controls the controlled device according to the operating mode, the controlled item, and the control quantity. Furthermore, the ambient temperature control unit 12 manages the operating state of the ambient temperature control device 3 and the environment inside the passenger compartment. The ambient temperature control device 3 has an automatic mode and a manual mode. When the ambient temperature control device 3 operates in automatic mode, the ambient temperature control unit 12 generates a control instruction based on detection results from temperature sensors, humidity sensors, etc., to activate the ambient temperature control device 3 to set the temperature throughout the passenger compartment or the seating area of ​​the occupants, and outputs the generated control instruction to the ambient temperature control device 3. On the other hand, when the ambient temperature control device 3 is operated in manual mode, the ambient temperature control unit 12 generates control commands for the ambient temperature control device 3 to operate based on the settings set by the occupant, and outputs the generated control commands to the ambient temperature control device 3.

[0037] Taking the case where the seat heater 31 operates in manual mode as an example, the ambient temperature control unit 12 determines the control items of the seat heater 31 based on the operation command, and controls the on / off state and heating temperature of the seat heater 31 according to the determined control items. The ambient temperature control unit 12 outputs control commands corresponding to the control items to the seat heater 31. The control items are predetermined based on the specifications of the seat heater 31, such as temperature setting and heat output.

[0038] Furthermore, taking the case where the air-conditioned seat 32 operates in manual mode as an example, the ambient temperature control unit 12 determines the control items of the air-conditioned seat 32 based on the operation command, and controls the opening / closing, temperature setting, airflow, etc. of the air-conditioned seat 32 according to the determined control items. The ambient temperature control unit 12 outputs control commands corresponding to the control items to the air-conditioned seat 32. The control items are predetermined based on the specifications of the air-conditioned seat 32, such as airflow setting and temperature setting. In addition, in this embodiment, the seat heater 31 and the air-conditioned seat 32 do not operate simultaneously, but are selected one by one through touch operation. However, depending on the specifications of the air-conditioned seat 32, the seat heater 31 and the air-conditioned seat 32 can also operate simultaneously. For example, if the air-conditioned seat 32 has both a cooling function and a heating function in addition to a cooling function, the ambient temperature control unit 12 can also make the seat heater 31 and the air-conditioned seat 32 operate simultaneously according to the control items.

[0039] Furthermore, taking the case where the steering wheel heater 33 operates in manual mode as an example, the ambient temperature control unit 12 determines the control items for the steering wheel heater 33 based on the operation command, and controls the on / off state and heating temperature of the steering wheel heater 33 according to the determined control items. The ambient temperature control unit 12 outputs control commands corresponding to the control items to the steering wheel heater 33. The control items are predetermined based on the specifications of the steering wheel heater 33, such as temperature setting and heat output.

[0040] Furthermore, taking the case where the air conditioning unit 34 operates in manual mode as an example, the ambient temperature control unit 12 determines the control items of the air conditioning unit 34 based on the operation command, and controls the opening / closing of the air conditioning system, the selection of the air outlet, and the air volume, temperature, and direction of the air blown from the air outlet, etc., according to the determined control items. The ambient temperature control unit 12 outputs control commands corresponding to the control items to the air conditioning unit 34. The control items are predetermined based on the specifications of the air conditioning unit, such as air volume setting, air direction setting, temperature setting, and air outlet selection.

[0041] The control of the ambient temperature control device 3 by the ambient temperature control unit 12 and the control of the display screen by the display control unit 11 are linked through an application program (software). The display control unit 11 receives operation commands by touching the display screen, and the ambient temperature control unit 12 outputs control items corresponding to the operation commands as control commands to the ambient temperature control device 3. Furthermore, for example, if the ambient temperature control device 3 is operating in automatic mode and the ambient temperature control unit 12 changes the operation of the ambient temperature control device 3 according to the environment inside the carriage, the ambient temperature control unit 12 outputs a signal to the display control unit 11 indicating the changed operating status of the ambient temperature control device 3. The display control unit 11 generates an image indicating the current operating status of the ambient temperature control device 3 based on the signal from the ambient temperature control unit 12. The display control unit 11 outputs control commands to the display 2 for displaying the generated image. Thus, occupants can operate the ambient temperature control device 3 using the display 2 and confirm the operating status of the ambient temperature control device 3 from the display screen of the display 2. In addition, when the operating state of the ambient temperature control device 3 is automatically changed through the automatic mode, the occupants can confirm the change in the operating state of the ambient temperature control device 3 from the display screen of the display 2.

[0042] Next, refer to Figures 3-9 The control method of the ambient temperature control device 3 using the display 2 and the display screen of the display 2 are explained. Figures 3-9 These are examples of the display screen shown on monitor 2. Furthermore, as... Figures 3-9 As shown, the display screen of monitor 2 is horizontally elongated, but this does not mean that the shape of monitor 2 and the shape of its display area are limited to a horizontally elongated shape. Furthermore, in Figures 3-9 In the diagram, the x-axis represents the vehicle's width (left-right direction), the y-axis represents the depth in the vehicle's direction of travel (forward direction), and the z-axis represents the height (up-down direction).

[0043] Figure 3 This is an example of the main screen displayed on display 2. For example, when an occupant turns on the vehicle's ignition switch, a signal indicating vehicle start is input to display control unit 11. Display control unit 11 reads image data representing the main screen from memory. Display control unit 11 outputs control commands to display display 2 for displaying the image data read from memory. The main screen includes a passenger seat icon corresponding to the front passenger seat and a driver's seat icon corresponding to the driver's seat, described later. Additionally, as... Figure 3As in the example, the main screen 41 is not limited to the screen initially displayed after the vehicle starts; it can also be a screen displayed when the vehicle is stopped or in motion. When a system other than the ambient temperature control system 1 is activated by occupant operation, the display control unit 11 outputs a control command to the display 2 to display a main screen containing a screen corresponding to the system being activated. Figure 3 In the example, the main screen 41 displays a navigation screen 45 with the current location icon P overlaid on the map information. The current location icon P is an icon that indicates the vehicle's current location. Figure 3 The main screen 41 is the main screen in scenarios where the navigation system is activated by the occupant's operation and provides road guidance to the driver through the navigation system. Additionally, for example, when the audio system is activated by the occupant's operation, the display control unit 11 outputs control commands to the display 2 to display a main screen containing music information. The music information screen is a screen displaying information about the music flowing through the vehicle cabin via the audio system. The types of images included in the main screen are predetermined according to the vehicle's specifications.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, the main screen 41 includes a passenger seat icon 42L, a driver's seat icon 42R, a menu section 43, and a navigation screen 45. The navigation screen 45 is located approximately in the center of the main screen 41 and occupies most of the main screen on the display 2. The passenger seat icon 42L, driver's seat icon 42R, and the icons included in the menu section 43 are touch-operable icons, each with a different purpose. The passenger seat icon 42L is used to display the passenger seat settings screen (described later), and the driver's seat icon 42R is used to display the driver's seat settings screen (described later). The air conditioning icon 431 included in the menu section 43 is used to display the air conditioning settings screen (described later). Furthermore, Figure 3 The main screen 41 is one example; the main screen of main screen 41 is not limited to navigation screen 45. Furthermore, the number of screens included in main screen 41 is not specifically limited, and can be adjusted accordingly. Figure 3 Unlike other examples, main screen 41 can also contain two screens that are divided into two parts in the z-axis direction.

[0045] The passenger seat icon 42L corresponds to the passenger seat and is located on the main screen 41, lower than the navigation screen 45 and closer to the passenger side than the driver's side. For example... Figure 3As shown, the passenger seat icon 42L includes a set temperature display 421L and an operation status display 422L. The set temperature display 421L is located to the left of the operation status display 422L, indicating the set temperature in the passenger seat settings screen. The operation status display 422L indicates the operation status (on / off) of the passenger seat temperature control device 30. In other words, the passenger seat icon 42L represents the operation status of the passenger seat temperature control device 30 in the passenger seat settings screen. Additionally, in Figure 3 In the example, the operation status display 422L shows images of the passenger seat heater 31 and the air-conditioned seat 32 in gray. The display colors of the fan icon and the seat heater heating icon in the operation status display 422L change according to the operation status of the seat heater 31 and the air-conditioned seat 32. For example, when the seat heater 31 is operating, the fan icon in the operation status display 422L is displayed in orange; when the seat heater 31 is stopped, the icon is displayed in gray. Similarly, when the air-conditioned seat 32 is operating, the fan icon in the operation status display 422L is displayed in blue; when the air-conditioned seat 32 is stopped, the icon is displayed in gray. Figure 3 In the example, the operation status display 422L indicates that the seat heater 31 and the air-conditioned seat 32 are in the off state. Furthermore, if the ambient temperature control unit 12 changes the operation of the passenger seat temperature control device 30 based on the ambient temperature inside the vehicle while it is operating in automatic mode, the display control unit 11 outputs a control command to the display 2 to change the operation status display 422L according to the changed operation status of the seat temperature control device 30. Figure 3 For example, when the passenger seat heater 31 is switched from off to on via automatic mode, a control command is output to the display 2 to change the icon representing the fan in the operation status display 422L from gray to orange. Thus, the occupant can easily monitor changes in the operation status of the passenger seat temperature control device 30 based on automatic mode. In particular, such as... Figure 3 As in the example, the passenger seat icon 42L is positioned on the main screen 41 further from the passenger seat side compared to the driver's side. Therefore, the passenger can easily monitor changes in the operating status of the passenger seat temperature control device 30, improving the visibility of the device's operation. Furthermore, Figure 3The passenger seat icon 42L shown is merely one example of how the settings of the passenger seat temperature control device 30 can be displayed, and is not a limitation on how the passenger seat icon 42L can be displayed.

[0046] The passenger seat icon 42L and the driver seat icon 42R are roughly symmetrical with respect to the center line of the main screen 41, which is parallel to the z-axis. The driver seat icon 42R corresponds to the driver's seat and is located on the main screen 41, lower than the navigation screen 45 and closer to the driver's side than the passenger seat side. Figure 3 As shown, the driver's seat icon 42R includes a set temperature display 421R, an operation status display 422R, and an operation status display 423R. The set temperature display 421R is located to the right of the operation status displays 422R and 423R, indicating the set temperature in the driver's seat setting screen. The operation status display 422R is located to the right of the operation status display 423R, indicating the operation status (on / off) of the driver's seat temperature control device 30. The operation status display 423R indicates the operation status (on / off) of the steering wheel heater 33. The operation status display 423R is included in the driver's seat icon 42R but not in the passenger seat icon 42L. The driver's seat icon 42R is the icon in the driver's seat setting screen that indicates the operation status of the driver's seat temperature control device 30. Since the display method of the set temperature display 421R is the same as that of the set temperature display 421L, the previously described explanation is used. Furthermore, the difference between the display method of the operation status display 422 and the display method of the set temperature display 421L is that the icons representing seats in the operation status display 422 and the icons representing seats in the set temperature display 421L are displayed facing each other. Otherwise, the display methods are the same as those of the set temperature display 421L, so the description already given is used. Figure 3 The status indicator 422R indicates that the driver's seat heater 31 and air-conditioned seat 32 are in the off state. Additionally, in Figure 3 In the example, the status indicator 423R indicates that the icon for the steering wheel heater 33 is displayed in gray. When the steering wheel heater 33 is on, the status indicator 423R is displayed in orange; when the steering wheel heater 33 is off, the status indicator 423R is displayed in gray. Figure 3 In the example, the operation status display 423R indicates that the steering wheel heater 33 is in the off state. Furthermore, when the operation status of the driver's seat temperature control device 30 and / or the steering wheel heater 33 is changed via automatic mode, the display control unit 11 outputs control commands to the display 2 to change the operation status displays 422R and 423R, similar to the passenger seat temperature control device 30. Figure 3For example, when the driver's seat steering wheel heater 33 is switched from off to on via automatic mode, a control command is output to the display 2 to change the color of the image representing the steering wheel heater 33 from gray to orange. Thus, the occupant can easily monitor changes in the operating state of the driver's seat temperature control device 30 and / or the steering wheel heater 33 based on automatic mode. In particular, such as... Figure 3 As in the example, the driver's seat icon 42R is positioned closer to the driver's seat side on the main screen 41 compared to the passenger seat side. Therefore, the driver can easily grasp the changes in the operating status of the driver's seat temperature control device 30 and the steering wheel heater 33, which can improve the visibility of the operating status of the driver's seat temperature control device 30 and the steering wheel heater 33.

[0047] Menu section 43 is used to display various menus that can be selected by the occupants. In menu section 43, multiple icons, including the air conditioning icon 431, are arranged along the z-axis. Menu section 43 is located to the right of the navigation screen 45 on the main screen 41, positioned closer to the driver's seat than the passenger side. The air conditioning icon 431 corresponds to the air conditioning unit 34 and is located at the bottom of menu section 43. Furthermore, the number and purpose of the other icons included in menu section 43 besides the air conditioning icon 431 are not particularly limited. The number and purpose of the icons included in menu section 43 are predetermined according to the vehicle specifications.

[0048] Next, regarding Figure 3 The operation of the display control unit 11 when the icons for the passenger seat 42L, driver's seat 42R, and air conditioning 431 are touched will be explained. The display control unit 11 outputs different control commands to the display 2 according to the type of icon touched, and displays the corresponding screen on the display 2. When one of the passenger seat icons 42L and 42R is touched, a control command is output to the display 2 to display the setting screen for one of the seats. The setting screen displays control items related to the temperature control of the seat icon touched on the main screen 41, allowing the occupant to input them. Furthermore, the setting screen is positioned on the display 2 screen one seat side further away from the other of the passenger and driver's seats. Additionally, when the air conditioning icon 431 is touched, the display control unit 11 outputs a control command to the display 2 to switch the display from the main screen 41 to the air conditioning setting screen.

[0049] The description explains the passenger seat setting screen displayed on display 2 when an occupant touches the passenger seat icon 42L. When an occupant touches the passenger seat icon 42L, the display control unit 11 detects the location of the touch operation on the main screen 41 and identifies that the detected location corresponds to the location of the passenger seat icon 42L. Touch operations on the passenger seat icon 42L include touch operations on the set temperature display 421L and touch operations on the operation status display 422L. If either the set temperature display 421L or the operation status display 422L is touched, the display control unit 11 identifies it as a touch operation on the passenger seat icon 42L. The display control unit 11 reads image data of the passenger seat setting screen from memory. The display control unit 11 outputs a control command (second control command L) to display 2 for displaying the image data of the passenger seat setting screen read from memory. In this embodiment, the second control command L includes a control command for overlaying the passenger seat setting screen onto the main screen 41. Additionally, the second control command L includes a control command to display the passenger seat settings screen at a location covering the passenger seat icon 42L. Furthermore, in... Figure 3 In the case where the current location icon P is displayed on the main screen 41, as in the example, the second control command L includes a control command to display the current location icon P in the area of ​​the main screen 41 that is not overlaid with the passenger seat setting screen. Additionally, the second control command L includes a control command to make the brightness of the main screen 41 lower than the brightness before the passenger seat setting screen was displayed.

[0050] Figure 4 Is Figure 3 This is an example of a passenger seat setting screen 51 displayed on display 2 when the passenger seat icon 42L in the main screen 41 is touched. The passenger seat setting screen 51 is a screen for occupants to set the passenger seat temperature control device 30. The passenger seat setting screen 51 is displayed in a new window generated on the main screen 41. The passenger seat setting screen 51 is smaller than the main screen 41 and smaller than... Figure 3 The passenger seat icon 42L shown is large. Furthermore, the passenger seat settings screen 51 is positioned on the display screen of monitor 2 further towards the passenger seat than the driver's seat side. Additionally, the passenger seat settings screen 51 is overlaid on the main screen 41, covering the passenger seat icon 42L within the main screen 41. The main screen 41 has an area 41a that is not overlaid by the passenger seat settings screen 51. Figure 4 The brightness of the main screen 41 shown is greater than Figure 3 The brightness of the main image 41 shown is low. Furthermore, Figure 4 The absolute value of the brightness of the main screen 41 shown is not specifically limited, relative to... Figure 3 The brightness of the main screen 41 shown is relatively low. Because the brightness of the main screen 41 is reduced, the passenger seat settings screen 51 is relatively emphasized, making it easier for the passenger to see the displayed content. Additionally, the current location icon P of the navigation screen 45 is displayed in area 41a of the main screen 41. Figure 4 The current location icon P shown corresponds to Figure 3 The current position icon P is shown. Even when the passenger seat setting screen 51 is displayed, the driver can easily grasp the vehicle's current position based on the current position icon P. In particular, the display of the passenger seat setting screen 51 can prevent the driver from being unable to grasp the vehicle's current position while driving, thus reducing the impact on the driver's driving.

[0051] The passenger seat setting screen 51 includes a seat image 52 showing the passenger seat, a main switch button display 53a, a mode switch button display 53b, a seat heater button display 53c, an air conditioning seat button display 53d, a temperature adjustment bar 54, and a temperature display image 55. These button displays, bars, and images are displays that allow the occupant to input control items related to the passenger seat temperature control. The seat image 52 is displayed relative to the actual passenger seat, rotated clockwise by a predetermined angle (e.g., a range of 10 to 45 degrees) about the z-axis relative to the vehicle's direction of travel. The main switch button display 53a is used to switch the passenger seat temperature control device 30 on and off via touch operation. Regarding the button display, it is blank in the off state and turns orange in the on state. Furthermore, in the following description, the on / off displays of other button displays are also shown in a similar manner, with blank and orange displays. The mode switch button display 53b is used to switch the operating mode (automatic mode / manual mode) of the passenger seat temperature control device 30. The seat heater button display 53c is used to switch the seat heater 31 on and off via touch operation. The air conditioning seat button display 53d is used to switch the air conditioning seat 32 on and off via touch operation. The seat heater button display 53c uses an icon representing the seat heater 31, and the air conditioning seat button display 53d uses an icon representing the air conditioning seat 32, so that the occupant can identify the devices that can be operated via the buttons. Some or all of these button displays are superimposed on the seat image 52.

[0052] Additionally, the seat image 52 includes an operation status image 52a showing the operational status of the passenger seat temperature control device 30. Operation status image 52a includes a scale display. The scale display indicates the heating level of the passenger seat heater 31 or the airflow level of the air-conditioned seat 32. Figure 4In the example, the scale display shows three scales, but the number of scales is not specifically limited. The display method of the motion status image 52a changes according to the occupant's operation of the button display and the motion status image 52a. For example, when the occupant touches the seat heater button display 53c, the display control unit 11 outputs a control command to the display 2 to change the color of the motion status image 52a from the current display color to red, thereby changing the color of the motion status image 52a to red. Red indicates that the seat heater 31 is heating up. In addition, the display control unit 11 changes the scale display of the motion status image 52a according to the number of times the occupant touches the motion status image 52a. For example, if the occupant touches the motion status image 52a multiple times, the display control unit 11 outputs a control command to the display 2 to increase the red scale display in the positive z-axis direction in a manner that links the number of scales displayed to the number of touches. Additionally, for example, when an occupant touches the air conditioning seat button display 53d, the display control unit 11 outputs a control command to the display 2 to change the color of the operation status image 52a from its current display color to blue, thereby changing the color of the operation status image 52a to blue. Blue indicates airflow from the air conditioning seat 32. For example, if the occupant touches the operation status image 52a multiple times, the display control unit 11 outputs a control command to the display 2 to increase the blue scale display in the positive z-axis direction in a manner that links the number of scale markings displayed to the number of touches. In this way, the display mode of the operation status image 52a changes according to the occupant's operation, so the occupant can easily visually grasp the heating level of the passenger seat heater 31 or the airflow level of the air conditioning seat 32. In particular, since the operation of the seat heater 31 is displayed in red and the operation of the air conditioning seat 32 is displayed in blue, the occupant can intuitively grasp the operating equipment based on the display color of the operation status image 52a, thus improving the visibility of the operation status image 52a. Furthermore, using Figure 4 The display mode and control method of the action state image 52a described are one example, but other display modes and control methods are also possible.

[0053] Next, the temperature adjustment bar 54 will be explained. For example... Figure 4 As shown, a temperature adjustment bar 54 is displayed to the left of the seat image 52. The temperature adjustment bar 54 has an image of a line segment along the z-axis and a button display 54c that allows movement along the line segment. The upper end 54a of the line segment image is displayed in red, and the lower end 54b of the line segment image is displayed in blue. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In this example, dots are used to represent colors. Additionally... Figure 5 , Figure 6The temperature adjustment bar also uses dots instead of colors. Furthermore, the line segment image shows a gradient from red to blue from the top 54a to the bottom 54b. The button display 54c on the line segment can be moved by touch operations such as clicking, sliding, and / or swiping. When the button display 54c is moved towards the top 54a of the line by touch operation, the set temperature of the passenger seat ambient temperature control device 3 in automatic mode increases. Conversely, when the button display 54c is moved towards the bottom 54b of the line by touch operation, the set temperature of the passenger seat ambient temperature control device 3 in automatic mode decreases. The set temperature of the passenger seat ambient temperature control device 3 changes according to the position of the button display 54c included in the temperature adjustment bar 54. The temperature adjustment bar 54 is an icon for adjusting the set temperature in the passenger seat space. That is, when the temperature adjustment bar 54 is operated by touching upwards, the ambient temperature control unit 12 outputs a control command to increase the set temperature of the ambient temperature control device 3 for the passenger seat; when the temperature adjustment bar 54 is operated by touching downwards, the ambient temperature control unit 12 outputs a control command to decrease the set temperature of the ambient temperature control device 3 for the passenger seat. Thus, the occupant can easily change the set temperature of the ambient temperature control device 3 for the passenger seat by touching the display 2. Furthermore, since the upper end 54a and the lower end 54b of the temperature adjustment bar 54 are distinguished by red and blue, the occupant can easily determine from the passenger seat setting screen which direction to touch to adjust the temperature.

[0054] Furthermore, when the button display 54c included in the temperature adjustment bar 54 is operated via directional touch, the unit of temperature change can be changed according to the speed of the directional touch operation. The unit of temperature change is preset to multiple levels, such as 0.5°C and 1.0°C. Moreover, when the movement speed of the button display 54c is below a predetermined speed threshold, the ambient temperature control unit 12 sets the unit of temperature change (temperature change per unit) to the minimum unit (0.5°C). When the movement speed of the button display 54c is greater than the predetermined speed threshold, the ambient temperature control unit 12 sets the unit of temperature change (temperature change per unit) to a unit larger than the minimum unit (e.g., 1.0°C). For example, when an occupant operates the button display 54c by sliding, a large sliding-based movement speed of the button display 54c results in a larger change in the set temperature relative to the amount of movement achieved by sliding the button display 54c. On the other hand, in the same swipe-based touch operation, when the movement speed of the button display 54c is small, even if the amount of movement obtained by the button through the swipe is the same, the change in the set temperature is smaller. In other words, even if the amount of movement of the button display 54c is the same, the change in the set temperature will vary due to differences in movement speed. Since a greater movement speed in the touch operation results in a larger unit of change in the set temperature, the amplitude of the set temperature change is also greater. Therefore, the unit of change in the set temperature can be adjusted according to the movement speed of the button display 54c in a directional touch operation, thus making temperature adjustment easy.

[0055] Next, the temperature display image 55 will be explained. For example... Figure 4As shown, a temperature display image 55 is displayed to the left of the temperature adjustment bar 54. The temperature display image 55 includes a thermometer 55a, an up button display 55b, and a down button display 55c. The thermometer 55a displays the current set temperature. The up button display 55b is a button for increasing the set temperature, and the down button display 55c is a button for decreasing the set temperature. When the up button display 55b is touched once, the set temperature increases by a predetermined unit (e.g., 0.5°C). Similarly, when the down button display 55c is touched once, the set temperature decreases by a predetermined unit (e.g., 0.5°C). The up button display 55b is displayed in red, and the down button display 55c is displayed in blue. Thus, the occupant can confirm the current set temperature and easily change the set temperature of the passenger-side ambient temperature control device 3 by touching the passenger-side setting screen 51. Furthermore, since the up button display 55b and the down button display 55c are distinguished by red and blue, the occupant can easily determine from the passenger seat setting screen 51 which button to touch to adjust the temperature. Additionally, the object controlled by the temperature adjustment bar 54 and the set temperature displayed in the temperature display image 55 can be at least the air conditioning unit 34; the seat heater 31 and the air-conditioned seat 32 may not be the object.

[0056] The window displaying the passenger seat settings screen 51 is controlled by the display control unit 11 to close by meeting predetermined conditions. For example, if a fixed time has elapsed after the passenger seat settings screen 51 has been displayed (in the case of timeout) or if an occupant touches area 41a of the main screen 41, the display control unit 11 outputs a control command to the display 2 to close the passenger seat settings screen 51 and a control command to restore the brightness of the main screen 41 to the brightness level before the passenger seat settings screen 51 was displayed. As a result, the passenger seat settings screen 51 is closed, and the display 2 shows... Figure 3 The main screen 41 is shown. Furthermore, during the display of the passenger seat settings screen 51, the display of the main screen 41 is controlled independently of the passenger seat settings screen 51 by the display control unit 11. (As shown in the image...) Figure 4 As in the example where the current location icon P is displayed on the main screen 41, even after the passenger seat setting screen 51 is displayed, the display control unit 11 outputs to the display 2 an instruction to change the display position of the current location icon P according to the vehicle's movement. Thus, the driver can check the navigation screen 45 while driving, both before and after the passenger seat setting screen 51 is displayed.

[0057] Next, it explains the situation regarding the crew's... Figure 3When the driver's seat icon 42R is touched, it is displayed on the driver's seat setting screen of the display 2. When the occupant touches the driver's seat icon 42R, the display control unit 11 detects the location of the touch operation on the main screen 41 and identifies the detected location as corresponding to the location of the driver's seat icon 42R. Touch operations on the driver's seat icon 42R include touch operations on the set temperature display 421R, touch operations on the operation status display 422R, and touch operations on the operation status display 423R. When any one of the set temperature display 421R, operation status display 422R, or operation status display 423R is touched, the display control unit 11 identifies it as a touch operation on the driver's seat icon 42R. The display control unit 11 reads the image data of the driver's seat setting screen (described later) from the memory. The display control unit 11 outputs a control command (second control command R) to the display 2 for displaying the image data read from the memory. In this embodiment, the second control command R includes a control command for overlaying the driver's seat setting screen on the main screen 41. Furthermore, the second control command R includes a control command to display the driver's seat setting screen at a position covering the driver's seat icon 42R. Also, when the current position icon P is displayed on the main screen 41 in the same manner as the passenger seat setting screen, the second control command R includes a control command to display the current position icon P in the area of ​​the main screen 41 that is not overlaid with the driver's seat setting screen. Additionally, the second control command R includes a control command to make the brightness of the main screen 41 lower than the brightness before displaying the driver's seat setting screen.

[0058] Figure 5 Is Figure 3 The example shown is the driver's seat setting screen 61 displayed on the display 2 when the driver's seat icon 42R in the main screen 41 is touched. The driver's seat setting screen 61 is a screen for occupants to set the seat temperature control device 30 in the driver's seat. The driver's seat setting screen 61 is displayed in a new window generated on the main screen 41. The driver's seat setting screen 61 is smaller than the main screen 41 and smaller than... Figure 3 The driver's seat icon shown is 42R. Furthermore, the driver's seat settings screen 61 is set to... Figure 4 The passenger seat settings screen 51 shown is the same size. Additionally, the driver's seat settings screen 61 is located on the display screen of monitor 2, positioned further towards the driver's seat than the passenger seat screen. Furthermore, the driver's seat settings screen 61 is overlaid on the main screen 41, covering the driver's seat icon 42R within the main screen 41. The main screen 41 has an area 41b that is not overlaid by the driver's seat settings screen 61. Figure 5 The brightness of the main screen 41 shown is greater than Figure 3 The brightness of the main image 41 shown is low. Furthermore, compared to... Figure 4Similarly, the main screen 41 shown is also... Figure 5 The absolute value of the brightness of the main screen 41 shown is not specifically limited, relative to... Figure 3 The brightness of the main screen 41 shown is relatively low. Because the brightness of the main screen 41 is reduced, the driver's seat settings screen 61 is relatively emphasized, making it easier for the occupant to see the displayed content. Additionally, the current location icon P of the navigation screen 45 is displayed in area 41b of the main screen 41. Figure 5 The current location icon P shown corresponds to Figure 3 The current location icon P is shown. Even when the driver's seat settings screen 61 is displayed, the driver can easily grasp the vehicle's current location based on the current location icon P.

[0059] The driver's seat setting screen 61 includes a seat image 62 showing the driver's seat, a main switch button display 63a, a mode switch button display 63b, a seat heater button display 63c, an air conditioning seat button display 63d, a temperature adjustment bar 64, a temperature display image 65, a steering wheel heater button display 66, and a synchronization switch button display 67. These button displays, bars, and images, except for the synchronization switch button display 67, are displays that allow the occupant to input control items related to the temperature control of the driver's seat. The seat image 62 is displayed with the actual driver's seat rotated counterclockwise by a specified angle (e.g., a range of 10 to 45 degrees) relative to the vehicle's forward direction, with the z-axis as the center axis. The main switch button display 63a is a button display for switching the driver's seat temperature control device 30 on and off via touch operation. The mode switch button display 63b is a display for switching the operating mode (automatic mode / manual mode) of the driver's seat temperature control device 30. The seat heater button display 63c is a display for switching the seat heater 31 on and off via touch operation. The air conditioning seat button display 63d is used to switch the air conditioning seat 32 on / off via touch operation. The steering wheel heater button display 66 is displayed between the seat image 62 and the temperature adjustment bar 64, and is used to switch the steering wheel heater 33 on / off via touch operation. Some or all of these button displays are superimposed on the seat image 62. In the driver's seat setting screen 61, all button displays except the steering wheel heater button display 66 and the synchronization switch button display 67 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the z-axis to the button displays in the passenger seat setting screen 51. In addition, the driver's seat setting screen 61 and Figure 4 The difference in the passenger seat settings screen 51 shown is that it includes a steering wheel heater button display 66 and a synchronization switch button display 67. Figure 4The steering wheel heater button display 66 is not shown in the passenger seat setting screen 51 shown. For structures identical to passenger seat setting screen 51, refer to... Figure 4 The explanation in the document.

[0060] Next, the synchronization switch button display 67 will be explained. The synchronization switch button display 67 synchronizes the operation of the driver's seat temperature control device 30 with the operation of the passenger seat temperature control device 30. When the synchronization switch button display 67 is active, the occupant can operate both the driver's and passenger seat temperature control devices 30 by accessing the settings on the driver's seat screen 61. For example, if the passenger is sleeping or unable to operate the passenger seat settings screen 51, the driver can activate the synchronization switch button display 67 to operate the passenger seat temperature control device 30. This prevents the driver from accidentally operating the passenger seat temperature control device 30 while the passenger seat icon 42L (see reference...) Figure 3 After performing a touch operation, the settings screen 51 on the passenger seat (see reference) will appear. Figure 4 The passenger seat temperature control device 30 can be operated easily by the driver. This prevents unnecessary operation by the driver while driving, thus reducing driver workload. On the other hand, when the sync switch button display 67 is off, even if the occupant operates the settings on the driver's seat setting screen 61, they can only operate the driver's seat temperature control device 30, and not the passenger seat temperature control device 30. Furthermore, since the steering wheel heater 33 is only installed in the driver's seat, it can be operated by the occupant from the steering wheel heater button display 66, regardless of whether the sync switch button display 67 is on or off.

[0061] The window displaying the driver's seat setting screen 61 is controlled by the display control unit 11 to close upon meeting predetermined conditions. For example, if a fixed time has elapsed after the driver's seat setting screen 61 has been displayed (in the case of timeout) or if an occupant touches area 41b of the main screen 41, the display control unit 11 outputs a control command to the display 2 to close the driver's seat setting screen 61 and a control command to restore the brightness of the main screen 41 to the brightness level before the driver's seat setting screen 61 was displayed. Thus, the driver's seat setting screen 61 is closed, and the display 2 shows... Figure 3 The main screen 41 is shown. Furthermore, during the display of the driver's seat setting screen 61, similar to the case where the passenger seat setting screen 51 is displayed, the display of the main screen 41 is controlled by the display control unit 11 independently of the driver's seat setting screen 61.

[0062] Next, it explains the situation regarding the crew's... Figure 3 When the air conditioner icon 431 is touched, it is displayed on the air conditioning setting screen of the display 2. When the occupant touches the air conditioner icon 431, the display control unit 11 detects the location of the touch operation on the main screen 41 and identifies that the detected location corresponds to the location of the air conditioner icon 431. The display control unit 11 reads the image data of the air conditioning setting screen (described later) from the memory. The display control unit 11 outputs a control command (third control command) to the display 2 for displaying the image data read from the memory. The third control command is a control command for switching the display screen of the display 2 from the main screen 41 to the air conditioning setting screen.

[0063] Figure 6 Is Figure 3 This is an example of an air conditioner setting screen 71 displayed on display 2 when the air conditioner icon 431 in the main screen 41 is touched. The air conditioner setting screen 71 is used by occupants to set the air conditioning unit 34. The air conditioner setting screen 71 and... Figure 3 The main screen shown is the same size as 41. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In a different case, when the air conditioning setting screen 71 is displayed, the main screen 41 is not displayed on the monitor 2.

[0064] The air conditioning setting screen 71 includes an image 72 showing the passenger seat, an image 73 showing the driver's seat, a main switch button display 74, a mode switch button display 75, a steering wheel heater button display 76, a rear seat icon 77, temperature adjustment units 78R and 78L, a SYNC switch button display 79, and a return icon 80. Furthermore, although detailed explanations are omitted, there are button displays or icons between the seat images 72 and 73 allowing occupants to operate the airflow and direction of the air conditioning unit 34. By operating the button displays and icons located between the seat images 72 and 73, or by operating the temperature adjustment units 78R and 78L, occupants can control at least one of the airflow, direction, and set temperature of the air conditioning unit 34 for both the passenger and driver seats.

[0065] The main switch button display 74 is for switching the air conditioning unit 34 on / off via touch operation. The mode switch button display 75 is for switching the operating mode (automatic mode / manual mode) of the air conditioning unit 34. The steering wheel heater button display 76 is for switching the steering wheel heater 33 on / off via touch operation. The rear seat icon 77 is an icon for displaying the rear seat setting screen described later. The temperature adjustment unit 78R is a display for adjusting the temperature of the driver's side seat space, and the temperature adjustment unit 78L is a display for adjusting the temperature of the passenger side seat space. The temperature adjustment units 78R and 78L are respectively composed of... Figure 4 Temperature adjustment bar 54 ( Figure 5 Temperature adjustment bar 64) is the same as the temperature adjustment bar and the same as Figure 4 Temperature display image 55 ( Figure 5 The temperature display image 65 is identical to the temperature display image used in the previous description; therefore, the operating method will be described in the following text. The synchronization switch button display 79 is used to simultaneously adjust the airflow from the air conditioning unit 34 towards the driver's seat and the airflow from the air conditioning unit 34 towards the passenger's seat. The return icon 80 is used to return the display screen 2 to the screen before the display of the air conditioning setting screen 71. When the return icon 80 is touched, the display control unit 11 outputs a control command to the display screen 2 to return the display screen to the screen before the display of the air conditioning setting screen 71.

[0066] Seat image 72 includes operation state images 72a and 72b showing the operating state of the passenger seat temperature control device 30. Seat image 72 and Figure 4 Compared to the seat image 52 shown, it is displayed with the z-axis as the center axis rotated counterclockwise by a predetermined angle relative to the vehicle's forward direction. Similarly, compared to the actual front passenger seat, seat image 72 is displayed with the z-axis as the center axis rotated clockwise by a predetermined angle relative to the vehicle's forward direction. In the operation status image 72a, the image representing the seat heater 31 and the image representing the air-conditioned seat 32 are switched according to the operating device. Furthermore, in the operation status image 72b, the image representing the heating level of the seat heater 31 or the image representing the airflow level of the air-conditioned seat 32 are switched in conjunction with the heating level of the seat heater 31 or the airflow level of the air-conditioned seat 32. For example, if the heating level of the seat heater 31 is increased by one level in automatic mode, the display control unit 11 outputs a control command to the display 2 to increase the scale of the operation status image 72b by one scale. Additionally, in the operation status image 72b, compared to... Figure 4Similarly to the operation status image 52a described above, depending on the device in operation, the display color will switch to red to indicate heating of the seat heater 31 or blue to indicate airflow of the air-conditioned seat 32. Furthermore, when the seat image 72 is touched, the display control unit 11 displays... Figure 4 The second passenger seat setting screen shown is different from the first passenger seat setting screen shown in screen 51. The second passenger seat setting screen will be described later.

[0067] Seat image 73 includes operation state images 73a and 73b showing the operating state of the driver's seat temperature control device 30. Seat image 73 and Figure 5 Compared to the seat image 62 shown, the seat image 73 is displayed rotated clockwise by a predetermined angle relative to the vehicle's forward direction, centered on the z-axis. Similarly, the seat image 73 is displayed counter-clockwise by a predetermined angle relative to the vehicle's forward direction, centered on the z-axis, compared to the actual driver's seat. The operation status images 73a and 73b are identical to operation status images 72a and 72b, except that the linked device is the driver's seat temperature control device 30; therefore, the previously described explanation is used. Furthermore, when a touch operation is performed on the seat image 73, the display control unit 11 causes the display 2 to display the image... Figure 5 The driver's seat setting screen shown is different from the second driver's seat setting screen 61. The second driver's seat setting screen will be described later.

[0068] Next, it explains the situation regarding the crew's... Figure 6 When the seat image 72 shown is touched, it is displayed on the second passenger seat setting screen of the display 2. When the occupant touches the seat image 72, the display control unit 11 detects the location of the touch operation on the air conditioning setting screen 71 and identifies that the detected location corresponds to the location of the seat image 72. The display control unit 11 reads the second passenger seat setting screen (described later) from the memory. The display control unit 11 outputs a control command (fourth control command L) to the display 2 for displaying the image data read from the memory. The fourth control command L includes a control command for making the brightness of the air conditioning setting screen 71 lower than the brightness before displaying the second passenger seat setting screen.

[0069] Figure 7 Is Figure 6 This is an example of a second passenger seat setting screen 81 displayed on display 2 when the seat image 72 in the air conditioning setting screen 71 is touched. The second passenger seat setting screen 81 is a screen for occupants to set the passenger seat temperature control device 30. The second passenger seat setting screen 81 and... Figure 6 The air conditioning settings screen shown in image 71 is the same size. Furthermore, in... Figure 7The example shows a brightness ratio Figure 6 The air conditioning setting screen 71 has low brightness, but it can also be hidden when the second passenger seat setting screen 81 is displayed.

[0070] The second passenger seat setting screen 81 includes a seat image 82 showing the passenger seat, a main switch button display 83a, a mode switch button display 83b, a seat heater button display 83c, and an air conditioning seat button display 83d. These images and button displays are for inputting control items for the passenger seat temperature control device 30. The seat image 82 (including the operation status image 82a), the main switch button display 83a, the mode switch button display 83b, the seat heater button display 83c, and the air conditioning seat button display 83d correspond to... Figure 4 The image shown is a seat image 52 (including an image 52a showing the motion status), a main switch button display 53a, a mode switch button display 53b, a seat heater button display 53c, and an air conditioning seat button display 53d. (For use...) Figure 4 As explained, the occupant can operate the front passenger seat temperature control device 30 by manipulating these buttons and the seat image. Additionally, the seat image 82 and... Figure 6 Compared to the seat image 72 shown, the seat orientation has changed, therefore, the occupant can easily understand the situation regarding the operation of the passenger seat temperature control device 30 based on the change in seat orientation. Furthermore, regarding the display of each button, the display method of the operation status image 82a, and the occupant's operating method, refer to... Figure 4 The explanation is as follows. Additionally, the second passenger seat setting screen 81 does not include [the information related to...]. Figure 4 The temperature adjustment bar 54 and temperature display image 55 shown in the passenger seat settings screen 51 display content equivalent to these. When the passenger seat temperature control device 30 is operating in automatic mode, the occupant can operate it... Figure 6 The temperature adjustment unit 78L shown includes a temperature adjustment bar and a temperature display image, which can control the operation of the passenger seat temperature control device 30 in automatic mode.

[0071] Next, it explains the situation regarding the crew's... Figure 6When the seat image 73 shown is touched, it is displayed on the second driver's seat setting screen of the display 2. When the occupant touches the seat image 73, the display control unit 11 detects the location of the touch operation on the air conditioning setting screen 71 and identifies that the detected location corresponds to the location of the seat image 73. The display control unit 11 reads the second driver's seat setting screen (described later) from the memory. The display control unit 11 outputs a control command (fourth control command R) to the display 2 for displaying the image data read from the memory. The fourth control command R includes a control command for making the brightness of the air conditioning setting screen 71 lower than the brightness before displaying the second driver's seat setting screen.

[0072] Figure 8 Is Figure 6 This is an example of a second driver's seat setting screen 91 displayed on monitor 2 when the seat image 73 in the air conditioning setting screen 71 is touched. The second driver's seat setting screen 91 is a screen for occupants to set the seat temperature control device 30 in the driver's seat. The second driver's seat setting screen 91 and... Figure 6 The air conditioning settings screen shown in image 71 is the same size. Furthermore, in... Figure 8 In the example, the brightness is shown to be greater than Figure 6 The air conditioning settings screen 71 has low brightness, but it is similar to... Figure 7 Similarly, when the second passenger seat setting screen 81 is displayed, the air conditioning setting screen may not be displayed.

[0073] The second driver's seat setting screen 91 includes a seat image 92 showing the driver's seat, a main switch button display 93a, a mode switch button display 93b, a seat heater button display 93c, and an air conditioning seat button display 93d. These images and button displays are for inputting control items for the driver's seat temperature control device 30. The seat image 92 (including the operation status image 92a), the main switch button display 93a, the mode switch button display 93b, the seat heater button display 93c, and the air conditioning seat button display 93d correspond to... Figure 5 The image shown is a seat image 62 (including an image 62a showing the motion status), a main switch button display 63a, a mode switch button display 63b, a seat heater button display 63c, and an air conditioning seat button display 63d. (For use...) Figure 5 As explained, the occupant can operate the driver's seat temperature control device 30 by manipulating these buttons, displays, and images. Additionally, the seat image 92 and... Figure 6Compared to the seat image 73 shown, the seat orientation has changed, therefore, the occupant can easily understand the operating status of the driver's seat temperature control device 30 based on the change in seat orientation. Furthermore, regarding the display of each button, the display method of the operation status image 92a, and the occupant's operating method, refer to... Figure 5 The explanation. Additionally, with Figure 7 Similarly, the second passenger seat setting screen 91 does not include the same settings as shown in the second passenger seat setting screen 81. Figure 5 The temperature adjustment bar 64 and temperature display image 65 shown on the driver's seat settings screen 61 display content equivalent to these. When the driver's seat temperature control device 30 is operating in automatic mode, the occupant can operate it... Figure 6 The temperature adjustment unit 78R shown includes a temperature adjustment bar and a temperature display image, which can control the operation of the driver's seat temperature control device 30 in automatic mode.

[0074] Next, it explains the situation regarding the crew's... Figure 6 When the rear seat icon 77 is touched, it is displayed on the rear seat setting screen of display 2. When an occupant touches the rear seat icon 77, the display control unit 11 detects the location of the touch operation on the air conditioning setting screen 71 and identifies that the detected location corresponds to the location of the rear seat icon 77. The display control unit 11 reads the rear seat setting screen (described later) from the memory. The display control unit 11 outputs a control command (fifth control command) to display the image data read from the memory to display 2. The fifth control command includes a control command to make the brightness of the air conditioning setting screen 71 lower than the brightness before displaying the rear seat setting screen.

[0075] Figure 9 Is Figure 6 This is an example of how the rear seat icon 77 in the air conditioning setting screen 71 is displayed on the rear seat setting screen 101 of the display 2 when touched. The rear seat setting screen 101 is a screen for occupants to set the seat temperature control device 30 for the rear seats. The rear seat setting screen 101 and... Figure 6 The air conditioning settings screen shown in image 71 is the same size.

[0076] The rear seat setting screen 101 includes a seat image 102 showing the rear seats, a front seat icon 103, and a return icon 104. The seat image 102 includes operation status images 102a and 102b showing the operating status of the rear seat temperature control devices 30. The number of operation status images 102a and 102b displayed corresponds to the number of rear seat temperature control devices 30. Figure 9The rear seat setting screen 101 shows a configuration where two seat temperature control devices 30 are installed in the rear seats. In the operation status image 102a, the image switches between representing a seat heater 31 and an air-conditioned seat 32, depending on the device in operation. The display method of the operation status image 102a corresponds to... Figure 6 The display method of the motion state image 72a shown is therefore referred to in the description already given. Additionally, in the motion state image 102b, the same applies to... Figure 4 Similarly, in the action status image 52a described above, the display color changes according to the device in operation, switching between red to indicate heating of the seat heater 31 or blue to indicate airflow of the air-conditioned seat 32. The driver or front passenger can control the rear seat temperature control device 30 by touching the action status image 102b. Furthermore, in Figure 9 The example shows two motion state images 102a and 102b. The two seat temperature control devices 30 installed in the rear seats can also operate in conjunction with the touch operation of one motion state image. In addition, the two seat temperature control devices 30 installed in the rear seats can also operate independently for each motion state image 102a and 102b.

[0077] Front seat icon 103 is used to return the display screen of monitor 2 to [the previous screen]. Figure 6 The icons for the air conditioning setting screen 71 are shown. When an occupant touches the front seat icon 103, the display control unit 11 outputs a control command to the display 2 to return the display screen to the air conditioning setting screen 71. The return icon 104 is used to return the display screen 2 to the screen before the rear seat setting screen 101 was displayed. When the return icon 104 is touched, the display control unit 11 outputs a control command to the display 2 to return the display screen to the screen before the rear seat setting screen 101 was displayed.

[0078] As described above, in the ambient temperature control system 1 according to this embodiment, the display control device controls the display screen of the touch panel display 2, which can be operated by the occupants from the driver's seat and the front passenger seat of the vehicle. The display control device includes a controller 10, which controls the display screen of the display 2 based on the occupants' touch operations on the display 2. The controller 10 outputs a first control command for displaying a main screen 41, which includes a front passenger seat icon 42L corresponding to the front passenger seat and a driver's seat icon 42R corresponding to the driver's seat. When one of the seat icons, the front passenger seat icon 42L and the driver's seat icon 42R, is operated, a second control command (second control command L or second control command R) is output for displaying a setting screen (front passenger seat setting screen 51 or driver's seat setting screen 61) for one of the seats, the front passenger seat icon 42L and the driver's seat icon 42R. The passenger seat setting screen 51 displays controls related to the passenger seat's temperature control (seat image 52, main switch button display 53a, mode switch button display 53b, seat heater button display 53c, air conditioning seat button display 53d, temperature adjustment bar 54, and temperature display image 55), located on the passenger seat side of the screen, relative to the driver's seat side. Similarly, the driver's seat setting screen 61 displays controls related to the driver's seat's temperature control (seat image 62, main switch button display 63a, mode switch button display 63b, seat heater button display 63c, air conditioning seat button display 63d, temperature adjustment bar 64, and temperature display image 65), located on the driver's seat side of the screen, relative to the passenger seat side. This ensures that both the passenger and driver can easily access the passenger seat setting screen 51 and the driver's seat setting screen 61 from the passenger seat, improving operability even when the driver is seated. In addition, the front passenger can easily check the operating status of the front passenger seat temperature control device 30, and the driver can easily check the operating status of the driver's seat temperature control device 30, thus improving the visibility of the operating status of the seat temperature control device 30.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second control command L includes a control command for overlaying the passenger seat setting screen 51 onto the main screen 41, and the second control command R includes a control command for overlaying the driver's seat setting screen 61 onto the main screen 41. Thus, the occupant can intuitively perceive whether the passenger seat setting screen 51 or the driver's seat setting screen 61 is displayed. In particular, even if the driver is looking ahead at the vehicle, they can still perceive the passenger seat setting screen 51 being displayed from their peripheral vision, making it easy to know that the passenger has operated the screen.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the temperature control of the driver's seat or passenger seat includes temperature control of at least one of the seat heater 31 and the air-conditioned seat 32 installed in the vehicle. Therefore, the occupant can easily monitor the operating status of the seat temperature control device 30 in the driver's seat or passenger seat based on the content displayed on the passenger seat setting screen 51 or the driver's seat setting screen 61.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the passenger seat setting screen 51 and driver seat setting screen 61 are smaller than the main screen 41 but larger than the passenger seat icon 42L and driver seat icon 42R. Therefore, the occupant can view the content displayed on the main screen 41 behind the passenger seat setting screen 51 or driver seat setting screen 61, and thus can grasp the content displayed on the main screen 41 from both the front and back of the passenger seat setting screen 51 or driver seat setting screen 61. Additionally, since the passenger seat setting screen 51 and driver seat setting screen 61 are larger than the passenger seat icon 42L and driver seat icon 42R, their visibility is improved.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main screen 41 includes map information in its displayed content. Therefore, the driver can check the map information while driving, before or after the passenger seat setting screen 51 or the driver seat setting screen 61 is displayed.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the current position icon P, indicating the vehicle's current position, is displayed on the main screen 41, the second control command L includes an area 41a on the main screen 41 where the current position icon P is not overlaid with the passenger seat setting screen 51. Also, in this embodiment, when the current position icon P is displayed on the main screen 41, the second control command R includes an area 41b on the main screen 41 where the current position icon P is not overlaid with the driver's seat setting screen 61. Thus, the driver can check the vehicle's current position while driving, both before and after the passenger seat setting screen 51 and driver's seat setting screen 61 are displayed.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second control command L includes a control command to make the brightness of the main screen 41 lower than the brightness before displaying the passenger seat setting screen 51. Additionally, in this embodiment, the second control command R includes a control command to make the brightness of the main screen 41 lower than the brightness before displaying the driver's seat setting screen 61. Therefore, the passenger seat setting screen 51 or the driver's seat setting screen 61 can be displayed with relative emphasis, making it easier for the occupant to grasp the displayed content of the passenger seat setting screen 51 or the driver's seat setting screen 61. Furthermore, even after the passenger seat setting screen 51 or the driver's seat setting screen 61 has been displayed, the occupant can still confirm the displayed content of the main screen 41.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the passenger seat setting screen 51 does not include any display related to the driver's seat temperature control. Additionally, in this embodiment, the driver's seat setting screen 61 does not include any display related to the passenger seat temperature control. This reduces the amount of content displayed on each setting screen, thus enabling the miniaturization of each setting screen. As a result, as... Figure 4 or Figure 5 As shown, the occupant can operate the seat temperature control device 30 while checking the content displayed on the main screen 41 behind the passenger seat setting screen 51 or the driver seat setting screen 61.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the passenger seat setting screen 51 does not include a display related to the steering wheel heater 33, while the driver seat setting screen 61 includes a steering wheel heater button display 66 related to the steering wheel heater 33. This prevents occupants from confusing the passenger seat setting screen 51 and the driver seat setting screen 61, allowing occupants to easily understand which of the passenger seat temperature control devices 30 and the driver seat temperature control devices 30 they can operate.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the passenger seat setting screen 51 includes an operation status image 52a that displays the operation status of the seat heater 31 and the air-conditioned seat 32 in different colors. Additionally, in this embodiment, the driver's seat setting screen 61 includes an operation status image 62a that displays the operation status of the seat heater 31 and the air-conditioned seat 32 in different colors. Therefore, the occupant can easily determine which device, the seat heater 31 or the air-conditioned seat 32, is currently displaying its operation status.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operation status images 52a and 62a represent the heating level of the seat heater 31 or the airflow level of the air-conditioned seat 32 by the difference in the number of scales. As a result, the occupant can easily grasp the heating level of the seat heater 31 or the airflow level of the air-conditioned seat 32, and can easily grasp the operation status of the seat temperature control device 30.

[0089] In this embodiment, the main screen 41 includes an air conditioning icon 431 corresponding to the air conditioning unit 34 mounted on the vehicle. When the air conditioning icon 431 is activated, the controller 10 outputs a third control command to switch the display from the main screen 41 to the air conditioning setting screen 71. The air conditioning setting screen 71 displays control items related to the air conditioning control of the front passenger seat and the driver's seat, allowing the occupant to operate the air conditioning unit 34 without having to separate the mechanical buttons or dials for operating the air conditioning unit 34 from the display 2 in the vehicle. As a result, the number of components mounted on the vehicle can be reduced, increasing the flexibility of layout design. Furthermore, by reducing the number of components, a larger display 2 can be mounted, improving the operability and visibility of the displayed screen.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the air conditioning icon 431 is located on the main screen 41, closer to the driver's seat than the passenger side. This makes it easier for the driver to reach the air conditioning icon 431 from the driver's seat, allowing the driver to easily display the air conditioning settings screen 71 and improving its operability. As a result, it reduces the burden on the driver while driving.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control items related to air conditioning control include at least one of the air volume, air direction, and set temperature of the air conditioning unit 34 for the passenger seat and the driver's seat. Thus, even in scenarios where the passenger seat occupant is unable to operate the display 2, such as when the vehicle is in motion and the passenger seat occupant is sleeping, the driver can perform operations such as reducing the air volume towards the passenger seat to accommodate the passenger seat occupant who is unable to operate the display 2.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the air conditioning setting screen 71 includes operation status images 72a, 72b, 73a, and 73b indicating the heating level of the seat heaters 31 installed in the passenger seat and driver's seat, or the airflow level of the air-conditioned seats 32. Thus, the occupant can not only monitor the operation status of the air conditioning unit 34, but also the operation status of the seat temperature control devices 30 in the passenger seat and driver's seat. The driver can monitor the operation status of each device on a single screen, thereby reducing the burden on the driver while driving.

[0093] Furthermore, the embodiments described above are embodiments provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not embodiments described to limit the present invention. Therefore, the elements disclosed in the above embodiments are intended to include all design changes or equivalents that fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0094] For example, in the above embodiment, a right-hand drive vehicle was used as an example for explanation, but the display control device and display control method of the present invention can also be applied to left-hand drive vehicles. Although detailed descriptions are omitted, the configuration of the passenger seat icon and driver seat icon on the main screen, as well as the display positions of the passenger seat setting screen and driver seat setting screen, can be changed according to the left-right configuration relationship between the driver's seat and passenger seat.

[0095] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was given of an operational state image that uses the number of scales to represent the heating level of the seat heater 31 or the airflow level of the air-conditioned seat 32. However, the method of representing the heating level of the seat heater 31 or the airflow level of the air-conditioned seat 32 can be other methods. For example, it could be an operational state image whose image size varies according to the heating level of the seat heater 31 or the airflow level of the air-conditioned seat 32. Any operational state image can represent the heating level of the seat heater 31 or the airflow level of the air-conditioned seat 32 through differences in the size or number of graphics.

[0096] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0097] 1: Ambient temperature control system; 2: Display; 3: Ambient temperature control device; 10: Controller; 11: Display control unit; 12: Ambient temperature control unit; 30: Seat temperature control device; 31: Seat heater; 32: Air-conditioned seat; 33: Steering wheel heater; 34: Air conditioning equipment; 40: Main screen; 42L: Passenger seat icon; 42R: Driver's seat icon; 51: Passenger seat setting screen; 61: Driver's seat setting screen.

Claims

1. A display control device for controlling the display screen of a touch panel-type display that can be operated by a user from the passenger seat and driver's seat of a vehicle. The display control device includes a controller that controls the display screen based on the user's touch operation on the touch panel display. The controller outputs a first control command for displaying a main screen. The main screen includes a passenger seat icon corresponding to the passenger seat and a driver seat icon corresponding to the driver's seat. The passenger seat icon displays a set temperature on the passenger side and is located closer to the passenger seat than on the driver's seat. The driver seat icon displays a set temperature on the driver's seat and is located closer to the driver's seat than on the passenger side. When the passenger seat icon is activated, the controller outputs a second control command to display the passenger seat settings screen on the display screen at a position closer to the passenger seat side than the driver's seat side. The passenger seat settings screen displays control items related to the passenger seat's temperature control, allowing the user to input them. When the driver's seat icon is activated, the controller outputs a second control command to position the driver's seat settings screen on the display screen further from the passenger seat side than the driver's seat side. The driver's seat settings screen displays control items related to the driver's seat's temperature control, allowing the user to input them. Control items related to the temperature control of the passenger seat include temperature control items that control the temperature settings of the air conditioning equipment on the passenger side. Control items related to the temperature control of the driver's seat include temperature control items that control the setting of the air conditioning equipment on the driver's seat side. The temperature control items in the passenger seat settings screen and the temperature control items in the driver seat settings screen are symmetrically arranged on the display screen. The main screen includes a navigation screen, a passenger seat icon, and a driver's seat icon. The navigation screen includes a current location icon indicating the vehicle's current location. When the passenger seat icon is activated, the second control instruction includes a control instruction to display the current location icon in the area of ​​the main screen that is not superimposed with the passenger seat setting screen and the driver seat setting screen, and to display the passenger seat setting screen in a superimposed manner that covers the passenger seat icon; when the driver seat icon is activated, the second control instruction includes a control instruction to display the current location icon in the area of ​​the main screen that is not superimposed with the passenger seat setting screen and the driver seat setting screen, and to display the driver seat setting screen in a superimposed manner that covers the driver seat icon.

2. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein, The second control command includes a control command for overlaying the passenger seat setting screen onto the main screen, or for overlaying the driver seat setting screen onto the main screen.

3. The display control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The multiple temperature control items in the passenger seat settings screen and the multiple temperature control items in the driver seat settings screen are positioned on the outermost part of the display screen.

4. The display control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The passenger seat settings screen and the driver seat settings screen are smaller than the main screen, but larger than the passenger seat icon and the driver seat icon.

5. The display control device according to claim 4, wherein, The main screen includes map information in its displayed content.

6. The display control device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The second control command includes a control command for making the brightness of the main screen lower than the brightness before displaying the passenger seat setting screen and the driver seat setting screen.

7. The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The passenger seat settings screen does not include any display related to the temperature control of the seat corresponding to the driver's seat icon. The driver's seat settings screen does not include any display related to the temperature control of the seat corresponding to the passenger seat icon.

8. The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The passenger seat settings screen does not include any display related to the steering wheel heater.

9. The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The passenger seat setting screen and the driver seat setting screen include a first action status image that displays the action status of the seat heater and the action status of the air-conditioned seat in different colors.

10. The display control device according to claim 9, wherein, The first motion state image includes images representing the heating level of the seat heater through differences in the size or number of graphics.

11. The display control device according to claim 9, wherein, The first motion state image includes an image representing the airflow level of the air-conditioned seat through differences in the size or number of graphics.

12. The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The main screen includes an air conditioning icon corresponding to the air conditioning equipment installed in the vehicle. When the air conditioner icon is activated, the controller outputs a third control command to switch the display from the main screen to the air conditioner settings screen. The air conditioning settings screen includes a display of control items that the user can input related to the air conditioning control of the passenger seat and the driver's seat.

13. The display control device according to claim 12, wherein, The air conditioning icon is located on the main screen, closer to the driver's side than the passenger side.

14. The display control device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The control items related to the air conditioning control include at least one of the air volume, air direction, and set temperature of the air conditioning equipment for the passenger seat and the driver's seat.

15. The display control device according to claim 13, wherein, The air conditioning setting screen includes a second operational status image showing the heating level of the seat heaters installed in the driver's seat and the passenger's seat, or the airflow level of the air-conditioned seats.

16. The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, The passenger seat setting screen includes a passenger seat image displayed by rotating clockwise by a predetermined angle relative to the vehicle's direction of travel, with the height of the passenger seat as the central axis. The driver's seat setting screen includes a driver's seat image that is rotated counterclockwise by a predetermined angle relative to the vehicle's forward direction with the height of the driver's seat as the central axis.

17. A display control method, executed by a controller, the controller controlling the display screen of the touch panel display based on touch operations by a user on the touch panel display operable by the user from the passenger seat and driver's seat of a vehicle, wherein in the display control method, The controller outputs a first control command for displaying a main screen. The main screen includes a passenger seat icon corresponding to the passenger seat and a driver seat icon corresponding to the driver's seat. The passenger seat icon displays a set temperature on the passenger side and is located closer to the passenger seat than on the driver's seat. The driver seat icon displays a set temperature on the driver's seat and is located closer to the driver's seat than on the passenger side. When the passenger seat icon is activated, the controller outputs a second control command to display the passenger seat settings screen on the display screen at a position closer to the passenger seat side than the driver's seat side. The passenger seat settings screen displays control items related to the passenger seat's temperature control, allowing the user to input them. When the driver's seat icon is activated, the controller outputs a second control command to position the driver's seat settings screen on the display screen further from the passenger seat side than the driver's seat side. The driver's seat settings screen displays control items related to the driver's seat's temperature control, allowing the user to input them. Control items related to the temperature control of the passenger seat include temperature control items that control the temperature settings of the air conditioning equipment on the passenger side. Control items related to the temperature control of the driver's seat include temperature control items that control the setting of the air conditioning equipment on the driver's seat side. The temperature control items in the passenger seat settings screen and the temperature control items in the driver seat settings screen are symmetrically arranged on the display screen. The main screen includes a navigation screen, a passenger seat icon, and a driver's seat icon. The navigation screen includes a current location icon indicating the vehicle's current location. When the passenger seat icon is activated, the second control instruction includes a control instruction to display the current location icon in the area of ​​the main screen that is not superimposed with the passenger seat setting screen and the driver seat setting screen, and to display the passenger seat setting screen in a superimposed manner that covers the passenger seat icon; when the driver seat icon is activated, the second control instruction includes a control instruction to display the current location icon in the area of ​​the main screen that is not superimposed with the passenger seat setting screen and the driver seat setting screen, and to display the driver seat setting screen in a superimposed manner that covers the driver seat icon.

Images