Display method for vehicle and display device for vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle display device (1) is provided with: a first screen (40) disposed in front of a driver's seat; a second screen (50) disposed in parallel with the first screen in the width direction of the vehicle; an operation switch (81) to which a driver of the vehicle inputs an operation with respect to the first screen (40) and the second screen (50); a first switch (82) for enabling a first operation performed on the first screen (40) by the operation switch (81); and a second switch (83) for enabling a second operation performed on the second screen (50) by the operation switch (81). In the present invention, a direction from a first switch (82) to a second switch (83) is the same as a direction from a first screen (40) to a second screen (50), and when the first switch (82) is operated, a first display portion, which displays information of an operation target of a first operation, of a display portion of the first screen (40) is displayed in an emphasized manner, and a second display portion, which displays information of the operation target of the second operation, of a display portion of the second screen (50) is displayed in an emphasized manner. When the second switch (83) is operated, a second display portion of the display portion of the second screen (50), which displays information of an operation target of the second operation, is displayed in an emphasized manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle display method and a vehicle display device. Background Art

[0002] A vehicle display control system is known, which includes: a first display unit and a second display unit arranged in a vehicle cabin; and a screen switching operation receiving unit, which is arranged at a position where the user can operate while maintaining a driving posture, and the screen switching operation receiving unit receives the first screen switching operation and the second screen switching operation performed by the user, wherein the vehicle display control system switches the display of the content in the first display unit when the first screen switching operation is received, and switches the display of the content in the second display unit when the second screen switching operation is received (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2019 / 225305 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, in the above-described conventional technology, when there are a plurality of screens, there is a problem in that it is difficult to intuitively understand the correspondence between an operation for switching the display of a screen and the screen to be switched and displayed by the operation.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle display method and a vehicle display device that can easily understand a screen that changes in display according to an operation when the display device includes a plurality of screens.

[0009] Solutions for solving problems

[0010] In the present invention, when the first switch for enabling a first operation to be performed on the first screen through the operation switch is operated, the first display portion of the display portion of the first screen, which displays information on the operation object of the first operation, is displayed in an emphasized manner; and when the second switch for enabling a second operation to be performed on the second screen through the operation switch is operated, the second display portion of the display portion of the second screen, which displays information on the operation object of the second operation, is displayed in an emphasized manner, so that the first switch and the second switch are configured in such a manner that the direction from the first switch to the second switch is the same as the direction from the first screen to the second screen, thereby solving the above-mentioned problem.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, when a display device includes a plurality of screens, it is possible to easily grasp the screen that changes in display according to an operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a front view showing an example of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle display device according to the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A front view of an example of a steering switch.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing an example of an embodiment of a vehicle display device according to the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A front view showing an example of the display on the first screen and the second screen.

[0017] Figure 5 It is shown in Figure 4 A front view showing an example of a display when the first switch is operated.

[0018] Figure 6 It is shown in Figure 4 A front view showing an example of a display when the second switch is operated.

[0019] Figure 7 It is shown in Figure 6 A front view showing an example of a display when the second switch is operated.

[0020] Figure 8A It shows Figure 3 Flowchart (Part 1) of an example of a processing procedure in a vehicle display device.

[0021] Figure 8B It shows Figure 3 Flowchart (Part 2) of an example of a processing procedure in a vehicle display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, it is assumed that the driver's seat of a vehicle is located on the left side of the vehicle. If the driver's seat is located on the right side of the vehicle, the terms "right" and "left" will be symmetrically replaced in the following description. Furthermore, in the following description, vehicle occupants, including the driver, will also be referred to as users.

[0023] [Structure of Vehicle Display Device]

[0024] Figure 11 is a front view showing an example of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle display device according to the present invention, showing the configuration of each device when the front of the vehicle is viewed from the front of the driver's seat. An instrument panel 10 and a steering wheel 20 are arranged in front of the driver's seat, and a center console 30 is arranged between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat. The instrument panel 10 has a first screen 40 and a second screen 50, and the second screen 50 has a touch panel 60 for inputting touch operations performed by a user's finger or a stylus pen in the second screen 50. The touch panel 60 is arranged on the second screen 50 and constitutes a touch screen together with the second screen 50. The first screen 40 and the second screen 50 may also be, for example, liquid crystal displays and have a speaker as an output device.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the first screen 40 is positioned in front of the driver's seat, and the second screen 50 is positioned side by side with the first screen 40 in the width direction of the vehicle. The position of the second screen 50 is not particularly limited, as long as it is within a range where the driver can visually recognize the information displayed on the second screen 50. Examples include the center of the instrument panel 10 in the vehicle width direction, or in front of the passenger seat. Alternatively, the first screen 40 and the second screen 50 may be positioned adjacent to each other.

[0026] The sizes of the first screen 40 and the second screen 50 are not particularly limited as long as they are within a range that the user can operate appropriately, and may be, for example, 10 to 15 inches. Furthermore, the first screen 40 and the second screen 50 are not particularly limited as long as they are display devices that present information to the user, and may be projectors such as head-up displays.

[0027] The steering wheel 20 includes steering switches 21 and 22 for inputting instructions to in-vehicle devices, etc. The steering switch 21 is located so that the driver can operate it with his left hand while holding the steering wheel 20, and the steering switch 22 is located so that the driver can operate it with his right hand while holding the steering wheel 20.

[0028] Figure 2 1 is a front view showing an example of the steering switches 21 and 22 provided on the steering wheel 20. The right steering switch 22 includes an operation switch 81, a first switch 82, and a second switch 83.

[0029] The operation switch 81 is a switch for the driver to input operations on the first screen 40 and the second screen 50, and is, for example, a push button switch, a toggle switch, an electrostatic capacitance switch, or a combination thereof. Figure 2As shown, the operation switch 81 is disposed between the first switch 82 and the second switch 83. Furthermore, the operation switch 81 includes a direction input unit for allowing the driver to input a desired direction, thereby selecting information from the information displayed on the first screen 40 to be the target of an operation performed on the first screen 40 by the operation switch 81 (hereinafter referred to as the first operation), and selecting information from the information displayed on the second screen 50 to be the target of an operation performed on the second screen 50 by the operation switch 81 (hereinafter referred to as the second operation). The information to be the target of an operation is information used to change the content displayed on a screen (specifically, at least one of the first screen 40 and the second screen 50) in response to a certain operation (e.g., the first operation, the second operation, an operation performed via the touch panel 60, etc.).

[0030] As an example, Figure 2 The illustrated operation switch 81 includes direction input units 81a to 81d. Each direction input unit is a capacitance switch. When direction input unit 81a is operated, an upward direction is input, and the controller 90 controls the display of the first screen 40 and the second screen 50. Similarly, when direction input unit 81b is operated, a downward direction is input, when direction input unit 81c is operated, a left direction is input, and when direction input unit 81d is operated, a right direction is input, and the controller 90 controls the display.

[0031] The first switch 82 and the second switch 83 are switches for respectively making the state in which the driver can operate the first screen 40 and the second screen 50 by operating the switch 81 (that is, making the operation on the first screen 40 and the second screen 50 by operating the switch 81 effective). The first switch 82 and the second switch 83 are physical switches such as push button switches and toggle switches. In addition, the configuration of the first switch 82 and the second switch 83 corresponds to the configuration of the first screen 40 and the second screen 50, and can be intuitively understood as the state in which the operation can be input when which switch is operated. Specifically, the first switch 82 and the second switch 83 are configured in such a way that the direction from the first switch 82 to the second switch 83 is the same as the direction from the first screen 40 to the second screen 50. For example, Figure 1 As shown, when the first screen 40 is arranged on the left side of the second screen 50, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the first switch 82 is arranged on the left side of the second switch 83. In this case, the direction from the first switch 82 to the second switch 83 and the direction from the first screen 40 to the second screen 50 are both right directions in the drawing. Figure 1In contrast, when the first screen 40 is arranged on the right side of the second screen 50, the first switch 82 is arranged on the right side of the second switch 83. In this case, the direction from the first switch 82 to the second switch 83 and the direction from the first screen 40 to the second screen 50 are both left directions.

[0032] The operation switch 81, the first switch 82 and the second switch 83 may be arranged on the steering switch 22 of the steering wheel 20 or on the steering wheel 20. Figure 1 As shown, the center console 30 is located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat of the vehicle. In either case, the shape and size of each switch are appropriately configured within a range that the driver can operate appropriately. Furthermore, if the steering switch 22 is a touch screen having a touch panel, the operation switch 81, the first switch 82, and the second switch 83 may be icons displayed on the steering switch 22.

[0033] The first switch 82 may also display a first icon that corresponds to the form of the first screen 40 and the second screen 50 and emphasizes the first screen 40. Furthermore, the second switch 83 may also display a second icon that corresponds to the form of the first screen 40 and the second screen 50 and emphasizes the second screen 50. Corresponding to the form of the first screen 40 and the second screen 50 means, for example, corresponding to the shape and arrangement of the first screen 40 and the second screen 50. Emphasizing the first screen 40 and the second screen 50 means, for example, setting the portion of the icon corresponding to the first screen 40 or the second screen 50 to a different color than the other portions, adding a display to emphasize the portion corresponding to the first screen 40 or the second screen 50, and the like.

[0034] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated turn switch 22, the first switch 82 and the second switch 83 are two rectangular icons corresponding to the shapes of the first screen 40 and the second screen 50. In the first icon of the first switch 82, a black shadow is added to the left rectangle corresponding to the first screen 40, and in the second icon of the second switch 83, a black shadow is added to the right rectangle corresponding to the second screen 50. When the first switch 82 and the second switch 83 are physical switches such as push-button switches, the first switch 82 and the second switch 83 are respectively displayed. Figure 2 The first icon and the second icon shown are displayed on the steering switch 22 when the steering switch 22 is a touch screen. Figure 2 The first icon and the second icon are shown.

[0035] In addition to the aforementioned operation switch 81, first switch 82, and second switch 83, the steering switch 22 also includes switches 84 to 89. Switch 84 is used to cancel an input operation, and switch 85 is used to activate a voice input function using voice recognition. Switch 86 is used to activate a phone call function, and switch 87 is used to terminate the phone call function. Switches 88 and 89 are used, for example, to change the song being played when the music player is activated.

[0036] Meanwhile, the left steering switch 21 includes switches 71 to 77. Switch 71 activates autonomous driving control, while switch 72 adjusts the vehicle speed and inter-vehicle distance during autonomous driving control. Switch 73 changes the set vehicle speed during constant speed driving control, while switch 74 changes the inter-vehicle distance during following driving. Switch 75 activates the lane change assist function. Switches 76 and 77 adjust the speaker volume.

[0037] also, Figure 2 The steering switches 21 and 22 shown have the function of displaying switches 71 to 77, the operating switch 81, the first switch 82, the second switch 83, and switches 84 to 89 in any color using a backlight of any color. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the steering switches 21 and 22, including the operating switch 81, the first switch 82, and the second switch 83, are designed to be operable only by the driver. In contrast, the touch panel 60 is designed to be operable by passengers other than the driver.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing an example of an embodiment of the vehicle display device 1 according to the present invention. The vehicle display device 1 is composed of Figure 1~Figure 2 The system of the device shown in FIG. 8 is composed of an operation switch 81, a first switch 82, a second switch 83, a touch panel 60, a first screen 40, and a second screen 50. Figure 3 As shown, in the vehicle display device 1 , the controller 90 acquires instructions and information input from the operation switch 81 , the first switch 82 , the second switch 83 , and the touch panel 60 , and controls the display of the first screen 40 and the second screen 50 based on the acquired instructions and information.

[0039] In addition, the controller 90 may also have: a first controller 91, which controls the display of the first screen 40 and the second screen 50 according to the instructions output from the operation switch 81; and a second controller 92, which is different from the first controller 91, and the second controller 92 controls the display of the first screen 40 and the second screen 50 according to the instructions output from the first switch 82 and the second switch 83.

[0040] The controller 90 controls the various devices that make up the vehicle display device 1, ensuring they work together and present information to the user. The controller 90 is, for example, a computer and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) serving as a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing programs, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) functioning as an accessible storage device. The CPU is the operating circuit that executes the programs stored in the ROM and implements the display functions of the controller 90.

[0041] The display function of the controller 90 is a function that allows the user to easily understand the screen that changes according to the operation when the controller 90 controls the display of the first screen 40 and the second screen 50. The program for realizing the display function is stored in the ROM of the controller 90, and the CPU realizes the display function by executing the program stored in the ROM. Figures 4 to 7 To illustrate the display function.

[0042] [Display function of the controller]

[0043] Figure 4 This is a front view showing an example of information displayed on the first screen 40 and the second screen 50. Display portion 41 of the first screen 40 displays information about the vehicle's driving speed, while display portion 42 displays information about the engine's rotational speed. Display portions 43, 44, and 45 also display information items displayed between display portion 41 and display portion 42. Examples of the information displayed between display portion 41 and display portion 42 include information related to autonomous driving control, information related to audio equipment, information related to route guidance, information related to the vehicle's driving status, and warning information related to the vehicle's status and driving environment.

[0044] On the other hand, the display portion 51 of the second screen 50 displays a menu icon, which indicates a candidate of information to be displayed on the second screen 50. The menu icon is displayed at a predetermined position on the second screen 50. Unlike other display portions, the display position does not change according to user operations and is always displayed at the same position while the second screen 50 is operating (power is on). The predetermined position is, for example, Figure 4 As shown, it is the left end of the second screen 50, but it may be the lower side of the second screen 50 (particularly the lower center of the screen). Figure 4 The menu icon shown is divided into three sections, and icons showing candidates for information displayed on the second screen 50 are displayed in each section.

[0045] Display portions 52, 53, and 54 respectively display map information, which is information used to overlay the driving route, route guidance information, and information related to audio equipment. The map information is information used to display the driving route, and the route guidance information is information used to present the vehicle's direction of travel. Furthermore, the information displayed on second screen 50 is not limited to this information. In addition to menu icons, second screen 50 can also display information related to the mobile terminal's telephone function, information related to AI-based concierge services, information related to the vehicle's driving status, time information, information related to the vehicle's battery, and information related to game applications.

[0046] When the first switch 82 is operated while the above-mentioned information is being displayed on the first screen 40 and the second screen 50, the controller 90 emphasizes the display portion of the display portion of the first screen 40 that displays the information on the target of the first operation performed by the operation switch 81 (hereinafter, also referred to as the first display portion). Conversely, when the second switch 83 is operated, the controller 90 emphasizes the display portion of the display portion of the second screen 50 that displays the information on the target of the second operation performed by the operation switch 81 (hereinafter, also referred to as the second display portion).

[0047] The information on the target of the first operation is information for changing the content displayed on the first screen 40 in accordance with the first operation, and the information on the target of the second operation is information for changing the content displayed on the second screen 50 in accordance with the second operation. Furthermore, displaying the first display portion and the second display portion in an emphasized manner refers to setting a portion of the display portion to a different color than the rest of the display portion (for example, a color opposite to the color surrounding the display portion), adding a display to emphasize the portion, and the like.

[0048] Specifically, when the first display portion is highlighted, the controller 90 displays a first frame having a shape corresponding to the shape of the first display portion around the first display portion. When the second display portion is highlighted, the controller 90 displays a second frame having a shape corresponding to the shape of the second display portion around the second display portion. Furthermore, the colors of the first and second frames are set to colors different from those of the surroundings of the first and second display portions, respectively (e.g., yellow). Simultaneously, the colors of the first and second switches 82 and 83 can also be set to the same colors as the first and second frames, respectively.

[0049] For example, in Figure 4When the information shown is displayed on the first screen 40 and the second screen 50, when the first switch 82 is operated, the controller 90 enables the operation of the first screen 40 by the operation switch 81. Then, the information displayed on the display portion 43 is set as the operation target of the first operation, such as Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , a frame having a shape corresponding to the shape of the display portion 43 is displayed around the display portion 43 as the first display portion. Figure 5 In the illustrated case, the information displayed on the display portion 43 is set as the operation target of the first operation, but other information displayed on the first screen 40 may be set as the operation target.

[0050] When the second switch 83 is operated while the first display portion is being displayed in an emphasized manner, the controller 90 displays the menu icon displayed on the second screen 50 in an emphasized manner. Figure 5 When the information shown is displayed on the first screen 40 and the second screen 50, if the second switch 83 is operated, the controller 90 validates the operation on the second screen 50 by operating the switch 81. Then, the information (icon) corresponding to the partition 51a above the menu icon displayed on the display portion 51 is set as the operation target of the second operation. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , a frame having a shape corresponding to the shape of the partition 51 a is displayed around the partition 51 a as the second display portion. Figure 6 In the case shown, the information displayed on the section 51 a of the display portion 51 is set as the operation target of the second operation, but information on other sections of the display portion 51 may be set as the operation target.

[0051] When the second switch 83 is operated while the menu icon displayed on the second screen 50 is being highlighted, the controller 90 highlights the display portion of the second screen 50 other than the menu icon. Figure 6 When the information shown is displayed on the first screen 40 and the second screen 50, when the second switch 83 is operated, the controller 90 sets the information displayed on the display portion 52 as the operation object of the second operation, such as Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , a frame having a shape corresponding to the shape of the display portion 52 is displayed around the display portion 52 as the second display portion. Figure 7 In the illustrated case, the information displayed on the display portion 52 is set as the operation target of the second operation, but other information displayed on the second screen 50 may be set as the operation target.

[0052] When the second switch 83 is operated while the display portion other than the menu icon of the second screen 50 is being displayed in an emphasized manner, the controller 90 displays the menu icon in an emphasized manner. Figure 7 When the information shown is displayed on the first screen 40 and the second screen 50, when the second switch 83 is operated, the controller 90 sets the information (icon) corresponding to the partition 51a above the menu icon displayed on the display portion 51 as the operation object of the second operation. Figure 6 As shown, a frame having a shape corresponding to the shape of the partition 51 a is displayed around the partition 51 a as the second display portion.

[0053] When the first switch 82 is operated while the second display portion is being displayed in an emphasized manner, the controller 90 displays any portion of the display portion of the first screen 40 in an emphasized manner. Figure 6 When the information shown is displayed on the first screen 40 and the second screen 50, when the first switch 82 is operated, the controller 90 enables the operation of the first screen 40 by the operation switch 81. Then, the information displayed on the display portion 43 is set as the operation target of the first operation, such as Figure 5 As shown, a frame having a shape corresponding to the shape of the display portion 43 is displayed around the display portion 43 as the first display portion.

[0054] Furthermore, when a direction for selecting information to be operated from the information displayed on the first screen 40 and the second screen 50 is input to the direction input portion of the operation switch 81, the controller 90 displays in an emphasized manner the display portion currently displayed at a position corresponding to the input direction among the display portions surrounding the first display portion or the second display portion currently displayed in an emphasized manner. Figure 5 The information shown is displayed on the first screen 40 and the second screen 50. Figure 2 When the direction input unit 81b shown is operated, the controller 90 Figure 5 The display portion 44 is shown with a frame having a shape corresponding to the shape of the display portion 44 displayed around it. Figure 7 The information shown is displayed on the first screen 40 and the second screen 50. Figure 2 When the direction input unit 81d shown is operated, the controller 90 Figure 7 The display portion 53 is shown with a frame having a shape corresponding to the shape of the display portion 53 displayed around it.

[0055] exist Figures 5 to 7In the example shown, the first display portion is any portion of the display portion of the first screen 40, and the second display portion is any portion of the display portion of the second screen 50, and the controller 90 displays either the first display portion or the second display portion in an emphasized manner. However, these are merely examples, and multiple display portions of the first screen 40 may be displayed in an emphasized manner as the first display portion, or multiple display portions of the second screen 50 may be displayed in an emphasized manner as the second display portion.

[0056] Alternatively, when a touch operation is input to the touch panel 60, the controller 90 may stop displaying the first display portion and the second display portion in an emphasized manner. This is because when a touch operation is input, the user can easily understand in which screen the operation is input. For example, in the case where Figure 5 When a touch operation is input to the touch panel 60 while the display portion 43 of the first screen 40 is being displayed in an emphasized manner as shown in FIG. 1 , the controller 90 stops the process of displaying the display portion 43 in an emphasized manner. Then, the display of the first screen 40 becomes Figure 4 The display shown. Alternatively, if the first switch 82 and the second switch 83 have not been operated for a predetermined time or longer, the controller 90 may stop highlighting the first and second display portions. This is because if the driver continues to not input an operation for a predetermined time (e.g., 5 to 30 seconds) or longer, it is estimated that the driver has not input any new operation.

[0057] The user can also toggle the aforementioned pause between enabled and disabled. Specifically, the controller 90 includes a function that stops the process of highlighting the first and second display portions if the first and second switches 82 and 83 have not been operated for a specified period of time. If this function is enabled, the process of highlighting the display portion is stopped if the first and second switches have not been operated for a specified period of time. Conversely, if this function is disabled, the process of highlighting the display portion continues even if the first and second switches have not been operated for a specified period of time.

[0058] The controller 90 may also emphasize the information originally displayed on the first or second display portion if the first switch 82 or the second switch 83 is operated after stopping the process of displaying the display portion in an emphasized manner. This is because if the display portion of information different from the information being emphasized when the process is stopped is emphasized, it will feel unnatural to the user. In addition, the controller 90 may store the information originally displayed on the first or second display portion when the vehicle engine is about to be stopped, and then emphasize the display portion of the stored information when the engine is started after stopping the engine. This is because if the display portion of information different from the information being emphasized when the engine is stopped is emphasized, it will feel unnatural to the user.

[0059] The controller 90 may also pre-set a portion of the information displayed on the second screen 50 so as to not accept a second operation via the operation switch 81 but to accept an operation inputted from the touch panel 60. If a second operation is inputted, and the information displayed on the second display portion is set to not accept the second operation, the controller 90 may display a pop-up image prompting the driver to perform an operation via the touch panel 60. For example, if the information displayed on the display portion 52 is pre-set so as not to accept a second operation via the operation switch 81, and a second operation is detected on the information displayed on the display portion 52, the controller 90 may display a pop-up image 55 at the lower center of the second screen 50.

[0060] Controller 90 pre-sets information displayed on the second screen that the driver confirms less than a specified frequency while driving as information that does not accept the second operation via operation switch 81, and pre-sets information that the driver confirms more than a specified frequency while driving as information that accepts the second operation via operation switch 81. The specified value can be set to an appropriate value within a range that does not make the driver feel uncomfortable with the inability to operate operation switch 81 while driving. For example, the specified value can be set so that information that the driver confirms twice or more from the current location to the destination is set as information that accepts the second operation. Examples of information that the driver confirms twice or more from the current location to the destination include map information, route guidance information, information related to audio equipment, information related to the vehicle's driving status, time information, and information related to the vehicle's battery.

[0061] [Processing in Vehicle Display Device]

[0062] Below, refer to Figure 8A-8B The process of the controller 90 processing information will be described below. Figure 8A-8BThis is an example of a flowchart showing information processing in the vehicle display device 1 of the present embodiment. When some operation is performed in the vehicle display device 1, the processing to be described below is executed by the processor (CPU) included in the controller 90.

[0063] First, in Figure 8A In step S1, it is determined whether the driver has operated the first switch 82. If it is determined that the driver has operated the first switch 82, the process proceeds to step S2, where the first operation performed by operating the switch 81 is validated. In the following step S3, the first display portion displaying information on the operation target of the first operation is highlighted, and the process proceeds to step S4.

[0064] On the other hand, if it is determined that the driver has not operated the first switch 82, the process proceeds to step S7 to determine whether the driver has operated the second switch 83. If it is determined that the driver has operated the second switch 83, the process proceeds to step S8 to validate the second operation performed by operating the switch 81. In the subsequent step S9, it is determined whether the display portion of the second screen excluding the menu icons is being displayed in an emphasized manner.

[0065] If it is determined that the displayed portion of the second screen excluding the menu icon is being displayed in an emphasized manner, the process proceeds to step S10, where the menu icon is displayed in an emphasized manner, and the process proceeds to step S4. If it is determined that the displayed portion of the second screen is not being displayed in an emphasized manner, the process proceeds to step S10. Conversely, if it is determined that the menu icon is being displayed in an emphasized manner, the process proceeds to step S11, where the displayed portion of the second screen excluding the menu icon is displayed in an emphasized manner, and the process proceeds to step S4.

[0066] In step S4, a determination is made as to whether a predetermined time has elapsed while the first switch 82 and the second switch 83 have not been operated. If it is determined that the first switch 82 or the second switch 83 has been operated within the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S1. On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed while the first switch 82 and the second switch 83 have not been operated, the process proceeds to step S5, where the process of emphasizing the first and second display areas is stopped.

[0067] In the next step S6, it is determined whether a new operation is detected within the prescribed time. If it is determined that a new operation is detected within the prescribed time, the routine proceeds to step S1. On the other hand, if it is determined that no new operation is detected within the prescribed time, the routine execution ends.

[0068] On the other hand, in step S7, if it is determined that the driver has not operated the second switch 83, the process proceeds to step S7. Figure 8BIn step S12, it is determined whether the driver has operated the operating switch 81. If it is determined that the driver has operated the operating switch 81, the process proceeds to step S13, where the display portion currently displayed at the position corresponding to the direction inputted into the direction input unit is highlighted. Furthermore, if a second operation has been inputted, in step S14, it is determined whether the information displayed on the second display portion has been previously set to not accept the second operation.

[0069] If it is determined that the information displayed on the second display portion is set in advance to not accept the second operation, the process proceeds to step S15, and a pop-up image 55 prompting an operation via the touch panel 60 is displayed on the second screen 50. On the other hand, if it is determined that the information displayed on the second display portion is not set in advance to not accept the second operation, the process proceeds to step S16, and a process corresponding to the instruction input from the operation switch 81 is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S17. Figure 8A Step S6.

[0070] On the other hand, if it is determined that the driver has not operated the operation switch 81, the process proceeds to step S17, where it is determined that an operation has been input to the touch panel 60, and the process of displaying the first display portion and the second display portion in an emphasized manner is stopped. In the next step S18, the process corresponding to the instruction input from the touch panel 60 is executed. Figure 8A Step S6.

[0071] [Embodiment of the Invention]

[0072] As described above, according to the present embodiment, a vehicle display method is provided, which is a vehicle display method performed by a display device of a vehicle, wherein the display device comprises: a first screen 40, which is arranged in front of the driver's seat; a second screen 50, which is arranged in parallel with the first screen 40 in the width direction of the vehicle; an operation switch 81 for the driver of the vehicle to input operations on the first screen 40 and the second screen 50; a first switch 82, which is used to enable a first operation performed on the first screen 40 by the operation switch 81; a second switch 83, which is used to enable a second operation performed on the second screen 50 by the operation switch 81; and a controller 90, which controls the first The display of the screen 40 and the second screen 50 is performed, wherein the operation switch 81 is arranged between the first switch 82 and the second switch 83, and the direction from the first switch 82 to the second switch 83 is the same as the direction from the first screen 40 to the second screen 50. When the first switch 82 is operated, the controller 90 emphasizes the first display portion of the display portion of the first screen 40 that displays information about the operation target of the first operation. When the second switch 83 is operated, the controller 90 emphasizes the second display portion of the display portion of the second screen 50 that displays information about the operation target of the second operation. Thus, when the display device has multiple screens, it is possible to easily understand the screen that changes in display according to the operation.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the vehicle display method of this embodiment, the controller 90 displays a menu icon representing a candidate for information displayed on the second screen 50 at a predetermined position on the second screen 50. When the second switch 83 is operated while the first display portion is being displayed in an emphasized manner, the menu icon is displayed in an emphasized manner. This allows the driver to immediately select information displayed on the second screen 50.

[0074] Furthermore, according to the vehicle display method of this embodiment, when the second switch 83 is operated while the menu icon is being displayed in an emphasized manner, the controller 90 displays the portion of the second screen 50 other than the menu icon in an emphasized manner, and when the second switch 83 is operated while the portion of the second screen 50 other than the menu icon is being displayed in an emphasized manner, the menu icon is displayed in an emphasized manner. Thus, the menu icon and the portion of the display other than the menu icon can be switched without operating the switch 81.

[0075] Furthermore, according to the vehicle display method of this embodiment, when the first switch 82 is operated while the second display portion is being displayed in an emphasized manner, the controller 90 emphasizes any portion of the display portion of the first screen 40. This makes it easy to understand the screen that changes in response to the operation.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the vehicle display method of this embodiment, the operation switch 81 includes direction input units 81a-81d for the driver to input a desired direction to select information to be operated on the first operation from the information displayed on the first screen 40 and to select information to be operated on the second operation from the information displayed on the second screen 50. When a direction is input to the direction input units 81a-81d, the controller 90 emphasizes the display portion of the surrounding display portions of the first display portion or the second display portion that is currently displayed at a position corresponding to the input direction. This allows the display portion of the information selected by the driver as the operation target to be accurately emphasized.

[0077] Furthermore, according to the vehicle display method of this embodiment, the display device includes a touch panel 60 for inputting a touch operation on the second screen 50. When the touch operation is input on the touch panel 60, the controller 90 stops the process of displaying the first and second display parts in an emphasized manner. This allows the user to easily understand which screen the operation was input on to stop the unnecessary process of displaying the display part in an emphasized manner.

[0078] Furthermore, according to the vehicle display method of this embodiment, if the first switch 82 and the second switch 83 have not been operated for a predetermined period of time or longer, the controller 90 stops displaying the first and second display portions in an emphasized manner. This allows the unnecessary display of the display portions to be stopped when it is estimated that the driver has not input any new operation.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the vehicle display method of this embodiment, the controller 90 includes a function for stopping the process of displaying the first and second display portions in an emphasized manner if the first and second switches 82, 83 have not been operated for a predetermined period of time or longer. When this function is enabled, the controller 90 stops the process if the first and second switches 82, 83 have not been operated for the predetermined period of time or longer. This allows the unnecessary process of displaying the display portion in an emphasized manner to be stopped when it is estimated that the driver has not input a new operation.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the vehicle display method of this embodiment, if the first switch 82 or the second switch 83 is operated after the process is stopped, the controller 90 emphasizes the display portion of the information originally displayed on the first display portion or the second display portion. Thus, by emphasizing the display portion of information different from the information being emphasized when the process was stopped, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling unnatural.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the vehicle display method of this embodiment, the controller 90 stores information originally displayed on the first display portion or the second display portion when the vehicle engine is about to be stopped. When the engine is restarted after stopping, the display portion displaying the stored information is emphasized. Thus, by emphasizing information different from the information being emphasized when the engine was stopped, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling unnatural.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the vehicle display method of this embodiment, the controller 90 displays a first frame around the first display portion when the first display portion is highlighted, and displays a second frame around the second display portion when the second display portion is highlighted. The colors of the first switch 82 and the second switch 83 are set to the same colors as the first frame and the second frame, respectively. This allows for more reliable emphasis on the display portion and facilitates understanding of screen changes in response to display operations.

[0083] Furthermore, according to the vehicle display method of this embodiment, the controller 90 displays a first icon corresponding to the form of the first screen 40 and the second screen 50 on the first switch 82, with the first screen 40 emphasized, and displays a second icon corresponding to the form and with the second screen 50 emphasized on the second switch 83. This makes it easier to understand the screen that changes in response to the operation.

[0084] Furthermore, according to the vehicle display method of this embodiment, the operation switch 81, the first switch 82, and the second switch 83 are provided on the steering wheel 20 of the vehicle or on the center console 30 between the driver's seat and the passenger seat.

[0085] Furthermore, according to the vehicle display method of this embodiment, the display device includes a touch panel 60 for inputting touch operations on the second screen 50. The controller 90 pre-sets a portion of the information displayed on the second screen 50 to not accept the second operation but to accept operations input from the touch panel 60. When the second operation is input, and the information displayed on the second display portion is set to not accept the second operation, the controller 90 displays a pop-up image 55 on the second screen 50 prompting the driver to perform an operation using the touch panel 60. This allows the driver to recognize the need for an operation using the touch panel 60 more quickly.

[0086] Furthermore, according to the vehicle display method of this embodiment, the controller 90 pre-sets information displayed on the second screen 50 that the driver frequently checks while driving as information for accepting the second operation. This allows the driver to operate the information frequently checked by the operation switch 81 while driving.

[0087] Furthermore, according to the vehicle display method of this embodiment, the first display portion is any portion of the display portion of the first screen 40, and the second display portion is any portion of the display portion of the second screen 50, and the controller 90 displays either the first display portion or the second display portion in an emphasized manner. This allows for more reliable emphasis on the displayed portion.

[0088] Furthermore, according to the vehicle display method of this embodiment, the controller 90 includes: a first controller 91 that controls the display of the first screen 40 and the second screen 50 based on an instruction output from the operation switch 81; and a second controller 92 that is different from the first controller 91 and controls the display of the first screen 40 and the second screen 50 based on an instruction output from the first switch 82 and the second switch 83. Thus, it is possible to use a controller suitable for processing each switch.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the vehicle display method of this embodiment, when the first display portion is displayed in an emphasized manner, the controller 90 displays a first frame having a shape corresponding to that of the first display portion around the first display portion. Furthermore, when the second display portion is displayed in an emphasized manner, the controller 90 displays a second frame having a shape corresponding to that of the second display portion around the second display portion. This allows for more reliable emphasis on the display portion.

[0090] In addition, according to the present embodiment, a vehicle display device 1 is provided, comprising: a first screen 40, which is arranged in front of a driver's seat of a vehicle; a second screen 50, which is arranged in parallel with the first screen 40 in the width direction of the vehicle; an operation switch 81 for the driver of the vehicle to input operations on the first screen 40 and the second screen 50; a first switch 82 for validating a first operation performed on the first screen 40 by the operation switch 81; a second switch 83 for validating a second operation performed on the second screen 50 by the operation switch 81; and a controller 90 for controlling the first screen 40 and the second screen 50. The operation switch 81 is arranged between the first switch 82 and the second switch 83, and the direction from the first switch 82 to the second switch 83 is the same as the direction from the first screen 40 to the second screen 50. When the first switch 82 is operated, the controller 90 emphasizes the first display portion of the display portion of the first screen 40 that displays information about the target of the first operation. When the second switch 83 is operated, the controller 90 emphasizes the second display portion of the display portion of the second screen 50 that displays information about the target of the second operation. Thus, when the display device has multiple screens, it is possible to easily understand which screen changes in response to an operation.

[0091] Description of Reference Numerals

[0092] 1: Vehicle display device; 10: Instrument panel; 20: Steering wheel; 21, 22: Steering switches; 30: Center console; 40: First screen; 41-45: Display portion; 50: Second screen; 51-54: Display portion; 51a: Partition; 55: Pop-up image; 60: Touch panel; 71-77: Switch; 81: Operation switch; 81a-81d: Direction input portion; 82: First switch; 83: Second switch; 84-89: Switch; 90: Controller; 91: First controller; 92: Second controller.

Claims

1. A vehicle display method, the method being executed by a display device of a vehicle, in, The display device comprises: The first screen is located in front of the driver's seat; a second screen arranged in parallel with the first screen in the width direction of the vehicle; an operation switch for a driver of the vehicle to input operations on the first screen and the second screen; a first switch for enabling a first operation on the first screen via the operation switch; a second switch for enabling a second operation on the second screen performed through the operation switch; as well as a controller for controlling the display of the first screen and the second screen, The operation switch is arranged between the first switch and the second switch. The direction from the first switch to the second switch is the same as the direction from the first screen to the second screen. When the first switch is operated, the controller displays, in an emphasized manner, a first display portion of the display portion of the first screen that displays information on an operation target of the first operation. When the second switch is operated, the controller displays, in an emphasized manner, a second display portion of the display portion of the second screen that displays information on an operation target of the second operation.

2. The vehicle display method according to claim 1, wherein: The controller displays a menu icon representing a candidate of information to be displayed on the second screen at a predetermined position on the second screen, and displays the menu icon in an emphasized manner when the second switch is operated while the first display portion is being displayed in an emphasized manner.

3. The vehicle display method according to claim 2, wherein: When the second switch is operated while the menu icon is being displayed in an emphasized manner, the controller displays the display portion of the second screen other than the menu icon in an emphasized manner. When the second switch is operated while the display portion of the second screen other than the menu icon is being displayed in an emphasized manner, the controller displays the menu icon in an emphasized manner.

4. The vehicle display method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The controller displays any part of the display area of ​​the first screen in an emphasized manner when the first switch is operated while the second display area is being displayed in an emphasized manner.

5. The vehicle display method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The operation switch includes a direction input unit for the driver to input an arbitrary direction to select information to be operated by the first operation from the information displayed on the first screen and to select information to be operated by the second operation from the information displayed on the second screen. When the direction is input to the direction input unit, the controller displays, in an emphasized manner, a display portion displayed at a position corresponding to the input direction among display portions surrounding the first display portion or the second display portion.

6. The vehicle display method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The display device includes a touch panel for inputting a touch operation on the second screen. When the touch operation is input to the touch panel, the controller stops a process of displaying the first display portion and the second display portion in an emphasized manner.

7. The vehicle display method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The controller stops displaying the first display portion and the second display portion in an emphasized manner when the first switch and the second switch are not operated for a predetermined time or longer.

8. The vehicle display method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The controller has a function of stopping the process of displaying the first display portion and the second display portion in an emphasized manner when the first switch and the second switch are not operated for a predetermined time or longer. When the function is enabled, the controller stops the process if the first switch and the second switch are not operated for more than the predetermined time.

9. The vehicle display method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The controller displays the display portion displaying the information originally displayed on the first display portion or the second display portion in an emphasized manner when the first switch or the second switch is operated after the process is stopped.

10. The vehicle display method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The controller stores information originally displayed on the first display portion or the second display portion when the vehicle engine is to be stopped, and emphasizes the display portion displaying the stored information when the engine is started after the engine is stopped.

11. The vehicle display method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The controller displays a first frame around the first display portion when the first display portion is displayed in an emphasized manner, and displays a second frame around the second display portion when the second display portion is displayed in an emphasized manner, and sets the color of the first switch and the color of the second switch to the same color as the color of the first frame and the color of the second frame, respectively.

12. The vehicle display method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The controller displays a first icon corresponding to the form of the first and second screens and emphasizing the first screen on the first switch, and displays a second icon corresponding to the form and emphasizing the second screen on the second switch.

13. The vehicle display method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The operating switch, the first switch, and the second switch are arranged on the steering wheel of the vehicle or on the center console between the driver's seat and the co-driver's seat.

14. The vehicle display method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The display device includes a touch panel for inputting a touch operation on the second screen. The controller pre-sets a portion of information displayed on the second screen so as not to accept the second operation but to accept an operation input from the touch panel. When the second operation is input, if the information displayed on the second display portion is set to not accept the second operation, the controller displays a pop-up image on the second screen that prompts the driver to perform an operation via the touch panel.

15. The vehicle display method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The controller preliminarily sets information, among the information displayed on the second screen, that is confirmed by the driver more frequently than a predetermined value during driving as information for accepting the second operation.

16. The vehicle display method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The first display portion is any portion of the display portion of the first screen, The second display portion is any portion of the display portion of the second screen, The controller displays either the first display portion or the second display portion in an emphasized manner.

17. The vehicle display method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein: The controller includes: a first controller that controls display of the first screen and the second screen according to an instruction output from the operation switch; and A second controller is different from the first controller, and the second controller controls display of the first screen and the second screen according to instructions output from the first switch and the second switch.

18. The vehicle display method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein: The controller displays a first frame around the first display portion when the first display portion is displayed in an emphasized manner, wherein the first frame has a shape corresponding to a shape of the first display portion, The controller displays a second frame around the second display portion when the second display portion is displayed in an emphasized manner, wherein the second frame has a shape corresponding to a shape of the second display portion.

19. A vehicle display device comprising: A first screen is arranged in front of the driver's seat of the vehicle; a second screen arranged in parallel with the first screen in the width direction of the vehicle; an operation switch for a driver of the vehicle to input operations on the first screen and the second screen; a first switch for enabling a first operation on the first screen via the operation switch; a second switch for enabling a second operation on the second screen performed through the operation switch; as well as a controller for controlling the display of the first screen and the second screen, The operation switch is arranged between the first switch and the second switch. The direction from the first switch to the second switch is the same as the direction from the first screen to the second screen. When the first switch is operated, the controller displays, in an emphasized manner, a first display portion of the display portion of the first screen that displays information on an operation target of the first operation. When the second switch is operated, the controller displays, in an emphasized manner, a second display portion of the display portion of the second screen that displays information on an operation target of the second operation.

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