Vehicle display control device, vehicle display device, vehicle, vehicle display control method, and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle display control device, a vehicle display device, a vehicle, a vehicle display control method, and a storage medium. A processor of the present invention controls a first display unit and a second display unit such that, when a first operation is performed by an occupant in a state in which a predetermined message is displayed on the first display unit and the second display unit provided in a vehicle, the message is eliminated from the first display unit and the state in which the message is displayed on the second display unit is kept unchanged.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the parent application filed by Toyota Motor Corporation, entitled "Display Control Device for Vehicles, Display Device for Vehicles, Vehicle, Display Control Method for Vehicles and Storage Medium", filed on August 31, 2022, with application number "202211063000.7". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a display control device for vehicles, a display device for vehicles, a vehicle, a display control method for vehicles, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-087980 discloses an invention that displays various information on a display installed on the dashboard of a vehicle and a head-up display.

[0004] In the invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-087980, there is room for improvement in the display of information on the dashboard display and head-up display in order to avoid occupants feeling bored and to reduce occupants’ concerns about not being able to recognize the displayed information. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Considering the above facts, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a vehicle display control device, a vehicle display device, a vehicle, a vehicle display control method, and a storage medium that avoids occupant boredom and reduces occupant concerns about not being able to recognize the displayed information, and enables the display of specified messages on a first display unit and a second display unit installed in the vehicle.

[0006] The vehicle display control device according to the first aspect of this disclosure includes a processor that controls a first display unit installed in the vehicle and a second display unit that is a display unit different from the first display unit, such that when a occupant of the vehicle performs a first operation while a predetermined message is displayed on the first display unit and the second display unit, the message is deleted from the first display unit and the state in which the message is displayed on the second display unit remains unchanged.

[0007] In the vehicle display control device according to the first aspect of this disclosure, when a vehicle occupant performs a first operation while a predetermined message is displayed on a first display unit and a second display unit installed in the vehicle, the message is cleared from the first display unit. Thus, in the vehicle display control device according to the first aspect of this disclosure, the occupant can clear the message from the first display unit according to their own will, and therefore, compared to situations where messages displayed on the first and second display units cannot be cleared according to the occupant's will, the occupant is less likely to feel annoyed.

[0008] Furthermore, in the vehicle display control device according to the first aspect of this disclosure, when a vehicle occupant performs a first operation while a predetermined message is displayed on a first display unit and a second display unit installed in the vehicle, the message remains displayed on the second display unit. Therefore, even if the message is removed from the first display unit, the occupant can still recognize the message displayed on the second display unit.

[0009] The vehicle display control device according to the second aspect of this disclosure is configured such that, based on the first aspect of this disclosure, the first operation is a predetermined operation of the turn signal switch provided on the steering wheel of the vehicle, and the processor controls the first display unit such that when the occupant performs the first operation while the message is displayed on the first display unit and the second display unit, a turn signal switch image representing the turn signal switch is displayed.

[0010] In the second embodiment of this disclosure, when the occupant performs the first operation on the turn signal switch, an image representing the turn signal switch is displayed on the first display unit. Therefore, by observing the first display unit, the occupant can identify the positional relationship between a part of their body (e.g., a hand) that performed the first operation and the turn signal switch.

[0011] The vehicle display control device according to the third aspect of this disclosure is configured such that, based on the second aspect of this disclosure, the first display unit is capable of displaying multiple types of messages with determined display priority, and the first display unit is controlled such that when the occupant performs the first operation while the first message (i.e., the first message) with a priority lower than that of the turn signal image is displayed on the first display unit, the first message is eliminated and the turn signal image is displayed; when the occupant performs the first operation while the first message (i.e., the second message) with a priority higher than that of the turn signal image is displayed on the first display unit, the state of displaying the first message remains unchanged and the turn signal image is not displayed.

[0012] In the third aspect of this disclosure, when the occupant performs the first operation while a message (i.e., a first message) that is prioritized below the turn signal switch image is displayed on the first display unit, the first message is removed from the first display unit and the turn signal switch image is displayed on the first display unit. Therefore, in this case, the occupant can identify the turn signal switch image that is prioritized above the first message by observing the first display unit.

[0013] Furthermore, in the vehicle display control device according to the third aspect of this disclosure, when the occupant performs the first operation while a message with a higher priority than the turn signal image (i.e., a second message) is displayed on the first display unit, the state of displaying the first message on the first display unit remains unchanged, and the turn signal image is not displayed on the first display unit. Therefore, in this case, the occupant can identify the second message with a higher priority than the turn signal image by observing the first display unit.

[0014] The vehicle display control device according to the fourth aspect of this disclosure is configured such that, based on the second or third aspect of this disclosure, the operation in which a part of the occupant's body contacts the turn signal switch is the first operation.

[0015] In the fourth embodiment of this disclosure, the message is cleared from the first display unit after a part of the occupant's body comes into contact with the turn signal switch. Therefore, the occupant can easily clear the message from the first display unit.

[0016] The vehicle display control device according to the fifth aspect of this disclosure is configured such that, based on any of the first to fourth aspects of this disclosure, the processor controls the second display unit such that when the occupant performs a second operation different from the first operation while the message is displayed on the second display unit, the message is cleared from the second display unit.

[0017] In the fifth embodiment of this disclosure, when the occupant performs a second operation different from the first operation, the message is cleared from the second display unit. Therefore, compared to the case where the message is cleared from both the first and second display units when the first operation is performed, the possibility of the occupant accidentally clearing the message from the first and second display units is lower.

[0018] The vehicle display control device according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure is configured such that, based on the fifth aspect of this disclosure, the second display unit is capable of displaying multiple types of messages with determined display priority, and the second display unit is controlled such that when the occupant performs the second operation while the message with a priority lower than a predetermined reference priority (i.e., the third message) is displayed on the second display unit, the third message is removed from the second display unit; and when the occupant performs the second operation while the message with a priority higher than the reference priority (i.e., the fourth message) is displayed on the second display unit, the display of the fourth message remains unchanged.

[0019] In the sixth embodiment of this disclosure, when the occupant performs the second operation while a third message, which is a message with a priority lower than a predetermined standard, is displayed on the second display unit, the third message is removed from the second display unit. Therefore, in this case, the occupant will not be annoyed by the third message displayed on the second display unit.

[0020] Furthermore, in the vehicle display control device according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure, when the occupant performs the second operation while the second display unit is displaying a message with a higher priority than the reference priority, namely the fourth message, the second display unit continues to display the fourth message. Therefore, even if the occupant mistakenly performs the second operation, the occupant can identify the fourth message with a higher priority by observing the second display unit.

[0021] The vehicle display control device according to the seventh aspect of this disclosure is configured such that, based on the fifth or sixth aspect of this disclosure, the setting display time of the message to the first display unit when the first operation is not performed, and the setting display time of the message to the second display unit when the second operation is not performed, are set according to each of the aforementioned messages.

[0022] In the seventh embodiment of this disclosure, the display time for messages displayed on the first display unit when the first operation is not performed, and the display time for messages displayed on the second display unit when the second operation is not performed, are set according to each message. Therefore, it is possible to prevent passengers from becoming annoyed by messages displayed on the first and second display units.

[0023] The vehicle display control device according to the eighth aspect of this disclosure is configured such that, based on any of the fifth to seventh aspects of this disclosure, the operation of moving a steering switch provided on the steering wheel of the vehicle and capable of moving between an initial position and a pressed position toward the pressed position is the second operation described above.

[0024] In the eighth embodiment of this disclosure, the message is cleared from the second display unit when the occupant performs an operation to move the turn signal switch, which is movable between the initial position and the pressed position, to the pressed position. Therefore, the possibility of the occupant accidentally clearing the message from the second display unit is lower than the case where the message is cleared from the second display unit when a part of the body comes into contact with the turn signal switch.

[0025] The vehicle display control device according to the ninth aspect of this disclosure is configured such that, based on the first to eighth aspects of this disclosure, the first display unit is a head-up display.

[0026] In the ninth embodiment of this disclosure, when the occupant performs the first operation, the message displayed on the head-up display can be eliminated.

[0027] The vehicle display control device according to the 10th aspect of this disclosure is configured such that, based on the 1st to 9th aspects of this disclosure, the second display unit is a display installed inside the vehicle.

[0028] In the tenth aspect of this disclosure, a display installed inside the vehicle is capable of displaying messages.

[0029] The vehicle display device according to the 11th aspect of this disclosure includes the first display unit, the second display unit, and the vehicle display control device of the 1st to 10th aspects of this disclosure.

[0030] The vehicle according to the 12th aspect of this disclosure has the vehicle display device according to the 11th aspect of this disclosure.

[0031] The vehicle display control method according to the 13th aspect of this disclosure is configured such that: a processor controls a first display unit installed in the vehicle and a second display unit different from the first display unit, such that when an occupant of the vehicle performs a first operation while a predetermined message is displayed on the first display unit and the second display unit, the message is removed from the first display unit, and the state in which the message is displayed on the second display unit remains unchanged.

[0032] The storage medium involved in the invention according to the 14th aspect of this disclosure is a storage medium that stores a program and is readable by a computer. When the program is executed by a processor, the following steps are performed: controlling a first display unit installed in the vehicle and a second display unit that is different from the first display unit, such that when the occupant of the vehicle performs a first operation while the first display unit and the second display unit are displaying a predetermined message, the message is deleted from the first display unit, and the state in which the message is displayed on the second display unit remains unchanged.

[0033] As explained above, the vehicle display control device, vehicle display device, vehicle, vehicle display control method, and storage medium disclosed herein have the excellent effect of preventing occupants from becoming bored and reducing concerns that occupants cannot recognize the displayed information, and enabling the display of specified messages on the first and second display units provided in the vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the following figures, wherein,

[0035] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the interior of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle display control device according to the embodiment.

[0036] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows the hardware structure of the vehicle.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram of the vehicle's display control ECU.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a diagram representing an instrument display that shows prescribed messages.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the display area of ​​a head-up display that shows prescribed messages.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the display area of ​​the head-up display when the driver performs the first operation.

[0041] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the display area of ​​the head-up display when the driver performs a function switching operation.

[0042] Figure 8 It is a diagram representing a list of messages.

[0043] Figure 9 This indicates that there is a display with Figure 5 A diagram showing the display area of ​​different messages on the head-up display.

[0044] Figure 10 This indicates that there is a display with Figure 4 The instrument display shows graphs for different messages.

[0045] Figure 11 It is a flowchart showing the processes executed by the display control ECU. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments of the vehicle display control device, vehicle display device, vehicle, vehicle display control method, and storage medium involved in this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 10 of this embodiment includes a windshield 14 and an instrument panel 16. An instrument display (display) (first display unit) (second display unit) (vehicle display device) 18 is provided on the instrument panel 16. A sensor group 20 is provided on the upper part of the inner side of the windshield 14. The sensor group 20 includes at least one of a camera, a laser imaging detection and ranging sensor, a positioning camera, and a millimeter-wave radar sensor.

[0048] The instrument display (MET) 18 located on the dashboard 16 is controlled by the display control ECU (vehicle display control device) 26, described later. The display control ECU 26 is connected to various instrument devices mounted on the vehicle 10. Therefore, for example... Figure 4 As shown, the instrument display 18 displays information about the vehicle speed of the vehicle 10.

[0049] A display area (first display unit) (second display unit) HA is formed on the windshield 14. The display area HA is located on the vehicle-top side of the instrument display 18. The head-up display (first display unit) (second display unit) (vehicle display device) (hereinafter referred to as HUD) 28 installed on the vehicle 10 (see reference) Figure 2 The image generated by the projection device is projected onto the display area HA. ​​For example... Figure 2 As shown, HUD28 is connected to display control ECU26. Therefore, as Figure 5 As shown, information about the speed of vehicle 10 is displayed in the display area HA.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the steering wheel 22 is rotatably supported on the instrument panel 16. The steering wheel 22 includes a rim portion 22A, a hub portion 22B, and spoke portions 22C1, 22C2, and 22C3. The hub portion 22B is provided on the inner circumference of the generally annular rim portion 22A. In addition, the inner circumference of the rim portion 22A is connected to the hub portion 22B by the three spoke portions 22C1, 22C2, and 22C3. Moreover, a turn signal switch 33R is provided on the right spoke portion 22C1, and a turn signal switch 33L is provided on the left spoke portion 22C2. The turn signal switch 33R includes a right first switch 34R, a right second switch 36R, and a right function switch 38R, which are independent of each other. The turn signal switch 33L includes a left first switch 34L, a left second switch 36L, and a left function switch 38L, which are independent of each other.

[0051] The roughly rectangular right first switch 34R is capable of swinging around a swing center (not shown) located in its central part. The right first switch 34R includes a first input section 34R1, a second input section 34R2, a third input section 34R3, and a fourth input section 34R4 located on the outer periphery of the swing center. The first input section 34R1, the second input section 34R2, the third input section 34R3, and the fourth input section 34R4 have different functions. By swinging the right first switch 34R, the first input section 34R1, the second input section 34R2, the third input section 34R3, and the fourth input section 34R4 move a small distance between their initial position and the pressed position in a direction approximately parallel to the front-back direction. When no external force is applied to the right first switch 34R, or when a part of the occupant's body comes into contact with the first input 34R1, the second input 34R2, the third input 34R3, or the fourth input 34R4, the first input 34R1, the second input 34R2, the third input 34R3, and the fourth input 34R4 are in their initial positions.

[0052] Furthermore, in this specification, "a part of the occupant's body in contact with the first input unit 34R1" means that a part of the occupant's body is in contact with the first input unit 34R1 and the first input unit 34R1 is in its initial position. The same applies to the second input unit 34R2, the third input unit 34R3, the fourth input unit 34R4, the right second switch 36R (first input unit 36R1, second input unit 36R2), the right function switch 38R, the left first switch 34L (first input unit 34L1, second input unit 34L2, third input unit 34L3, fourth input unit 34L4), the left second switch 36L (first input unit 36L1, second input unit 36L2), and the left function switch 38L.

[0053] Furthermore, in this specification, "part of the body" refers to the part of the body that the electrostatic sensor reacts to, as described later. For example, the hand is part of the body. Also, there is a case where an operation in which a part of the occupant's body comes into contact with at least one of the right first switch 34R, right second switch 36R, right function switch 38R, left first switch 34L, left second switch 36L, and left function switch 38L is referred to as "first operation".

[0054] An electrostatic sensor (not shown) is mounted on the right first switch 34R. If a part of the occupant's body comes into contact with the first input 34R1, second input 34R2, third input 34R3, or fourth input 34R4 of the right first switch 34R, the selected function of that input 34R1, second input 34R2, third input 34R3, or fourth input 34R4 is activated by the occupant's body. Furthermore, if the first input 34R1, second input 34R2, third input 34R3, or fourth input 34R4 is moved to a pressed position by a part of the occupant's body, the selected function is executed. The same electrostatic sensor is also mounted on the right second switch 36R, the right function switch 38R, the left first switch 34L, the left second switch 36L, and the left function switch 38L.

[0055] The roughly rectangular right second switch 36R, located to the left of the right first switch 34R, is capable of swinging around a swing center (not shown) located in its center. The right second switch 36R has a first input section 36R1 and a second input section 36R2 located above and below the swing center, respectively. The first input section 36R1 and the second input section 36R2 have different functions. By swinging the right second switch 36R, the first input section 36R1 and the second input section 36R2 move a small distance between their initial position and a pressed position in a direction roughly parallel to the front-back direction. When no external force is applied to the right second switch 36R, or when a part of the occupant's body comes into contact with the first input section 36R1 or the second input section 36R2, the first input section 36R1 and the second input section 36R2 are in their initial positions.

[0056] The right function switch 38R, located below the right first switch 34R and right second switch 36R, is used to switch the functions assigned to the right first switch 34R and right second switch 36R. The right function switch 38R is capable of moving a small distance between its initial position and its pressed position in a direction approximately parallel to the front-rear direction. When no external force is applied to the right function switch 38R, or when a part of the occupant's body comes into contact with the right function switch 38R, the right function switch 38R is in its initial position. If the right function switch 38R is moved to the pressed position for a time less than a predetermined threshold, the functions assigned to the right first switch 34R and right second switch 36R are switched. Data regarding this threshold is recorded, for example, in the ROM 26B of the display control ECU 26 described later, or in the storage device 26D. In this embodiment, as an example, two functions are assigned to the first input section 34R1, the second input section 34R2, the third input section 34R3, and the fourth input section 34R4 of the right first switch 34R, and the first input section 36R1 and the second input section 36R2 of the right second switch 36R. If the right function switch 38R is below the pressed position threshold for a certain period of time, the function switching is assigned to the right first switch 34R (first input section 34R1, second input section 34R2, third input section 34R3, and fourth input section 34R4) and the right second switch 36R (first input section 36R1 and second input section 36R2).

[0057] There are also cases where a part of the occupant's body causes the right function switch 38R or the left function switch 38L to remain in the pressed position for more than the aforementioned threshold time. Such an operation on the right function switch 38R and the left function switch 38L is referred to as a "second operation." When a second operation is performed on the right function switch 38R, the functions assigned to the right first switch 34R and the right second switch 36R are not switched. Similarly, when a second operation is performed on the left function switch 38L, the functions assigned to the left first switch 34L and the left second switch 36L are not switched. Furthermore, when an operation is performed to move the right function switch 38R to the pressed position, a first operation is performed on the right function switch 38R at the initial stage of that operation. Similarly, when an operation is performed to move the left function switch 38L to the pressed position, a first operation is performed on the left function switch 38L at the initial stage of that operation.

[0058] The left first switch 34L has the same structure as the right first switch 34R, except for the symmetrical points on both sides. That is, the left first switch 34L can swing around the swing center and has a first input section 34L1, a second input section 34L2, a third input section 34L3, and a fourth input section 34L4 that can move between the initial position and the pressed position. The first input section 34L1, the second input section 34L2, the third input section 34L3, and the fourth input section 34L4 have different functions.

[0059] The left second switch 36L has the same structure as the right second switch 36R, except for the symmetrical points on both sides. That is, the left second switch 36L can swing around the swing center and has a first input section 36L1 and a second input section 36L2. The first input section 36L1 and the second input section 36L2 have different functions.

[0060] The left function switch 38L has the same structure as the right function switch 38R, except for the symmetrical dots on both sides. That is, the left function switch 38L is used to switch the functions assigned to the first input section 34L1, the second input section 34L2, the third input section 34L3, and the fourth input section 34L4 of the left first switch 34L, and the first input section 36L1 and the second input section 36L2 of the left second switch 36L.

[0061] Vehicle 10 is equipped with Figure 2 The display control ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 26 is shown. The display control ECU 26 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 26A, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 26B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 26C, a storage device 26D, a communication interface (communication I / F) 26E, and an input / output interface (input / output I / F) 26F. All components are communicatively connected to each other via an internal bus 26Z.

[0062] CPU 26A is the central processing unit, which executes various programs and controls various components. Specifically, CPU 26A reads programs from ROM 26B or storage device 26D and executes the programs using RAM 26C as the working area. Furthermore, CPU 26A performs control and various arithmetic operations on the aforementioned structures based on the programs recorded in ROM 26B or storage device 26D.

[0063] ROM 26B stores various programs and data. RAM 26C temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. Storage device 26D, composed of HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), is a non-temporary recording medium (storage medium) that stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data. In this embodiment, ROM 26B or storage device 26D stores programs for input control processing, etc.

[0064] Communication interface 26E is used for communication between the display control ECU 26 and external servers and other devices. Communication interface 26E may use standards such as CAN (Controller Area Network), Ethernet (registered trademark), LTE (Long Term Evolution), FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0065] The input / output I / F26F is electrically connected to the right first switch 34R, right second switch 36R, right function switch 38R, left first switch 34L, left second switch 36L, left function switch 38L, and HUD28.

[0066] The display control ECU 26 is electrically connected to the driving assistance ECU 32. The driving assistance ECU 32 is configured to include a CPU (processor), ROM, RAM, storage device, communication interface (communication I / F), and input / output interface (input / output I / F). These components are communicatively connected to each other via an internal bus. In this embodiment, the driving assistance ECU 32 is connected to the sensor group 20 and various actuators for driving the braking device, steering device, and internal combustion engine (drive source). The driving assistance ECU 32 can also be connected to an electric motor (drive source). The driving assistance ECU 32 has the function of enabling the vehicle 10 to perform driving assistance control by controlling the aforementioned actuator group (and electric motor). "Driving assistance control" in this specification includes driving assistance control at driving levels 1 to 5 as defined by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers). Driving assistance control includes, for example, ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) and LTA (Lane Tracing Assist).

[0067] The display control ECU26 uses the aforementioned hardware resources to implement various functions. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The functional structure of the display control ECU26 is explained.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, the display control ECU 26 has a functional structure comprising a control mode acquisition unit 261, a function display unit 262, an operation receiving unit 263, a function switching receiving unit 264, and an automatic display unit 265. The control mode acquisition unit 261, function display unit 262, operation receiving unit 263, function switching receiving unit 264, and automatic display unit 265 are implemented by the CPU 26A reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 26B or the storage device 26D.

[0069] The control mode acquisition unit 261 acquires the content of the driving assistance control executed by the driving assistance ECU 32.

[0070] The function display unit 262 displays the functions assigned to the right first switch 34R, right second switch 36R, left first switch 34L, and left second switch 36L in the display area HA. ​​For example, when an occupant's hand touches the right first switch 34R, right second switch 36R, or right function switch 38R, such as... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the function display unit 262 continuously displays the turn signal switch image 33RM in the display area HA. ​​If part of the occupant's body leaves the turn signal switch 33R, the function display unit 262 removes the turn signal switch image 33RM from the display area HA after a predetermined time elapsed from the moment of departure. This predetermined time is, for example, 5 seconds. The turn signal switch image 33RM includes the right first switch image 34RM, the right second switch image 36RM, and the right function switch image 38RM, respectively representing the right first switch 34R, the right second switch 36R, and the right function switch 38R. Additionally, when part of the occupant's body comes into contact with the left first switch 34L, the left second switch 36L, or the left function switch 38L, the function display unit 262 continuously displays a turn signal switch image (not shown) symmetrical to the turn signal switch image 33RM in the display area HA. ​​If part of the occupant's body leaves the turn signal switch 33L, the function display unit 262 removes the turn signal switch image from the display area HA after a predetermined time elapsed from the moment of departure. This predetermined time is, for example, 5 seconds. Furthermore, in the display area HA, neither the turn signal switch image 33RM nor the turn signal switch image corresponding to the left function switch 38L is displayed simultaneously. For example, if a part of the occupant's body comes into contact with the left first switch 34L, the left second switch 36L, or the left function switch 38L when the turn signal switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA, then the turn signal switch image 33RM is removed from the display area HA and replaced by the turn signal switch image corresponding to the left function switch 38L.

[0071] If a part of the occupant's body is not in contact with the turn signal switch 33R and turn signal switch 33L, such as Figure 5As shown, the steering switch image 33RM and the steering switch image corresponding to steering switch 33L are not displayed in the display area HA. ​​In this case, only information about the vehicle speed of vehicle 10 is displayed in the display area HA.

[0072] exist Figure 6 In the image, the right first switch image 34RM includes a third input image 34R3M representing the third input 34R3 and a fourth input image 34R4M representing the fourth input 34R4. In this case, specific functions are assigned to the third input 34R3 and the fourth input 34R4 respectively. On the other hand, no functions are assigned to the first input 34R1 and the second input 34R2 respectively. Therefore, in this case, the right first switch image 34RM does not include images representing the first input 34R1 and the second input 34R2.

[0073] In this case, the third input unit 34R3 is equipped with a function for setting the distance between the vehicle 10 and the vehicle in front. Therefore, if the occupant moves the third input unit 34R3 to the pressed position with part of their body when the turn signal switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA, the set distance value will change.

[0074] In this case, the fourth input unit 34R4 is assigned a function for switching control modes. Therefore, if the occupant moves the fourth input unit 34R4 to the pressing position with part of their body when the turn signal switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA, the control mode of the vehicle 10 is switched.

[0075] The first input unit 36R1 is equipped with a function to switch the radar cruise mode to an on or off state. Therefore, if the occupant moves the first input unit 36R1 to a pressed position with part of their body when the turn signal switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA, the radar cruise mode is switched to an on or off state.

[0076] The second input unit 36R2 is equipped with a function for switching the LTA to the on and off states. Therefore, if the occupant moves the second input unit 36R2 to the pressed position with part of their body when the turn signal switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA, the LTA is switched to the on and off states.

[0077] The operation receiving unit 263 receives inputs from the right first switch 34R, right second switch 36R, left first switch 34L, and left second switch 36L. Specifically, when a turn signal switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA, the operation receiving unit 263 performs the function of the switch moved to the pressed position when either the right first switch 34R or the right second switch 36R is moved to the pressed position. Furthermore, when a turn signal switch image corresponding to the turn signal switch 33L is displayed in the display area HA, the operation receiving unit 263 performs the function of the switch moved to the pressed position when either the left first switch 34L or the left second switch 36L is moved to the pressed position.

[0078] When the turn signal switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA, the function switching receiving unit 264 receives input from the right function switch 38R. Furthermore, when the turn signal switch image corresponding to the turn signal switch 33L is displayed in the display area HA, the function switching receiving unit 264 receives input from the function switch 38L. Specifically, when the turn signal switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA, and the right function switch 38R is held below a pressed position threshold, the function switching receiving unit 264 switches the functions of the first right switch 34R and the second right switch 36R. Additionally, when the turn signal switch image corresponding to the turn signal switch 33L is displayed in the display area HA, and the left function switch 38L is held below a pressed position threshold, the function switching receiving unit 264 switches the functions of the first left switch 34L and the second left switch 36L. Thus, functions for switching are assigned to the right function switch 38R and the left function switch 38L.

[0079] For example, if in Figure 6 If the right function switch 38R is kept below the press position threshold for a certain period of time in the state, the display area HA will be moved to the function display unit 262. Figure 7 The state. That is, as... Figure 7 As shown, from Figure 6 The images shown are the first input image 34R1M, the second input image 34R2M, the third input image 34R3M, and the fourth input image 34R4M. Therefore, the occupants who see the first input image 34R1M, the second input image 34R2M, the third input image 34R3M, and the fourth input image 34R4M can recognize that the functions assigned to the first input 34R1, 34R2, the third input 34R3, and the fourth input 34R4 have been switched.

[0080] The automatic display unit 265 has the function of automatically displaying a specified message on the instrument display 18 and the display area HA by controlling the instrument display 18 and the HUD 28 when specified conditions are met. Figure 8 A message list 50 is shown, representing an example of a message generated by the automatic display unit 265. The message list 50 is recorded in the ROM 26B or the storage device 26D. The message list 50 in this embodiment includes 5 messages. A priority order is assigned to these 5 messages. The higher the priority number (level), the higher the priority. Although not illustrated, priority orders are also assigned to the turn signal image 33RM displayed in the display area HA when the occupant performs the first operation on the turn signal switch 33R, and the turn signal image corresponding to the turn signal switch 33L displayed in the display area HA when the occupant performs the first operation on the turn signal switch 33L. The priority order of the turn signal images 33RM and 33L is level 2. In this embodiment, the priority order of level 2 is referred to as the "baseline priority order".

[0081] For example, when the aforementioned predetermined condition of vehicle 10 initiating speed control is met, the automatic display unit 265 displays the message "Speed ​​control in progress" on the instrument panel display 18 and the display area HA. ​​Furthermore, when the aforementioned predetermined condition of the vehicle in front starting to move during ACC operation of vehicle 10 is met, the automatic display unit 265 displays the message "The vehicle in front has started moving" on the instrument panel display 18 and the display area HA. ​​Additionally, when the aforementioned predetermined condition of the TTC (time to collision) varying according to the distance between vehicle 10 and the vehicle in front falling below a first predetermined value is met, the automatic display unit 265 displays the message "Please apply the brakes" on the instrument panel display 18 and the display area HA. ​​Furthermore, when the aforementioned predetermined condition of the TTC falling below a second predetermined value (less than the first predetermined value) is met, the automatic display unit 265 displays the message "Brake!" on the instrument panel display 18 and the display area HA. ​​Finally, when the aforementioned predetermined condition of a malfunction occurring in a predetermined structural component of vehicle 10 is met, the message "00 malfunction" is displayed. In addition, the “〇〇” is the name of the structural component that malfunctioned.

[0082] The setting display time for each message displayed on the instrument display 18 and display area HA by the automatic display unit 265 is set according to each message. That is, the setting display time is different for each message. The setting display time for each message is, for example, 5 to 10 seconds. If the setting display time has elapsed, the automatic display unit 265 removes the message from the instrument display 18 and display area HA by controlling the instrument display 18 and HUD 28. Furthermore, the messages are not limited to text. That is, icons and other images are also included in the messages.

[0083] When the specified conditions are met, the automatic display unit 265 automatically displays the specified message on the instrument display 18 and the display area HA. ​​Specifically, when a specific condition is met, the automatic display unit 265 removes the message displayed on the instrument display 18 and the display area HA before a set display time has elapsed. The content of the specific condition differs between the display area HA and the instrument display 18. These specific conditions will be explained below.

[0084] First, the specific conditions for the display area HA will be explained. For example... Figure 5 As shown, during the period when the automatic display unit 265 displays a message with a priority level lower than the reference priority (level 2 or below) in the display area HA, a specific condition of the display area HA is met when the occupant performs a first operation on the turn signal switch 33R or the turn signal switch 33L. For example, as Figure 5 As shown, if the occupant performs the first operation on the turn signal switch 33R during the period when a level 2 message is displayed in the display area HA, then as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the HUD28, controlled by the automatic display unit 265, removes the Level 2 message from the display area HA and displays the turn signal switch image 33RM in the display area HA.

[0085] Next, specific conditions for the instrument display 18 will be explained. For example... Figure 4 As shown, while the automatic display unit 265 displays a message indicating a priority level below (level 2 or below) on the instrument display 18, a specific condition is met when the occupant performs a second operation on the right function switch 38R. For example, as Figure 4 As shown, if the occupant keeps the right function switch 38R in the pressed position for more than the aforementioned threshold time while the Level 2 message is displayed on the instrument display 18, the Level 2 message will be cleared from the instrument display 18 controlled by the automatic display unit 265 (illustration omitted). The aforementioned threshold is, for example, 3 seconds. However, the value of the threshold may also be a different value than 3 seconds.

[0086] (Function and effect)

[0087] Next, the function and effects of this implementation method will be explained.

[0088] Next, use Figure 11 The flowchart illustrates the processing performed by the display control ECU 26 of vehicle 10. The display control ECU 26 repeatedly executes this process at predetermined intervals. Figure 11 The flowchart shown illustrates the processing.

[0089] In step S10, the automatic display unit 265 of the display control ECU 26 determines whether the specified conditions are met.

[0090] If the display control ECU 26 determines that it is yes in step S10, it proceeds to step S11, and the automatic display unit 265 displays any one of the messages included in the message list 50 on the instrument display 18 and the display area HA.

[0091] After completing step S11, the display control ECU 26 proceeds to step S12, where the automatic display unit 265 determines whether the occupant has performed the first operation on the turn signal switch 33R or the turn signal switch 33L.

[0092] If the display control ECU 26 determines "yes" in step S12, it proceeds to step S13, where the automatic display unit 265 determines whether a specific condition for the display area HA is met. For example, if... Figure 5 When a message with a priority lower than the reference priority is displayed in the display area HA, the first operation is performed on the turn switch 33R, and the automatic display unit 265 determines that it is so in step S13.

[0093] If the display control ECU 26 determines "yes" in step S13, it proceeds to step S14, whereby the automatic display unit 265 controls the HUD 28 to remove the aforementioned message from the display area HA, replacing it with... Figure 6 The image 33RM of the turn signal switch is shown in the display area HA.

[0094] On the other hand, when a message with a higher priority than the reference priority is displayed in the display area HA, the display control ECU 26 determines no in step S13. In this case, the state of displaying the message in the display area HA remains unchanged, and the turn signal switch image 33RM or the turn signal switch image corresponding to the turn signal switch 33L is not displayed in the display area HA.

[0095] After completing step S14, the display control ECU 26 proceeds to step S15, where the automatic display unit 265 determines whether the occupant has performed a second operation on the right function switch 38R or the left function switch 38L.

[0096] If the display control ECU 26 determines "yes" in step S15, it proceeds to step S16, where the automatic display unit 265 determines whether a specific condition of the instrument display 18 is met. For example, in... Figure 4 When the instrument display 18 shows a message indicating level 2, if the second operation is performed on the right function switch 38R, the automatic display unit 265 determines that it is yes in step S16.

[0097] If the display control ECU 26 determines that it is yes in step S16, it proceeds to step S17, and the automatic display unit 265 clears the message from the instrument display 18.

[0098] On the other hand, when a message with a higher priority than the reference priority is displayed on the instrument display 18, the display control ECU 26 determines no in step S16. In this case, the state in which the message is displayed on the instrument display 18 remains unchanged.

[0099] If the determination in steps S12, S13, S15 or S16 is negative, the display control ECU26 proceeds to step S18 to determine whether the set display time for the message displayed on the instrument display 18 or the message displayed in the display area HA and the instrument display 18 has elapsed.

[0100] If the display control ECU 26 determines that it is yes in step S18, it proceeds to step S19, and the automatic display unit 265 clears the message displayed on the instrument display 18 or the message displayed on the display area HA and the instrument display 18.

[0101] If the determination is negative in step S10, or if steps S17 and S19 are completed, the display control ECU 26 temporarily terminates. Figure 11 The processing of flowcharts.

[0102] As explained above, in this embodiment, when the occupant performs the first operation while the specified message is displayed on the instrument display 18 and the display area HA, the message is cleared from the display area HA. ​​This allows the occupant to clear the message from the display area HA at their own discretion, thus reducing the likelihood of occupant becoming annoyed compared to situations where messages displayed on the instrument display 18 and the display area HA cannot be cleared according to the occupant's wishes.

[0103] Furthermore, the first operation involves bringing a part of the occupant's body into contact with either the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L located on the steering wheel 22. Therefore, the occupant can easily clear the message from the display area HA.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the message is cleared from the instrument cluster display 18 when the occupant performs a second operation different from the first operation. Therefore, compared to the case where the message is cleared from the instrument cluster display 18 and the display area HA when the first operation is performed, the possibility of the occupant mistakenly clearing the message from the instrument cluster display 18 and the display area HA is lower. That is, even if the occupant mistakenly performs the first operation, the state in which the instrument cluster display 18 displays a message remains unchanged as long as the second operation is not performed. Therefore, in this case, the occupant can confirm the message generated by the automatic display unit 265 by observing the instrument cluster display 18.

[0105] Furthermore, when the occupant moves the right function switch 38R or the left function switch 38L, which allows movement between the initial position and the pressed position, to the pressed position, the message is cleared from the instrument display 18. Therefore, the likelihood of the message being cleared from the instrument display 18 by the occupant is lower than the possibility of the message being accidentally cleared from the instrument display 18 when a part of the body comes into contact with the turn signal switch 33R or the turn signal switch 33L.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the occupant performs the first operation on the turn signal switch 33R or the turn signal switch 33L, the turn signal switch image 33RM or the turn signal switch image corresponding to the turn signal switch 33L is displayed in the display area HA. ​​Therefore, by observing the display area HA, the occupant can identify the positional relationship between a part of their body (e.g., a hand) that performed the first operation and the turn signal switch 33R or the turn signal switch 33L.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the occupant performs the first operation while a message (first message) with a priority lower than the baseline priority is displayed in the display area HA, the message is removed from the display area HA, and a turn signal switch image 33RM or a turn signal switch image corresponding to the turn signal switch 33L is displayed in the display area HA. ​​Therefore, in this case, the occupant can identify the turn signal switch image 33RM or the turn signal switch image corresponding to the turn signal switch 33L with a priority higher than the baseline priority by observing the display area HA.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the occupant performs the first operation while a message with a higher priority than the reference priority (the second message) is displayed in the display area HA, the state of displaying this message in the display area HA remains unchanged, and the turn signal switch image 33RM or the turn signal switch image corresponding to the turn signal switch 33L is not displayed in the display area HA. ​​Therefore, in this situation, the occupant can identify the message with a higher priority than the turn signal switch image 33RM or the turn signal switch image corresponding to the turn signal switch 33L by observing the display area HA.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the occupant performs the second operation while a message (the third message) with a priority level lower than the baseline priority level is displayed on the instrument display 18, the message is removed from the instrument display 18. Therefore, in this situation, the occupant will not be annoyed by the message displayed on the instrument display 18.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the occupant performs the second operation while the instrument display 18 is displaying a message (the fourth message) indicating a priority higher than the base priority, the instrument display 18 continues to display that message. Therefore, even if the occupant mistakenly performs the second operation, the occupant can still recognize the message by observing the instrument display 18.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the setting display time for each message in the display area HA when the first operation is not performed, and the setting display time for each message in the instrument display 18 when the second operation is not performed, are set according to each message. Therefore, it is possible to prevent occupants from becoming annoyed by the messages displayed on the instrument display 18 and the display area HA.

[0112] The vehicle display control device, vehicle display device, vehicle, vehicle display control method, and storage medium involved in the embodiments have been described above. However, the vehicle display control device, vehicle display device, vehicle, vehicle display control method, and storage medium can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0113] For example, the second operation can be the operation in which the occupant simultaneously places the right function switch 38R and the left function switch 38L in the pressed position by using part of their body.

[0114] Alternatively, the second operation can also involve a part of the occupant's body intermittently contacting the right function switch 38R or the left function switch 38L multiple times within a short period of time. In this case, the short period of time is, for example, 1 second, and the multiple times is, for example, 3 times.

[0115] As in Figure 1 As indicated by the hypothetical line, the steering wheel 22 may also be equipped with cancel switches 60R and 60L, separate from the right function switch 38R and the left function switch 38L. Cancellation switches 60R and 60L are also movable between an initial position and a pressed position. In this case, when cancel switch 60R is moved to the pressed position via a part of the occupant's body, a message indicating a priority lower than the reference priority is cleared from the instrument display 18. Similarly, when cancel switch 60L is moved to the pressed position via a part of the occupant's body, a message indicating a priority lower than the reference priority is cleared from the instrument display 18.

[0116] It can also be configured such that: the instrument display 18 is the "first display section" of the claims, and the display area HA is the "second display section" of the claims.

[0117] It can also be configured such that, when the first operation is performed, the turn signal switch image 33RM or the turn signal switch image corresponding to the turn signal switch 33L is simultaneously displayed on the instrument display 18 and the display area HA.

[0118] The reference priority of the messages displayed on the instrument display 18 may also be different from the reference priority of the messages displayed in the display area HA. ​​For example, it may be configured such that the reference priority of the messages displayed in the display area HA is the same as the priority of the turn signal image 33RM and the turn signal image corresponding to the turn signal 33L, while the reference priority of the messages displayed on the instrument display 18 is different from the priority of the turn signal image 33RM and the turn signal image corresponding to the turn signal 33L.

[0119] Alternatively, it can be configured such that all messages included in message list 50 have the same display time.

[0120] Specific conditions for the instrument display 18 can also be omitted. In this case, omit... Figure 11 The flowchart is in step S16. That is, if it is determined to be yes in step S15, the message is cleared from the instrument display 18 in step S17.

Claims

1. A display control device for a vehicle, wherein, The vehicle display control device includes a processor. The processor controls a first display and a second display, which is different from the first display, in the vehicle such that when an occupant of the vehicle performs a first operation while a specified message is displayed on both the first and second displays, the message is removed from the first display, and the state in which the message is displayed on the second display remains unchanged.

2. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1, wherein, The first operation is the prescribed operation of the steering switch located on the steering wheel of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle display control device according to claim 2, wherein, The operation in which a part of the occupant's body contacts the turn signal switch is the first operation.

4. The vehicle display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, One of the first display and the second display is a head-up display, and the other is a display located on the dashboard.

5. The vehicle display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The message is an icon image.

6. A display device for a vehicle, wherein, The vehicle display device includes: The vehicle display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; The first display; and The second display.

7. A vehicle, wherein, The vehicle is equipped with the vehicle display device as described in claim 6.

8. A display control method for a vehicle, wherein, The processor controls a first display and a second display, which is different from the first display, in the vehicle such that when an occupant of the vehicle performs a first operation while a specified message is displayed on both the first and second displays, the message is removed from the first display, and the state in which the message is displayed on the second display remains unchanged.

9. A storage medium that stores a program and is readable by a computer, wherein, When the processor executes the program, the following steps are performed: Controls a first display installed in the vehicle and a second display, which is different from the first display, such that when a vehicle occupant performs a first operation while a predetermined message is displayed on both the first and second displays, the message is removed from the first display, and the state in which the message is displayed on the second display remains unchanged.

Images