Method, display device and display system for arranging display elements on a display surface in a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for arranging at least one active display element (100, 110) on a display-like display surface (10) of a display device (1) of a vehicle. Display containers (21 to 28) are provided on the display surface (10), which are configured to display any active display element (100, 110). The display containers (21 to 28) are arranged in a logical list starting from the beginning of the list. Each active display element (100, 110) is assigned either the category "to be displayed in a switchable manner" or the category "to be displayed in a non-switchable manner." A display element (100) that is not to be displayed in a non-switchable manner is assigned to the display container (21 to 28) in the logical list that is closest to the beginning of the list and is not already occupied by another display element (100) that is not to be displayed in a non-switchable manner.Display containers (21 to 28) not occupied by non-switchable display elements (100) are filled as evenly as possible with switchable display elements (110), starting from the beginning of the list. The invention further relates to a display device (1) for carrying out this method and a display system comprising a display device (1) and a vehicle-independent database.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for arranging at least one active display element on a display-like surface of a vehicle's display device, designed for perception by a driver. The invention further relates to a vehicle's display device configured to carry out this method. Additionally, the invention relates to a display system comprising such a display device and a vehicle-independent database.

[0002] Modern vehicles are equipped with display devices that show situational vehicle parameters (such as vehicle speed or status information and parameters of driver assistance systems), information on the vehicle's operating status, traffic safety or driving instructions, information on the vehicle's surroundings and / or other control information important to a driver, within the driver's field of vision.

[0003] Particularly in problematic operating or traffic situations, the display of a variety of such information or warnings may be necessary, for example, warnings about engine problems, low tire pressure, or a deactivated driver assistance system. Such warning and control information is preferably presented in a pictorial-schematical manner, such as pictograms or icons; however, presentations in the form of text and / or numbers are also possible.

[0004] The large number of icons that may be relevant to the driver (especially in challenging situations) is not only hampered by the limited space available for display on the instrument panel. This space limitation can lead to the displacement or overlapping of already displayed icons by those required due to a newly occurring situation or condition. An overabundance of icons can also contribute to visual overload, fatigue, and distraction for the driver. Therefore, there is a need for a method that enables the ergonomic display of such icons, while also meeting legal and certification requirements, even in challenging situations.

[0005] Document DE 10 2021 132 270 A1 describes a method, a computer program, and a device for a vehicle for displaying control information in a driver's field of vision. The method comprises displaying two or more pieces of control information in an arrangement of adjacent display fields and displaying a temporal relationship between the occurrence of the two or more pieces of control information and their positions within the arrangement.

[0006] Document DE 10 2014 003 344 A1 describes a display system for a vehicle with at least one display device arranged in the driver's field of vision when installed, for displaying the status of several vehicle-side devices using control and / or status icons, and a control device for controlling the display content on the display device, wherein a first, fixed area is provided on the surface occupied by the display device, in which a subset of a total number of different possible control and / or status icons can be displayed simultaneously, and the control device is configured to specify and / or change the display position of the displayed control and / or status icon(s) according to predefinable criteria within the first, fixed area.

[0007] Document CN 1 17 565 666 A describes a method, a computer program product, a computer, a storage medium and a device for controlling a display system for displaying an increased number of alarm icons on a limited display area.

[0008] Document CN 1 17 162 776 A describes a display device for a vehicle comprising a plurality of status indicators, wherein each status indicator is assigned a predetermined position on a display surface of the display device, and a method for controlling them.

[0009] Document KR 10 1 290 093 B1 describes a method for automatically switching the information displayed on a display device in a vehicle, whereby only information is selected for display that is assigned to a display mode selected by a user in a setting mode.

[0010] Document DE 10 2019 207 682 A1 describes a method for the graphical configuration of a display system in a motor vehicle, in which a user selects at least one information element from a stock of information elements for display on a display surface of the display system.

[0011] The invention is based on the objective of providing an improved method for arranging display elements on a display-like surface of a vehicle display device, enabling a particularly space-saving, clear, and ergonomic display of these elements. This objective is achieved with a computer-implemented method comprising the features of claim 1.

[0012] The invention further aims to provide a display device for carrying out this method. This objective is achieved with a display device having the features of claim 9. Furthermore, the invention aims to provide a display system for carrying out this method. This objective is achieved with a display system having the features of claim 10.

[0013] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0014] A display surface located within the driver's field of vision contains status and indicator lights as well as icons, hereinafter collectively referred to as display elements.

[0015] In the context of the invention, status and indicator lights are visual indicators that display the condition (status) of a system, such as a vehicle, a subsystem (e.g., a control unit or other device), or a process. Status and indicator lights are widely used in vehicles, machines, electronic devices, and industrial applications. As a visual aid, they enable users to quickly and easily monitor the condition and functionality of systems and devices.

[0016] Here and in the following, an icon will be defined as a graphic element suitable for the visual representation of a function, an application, a state (status), or an idea. Icons can be designed as small, schematically simplified images or pictograms that are very easily recognizable and whose meaning is readily understood, preferably regardless of a user's language or cultural context. Icons enable the quick and intuitive comprehension of information and the derivation of actions, such as operating procedures on a vehicle. In particular, icons are typically designed for clarity that requires little or no text. This allows icons to be arranged relatively small and clearly on a screen compared to text-based descriptions or instructions.

[0017] In modern vehicles, display-like surfaces with grid-like pixel arrangements are preferred for displaying icons, as well as status and indicator lights. These surfaces are designed to display virtually any image content (within the limits of the number and arrangement of the pixels). In addition to status and indicator lights and icons, these display-like surfaces can also show dialog boxes or pop-ups, which typically contain a significant amount of textual information.

[0018] Display elements, such as icons or buttons, can be toggled if the area of ​​the display surface occupied by such a display element can be used to alternately display another display element, for example, at a fixed interval defined by a display interval, depending on a change in state and / or depending on user interaction. For example, a display area can be shown differently depending on its state (e.g., in different colors or with different icons).

[0019] In contrast, display elements that permanently occupy an area of ​​the display for the duration of their activation and are not replaced until they are deactivated (for example, by the removal of an error condition) are referred to as non-toggleable. Examples of non-toggleable display elements include loading screens, drop-down menus, pop-ups, and similar display elements.

[0020] When displayed on screen-like surfaces, the content of one or more sub-areas can be highlighted using a visual overlay called a dimmer mask, which darkens the background outside of that sub-area. Dimmer masks are often used in dialog boxes or pop-ups to focus the user's attention on the foreground content while making the rest of the user interface less conspicuous. A dimmer mask improves the user experience by minimizing distractions and facilitating interaction with important elements.

[0021] According to a first aspect of the invention, in a computer-implemented method for arranging at least one active display element to be displayed on a display-like display surface of a vehicle display device designed for perception by a driver, a predetermined number of display containers are provided on the display surface, which are configured to display any active display element, wherein the display containers are arranged in a logical list starting from a list start.

[0022] In this context, a logical list is understood to be a generally dynamic list structure in the sense of computer science.

[0023] A display element can be activated by the occurrence of a warning or fault condition (for example, a failure of a vehicle subsystem, falling below a temperature threshold of the vehicle's ambient temperature, or similar events). A display element can be deactivated when the warning or fault condition ceases and / or through user interaction.

[0024] Each active display element is assigned either the "toggleable" or "non-toggleable" category, depending on its information content. Non-toggleable display elements must remain permanently displayed (for the duration of their activation). Toggleable display elements can be displayed alternately with other toggleable display elements.

[0025] The assignment of a category depends on the criticality of the information displayed by the respective indicator. For example, malfunctions or errors in a vehicle that require an immediate response from the driver must be displayed as non-switchable indicators. In contrast, simple notifications, such as those for improving comfort or for planned maintenance activities in the long term, can be displayed as switchable indicators. The categorization of indicators can be based on normative requirements, such as those for the certification of an Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL), or on an analysis focused on product liability risks.

[0026] A non-switchable display element is permanently assigned, for the duration of its activation, to the display container in the logical list that is closest to the beginning of the list and is not already occupied by another non-switchable display element.

[0027] Preferably, the logical arrangement of the display containers in the logical list follows their geometric arrangement on the display area. For example, in a horizontal, row-like arrangement of display containers, the leftmost container can be assigned to the beginning of the list, and the leftmost neighbor of each container in the row can be assigned to its predecessor in the logical list. Similarly, in a vertical, column-like arrangement of display containers, the topmost container can be assigned to the beginning of the list, and the topmost neighbor of each container in the column can be assigned to its predecessor in the logical list. Mixed arrangements (e.g., mixed row-like and column-like arrangements) can also be captured in a single logical list in an analogous manner.

[0028] The display containers not occupied by non-switchable display elements are filled as evenly as possible with switchable display elements, starting from the page assigned to the beginning of the list, so that each of these display containers is assigned as equal a number of switchable display elements as possible.

[0029] For the duration of their respective activation, non-switchable display elements are permanently displayed in their assigned display container, and switchable display elements are displayed in a round-robin rotation for a specific display interval duration if multiple switchable display elements are assigned to a display container. In other words, each switchable display element assigned to the same display container is displayed for a certain display interval duration. After the last assigned switchable display element has been displayed, the process is repeated continuously in the same sequence.

[0030] By displaying multiple switchable display elements within a single display container, this method enables a space-saving and clear presentation. Furthermore, critical information conveyed by non-switchable display elements is always readily available. The method also groups critical and less critical information in a particularly clear manner by sequentially arranging display containers without gaps and filling them evenly (according to the logical list), with critical and less critical information presented in clearly separated areas of the display.

[0031] The described process steps for assigning active display elements to display containers are repeated each time the number of active display elements changes, that is, when previously active display elements are deactivated and / or previously inactive display elements are activated. This achieves the advantage of a space-saving and clearly arranged display element layout at all times during vehicle operation.

[0032] In one embodiment of the method, display elements are assigned the category "non-switchable" if continuous visibility for the duration of the respective activation is required due to certification and / or product liability requirements. This ensures legally compliant information display with minimal effort and reduces the risk of product liability.

[0033] In one embodiment of the method, the display containers are arranged at least partially in rows and / or columns on the display surface and are arranged in the logical list such that at least two display containers arranged consecutively along a reading direction on the display surface are also arranged consecutively in the logical list. This ensures that critical information is displayed together in a prominent position (when reading from top left to bottom right: at the left edge of a horizontal row or at the top of a vertical column). This improves clarity for the driver and facilitates an appropriate reaction.

[0034] In one embodiment of the invention, a predetermined number of standard display containers are provided and extended by at least one additional display container if more than five switchable display elements are provided for at least one standard display container, wherein additional display containers are arranged in at least a sub-area of ​​the display-like display surface that was previously used to display comparatively lower-priority information. This embodiment enables a particularly flexible display even of a potentially very large number of active display elements.

[0035] In a further development of this embodiment, standard display containers are arranged at least partially in rows, and additional display containers are arranged in rows below them. This allows for a particularly clear presentation of display elements, even when, in rare cases, a very large number of display elements need to be shown.

[0036] In one embodiment, up to eight standard display containers are arranged side by side or one above the other in a row or column. This embodiment is based on the understanding that a limited number of display elements, typically between eight and twelve, can be grasped by a driver at a glance, even in critical situations. At the same time, between eight and twelve standard display containers provide a sufficient amount of information for typical driving situations.

[0037] In one embodiment, the switchable display elements are provided with a display interval of between one and five seconds, preferably two seconds. This ensures, on the one hand, that the display is long enough to capture the respective display element. On the other hand, it ensures that each of the display elements, which are shown continuously and alternately within a display container, is presented at sufficiently short intervals so that the driver is continuously informed about the operating and traffic conditions.

[0038] In one embodiment, depending on their information content, several active, switchable display elements are assigned to at least one display element group and displayed in display containers in such a way that all display elements assigned to a display element group are shown simultaneously during the display interval. For example, related display elements can be shown simultaneously in this way. This improves clarity and facilitates the absorption of the displayed information.

[0039] According to a second aspect of the invention, a display device for a vehicle is configured with a display-like display surface, arranged in the installed state for perception by a driver, for carrying out a method according to the first aspect of the invention. The advantages of such a display device correspond to the advantages of a method according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0040] According to a third aspect of the invention, a display system comprises a display device according to the second aspect of the invention and a vehicle-independent database configured for a query that determines, based on an identifier of a display element, whether the display element belongs to the category "switchable display" or the category "non-switchable display." Such a display system enables the efficient display of display elements in a manner that complies with the currently applicable standards and other requirements, particularly for large vehicle fleets. For example, the vehicle-independent database can be offered as a cloud service by a vehicle manufacturer. This makes it possible to adapt the entire fleet of the vehicle manufacturer to changes in the specifications for the display of display elements without requiring individual vehicle rollouts.

[0041] In one embodiment, the database is configured for a query that, based on an identifier of a switchable display element, determines the display interval duration, the combination of display intervals, and / or the visibility requirements for which the display element should be shown, and / or the combination of other switchable display elements. This embodiment enables efficient adaptation of the display of elements across a larger fleet of vehicles, exceeding the requirements of the norms.

[0042] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0043] This shows: Fig. 1 schematically a display device according to the state of the art as well as Fig. 2 to Fig. 5 schematically a status bar with display elements in a first to fourth state.

[0044] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0045] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a display device 1 in the form of a combination instrument for a vehicle not shown in detail. The display device 1 has a display-like display surface 10, which is essentially entirely covered with unspecified display pixels and is designed to display virtually any image content.

[0046] By way of purely illustrative and schematic representation, a first round instrument 11 (for example, a tachometer) and a second round instrument 12 (for example, a speedometer) are shown on display area 10. In addition, numerous display elements 100 are shown, which are not further differentiated here and which are designed as purely pictorial representations, but also as icons containing numbers (for example, to indicate a temperature or a vehicle speed).

[0047] The majority of the display elements 100 are arranged horizontally next to each other in an upper status bar 13 and a lower status bar 14, however, different arrangements are also provided for some display elements 100.

[0048] According to the current state of the art, all active display elements 100 are shown simultaneously on the display area 10. A display element 100 is considered "active" when all conditions required for its display are met, for example, when a fault condition to be displayed via an icon actually exists, or when a driver assistance system corresponding to an icon is activated or intervenes in the vehicle control. The number of active display elements 100 can therefore change continuously.

[0049] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates that in critical and / or problematic situations, for example, in the event of a failure of one or more vehicle subsystems (damage to the engine and / or exhaust system and / or vehicle electrical system or similar), such an arrangement of display elements 100 can very quickly become confusing. This can cause important information to be overlooked by a driver, impairing traffic and operational safety.

[0050] To solve this problem, the invention proposes, as in Fig. Figure 2 shows that on the display area 10, equally sized parcels designated as display containers 21 to 28 are provided such that, in principle, any display elements 100 can be displayed in a display container 21 to 28. In other words, all display elements 100 have the same or sufficiently similar dimensions and fit into each of the display containers 21 to 28.

[0051] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates this idea using a partial representation of the display area 10, limited to a status bar 13. Only to improve the clarity of the representation are the following omissions. Fig. Figures 2 to 5 show eight display containers 21 to 28 arranged horizontally side by side. However, it is possible to add further display containers, not shown here, in such a horizontal arrangement. For example, a number of eight to twelve display containers 21 to 28 may prove advantageous for vehicles with complex assistance systems and / or extensive vehicle environment sensors.

[0052] Similarly, embodiments of status bars 13 are also possible in which fewer than the eight display containers 21 to 28 shown here as purely exemplary examples are arranged side by side, for example in comparatively simpler vehicles or when the size of the display area 10 is limited. At the same time, a display area 10 can also comprise several status bars 13, which can, for example, also be oriented horizontally (in rows) and / or vertically (in columns), in the Fig. However, items 2 to 5 are not shown in detail to improve clarity.

[0053] In the Fig. In the first (leftmost) to third display containers 21 to 23, a display element 100, configured as the first to third pictogram P1, P2, P3, is shown in each container. The first to third pictograms P1 to P3 are display elements 100 that must be displayed permanently (for the duration of their activation) and are therefore designed as non-switchable display elements 100. The requirement for a permanent display may arise, for example, from normative specifications (e.g., within the framework of certification according to an Automotive Safety Integrity Level, ASIL). Considerations and risk assessments regarding the vehicle manufacturer's product liability may also necessitate a permanent display, and thus an assignment as a non-switchable display element 100.

[0054] Typically, critical warning messages, special vehicle malfunctions, or the activation of assistance systems due to a driving maneuver are displayed using non-switchable display elements 100.

[0055] In the fourth display container 24, a fourth pictogram P4 is shown, which is merely informative and considered less critical than the first three pictograms P1 to P3. The fourth pictogram P4 is therefore designed as a switchable display element 110. It does not necessarily have to be displayed continuously, but could, for example, be displayed alternately with other switchable display elements 110 (not shown here) at the position of the fourth display container 24, whereby the switchable display elements 110 are rotated in a round-robin fashion and each is displayed for a certain duration.

[0056] In the situation of a first state Z1, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, such a round-robin cycle of the display elements 110 of the fourth display container 24 is not necessary, since the status bar 13 comprises more display containers 21 to 28 than display elements 100 and 110 need to be shown. The fifth to eighth display containers 25 to 28, located on the right, are not assigned a display element 100 or 110. This also makes the temperature display element 101 visible at the right end of the status bar 13.

[0057] Fig. Figure 3 shows the status bar 13 in a subsequent second state Z2, in which further (fifth to eighth) pictograms P5 to P8 are displayed in the fifth to eighth display containers 25 to 28. This means that the previously (in Fig. 2) Visible temperature display element 101 is now obscured. All available display containers 21 to 28 are now occupied, but switching between switchable display elements 110 of a display container 21 to 28 is not yet necessary.

[0058] Fig. Figure 4 shows the status bar 13 in a subsequent third state Z3, in which, unlike the second state Z2, the fourth display container 24 is populated with a ninth pictogram P9, which is designed as a non-switchable display element 100. Such a third state Z3 could, for example, be triggered by a fault in the vehicle's electrical system that requires immediate and continuous signaling. This displaces the fourth pictogram P4 previously displayed in the fourth display container 24. Cycling through the new ninth pictogram P9 and the fourth pictogram P4 in the fourth display container 24 is not possible, as the ninth pictogram P9, as a non-switchable display element 100, must be displayed permanently (for the duration of its activation, for example, for the duration of the fault in the vehicle's electrical system).

[0059] The placement of the ninth pictogram P9 in the fourth display container 24 – i.e., the right end of those display containers 21 to 23 that were previously intended for displaying non-switchable display elements 100 – ensures a coherent presentation of the particularly critical non-switchable display elements 100 and thereby improves their comprehensibility. Preferably, non-switchable display elements 100 are arranged at the beginning (in the corresponding reading direction) of a status bar 13 so that they are particularly easy and quick for the driver to recognize, for example, at the left end of a horizontal status bar 13 or at the top end of a vertical status bar 13.

[0060] The inventive method assigns the displaced fourth pictogram P4 to a display container 21 to 28, which is currently provided for displaying switchable display elements 110. In the present case, the fifth display container 25 is now occupied with two switchable display elements 110 (the fourth and the fifth pictograms P4, P5), which are displayed alternately for a predetermined display interval duration, for example, for two seconds or five seconds.

[0061] Fig. Figure 5 shows the status bar 13 in a subsequent fourth state Z4, in which another switchable display element 110, the tenth pictogram P10, has been added for display. The tenth pictogram P10 is displayed alternately with the sixth pictogram P6 in the sixth display container 26.

[0062] Similarly, if needed, additional switchable display elements 110 are added to those display containers 21 to 28 to which switchable display elements 110 are already assigned. Advantageously, a display container 21 to 28 is selected to which very few (for example, only one) switchable display elements 110 are assigned. If there are several such display containers 21 to 28, they are filled starting from left to right.

[0063] This ensures a consistent utilization of display containers 21 to 28, enabling the switchable display elements 110 to be displayed as prominently as possible. In other words, the maximum time elapsed between switching through the switchable display elements 110 of a display container 21 to 28 and the next switchable display element 110 being displayed is minimized. This reduces the strain on the driver's visual memory.

[0064] Furthermore, by grouping the multiple-used (and thus actually changing) display containers 21 to 28 together in a block-like manner (at the right edge of the display containers 21 to 28, which are permanently assigned with non-switchable display elements 100), the clarity of the display is improved.

[0065] The display containers 21 to 28 can be arranged horizontally next to each other (in a row) and / or vertically one below the other (in a column); mixed arrangements are also possible. Advantageously, display containers 21 to 28 are grouped and arranged within a predetermined area of ​​the display surface 10. This makes it easier for the driver to orient themselves on the display surface 10. Preferably, display containers 21 to 28 (for example, grouped in a status bar 13) are arranged in the driver's central field of vision of the display device 1.

[0066] Additional display containers 21 to 28, if required, can be arranged, for example, below or next to a horizontal or vertical status bar 13 to improve the overview.

[0067] As already explained using the example of the temperature indicator 101, which is displaced compared to the first state Z1, further areas of the display surface 10 can be occupied with display containers 21 to 28 if required. For example, a second status line 14 could be arranged in an area below the first status line 13 shown here, in which additional (not shown here) display containers 21 to 28 are provided for accommodating display elements 100, 110.

[0068] Preferably, additional display containers 21 to 28 are provided if otherwise one of the display containers 21 to 28 already shown on the display area 10 would have to be occupied with more than five switchable display elements 110, or if all the display containers 21 to 28 already shown are occupied with non-switchable display elements 100 and further switchable or non-switchable display elements 100, 110 have to be included.

[0069] If there is no need for additional display containers 21 to 28, this area can be used to display other information, for example, the type of temperature display element 101 in the first state Z1.

[0070] For both switchable and non-switchable display elements 110 and 100, the requirements for visibility, maximum contrast of the display content, and recognizability are met, as stipulated, for example, by standards or product certification specifications. For instance, dimmer masks (not shown in detail here) can be placed behind display containers 21 to 28, and / or display elements 100 and 110 can be additionally provided with a dark outline to improve contrast and readability, ensuring that these display elements 100 and 110 are recognizable regardless of disturbances (such as glare) or similar influences.

[0071] The proposed procedure is executed whenever the number of active display elements 100, 110 is changed, for example when a driver assistance system is reactivated (which is to be visualized via a newly assigned pictogram P1 to P10) or when an error condition expires that was previously displayed with a pictogram P1 to P10.

[0072] This ensures a reduction in size that is inversely proportional to the setup of display containers 21 to 28. For example, if fewer display elements 100, 110 are to be displayed than display containers 21 to 28, display containers 21 to 28 are cleared again, starting at the right end of the status bar 13. This prevents gaps within the status bar 13 (or a similar sub-area of ​​the display area 10). This improves both the readability and the efficiency of the display of display elements 100, 110. Reference symbol list 1 Display device 10 Display area 100 non-switchable display element 101 Temperature indicator element 11, 12 Round instrument 110 switchable display elements 13, 14 Status bar 21 to 28 first to eighth display container P1 to P10 first to tenth pictogram Z1 to Z4 first to fourth state

Claims

[1] Computer-implemented method for arranging at least one active display element (100, 110) to be displayed on a display-like display surface (10) of a display device (1) of a vehicle designed for perception by a driver, characterized by , that - a predetermined number of display containers (21 to 28) are provided on the display area (10), which are set up to display any active display element (100, 110), wherein the display containers (21 to 28) are arranged in a logical list starting from a list start, - each active display element (100, 110) is assigned either the category "to be displayed in a switchable format" or the category "to be displayed in a non-switchable format" depending on its information content, whereby - a non-switchable display element (100) is assigned to the display container (21 to 28) closest to the beginning of the list in the logical list, which is not already occupied by another non-switchable display element (100), and - Display containers (21 to 28) not occupied by non-switchable display elements (100) are to be filled as evenly as possible with switchable display elements (110) starting from the beginning of the list, so that each of these display containers (21 to 28) is assigned as equal a number of switchable display elements (110) as possible, - wherein non-switchable display elements (100) are permanently displayed in the assigned display container (21 to 28) and switchable display elements (110) are displayed in a round-robin rotation for one display interval duration each, if several switchable display elements (110) are assigned to the assigned display container (21 to 28). [2] Method according to claim 1 characterized by , that display elements (100, 110) are assigned the category “non-switchable” if permanent visibility for the duration of the respective activation is required due to certification and / or product liability requirements. [3] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the display containers (21 to 28) on the display area (10) are arranged at least partially in a row-like and / or column-like manner and are arranged in the logical list such that at least two display containers (21 to 28) arranged consecutively along a reading direction on the display area (10) are also arranged consecutively in the logical list. [4] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a predetermined number of standard display containers (21 to 28) are provided and extended by at least one additional display container (21 to 28) if more than five switchable display elements (110) are provided for at least one standard display container (21 to 28), wherein additional display containers (21 to 28) are arranged in at least one sub-area of ​​the display-like display area (10) which until then has been used to display comparatively lower priority information. [5] Method according to claim 4, characterized by , that standard display containers (21 to 28) are at least partially arranged in a row-like fashion and additional display containers (21 to 28) are arranged in a row-like fashion below them. [6] Method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by , that between eight and twelve standard display containers (21 to 28) are arranged side by side or one below the other in a row or column. [7] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that for the switchable display elements (110) a display interval duration of between one second and five seconds is selected. [8] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that depending on their information content several active switchable display elements (110) are assigned to at least one display element group and are assigned to and displayed in display containers (21 to 28) in such a way that all switchable display elements (110) assigned to a display element group are displayed simultaneously during the display interval duration. [9] Display device (1) for a vehicle with a display-like display area (10) which, when installed, is designed to be perceived by a driver, characterized by that the display device (1) is configured to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims. [10] Display system comprising a display device (1) according to claim 9 and a vehicle-independent database, characterized by , that the database is set up for a query which, with reference to an identifier of a display element (100, 110), determines whether the display element (100, 110) is assigned to the category "to be displayed in a toggleable manner" or to the category "to be displayed in a non-toggleable manner". [11] Display system according to claim 10, characterized by , that the database is set up for a query which, with reference to an identifier of a display element (100, 110), determines for which display interval duration and / or with which switchable display elements (110) to be combined and / or with which visibility requirements the display element (100, 110) is to be displayed.

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