Image control program, image control device, and image control method

Abstract

To provide an image control program, etc., with which, when display forms are different before and after image switching and a signal of interest that indicates the same object exists in each image, a user may hardly loose the sight of signals indicating the same object even when images are switched.SOLUTION: An image control program executes: a first process of causing a display unit to display a first image that takes a first display form and that shows a signal indicating a prescribed object; a second process of causing the display unit to display a second image that takes a second display form which is different from the first display form and that shows a signal indicating the same object as the prescribed object; and a transition process of causing the display unit to display a transition image which is displayed when switched from the first image to the second image, and which highlights the signal indicating the same object as the prescribed object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present application relates to a technical field regarding display control for switching and displaying images. [Background technology]

[0002] Digital devices provide services that meet the needs of users according to settings input by the user. In general, the user's input operations and the provision of services are performed while switching images on a display unit of the digital device.

[0003] However, when the display format is different before and after switching images and there is a notable symbol indicating the same object in each, if the image is switched instantly, the user may lose sight of the symbol indicating the same object. In response to this, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for enlarging and displaying the symbol. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-80573 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the case where the display format is different before and after switching images, and where a noteworthy symbol indicating the same object is present in both, and therefore does not solve the problem of the user losing track of the symbol indicating the same object when switching images.

[0006] In view of these circumstances, an example of the objective of the present invention is to provide an image control program or the like that makes it difficult for a user to lose track of a symbol indicating the same object, even when switching images, in a case where the display format is different before and after switching images and a notable symbol indicating the same object is present in both. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention described in claim 1 is characterized in that it causes a computer to execute a first process of displaying on a display unit a first image having a first display format, the first image displaying a symbol indicating a predetermined object; a second process of displaying on the display unit a second image having a second display format different from the first display format, the second image displaying a symbol indicating the same object as the predetermined object; and a transition process of displaying on the display unit a transition image that is displayed during switching from the first image to the second image, the transition image displaying the symbol indicating the same object as the predetermined object in an emphasized manner.

[0008] The invention described in claim 7 is characterized in that it comprises a first processing means for displaying on a display unit a first image having a first display format, the first image displaying a symbol indicating a predetermined object, a second processing means for displaying on the display unit a second image having a second display format different from the first display format, the second image displaying a symbol indicating the same object as the predetermined object, and a transition processing means for displaying on the display unit a transition image that is displayed during switching from the first image to the second image, the transition image displaying the symbol indicating the same object as the predetermined object in an emphasized manner.

[0009] The invention described in claim 8 is an image control method by an image control device, comprising a first processing step of causing a display unit to display a first image having a first display format, the first image displaying a symbol indicating a predetermined object; a second processing step of causing the display unit to display a second image having a second display format different from the first display format, the second image displaying a symbol indicating the same object as the predetermined object; and a transition processing step of causing the display unit to display a transition image displayed during switching from the first image to the second image, the transition image displaying the symbol indicating the same object as the predetermined object in an emphasized manner. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a display control device 100 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle device 200 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of image transition when switching from an overhead image to a planar image in the embodiment. [Figure 4] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of a change in the viewpoint position when switching from an overhead image to a planar image in the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of image transition when switching from a point search result image to an entire route image in the embodiment. [Figure 6] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of image transition when switching from an overall route image to a planar image in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the display control device 100 includes a first processing means 101, a second processing means 102, and a transition processing means 103.

[0013] The first processing means 101 causes the display unit to display a first image having a first display format, the first image displaying a symbol indicating a predetermined object.

[0014] A second processing means 102 causes the display unit to display a second image having a second display format different from the first display format, the second image displaying a symbol indicating the same object as the specified object.

[0015] The transition processing means 103 causes the display unit to display a transition image which is displayed while switching the image from the first image to the second image, and which highlights a symbol indicating the same object as the specified object.

[0016] According to the display control device 100, during switching from a first image in a first display format to a second image in a second display format, a transition image is displayed that highlights a symbol indicating a specified object, thereby making it difficult for the user to lose track of the symbol. EXAMPLES

[0017] Next, an example corresponding to the above-described embodiment will be described. Note that the example described below is an example in which the present invention is applied to an in-vehicle device 200.

[0018] 1. Configuration of in-vehicle device 200 The configuration of the in-vehicle device 200 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the in-vehicle device 200 includes a control unit 211, a storage unit 212 including a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), an input unit 213 including a keyboard, a remote controller, a touch panel, or the like, a display unit 214, a bus line 215, an input / output interface unit 220, a vehicle speed sensor 221, an angular velocity sensor 222, an acceleration sensor 223, a steering angle sensor 224, and a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiving unit 225.

[0019] The vehicle speed sensor 221 detects the current speed of the vehicle using a speed detection process using a vehicle speed pulse acquired from the vehicle on which the in-vehicle device 200 is mounted, and outputs speed data. The angular velocity sensor 222 detects, for example, the angular velocity of a directional change of the vehicle, and outputs angular velocity data and relative orientation data per unit time. The acceleration sensor 223 detects, for example, the acceleration in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and outputs acceleration data per unit time, etc. The steering angle sensor 224 detects the steering angle of the vehicle, and outputs steering angle data, etc. The GNSS receiver 225 receives navigation radio waves from GNSS satellites, and outputs GNSS positioning data.

[0020] The storage unit 212 stores data for displaying various images on the display unit 214. For example, map data for displaying a map, map information used when searching for a route, road link information, and the like are stored. The storage unit 212 also stores various programs such as an operating system and application programs. In particular, the storage unit 212 stores a display control program for switching and displaying images on the display unit 214. Note that the various programs may be acquired, for example, from a server device or the like via a network, or may be read from a recording medium such as a CD, DVD, or USB memory.

[0021] The input unit 213 accepts an input operation by the user and transmits an operation signal indicating the content of the operation to the control unit 211.

[0022] The display unit 214 displays an image based on image data under the control of the control unit 211. The display unit 214 includes a graphics controller 214a, a buffer memory 214b including a memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM), and a display 214c including a liquid crystal display. In this configuration, the graphics controller 214a controls the entire display unit 214 based on control data sent from the control unit 211 via a bus line 215. The buffer memory 214b temporarily stores image data that can be displayed immediately. Then, an image is displayed on the display 214c based on the image data output from the graphics controller 214a.

[0023] The control unit 211 is composed of a CPU 211a that controls the entire control unit 211, a ROM 211b in which a control program for controlling the control unit 211 and the like are stored in advance, and a RAM 211c that temporarily stores various data. The CPU 211a functions as various means by reading and executing various programs stored in the ROM 211b and the storage unit 212. The control unit 211 or the CPU 211a corresponds to a "computer."

[0024] In addition, the control unit 211 is connected to a vehicle speed sensor 221 , an angular velocity sensor 222 , an acceleration sensor 223 , a steering angle sensor 224 , and a GNSS receiving unit 225 via the bus line 215 and the input / output interface unit 220 .

[0025] The control unit 211 performs satellite positioning based on GNSS positioning data, autonomous positioning based on speed data, angular velocity data, relative orientation data, acceleration data, steering angle data, etc., or hybrid positioning that combines these, and obtains current position information indicating the current position (latitude, longitude, altitude) of the vehicle (sometimes referred to as the "own vehicle").

[0026] [2. Image Switching Control by the Control Unit 211] The control unit 211 controls switching of images to be displayed on the display 214c by transmitting image data generated based on map data etc. stored in the storage unit 212 and control data related to switching of images to the display unit 214. The control is performed by the control unit 211 executing a display control program. Below, the images to be displayed on the display 214c and the image switching control by the control unit 211 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 6.

[0027] [2.1. Switching control from overhead image to flat image] First, a case where an image displayed on the display 214c is switched from an overhead image to a planar image will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an image transition when switching from an overhead image to a planar image, and Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a transition of a viewpoint position when depicting a vehicle mark when switching from an overhead image to a planar image.

[0028] Fig. 3(A) is a diagram showing an example of overhead image 300A, and Fig. 3(H) is a diagram showing an example of flat image 300H. Figs. 3(B) to 3(G) are diagrams showing examples of intermediate images 300B, 300C, 300D, 300E, 300F, and 300G (hereinafter, may be collectively referred to as "intermediate images 300B-300G") that are displayed during the image switching process from overhead image 300A to flat image 300H.

[0029] The overhead image 300A and the planar image 300H are route guidance images for guiding the user along a route to a destination, and respectively display a vehicle mark 301A and a vehicle mark 301H indicating the vehicle in which the in-vehicle device 200 is mounted, and a route 302A and a route 302H.

[0030] In this embodiment, the user can select from two display modes when the route guidance image is displayed on the display 214c. There are two display modes: an overhead mode and a planar mode. When the overhead mode is selected, the control unit 211 displays an overhead image 300A, and when the planar mode is selected, the control unit 211 displays a planar image 300H. The overhead image 300A is an image depicting the vehicle mark 301A and its surroundings from behind and above the vehicle mark 301A, while the planar image 300H is an image depicting the vehicle mark 301H and its surroundings from directly above the vehicle mark 301H, and the display formats are different for each.

[0031] Then, when the user switches the display mode from the overhead mode to the planar mode, the control unit 211 switches the image from the overhead image 300A to the planar image 300H. At this time, the control unit 211 does not immediately switch the image from the overhead image 300A to the planar image 300H, but switches and displays the images in the order of the overhead image 300A, intermediate images 300B, 300C, 300D, 300E, 300F, 300G, and planar image 300H.

[0032] The intermediate images 300B, 300C, 300D, 300E, 300F, and 300G respectively display the own vehicle mark 301B, 301C, 301D, 301E, 301F, and 301G and the routes 302B, 302C, 302D, 302E, 302F, and 302G. Note that the own vehicle marks 301A, 301B, 301C, 301D, 301E, 301F, and 301G and the own vehicle mark 301H may be collectively referred to as "own vehicle mark 301".

[0033] The bird's-eye view image 300A, the intermediate images 300B-300G, and the planar image 300H each have a different viewpoint position when depicting the host vehicle mark 301 and its surroundings. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of each viewpoint position from the side with respect to the traveling direction of the host vehicle. That is, the bird's-eye view image 300A is a diagram depicted from the viewpoint position 350A, the intermediate image 300B is a diagram depicted from the viewpoint position 350B, the intermediate image 300C is a diagram depicted from the viewpoint position 350C, the intermediate image 300D is a diagram depicted from the viewpoint position 350D, the intermediate image 300E is a diagram depicted from the viewpoint position 350E, the intermediate image 300F is a diagram depicted from the viewpoint position 350F, the intermediate image 300G is a diagram depicted from the viewpoint position 350G, and the planar image 300H is a diagram depicted from the viewpoint position 350H.

[0034] The control unit 211 switches and displays the images in the order of the overhead image 300A, the intermediate images 300B, 300C, 300D, 300E, 300F, 300G, and the planar image 300H. In other words, the control unit 211 displays the vehicle mark 301 by enlarging it from the size of the vehicle mark 301A displayed in the overhead image 300A, and then reduces it to the size of the vehicle mark 301H displayed in the planar image 300H. That is, when the image is switched from the overhead image 300A to the planar image 300H, the vehicle mark 301 is highlighted, so that the user is less likely to lose sight of the vehicle mark 301 when the image is switched. In addition, the user can obtain a realistic visual effect (as if he / she were a bird) in which the user gradually approaches the vehicle mark 301 from above and behind (viewpoint position 350A) (viewpoint position 350B), lowers his / her posture while approaching further (viewpoint positions 350C, 350D), then moves directly above the vehicle mark 301 (viewpoint position 350E), and then gradually moves upward from there (viewpoint positions 350F, 350G, 350H). The visual effect makes it clear that the vehicle mark is an icon that requires attention, so the user will not lose sight of the vehicle mark. Furthermore, when switching from the overhead image 300A to the planar image 300H, the viewpoint movement effect and the enlargement effect cause surrounding icons, etc. to be removed outside the screen or not displayed, so that the user can focus more attention on the vehicle mark.

[0035] [2.2. Switching control from location search result image to whole route image] Next, a case where the image displayed on the display 214c is switched from a point search result image to an entire route image will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of image transition when switching from a point search result image to an entire route image.

[0036] Fig. 5(A) is a diagram showing an example of a point search result image 400A, and Fig. 5(C) is a diagram showing an example of an overall route image 400C. Also, Fig. 5(B) is a diagram showing an example of an intermediate image 400B displayed in the process of switching from the point search result image 400A to the overall route image 400C.

[0037] The location search result image 400A is an image showing the result of searching for locations based on the set search conditions. The location search result image 400A includes a list 410 of the searched locations, and when any location included in the list 410 is selected, a planar map 420 showing the vicinity of the location and a location mark 401A showing the location within the planar map 420 are displayed.

[0038] Furthermore, the location search result image 400A includes a "Go here" button 402. When the user selects the "Go here" button 402, the control unit 211 switches the image from the location search result image 400A to an overall route image 400C. The overall route image 400C is an image that displays, together with a map, the entire route whose destination is the location in the list 410 that was in a selected state when the "Go here" button 402 was selected. Note that the overall route image 400C includes a destination mark 401C that indicates a location (searched location) that is the same object as the location mark 401A in the location search result image 400A.

[0039] In this way, the location search result image 400A is an image that displays the results of a location search based on the set search conditions in list format, and also displays a planar map 420 showing one of the locations in the list 410, while the overall route image 400C is an image that displays the entire route to a location in the list 410 as a destination, with each having a different display format.

[0040] Furthermore, when the "Go here" button 402 is selected by the user, the control unit 211 does not immediately switch the image from the location search result image 400A to the overall route image 400C, but switches and displays the images in the order of location search result image 400A, intermediate image 400B, and overall route image 400C. Intermediate image 400B is an image that displays the location that was selected when the "Go here" button 402 was selected and its surroundings in a larger scale than the planar map 420 of location search result image 400A. At this time, location mark 401B indicating the location selected by the user is displayed in a larger scale than location mark 401A in location search result image 400A.

[0041] In addition, in FIG. 5, a single intermediate image 400B is shown as the image displayed while switching the image from the point search result image 400A to the overall route image 400C, but multiple intermediate images other than the intermediate image 400B may be displayed to transition between the screens smoothly as a moving image.

[0042] Specifically, the control unit 211 may display multiple intermediate images in order to gradually enlarge the planar map 420 and the periphery of the point mark 401A in the point search result image 400A after the point search result image 400A, and then display the intermediate image 400B. Furthermore, the control unit 211 may display multiple intermediate images in order to gradually reduce the planar map showing the mark 401B and its periphery in the intermediate image 400B after the intermediate image 400B, and then display the overall route image 400C.

[0043] Furthermore, in addition to or separately from this enlargement or reduction display control, the control unit 211 may sequentially display a plurality of intermediate images while switching the image from the point search result image 400A to the overall route image 400C, thereby causing a mark indicating a point (a mark in the display form of the point mark 401A or the destination mark 401C) to move from the position of the point mark 401A in the point search result image 400A to the position of the destination mark 401C in the overall route image 400C. Furthermore, since the point mark 401A in the point search result image 400A and the destination mark 401C in the overall route image 400C are both marks indicating the same point but have different display forms, the control unit 211 changes the display form from the display form of the point mark 401B to the display form of the destination mark 401C. The manner of change may be such that the display form of the mark is gradually changed, or such that the display form of the mark is switched when the "Go here" button 402 is selected, or when the mark is most enlarged (the viewpoint is closest) during a screen transition.

[0044] [2.3. Switching control from whole route image to planar image] Next, a case where the image displayed on the display 214c is switched from an overall route image to a planar image will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of image transition when switching from an overall route image to a planar image.

[0045] Fig. 6(A) is a diagram showing an example of an overall route image 500A, and Fig. 6(C) is a diagram showing an example of a planar image 500C. Also, Fig. 6(B) is a diagram showing an example of an intermediate image 500B displayed in the process of switching from the overall route image 500A to the planar image 500C.

[0046] Overall route image 500A is an image showing the entire route from the current position of the vehicle to the set destination, and is an image that displays, together with a map, the entire route to the destination, for example, a point in list 410 that was in a selected state when "Go here" button 402 in Fig. 5(A) was selected. Overall route image 500A includes a current position mark 501A showing the current position of the vehicle (position from which guidance begins) and a "Start guidance" button 502.

[0047] When the user selects the "Start Guidance" button 502, the control unit 211 switches the image from the overall route image 500A to a planar image 500C. The planar image 500C is an image that displays a map showing a current position mark 501A and its surroundings. The planar image 500C also includes a vehicle mark 501C that indicates the current position of the vehicle, which is the same object as the current position mark 501A in the overall route image 500A. The planar image 500C displays a map including the vehicle position and its surroundings in an enlarged scale compared to the overall route image 500A, except when the user performs an operation to reduce the map.

[0048] In this way, the overall route image 500A is an image that displays the entire route from the vehicle's current position to the destination, while the planar image 500C is an image that displays the current position mark 501A and its surroundings, as well as part of the route, and the display formats are different for each.

[0049] Furthermore, when the user selects the "Start Guidance" button 502, the control unit 211 does not immediately switch the image from the overall route image 500A to the planar image 500C, but switches and displays the images in the order of the overall route image 500A, intermediate image 500B, and planar image 500C. The intermediate image 500B is an image that displays the current position mark 501A and its surroundings in a larger scale than the overall route image 500A. At this time, the current position mark 501B is displayed in a larger scale than the current position mark 501A on the overall route image 500A.

[0050] In addition, in Figure 6, a single intermediate image 500B is shown as the image to be displayed while switching the image from the overall route image 500A to the planar image 500C, but multiple intermediate images other than the intermediate image 500B may be displayed to transition the screen smoothly as a moving image.

[0051] Specifically, the control unit 211 may display multiple intermediate images in order to gradually enlarge the planar map and current position mark 501A of the overall route image 500A after the overall route image 500A, and then display the intermediate image 500B. The control unit 211 may also display multiple intermediate images in order to gradually reduce the current position mark 501B and its surroundings of the intermediate image 500B after the intermediate image 500B, and then display the intermediate image 500B.

[0052] Furthermore, in addition to or separately from this enlargement or reduction display control, the control unit 211 may sequentially display a plurality of intermediate images while switching the image from the overall route image 500A to the planar image 500C, thereby causing a mark indicating the vehicle (a mark in the display form of the current position mark 501A or the display form of the vehicle mark 501C) to move from the position of the current position mark 501A in the overall route image 500A to the position of the vehicle mark 501C in the planar image 500C. Furthermore, since the current position mark 501A in the overall route image 500A and the vehicle mark 501C in the planar image 500C are both marks indicating the current position of the vehicle but have different display forms, the control unit 211 changes the display form from the display form of the current position mark 501B to the display form of the vehicle mark 501C. The manner of change may include gradually changing the display form of the mark, or may involve switching the display form of the mark when the "Start guidance" button 502 is selected or when the mark is most enlarged (the viewpoint is closest) during a screen transition.

[0053] Up to this point, we have described embodiments in which intermediate images 300B-300G are displayed while switching the image from overhead image 300A to planar image 300H, intermediate image 400B is displayed while switching the image from point search result image 400A to overall route image 400C, and intermediate image 500B is displayed while switching the image from overall route image 500A to planar image 500C. However, in the present application, the process of displaying images before the image switching (overhead image 300A, point search result image 400A, overall route image 500A) is referred to as a first process, the process of displaying images after the image switching (planar image 300H, overall route image 400C, planar image 500C) is referred to as a second process, and the process of displaying images between image switching (intermediate images 300B-300G, intermediate image 400B, intermediate image 500B) is referred to as a transition process.

[0054] As described above, in the vehicle device 200 in this embodiment, the control unit 211 (an example of a "first processing means," "second processing means," or "transition processing means") executes a first process in which the control unit 211 causes the display 214c (an example of a "display unit") to display an overhead image 300A (an example of a "first image having a first display format") displaying a vehicle mark 301A (an example of a "symbol") indicating the vehicle (an example of a "predetermined target"); a second process in which the display 214c causes a planar image 300H (an example of a "second image having a second display format") having a display format different from that of the overhead image 300A and displaying a vehicle mark 301H (an example of a "symbol indicating the same object as the predetermined target") indicating the vehicle; and a transition process in which the display 214c causes an intermediate image 300D (an example of a "transition image") to be displayed while switching from the overhead image 300A to the planar image 300H, the intermediate image 300D displaying an enlarged image of the vehicle marks 301A, 301H.

[0055] Therefore, according to the in-vehicle device 200 of this embodiment, while the image is being switched from the overhead image 300A to the planar image 300H, which has a display format different from that of the overhead image 300A, an intermediate image 300D is displayed which enlarges and displays the vehicle mark 301 indicating the vehicle, thereby making it difficult for the user to lose sight of the vehicle mark 301.

[0056] In the transition process of the vehicle device 200 in this embodiment, the control unit 211 enlarges and displays the vehicle mark 301 included in the intermediate images 300B-300G from the size of the vehicle mark 301A displayed in the overhead image 300A (vehicle marks 301B, 301C, 301D, 301E), and then reduces and displays the vehicle mark 301H displayed in the planar image 300H (vehicle marks 301F, 301G). This gradually enlarges the size of the vehicle mark 301A before the image switching, and then gradually reduces it to the size of the vehicle mark 301H after the image switching, preventing the user from feeling uncomfortable even though the vehicle mark 301 is enlarged and displayed when the image is switched.

[0057] Furthermore, in the vehicle device 200 in this embodiment, as described in the example of Fig. 5, the location search result image 400A (an example of a "first image") and the overall route image 400C (an example of a "second image") are displayed including a background other than marks such as a map, and in the transition process, the control unit 211 causes the map to be enlarged and displayed when enlarging and displaying the location mark 401B (an example of a "symbol") included in the intermediate image 400B, and then causes the map to be reduced and displayed when reducing and displaying the location mark 401B included in the intermediate image 400B. In this case, when the location mark 401B is enlarged or reduced and displayed, the background map is also enlarged or reduced and displayed, so that it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable when switching images.

[0058] Furthermore, in the vehicle device 200 in this embodiment, as described in the example of Fig. 6, in the transition process, the control unit 211 may display the mark indicating the vehicle (the mark in the display form of the current position mark 501A or the display form of the vehicle mark 501C) included in the intermediate image moving from the position of the current position mark 501A (an example of a "symbol") displayed in the overall route image 500A (an example of a "first image") to the position of the vehicle mark 501C (an example of a "symbol") displayed in the planar image 500C (an example of a "second image"). In this case, even if the position of the mark indicating the vehicle differs between the overall route image 500A before switching and the planar image 500C after switching, the position of the mark indicating the vehicle is switched stepwise rather than instantaneously, so that it is possible to prevent the user from losing sight of the position of the mark indicating the vehicle when switching the images.

[0059] Furthermore, in the vehicle device 200 of this embodiment, as explained in the examples of Figures 3 and 4, in the first processing, the control unit 211 displays an overhead image 300A depicting the host vehicle mark 301 from a viewpoint position 350A (an example of a "first viewpoint position") diagonally above the host vehicle mark 301, in the transition processing, the control unit 211 displays intermediate images 300B, 300C, 300D, and 300E depicting the host vehicle mark 301 from a viewpoint position 350B (an example of a "second viewpoint position") that is closer to the host vehicle mark 301 from the viewpoint position 350A, and in the second processing, the control unit 211 displays a planar image 300H depicting the host vehicle mark 301 from a viewpoint position 350H (an example of a "third viewpoint position") that is directly above the host vehicle mark 301. As a result, while the image is switching from overhead image 300A to planar image 300H, dynamic intermediate images 300B, 300C, 300D, and 300E depicting the vehicle mark 301 from different viewpoints are displayed, thereby drawing the user's attention to the mark indicating the vehicle and preventing the user from losing sight of the position of the mark.

[0060] Furthermore, in the vehicle device 200 in this embodiment, as described in the example of Figure 6, the control unit 211 may, in the first processing, display an overall route image 500A in which a mark (an example of a "symbol") indicating the current position of the vehicle (an example of a "predetermined target") is displayed in the display form of the current position mark 501A in (A) of Figure 6 (an example of a "first display form"), and in the second processing, display a planar image 500C in which a mark indicating the current position of the vehicle is displayed in the display form of the vehicle mark 501C in (C) of Figure 6 (an example of a "second display form"), and in the transition processing, display an intermediate image in which an enlarged mark indicating the current position of the vehicle is displayed, which is the display form of the current position mark 501A or the display form of the vehicle mark 501C. In this case, even if the display form of the mark indicating the vehicle's current position is different between the overall route image 500A before switching and the planar image 500C after switching, the display form of the mark indicating the vehicle's current position is switched gradually rather than instantly, thereby preventing the user from losing track of the position of the mark indicating the vehicle's current position when switching images.

[0061] [3. Modifications] Next, modified examples of this embodiment will be described. Note that the modified examples described below can be combined as appropriate.

[0062] [3.1. Variation 1] In the above embodiment, as described in the example of FIG. 5, the control unit 211 enlarges and displays the background map when enlarging and displaying the location mark 401B included in the intermediate image 400B, and then reduces and displays the background map when reducing and displaying the location mark 401B included in the intermediate image 400B. However, instead of this, the background map may not be enlarged and displayed when enlarging and displaying the location mark 401B included in the intermediate image 400B, and then, the background map may not be reduced and displayed when reducing and displaying the location mark 401B included in the intermediate image 400B. That is, the control unit 211 may enlarge and display only the location mark 401B, or reduce and display only the location mark 401B. In this case, since the intermediate image 400B in which the location mark 401B is enlarged and displayed is displayed, it is possible to prevent the user from losing sight of the location mark 401B when switching images.

[0063] [3.2. Variation 2] In the above embodiment, as explained in the example of Fig. 3, the control unit 211 enlarges and displays the vehicle mark 301 in the intermediate images 300B, 300C, 300D, and 300E to emphasize the vehicle mark 301, but instead of or in addition to this, the vehicle mark 301 may be displayed in an emphasized manner, such as by flashing the vehicle mark 301 or by displaying it in a conspicuous color. In this case, too, since the vehicle mark 301 is displayed in an emphasized manner, it is possible to make it difficult for the user to lose sight of the vehicle mark 301 when switching images.

[0064] [3.3. Variation 3] The above embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to the in-vehicle device 200, but the present invention can also be applied to programs used in portable terminals, game machines, and the like other than the in-vehicle device 200 in which the display form is changed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 100 Display control device 101 First processing means 102 Second processing means 103 Transition Processing Means 200 On-vehicle equipment 211 Control Unit 211a CPU 211b ROM 211c RAM 212 Storage section 213 Input section 214 Display unit 214a Graphics Controller 214b Buffer memory 214c Display 215 Bus Line 220 Input / Output Interface Section 221 Vehicle speed sensor 222 Angular Rate Sensor 223 Acceleration Sensor 224 Steering Angle Sensor 225 GNSS receiver

Claims

[Claim 1] On the computer, a first process of displaying, on a display unit, a first image having a first display format, the first image displaying a symbol indicating a predetermined object; a second process of displaying, on the display unit, a second image having a second display format different from the first display format, the second image displaying a symbol indicating an object identical to the predetermined object; a transition process for displaying, on the display unit, a transition image displayed during switching from the first image to the second image, the transition image displaying a symbol indicating the same object as the predetermined object in an emphasized manner; 4. An image control program comprising:

Images