Content display control device, content display control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a content display control device capable of smoothly achieving display which meets users' need and has high visibility at low power consumption and low cost by changing the size of a display area according to operation, when displaying a content image in the display area of a display screen.SOLUTION: The content display control device includes a display control part for displaying a plurality of content images in the display area on the display screen and a reception part for receiving size change input for changing the size on the display screen of the display area and performs display change processing for changing a display form on the basis of the size change input to the content image being in a display state displayed on the display screen, but does not perform the display change processing to the content image being in a non-display state not displayed on the display screen, among the plurality of content images, while receiving the size change input.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a content display control device, a content display control method, and a program, and more particularly to a content display control device, a content display control method, and a program for controlling the display of content on a display device used in, for example, a mobile object. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known devices that simultaneously display multiple different types of screens. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information terminal that divides the screen into two, and displays a real screen on one side that displays a photographed image of a building or the like with the building name or the like superimposed thereon, and a map screen on the other side that displays information about facilities (e.g., buildings and utility poles) with location information superimposed on map information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-181954 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, when displaying multiple content images generated by multiple gadgets (small applications, widgets) in a display area occupying a portion of a display screen, the size of the display area on the display screen can be changed in response to a user's operation to provide a display that is easier for the user to view. When changing the size of the display area in response to an operation, changing the display area even during the operation provides a display that is easier to understand, but one example of a problem is that the load on the device that controls the display increases.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned points, and one of its objectives is to provide a content display control device that can change the size of a display area in response to an operation when displaying a content image in the display area of ​​a display screen, and can smoothly realize a highly visible display tailored to the user's needs with low power consumption and low cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 comprises a control unit that controls the operation of each of a plurality of contents; a display control unit that selectively displays first content images corresponding to each of the plurality of contents in a display area on a display screen; a receiving unit that receives a size change input for changing the size of the display area on the display screen; and a display change processing unit that performs a display change process for the first content image based on the size change input to change the display form of the first content image, wherein while the size change input is being received, the display change processing unit performs the display change process for first content images that correspond to each of the plurality of contents and are in a displayed state displayed on the display screen, and does not perform the display change process for first content images that are in a hidden state and not displayed on the display screen.

[0007] The invention described in claim 7 is a content display control method for displaying a plurality of content images by a content display control device, comprising: a control step in which a control unit controls the operation of each of the plurality of contents; a display control step in which a display control unit selectively displays first content images corresponding to each of the plurality of contents in a display area on a display screen; a reception step in which a reception unit receives a size change input for changing the size of the display area on the display screen; and a display change step in which a display change processing unit performs a display change process for the first content image based on the size change input to change the display form of the first content image, wherein in the display change step, while the size change input is being received, the display change processing unit performs the display change process for first content images that are in a displayed state displayed on the display screen among the first content images corresponding to each of the plurality of contents, and does not perform the display change process for first content images that are in a hidden state not displayed on the display screen.

[0008] The invention described in claim 8 is a content display control program executed by a content display control device having a computer, comprising: a control step in which a control unit controls the operation of each of a plurality of contents; a display control step in which a display control unit selectively displays first content images corresponding to each of the plurality of contents in a display area on a display screen; a reception step in which a reception unit receives a size change input for changing the size of the display area on the display screen; and a display change step in which a display change processing unit performs a display change process for the first content image to change the display form of the first content image based on the size change input, wherein in the display change step, while the size change input is being received, the display change processing unit performs the display change process for first content images that are in a displayed state displayed on the display screen among the first content images corresponding to each of the plurality of contents, and does not perform the display change process for first content images that are in a hidden state not displayed on the display screen. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a front seat portion of a vehicle equipped with a content display control device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a content display control device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of content according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of display control according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a change in size of content according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a change in size of content according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an outline of an operation executed in the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing an example of an operation routine executed in the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing an example of an operation routine executed in the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing an example of an operation routine executed in the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a change in size of content according to a first modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation routine executed in a first modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the size of content according to a second modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a change in size of content according to a second modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation routine executed in a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the following description and accompanying drawings, substantially the same or equivalent parts are designated by the same reference numerals. EXAMPLES

[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of installation of a content display control device 10 according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the content display control device 10 is mounted on a vehicle M, which is an example of a moving body. Fig. 1 shows a case where the content display control device 10 is installed in a dashboard DB in the front seat of the vehicle M.

[0012] The touch panel 11 is, for example, a touch panel monitor that combines a display 11A, which is a display device such as a liquid crystal display capable of displaying images, and a touch pad 11B, which is an input device capable of detecting touch operations. The touch panel 11 is disposed, for example, in a center console CC of a dashboard DB. The touch panel 11 may be disposed in a location that is visible to and within reach of passengers such as the driver. For example, the touch panel 11 may be attached on the dashboard DB.

[0013] The display 11A as a display screen is capable of displaying a content screen under the control of the content display control device 10. In addition, the touch pad 11B is capable of transmitting a signal representing an input operation to the touch pad 11B to the content display control device 10.

[0014] Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the content display control device 10 is configured as a part of a navigation device (not shown) mounted on a vehicle M. Note that the content display control device 10 may be configured to be connected to the navigation device, or may be configured to include the navigation device.

[0015] 2 shows the configuration of the content display control device 10. For example, the content display control device 10 is configured by connecting each unit via a system bus 13. The storage unit 15 is a storage device configured by, for example, a hard disk device, an SSD (solid state drive), a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 15 stores various programs and data for display control in the content display control device 10.

[0016] Specifically, in this embodiment, the storage unit 15 stores an application group 15A that is a plurality of contents (hereinafter also referred to as applications) that generate a content image whose display is controlled by the content display control device 10.

[0017] Here, an application is a program created in a computer in accordance with a user's work, etc. Also, an application is capable of generating some kind of image information that can be displayed on a display screen, and each application is a concept that includes programs that can run on a computer independently or in conjunction with each other.

[0018] For example, each of the applications included in the application group 15A may be a small application called a gadget or a widget.

[0019] In this embodiment, each of the multiple applications included in the application group 15A is capable of generating image information for displaying information such as text, audio, and video as a content image. The storage unit 15 also stores a map database 15B in which map information used to generate the content image is stored. The content display control device 10 may obtain the map information from a navigation device (not shown). Various programs used in the content display control device 10 may be obtained, for example, from an external server device or the like via a network.

[0020] The control unit 17 is a computer that includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and controls the operation of the content display control device 10. The control unit 17 realizes various functions by the CPU reading and executing various programs stored in the ROM and the storage unit 15.

[0021] The control unit 17 includes an application control unit 17A. The application control unit 17A is a functional unit that controls the operation of each of the multiple applications included in the application group 15A. The application control unit 17A reads out and executes each of the multiple applications, thereby generating multiple content images.

[0022] The control unit 17 includes a display control unit 17B. The display control unit 17B is a functional unit that performs control related to display of content images on the display 11A provided in the vehicle M. The display control unit 17B performs control to selectively display content images as a plurality of first content images generated by each of a plurality of applications on the display 11A as a display screen.

[0023] For example, the display control unit 17B selectively displays a predetermined number of content images among the plurality of content images on the display 11A by displaying the plurality of content images in a scrollable manner. Also, for example, the display control unit 17B selectively displays a predetermined number of content images selected from a list of the plurality of content images on the display 11A.

[0024] The display control unit 17B also accepts an input operation for changing the display size of the displayed content image on the display 11A via the touch pad 11B. The display control unit 17B also accepts a selection input for selecting a predetermined number of content images from a list of a plurality of content images to be brought into a display state.

[0025] In this embodiment, the size refers to the apparent size of the content image.

[0026] The communication unit 19 is a network adapter such as a network interface card (NIC) connected to a wireless device (not shown). The control unit 17 communicates data with the outside via the communication unit 19. For example, the control unit 17 receives data required for generating a content image distributed from an external server device via the communication unit 19.

[0027] For example, the content display control device 10 and an external server device may be configured to be able to transmit and receive data to and from each other via a network. The network may be constructed by Internet communication via wireless communication such as a mobile communication network, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or LTE (long term evolution). The data is transmitted and received using a communication protocol such as TCP / IP.

[0028] In addition to communication with an external server device, the control unit 17 may also perform communication such as data collection or vehicle-to-vehicle communication using VICS (registered trademark) via the communication unit 19.

[0029] The input unit 21 is connected to the touch pad 11B of the touch panel 11 provided in the vehicle M. The input unit 21 is an interface that detects an input operation on the touch pad 11B and supplies a signal indicating the input operation to the control unit 17. For example, the input unit 21 detects an input operation related to selection or search on a content image displayed on the display 11A of the touch panel 11.

[0030] For example, the display control unit 17B detects, via the input unit 21, a scroll operation, which is an input operation to the touch pad 11B for instructing scrolling of a plurality of content images displayed on the display 11A.

[0031] For example, the display control unit 17B accepts, via the input unit 21, an input operation on the touch pad 11B for changing the display size of the displayed content image.

[0032] For example, the display control unit 17B accepts, via the input unit 21, a selection input that is an input operation on the touch pad 11B for selecting a predetermined number of content images from a list of a plurality of content images to be brought into a display state.

[0033] In addition, the input unit 21 is connected to a GPS receiver 25 provided in the vehicle M. The input unit 21 also functions as an interface that acquires current position information of the vehicle M from the GPS receiver 25 and supplies the information to the control unit 17.

[0034] The output unit 23 is connected to the display 11A of the touch panel 11. The output unit 23 is an interface that supplies information to be displayed on the display 11A to the display 11A in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 17. The application control unit 17A, the output unit 23, supplies image data to the display 11A for displaying a content image generated by execution of each application of the application group 15A.

[0035] The output unit 23 may be connected to a speaker (not shown) provided in the vehicle M, and may supply audio data to the speaker to be output together with the display of the content image on the display 11A.

[0036] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a content image displayed on the display 11A as a display screen of the touch panel 11. As shown in Fig. 3, the display 11A has a map display area NV and a content image display area AR as a display area. As shown in Fig. 3, for example, a navigation screen is displayed in the map display area NV, in which information related to the travel of the vehicle M, such as the distance to the destination, is superimposed on the map.

[0037] 3, two frames FR are displayed in a content image display area AR on the display 11A. In each of the two frames FR, a content image generated by an application is displayed.

[0038] 3, the frames FR are formed so as to be arranged in the direction of the arrow in the figure, continuing to the outer region of the display 11A that is not being displayed. A content image is also generated for the frames FR located outside the display 11A.

[0039] For example, in Fig. 3, a content image for playing a video is displayed in a frame FR located on the upper side of the content image display area AR. Also, for example, in Fig. 3, a content image capable of accepting keyword input and enabling video search is displayed in a frame FR located on the lower side of the content image display area AR.

[0040] 3 shows a content image displaying word-of-mouth information about the current location as an example of a content image generated for a frame FR located below the content image display area AR, which is an area outside the content image display area AR. Also, in FIG. 3, a content image displaying a ranking of popular stores near the current location of the vehicle M is shown as an example of a content image generated corresponding to the frame FR located below the content image displaying the word-of-mouth information.

[0041] A change in the size of a content image when the size of the content image display area AR on the display 11A is changed will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0042] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of control in the content display control device 10. In Fig. 4, a display 11A has a map display area NV and a content image display area AR as a display area.

[0043] In Fig. 4, six frames FR are arranged consecutively in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 4. Six content images A to F (Cont. A to F in Fig. 4) are generated corresponding to the six frames FR, respectively. In other words, an area in which one content image is generated is defined by one frame FR.

[0044] Of the six content images A to F, content images C and D are in a display state in which they are displayed within a content image display area AR on the display 11A. Content images A, B, E, and F are in a non-display state in which they are not displayed on the display 11A.

[0045] 4, the frame FR can be slid in the arrangement direction in response to, for example, a user operation. When the frame FR is slid in the arrangement direction, the frame FR located outside the content image display area AR is brought into the content image display area AR, and the content image generated for the frame FR brought into the content image display area AR is displayed.

[0046] In this way, each of the content images generated for each of the frames FR is scrolled in response to a user operation, and the content image desired by the user is selectively displayed on the display 11A in sequence from among the multiple content images by the scroll display.

[0047] In Fig. 4, the content image display area AR has a width W1. Also, in Fig. 4, each of the frames FR and the content images A to F generated correspondingly thereto also have the same width W1 as the width of the display area AR. The size of the content image having the width W1 is defined as a first size.

[0048] Thus, in the state of Figure 4, content images C and D, which are two of six content images arranged consecutively and having a first size, are displayed within a content image display area AR having a width W1.

[0049] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a change in size of a content image while the size of the content image display area AR displayed on the display 11A is being changed from the state of Fig. 4. In the state of Fig. 5, a touch operation is being performed on the content image display area AR by the user's finger FG.

[0050] 5, the user's finger FG performs a horizontal sliding operation on the boundary BD between the map display area NV and the content image display area AR, which is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the frame FR. The sliding operation is an input operation via the touch pad 11B. In response to the input operation, the position of the boundary BD is changed on the display 11A.

[0051] The size of the content image display area AR is changed by moving the boundary BD and changing the width of the content image display area AR. In this embodiment, the input operation via the touch pad 11B for changing the position of the boundary BD and changing the size of the content image display area AR in this manner is referred to as a size change input.

[0052] The touch position of the user's finger FG for size change input may be on the boundary BD, or may be any position within the display area AR.

[0053] In FIG. 5, as the size of the content image display area AR is changed by a size change input, the widths of the content images C and D are also changed in accordance with the size change input.

[0054] Therefore, the sizes of the content images C and D are changed in accordance with the change in size of the content image display area AR due to the size change input. For example, the sizes of the content images C and D transition stepwise in accordance with the size change input. For example, during the size change input, the content images C and D are displayed smoothly like an animation.

[0055] On the other hand, in Fig. 5, the width of the content images A, B, E, and F in the non-display state remains at W1, and has not changed from the state in Fig. 4. Thus, in this embodiment, the size of the content image in the displayed state is changed following the size change input, and the size of the content image in the non-display state is not changed following the size change input.

[0056] For example, when the display state changes as described above, the display control unit 17B accepts a size change input for changing the size of the content image display area AR when the user's finger FG moves laterally while touching the boundary BD between the map display area NV and the content image display area AR on the touch panel 11. That is, the display control unit 17B accepts a touch operation that satisfies certain conditions via the touch pad 11B as a size change input.

[0057] For example, when receiving a size change input, the display control unit 17B detects the position, movement direction, and amount of movement (e.g., the number of pixels or the movement distance) of the user's finger touching the touch panel 11 via the touch pad 11B, and controls the display so that the position of the boundary BD moves horizontally according to the movement direction and amount of movement. This changes the width of the content image display area AR.

[0058] For example, when a size change input is received, the application control unit 17A controls each of the applications that generate the content images C and D, and generates the content images C and D by changing the size in accordance with the size change input.

[0059] For example, the application control unit 17A generates content images according to the amount of movement in the touch operation, i.e., content images C and D that match the size of the content image display area AR after the movement, and transmits them to the display control unit 17B. The display control unit 17B displays the generated content images C and D in the content image display area AR.

[0060] For example, the display control unit 17B replaces (redraws) the image before resizing with the image after resizing by erasing the displayed content image (first content image) and displaying a newly generated content image (second content image).

[0061] Here, redrawing the image may be a process of replacing all images including the first content image displayed on the display 11A with images including the second content image.

[0062] In this manner, a content image is generated in accordance with the size change input, and the displayed content image is replaced, whereby a display change process is applied to the content image in the displayed state to change the display form of the content image.

[0063] For example, the timing for generating the new content image is set to, for example, every predetermined amount of movement, and the process of replacing the content image as described above is repeated, so that the image is displayed so as to enlarge or shrink in accordance with touch operations such as the movement of a finger.

[0064] For example, by setting the predetermined amount of movement in smaller units (for example, one pixel each), it is possible to display a smoother movement following the touch operation.

[0065] Furthermore, in accordance with the above-mentioned size change, each of the content images may be displayed with the size of characters, the amount of information, the layout, and other details included in the content image changed.

[0066] For example, when a content image is resized larger, text information may be added to the content image, and the positions and intervals at which text and illustrations are displayed may be changed. For example, a new content image (second content image) with added text information is generated, and the original content image (first content image) is replaced with the new content image.

[0067] Also, for example, the content image may be configured by overlapping or combining multiple images. In this case, for example, when the size of the content image is changed, some of the components included in the content image may be changed, and the other parts may not be changed. For example, for a content image including characters and illustrations as components, the display may be changed in such a manner that only the layout of the characters is changed, and the layout of the illustrations is not changed.

[0068] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the state of the content images C and D displayed on the display 11A after the sizes of the content images C and D have been changed.

[0069] In the state of Fig. 6, the user's finger FG is removed from the touch panel 11. That is, the size change input operation is completed. In Fig. 6, the width of the content image display area AR is expanded to a width W2 larger than the width W1. For example, the position where the user's finger FG is removed becomes the boundary BD, and the width of the content image display area AR is changed.

[0070] 6, since the width of the content image display area AR has been changed, the width of the content images C and D also becomes width W2. The size of the content image having width W2 is referred to as a second size.

[0071] 6, the width of content images A, B, E, and F is also the same width W2 as the width of content images C and D. That is, content images A, B, E, and F in the non-display state are generated in the same second size as content images C and D in the displayed state.

[0072] In other words, the size of the content image in a hidden state is not changed during the resize input operation that changes the size of the content image display area AR, but is changed to match the width of the content image display area AR, i.e., to match the size of the content image in a displayed state, after the resize input is completed.

[0073] From the state of FIG. 5 where the size change input is being accepted to the state of FIG. 6 where the size change input is completed, the control unit 17 performs the following control, for example.

[0074] The display control unit 17B accepts the end of the size change input, for example, when the user's finger FG is removed from the touch panel 11. When accepting the end of the size change input, the display control unit 17B determines the position that the user's finger FG touched immediately before the finger FG was removed as the position of the boundary BD between the content image display area AR and the map display area NV.

[0075] When the display control unit 17B determines the position of the boundary BD, it determines the width of the display area AR to be width W2 and notifies the application control unit 17A. Upon receiving the notification, the application control unit 17A generates content images C and D in accordance with the width W2.

[0076] In addition, when the application control unit 17A receives a notification indicating the determined width of the display area AR, it changes the size of the content images A, B, E, and F from a first size having a width W1 to a second size having a width W2 in a single transition.

[0077] As described above with reference to Figs. 4 to 6, in this embodiment, when a size change input for changing the size of the content image display area AR is accepted, the size of the content image in the displayed state is changed in accordance with the size change input. That is, a display change process for changing the display form of the first content image is applied to the first content image in the displayed state. On the other hand, the size of the content image in the hidden state is not changed in accordance with the size change input. That is, the display change process is not applied to the first content image in the hidden state. The size of the content image in the hidden state is changed in one transition after the size change input is completed.

[0078] For example, when a scroll operation is performed thereafter in response to an operation on the content image display area AR, whichever of content images A, B, E, or F is in the displayed state, it is displayed in the same second size as content images C and D. Therefore, a content image having a constant size is displayed smoothly with good visibility.

[0079] When a size change input is received, the application control unit 17A that controls each of the contents changes the size of the content image in the displayed state in accordance with the size change input. Specifically, when a size change input is received, the content corresponding to the content image in the displayed state generates the content image in a size changed in accordance with the size change input.

[0080] Furthermore, even if a size change input is received, the application control unit 17A does not change the size of the content image in a non-display state in accordance with the size change input.

[0081] By controlling the operation of each of the multiple applications as described above, the application control unit 17A can minimize the load on the content display control device 10 when a size change input is received. For example, an increase in the CPU usage rate in the control unit 17 can be suppressed.

[0082] For example, when the size of a content image in a non-display state is changed in response to a size change input, the CPU usage rate increases compared to the above embodiment. According to the embodiment, the increase in the CPU usage rate can be suppressed. Therefore, a smooth scroll display can be realized while reducing the load on the content display control device 10 when a size change input is input.

[0083] As described above, each of the content images may be displayed with the size of characters, the amount of information, the layout, and other details included in the content image changed by the display change process described above.

[0084] Although an example has been described in which the width of the content image display area AR is enlarged from W1 to W2 and the content images A to F are enlarged from the first size to the second size by the size change input, the present invention is not limited to this. The width of the content image display area AR may be made smaller than W1 by the size change input. Also, the content image display area AR may not appear on the display 11A, and may be in a closed state in which no content images are displayed.

[0085] Furthermore, the size of the display area AR that is determined when the size change input is completed may be any size or may be a specified size.

[0086] 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an outline of the operation executed by the control unit 17 in this embodiment. For example, when the content display control device 10 is started, the application control unit 17A reads out each application included in the application group 15A from the storage unit 15 and starts it (step S101).

[0087] When each application is started, the application control unit 17A starts control for each application to generate a content image (step S102). The application control unit 17A starts supplying image data for displaying the content image generated by each application to the display control unit 17B (step S103).

[0088] When the image data of the content images is supplied, the display control unit 17B starts control to display the content images in the content image display area AR on the display 11A (step S104). When the display control unit 17B starts control to display the content images, the display control unit 17B notifies the application control unit 17A whether each content image is in a displayed state or a hidden state (step S105).

[0089] When the user performs an input operation to change the size of the display area AR, the display control unit 17B accepts the start of the size change input (step S106). In step S106, the display control unit 17B accepts the size change input by detecting that a touch operation to specify a change in the size of the display area AR has been started via the touch pad 11B. In step S106, the display control unit 17B functions as a reception unit that accepts the size change input.

[0090] When the display control unit 17B receives the start of the size change input, the display control unit 17B transmits size change input information indicating the content of the size change input to the application control unit 17A (step S107). In step S107, information including information indicating, for example, the moving direction and amount of the finger of the user performing the touch operation, the position on the display 11A, and the like is transmitted.

[0091] When the application control unit 17A receives the size change input information, it supplies image data of the content image in the displayed state to the display control unit 17B (S108). In step S108, the application control unit 17A controls the application corresponding to the content image in the displayed state based on the size change input information so as to generate a content image whose size has been changed in accordance with the size change, and supplies image data of the generated content image.

[0092] For example, the application control unit 17A changes the size of the content image in accordance with the size change by generating the content image in accordance with the width of the content image display area AR included in the size change input information.

[0093] When the user finishes the input operation, the display control unit 17B accepts the end of the size change input (step S109). In step S109, when the display control unit 17B detects that the finger of the user performing the touch operation has been removed from the touch pad 11B, for example, the display control unit 17B accepts the end of the size change input.

[0094] For example, when the display control unit 17B receives the end of the size change input, the display control unit 17B determines the size of the content image display area AR. In step S109, the size of the content image display area AR may be determined based on the position of the boundary BD as described with reference to FIGS.

[0095] Thereafter, the display control unit 17B transmits size change end information indicating that the size change input has ended to the application control unit 17A (step S110). In step S110, for example, information such as the width of the content image display area AR indicating the size of the content image display area AR may be transmitted together with the information indicating the end of the size change.

[0096] When the application control unit 17A receives the size change end information, it supplies image data for displaying each content image in the size after the size change to the display control unit 17B (step S111).

[0097] In step S111, the application control unit 17A controls each application corresponding to each of the content images so that the size of the displayed content image on the display 11A becomes the size changed by the size change input. In step S111, for example, the displayed content image is generated according to the width of the content image display area AR notified by the size change end information.

[0098] Furthermore, in step S111, the application control unit 17A controls each of the applications corresponding to each of the non-display state content images so that the non-display state content images are generated in accordance with the size of the displayed state content images.

[0099] 8 and 9 are flow charts showing a control routine RT1, which is one example of an operation routine executed by the display control unit 17B between steps S106 to S111 in FIG. 7 in the embodiment.

[0100] When the display control unit 17B starts the control routine RT1, it determines whether or not a touch input has started (step S201). In step S201, it is determined whether or not a touch operation corresponding to a size change input, which is an input operation for changing the size of the content image display area AR, has started. For example, in step S201, it may be determined that a touch input has started when a user's finger touches the boundary BD between the map display area NV and the content image display area AR.

[0101] When it is determined in step S201 that a touch input has not started, the display control unit 17B executes step S201 again to determine whether or not a touch input has started.

[0102] When it is determined in step S201 that a touch input has started, the display control unit 17B transmits touch input start information to the application control unit 17A (step S202).

[0103] After executing step S202, the display control unit 17B determines a reference position that serves as a reference for detecting the amount of movement of the touch input (step S203). The reference position is, for example, a position in the content image display area that is first touched by the user's finger.

[0104] After executing step S203, the display control unit 17B determines whether or not the amount of movement from the reference position in the touch input is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S204). In step S204, for example, it is determined whether or not the user's finger has moved by an amount equivalent to the predetermined amount of movement.

[0105] When the display control unit 17B determines in step S204 that the amount of movement from the reference position is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it changes the size of the content image display area AR in accordance with the amount of movement (step S205).

[0106] After executing step S205, the display control unit 17B transmits information indicating the size of the content image display area AR to the application control unit 17A (step S206). Note that, in step S206, for example, information indicating the reference position, the amount of movement, and the touch position may be transmitted instead of the information indicating the size. In this case, the application control unit 17A may calculate the size of the content image display area AR, i.e., the size of the image to be generated, from the information indicating the reference position, the amount of movement, and the touch position.

[0107] After executing step S206, the display control unit 17B determines whether or not a content image corresponding to the size of the content image display area AR has been received (step S207). For example, in step S207, it is determined whether or not a content image generated according to the size of the content image display area AR for the content corresponding to the content image in the display state has been received from the application control unit 17A.

[0108] When the display control unit 17B determines in step S207 that a content image corresponding to the size of the content image display area AR has not been received, it repeats step S207 and determines again whether or not the content image has been received.

[0109] When the display control unit 17B determines in step S207 that a content image corresponding to the size of the content image display area AR has been received, it replaces the displayed content image (first content image) with the received content image (second content image) (step S208).

[0110] After execution of step S208, or when it is determined in step S204 that the value is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the display control unit 17B determines whether or not the touch input is completed (step S209). For example, in step S209, it is determined whether or not the touch input is completed by removing the user's finger from the touch panel 11.

[0111] When the display control unit 17B determines in step S209 that the touch input is not complete, the process returns to step S203, and the reference position is determined again. For example, when the reference position is determined again, the position after the movement when the amount of movement is determined in step S204 is determined as the next reference position. Note that, when step S203 is executed after it is determined in step S204 that the amount of movement is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the same position as the original reference position may be determined as the reference position.

[0112] 9, and transmits touch input completion information to the application control unit 17A. In step S210, information indicating that the touch input has been completed, that is, that the size change input has ended, is transmitted. In addition, in step S210, the result of the touch input is transmitted together with the touch input completion information. As the result of the touch input, for example, information indicating the size of the content image display area AR at the time of completion of the touch input or information indicating the touch position at the time of completion of the touch input is transmitted.

[0113] After executing step S210, the display control unit 17B determines whether or not a non-display content image corresponding to the result of the touch input has been received from the application control unit 17A (step S211). In step S211, it is determined whether or not a content image generated according to the size of the content image display area AR, for example, has been received with respect to the content corresponding to the non-display content image.

[0114] When the display control unit 17B determines in step S211 that a non-display content image corresponding to the result of the touch input has not been received, it repeats step S211 and determines again whether or not the non-display content image has been received.

[0115] When the display control unit 17B determines in step S211 that a non-display content image corresponding to the result of the touch input has been received, the display control unit 17B replaces the image of the corresponding non-display content with the received non-display content image (step S212).

[0116] In step S212, the size of the content image in a hidden state is changed in a single transition from the size before the touch input (before the resize input) to a size that matches the size of the display area after the resize input is completed, i.e., to the size of the content image in a displayed state.

[0117] After completing step S212, the display control unit 17B returns to the beginning of the control routine RT1 and repeatedly executes the control routine RT1.

[0118] Fig. 10 is a flow diagram showing a control routine RT2 which is an example of an operation routine executed by the application control unit 17A between steps S106 to S111 in Fig. 7 in the embodiment. Fig. 10 shows a case where the application control unit 17A controls one of the applications included in the application group 15A. Hereinafter, as an example, a case where the application control unit 17A controls application A (content A), which is an application that generates a content image A, will be described.

[0119] For example, the application control unit 17A starts the application A to start generating the content image A, and supplies image data of the content image A to the display control unit 17B, and then starts the control routine RT2.

[0120] When starting the control routine RT2, the application control unit 17A determines whether or not touch input start information, that is, size change input information, has been received from the display control unit 17B (step S301).

[0121] For example, in step S301, it is determined whether or not information indicating that a touch input has started has been received.

[0122] When the application control unit 17A determines in step S301 that touch input start information has not been received (step S301: NO), the application control unit 17A returns to the beginning of the control routine RT2 and determines again whether or not touch input start information has been received.

[0123] When the application control unit 17A determines in step S301 that it has received touch input start information (step S301: YES), it determines whether or not it has received the size of the content image display area AR after movement from the display control unit 17B (step S302).

[0124] When it is determined in step S302 that the size of the content image display area AR after the movement has been received, the application control unit 17A determines whether or not the content image A is in a display state (step S303).

[0125] For example, in step S303, the application control unit 17A determines whether or not the content image A is in a display state based on the display state notification (FIG. 7, step S105) notified in advance from the display control unit 17B as described above.

[0126] When the application control unit 17A determines in step S303 that the content image A is in a display state (step S303: YES), it controls the application A to generate and transmit (supply) the content image A in a size according to the size of the display area after the movement (step S304). For example, in step S304, a content image whose layout or amount of information is changed in accordance with the change in size according to the size of the display area after the movement may be generated.

[0127] After executing step S204, the application control unit 17A determines whether or not touch input completion information, that is, size change end information indicating that the size change input has ended, has been received from the display control unit 17B (step S305).

[0128] In step S305, when the application control unit 17A determines that touch input completion information has not been received (step S305: NO), the process returns to step S302, and determines again whether or not the size of the display area after movement has been received.

[0129] When the application control unit 17A determines in step S303 that the content image A is not in a display state (step S303: NO), the application control unit 17A determines whether touch input completion information has been received (step S306). For example, in step S306, information indicating the size of the display area at the time of touch input completion is received as a result of the touch input together with the touch input completion information.

[0130] If the application control unit 17A determines in step S306 that the touch-input completion information has not been received, the process returns to step S306, and the application control unit 17A determines again whether or not the touch-input completion information has been received.

[0131] In step S306, when the application control unit 17A determines that touch input completion information has been received, it controls the application A to generate a non-displayed content image according to the result of the touch input and transmits it to the display control unit 17B (step S307). In step S307, for example, the application A generates a new content image A to replace the non-displayed content image A according to the size of the display area at the time of completion of the touch input received as a result of the touch input.

[0132] When it is determined in step S305 that the touch input completion information has been received (step S305: YES), or after executing step S307, the application control unit 17A ends the control routine RT1 and repeatedly executes the control routine RT1.

[0133] As described with reference to Figures 8 to 10, a display change process is executed to change the display form including the size and layout of the content image based on the size change input (for example, step S209 in Figure 8, step S212 in Figure 9, and steps S305 and S308 in Figure 10). During the display change process, the application control unit 17A and the display control unit 17B as the control unit function as a display change processing unit to change the display form including the size of the content image based on the size change input.

[0134] Specifically, for example, the display change process is a process of replacing a newly generated second content image in a display form corresponding to the size change input with a first content image that has already been generated and is in a displayed or hidden state.

[0135] As described above in detail, according to the content display control device 10 of the present embodiment, when a content image is displayed in the content image display area AR on the display 11A, the size of the content image display area AR can be changed in response to a size change input by the user. While the size change input is being accepted, a display change process is applied to the content image in the display state displayed in the content image display area AR, and the display form including the size is changed. The display form of the content image in the display state is changed following the size change input, and a display that is easy for the user to understand during the size change can be provided.

[0136] On the other hand, while the resizing input is being accepted, the display change process is not applied to the content image in the non-display state that is not displayed on the display 11A. Therefore, the display form including the size of the content image in the non-display state is not changed following the resizing input. Then, after the resizing input is completed, the display form of the content image in the displayed state is changed in one transition, that is, the display form according to the result of the resizing input. This reduces the load on the content image generation and display control when the resizing input is made. Therefore, it is possible to provide a content display control device that can smoothly realize a highly visible display that meets the needs of the user with low power consumption and low cost.

[0137] In other words, while the size change input is being accepted, the display change processing unit performs display change processing on first content images that are in a displayed state among the first content images corresponding to each of the multiple contents (applications), and does not perform display change processing on first content images that are in a hidden state.

[0138] Furthermore, after the size change input is completed, the display change processing section performs a display change process for the first content image that is in a non-display state.

[0139] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a change in size of a content image after a size change input for the content image display area AR is completed in a first modified example of the embodiment. Fig. 11 differs from Fig. 6 in that the size of the content images A and F is a first size having a width W1, and other points are shown in the same manner as Fig. 6.

[0140] In the state of Fig. 11, the size of the displayed content images C and D is a second size having a width W2. The size of the non-displayed content images B and E is the second size, which is the same as the displayed content images C and D. In contrast, the size of the content images A and F is a first size having a width W1, and has not changed from the size before the size change input.

[0141] 11, of the four content images in the non-display state, the display change process is performed on content images B and E, and the size is changed to match the size of the content image in the displayed state. The display change process is not performed on content images A and F, and the size is not changed.

[0142] Thus, in this modified example, after the size change input for the content image display area AR is completed, the size of the hidden content image is basically changed to match the size of the displayed content image, as in the case of content images B and E, but there are cases, such as content images A and F, where the size does not change even after the size change input is completed.

[0143] For example, whether or not the size of a content image in a non-display state is changed after the end of a size change input may be controlled based on a display order, which is the order in which the content image is displayed. An example of controlling the size of a content image based on the display order will be described below.

[0144] As described above, each of the content images A to F generated for each of the frames FR is scrolled and displayed in the content image display area AR. In Fig. 11, the six frames FR in which the content images AF are generated are scrolled in the arrangement direction while maintaining a continuous arrangement. Therefore, as the frames FR are scrolled, the content images AF are also scrolled and displayed in a predetermined order. That is, the content images AF are scrolled and displayed in a predetermined scroll order.

[0145] 11, when the content images AF are scrolled upward, the content images are displayed in the order "ABCDEF." Conversely, when the content images AF are scrolled downward, the content images are displayed in the order "FEDCBA."

[0146] For example, the display order, which is the order in which the content images in a non-display state are scrolled in units of frames FR until they are displayed in the content image display area AR, can be defined as follows.

[0147] First, for a content image in a displayed state, since it is already displayed, the display order is set to "0." Next, the display order of a content image in a hidden state that will be displayed when the content image is scrolled up or down by one frame FR is set to "1." In other words, the display order of a content image corresponding to a frame FR located one frame FR outside the content image display area AR is set to "1."

[0148] Furthermore, the display order of a content image that is in a non-display state and is displayed when the content image is scrolled by two frames FR in either the up or down direction is set to "2." In other words, the display order of a content image corresponding to a frame FR located two frames FR outside the content image display area AR is set to "2."

[0149] The display order can also be said to be a value indicating how many frames FR need to be slid before a non-displayed content image is displayed.

[0150] For example, in Fig. 11, the display order of content images C and D is "0", the display order of content images B and E is "1", and the display order of content images A and F is "2". Therefore, in Fig. 11, content image A and content image F, which have a display order of "2", are displayed later on display 11A than content image B and content image E, which have a display order of "1".

[0151] For example, a content image whose display order is later than a predetermined order may not be changed even after the end of the size change input, as long as the size of the content image in the displayed state matches the size of the content image in the displayed state when the content image is in the displayed state.

[0152] For example, if the predetermined display order is 1, the display order of content images A and F in Fig. 11 is "2", which is later than the predetermined display order, and the size does not need to be changed even after the size change input is completed. In this case, the display order of content images B and E is "1", so the size is changed in one transition to the size of content images C and D in the display state after the size change input is completed.

[0153] Figure 12 is a flow diagram showing a control routine RT3 which is an example of an operation routine executed in the first modified example shown in Figure 11. In Figure 12, steps which are substantially the same as or equivalent to those in the control routine RT2 shown in Figure 10 are given the same reference numerals.

[0154] As in the case of control routine RT1, when a size change input is accepted, the application control unit 17A determines whether or not the content image A is in a displayed state (step S303), and if it is determined that the content image A is not in a displayed state (step S303: NO), i.e., if the content image A is in a hidden state, it waits for touch input completion information (step S306).

[0155] When the application control unit 17A determines that touch input completion information has been received (step S306: YES), it determines whether the display order of the content image A is 2 or more (step S401). In step S401, for example, it determines whether the order until the content image A becomes in a display state is 2 or is later than 2, for example, whether it is 2 frames FR or more.

[0156] In step S401, when the application control unit 17A determines that the display order is two or more (step S401: YES), it ends this routine without generating a new content image A, and executes this routine repeatedly.

[0157] In step S401, if the application control unit 17A determines that the display order is not two or more (step S401: NO), as described above, it generates a new hidden content image A (second content image) to replace the hidden content image A (first content image) and transmits it to the display control unit 17B (step S307).

[0158] The display control unit 17B replaces the generated non-display content image A with the non-display content image A (first content image). Therefore, the non-display content image A is changed in one transition from the size before the size change input to the size of the content image in the display state after the size change input is completed.

[0159] In this way, according to the above first variant example, the size of each content image after the resize input is completed is changed to match the size of the content image display area AR at the time the resize input is completed (the content image in the displayed state after the resize input is completed), depending on the display order until the content image in the hidden state becomes displayed.

[0160] More specifically, it is possible to prevent the size of the content image whose display order is later than the predetermined order from being changed. In other words, in this modified example, the display change processing unit does not perform display change processing on the first content image that is in a hidden state and whose display order is later than the predetermined order, even after the size change input is completed.

[0161] Therefore, it is possible to reduce the load on the content display control device 10 accompanying the size change input, while maintaining smooth scrolling display and smooth display following the size change input.

[0162] The content image display control by the content display control device 10 according to the second modified example of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0163] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the size of the content image after the size change input is completed in the second modified example. Fig. 13 differs from Fig. 11 in that the size of the content images B and E is a first size having a width W1, and other points are shown in the same way as Fig. 11.

[0164] In the state of Figure 13, the sizes of content images B and E, which are in a hidden state, are generated at the first size, without being changed to the second size to match the sizes of content images C and D, which are in a displayed state, even after the size change input is completed.

[0165] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a change in size of the content images during a scroll operation in which the frame FR and the content image corresponding to the frame FR are slid in the arrangement direction in response to an input operation by the user's finger FG in the state of Fig. 13. In Fig. 14, the content images C and D are slid in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow. Accordingly, the content image E is brought into the content image display area AR.

[0166] In other words, in the state of FIG. 14, a scroll operation is performed in response to the input operation, whereby a selection input is made to select content image E for display.

[0167] As shown in Fig. 13, when no scrolling operation is performed, the size of the content image E in the non-display state is a first size. In the state of Fig. 14, when a scrolling operation is performed, the size of the content image E is changed to a second size, which is the same size as the content images C and D.

[0168] In this way, the size of content image E, which was in a non-display state, is changed to match the sizes of content images C and D, which are in a displayed state, when it is brought into the display area AR.

[0169] As described above, in the second modified example, when a selection input for changing each of the content images in a non-display state to a display state is received, the application control unit 17A generates a new content image (second content image) for the content image (first content image) selected by the selection input in accordance with the result of the resizing input. The display control unit 17B replaces the selected first content image with the second content image.

[0170] In other words, in the second modified example, when a size change input is received, the display change processing unit performs a display change process on a first content image that is in a hidden state and selected among the first content images corresponding to each of the multiple contents (applications), while not performing a display change process on a first content image that is in a hidden state and not selected.

[0171] Since the size of each content image in a hidden state is not changed until it is selected, the load imposed when the size of a content image is changed in accordance with a resize input for changing the size on the display screen of the content image display area AR can be further reduced.

[0172] Figure 15 is a flow diagram showing a control routine RT4 which is an example of an operation routine executed in the second modified example shown in Figures 13 and 14. In Figure 15, steps which are substantially the same as or equivalent to those in the control routine RT2 shown in Figure 10 are given the same reference numerals.

[0173] In addition, in the control routine RT2, an example is described in which the application control unit 17A controls an application A that generates a content image A, but in the following explanation, an example is described in which an application E that generates a content image E is controlled.

[0174] As in the case of control routine RT1, when a size change input is accepted, the application control unit 17A determines whether or not the content image E is in a displayed state (step S303), and if it determines that the content image E is not in a displayed state (step S303: NO), i.e., if the content image E is in a hidden state, it determines whether or not touch input completion information has been received (step S306).

[0175] When the application control unit 17A receives and determines that touch input has been completed (step S306: YES), it waits for selection of a content image E (step S501). In step S501, the application control unit 17A waits for reception of a selection input for selecting the content image E in a non-displayed state to be in a displayed state. The selection input may be, for example, an input operation on the touch pad 11B, such as a swipe in the arrangement direction.

[0176] After executing step S501, the application control unit 17A determines whether or not the content image E has been selected (step S502). In step S502, the application control unit 17A determines whether or not the display control unit 17B has received a selection input for displaying the content image E. In step S502, the display control unit 17B functions as a reception unit that receives a selection input for selecting a content image in a non-display state to display the content image.

[0177] When the application control unit 17A determines in step S502 that the content image E has not been selected (step S502: NO), it ends this routine without generating a new content image E, and executes this routine repeatedly.

[0178] When the application control unit 17A determines in step S502 that the content image E has been selected (step S502: YES), the application control unit 17A generates and transmits the content image E in accordance with the result of the touch input (step S307).

[0179] In step S403, the application control unit 17A generates a content image E, for example, according to the width of the content image display area AR notified by the touch input completion information from the display control unit 17B. In step S307, for example, as shown in Fig. 14, a content image E (second content image) corresponding to the content image E (first content image) in the non-display state is newly generated according to the size of the content images C and D in the display state. When the display control unit 17B receives the non-display content image E according to the result of the touch input, it replaces the image E of the corresponding non-display content with the received non-display content image E (Fig. 9, step S212).

[0180] As described above, according to the content display control device 10 of the present invention, the size of a content image can be changed and displayed in accordance with a resize input by a user to change the size of the content image display area AR on the display 11A. At this time, the application that generates the content image can be controlled so that the size of the content image in a non-display state that is not displayed on the display 11A is not changed in accordance with the size change input.

[0181] For the content image in the non-display state, the size is changed in one transition after the size change input is completed, thereby reducing the load associated with the size change input.

[0182] In addition, it is possible to perform control so that the size of the content image in the non-display state is not changed even after the end of the size change input, depending on the display order until the content image is in the display state. By using such control, the load associated with size change input can be further reduced.

[0183] In addition, the size of the content image in the non-display state can be changed to match the size of the content image in the displayed state when the content image is selected for displaying, even after the size change input is completed. This type of control can reduce the load associated with the size change input.

[0184] Therefore, it is possible to provide a content display control device, a content display control method, and a program that can smoothly realize a highly visible display that meets the needs of the user with low power consumption and low cost.

[0185] In the above embodiment and modified example, the size of the content image display area AR has a width W1 or a width W2, but the size is not limited to this. The size of the content image display area AR may be any size specified by an input operation on the touch panel 11, or may be a specified size. In addition, the example in which only the width of the content image display area AR is changed has been described, but the size is not limited to this, and the length in the vertical direction may be changed, for example.

[0186] Although an example in which the content display control device 10 simultaneously displays two content images has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. Display control may be performed so that one or three or more content images are simultaneously displayed.

[0187] Furthermore, the direction of scrolling controlled by the content display control device 10 is not limited to the up-down direction, and the content display control device 10 may control the display so that scrolling is possible in the left-right direction.

[0188] In addition, in the above embodiment and modified example, the position of the content image display area AR on the display 11A is on the left side as viewed from the front of the display 11A, but this is not limited thereto. The display area AR may be located anywhere on the display 11A.

[0189] For example, the position of the display area AR on the display 11A may be on the right side as viewed from the front of the display 11A. Alternatively, the display area AR may be provided at the top or bottom of the display 11A, and a plurality of content images displayed within the display area AR may be scrolled in the left-right direction.

[0190] In the above-mentioned embodiments and modified examples, an input for scrolling the content image may not be accepted while an input for changing the size of the content image is being accepted. Similarly, an input for changing the size of the content image may not be accepted while an input for scrolling the content image is being accepted.

[0191] The configurations in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and can be appropriately selected and modified depending on the application, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0192] 10 Content display control device 11 Touch Panel 11A Display 11B Touchpad 13 System Bus 15 Storage section 15A Application Group 15B Map Database 17 Control section 19 Communications Department 21 Input section 23 Output section 25 GPS receiver FR Frame M Vehicle

Claims

[Claim 1] a display control unit that displays a plurality of content images in a display area on a display screen; a reception unit that receives a size change input for changing a size of the display area on the display screen, A content display control device characterized in that, while the size change input is being accepted, a display change process is performed to change the display form of a content image among a plurality of content images that is in a displayed state on the display screen based on the size change input, and the display change process is not performed on a content image that is in a hidden state and not displayed on the display screen.

Images