Display control apparatus and display control method

Abstract

To provide a display control apparatus configured to display operation keys of a touch panel in accordance with a state of a user or situation of the user.SOLUTION: An information control apparatus 10 configured to display an image on a touch panel 50 disposed in a vehicle 2 includes: a surroundings information acquisition unit 11 which acquires surroundings information which is information on the inside and outside of the vehicle 2; a priority setting unit 12 which sets priorities of operation keys 51 to be displayed on the touch panel 50 on the basis of the surroundings information; an input body position information acquisition unit 13 which acquires position information of the touch panel 50 and an input body 3 for performing input operation on the touch panel 50; and an operation key display control unit 14 which controls displaying the operation keys 51. The operation key display control unit 14 changes the way to display high-priority operation keys 51 when the distance between the input body 3 and the touch panel 50 is shorter than a predetermined distance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display control device and a display control method for displaying an image on a touch panel.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a display control device that displays operation keys and the like on a touch panel for operating an electric device is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a display control device that detects that a finger has approached a touch panel and displays an operation key near the finger. In this display control device, the priority of the operation key is determined based on the operation history of the user who uses the touch panel, and the operation key with the highest priority is moved near the finger.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in reality, the service that the user wants to use varies depending on the user's state or the situation where the user is located.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a display control device that can display the operation keys of the touch panel according to the user's state or the situation where the user is located.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A display control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a display control device that causes an image to be displayed on a touch panel provided inside a vehicle, and includes a peripheral information acquisition unit that acquires peripheral information which is information inside and outside the vehicle, a priority setting unit that sets the priority of operation keys displayed on the touch panel based on the peripheral information, an input body position information acquisition unit that acquires position information of the touch panel and an input body for performing an operation input to the touch panel, and an operation key display control unit that controls the display of the operation keys. The operation key display control unit changes the display manner of the operation keys with higher priority when the distance between the input body and the touch panel is shorter than a predetermined distance.

[0007] A display control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a step of acquiring peripheral information which is information inside and outside the vehicle, a step of setting the priority of operation keys displayed on a touch panel based on the peripheral information, a step of acquiring information regarding the position of the touch panel and an input body for performing an operation input to the touch panel, and a step of changing the display manner of the operation keys with higher priority when the distance between the input body and the touch panel is shorter than a predetermined distance.

[0008] These general or specific aspects may be implemented by a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or may be implemented by any combination of a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. The recording medium may be a non-transitory recording medium.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] The display control device of the present disclosure can display operation keys of a touch panel according to the state of a user or the state in which the user is placed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions of components, connection forms, etc. shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0012] Also, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely. In each figure, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same configurations, and duplicate descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0013] (Embodiment) [Configuration of Display Control Device] The configuration of the display control device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a display control device 10 and a display control system 1 including the display control device 10 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram of the display control system 1.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the display control system 1 includes a display control device 10, a touch panel 50, and a peripheral information detection unit 70. The display control system 1 also includes a head-up display 60 that displays an image in the field of view of a user who uses the touch panel 50.

[0016] The touch panel 50 is a user interface device for operating electrical equipment installed in the vehicle 2, and is used, for example, when operating electrical equipment such as an in-vehicle lighting device, an air conditioner, a seat heater, a video device, or an audio device. The touch panel 50 receives an operation input from a user, transmits a signal based on the operation input to the electrical equipment or an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), and causes the execution of processing according to the operation input.

[0017] In this embodiment, the operation of electrical equipment using the touch panel may be simply expressed as the operation of electrical equipment, and the touch input to the touch panel may be expressed as an operation input.

[0018] The touch panel 50 is provided, for example, on the front seat or the rear seat of the vehicle 2. The touch panel 50 in this example is incorporated in a car navigation device provided on the front seat side of the automobile.

[0019] The head-up display 60 is a display device that directly displays an image in the field of view of the driver by displaying an image on a display screen visible to the driver of the vehicle 2. In this embodiment, the head-up display 60 uses the front glass 90 of the vehicle 2 as the display screen. Note that the head-up display 60 may be a combiner that uses a small and transparent plastic disk as the display screen. In the example of FIG. 1, the display area 61 of the head-up display 60 is arranged on the driver's seat side (the right side in FIG. 1) of the front glass 90.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the touch panel 50 included in the display control system 1.

[0021] On the panel surface 52 which is the screen of the touch panel 50, a plurality of operation keys 51 for directly receiving user operation inputs are displayed. The operation keys 51 are icons or buttons having a predetermined size, shape, and color. The plurality of operation keys 51 are arranged at positions determined in advance by the initial settings.

[0022] The touch panel 50 is composed of a display device such as a liquid crystal panel and a pointing device such as a touch pad. The touch panel 50 has a rectangular shape when viewed in plan from a direction perpendicular to the panel surface 52. The touch panel 50 notifies the user of information by displaying an image on the panel surface 52, and receives an operation input from the user when the input body 3 contacts the panel surface 52.

[0023] Note that the input body 3 is a part of a person or an object that performs an operation input to the touch panel 50, and is, for example, a finger or a touch pen. Hereinafter, the case where the input body 3 is a finger will be described as an example.

[0024] The touch panel 50 detects the presence or absence of a touch input based on a change in capacitance generated between the touch panel 50 and the input body 3. Further, the touch panel 50 detects the distance between the touch panel 50 and the input body 3 and the position coordinates of the input body 3 on the panel surface 52 based on a change in capacitance generated between the touch panel 50 and the input body 3.

[0025] Note that FIG. 3 also shows a plurality of proximity sensors 55 in addition to the touch panel 50. The proximity sensors 55 are, for example, infrared sensors or capacitance sensors, and detect that the input body 3 has approached the touch panel 50. A plurality of proximity sensors 55 are arranged on a frame 53 surrounding the outside of the touch panel 50.

[0026] The information detected by the touch panel 50 and the proximity sensor 55 is output to the input body position information acquisition unit 13 of the display control device 10.

[0027] The display control system 1 includes a peripheral information detection unit 70 in order to detect the situations inside and outside the vehicle 2. The display control system 1 detects the state of the user or the state where the user is placed by detecting the peripheral information which is the information inside and outside the vehicle 2 by using the peripheral information detection unit 70. Note that the information inside and outside the vehicle 2 is also the peripheral information around the touch panel 50.

[0028] The peripheral information detection unit 70 includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor 71, a clock 72, a driver monitoring unit 73, a passenger detection unit 74, a traffic information detection device 75, a thermometer 76, a microphone 77, etc. shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The peripheral information detection unit 70 outputs the GPS information, time information, driver monitoring information, passenger information, traffic information, temperature information, and sound information detected by these sensors, units, devices, etc. to the display control device 10. Note that the peripheral information detection unit 70 does not necessarily need to be separate from the display control device 10 and may be incorporated in the display control device 10 as a part of the display control device 10.

[0029] The display control device 10 is a computer device that displays an image on the display areas 61 of the touch panel 50 and the head-up display 60 provided inside the vehicle 2. The display control device 10 may be configured by a part of the car navigation device or may be configured by a part of the ECU.

[0030] The display control device 10 includes a peripheral information acquisition unit 11, a priority setting unit 12, an input body position information acquisition unit 13, an operation key display control unit 14, a display display control unit 15, and a storage unit 16. In the storage unit 16, programs for operating the input body position information acquisition unit 13, the peripheral information acquisition unit 11, the priority setting unit 12, the operation key display control unit 14, and the display display control unit 15 are stored.

[0031] The peripheral information acquisition unit 11 acquires the information output from the peripheral information detection unit 70, that is, the peripheral information which is the information inside and outside the vehicle 2. As described above, the peripheral information includes GPS information, time information, driver monitoring information, passenger information, traffic information, temperature information, and sound information. The peripheral information acquired by the peripheral information acquisition unit 11 is output to the priority setting unit 12 and the operation key display control unit 14.

[0032] The input body position information acquisition unit 13 acquires information regarding the distance between the touch panel 50 and the input body 3, and information regarding the position coordinates of the input body 3 with respect to the touch panel 50. The distance between the touch panel 50 and the input body 3 is the interval between the touch panel 50 and the input body 3 in the direction perpendicular to the panel surface 52. The position coordinates of the input body 3 with respect to the touch panel 50 are the position of the input body 3 in the plane coordinates parallel to the panel surface 52. The input body position information acquisition unit 13 acquires the information regarding the above distance and position coordinates based on the change in capacitance generated between the touch panel 50 and the input body 3. The position information acquired by the input body position information acquisition unit 13 is output to the priority setting unit 12 and the operation key display control unit 14.

[0033] The priority setting unit 12 sets the priority of the operation key 51 displayed on the touch panel 50 based on the peripheral information output from the peripheral information acquisition unit 11. The priority is set, for example, in three levels: high, medium, and low. Note that the priority of the operation key 51 is set to "medium" in the initial setting.

[0034] The operation key display control unit 14 determines whether the distance between the touch panel 50 and the input body 3 is shorter than a predetermined distance, and controls the display of the operation key 51. The operation key display control unit 14 in the present embodiment changes the display manner of the operation key 51 with a higher priority when the distance between the touch panel 50 and the input body 3 is shorter than a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance is a value appropriately selected from, for example, the range of 5 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

[0035] When the distance between the touch panel 50 and the input body 3 is shorter than a predetermined distance, it means that the user is in a state of about to perform some operation input on the touch panel 50. When performing an operation input on the touch panel 50, it is more convenient for the user to bring the operation key 51 with a higher priority closer to the position of the input body 3. Therefore, for example, when the distance between the input body 3 and the touch panel 50 becomes shorter than a predetermined distance, the operation key display control unit 14 changes the display position of the operation key 51 so that the operation key 51 with a higher priority approaches the position of the input body 3.

[0036] Note that the operation key display control unit 14 may not only change the display position of the operation key 51, but also change it so that the size of the operation key 51 becomes larger, or change it to have a different shape or a different color. The operation key display control unit 14 may change the display method by blinking the operation key 51.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the operation key 51 displayed on the touch panel 50.

[0038] In the figure, a state where the vehicle 2 has arrived near a specific garage is shown. Note that information regarding a specific garage is registered in advance in the storage unit 16 or the storage unit of the display control system 1.

[0039] In the state shown in the figure, the GPS sensor 71 outputs information indicating that the vehicle 2 has arrived near the garage to the peripheral information acquisition unit 11, and the peripheral information acquisition unit 11 outputs this information to the priority setting unit 12. Based on the information output from the peripheral information acquisition unit 11, the priority setting unit 12 sets the priority of the operation key 51 for opening and closing the entrance of the garage to "high". That is, the priority setting unit 12 makes the priority of the operation key 51 for opening and closing the entrance of the garage higher than the priority of other operation keys 51 (see (a) in FIG. 7).

[0040] When the distance between the input body 3 and the touch panel 50 becomes shorter than a predetermined distance, the operation key display control unit 14 changes the display position of the operation key 51 for opening and closing the entrance of the garage so that the operation key 51 approaches the position of the input body 3. Specifically, the operation key display control unit 14 moves the operation key 51 so that the operation key 51 and the input body 3 overlap when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the panel surface 52, and the operation key 51 is positioned directly below the input body 3.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the operation key 51 displayed on the touch panel 50.

[0042] This figure shows a state where the broadcast time of a specific radio program is approaching. Note that information regarding a specific radio program is registered in advance in the storage unit 16 or the storage unit of the display control system 1.

[0043] In the state shown in this figure, the clock 72 outputs information indicating that the broadcast time of the radio program is approaching to the peripheral information acquisition unit 11, and the peripheral information acquisition unit 11 outputs this information to the priority setting unit 12. Based on the information output from the peripheral information acquisition unit 11, the priority setting unit 12 sets the priority of the operation key 51 for tuning to the radio program to "high". That is, the priority setting unit 12 makes the priority of the operation key 51 for tuning to the radio program higher than the priority of other operation keys 51 (see (c) of FIG. 7).

[0044] When the distance between the input body 3 and the touch panel 50 becomes shorter than a predetermined distance, the operation key display control unit 14 changes the display position of the operation key 51 for tuning to the radio program so that the operation key 51 approaches the position of the input body 3. Specifically, the operation key display control unit 14 moves the operation key 51 so that the operation key 51 and the input body 3 overlap when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the panel surface 52, and the operation key 51 is positioned directly below the input body 3.

[0045] Note that the image displayed on the touch panel 50 is also simultaneously displayed in the display area 61 of the head-up display 60.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in a display area 61 of a head-up display 60.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the display display control unit 15 displays an operation key 51 in the display area 61 of the head-up display 60, similar to the touch panel 50. That is, the display display control unit 15 controls the display of the operation key 51 displayed by the head-up display 60.

[0048] Further, as shown in FIG. 6(b), when the distance between the input body 3 and the touch panel 50 becomes shorter than a predetermined distance, the display display control unit 15 displays an arrow-shaped pointer 63 on the screen. For example, the display display control unit 15 displays the pointer 63 so as to overlap the operation key 51 with a high priority.

[0049] Although the display area 61 of the head-up display 60 is set so that operation input by the input body 3 cannot be performed, the user can perform operation input on the touch panel 50 while viewing the image of the display area 61 of the head-up display 60.

[0050] The display control device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a peripheral information acquisition unit 11 that acquires peripheral information that is information inside and outside the vehicle 2, a priority setting unit 12 that sets the priority of the operation key 51 displayed on the touch panel 50 based on the peripheral information, an input body position information acquisition unit 13 that acquires position information between the touch panel 50 and the input body 3 for performing operation input on the touch panel 50, and an operation key display control unit 14 that controls the display of the operation key 51. The operation key display control unit 14 changes the display manner of the operation key 51 with a high priority when the distance between the input body 3 and the touch panel 50 is shorter than a predetermined distance.

[0051] By setting the priority of the operation key 51 based on the surrounding information inside and outside the vehicle 2 in this way, when an operation input is to be performed on the touch panel 50 hereafter, the display method of the operation key 51 with a high priority can be changed. According to this, the operation key 51 of the touch panel 50 can be displayed according to the state of the user or the state in which the user is placed.

[0052] In the above, an example of determining the priority of the operation key 51 based on the GPS information and time-related information of the vehicle 2 has been shown, but it is not limited thereto.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a table 16a indicating the relationship between the surrounding information detection unit 70, the surrounding information, and the priority of the operation key 51.

[0054] The display control device 10 has a table 16a (see FIG. 7) in which a predetermined condition of the surrounding information is associated with the priority of the operation key 51. When the acquired surrounding information satisfies the predetermined condition, the priority setting unit 12 sets the priority of the operation key 51 associated with the predetermined condition to be high. The predetermined condition is a condition preset by the user, and is set according to the situation inside and outside the vehicle 2, for example.

[0055] For example, the predetermined condition shown in FIG. 4 above is that the vehicle 2 arrives near the garage, and the operation key 51 associated with the predetermined condition is the operation key 51 for operating the opening and closing of the garage entrance (see (a) in FIG. 7). In this case, the priority setting unit 12 sets the priority of the operation key 51 for operating the opening and closing of the garage entrance to be high.

[0056] For example, the predetermined condition shown in FIG. 5 above is that the broadcast time of the radio program is approaching, and the operation key 51 associated with the predetermined condition is the operation key for tuning the radio program (see (c) in FIG. 7). In this case, the priority setting unit 12 sets the priority of the operation key 51 for tuning the radio program to be high.

[0057] Further, the priority setting unit 12 may set the priority of the operation keys based on the contents shown in FIGS. 7(b), (d), and (e) to (i).

[0058] For example, when the peripheral information acquisition unit 11 acquires information that the vehicle 2 is approaching the destination via the GPS sensor 71, the priority setting unit 12 may increase the priority of the operation key for searching for a parking lot near the destination (see FIG. 7(b)).

[0059] For example, when the peripheral information acquisition unit 11 acquires information that it is time to contact a specific person via the clock 72, the priority setting unit 12 may increase the priority of the operation key for calling the specific person (see FIG. 7(d)).

[0060] Also, when the peripheral information acquisition unit 11 acquires information about the driver, such as information about the driver's drowsiness and discomfort, via the driver monitoring unit 73, the priority setting unit 12 may increase the priority of the operation key for adjusting the temperature of the air conditioner or the operation key for adjusting the volume of the audio 81 (see FIG. 7(e)).

[0061] Also, when the peripheral information acquisition unit 11 acquires information about the passengers, such as information about the seats on which the passengers are seated, via the passenger detection unit 74, the priority setting unit 12 may increase the priority of the operation key for turning on the microphone 77 in the vehicle interior or the operation key for setting the sound field in the vehicle interior (see FIG. 7(f)).

[0062] Also, when the peripheral information acquisition unit 11 acquires traffic-related information, such as information about traffic jams and construction, via the traffic information detection device 75, the priority setting unit 12 may increase the priority of the operation key for searching for an alternative route or the operation key for selecting the auto cruise function (see FIG. 7(g)).

[0063] Also, when the peripheral information acquisition unit 11 acquires information regarding temperature, for example, information regarding indoor temperature and outdoor temperature, via the thermometer 76, the priority setting unit 12 may increase the priority of the operation key for the temperature, air volume, or defroster (or defogger) of the air conditioner (see (h) in FIG. 7).

[0064] Also, when the peripheral information acquisition unit 11 acquires information regarding indoor and outdoor sounds, for example, information regarding the volume being played on the audio 81 and the driving noise of the vehicle 2, via the microphone 77, the priority setting unit 12 may increase the priority of the operation key for the volume of the audio 81 or the operation key for the noise cancellation function (see (i) in FIG. 7).

[0065] The table 16a showing the relationship between the peripheral information detection unit 70, peripheral information, and priority shown in FIG. 7 is pre-stored in the storage unit 16. The priority setting unit 12 may determine the priority of the operation key 51 by comparing the peripheral information obtained by the peripheral information acquisition unit 11 with the table 16a in the storage unit 16.

[0066] In the above, an example of setting the priority of the operation key 51 based only on the peripheral information inside and outside the vehicle 2 is shown, but it is not limited thereto.

[0067] For example, when operation history information of a user using the touch panel 50, for example, information regarding the number of operations and operation time of the operation key 51, is stored in the storage unit 16, the priority setting unit 12 may set the priority of the operation key 51 based on the peripheral information and the operation history information.

[0068] Also, when the priority setting unit 12 simultaneously acquires a plurality of peripheral information from a plurality of peripheral information detection units 70, it may set the respective priorities of the plurality of operation keys 51 based on the operation history information stored in the storage unit 16. For example, when the vehicle 2 arrives near the garage and the broadcast time of the radio program is approaching simultaneously, the priority setting unit 12 may, based on the operation history information, increase the priority of the operation key 51 that has been executed more frequently in the past.

[0069] [Display control method] The display control method according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0070] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the display control method according to the embodiment.

[0071] First, the display control device 10 acquires peripheral information which is information inside and outside the vehicle 2 (step S10). The peripheral information is, for example, GPS information, time information, driver monitoring information, passenger information, traffic information, temperature information, and sound information.

[0072] Next, the display control device 10 sets the priority of the operation keys 51 displayed on the touch panel 50 based on the peripheral information acquired in step S10 (step S20). The priority of the operation keys 51 may be set, for example, according to the table 16a shown in FIG. 7.

[0073] Also, the display control device 10 acquires information regarding the position of the touch panel 50 and the input body 3 for performing operation inputs to the touch panel 50 (step S30). The information regarding the position of the touch panel 50 and the input body 3 is information regarding the distance between the touch panel 50 and the input body 3, and information regarding the position coordinates of the input body 3 with respect to the touch panel 50. The distance between the touch panel 50 and the input body 3 is the interval between the touch panel 50 and the input body 3 in the direction perpendicular to the panel surface 52. The position coordinates of the input body 3 with respect to the touch panel 50 are the position of the input body 3 in the plane coordinates parallel to the panel surface 52.

[0074] Next, the display control device 10 determines whether the distance of the input body 3 with respect to the touch panel 50 is shorter than a predetermined distance (step S40).

[0075] When the distance of the input body 3 with respect to the touch panel 50 is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance (No in S40), the display control device 10 returns to step S10 and executes the processing after step S10.

[0076] On the other hand, when the distance between the input body 3 and the touch panel 50 is shorter than a predetermined distance (Yes in S40), the display method of the operation key 51 with a high priority is changed (step S50). For example, the display control device 10 changes the display position of the operation key 51 so that the operation key 51 with a high priority approaches the position of the input body 3.

[0077] By repeating these steps S10 to S50, the display control method according to the embodiment is executed.

[0078] (Summary) A display control device according to an aspect of the present disclosure will be exemplified.

[0079] The display control device 10 of Example 1 is a display control device that displays an image on a touch panel 50 provided in the vehicle 2. The display control device 10 includes a peripheral information acquisition unit 11 that acquires peripheral information, which is information inside and outside the vehicle 2, a priority setting unit 12 that sets the priority of the operation key 51 displayed on the touch panel 50 based on the peripheral information, an input body position information acquisition unit 13 that acquires position information between the touch panel 50 and an input body 3 for performing an operation input to the touch panel 50, and an operation key display control unit 14 that controls the display of the operation key 51. The operation key display control unit 14 changes the display method of the operation key 51 with a high priority when the distance between the input body 3 and the touch panel 50 is shorter than a predetermined distance.

[0080] In this way, by setting the priority of the operation key 51 based on the peripheral information inside and outside the vehicle 2 and changing the display method of the operation key 51 with a high priority, the operation key 51 of the touch panel 50 can be displayed according to the state of the user or the state in which the user is placed.

[0081] The display control device 10 of Example 2 is the display control device described in Example 1, and the operation key display control unit 14 may change the display position of the operation key 51 so that the operation key 51 with a high priority approaches the position of the input body 3 when the distance between the input body 3 and the touch panel 50 becomes shorter than a predetermined distance.

[0082] In this way, by changing the display position so that the operation key 51 with a high priority approaches the position of the input body 3, the operation key 51 can be arranged at a position that is easy for the user to use.

[0083] The display control device 10 of Example 3 is the display control device according to Example 1 or 2, and the peripheral information may include at least one of GPS information, time information, driver monitoring information, passenger information, traffic information, environmental information, and sound information.

[0084] According to this, the priority of the operation key 51 can be appropriately set based on the above-mentioned peripheral information. Thereby, the operation key 51 of the touch panel 50 can be displayed according to the state of the user or the state in which the user is placed.

[0085] The display control device 10 of Example 4 is the display control device according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, and has a table 16a in which a predetermined condition of the peripheral information is associated with the priority of the operation key 51. When the acquired peripheral information satisfies the predetermined condition, the priority setting unit 12 may set the priority of the operation key 51 associated with the predetermined condition to be high.

[0086] In this way, by providing the table 16a in which the predetermined condition of the peripheral information is associated with the priority of the operation key 51, the operation key 51 of the touch panel 50 can be displayed according to the predetermined condition.

[0087] The display control device 10 of Example 5 is the display control device according to Example 4, and the predetermined condition is that the vehicle 2 arrives near the garage, and the operation key 51 associated with the predetermined condition may be an operation key for operating the opening and closing of the entrance and exit of the garage.

[0088] According to this, according to the predetermined condition that the vehicle 2 arrives near the library, the operation key 51 for operating the opening and closing of the garage door can be displayed.

[0089] The display control device 10 of Example 6 is the display control device described in Example 4, where the predetermined condition is that the broadcast time of the radio program is approaching, and the operation key 51 associated with the predetermined condition may be an operation key for tuning to the radio program.

[0090] According to this, the operation key 51 for tuning to the radio program can be displayed according to the predetermined condition that the broadcast time of the radio program is approaching.

[0091] The display control device 10 of Example 7 is the display control device described in any one of Examples 1 to 6, where the input body position information acquisition unit 13 may acquire position information regarding the distance between the touch panel 50 and the input body 3 and the plane coordinates in the direction parallel to the panel surface 52 of the touch panel 50 based on the change in capacitance generated between the touch panel 50 and the input body 3.

[0092] According to this, the position information between the touch panel 50 and the input body 3 can be accurately acquired. Thereby, the operation key 51 of the touch panel 50 can be displayed at the timing when the user inputs to the touch panel 50 and according to the state of the user or the state where the user is placed.

[0093] The display control device 10 of Example 8 is the display control device described in any one of Examples 1 to 7, and further includes a storage unit 16 that stores operation history information of the user who uses the touch panel 50. The priority setting unit 12 may set the priority based on the peripheral information and the operation history information.

[0094] By using the peripheral information and the operation history information of the user in this way, the operation key 51 of the touch panel 50 can be displayed according to the state of the user or the state where the user is placed, as well as according to the past performance.

[0095] The display control device 10 of Example 9 is the display control device described in any one of Examples 1 to 8, and further includes a display display control unit 15 that controls a head-up display 60 that displays an image in the field of view of a user who uses the touch panel 50. The display display control unit 15 may control the display of the operation key 51 displayed in the display area 61 of the head-up display 60.

[0096] In this way, by displaying the operation key 51 in the display area 61 of the head-up display 60, the operation key 51 can be displayed in the display area 61 of the head-up display 60 that is easy for the user to see according to the state of the user or the state in which the user is placed.

[0097] The display control method of Example 10 includes a step of acquiring surrounding information that is information inside and outside the vehicle 2, a step of setting the priority of the operation key 51 displayed on the touch panel 50 based on the surrounding information, and a step of acquiring information regarding the position of the touch panel 50 and the input body 3 for performing an operation input to the touch panel 50, and when the distance between the input body 3 and the touch panel 50 is shorter than a predetermined distance, changing the display manner of the operation key 51 with a high priority.

[0098] In this way, by setting the priority of the operation key 51 based on the surrounding information that is information inside and outside the vehicle 2 and changing the display manner of the operation key 51 with a high priority, the operation key 51 of the touch panel 50 can be displayed according to the state of the user or the state in which the user is placed.

[0099] (Other forms) As described above, the display control device according to one or more aspects has been described based on the above embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. As long as the gist of the present disclosure is not deviated from, various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art applied to the above embodiments may also be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0100] In the above-described embodiment, an example where the vehicle 2 is an automobile has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the vehicle may be a moving body such as a train.

[0101] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been shown in which the operation key 51 is moved so that the operation key 51 and the input body 3 overlap when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the panel surface 52. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, when the distance between the input body 3 and the touch panel 50 becomes shorter than a predetermined distance, the operation key display control unit 14 may move the operation key 51 so that the operation key 51 is positioned at a corner portion (for example, a corner portion on the driver's seat side) of the rectangular panel surface 52.

[0102] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the operation key 51 is moved has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the display control system 1 may move the operation key 51 and perform voice output for confirming the presence or absence of an operation input to the operation key 51 having a high priority by voice using the audio 81. For example, when the distance between the input body 3 and the touch panel 50 becomes shorter than a predetermined distance in the case shown in FIG. 4, the display control system 1 may move the operation key 51 and control the audio 81 so as to output a voice "Do you open or close the entrance of the garage?"

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been shown in which when the distance between the input body 3 and the touch panel 50 becomes shorter than a predetermined distance, the operation key 51 having a high priority is moved so as to approach the position of the input body 3. On the other hand, when no operation input is made to the operation key 51 and the distance between the input body 3 and the touch panel 50 becomes longer than a predetermined distance, the operation key display control unit 14 may control to return the operation key 51 once brought close to the input body 3 to its original position.

[0104] For example, in the above embodiment, each component of the processing unit included in the display control device may be configured by dedicated hardware or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0105] Further, the processing unit of the display control device may be realized as one processor together with an ECU or the like.

[0106] Note that the following cases are also included in the present disclosure.

[0107] (1) Specifically, at least one of the above devices is a computer system composed of a microprocessor, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk unit, a display unit, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM or the hard disk unit. When the microprocessor operates according to the computer program, at least one of the above devices achieves its function. Here, the computer program is composed of a combination of a plurality of instruction codes indicating instructions for the computer to achieve a predetermined function.

[0108] (2) Some or all of the components constituting the above-described at least one device may be configured from a single system LSI (Large Scale Integration). A system LSI is a super multifunctional LSI manufactured by integrating a plurality of components on a single chip. Specifically, it is a computer system including a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. A computer program is stored in the above RAM. When the microprocessor operates according to the computer program, the system LSI achieves its function.

[0109] (3) Some or all of the components constituting the above-described at least one device may be configured from an IC card or a single module detachable from the device. The IC card or module is a computer system composed of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The IC card or module may include the above-described super multifunctional LSI. When the microprocessor operates according to the computer program, the IC card or module achieves its function. This IC card or this module may have tamper resistance.

[0110] (4) The present disclosure may be the method described above. Further, it may be a computer program for realizing these methods by a computer, or a digital signal composed of a computer program.

[0111] Also, the present disclosure may be a computer program or a digital signal recorded on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium, such as a flexible disk, a hard disk, a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, a DVD, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), a semiconductor memory, etc. Further, it may be a digital signal recorded on these recording media.

[0112] Further, the present disclosure may transmit a computer program or a digital signal via a telecommunication line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network typified by the Internet, data broadcasting, or the like.

[0113] Alternatively, it may be implemented by another independent computer system by recording and transferring the program or digital signal onto a recording medium or by transferring the program or digital signal via a network or the like.

Industrial Applicability

[0114] The present disclosure is useful as a display control device for controlling the display of operation keys.

Description of Signs

[0115] 1 Display control system 2 Vehicle 3 Input body 10 Display control device 11 Peripheral information acquisition unit 12 Priority setting unit 13 Input body position information acquisition unit 14 Operation key display control unit 15 Display display control unit 16 Storage unit 16a Table 50 Touch panel 51 Operation key 52 Panel surface 53 Frame 55 Proximity sensor 60 Head-up display 61 Display area 63 Pointer 70 Peripheral information detection unit 71 GPS sensor 72 Clock 73 Driver monitoring unit 74 Occupant detection unit 75 Traffic information detection device 76 Thermometer 77 Microphone 81 Audio 90 Windshield

Claims

1. A display control device for displaying an image on a touch panel provided inside a vehicle, comprising: a peripheral information acquisition unit that acquires peripheral information which is information inside and outside the vehicle; a priority setting unit that sets the priority of operation keys displayed on the touch panel based on the peripheral information; an input body position information acquisition unit that acquires position information on the touch panel and an input body for performing an operation input to the touch panel; an operation key display control unit that controls the display of the operation keys; wherein when the distance between the input body and the touch panel is shorter than a predetermined distance, the operation key display control unit changes the display manner of the operation key with the higher priority. The display control device.

2. When the distance between the input body and the touch panel becomes shorter than a predetermined distance, the operation key display control unit changes the display position of the operation key with the higher priority so that the operation key approaches the position of the input body. The display control device according to Claim 1.

3. The peripheral information includes at least one of GPS (Global Positioning System) information, time information, driver monitoring information, passenger information, traffic information, environmental information, and sound information. The display control device according to Claim 1.

4. It has a table associating a predetermined condition of the peripheral information with the priority of the operation key, and when the acquired peripheral information satisfies the predetermined condition, the priority setting unit sets the priority of the operation key associated with the predetermined condition to be high. The display control device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. The predetermined condition is that the vehicle arrives near a garage, and the operation key associated with the predetermined condition is the operation key for operating the opening and closing of the entrance and exit of the garage. The display control device according to Claim 4.

6. The predetermined condition is that the broadcast time of a radio program is approaching, and the operation key associated with the predetermined condition is the operation key for tuning the radio program. The display control device according to Claim 4.

7. Based on a change in capacitance generated between the touch panel and the input body, the input body position information acquisition unit acquires position information regarding the distance between the touch panel and the input body and plane coordinates in a direction parallel to the panel surface of the touch panel. The display control device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

8. Furthermore, it includes a storage unit that stores operation history information of a user who uses the touch panel. The priority setting unit sets the priority based on the peripheral information and the operation history information. The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. Furthermore, it includes a display display control unit that controls a head-up display that displays an image in the field of view of a user who uses the touch panel. The display display control unit controls the display of operation keys displayed in the display area of the head-up display. The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. A step of acquiring peripheral information that is information inside and outside the vehicle. A step of setting the priority of operation keys displayed on the touch panel based on the peripheral information. A step of acquiring information regarding the position of the touch panel and an input body for performing an operation input to the touch panel. A step of changing the display manner of the operation key with a higher priority when the distance between the input body and the touch panel is shorter than a predetermined distance. A display control method including the above steps.

Images