Information display device

Abstract

To provide an information display device capable of easily displaying information desired by a user in an appropriate size.SOLUTION: The information display device is provided with: a first display control unit for displaying a content image in a first display area (16) on a display screen; a second display control unit for displaying a map image together with a plurality of icon images (18a to 18c and 19a) in a second display area (17) on the display screen; an input operation acceptance unit for accepting a first input operation for enlarging or reducing the first display area, and a second input operation from a user for the map image; and a display configuration processing unit for not performing first display configuration processing for changing a display configuration of the first icon images (18a to 18c) for accepting the second input operation out of the plurality of icon images based on the first input operation, and for performing the first display configuration processing with respect to the second icon image (19a) not for accepting the second input operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information display device that displays information. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, in a route guidance device that provides route guidance, an intersection image expressed three-dimensionally is displayed together with map information.

[0003] As such a route guidance device, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a display device that determines the complexity of an intersection and displays a three-dimensionally expressed image of the intersection together with map information according to the determination result. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-146271 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the display device in Patent Document 1 only displays a predetermined size intersection image together with map information. In addition, when multiple pieces of information are displayed, one example of a problem is that they cannot be displayed at an appropriate display size.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and one of its objects is to provide an information display device that can easily display information desired by a user in an appropriate size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The information display device described in claim 1 of the present application is characterized by comprising: a first display control unit that displays a content image in a first display area on a display screen; a second display control unit that displays a map image together with a plurality of icon images in a second display area on the display screen; an input operation receiving unit that receives a first input operation for enlarging or reducing the first display area and a second input operation from a user for the map image; and a display form processing unit that, based on the first input operation, does not perform a first display form process for changing the display form of a first icon image of the plurality of icon images that is for receiving the second input operation, but performs the first display form process on a second icon image that is not for receiving the second input operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the front of a vehicle as seen from the driver's seat of the vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functional blocks of the information display device. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode on the screen of the touch panel of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode on the screen of the touch panel of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode on the screen of the touch panel of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a manner in which a content image is enlarged or reduced by a touch operation by a user. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing an information display process performed by the route search device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an information display process performed by the route search device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode on the screen of the touch panel of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 11]2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode on the screen of the touch panel of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 12] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode on the screen of the touch panel of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 13] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode on the screen of the touch panel of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart showing an information display process performed by the route search device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] 15 is a flowchart showing a subroutine shown in FIG. 14. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Example]

[0009] An information display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the following description, a case will be described in which the information display device has a function as a route search device that searches for a route from a current location to a destination.

[0010] Fig. 1 shows the vicinity of the front seat of an automobile M. As shown in Fig. 1, an information display device 10 is mounted on the automobile M. Note that the automobile M is an example of a mobile body. The mobile body may be a mobile body other than an automobile, such as a bicycle, a motorcycle, an airplane, a ship, or a mobile terminal carried by a moving person.

[0011] The information display device 10 is, for example, a device mounted inside the dashboard DS of an automobile M. The information display device 10 displays map information, route guidance information, and the like on a touch panel 20 provided on the dashboard DS of the automobile M.

[0012] The touch panel 20 has a screen 20a as a display screen formed in, for example, a rectangular shape. The touch panel 20 is a display input device having a display function for displaying information to a user and an input function for receiving input operations from the user. The touch panel 20 may be, for example, a liquid crystal touch panel.

[0013] The touch panel 20 has a Natural User Interface (NUI), which is an interface that accepts touch operations such as taps and swipes performed by the user's fingers.

[0014] A tap is a touch operation in which the user's fingertip taps the screen 20a of the touch panel 20 once. A swipe is a touch operation in which the user's finger touches the screen 20a of the touch panel 20 and slides the fingertip across the screen 20a. Here, the touch operation will be described as an operation by the user from when the user's finger touches the screen 20a of the touch panel 20 until the user's finger is removed from the screen. The touch operation will be described as a single touch operation that changes the display mode of the screen 20a of the touch panel 20.

[0015] Here, the description will be given assuming that the proximal side of the touch panel 20 as viewed from the windshield FG of the automobile M is the upper side of the screen 20a of the touch panel 20, and the distal side of the touch panel 20 as viewed from the windshield FG of the automobile M is the lower side of the screen 20a of the touch panel 20. Also, in FIG. 1 , the description will be given assuming that the driver's seat side is the right side of the screen 20a of the touch panel 20, and the passenger's seat side is the left side of the screen 20a of the touch panel 20.

[0016] Fig. 2 shows functional blocks of the information display device 10. As shown in Fig. 2, in the information display device 10, the input / output unit 11, the communication unit 12, the storage unit 13, and the control unit 14 are connected to each other via a system bus 15.

[0017] As described above, the touch panel 20 displays map information, route guidance information, and the like on its screen 20a. The input / output unit 11 is an interface unit connected to the touch panel 20. Therefore, the information display device 10 can display information on the screen 20a of the touch panel 20 via the input / output unit 11. In addition, the information display device 10 can receive input information input to the screen 20a of the touch panel 20 via the input / output unit 11.

[0018] The communication unit 12 is an interface unit for connecting to an external device (not shown) such as a server device via a network (not shown) such as the Internet. The information display device 10 is connected to the server device via the communication unit 12 so as to be able to communicate data with the server device. For example, the information display device 10 can request the server device to transmit data held by the server device to the information display device 10 via the communication unit 12, and can receive the requested data.

[0019] The storage unit 13 is configured by, for example, a hard disk device, a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 13 stores various programs such as a basic input output system (BIOS), an operating system (OS), and application software.

[0020] The storage unit 13 holds an application program 13A as content and an application program 13B as content. The storage unit 13 also holds a map DB (Database) 13C that stores map information of roads on which the automobile M travels.

[0021] The application program 13A is a program that allows users to enjoy AV (Audio Visual) content such as videos and music distributed by streaming or the like.

[0022] The application program 13B is a program that can display messages and the like of a social network service (SNS) such as an instant messenger on a screen.

[0023] It should be noted that these application programs 13A and 13B are merely examples, and it is possible to appropriately change the application programs stored in the storage unit 13. For example, the storage unit 13 may store an application program capable of displaying the congestion status of a parking lot in real time.

[0024] The control unit 14 is realized by a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 14a as an arithmetic processing device, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 14b as a main storage device, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 14c. The CPU 14a reads a program corresponding to the processing content from the ROM 14b or the storage unit 13, loads it into the RAM 14c, and works with the loaded program to realize various functions.

[0025] The control unit 14 is capable of reading out map information from the map DB 13C in the storage unit 13 and displaying a map image on the screen 20a of the touch panel 20 based on the map information. The control unit 14 is also capable of generating route information to a destination input from the touch panel 20 and displaying the generated route information on the screen 20a of the touch panel 20.

[0026] The control unit 14 is capable of generating a plurality of content images by executing the application program 13A and the application program 13B from the storage unit 13. In other words, each of the plurality of content images is generated by executing each of the plurality of application programs 13A and 13B.

[0027] The control unit 14 can accept a touch operation performed by the user on the screen 20a of the touch panel 20. Therefore, the control unit 14 functions as an input operation accepting unit that accepts a touch operation (first input operation) for enlarging or reducing the content display area, which is the first display area of ​​the screen 20a.

[0028] The control unit 14 can detect, for example, based on an input signal from the touch panel 20, that the user's finger has touched the screen 20a of the touch panel 20 and that the finger has been removed from the screen 20a of the touch panel 20. The control unit 14 can also detect, for example, based on an input signal from the touch panel 20, the sliding direction of the touch operation by the user.

[0029] The control unit 14 can simultaneously display the map image and multiple content images on the screen 20a. Specifically, the control unit 14 can display on the screen 20a of the touch panel 20 a display including a content display area that displays multiple content images and a map display area that displays a map image as a second display area. Therefore, the control unit 14 functions as a first display control unit that selectively displays content images corresponding to multiple application programs in the content display area on the screen 20a. The control unit 14 can also enlarge or reduce the content display area on the screen 20a between multiple preset sizes in response to a user's touch operation.

[0030] The control unit 14 can perform second display form processing for changing the display form of the content image based on a touch operation for enlarging or reducing the content display area on the screen 20a. The control unit 14 can perform third display form processing for changing the display form of the map image based on a touch operation for enlarging or reducing the content display area on the screen 20a. Therefore, the control unit 14 functions as a display form processing unit.

[0031] Fig. 3 shows an example of a display mode of screen 20a of touch panel 20. In addition to touch panel 20, Fig. 3 also shows a user's finger PF operating touch panel 20. The arrow in the figure indicates the sliding direction of the user's finger PF.

[0032] 3, a content display area 16 is arranged on the left side of the screen 20a to display content images generated by executing the application programs 13A and 13B. That is, the display displayed on the screen 20a includes the content display area 16 as a first display area in which a plurality of content images are displayed.

[0033] On the right side of the screen 20a, a map display area 17 is arranged as another display area adjacent to the content display area 16. That is, on the screen 20a, the content display area 16 is displayed on the left side of the boundary BO, and the map display area 17 is displayed on the right side.

[0034] A map image is displayed in the map display area 17. A route from the current location to the destination may also be displayed in the map display area 17. Note that it is sufficient that the screen 20a of the touch panel 20 displays information including the content display area 16, and for example, only the content display area 16 may be displayed.

[0035] Two arranged display frames 16a and 16b are displayed in the content display area 16. The two display frames 16a and 16b are arranged side by side above and below. That is, the two display frames 16a and 16b are arranged in a row from the top to the bottom of the screen 20a of the touch panel 20.

[0036] Different content images may be displayed in the display frame 16a and the display frame 16b. For example, as shown in the example of Fig. 3, the upper display frame 16a may display a content image generated by executing the application program 13A. The lower display frame 16b may display a content image generated by executing the application program 13B.

[0037] 3, the content display area 16 is displayed in a first default size. For example, in the first default size, the content display area 16 has a width W1, which is 1 / 3 of the width of the screen 20a. Note that the first default size can be freely set depending on the implementation.

[0038] In the information display device 10 of this embodiment, the size of the content display area 16 changes as the boundary BO moves left and right in response to a touch operation with the user's finger PF on the touch panel 20. Specifically, for example, the size of the content display area 16 changes as the boundary BO moves left and right in response to a swipe operation with the user's finger PF in the direction of the arrow in the figure, i.e., in the left and right directions. The size of the content display area 16 changes sequentially following the movement of the finger PF during the swipe operation.

[0039] In the touch operation for changing the size of the content display area 16, the touch position of the user's finger PF may be on the boundary BO or may be any position within the content display area 16.

[0040] In this embodiment, since the content display area 16 is located on the left side of the screen 20a, for example, when the user performs a touch operation of swiping the finger PF rightward, the boundary BO moves to the right, thereby enlarging the content display area 16. Specifically, for example, when the user swipes the finger PF rightward so as to straddle the boundary between the content display area 16 and the map display area 17, the content display area 16 is enlarged.

[0041] Furthermore, when the user performs a touch operation of swiping the finger PF leftward, the boundary BO moves to the right, thereby reducing the content display area 16. Specifically, for example, when the user swipes the finger PF leftward so as to straddle the boundary between the content display area 16 and the map display area 17, the content display area 16 is reduced. In other words, a touch operation in which the user swipes the finger PF leftward or rightward is a first input operation for enlarging or reducing the content display area.

[0042] The sizes of the two display frames 16a, 16b are enlarged or reduced in the left-right direction of the screen 20a as the content display area 16 is enlarged or reduced. Furthermore, the size of the content images displayed in the two display frames 16a, 16b is enlarged or reduced as the display frames 16a, 16b are enlarged or reduced. Note that the display mode of the content images may be changed as the display frames 16a, 16b are enlarged or reduced. Furthermore, the size of the map display area 17 is also enlarged or reduced in the left-right direction of the screen 20a as the content display area 16 is enlarged or reduced.

[0043] 4 shows an example of the display mode of the screen 20a of the touch panel 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the content display area 16 is displayed in a second default size that is larger than the first default size. For example, the content display area 16 of the second default size has a width W2 that is half the width of the screen 20a. In this embodiment, the second default size has a width W2 from the left edge of the screen 20a.

[0044] For example, a change in the display mode from that shown in Fig. 3 to that shown in Fig. 4, i.e., a change in the content display area 16 from a first preset size to a second preset size, is caused by a rightward swipe operation with the finger PF. The opposite change is caused by, for example, a leftward swipe operation with the finger PF.

[0045] Fig. 5 shows an example of a display mode of the screen 20a of the touch panel 20. Fig. 5 shows a closed display in which the content display area 16 is not displayed on the screen 20a. Therefore, only the map display area 17 is displayed on the screen 20a.

[0046] For example, a change in the display mode from that shown in Fig. 3 to that shown in Fig. 5, i.e., a change from the first default size of the content display area 16 to a closed display, is caused by a leftward swipe operation with the finger PF. The opposite change is caused by, for example, a rightward swipe operation with the finger PF.

[0047] Except during operation with the finger PF, the content display area 16 is displayed on the screen 20a of the touch panel 20 in three modes: a first default size shown in Fig. 3, a second default size shown in Fig. 4, and a closed display shown in Fig. 5. Similarly, the map display area 17 is also displayed on the screen 20a of the touch panel 20 in the three modes shown in Figs. 3, 4, and 5.

[0048] That is, the content display area 16 is displayed in only three predetermined display modes except during an operation with the finger PF. In other words, the boundary BO is at one of the three positions shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 except during an operation with the finger PF.

[0049] The default display mode in which the content display area 16 is displayed depends on the size of the content display area 16 when the touch operation is completed. In other words, after the touch operation is completed, the boundary BO is brought to a default position determined by the position of the boundary BO when the touch operation is completed, thereby setting the content display area 16 to the default display mode.

[0050] An example of how the default display mode after the end of a touch operation is determined will be described using FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows the content display area 16 in a state where it is at a first default size. FIG. 6 also shows borderlines BR1 and BR2 that serve as the basis for determining the default size of the content display area 16. In this example, the borderline BR1 is located at the position of the border BO when the content display area 16 is 110% of the first default size. The borderline BR2 is located at the position of the border BO when the content display area 16 is 90% of the first default size.

[0051] As described above, the boundary BO moves by a touch operation of sliding the finger PF (hereinafter referred to as a slide operation). In the information display device 10 of this embodiment, when the slide operation ends, that is, when the finger PF is released from the screen, the default display mode of the content display area 16 is determined depending on the position of the boundary BO relative to the border lines BR1 and BR2.

[0052] For example, if the boundary BO is located to the right of the border line BR1 when the slide operation ends, the display mode of the content display area 16 is determined to be the second default size.

[0053] For example, if the boundary BO is between the border line BR1 and the border line BR2 at the end of the slide operation, the display mode of the content display area 16 is determined to be the first default size.

[0054] For example, if the boundary BO is located to the left of the border line BR2 at the end of the slide operation, the display mode of the content display area 16 is determined to be the closed display.

[0055] In this way, the content display area 16 is enlarged or reduced during the slide operation, and is changed to a default size according to the position of the boundary BO at the end of the slide operation. The unit of change in enlargement or reduction of the content display area 16 during this slide operation is smaller than the unit of change between each of the default sizes.

[0056] As described above, the content display area 16 is enlarged or reduced based on the size of the content display area 16 when the user's touch operation is completed, so that the content display area 16 can be displayed in a manner that reflects the intention of the touch operation performed by the user.

[0057] Fig. 7 shows information display processing R1 by the information display device 10. As shown in Fig. 7, when the application program 13A and the application program 13B are executed, the control unit 14 starts up each of the application programs 13A and 13B (step S101).

[0058] The control unit 14 causes the display frames 16a and 16b to display content images generated by executing the application programs 13A and 13B started in step S101. The control unit 14 also causes the map image to be displayed in the map display area 17. That is, the control unit 14 causes the display to be displayed on the screen 20a of the touch panel 20 (step S102). Therefore, the control unit 14 functions as a first display control unit that causes the screen 20a to display a display including the content display area 16 that displays multiple pieces of content.

[0059] When the user performs a swipe touch operation in the content display area 16 of the screen 20a, the control unit 14 changes the size of the content image displayed in the content display area 16 (step S103). That is, the content display area 16 can be enlarged or reduced in accordance with the user's touch operation.

[0060] Therefore, the control unit 14 functions as a display form processing unit that performs second display form processing to change the display form of the content image based on a touch operation to enlarge or reduce the content display area on the screen 20a. Furthermore, the map image is also enlarged or reduced in accordance with the enlargement or reduction of the content display area on the screen 20a. In other words, the control unit 14 functions as a display form processing unit that performs third display form processing to change the display form of the map image based on a touch operation to enlarge or reduce the content display area on the screen 20a.

[0061] The control unit 14 determines whether the engine of the automobile M has stopped (step S104). If the control unit 14 determines in step S104 that the engine of the automobile M has not stopped (step S104: N), the control unit 14 returns to the content image size change process of step S103.

[0062] If the control unit 14 determines in step S104 that the engine of the automobile M has stopped (step S104: Y), it ends the display on the screen 20a (step S105) and ends each of the application programs 13A and 13B (step S106).

[0063] Fig. 8 shows the subroutine R2 for changing the size of the content image in step S103. As shown in Fig. 8, the control unit 14 determines whether or not a slide operation has been performed by the user (step S201). In the determination of step S201, the control unit 14 determines whether or not a touch operation for enlarging or reducing the content display area 16, that is, a slide operation in the left / right direction, has been performed.

[0064] When it is determined in step S201 that the user has not performed a slide operation (step S201: N), the control unit 14 ends the process.

[0065] When it is determined in step S201 that a slide operation has been performed by the user (step S201: Y), the control unit 14 accepts the slide operation. At this time, the control unit 14 enlarges or reduces the content display area 16 and the map display area 17 in accordance with the slide operation. In this way, the control unit 14 functions as an input operation accepting unit that accepts touch operations performed on the screen 20a.

[0066] The control unit 14 determines whether the accepted sliding operation has ended (step S202). For example, the control unit 14 determines that the sliding operation has ended based on the fact that the user's finger PF has been released from the screen 20a. Note that, if the control unit 14 determines in step S202 that the accepted sliding operation has not ended (step S202: N), it repeats the determination in step S202 until the accepted sliding operation ends.

[0067] When it is determined in step S202 that the received slide operation has ended (step S202: Y), the control unit 14 ends the enlargement or reduction of the content display area 16 during the touch operation.

[0068] It is determined whether or not the position of the boundary BO when the slide operation is completed, that is, the position of the boundary BO on the screen 20a at the end of the touch operation, is to the right of the border line BR1 (step S203).

[0069] If the control unit 14 determines in step S203 that the position of the boundary BO is to the right of the border line BR1 (step S203: Y), it sets the content display area 16 to the second default size (step S204). Therefore, the control unit 14 functions as a display form processing unit that performs second display form processing and third display form processing.

[0070] If the control unit 14 determines in step S203 that the position of the boundary BO is to the left of the border line BR1 (step S203: N), it determines whether the position of the boundary BO when the slide operation ends, i.e., the position of the boundary BO on the screen 20a at the end of the touch operation, is to the left of the border line BR2 (step S205).

[0071] If the control unit 14 determines in step S205 that the position of the boundary BO is to the left of the border line BR2 (step S205: Y), the control unit 14 causes the content display area 16 to be displayed in a closed state (step S206). Therefore, the control unit 14 functions as a display form processing unit that performs the second display form processing and the third display form processing.

[0072] If the control unit 14 determines in step S205 that the position of the boundary BO is to the right of the border line BR2 (step S205: N), it sets the content display area 16 to the first default size (step S207). Therefore, the control unit 14 functions as a display form processing unit that performs second display form processing and third display form processing.

[0073] In this way, the control unit 14 sets the size of the content display area 16 and the size of the map display area 17 to a predetermined default size depending on the position of the boundary BO when the slide operation for enlarging or reducing the content display area 16 is completed, i.e., the size of the content display area 16.

[0074] In this embodiment, the content display area 16 is described as being displayed on the screen 20a of the touch panel 20 in three display sizes: a first default size, a second default size, and a closed display. However, the content display area 16 is not limited to three display modes. For example, a default size may be set between the first default size and the second default size, and the display modes may be increased.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the default display mode in which the content display area 16 is displayed is determined based on the position of the boundary BO when the touch operation is completed. However, the default display mode in which the content display area 16 is displayed can be freely set. For example, the default display mode in which the content display area 16 is displayed may be determined based on the amount of slide of the user's slide operation.

[0076] As described above, when the content display area 16 is enlarged or reduced on the screen 20a of the touch panel 20, the information display device 10 according to this embodiment enlarges or reduces the content display area 16 based on the size of the content display area 16 when the user's slide operation is completed.

[0077] Therefore, it is possible to easily display the information desired by the user in an appropriate size by enlarging or reducing the content display area 16. In particular, when the information display device 10 is mounted on a mobile object such as an automobile, the user must also pay attention to driving operations, which makes it difficult for the user to focus on the screen 20a of the touch panel 20.

[0078] In this way, the content display area 16 is enlarged or reduced based on the size of the content display area 16 when the user's slide operation is completed, making it possible to enlarge or reduce the display to reflect the intention of the touch operation performed by the user.

[0079] Therefore, with the information display device 10 according to this embodiment, the user can easily perform an operation to enlarge or reduce the content display area 16 without gazing at the screen 20a of the touch panel 20. [Example]

[0080] An information display device 10 according to a second embodiment will be described. The information display device 10 according to the second embodiment differs in a subroutine for changing the size of a content image in the information display process. Specifically, the information display device 10 according to the second embodiment differs from the information display device 10 according to the first embodiment in that the default display mode of the content display area 16 is determined depending on the position of the finger PF at the time when the user finishes the touch operation. Other points are the same as those of the information display device 10 according to the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] Furthermore, the slide direction of the touch operation immediately before the end of the slide operation determines which default display mode the content display area 16 will be in. For example, if the user performs a right-swiping touch operation for a certain period of time after starting the touch operation, and then performs a left-swiping touch operation for a period of time after the certain period of time has elapsed until the end of the touch operation, the content display area 16 will be reduced.

[0082] 9 shows a subroutine R2 for changing the size of a content image in step S103 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 14 determines whether or not a slide operation has been performed by the user (step S301). For example, the control unit 14 determines that a touch operation has been performed based on the user's finger PF touching the screen 20a. In this embodiment, the control unit 14 also determines whether or not a touch operation for enlarging or reducing the content display area 16, that is, a slide operation performed in the left-right direction, has been performed.

[0083] When it is determined in step S301 that the user has not performed a slide operation (step S301: N), the control unit 14 ends the process.

[0084] When it is determined in step S301 that a slide operation has been performed by the user (step S301: Y), the control unit 14 accepts the touch operation. At that time, the control unit 14 enlarges or reduces the content display area 16 in accordance with the touch operation. Therefore, the control unit 14 functions as an input operation accepting unit that accepts touch operations performed on the screen.

[0085] The control unit 14 determines whether the accepted sliding operation has ended (step S302). For example, the control unit 14 determines that the sliding operation has ended based on the fact that the user's finger PF has been released from the screen 20a. Note that, if the control unit 14 determines in step S302 that the accepted sliding operation has not ended (step S302: N), it repeats the determination in step S302 until the accepted sliding operation ends.

[0086] When it is determined in step S302 that the received slide operation has ended (step S302: Y), the control unit 14 determines whether the sliding direction of the touch operation just before the end of the slide operation was toward the right (step S303). That is, the control unit 14 determines whether to enlarge or reduce the content display area 16 depending on the moving direction of the touch operation just before the end of the slide operation. The control unit 14 determines the sliding direction of the touch operation based on an input signal from the touch panel 20.

[0087] When it is determined in step S303 that the sliding direction of the touch operation is to the right (step S303: Y), the control unit 14 determines whether the position of the user's finger PF when the sliding operation is completed, i.e., whether the position of the finger PF on the screen 20a at the end of the touch operation is to the right of the border line BR1 (step S304). That is, the control unit 14 determines a default size for enlarging the content display area 16 according to the position of the finger PF on the screen 20a at the end of the touch operation. Note that the control unit 14 determines the position of the finger PF on the screen 20a at the end of the touch operation based on an input signal from the touch panel 20.

[0088] If the control unit 14 determines in step S305 that the position of the user's finger PF is to the right of the border line BR1 (step S304: Y), the control unit 14 sets the content display area 16 to the second default size (step S305). Therefore, the control unit 14 functions as a display form processing unit that performs second display form processing and third display form processing.

[0089] If the control unit 14 determines in step S304 that the position of the user's finger PF is to the left of the border line BR1 (step S304: N), it sets the content display area 16 to the first default size (step S306). Therefore, the control unit 14 functions as a display form processing unit that performs second display form processing and third display form processing.

[0090] When it is determined in step S303 that the sliding direction of the touch operation is to the left (step S303: N), the control unit 14 determines whether the position of the user's finger PF when the sliding operation is completed, i.e., whether the position of the finger PF on the screen 20a at the end of the touch operation is to the left of the border line BR2 (step S307). That is, the control unit 14 determines a default size to reduce the content display area 16 according to the position of the finger PF on the screen 20a at the end of the touch operation. Note that the control unit 14 determines the position of the finger PF on the screen 20a at the end of the touch operation based on an input signal from the touch panel 20.

[0091] If the control unit 14 determines in step S307 that the position of the user's finger PF is to the left of the border line BR2 (step S307: Y), the control unit 14 causes the content display area 16 to be displayed in a closed state (step S308). Therefore, the control unit 14 functions as a display form processing unit that performs the second display form processing and the third display form processing.

[0092] If the control unit 14 determines in step S307 that the position of the user's finger PF is to the right of the border line BR2 (step S307: N), the control unit 14 sets the content display area 16 to the first default size (step S309). Therefore, the control unit 14 functions as a display form processing unit that performs second display form processing and third display form processing.

[0093] In this way, the control unit 14 sets the content display area 16 to a default size based on the last position on the screen 20a where a touch operation was performed.

[0094] As described above, when the content display area 16 is enlarged or reduced on the screen 20a of the touch panel 20, the information display device 10 according to this embodiment enlarges or reduces the content display area 16 based on the size of the content display area 16 when the user's slide operation is completed.

[0095] Therefore, it is possible to easily display the information desired by the user in an appropriate size by enlarging or reducing the content display area 16. In particular, when the information display device 10 is mounted on a mobile object such as an automobile, the user must also pay attention to driving operations, which makes it difficult for the user to focus on the screen 20a of the touch panel 20.

[0096] In this way, according to the information display device 10 of this embodiment, the content display area 16 is enlarged or reduced based on the position of the finger PF on the screen 20a at the end of the user's touch operation, making it possible to enlarge or reduce the display in a way that better reflects the intention of the touch operation performed by the user.

[0097] Furthermore, since the content display area 16 is enlarged or reduced depending on the slide direction of the touch operation immediately before the end of the slide operation, it is possible to enlarge or reduce the display in a manner that better reflects the intention of the touch operation performed by the user. [Example]

[0098] An information display device 10 according to Example 3 will be described. The information display device 10 according to Example 3 differs from the information display devices 10 according to Examples 1 and 2 in that it displays an icon image on a map image. Other points are the same as those of the information display device 10 according to Examples 1 and 2, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0099] The information display device 10 according to this embodiment is different from the information display devices 10 according to the first and second embodiments in that the display form of the icon images displayed on the map image can be changed.

[0100] Here, the icon image is an image for receiving input operations performed by the user on the map image. Each icon image is assigned a process to be executed on the map image in advance. For example, by performing a touch operation on an icon image that displays "wide area," the user can display the map image in a wide area, i.e., display the map image at a reduced scale.

[0101] Fig. 10 shows an example of a display mode of the screen 20a of the touch panel 20. As shown in Fig. 10, a content display area 16 is arranged on the left side of the screen 20a, and displays a content image generated by executing the application program 13A and the application program 13B.

[0102] Two arranged display frames 16a and 16b are displayed in the content display area 16. The two display frames 16a and 16b are arranged side by side above and below. That is, the two display frames 16a and 16b are arranged in a row from the top to the bottom of the screen 20a of the touch panel 20.

[0103] The display frame 16a and the display frame 16b may display different content images. For example, as shown in the example of Fig. 10, the upper display frame 16a may display a content image generated by executing the application program 13A. The lower display frame 16b may display a content image generated by executing the application program 13B.

[0104] On the right side of the screen 20a, a map display area 17 is arranged adjacent to the content display area 16. That is, on the screen 20a, the content display area 16 is displayed on the left side of the boundary BO, and the map display area 17 is displayed on the right side.

[0105] A map image is displayed in the map display area 17. The map display area 17 may also display a route from the current location to the destination.

[0106] Near the boundary BO between the map display area 17 and the content display area 16, a wide-area icon image 18a for reducing the scale of the map image and a detailed icon image 18b for increasing the scale of the map image are displayed.

[0107] Near the boundary BO of the content display area 16 of the map display area 17, a traffic congestion icon 18c is displayed on the map display area 17, which displays text information indicating accidents occurring in the vicinity of the information display device 10 and the details of traffic restrictions.

[0108] The user can activate the functions of these icon images 18a to 18c by performing a touch operation such as tapping on the icon images 18a to 18c. That is, these icon images 18a to 18c function as first icon images 18 that accept an input operation from the user on the map image. The control unit 14 also functions as an input operation accepting unit that accepts a touch operation from the user on the map image, i.e., a second input operation.

[0109] A place name display icon image 19a that displays the broad place name of the current location of the information display device 10 is displayed at the bottom of the map display area 17. The place name display icon image 19a displays related information related to the map image using text information. For example, the place name display icon 19a displays a broad place name such as "XX Ward, Tokyo" on the map display area 17 using text information. In other words, the place name display icon image 19a displays the broad place name related to the map image as text information.

[0110] In this figure, the place name display icon image 19a has a strip-like shape extending in the left-right direction of the screen 20a. The length of the place name display icon image 19a in the left-right direction of the screen 20a is variable, and in this figure, it is displayed in a first default icon size.

[0111] Unlike the first icon image 18, the place name display icon image 19a does not accept a touch operation from the user on the map image. For example, even if the user performs a touch operation of tapping on the place name display icon image 19a, the display mode of the map image does not change.

[0112] An icon image that does not accept a touch operation from the user on the map image, ie, a second input operation, but displays related information related to the map image, like the place name display icon image 19a, is referred to as a second icon image 19.

[0113] That is, the control unit 14 functions as a second display control unit that displays the map image together with the first icon image 18 and the second icon image 19 in the map display area 17.

[0114] In the information display device 10 of this embodiment, the size of the content display area 16 changes as the boundary BO moves left and right in response to a touch operation by the user on the touch panel 20. Specifically, for example, the size of the content display area 16 changes as the boundary BO moves left and right in response to a left and right swipe operation by the user's finger. The size of the content display area 16 changes sequentially in accordance with the swipe operation.

[0115] The size of the place name display icon image 19a changes in response to this left / right swipe operation with the user's finger. Specifically, the size of the place name display icon image 19a changes in response to the size of the content display area 16.

[0116] In this embodiment, since the content display area 16 is located on the left side of the screen 20a, for example, when the user performs a touch operation of swiping the finger PF rightward, the boundary BO moves to the right and the content display area 16 is enlarged. Specifically, for example, when the user swipes the finger PF rightward so as to straddle the boundary between the content display area 16 and the map display area 17, the content display area 16 is enlarged. In other words, when the user swipes the finger PF rightward so as to straddle the boundary between the content display area 16 and the map display area 17, the size of the map display area 17 is reduced.

[0117] Furthermore, when the user performs a touch operation of swiping the finger PF leftward, the boundary BO moves to the right, and the content display area 16 is reduced. Specifically, for example, when the user swipes the finger PF leftward so as to straddle the boundary between the content display area 16 and the map display area 17, the content display area 16 is reduced. In other words, when the user swipes the finger PF leftward so as to straddle the boundary between the content display area 16 and the map display area 17, the size of the map display area 17 is enlarged. In other words, a touch operation in which the user swipes the finger PF leftward or rightward is a first input operation for enlarging or reducing the content display area.

[0118] The sizes of the two display frames 16a, 16b are enlarged or reduced in the left-right direction of the screen 20a in accordance with the enlargement or reduction of the content display area 16. Furthermore, the place name display icon images 19a displayed in the two display frames 16a, 16b are enlarged or reduced in size in accordance with the enlargement or reduction of the display frames 16a, 16b. Note that the display mode of the content images may be changed in accordance with the enlargement or reduction of the display frames 16a, 16b.

[0119] The size of the map display area 17 is also enlarged or reduced in the left-right direction of the screen 20a in accordance with the enlargement or reduction of the content display area 16. Furthermore, the size of the place name display icon image 19a is also enlarged or reduced in the left-right direction of the screen 20a in accordance with the enlargement or reduction of the content display area 16.

[0120] Furthermore, the display position of the first icon image 18 on the screen 20a changes in accordance with changes in the size of the map display area 17, but the screen 20a does not expand or contract left or right in accordance with the expansion or contraction of the content display area 16.

[0121] Fig. 11 shows an example of a display mode of the screen 20a of the touch panel 20. As shown in Fig. 11, the content display area 16 is displayed in a second default size that is larger than the first default size.

[0122] For example, a change in the display mode from that shown in Fig. 10 to that shown in Fig. 11, i.e., a change in the content display area 16 from the first preset size to the second preset size, is caused by a rightward swipe operation with the finger PF. The opposite change is caused by, for example, a leftward swipe operation with the finger PF.

[0123] In Fig. 11, the place name display icon image 19a is displayed in a second default icon size that is shorter in the horizontal direction of the screen 20a than the first default icon size. The place name displayed in the place name display icon image 19a is only "Tokyo." Therefore, the number of characters in the related information displayed in the second default icon size is fewer than the number of characters in the related information displayed in the first default icon size. In other words, as the place name display icon image 19a is reduced, a layout change is made in which the number of characters in the related information displayed in the place name display icon image 19a is reduced.

[0124] Fig. 12 shows an example of a display mode of the screen 20a of the touch panel 20. Fig. 12 shows a closed display in which the content display area 16 is not displayed on the screen 20a. Therefore, only the map display area 17 is displayed on the screen 20a.

[0125] For example, a change in the display mode from that shown in Fig. 10 to that shown in Fig. 12, i.e., a change from the first default size of the content display area 16 to a closed display, is caused by a leftward swipe operation with the finger PF. The opposite change is caused by, for example, a rightward swipe operation with the finger PF.

[0126] Except during operation with the finger PF, the content display area 16 is displayed on the screen 20a of the touch panel 20 in three modes: a first default size shown in Fig. 10, a second default size shown in Fig. 11, and a closed display shown in Fig. 12. Similarly, the map display area 17 is displayed on the screen 20a of the touch panel 20 in the three modes shown in Figs. 10, 11, and 12.

[0127] That is, the content display area 16 is displayed in only three predetermined display modes except during an operation with the finger PF. In other words, the boundary BO is at one of the three positions shown in Figures 10, 11, and 12 except during an operation with the finger PF.

[0128] The default display mode in which the content display area 16 is displayed depends on the size of the content display area 16 when the touch operation is completed. In other words, after the touch operation is completed, the boundary BO is brought to a default position determined by the position of the boundary BO when the touch operation is completed, thereby setting the content display area 16 to the default display mode.

[0129] 12, the place name display icon image 19a is displayed in the first default icon size. The place name displayed in the place name display icon image 19a is "XX Ward, Tokyo." Therefore, the number of characters of the related information displayed in the first default icon size is greater than the number of characters of the related information displayed in the second default icon size.

[0130] For example, when the icon size is changed from the second default icon size to the first default icon size, the place name display icon image 19a is enlarged. That is, as the place name display icon image 19a is enlarged, a layout change is made in which the number of characters of the related information displayed in the place name display icon image 19a is increased.

[0131] An example of how the default display mode after the end of a touch operation is determined will be described using Fig. 13. Fig. 13 shows the state in which the second icon image 19, i.e., the place name display icon image 19a, is in the first default icon size. Fig. 13 also shows borderlines BR1 and BR2 that serve as the basis for determining the default size of the place name display icon image 19a.

[0132] As described above, the boundary BO moves by a touch operation of sliding the finger PF (hereinafter referred to as a slide operation). In the information display device 10 of this embodiment, when the slide operation ends, that is, when the finger PF is released from the screen, the default display mode of the content display area 16 is determined depending on the position of the boundary BO relative to the border lines BR1 and BR2.

[0133] For example, if the boundary BO is located to the right of the border line BR1 when the slide operation ends, the display mode of the content display area 16 is determined to be the second default size.

[0134] For example, if the boundary BO is between the border line BR1 and the border line BR2 at the end of the slide operation, the display mode of the content display area 16 is determined to be the first default size.

[0135] For example, if the boundary BO is located to the left of the border line BR2 at the end of the slide operation, the display mode of the content display area 16 is determined to be the closed display.

[0136] The size of the place name display icon image 19a is changed according to the size of the content display area 16. That is, the default display mode of the place name display icon image 19a is determined depending on the position of the boundary BO relative to the border lines BR1 and BR2.

[0137] For example, when the content display area 16 is in a first default size and closed display, the display mode of the place name display icon image 19a is determined to be the first default icon size. Also, when the content display area 16 is in a second default size, the display mode of the place name display icon image 19a is determined to be the second default icon size.

[0138] Therefore, the control unit 14 functions as a display form processing unit that performs first display form processing for changing the display form of the second icon image 19 based on a touch operation for enlarging or reducing the content display area of ​​the screen 20a.

[0139] As described above, the place name display icon image 19a is enlarged or reduced based on the size of the content display area 16 when the user's touch operation is completed, making it possible to display the place name display icon image 19a in a manner that reflects the intention of the touch operation performed by the user.

[0140] Furthermore, the change in the display mode of the place name display icon image 19a is not limited to the mode described above.

[0141] Any of these display modes of the place name display icon image 19a may be set in advance, or the user may arbitrarily select any of the display modes.

[0142] Fig. 14 shows information display processing R1 by the information display device 10. As shown in Fig. 14, when the application program 13A and the application program 13B are executed, the control unit 14 starts up each of the application programs 13A and 13B (step S401).

[0143] The control unit 14 causes the display frames 16a and 16b to display content images generated by executing the application programs 13A and 13B started in step S401. The control unit 14 also causes the map image, first icon image 18, and second icon image 19 to be displayed in the map display area 17 (step S402). Therefore, the control unit 14 functions as a first display control unit that causes the screen 20a to display a display including the content display area 16 that displays multiple pieces of content. The control unit 14 also functions as a second display control unit that displays the map image together with multiple icon images in the map display area 17.

[0144] When the user performs a swipe touch operation in the content display area 16 of the screen 20a, the control unit 14 changes the size of the second icon image 19 displayed in the map display area 17 (step S403). That is, the second icon image 19 can be enlarged or reduced in accordance with the user's touch operation. Therefore, the control unit 14 functions as a display form processing unit that performs first display form processing for changing the display form of the second icon image 19 based on the touch operation for enlarging or reducing the content display area of ​​the screen 20a.

[0145] The control unit 14 determines whether the engine of the automobile M has stopped (step S404). If the control unit 14 determines in step S404 that the engine of the automobile M has not stopped (step S404: N), the control unit 14 returns to the icon image size change process of step S403.

[0146] If the control unit 14 determines in step S404 that the engine of the automobile M has stopped (step S404: Y), it ends the display on the screen 20a (step S405) and ends each of the application programs 13A and 13B (step S406).

[0147] Fig. 15 shows the subroutine R2 for changing the size of the second content image in step S403. As shown in Fig. 15, the control unit 14 determines whether or not a slide operation has been performed by the user (step S501). In the determination of step S501, the control unit 14 determines whether or not a touch operation for enlarging or reducing the content display area 16, that is, a slide operation in the left / right direction, has been performed.

[0148] When it is determined in step S501 that the user has not performed a slide operation (step S501: N), the control unit 14 ends the process.

[0149] When it is determined in step S501 that a slide operation has been performed by the user (step S501: Y), the control unit 14 accepts the slide operation. At this time, the control unit 14 enlarges or reduces the content display area 16 and the map display area 17 in accordance with the slide operation. In this way, the control unit 14 functions as an input operation accepting unit that accepts touch operations performed on the screen 20a.

[0150] The control unit 14 determines whether the accepted sliding operation has ended (step S502). For example, the control unit 14 determines that the sliding operation has ended based on the fact that the user's finger PF has been released from the screen 20a. Note that, if the control unit 14 determines in step S502 that the accepted sliding operation has not ended (step S502: N), it repeats the determination in step S502 until the accepted sliding operation ends.

[0151] When it is determined in step S502 that the received slide operation has ended (step S502: Y), the control unit 14 ends the enlargement or reduction of the content display area 16 during the touch operation.

[0152] It is determined whether or not the position of the boundary BO when the slide operation is completed, that is, the position of the boundary BO on the screen 20a at the end of the touch operation, is to the right of the border line BR1 (step S503).

[0153] If the control unit 14 determines in step S503 that the position of the boundary BO is to the right of the border line BR1 (step S503: Y), the control unit 14 changes the icon image to the second default icon size while following the resize of the map display area (step S504). Therefore, the control unit 14 functions as a display form processing unit that performs a reduction process of the icon image as the first display form process.

[0154] The control unit 14 changes the layout of the related information displayed in the icon image (step S505). Specifically, the control unit 14 reduces the number of characters in the text information of the related information displayed in the icon image. For example, if the related information of the place name display icon image 19a is text information such as "XX Ward, Tokyo," the control unit 14 changes the text information to be displayed in the place name display icon 19a to "Tokyo." The control unit 14 also changes the display position of the first icon image 18 so that it follows the movement of the boundary BO. That is, the control unit 14 slides the first icon image 18 in the left-right direction of the screen 20a.

[0155] If the control unit 14 determines in step S503 that the position of the boundary BO is to the left of the border line BR1 (step S503: N), it determines whether the position of the boundary BO when the slide operation ends, i.e., the position of the boundary BO on the screen 20a at the end of the touch operation, is to the left of the border line BR2 (step S506).

[0156] If the control unit 14 determines in step S506 that the position of the boundary BO is to the left of the border line BR2 (step S506: Y), the control unit 14 changes the icon image to a first default icon size while following the resize of the map display area (step S507). Therefore, the control unit 14 functions as a display form processing unit that performs a reduction process of the icon image as the first display form process.

[0157] The control unit 14 changes the layout of the related information displayed in the icon image (step S508). Specifically, the control unit 14 increases the number of characters in the text information of the related information displayed in the icon image. For example, if the related information of the place name display icon image 19a is the text information "Tokyo", the control unit 14 changes the text information to be displayed in the place name display icon 19a to "XX Ward, Tokyo". The control unit 14 also changes the display position of the first icon image 18 so that it follows the movement of the boundary BO. That is, the control unit 14 slides the first icon image 18 in the left-right direction of the screen 20a.

[0158] If the control unit 14 determines in step S506 that the position of the boundary BO is to the right of the border line BR2 (step S506: N), the control unit 14 changes the icon image to a first default icon size while following the resize of the map display area (step S509). Therefore, the control unit 14 functions as a display form processing unit that performs a reduction process of the icon image as the first display form process.

[0159] The control unit 14 changes the layout of the related information displayed in the icon image (step S510). Specifically, the control unit 14 increases the number of characters in the text information of the related information displayed in the icon image. For example, if the related information of the place name display icon image 19a is the text information "Tokyo", the control unit 14 changes the text information to be displayed in the place name display icon 19a to "XX Ward, Tokyo". The control unit 14 also changes the display position of the first icon image 18 so that it follows the movement of the boundary BO. That is, the control unit 14 slides the first icon image 18 in the left-right direction of the screen 20a.

[0160] In this embodiment, it has been described that the icon images are displayed on the screen 20a of the touch panel 20 in two display sizes, a first default icon size and a second default icon size. However, the icon images are not limited to two display modes. For example, a default icon size may be set between the first default icon size and the second default icon size, thereby increasing the number of display modes.

[0161] In this embodiment, the default display mode in which the icon image is displayed is determined by the position of the boundary BO when the touch operation is completed. However, the default display mode in which the icon image is displayed can be freely set. For example, the default display mode in which the icon image is displayed may be determined according to the amount of slide of the user's slide operation.

[0162] As described above, when the content display area 16 is enlarged or reduced on the screen 20a of the touch panel 20, the information display device 10 of this embodiment enlarges or reduces the second icon image 19 based on the size of the content display area 16 when the user's slide operation is completed.

[0163] Therefore, by enlarging or reducing the second icon image 19, it becomes possible to easily display the icon image desired by the user at an appropriate size. In particular, when the information display device 10 is mounted on a mobile object such as an automobile, the possibility that the user will operate the first icon image 18, such as to change the scale of map information, is higher than the possibility that the user will focus on the second icon image 19. In this way, by enlarging or reducing only the second icon image 19, it becomes possible to enlarge or reduce the display in accordance with the intention of the touch operation performed by the user while maintaining the operability of the information display device 10.

[0164] Therefore, with the information display device 10 according to this embodiment, the user can easily perform an operation to enlarge or reduce the second icon image 19 without gazing at the screen 20a of the touch panel 20. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 10 Information display device 14 Control Unit 16 Content display area 20 Touch Panel 20a screen

Claims

[Claim 1] a first display control unit that displays the content image in a first display area on the display screen; a second display control unit that displays a map image together with a plurality of icon images in a second display area on the display screen; an input operation receiving unit that receives a first input operation for enlarging or reducing the first display area and a second input operation from a user on the map image; Based on the first input operation, among the plurality of icon images, a first display form process for changing the display form of a first icon image for receiving the second input operation is not performed on the first icon image; a display form processing unit that performs the first display form processing on a second icon image that is not for receiving the second input operation; An information display device comprising:

Images