Image display control device and image display control program

Abstract

To facilitate grasping of total number of image pages that are displayed on a display and of positions of the displayed image pages.SOLUTION: When total page number of image pages that can be displayed on a meter display is below a predetermined value, a display control device displays dots 74 which are equal to the total page number and displays a pager 72A manifesting a dot 74A corresponding to the displayed image page. When the total page number is over the predetermined value, the display control device displays a scroll bar 76 and also a pager 72B in which a cursor 78 is arranged at a position corresponding to the displayed image page. This can suppress the pager from being displayed complicatedly, even when the total number of the image pages is large.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image display control device and an image display control program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle information display device that converts information provided to a vehicle into an image and displays it on a display. The vehicle information display device has icons for each attribute of information provided below a multi-display for displaying various types of information, allowing the user to select a main image to be displayed on the multi-display, and by selecting an icon, the user can select a main screen to be displayed on the multi-display. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-254330 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in the vehicle information display device of Patent Document 1, an icon is added when an attribute is added. Also, in the vehicle information display device, when new information is added to any attribute, a display indicating that the new information has been added is displayed on the icon for that attribute, and it is undeniable that the display for grasping the total number of image pages displayed on the display and the position of the displayed image page becomes cumbersome, and improvement is desired.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above facts, and aims to provide an image display control device and an image display control program that can prevent the display from becoming too complicated when trying to grasp the total number of image pages to be displayed on the screen and the position of the image pages being displayed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An image display control device according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided for a vehicle that is steered by rotating a steering wheel and travels, and includes: a storage unit that stores a plurality of image pages to be displayed on a display of the vehicle, each image page corresponding to information about the vehicle; and a control unit that, when controlling the display to display one of the plurality of image pages, controls the display to display a symbol set corresponding to the total number of the plurality of image pages and a pager set to indicate the page position of the image page displayed on the display among the plurality of image pages, wherein the control unit includes an acquisition unit that acquires the total number of the plurality of image pages stored in the storage unit; The display device includes a determination unit for determining whether the total number acquired by the acquisition unit is equal to or less than a predetermined value; and a setting unit for setting, when it is determined that the total number is equal to or less than the predetermined value, to display, as the pager, a first pager indicating a symbol among the first symbols corresponding to the page position of the image page displayed on the display, together with a number of first symbols equal to the total number as the symbols, and, when it is determined that the total number exceeds the predetermined value, to display, as the pager, a band-shaped second symbol, together with a second pager indicating a position in the longitudinal direction of the second symbol corresponding to the page position of the image page displayed on the display.

[0007] In the image display control device of the first aspect, a memory unit stores a plurality of image pages, each of which corresponds to information in the vehicle, and a control unit displays one of the plurality of image pages stored in the memory unit on a display of the vehicle. The control unit also displays a pager on the display to indicate the total number of the plurality of image pages and the relative position of the displayed image page with respect to the total number.

[0008] Here, the acquisition unit acquires the total number of the plurality of image pages stored in the storage unit, and the determination unit determines whether or not the total number is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0009] When it is determined that the total number is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the setting unit sets so that a first pager indicating a symbol corresponding to the page position of the image page displayed on the display among the first symbols is displayed as a pager together with the first symbols in the same number as the total number as symbols, and when it is determined that the total number exceeds the predetermined value, the setting unit sets so that a second pager indicating a position corresponding to the page position of the image page displayed on the display in the longitudinal direction of the second symbols is displayed as a pager together with a band-shaped second symbol as a symbol.

[0010] As a result, even if the number of image pages that can be displayed exceeds a predetermined value, the approximate total number of image pages that can be displayed and the approximate page position of the image page being displayed can be easily grasped, and the display of the pager does not become complicated.

[0011] In the image display control device of the second aspect, in the first aspect, the control unit generates an image page corresponding to information to be displayed on the display when the information is received, and further includes a change unit for changing the total number of the multiple image pages by deleting the generated image page at a predetermined timing for the image page, and the setting unit sets the symbol and the pager so that the first symbol including the first pager and the second symbol including the second pager are switched when the total number of the multiple image pages stored in the memory unit changes from below the predetermined value to exceed the predetermined value, or when the total number that exceeded the predetermined value becomes below the predetermined value.

[0012] In the image display control device of the second aspect, when the change unit receives information to be displayed on the display, it generates an image page corresponding to the information, and deletes the generated image page at a timing preset for the image page.

[0013] The setting unit is configured to switch between the first symbol including the first pager and the second symbol including the second pager when the total number of image pages stored in the storage unit changes from a predetermined value or less to exceed the predetermined value, or when the total number that exceeded the predetermined value falls to a predetermined value or less. This makes it possible to switch between the first pager and the second pager at an appropriate timing according to the change in the total number of image pages.

[0014] The image display control device of the third aspect includes, in the first or second aspect, that the vehicle is provided with at least one of a HUD and a meter panel display as the display, in which an image is projected and displayed on a display area set on the windshield glass, and the control unit controls the image page to be displayed on at least one of the HUD and the meter panel display.

[0015] The image display control device according to the third aspect includes at least one of a head-up display (HUD) and a meter panel display, which project and display an image in a display area set on a windshield glass. The control unit controls at least one of the HUD and the meter panel display to display an image page. This allows an image page selected from multiple image pages to be displayed on the display, thereby preventing the display in the vehicle from becoming cluttered and allowing an image page containing necessary information to be displayed.

[0016] An image display control device according to a fourth aspect includes, in the third aspect, the vehicle being provided with a group of switches arranged on the steering wheel, including switches stored in the memory unit and assigned with a function for switching image pages displayed on the display from the plurality of image pages, and the control unit controlling the display of an image representing the group of switches on the HUD.

[0017] In the image display control device according to the fourth aspect, a switch group consisting of a plurality of switches is provided on the steering wheel of the vehicle, and the switches of the switch group are assigned the function of switching among a plurality of image pages to be displayed on the display. Also, images of the switch group are displayed on a HUD that projects images onto a display area set on the windshield glass.

[0018] This allows the operator to operate the switch assigned with the function of switching image pages without shifting his / her gaze to the group of switches provided on the steering wheel, thereby safely switching the image page to be displayed.

[0019] The image display control device according to a fifth aspect is the fourth aspect, and includes that the control unit controls the HUD to display the symbol and the pager together with an image showing the group of switches.

[0020] In the image display control device according to the fifth aspect, the first pager or the second pager is displayed on the display that displays the image of the switch group, so that the image page displayed on the display can be switched smoothly.

[0021] An image display control program according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is an image display control device that, when controlling a vehicle that is steered by rotating a steering wheel to display any of a plurality of image pages stored in a storage unit, each of which is an image corresponding to information about the vehicle, on a display of the vehicle, controls the display of a symbol set corresponding to the total number of the plurality of image pages and a pager set to indicate the page position of the image page among the plurality of image pages to be displayed on the display, the image display control program comprising: an acquisition unit for acquiring the total number of the plurality of image pages stored in the storage unit; and a setting unit for setting, when it is determined that the total number is equal to or less than the predetermined value, to display, as the pager, a first pager indicating a symbol among the first symbols corresponding to the page position of the image page displayed on the display, together with a number of first symbols equal to the total number as the symbols, and, when it is determined that the total number exceeds the predetermined value, to display, as the pager, a second pager indicating a position in the longitudinal direction of the second symbol corresponding to the page position of the image page displayed on the display, together with a band-shaped second symbol as the symbol.

[0022] In the sixth aspect of the image display control program, as in the first aspect, even if the total number of image pages stored in the memory unit exceeds a predetermined value, the approximate total number of image pages and the approximate page positions of the image pages displayed on the display can be easily grasped, and the pager display does not become cluttered. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to this aspect of the present invention, even if the total number of multiple image pages, each of which is an image corresponding to information in the vehicle, exceeds a predetermined value, the display does not become cluttered, and the total number of multiple image pages and the page positions of the image pages displayed on the display can be easily grasped. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a main part showing a schematic configuration of a display control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a main part of a vehicle. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a HUD. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a steering switch. [Figure 5] (A) and (B) are schematic diagrams showing examples of images displayed on the HUD, where (A) shows the case where the total number of pages is equal to or less than a predetermined value, (B) shows the case where the total number of pages exceeds the predetermined value, and (C) is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the meter display. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a pager switching process. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an interrupt image. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. A display control device 10 as an image display control device according to this embodiment is provided in a vehicle 12, and displays various types of information about the vehicle 12 to inform an occupant (driver) of the vehicle 12. Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a schematic configuration of the main parts of the display control device 10, and Fig. 2 shows a front view of the main parts inside the vehicle cabin as seen from the occupant (driver).

[0026] 2, an instrument panel 14 is disposed in front of a seat (driver's seat) in the vehicle interior of a vehicle 12. A windshield glass 16 is disposed at the front end of the instrument panel 14, and extends in the vertical and transverse directions of the vehicle to separate the interior and exterior of the vehicle.

[0027] A steering shaft (not shown) with an axial direction aligned in the vehicle longitudinal direction is disposed at the front of the vehicle interior, and the steering shaft is rotatably supported by the vehicle body. A steering wheel 18 is disposed at the front of the driver's seat. The steering wheel 18 is integrally formed by an annular rim portion 18A and a hub portion 18B located at the center of the rim portion 18A, which are connected by spokes 18C.

[0028] The steering wheel 18 has a hub portion 18B fixed to the rear end of the steering shaft of the vehicle and is rotatably supported on the vehicle body. When the steering wheel 18 (rim portion 18A) is rotated, the steering shaft is rotated and the vehicle 12 is steered. In addition, a steering switch 46 (described later) is disposed on the spoke portion 18C of the steering wheel 18, and the steering switch 46 can be operated by the occupant. Note that FIG. 2 shows the steering wheel 18 when the vehicle is traveling straight ahead.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 1, the display control device 10 includes a HUD (Head-Up Display) 20 as a display device, and a meter panel display (a display of a meter panel, hereinafter referred to as a meter display) 22. The display control device 10 also includes a display control ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 24, which is configured as a control unit that controls the image display of each of the HUD 20 and the meter display 22. Fig. 3 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the HUD 20.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, the HUD 20 includes a display unit 26 that emits projection light for a display image, a mirror 28 that is a concave mirror and reflects and projects the projection light emitted from the display unit 26 onto the windshield glass 16, and a mirror angle changing ACT (actuator) 28A that changes the reflection angle of the mirror 28 with respect to the projection light.

[0031] 1 and 3, a display area 16A onto which a display image is projected is set on the windshield glass 16, and the display area 16A is located in front of the driver's seat and in the lower vertical portion of the windshield glass 16. As a result, the lower vertical portion of the display area 16A is positioned so that it overlaps with the hood (not shown) at the front of the vehicle 12 when viewed from the driver's seat.

[0032] The windshield glass 16 has a half-mirror or other treatment applied to the interior surface corresponding to the display area 16A. The windshield glass 16 allows the occupants to view the display image projected onto the display area 16A, and also allows the viewer to view the scenery (scenery) and people (pedestrians) ahead of the vehicle from inside the vehicle. The HUD 20 irradiates the display area 16A of the windshield glass 16 with projection light corresponding to image data from the display unit 26, thereby using the windshield glass 16 as a display medium and displaying an image (projected image) corresponding to the image data.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the meter display 22 is disposed on a meter panel 14A that is installed on the instrument panel 14, and is visible to a passenger seated in the driver's seat.

[0034] 1, the display control ECU 24 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 30A and a memory 30B such as a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The display control ECU 24 also includes a storage unit 30C having a non-volatile storage such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), a communication interface (I / F) 30D, and an input / output interface (I / F) 30E. In the display control ECU 24, the CPU 30A, the memory 30B, the storage unit 30C, the communication I / F 30D, and the input / output I / F 30E are connected to each other via a bus 30F so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0035] The display control ECU 24 is connected to the HUD 20 and the meter display 22. The display control ECU 24 also has a control program 32 stored in a storage unit 30C as an image display control program. The display control ECU 24 functions as a control unit that controls the display images of the HUD 20 and the meter display 22 by having the CPU 30A read the control program 32 from the storage unit 30C and execute it while expanding it in a memory (RAM) 30B.

[0036] The display control ECU 24 is connected to a system bus 34 arranged in the vehicle 12. The vehicle 12 also has a vehicle control ECU 36 that is responsible for vehicle control including driving control, and the vehicle control ECU 36 is connected to the system bus 34. The vehicle 12 also has various control ECUs 38, such as an engine ECU that controls the engine, a steering control ECU that controls steering, a braking control ECU that controls braking, and a transmission control ECU that controls the transmission. Each control ECU 38 is connected to the system bus 34, and operates in cooperation with the vehicle control ECU 36 to control driving of the vehicle 12.

[0037] The vehicle 12 is also equipped with various in-vehicle devices 40, such as an air conditioner, an audio system, a car navigation system, and a voice input system. The in-vehicle devices 40 installed in the vehicle 12 include devices for driving assistance (driving assistance devices) such as an ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) device and an LTA (Lane Tracing Assist) device. Each of the in-vehicle devices 40 is provided with a device ECU 42 that controls the operation of the device, and each device ECU 42 is connected to the system bus 34.

[0038] The ACC device realizes a driving assistance function of maintaining the vehicle speed and the distance from the preceding vehicle (ACC function), and the LTA device realizes a driving assistance function of causing the host vehicle (vehicle 12) to maintain the driving lane (lane keeping function, LTA function). In the vehicle 12, the control ECUs 38 including the vehicle control ECU 36, and the equipment ECUs 42 of the ACC device and LTA device may cooperate to operate as a driving assistance device and realize a driving assistance function that assists the occupant in driving operation.

[0039] The vehicle 12 is provided with a switch ECU 44 as a selection means and a setting means, and the switch ECU 44 is connected to the system bus 34. The switch ECU 44 is connected to a group of switches.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 2, a steering switch 46, which is one of the switches, is disposed on the steering wheel 18. The steering switch 46 is installed on a spoke portion 18C of the steering wheel 18. Fig. 4 shows a front view of the main portion of the steering switch 46. Note that the steering wheel 18 is provided with steering switches on the spoke portion 18C on the right side of the hub portion 18B in the vehicle width direction and on the spoke portion 18C on the left side of the hub portion 18B in the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, the steering switch 46 is described as being on the right side of the hub portion 18B in the vehicle width direction, but the steering switch 46 may be configured to be selectable on either the right side or the left side of the hub portion 18B in the vehicle width direction.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, the steering switch 46 includes a tactile switch 48A on the hub portion 18B side (corresponding to the left side of the paper in FIG. 4) and a tactile switch 48B on the rim portion 18A side (corresponding to the right side of the paper in FIG. 4), and the tactile switches 48A and 48B are, for example, of a contact detection type.

[0042] In this embodiment, the tactile switch 48B is a switch assigned to switching image pages, which will be described later. The tactile switch 48B has an UP switch (previous page switch) 50 on the tactile switch 48A side assigned to it, and a DOWN switch (next page switch) 52 on the opposite side to the tactile switch 48A.

[0043] In the vehicle 12, each control ECU 38 including the vehicle control ECU 36 and each device ECU 42 monitors the operating state of the controlled object. Furthermore, when each ECU (vehicle control ECU 36, each control ECU 38, and each device ECU 42) detects an event in the controlled object that should be notified to the occupant, it generates information or an information image relating to the detected event and outputs it to the display control ECU 24 via the system bus 34. Furthermore, the switch ECU 44 detects the operating state of the steering switch 46 (UP switch 50 and DOWN switch 52), and outputs it to the display control ECU 24 via the system bus 34.

[0044] Meanwhile, the display control ECU 24 acquires information corresponding to the driving state and operating state of the vehicle 12 via the system bus 34, and displays an image corresponding to the acquired information on the meter display 22, as well as in the display area 16A of the windshield glass 16 in the HUD 20. For simplicity's sake, the image display in the display area 16A of the windshield glass 16 in the HUD 20 will be described as the image display of the HUD 20. In this embodiment, as an example, the meter display 22 is used as the main image display unit, and the HUD 20 is used as the sub image display unit.

[0045] The display control ECU 24 determines the information to be displayed on the meter display 22 and the image format for displaying the information when the vehicle 12 is in a steady state, and the display control ECU 24 has multiple image pages (e.g., five pages) set as images to be displayed on the meter display 22 when the vehicle 12 is in a steady state.

[0046] Furthermore, when the display control ECU 24 receives information or an information image relating to an event to be notified from each ECU of the vehicle 12, it sets a new image page to be displayed on the meter display 22 based on the received information. The set image page is deleted at a preset timing such as a deletion request from the original ECU (for example, a deletion request because the notified event has been resolved and the image page is no longer necessary) or an elapsed time. As a result, the display control ECU 24 changes the image page and the total number of pages it manages.

[0047] Furthermore, the display control ECU 24 displays on the HUD 20 an image (an image including corresponding information) corresponding to the image (image page, information) displayed on the meter display 22. Figures 5(A) and 5(B) show schematic diagrams of an example of a display on the HUD 20, and Figure 5(C) shows a schematic diagram of an example of a display on the meter display 22.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5(C), the image 54 (image page) displayed on the meter display 22 is substantially circular. A tachometer image 56 for indicating engine speed is arranged on the outer periphery of the meter display 22 (image 54). The tachometer image 56 has narrow scale bars 56A, each of which is arc-shaped, arranged in the circumferential direction. For example, seven scale bars 56A are arranged clockwise from the 8 o'clock position to the 3 o'clock position. The scale bars 56A indicate the engine speed by changing color according to the engine speed, with the 8 o'clock position (the left end in the circumferential direction) being set as 0 rpm. Note that 8 o'clock and 3 o'clock indicate the directions corresponding to the hour hand of a clock when the upper side of the image 54 is set to the 0 o'clock position and the lower side is set to the 6 o'clock position.

[0049] Furthermore, a failure meter image 58 indicating the amount of fuel (remaining amount) in the fuel tank is displayed in the lower portion of image 54. Failure meter image 58 is arranged in an arc shape ranging from 4 o'clock to 8 o'clock radially inward of scale bar 56A, and a triangular pointer 58A is displayed on the outer periphery of failure meter image 58. Pointer 58A moves from the 4 o'clock position to the 8 o'clock position depending on the amount of fuel remaining (when fuel is decreasing).

[0050] In the image 54, the fuel efficiency display section 60 is located radially inward of the failure meter image 58, and the image 54 is an image page used to display fuel efficiency. The fuel efficiency display section 60 changes its numerical value in accordance with the calculated fuel efficiency.

[0051] In addition, the center of the image 54 is a shift display section 62, which displays the shift position of the transmission, and the display changes as the shift position of the transmission is changed. Furthermore, in the image 54, the upper side of the shift display section 62 is a speed display section 64, which displays a numerical value corresponding to the speed of the vehicle 12.

[0052] 5(A) and 5(B), an image 66 corresponding to the image page of the meter display 22 is displayed on the HUD 20. The image 66 (images 66A and 66B) of the HUD 20 corresponding to the image of the meter display 22 is provided with a display unit 68 indicating that it is an image page of fuel economy information. When the image page displayed on the meter display 22 is switched, the display on the display unit 68 changes in accordance with the switched image page.

[0053] In each of the images 66A and 66B, a shift display section 70A indicating the shift position and a vehicle speed display section 70B indicating the vehicle speed are disposed in the lower portion of the display section 68. The display of the shift display section 70A changes as the shift range is changed. The display of the vehicle speed display section 70B changes in accordance with the vehicle speed of the vehicle 12.

[0054] A pager 72, which is information indicating the position of the image page displayed on the meter display 22 in the total number of image pages (total page count), is displayed on the HUD 20. The display control ECU 24 sets a plurality of pagers 72 according to the total number of image pages, and the display control ECU 24 uses different pagers 72 depending on whether the total number of image pages is relatively small or relatively large.

[0055] For example, the display control ECU 24 is set with a predetermined value Nth as a threshold value for the total number of image pages N. The pager 72 is set with a pager 72A (see FIG. 5A) as a first pager to be used when the total number of pages N is equal to or less than the predetermined value Nth (N≦Nth), and a pager 72B (see FIG. 5B) as a second pager to be used when the total number of pages N exceeds the predetermined value Nth (N>Nth).

[0056] As shown in Fig. 5(A), the pager 72A uses dots 74 as the first symbol, and the number of dots 74 arranged in the pager 72A is the same as the total number N of image pages. Also, in the pager 72A, dots 74A corresponding to the page positions of image pages displayed on the meter display 22 relative to the total pages are displayed differently from the other dots 74. For example, if the total number N of image pages is four and the second image page is displayed on the meter display 22, the second dot from the left in the pager 72A is the dot 74A.

[0057] The shape of the dots 74 (including dots 74A) of the pager 72A can be circular, but is not limited to circular and may be polygonal, such as rectangular. Furthermore, as long as the dots 74A are clearly different from the other dots 74, they may be larger in size (diameter) or brighter than the dots 74. Furthermore, in the pager 72A, the dots 74A may be a different color from the other dots 74.

[0058] When the pager 72A is used, as the number of dots 74 increases, it becomes difficult to grasp the number. For this reason, the display control ECU 24 sets the predetermined value Nth to 5, as an example. This is preferable because, even when the number of dots 74 reaches its maximum, the number of dots 74 in the pager 72A can be grasped at a glance as being 5. Furthermore, the display control ECU 24 sets the number of image pages in a steady state to 5, and this point is also taken into consideration when setting the predetermined value Nth to 5.

[0059] 5(B), the pager 72B uses a strip-shaped scroll bar 76 as the second symbol, and a cursor 78 is placed on the scroll bar 76. The position of the cursor 78 corresponds to the page position of the image page displayed on the meter display 22 relative to the total number of image pages. Therefore, when the first image page is displayed on the meter display 22, the cursor 78 is placed at the left end of the scroll bar 76, and when the last image page is displayed on the meter display 22, the cursor 78 is placed at the right end of the scroll bar 76.

[0060] Such a cursor 78 may be configured to become smaller (shorter) as the total number of pages increases, for example, so that even if the total number of image pages increases, it is possible to roughly grasp the total number of pages.

[0061] In the pager 72 (72A, 72B), the UP switch 50 and the DOWN switch 52 are operated to change the image page displayed on the meter display 22, thereby moving the specified position (dot 74A or cursor 78).

[0062] 5(A) and 5(B), images 66A and 66B displayed on the HUD 20 display switch images 80 corresponding to the steering switch 76 to which the UP switch 50 and the DOWN switch 52 are assigned. The UP switch 50 and the DOWN switch 52 correspond to the steering switch 46 on the right side of the steering wheel 18, and the switch image 80 is located on the right side in the vehicle width direction in each of the images 66A and 66B.

[0063] The pager 72 (72A, 72B) may include a left arrow 82A displayed on the left side (left side in the vehicle width direction) of the display unit 68 and a right arrow 82B on the right side (right side in the vehicle width direction) of the display unit 68. The left arrow 82A is hidden when the first image page is displayed on the meter display 22. The right arrow 82B is hidden when the last image page is displayed on the meter display 22.

[0064] Next, a description will be given of a pager switching process executed in the display control ECU 24. An example of the pager switching process executed in the display control ECU 24 is shown in a flowchart in FIG.

[0065] The display control ECU 24 is set with a preset number of image pages (image pages in a steady state), and adds and deletes image pages according to the traveling state of the vehicle 12. The display control ECU 24 switches the pager 72 displayed on the HUD 20 according to the number N of image pages, which changes according to the addition and deletion.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 6, in the first step 100, the display control ECU 24 reads the total number of image pages N, and in the next step 102, it checks whether the total number of pages N is equal to or less than a predetermined value NTh.

[0067] If the total number of pages N is equal to or less than the predetermined value Nth (N≦N), the display control ECU 24 makes an affirmative determination in step 102 and proceeds to step 104. In step 104, the display control ECU 24 sets the pager 72 to pager 72A. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5(A), the HUD 20 displays dots 74 in the same number as the total number of pages N, and also displays dots 74A corresponding to the positions of the image pages displayed on the meter display 22.

[0068] 5B, the display control ECU 24 displays a scroll bar 76 on the HUD 20 and a cursor 78 on the scroll bar 76 at a position corresponding to the position of the image page displayed on the meter display 22.

[0069] On the other hand, in step 108, the display control ECU 24 checks whether a new image page has been generated and added. Also, in step 110, the display control ECU 24 checks whether any image page has been deleted.

[0070] When the display control ECU 24 receives information to be notified to the occupant from any of the ECUs, it generates a new image page to be displayed on the meter display 22. When an image page is added, the display control ECU 24 makes an affirmative determination in step 108 and proceeds to step 112.

[0071] In step 112, the display control ECU 24 performs interrupt display, in which an image showing an outline of the information included in the newly generated image page is displayed on the HUD 20 or the meter display 22. In the interrupt display, the display control ECU 24 displays the image showing an outline of the information included in the newly generated image page, superimposed on the image displayed on the HUD 20 or the image displayed on the meter display 22, for a predetermined period of time.

[0072] An example of an image showing an outline of information contained in the newly generated image page is shown in a schematic diagram in Fig. 7. Image 84 shown in Fig. 7 notifies the user that sudden acceleration will be restricted due to the detection of an abnormality in the driving condition of vehicle 12.

[0073] After displaying the image 84 etc. for a predetermined time, the display control ECU 24 proceeds to step 114 in Fig. 6 to update the number of image pages N, and then proceeds to step 102. As a result, when the total number of image pages N increases and exceeds the predetermined value Nth, the pager 72 displayed on the HUD 20 is switched from pager 72A to pager 72B.

[0074] In response to this, the display control ECU 24 deletes the added image page at a predetermined timing. As a result, the display control ECU 24 makes a negative determination in step 108 and an affirmative determination in step 110, and proceeds to step 114.

[0075] In step 114, the display control ECU 24 updates the number of image pages N, and then proceeds to step 102. As a result, the total number of image pages N, which had exceeded the predetermined value Nth, becomes equal to or less than the predetermined value Nth, and the pager 72 displayed on the HUD 20 is switched from pager 72B to pager 72A.

[0076] In this way, when the display control device 10 displays the pager 72 according to the total number N of image pages that can be displayed on the meter display 22, the pager 72A is displayed when the total number N of pages is equal to or less than a predetermined value Nth, and the pager 72B is displayed when the total number N of pages exceeds the predetermined value Nth.

[0077] The pager 72A displays dots 74 similar to the total number of pages N, as well as dots 74A, so that the total number of pages N and the position of the image page displayed on the meter display 22 can be visually and accurately recognized (graspable). Also, the pager 72B displays a cursor 78 on the scroll bar 76 corresponding to the position of the image page displayed on the meter display 22, so that the total number of pages N and the position of the image page displayed on the meter display 22 can be visually and easily recognized. As a result, even if the total number of image pages is large, the pager display does not become cluttered.

[0078] Furthermore, when the total number of image pages N changes, the display control device 10 dynamically switches from pager 72A to pager 72B and from pager 72B to pager 72A in accordance with the change in the total number of pages N. As a result, the display control device 10 can only change the pager 72, so that switching of the pager 72 does not cause the passenger to feel bothered.

[0079] Furthermore, the display control device 10 can switch between and display each of the images of a plurality of image pages on the meter display 22 of the vehicle 12, so that desired information can be presented to the driver operating the vehicle 12.

[0080] Furthermore, the display control device 10 assigns a function of switching image pages to the steering switch 46 on the steering wheel 18 of the vehicle 12, and displays a switch image 80 using the HUD 20. This allows the occupant to switch image pages without shifting their line of sight to the steering switch 46 on the steering wheel 18, thereby enabling the image (image page) displayed on the meter display 22 to be switched safely.

[0081] Furthermore, the display control device 10 displays the switch image 80 on the HUD 20 together with the pager 72, which allows smooth switching of the image displayed on the meter display 22. Although the pager 72 (72A, 72B) is displayed on the HUD 20 in this embodiment, the pager 72 may be displayed on a display other than the HUD 20, such as the meter display 22. In other words, the first pager and the second pager may be displayed on the display together with an image corresponding to the image page.

[0082] In addition, in this embodiment, the pager 72 (72A, 72B) for the image page displayed on the meter display 22 has been described as an example. However, the present invention may be applied to a pager for the image page to be displayed on the HUD 20.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle 12 is shown as an example equipped with an engine (reciprocating engine) as a driving source for traveling. However, the vehicle may be any of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), an electric vehicle (BEV), etc. The vehicle display device may be any device that displays information that is set according to the vehicle in which it is installed.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display control device 10 is described as being mounted on a vehicle 12. However, the image display control device may be applied to a display device that switches between and displays multiple image pages outside of a vehicle.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control program 32 serving as the vehicle display control program is stored (installed) in advance in the storage unit 30C. However, the vehicle display control program may be provided in a form recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Also, the vehicle display control program may be downloaded from an external device via a network. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10 Display control device 12 vehicles 16 Windshield glass 18 Steering Wheel 20 HUD (Display) 22 Meter display (display) 46 Steering switch (switch group) 50 UP switch (switch) 52 DOWN switch (switch) 72, 72A, 72B pagers 74, 74A Dot (first symbol) 74A Dot (First Pager) 76 Scrollbar (second symbol) 78 Cursor (secondary pager) 80 Switch images (images of switch groups)

Claims

1. In a vehicle that is steered by rotating the steering wheel, a storage unit that stores a plurality of image pages to be displayed on the display of the vehicle, each image page corresponding to information in the vehicle; a control unit that controls, when controlling the display to display any one of the plurality of image pages, to display a symbol set corresponding to the total number of the plurality of image pages and a pager set to indicate a page position of the image page displayed on the display among the plurality of image pages; Equipped with The control unit an acquisition unit for acquiring a total number of the plurality of image pages stored in the storage unit; a determination unit for determining whether the total number acquired by the acquisition unit is equal to or less than a predetermined value; a setting unit for setting, when it is determined that the total number is equal to or less than a predetermined value, to display, as the pager, a first pager indicating a symbol among the first symbols corresponding to a page position of the image page displayed on the display, together with a number of first symbols equal to the total number as the symbols, and, when it is determined that the total number exceeds the predetermined value, to display, as the symbol, a band-shaped second symbol, together with a second pager indicating a position in a longitudinal direction of the second symbol corresponding to the page position of the image page displayed on the display; An image display control device including:

2. the control unit further includes a change unit that, when receiving information to be displayed on the display, generates an image page corresponding to the information, and deletes the generated image page at a timing preset for the image page, thereby changing the total number of the plurality of image pages; 2. The image display control device according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets the symbol and the pager so that the first symbol including the first pager and the second symbol including the second pager are switched when the total number of the plurality of image pages stored in the memory unit changes from below the predetermined value to exceed the predetermined value, or when the total number that exceeded the predetermined value becomes below the predetermined value.

3. The vehicle includes, as the display, at least one of a HUD and an instrument panel display that project and display an image onto a display area set on a windshield glass, 3. The image display control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the image page to be displayed on at least one of the HUD and the meter panel display.

4. the vehicle includes a group of switches arranged on the steering wheel, the group of switches including a switch to which a function of switching an image page stored in the storage unit and displayed on the display from the plurality of image pages is assigned; The image display control device according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit controls the HUD to display an image representing the group of switches.

5. The image display control device according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit controls the HUD to display the symbol and the pager together with the image representing the group of switches.

6. In a vehicle that is steered by rotating the steering wheel, a computer of an image display control device that controls, when controlling which of a plurality of image pages stored in a storage unit, each of which is an image corresponding to information in the vehicle, is to be displayed on a display of the vehicle, so that a symbol set corresponding to the total number of the plurality of image pages and a pager set to indicate the page position of the image page displayed on the display among the plurality of image pages are displayed; an acquisition unit for acquiring a total number of the plurality of image pages stored in the storage unit; a determination unit for determining whether the total number acquired by the acquisition unit is equal to or less than a predetermined value; a setting unit for setting, when it is determined that the total number is equal to or less than a predetermined value, to display, as the pager, a first pager indicating a symbol among the first symbols corresponding to a page position of the image page displayed on the display, together with a number of first symbols equal to the total number as the symbols, and, when it is determined that the total number exceeds the predetermined value, to display, as the symbol, a band-shaped second symbol, together with a second pager indicating a position in a longitudinal direction of the second symbol corresponding to the page position of the image page displayed on the display; An image display control program that makes it function as such.

Images