Display control device, display control method and program

Abstract

To provide a display control device and the like, capable of more properly using a display area on a display unit arranged in a vehicle.SOLUTION: A display control device 10 includes: a screen management unit 17 that acquires operation information indicating that a trigger operation is performed for a trigger to arrange, in a display area 2a where one or more first areas are arranged, a second object area assigned to a second application and different from the one or more first areas; and a screen generation unit 18 that determines whether or not the second object area is to be arranged in the display area 2a when the operation information is acquired, arranges the second object area in the display area 2a without arranging the one or more first areas in the display area 2a when it is determined to arrange the second object area in the display area 2a, determines whether or not a second area assigned to a first application is to be arranged in the display area 2a when it is determined to arrange the second object area in the display area 2a, and arranges the second area in the display area 2a when it is determined to arrange the second area in the display area 2a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display control device and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, devices for controlling the display of images on a display unit arranged in a vehicle have been disclosed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a control device that displays a customizable image, which allows a display screen to be customized, on at least one of a plurality of display devices, and transmits display content generated based on a display layout customized by a user on the customization image to each of the plurality of display devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-156438 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, it is desirable to make more appropriate use of the display area of ​​a display unit disposed in a vehicle.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a display control device and the like that can more appropriately use the display area of ​​a display unit arranged in a vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A display control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating that a trigger operation has been performed in a display area of ​​a display unit disposed in a vehicle, the display area including one or more first areas assigned to one or more first applications, the second area being a trigger for placing a second target area assigned to a second application different from the one or more first applications and different from the one or more first areas; and a control unit that, when the operation information is acquired by the acquisition unit, determines whether to place the second target area in the display area, and, when it is determined that the second target area should be placed in the display area, places the second target area in the display area without placing the one or more first areas in the display area; and, when there is a first application of a different type from the second application among the one or more first applications and it is determined that the second target area should be placed in the display area, determines whether to place the second area assigned to the first application in the display area, and, when it is determined that the second area should be placed in the display area, places the second area in the display area.

[0007] Furthermore, a display control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition step of acquiring operation information indicating that a trigger operation has been performed in a display area of ​​a display unit arranged in a vehicle, the display area having one or more first areas assigned to one or more first applications, the second area being a trigger operation that triggers the placement of a second target area assigned to a second application different from the one or more first applications and different from the one or more first areas; and a control step of, when the operation information is acquired by the acquisition step, determining whether or not to place the second target area in the display area, and, when it is determined that the second target area should be placed in the display area, placing the second target area in the display area without placing the one or more first areas in the display area, and, when there is a first application of a type different from the second application among the one or more first applications and it is determined that the second target area should be placed in the display area, determining whether or not to place the second area assigned to the first application in the display area, and, when it is determined that the second area should be placed in the display area, placing the second area in the display area.

[0008] A program according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described display control method.

[0009] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of the system, the method, the integrated circuit, the computer program, and the recording medium. The recording medium may also be a non-transitory recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The display control device and the like of the present disclosure can more appropriately use the display area of ​​the display unit arranged in the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a display control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the display control device and the like shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a display control method performed by the display control device of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a continuation of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of application information. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a first operation example of the display control device in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a second operation example of the display control device in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a third operation example of the display control device in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a fourth operation example of the display control device in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] A display control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating that a trigger operation has been performed in a display area of ​​a display unit disposed in a vehicle, the display area including one or more first areas assigned to one or more first applications, the second area being a trigger for placing a second target area assigned to a second application different from the one or more first applications and different from the one or more first areas; and a control unit that, when the operation information is acquired by the acquisition unit, determines whether to place the second target area in the display area, and, when it is determined that the second target area should be placed in the display area, places the second target area in the display area without placing the one or more first areas in the display area; and, when there is a first application of a different type from the second application among the one or more first applications and it is determined that the second target area should be placed in the display area, determines whether to place the second area assigned to the first application in the display area, and, when it is determined that the second area should be placed in the display area, places the second area in the display area.

[0013] This allows a second region that is assigned to a second application different from one or more first applications and different from one or more first regions to be arranged in the display region, thereby enabling more appropriate use of the display region. Also, a second region that is assigned to a first application of a type different from the second application among one or more first applications can be arranged in the display region, thereby enabling more appropriate use of the display region.

[0014] In addition, in a display control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, priorities are set for the one or more first applications and the second applications, and when there is a priority application among the one or more first applications, which is a first application having a higher priority than the second application, the control unit determines whether a priority area, which is the second area assigned to the priority application, and the second target area can be placed in the display area, and when the priority area and the second target area can be placed in the display area, decides to place the priority area and the second target area in the display area, and when the priority area and the second target area cannot be placed in the display area, decides not to place the priority area and the second target area in the display area, and places the one or more first areas in the display area.

[0015] According to this, if the priority area and the second target area can be placed in the display area, the priority area and the second target area are placed in the display area, and if the priority area and the second target area cannot be placed in the display area, the priority area and the second target area are not placed in the display area, but one or more first areas are placed in the display area, thereby making more appropriate use of the display area.

[0016] In addition, in a display control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when there is a non-priority application among the one or more first applications, which is a first application having a lower priority than the second application, the control unit may determine whether the non-priority area, which is the second area assigned to the non-priority application, can be placed in a first surplus area of ​​the display area in which neither the priority area nor the second target area is placed, and may decide to place the non-priority area in the first surplus area if the non-priority area can be placed in the first surplus area.

[0017] According to this, if the non-priority area can be arranged in the first surplus area, the non-priority area is arranged in the first surplus area, thereby making it possible to use the display area more appropriately.

[0018] In addition, in a display control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when there is a second surplus area in the display area in which neither the priority area, the second target area, nor the non-priority area is placed, and when there is a third application other than the one or more first applications and the second application, the control unit may determine whether the third area assigned to the third application can be placed in the second surplus area, and if the third area can be placed in the second surplus area, place the third area in the second surplus area.

[0019] According to this, if the third area can be arranged in the second surplus area, the third area is arranged in the second surplus area, thereby making it possible to use the display area more appropriately.

[0020] In addition, in a display control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the trigger operation is an operation of replacing one of the one or more first applications with a second application of the same type as the first application, and the second target area is smaller than the first target area in which the first area assigned to the first application was located, and when the control unit determines to place the second target area in the display area, the control unit may place the second target area in the display area so that the second target area is included in the first target area.

[0021] This allows the second target area, which is smaller than the first target area, to be arranged so as to be included in the first target area.

[0022] In addition, in a display control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the trigger operation is an operation of replacing one of the one or more first applications with a second application of the same type as the first application, and the second target area is larger than a first target area in which the first area assigned to the first application was located, and when the control unit decides to place the second target area in the display area, the control unit may place the second target area in the display area so that the first target area is included in the second target area.

[0023] This allows the second target area, which is larger than the first target area, to be arranged so as to include the first target area.

[0024] In addition, in a display control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, display position constraints may be set for the one or more first applications and the second application, and whether or not to place the second target area or the second area in the display area may be determined based on whether or not the second target area or the second area can be placed so as to satisfy the display position constraints.

[0025] According to this, if the second target region or the second region can be arranged so as to satisfy the constraints on the display position, the second target region or the second region can be arranged in the display region, thereby making it possible to use the display region more appropriately.

[0026] In addition, in a display control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more first areas may be a plurality of first areas arranged in a predetermined direction, and the display position constraint may be a constraint on the range of the center position of the second target area or the second area in the predetermined direction.

[0027] This allows the second target area or the second area to be placed in the display area if it can be placed so as to satisfy the constraints on the range of the center position of the second target area or the second area in a specified direction, thereby allowing for more appropriate use of the display area.

[0028] In the display control device according to the aspect of the present disclosure, the constraint on the display position may be a constraint on the positional relationship between the second target region and the second region, or on the positional relationship between the second regions.

[0029] This allows the second target area or the second area to be placed in the display area if the arrangement satisfies the constraints of the arrangement relationship between the second target area and the second area, or the arrangement relationship between the second areas, thereby allowing for more appropriate use of the display area.

[0030] In addition, in a display control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a required area indicating the size required for display is set for the one or more first applications and the second application, and if the required area differs from the size of the second target area or the second area, the control unit may enlarge or reduce the screen displayed by the first application or the second application.

[0031] This allows the screen displayed by the first application or the second application to be enlarged or reduced when the required area is different in size from the second target area or the second area, thereby enabling more appropriate use of the display area.

[0032] Furthermore, in a display control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the vehicle has a driver's seat located to one side of the center of the vehicle in the left-right direction of the vehicle, and a passenger seat located to the other side of the center of the vehicle in the left-right direction, the specified direction is the left-right direction, and the display area is located forward of the driver's seat and the passenger seat in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, extends in the left-and-right direction from in front of the driver's seat to in front of the passenger seat, and is arranged so as to face the rear side in the fore-and-aft direction.

[0033] This makes it easier for the driver of the vehicle to view the second target area, and makes it easier for a passenger in the vehicle to view the second area.

[0034] Furthermore, a display control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition step of acquiring operation information indicating that a trigger operation has been performed in a display area of ​​a display unit arranged in a vehicle, the display area having one or more first areas assigned to one or more first applications, the second area being a trigger operation that triggers the placement of a second target area assigned to a second application different from the one or more first applications and different from the one or more first areas; and a control step of, when the operation information is acquired by the acquisition step, determining whether or not to place the second target area in the display area, and, when it is determined that the second target area should be placed in the display area, placing the second target area in the display area without placing the one or more first areas in the display area, and, when there is a first application of a type different from the second application among the one or more first applications and it is determined that the second target area should be placed in the display area, determining whether or not to place the second area assigned to the first application in the display area, and, when it is determined that the second area should be placed in the display area, placing the second area in the display area.

[0035] This provides the same effects as the above-described display control device.

[0036] A program according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described display control method.

[0037] This provides the same effects as the above-described display control device.

[0038] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0039] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not recited in independent claims are described as optional components. Furthermore, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. Furthermore, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals in each drawing.

[0040] (Embodiment) 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle 1 equipped with a display control device 10 (described later) according to an embodiment. First, the vehicle 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0041] 1, the X-axis direction indicates the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1, with the positive side of the X-axis direction indicating the front and the negative side of the X-axis direction indicating the rear. The Y-axis direction indicates the lateral direction of the vehicle 1, with the positive side of the Y-axis direction indicating the left and the negative side of the Y-axis direction indicating the right. The Z-axis direction indicates the vertical direction of the vehicle 1, with the positive side of the Z-axis direction indicating the upward direction and the negative side of the Z-axis direction indicating the downward direction.

[0042] Hereinafter, the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1 may be simply referred to as the front-rear direction. The left-right direction of the vehicle 1 may be simply referred to as the left-right direction. The up-down direction of the vehicle 1 may be simply referred to as the up-down direction.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 1, a display unit 2 that displays an image is disposed in a vehicle 1. For example, the vehicle 1 is an automobile or the like. The vehicle 1 has a driver's seat located on one side of the center of the vehicle 1 in the left-right direction, and a passenger seat located on the other side of the center of the vehicle 1 in the left-right direction.

[0044] The display unit 2 is a display or the like, and is arranged in the interior of the vehicle 1. A display area 2a of the display unit 2 is located forward of the driver's seat and passenger seat of the vehicle 1 in the longitudinal direction. The display area 2a extends in the left-right direction from in front of the driver's seat to in front of the passenger seat. In other words, the display area 2a extends in the left-right direction from one side to the other side of the center of the vehicle 1 in the left-right direction. The display area 2a is arranged to face the rear in the longitudinal direction. This allows the driver sitting in the driver's seat and the passenger sitting in the passenger seat to view the image displayed in the display area 2a. The display area 2a is rectangular. The display area 2a is an area in which an image on the display unit 2 can be displayed. In this embodiment, the display unit 2 is arranged on the dashboard of the vehicle 1.

[0045] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the display control device 10 etc. in Fig. 1. Next, the functional configuration of the display control device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2.

[0046] 2, the display control device 10 includes an operation reception unit 11, a plurality of applications 12, a connection management unit 13, a storage unit 14, an application information management unit 15, and a display control unit 16. For example, the operation reception unit 11 is realized by a touch panel or a hardware button, the storage unit 14 is realized by a memory, and the connection management unit 13, the application information management unit 15, and the display control unit 16 are realized by a processor, for example.

[0047] The operation reception unit 11 receives a trigger operation that triggers the placement of a second target area assigned to a second application different from the one or more first applications and different from the one or more first areas in the display area 2a of the display unit 2 arranged in the vehicle 1, the second application being different from the one or more first applications. The second application may be of the same type as the one or more first applications, or may be of a different type from the one or more first applications. The operation reception unit 11 is arranged in the vehicle 1, and the trigger operation is performed by the driver or a passenger of the vehicle 1, etc.

[0048] Each of the one or more first applications is an application 12 selected from a plurality of applications 12, and each of the one or more first areas displays a screen for performing the function of the application 12 to which the first area is assigned.

[0049] Each of the multiple applications 12 is application software. For example, the multiple applications 12 include meter application software that displays the speed of the vehicle 1 and the RPM of the engine of the vehicle 1, navigation application software that navigates the travel of the vehicle 1, surveillance camera application software that receives and displays images captured by a surveillance camera, music application software that plays music, and call application software for making calls with others. The multiple applications 12 are downloaded to the display control device 10 by a user or the like, and can be used using the display control device 10.

[0050] The connection management unit 13 manages communication connections for receiving external services. For example, the external service is a service that provides application software. When receiving the external service, the connection management unit 13 establishes a wireless communication connection. This allows the application software provided by the external service to be downloaded to the display control device 10. The application software provided by the external service and downloaded to the display control device 10 is provided in the display control device 10 as an application 12 and can be used using the display control device 10.

[0051] The storage unit 14 stores application information and the like.

[0052] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of application information. As shown in FIG. 5, application information for applications 12 No. 1 to No. 12 is shown. The application information includes the name of application 12, the type of application 12, the priority set for application 12, the size of the area required to display a screen that performs the function of application 12 (required area), constraints on application 12, and information regarding the design of each of one or more screens that can be displayed by application 12. For example, constraints on application 12 include a constraint that the area allocated to application 12 must be placed in display area 2a, and a constraint that the area allocated to application 12 must be fixed (display position constraint). For example, display position constraints include the range in which the center position of the area allocated to application 12 is located in the horizontal direction of display area 2a, being located at a predetermined position such as in front of the passenger seat, and a positional relationship with a specific application (e.g., adjacent to another application). For example, the range in which the center position is located indicates a range a certain distance from a certain point. In addition, in FIG. 5, music 1 and music 2 are the same application (type) but have different display screen designs, and music 1 is assumed to have been selected in advance by the user.

[0053] 2, the application information management unit 15 manages application information. The application information management unit 15 manages the application information of the application 12 downloaded to the display control device 10, the application information stored in the storage unit 14, and the application information of application software provided by external services.

[0054] The display control unit 16 includes a screen management unit 17, a screen generation unit 18, and a screen drawing unit 19.

[0055] Screen management unit 17 is an example of an acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating that a trigger operation has been performed. When operation acceptance unit 11 accepts a trigger operation, it transmits the operation information to screen management unit 17, and screen management unit 17 acquires the operation information from operation acceptance unit 11. Based on the operation accepted by operation acceptance unit 11, screen management unit 17 acquires necessary application information from application information management unit 15 and manages the screen displayed in display area 2a by application 12.

[0056] Screen generation unit 18 is an example of a control unit. Screen generation unit 18 determines the arrangement of areas in display area 2a according to application information. When operation information is acquired by screen management unit 17, screen generation unit 18 determines whether to arrange a second target area in display area 2a. When determining to arrange the second target area in display area 2a, screen generation unit 18 arranges the second target area in display area 2a without arranging one or more first areas in display area 2a. When determining to arrange the second target area in display area 2a when there is a first application of a different type from the second application among one or more first applications, screen generation unit 18 determines whether to arrange a second area assigned to the first application in display area 2a. When determining to arrange the second area in display area 2a, screen generation unit 18 arranges the second area in display area 2a. The screen generation unit 18 determines the position in the display area 2a at which to place the second target area, the second area, etc., generates a screen so that the second target area, the second area, etc. are placed at the determined position, and sends the screen to the display unit 2 via the screen drawing unit 19 to be drawn in the display area 2a, thereby placing the second target area, the second area, etc. in the display area 2a.

[0057] Screen rendering unit 19 transmits the screen generated by screen generation unit 18 to display unit 2 and causes the screen to be rendered in display area 2a, thereby displaying the screen in display area 2a. As a result, the second target area, second area, etc. are arranged in display area 2a, as described above. For example, screen rendering unit 19 is connected to display unit 2 so as to be able to communicate with it via a wire or wirelessly, and transmits the screen to display unit 2 to cause it to be rendered.

[0058] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a display control method by the display control device 10 of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a flowchart continuing from Fig. 3. Next, an example of a display control method by the display control device 10 of Fig. 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4.

[0059] In the display area 2a, one or more first areas assigned to one or more first applications are arranged.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, the operation receiving unit 11 receives a selection operation of one or more second screens different from the first screens displayed in one or more first areas (step S1).

[0061] The screen management unit 17 determines whether or not the in-vehicle device installed in the vehicle 1 has information about the second screen (step S2). The information about the second screen is information that indicates the design of the second screen, the size of the area required to display the second screen, the display position, etc. For example, if the in-vehicle device has application information about a second application that displays the second screen, the screen management unit 17 determines that the in-vehicle device has information about the second screen. On the other hand, if the in-vehicle device does not have application information about a second application that displays the second screen, the screen management unit 17 determines that the in-vehicle device does not have information about the second screen. The in-vehicle device includes a display control device 10, etc.

[0062] If the in-vehicle device does not have information about the second screen (No in step S2), the connection management unit 13 downloads the information about the second screen (step S3). For example, the connection management unit 13 downloads the information about the second screen by downloading a second application that displays the second screen from an external service. The information about the second screen is included in the application information of the second application that displays the second screen.

[0063] The screen generator 18 determines whether or not there is a first application of the same type as the type of the second application that displays the second screen (step S4).

[0064] If there is a first application of the same type as the second application that displays the second screen (Yes in step S4), screen generation unit 18 determines whether the second screen is the same size as the first screen displayed by the first application (step S5).

[0065] If the second screen is the same size as the first screen displayed by the first application (Yes in step S5), screen generation unit 18 swaps the first screen with the second screen (step S6), as shown in FIG. 4, and displays the second screen together with the first screen other than the first screen in display area 2a (step S21).

[0066] As shown in FIG. 3, if one or more first applications do not include an application of the same type as the second application displaying the second screen (No in step S4), screen generation unit 18 resets the layout (step S7). Furthermore, if the second screen is not the same size as the first screen displayed by the first application of the same type as the second application (No in step S5), screen generation unit 18 resets the layout (step S7). If one or more first applications do not include an application of the same type as the second application displaying the second screen, that is, if the second application is an application of a different type from the one or more first applications, the selection operation in step S1 becomes a trigger operation. Furthermore, if the second screen is not the same size as the first screen displayed by the first application of the same type as the second application, the selection operation in step S1 becomes a trigger operation. Resetting the layout means not arranging one or more first regions in display area 2a.

[0067] The screen generator 18 determines whether or not there is a priority application among the one or more first applications that has a higher priority than the second application (step S8). Priorities are set for the one or more first applications and second applications, and the screen generator 18 determines whether or not there is a priority application based on these priorities. Note that the screen generator 18 does not target first applications of the same type and priority as the second application.

[0068] If there is a priority application with a higher priority than the second application (Yes in step S8), the screen generation unit 18 determines whether the priority area, which is the second area assigned to the priority application, and the second target area can be arranged in the display area 2a (step S9). For example, if the combined size of the priority area, which is the same size as the first area assigned to the priority application, and the second target area, which is the same size as the second screen, is equal to or smaller than the size of the display area 2a, the screen generation unit 18 determines that the priority area and the second target area can be arranged in the display area 2a. On the other hand, if the combined size of the priority area, which is the same size as the first area assigned to the priority application, and the second target area, which is the same size as the second screen, is larger than the size of the display area 2a, the screen generation unit 18 determines that the priority area and the second target area cannot be arranged in the display area 2a. For example, if there are multiple priority areas, the screen generation unit 18 determines whether multiple priority areas and second target areas can be arranged in the display area 2a.

[0069] 4, if the priority area and the second target area cannot be arranged in the display area 2a (No in step S9), the screen generation unit 18 determines not to arrange the priority area and the second target area in the display area 2a, restores the layout (step S10), and displays one or more first screens in one or more first areas (step S21). Restoring the layout means arranging one or more first areas in the display area 2a.

[0070] 3, if the priority area and the second target area can be arranged in the display area 2a (Yes in step S9), the screen generation unit 18 determines to arrange the priority area and the second target area in the display area 2a, and determines the position of the priority area in the display area 2a in accordance with the application information (step S11). For example, the screen generation unit 18 determines the position of the priority area in the display area 2a so that the priority area, which has the same size as the first area assigned to the priority application to which the priority area is assigned, is located at the same position as the position where the first area was arranged.

[0071] After determining the position in display area 2a where the priority area is to be placed, screen generation unit 18 determines the position in display area 2a where the second target area is to be placed (step S12). Furthermore, if there is no priority application with a higher priority than the second application (No in step S8), screen generation unit 18 determines to place the second target area in display area 2a, and determines the position in display area 2a where the second target area is to be placed (step S12). How the position in display area 2a where the second target area is to be placed will be determined will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.

[0072] 4, after determining the position in the display area 2a where the second target area is to be placed, the screen generator 18 determines whether or not there is a first surplus area (step S13). The first surplus area is an area of ​​the display area 2a where neither the priority area nor the second target area is placed.

[0073] If there is no first surplus area (No in step S13), the screen generation unit 18 places the second target area, etc. at the determined position in the display area 2a (step S20), and displays the second screen, etc. in the second target area, etc. placed in the display area 2a (step S21).

[0074] If there is a first surplus area (Yes in step S13), the screen generator 18 determines whether there is a non-priority application that does not have a higher priority than the second application (step S14). Priorities are set for one or more first applications and one or more second applications, and the screen generator 18 determines whether there is a non-priority application based on these priorities.

[0075] If there is a non-priority application that does not have a higher priority than the second application (Yes in step S14), the screen generator 18 determines whether the non-priority area, which is the second area allocated to the non-priority application, can be placed in the first surplus area (step S15). For example, if the size of a non-priority area that is the same size as the first area allocated to the non-priority application is equal to or smaller than the size of the first surplus area, the screen generator 18 determines that the non-priority area can be placed in the first surplus area. On the other hand, if the size of a non-priority area that is the same size as the first area allocated to the non-priority application is larger than the size of the first surplus area, the screen generator 18 determines that the non-priority area cannot be placed in the first surplus area. For example, if there are multiple non-priority areas and all of the multiple non-priority areas cannot be placed in the first surplus area, the non-priority areas with higher priorities may be preferentially placed in the first surplus area.

[0076] If the non-priority area can be placed in the first surplus area (Yes in step S15), the screen generator 18 determines the position in the first surplus area where the non-priority area is to be placed (step S16). How to determine the position in the first surplus area where the non-target area is to be placed will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.

[0077] After determining the position in the first surplus area where the non-priority area is to be placed, the screen generation unit 18 determines whether or not there is a second surplus area (step S17). Furthermore, if there is no non-priority application (No in step S14), the screen generation unit 18 determines whether or not there is a second surplus area (step S17). Furthermore, if the non-priority area cannot be placed in the surplus area (No in step S15), the screen generation unit 18 determines whether or not there is a second surplus area (step S17). The second surplus area is an area of ​​the display area 2a where neither the priority area, the second target area, nor the non-priority area is placed.

[0078] If there is no second surplus area (No in step S17), the screen generation unit 18 places the second target area, etc. at the determined position in the display area 2a (step S20), and displays the second screen, etc. in the second target area, etc. placed in the display area 2a (step S21).

[0079] If there is a second surplus area (Yes in step S17), the screen generator 18 determines whether or not the third area can be placed in the second surplus area (step S18).

[0080] If the screen generation unit 18 cannot place the third area (No in step S18), it places the second target area, etc. at the determined position in the display area 2a (step S20), and then displays the second screen, etc. in the second target area, etc. placed in the display area 2a (step S21).

[0081] If the third area can be arranged (Yes in step S18), the screen generation unit 18 determines to arrange the third area in the second surplus area (step S19) and again determines whether or not there is a second surplus area (step S17). The third area is an area allocated to a third application other than one or more first applications and the second application. For example, the third application is an application 12 selected from multiple applications 12, and can display a third screen that is smaller than the size of the third area. Note that if there is no third application, steps S17, S18, and S19 are not performed.

[0082] Figures 6 to 9 are explanatory diagrams for explaining first to fourth operation examples of the display control device 10 in Figure 1. Next, the first to fourth operation examples of the display control device 10 will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 9. In the first to fourth operation examples, a case will be described in which the vertical dimension of the required area of ​​the screen displayed by the application is the same as the vertical dimension of the display area 2a.

[0083] It should be noted that, for example, which of the first to fourth operation examples the display control device 10 will perform is determined by the user or the like.

[0084] [First operation example] 6(a) shows a state in which multiple areas 3a, 4a, 5a (one or more first areas) are arranged, with a screen 30 in which the meter 2 is displayed in area 3a, a screen 40 in which the navigation system 1 is displayed in area 4a, and a screen 50 in which the video 1 is displayed in area 5a. Also, FIG. 6(b) shows a state in which multiple areas 3b (second target area), 4b (non-priority area), 5b (non-priority area), and 6b (third area) are arranged, with a screen 31 in which the meter 1 is displayed in area 3b, a screen 40 in which the navigation system 1 is displayed in area 4b, a screen 50 in area 5b, and a screen 51 in which an extension of the video 1 is displayed in area 6b.

[0085] First, a first operation example of the display control device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows an operation example when a user performs an operation to change the application that displays the meter from Meter 2 to Meter 1. In this case, Meter 2, Navigation 1, and Video 1 are the first application, and Meter 1 is the second application.

[0086] Here, the trigger operation is an operation to change the screen 30 displayed by the meter 2 to which the area 3a is assigned to, to a screen 31 displayed by the meter 1 and having a size different from that of the screen 30 (area 3a).

[0087] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the multiple regions 3a, 4a, and 5a are arranged in a predetermined direction (see arrow A in FIG. 6, etc.). Here, the predetermined direction is the left-right direction of the vehicle 1, and one side of the predetermined direction (the region 3a side as seen from region 5a in FIG. 6(a)) is one side in the left-right direction. Region 3a is the region furthest to one side in the predetermined direction among the multiple regions 3a, 4a, and 5a. The multiple regions 3a, 4a, and 5a are arranged throughout the entire display region 2a. Each of the multiple regions 3a, 4a, and 5a is rectangular. The same applies to the other regions. In addition, in FIG. 6, the left side in the left-right direction will be described as the passenger seat region. Furthermore, when one end of the display region 2a is taken as the starting point, the ranges R1 and R2 of the center position indicate a range that is a certain distance away from that starting point.

[0088] As shown in the application information in Fig. 5, meter 2, to which area 3a is assigned, has the highest priority among the multiple applications to which areas 3a, 4a, and 5a are assigned. In area 3a, screen 30 is displayed in accordance with the display constraints of meter 1, with center position C2 positioned within range R1 from A1 to A2. In area 4a, screen 40 is displayed in accordance with the display constraints of navigation 1, with center position C3 positioned within range R2 from B1 to B2. In area 5a, screen 50 is displayed in accordance with the display position constraints of video 1, which is to be placed in the passenger seat area.

[0089] When the screen management unit 17 acquires operation information while multiple areas 3a, 4a, and 5a are arranged in the display area 2a, the screen generation unit 18 checks whether the in-vehicle device has information about the screen 31. The screen generation unit 18 determines, based on the application information, that the in-vehicle device has information about the screen 31 of the meter 1, and that the meter 1 displaying the screen 31 is of the same type as the meter 2, which is one of the first applications, but the screens 31 and 30 are not the same size. Therefore, the screen generation unit 18 determines whether to place the area 3b necessary for displaying the screen 31 in the display area 2a because the meter 1 has the highest priority among the meter 1, the navigation system 1, and the video 1. If the area 3b can be arranged in the display area 2a in accordance with the constraints imposed by the display position of the meter 1, the screen generation unit 18 determines to arrange the area 3b in the display area 2a. Thus, whether to arrange the area 3b in the display area 2a is determined based on whether the area 3b can be arranged so as to satisfy the constraints imposed by the display position. The screen generation unit 18 determines whether or not the area 3b can be arranged so as to satisfy the constraints on the display position, and if the area 3b can be arranged so as to satisfy the constraints on the display position, it determines that the area 3b should be arranged in the display area 2a.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 6(b), when the screen generator 18 determines to place region 3b in the display region 2a, it places region 3b in the display region 2a. Here, region 3b is smaller than the first target region, which is the region in which region 3a was placed, so the screen generator 18 places region 3b in the display region 2a so that region 3b is included in the first target region. Specifically, even if one end of region 3b in a predetermined direction is located at one end of the first target region, the screen generator 18 places region 3b in the display region 2a because the center position C1 of region 3b is located within the range R1 of the display position constraint, as shown in FIG. 6(b). Here, the area in the display region 2a other than region 3b becomes surplus region 2b (first surplus region). Thus, the display position constraint here includes a constraint on the range of the center position C1 of region 3b in the predetermined direction, and region 3b is placed to satisfy the display position constraint. Specifically, region 3b is placed so that the center position C1 is located within the range R1.

[0091] The screen generator 18 determines the placement of the navigation 1 and video 1 in the surplus area 2b, which are non-priority applications different from the meter 1 and have a lower priority than the meter 1. In this case, the priority of the navigation 1 is higher than the priority of the video 1, so the placement of the navigation 1 is determined first. The screen generator 18 determines to place the navigation 1 in the display area 2a if the center position C3 of the area 4b assigned to the navigation 1, which was assigned the area 4a adjacent to the area 3a, can be positioned within the range R2 in the surplus area 2b (first surplus area). Specifically, the screen generator 18 places the area 4b in the surplus area 2b so that one end of the area 4b in a predetermined direction is positioned at one end of the surplus area 2b (first surplus area). Thus, here, whether to place the area 4b in the display area 2a is determined based on whether the area 4b can be placed so as to satisfy the constraints on the display position. The screen generation unit 18 determines whether the region 4b can be arranged so as to satisfy the display position constraint, and if so, determines to arrange the region 4b in the display region 2a. The display position constraint includes a constraint on the range of the center position C3 of the region 4b in a predetermined direction, and the region 4b is arranged so that the center position C3 is located within the range R2. Note that, for example, the display position constraint may include a constraint on the positional relationship between the second target region and the second region. Specifically, it may include a constraint that the positional relationship between the region 3b and the region 4b is the same as the positional relationship between the region 3a and the region 4a. In this case, the region 4b can be arranged adjacent to the other side of the region 3b in the predetermined direction.

[0092] The screen generation unit 18 determines to place the video 1, to which the area 5a was assigned, in the surplus area 2c in which the area 4b is not displayed in the surplus area 2b. Specifically, the screen generation unit 18 places the area 5b at the other end of the surplus area 2c in accordance with the display position constraint of the passenger seat area. Thus, here, whether or not to place the area 5b in the display area 2a is determined based on whether or not the area 5b can be placed so as to satisfy the display position constraint. The screen generation unit 18 determines whether or not the area 5b can be placed so as to satisfy the display position constraint, and if the area 5b can be placed so as to satisfy the display position constraint, it determines to place the area 5b in the display area 2a. The area 5b is placed so as to satisfy the display position constraint.

[0093] Since there is still a surplus area 2d (second surplus area) even after arranging area 5b in surplus area 2c, image generation unit 18 determines, based on the application information, whether area 6b necessary for displaying screen 51 displayed by the application that extends video 1, which has the next highest priority among applications 12, can be arranged in surplus area 2d. In this case, image generation unit 18 arranges area 6b in surplus area 2d next to area 5b, since area 6b can be arranged in surplus area 2d in accordance with the display position constraint that area 6b is adjacent to video 1. Thus, here, whether area 6b is arranged in display area 2a is determined based on whether area 6b can be arranged so as to satisfy the display position constraint. Screen generation unit 18 determines whether area 6b can be arranged so as to satisfy the display position constraint, and if area 6b can be arranged so as to satisfy the display position constraint, determines to arrange area 6b in display area 2a. Area 6b is arranged so as to satisfy the display position constraint.

[0094] In the first operation example, after the trigger operation, area 3b of display area 2a displays screen 31 displayed by meter 1, area 4b displays screen 40 displayed by navigation 1, area 5b displays screen 50 displayed by video 1, and area 6b displays screen 51 displayed by expanding video 1.

[0095] In the first operation example, if the size of the screen displayed by the application to be changed (Meter 2) is larger than the area of ​​the screen displayed by the changed application (Meter 1), the surplus area can be allocated as an area to place the application that was not displayed before the change.

[0096] [Second example of operation] 7(a) shows a state in which a plurality of regions 3c, 4c, and 5c (one or more first regions) are arranged, with a screen 30 in which a meter 2 is displayed in region 3c, a screen 40 in which a navigation system 1 is displayed in region 4c, and a screen 50 in which a video 1 is displayed in region 5c. Also, FIG. 7(b) shows a state in which a plurality of regions 3d (second target region), 4d (non-priority region), 5d (non-priority region), 6d (third region), and 7d (third region) are arranged, with a screen 31 in which a meter 1 is displayed in region 3d, a screen 40 in region 4d, a screen 50 in region 5d, a screen 60 in which a message is displayed in region 6d, and a screen 70 in which music 1 is displayed in region 7d. Next, a second operation example of the display control device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0097] 7 shows an example of the operation when a user performs an operation to change the application displaying the meter from Meter 2 to Meter 1. Here, the trigger operation is an operation to change the screen 30 displayed by Meter 2 to which area 3c is assigned, to the screen 31 displayed by Meter 1 and having a different size from that of screen 30.

[0098] The second operation example differs from the first operation example mainly in the following points.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 7B, when the screen generator 18 determines to place region 3d in the display region 2a, it places region 3d in the display region 2a. Here, region 3d is smaller than the first target region in which region 3c was placed. Therefore, the screen generator 18 places region 3d in the display region 2a so that region 3d is included in the first target region. Specifically, if the center position C1 of region 3d can be placed within the range R1 of the center position in accordance with the constraints on the display position of the meter 1, the screen generator 18 places region 3d in the display region 2a so that the center of region 3d in a predetermined direction is located at the center of the first target region. Thus, the constraints on the display position include a constraint on the range of the center position C1 of region 3d in the predetermined direction, and region 3d is placed to satisfy the constraints on the display position. Specifically, region 3d is placed so that the center position C1 is located within the range R1. In this case, the center position C1 of the meter 1 may be placed at a position equivalent to the center position C2 of the meter 2. Here, the areas other than the area 3d in the display area 2a (areas 4d, 5d, 6d, and 7d) are the first surplus areas.

[0100] Furthermore, the screen generation unit 18 determines to arrange, in the first surplus area, areas 4d and 5d assigned to the navigation 1 and video 1, respectively, which are non-priority applications different from the meter 2 and have a lower priority than the meter 2, in the display area 2a in accordance with the constraints on the display positions of the navigation 1 and video 1. Specifically, the screen generation unit 18 arranges the area 4d (or 5d) in the first surplus area so that the area 4d (or 5d) is the same size as the area 4c (or 5c) assigned to the navigation 1 and video 1, respectively, and is positioned at the same position as the area 4c (or 5c) was previously assigned to the navigation 1 and video 1. Note that, for example, the constraints on the display positions may include constraints on the positional relationship between the second areas. Specifically, the constraint may include a constraint that the positional relationship between the area 4d and the area 5d be the same as the positional relationship between the area 4c and the area 5c. In this case, the area 4d can be arranged adjacent to one side of the area 5d in a predetermined direction, and the area 5d can be arranged adjacent to the other side of the area 4d in the predetermined direction.

[0101] The screen generator 18 also determines whether there are any applications that can be placed in the surplus areas 2e (second surplus area) and 2f (second surplus area) of the display area 2a, which are not occupied by areas 3d, 4d, and 5d. The screen generator 18 also determines whether there are any applications 12 (third applications) included in the application information of FIG. 5 that satisfy the display constraints in descending order of priority, among the applications 12 other than the meter 1, navigation 1, and video 1. In this case, the screen generator 18 determines not to place the extension of video 1 because the area required to display the extension of video 1, which has the next highest priority, cannot be secured in the surplus areas 2e and 2f. The screen generator 18 places the music, which has the next highest priority after the extension of video 1, in the surplus area 2f because the required area for the music satisfies area 7d (third area) that can be placed in the surplus area 2f. The screen generator 18 also places the message in the surplus area 2e because the required area for the message satisfies area 6d (third area) that can be placed in the surplus area 2e. In this case, since the surplus areas 2e and 2f are the same size as the areas 6d and 7d, the screen generator 18 may determine to place the area 7d in the area 2e and the area 6d in the area 2f.

[0102] In the second operation example, after the trigger operation, area 3d of display area 2a displays screen 31 displayed by Meter 1, area 4d displays screen 40 displayed by Navigation 1, area 5d displays screen 50 displayed by Video 1, area 6d displays screen 60 displayed by Message, and area 7d displays screen 70 displayed by Music 1. In the second operation example, if the size of the screen displayed by the application to be changed is larger than the size of the screen displayed by the application after the change, the center positions of the screens displayed by the application before and after the change can be positioned at the same positions, making it possible for the user to feel that the display position of the meter has not changed. In addition, by placing an application that was not displayed before the change in the second surplus area, it is possible to provide the user with more information.

[0103] [Third operation example] FIG. 8(a) shows a state in which a plurality of regions 3e, 4e, and 5e (one or more first regions) are arranged, with a screen 31 in which the meter 1 is displayed in region 3e, a screen 40 in which the navigation system 1 is displayed in region 4e, and a screen 50 in which the video 1 is displayed and a screen 51 in which an extension of the video 1 is displayed in region 5e. FIG. 8(b) shows a state in which a plurality of regions 3f (second target region), 4f (non-priority region), and 5f (non-priority region) are arranged, with the screen 30 in which the meter 1 is displayed in region 3f, the screen 40 in region 4f, and the screen 50 in region 5f. Next, a third operation example of the display control device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0104] 8 shows an example of the operation when a user performs an operation to change the application that displays the meter from Meter 1 to Meter 2. Here, the trigger operation is an operation to change the screen 31 displayed by Meter 1 to which Area 3e is assigned, to the screen 30 displayed by Meter 2 and having a size different from that of Screen 31 (Area 3e).

[0105] The third operation example differs from the first operation example mainly in the following points.

[0106] As shown in (a) of Figure 8, the multiple regions 3e, 4e, and 5e are aligned in a predetermined direction. Region 3e is the region furthest to one side in the predetermined direction among the multiple regions 3e, 4e, and 5e. The multiple regions 3e, 4e, and 5e are arranged throughout the entire display region 2a.

[0107] When the screen management unit 17 acquires operation information while multiple areas 3e, 4e, and 5e are arranged in the display area 2a, the screen generation unit 18 checks whether the in-vehicle device has information about the screen 30. The screen generation unit 18 determines from the application information that the in-vehicle device has information about the screen 30 of the meter 2, and that the meter 2 displaying the screen 30 is of the same type as the meter 1, which is one of the first applications, but the screens 30 and 31 are not the same size, and therefore decides to reset the layout. The screen generation unit 18 determines whether to arrange the area 3f necessary for displaying the screen 30 in the display area 2a because the meter 2 has the highest priority among the meter 2, the navigation 1, the video 1, and the extension of the video 1. For example, since the display area 2a is larger than the area 3f, the screen generation unit 18 determines to arrange the area 3f in the display area 2a. Whether to arrange the area 3f in the display area 2a may be determined based on whether the area 3f can be arranged so as to satisfy the display position constraints, as in the fourth operation example, etc.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 8B, when the screen generator 18 determines to place region 3f in the display region 2a, it places region 3f in the display region 2a. Here, region 3f is larger than the first target region, which is the region in which region 3e was placed. Therefore, the screen generator 18 places region 3f in the display region 2a so that region 3f includes the first target region and so that the center position C2 of region 3f is located within a range R1 of the center position in accordance with the display constraints of the meter 2. Specifically, the screen generator 18 places region 3f in the display region 2a so that one end of region 3f in a predetermined direction is located within one end of the first target region. Thus, the display position constraints here include a constraint on the range of the center position C2 of region 3f in the predetermined direction, and region 3f is placed to satisfy the display position constraint. Specifically, region 3f is placed so that the center position C2 is located within range R1. Here, the surplus region 2g in the display region 2a becomes the first surplus region.

[0109] The screen generator 18 determines the placement of Navigation 1 first because Navigation 1 has the highest priority among the non-priority applications Navigation 1, Video 1, and Video 1 extension in the surplus area 2g. The screen generator 18 determines to place Navigation 1 in the display area 2a because Navigation 1, which was assigned to Navigation 1 and to which area 4e adjacent to area 3e was assigned, can be placed so that its center position C3 is located within the range R2 of the center position according to the display position constraint. Specifically, the screen generator 18 places area 4f in the surplus area 2g so that one end of area 4f in a predetermined direction is located at one end of the surplus area 2g. Thus, whether or not area 4f is placed in the display area 2a is determined based on whether area 4f can be placed so as to satisfy the display position constraint. The screen generator 18 determines whether area 4f can be placed so as to satisfy the display position constraint, and if area 4f can be placed so as to satisfy the display position constraint, determines to place area 4f in the display area 2a. The display position constraints include a constraint on the range of the center position C3 of region 4f in a predetermined direction, and region 4f is positioned so that center position C3 is located within range R2. Note that, for example, the display position constraints may also include a constraint on the positional relationship between the second target region and the second region. Specifically, it may include a constraint that the positional relationship between region 3f and region 4f be the same as the positional relationship between region 3e and region 4e. In this case, region 4f can be positioned adjacent to the other side of region 3f in the predetermined direction.

[0110] The screen generation unit 18 determines whether to place the screen 50 of the video 1, which has the second highest priority after the navigation system 1. Specifically, the screen generation unit 18 places an area 5f, which is the same size as the surplus area 2h and has a display constraint in the passenger seat area, in the surplus area 2h in which the video 1 is not placed and in the surplus area 2g in which the area 3f is not displayed, in the display area 2a. Furthermore, since there is no surplus area in the display area 2a if the area 5f is placed, the screen generation unit 18 determines not to place an extension of the video 1. Thus, here, whether to place the area 5f in the display area 2a is determined based on whether the area 5f can be placed so as to satisfy the display position constraint. The screen generation unit 18 determines whether the area 5f can be placed so as to satisfy the display position constraint, and if the area 5f can be placed so as to satisfy the display position constraint, it determines to place the area 5f in the display area 2a. The area 5f is placed so as to satisfy the display position constraint.

[0111] In the third operation example, after the trigger operation, area 3f of display area 2a displays screen 30 displayed by meter 2, area 4f displays screen 40 displayed by navigation 1, and area 5f displays screen 50 displayed by video 1.

[0112] Note that, when the required area differs from the size of the second target area or the second area, screen generation unit 18 may enlarge or reduce the screen displayed by the first application or the second application. For example, when the required area of ​​video 1 is smaller than area 5f, screen generation unit 18 may enlarge the screen displayed by video 1 to the size of area 5f. Also, when the required area of ​​video 1 is larger than area 5f, screen generation unit 18 may reduce the screen displayed by video 1 to the size of area 5f.

[0113] [Fourth operation example] 9(a) shows a state in which a plurality of regions 3g, 4g, 5g, 6g, and 7g (one or more first regions) are arranged, with a screen 31 in which a meter 1 is displayed in region 3g, a screen 40 in which a navigation system 1 is displayed in region 4g, a screen 50 in which a video 1 is displayed in region 5g, a screen 60 in which a message is displayed in region 6g, and a screen 70 in which music 1 is displayed in region 7g. FIG. 9(b) shows a state in which a plurality of regions 3h (second target region), 4h (non-priority region), and 5h (non-priority region) are arranged, with a screen 30 in which a meter 2 is displayed in region 3h, a screen 40 in region 4h, and a screen 50 in region 5h. Next, a fourth operation example of the display control device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0114] FIG. 9 shows an example of operation when, of the applications 12 shown in FIG. 5, Meter 1, Navigation 1, Video 1, Music 1, and Message are set as first applications, and Meter 2 is set as a second application.

[0115] Figure 9 shows an example of the operation when a user changes the meter application from Meter 1 to Meter 2. In this case, Navigation 1, Video 1, Message, and Music 1 have lower priority than Meter 2, so they are non-priority applications.

[0116] Here, the trigger operation is an operation to change the screen 31 displayed by the meter 1 to which the area 3g is assigned to, to the screen 30 displayed by the meter 2 and having a size different from that of the screen 31.

[0117] The fourth operation example differs from the third operation example mainly in the following points.

[0118] When the screen management unit 17 acquires operation information while multiple areas 3g, 4g, 5g, 6g, and 7g are arranged in the display area 2a, the screen generation unit 18 checks whether the in-vehicle device has information about the screen 30. The screen generation unit 18 determines from the application information that the in-vehicle device has information about the screen 30 of the meter 2, and that the meter 2 displaying the screen 30 is of the same type as the meter 1, which is one of the first applications, but the screens 30 and 31 are not the same size, and therefore determines to reset the layout. Since the meter 2 has the highest priority among the meter 2, the navigation 1, the video 1, the music 1, and the message, the screen generation unit 18 determines whether to arrange the area 3h necessary for displaying the screen 30 in the display area 2a. For example, whether to arrange the area 3h in the display area 2a is determined based on whether the area 3h can be arranged so as to satisfy a display position constraint. The display position constraint may be a constraint on the range of the center position C2 of the area 3h in a predetermined direction. If the screen generation unit 18 can arrange the area 3h so that the center position C2 of the area 3h is located within the range R1, the screen generation unit 18 determines to arrange the area 3h in the display area 2a. Note that, as in the third operation example, since the display area 2a is larger than the area 3h, the screen generation unit 18 may also determine to arrange the area 3h in the display area 2a.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 9(b), when the screen generator 18 determines to place region 3h in the display region 2a, it places region 3h in the display region 2a. Here, region 3h is larger than the first target region in which region 3g was placed. Therefore, the screen generator 18 places region 3h in the display region 2a so that region 3h includes the first target region and so that the center position C2 of region 3h is located within range R1 in accordance with the constraints on the display position of the meter 2. In this way, the constraints on the display position include a constraint on the range of the center position C2 of region 3h in a predetermined direction, and region 3h is placed to satisfy the constraints on the display position. Specifically, region 3h is placed so that the center position C2 is located within range R1. In this case, region 3h may be placed so that the center position C1 of the meter 1 is located at the same position as the center position C2 of the meter 2. Here, the area of ​​the display region 2a other than region 3h becomes the first surplus region (surplus region 2i).

[0120] Furthermore, the screen generator 18 arranges, in the surplus area 2i, among the multiple applications 12 (one or more first applications) to which the multiple areas 3g, 4g, 5g, 6g, and 7g are assigned, applications 12 (one or more non-priority applications) of a type different from the meter 2 to which the area 3h is assigned, in the order of priority of the applications 12. Specifically, the screen generator 18 allocates areas to the surplus area 2i in the order of the navigation 1, which has the second highest priority, and the video 1, which has the third highest priority. The screen generator 18 arranges an area 4h (or 5h) of the same size as the area 4g (or 5g) previously assigned to each of the applications 12, in accordance with the respective display constraints. In this case, since the size of the surplus area 2i is the same as the combined size of areas 4g and 5g, the screen generator 18 arranges the area 4h (or 5h) in the surplus area 2i so as to be positioned at the same position as the area 4g (or 5g) was previously arranged. Note that, for example, the constraint on the display position may include a constraint on the relative positioning of the second areas. Specifically, the constraint may include that the positional relationship between region 4h and region 5h must be the same as the positional relationship between region 4g and region 5g. In this case, region 4h can be arranged adjacent to one side of region 5h in a predetermined direction, and region 5h can be arranged adjacent to the other side of region 4h in the predetermined direction.

[0121] As shown in Figure 9(b), when areas 3h, 4h, and 5h are placed, there is no surplus area in the display area 2a, so the screen generation unit 18 decides not to place the message assigned to area 6g and the music 1 assigned to area 7g.

[0122] In the fourth operation example, after the trigger operation, area 3h of display area 2a displays screen 30 displayed by meter 2, area 4h displays screen 40 displayed by navigation 1, and area 5h displays screen 50 displayed by video 1. The fourth operation example shows a case where an application with a lower priority is no longer displayed when the area allocated to the application after the change is larger than the area allocated to the application before the change.

[0123] Note that, when the required area differs from the size of the second target area or the second area, screen generator 18 may enlarge or reduce the screen displayed by the first application or the second application. For example, when the required area of ​​video 1 is smaller than area 5h, screen generator 18 may enlarge the screen displayed by video 1 to the size of area 5h. Also, when the required area of ​​video 1 is larger than area 5h, screen generator 18 may reduce the screen displayed by video 1 to the size of area 5h.

[0124] The display control device 10 according to this embodiment includes a screen management unit 17 that acquires operation information indicating that a trigger operation has been performed in the display area 2a on the display unit 2 arranged in the vehicle 1, in which one or more first areas assigned to one or more first applications are arranged, and which triggers the arrangement of a second target area that is assigned to a second application different from the one or more first applications and different from the one or more first areas; and a screen generation unit 18 that, when the operation information is acquired by the screen management unit 17, determines whether to arrange the second target area in the display area 2a, and, when it has been decided that the second target area should be arranged in the display area 2a, arranges the second target area in the display area 2a without placing one or more first areas in the display area 2a, and, when there is a first application of a type different from the second application among the one or more first applications and it has been decided that the second target area should be arranged in the display area 2a, determines whether to arrange the second area assigned to the first application in the display area 2a, and, when it has been decided that the second area should be arranged in the display area 2a, arranges the second area in the display area 2a.

[0125] This allows a second region that is assigned to a second application different from one or more first applications and different from one or more first regions to be arranged in display region 2a, thereby enabling more appropriate use of display region 2a. Also, a second region that is assigned to a first application of a type different from the second application out of one or more first applications can be arranged in display region 2a, thereby enabling more appropriate use of display region 2a.

[0126] Furthermore, in the display control device 10 according to this embodiment, priorities are set for one or more first applications and second applications, and when there is a priority application, which is a first application among the one or more first applications that has a higher priority than a second application, the screen generation unit 18 determines whether or not the priority area and second target area, which are second areas assigned to the priority application, can be placed in the display area 2a, and if the priority area and second target area can be placed in the display area, decides to place the priority area and second target area in the display area 2a, and if the priority area and second target area cannot be placed in the display area 2a, decides not to place the priority area and second target area in the display area 2a, and places one or more first areas in the display area 2a.

[0127] According to this, if the priority area and the second target area can be placed in the display area 2a, the priority area and the second target area are placed in the display area 2a, and if the priority area and the second target area cannot be placed in the display area 2a, the priority area and the second target area are not placed in the display area 2a, but one or more first areas are placed in the display area 2a, thereby making it possible to use the display area 2a more appropriately.

[0128] Furthermore, in the display control device 10 according to this embodiment, when there is a non-priority application, which is a first application among one or more first applications that does not have a higher priority than a second application, the screen generation unit 18 determines whether the non-priority area, which is a second area assigned to the non-priority application, can be placed in a first surplus area of ​​the display area 2a in which neither a priority area nor a second target area is placed, and if the non-priority area can be placed in the first surplus area, it decides to place the non-priority area in the first surplus area.

[0129] According to this, if the non-priority area can be arranged in the first surplus area, the non-priority area is arranged in the first surplus area, so that the display area 2a can be used more appropriately.

[0130] Furthermore, in the display control device 10 according to this embodiment, when there is a second surplus area in the display area 2a in which neither the priority area, the second target area, nor the non-priority area is placed, and when there is a third application other than one or more first applications and the second application, the screen generation unit 18 determines whether the third area allocated to the third application can be placed in the second surplus area, and if the third area can be placed in the second surplus area, places the third area in the second surplus area.

[0131] According to this, if the third area can be arranged in the second surplus area, the third area is arranged in the second surplus area, so that the display area 2a can be used more appropriately.

[0132] Furthermore, in the display control device 10 according to this embodiment, the trigger operation is an operation of replacing one of one or more first applications with a second application of the same type as the first application, and the second target area is smaller than the first target area, which is the area in which the first area assigned to the first application was located, and when the screen generation unit 18 decides to place the second target area in the display area 2a, it places the second target area in the display area 2a so that the second target area is included in the first target area.

[0133] This allows the second target area, which is smaller than the first target area, to be arranged so as to be included in the first target area.

[0134] Furthermore, in the display control device 10 according to this embodiment, the trigger operation is an operation of replacing one of one or more first applications with a second application of the same type as the first application, and the second target area is larger than the first target area, which is the area in which the first area assigned to the first application was located, and when the screen generation unit 18 decides to place the second target area in the display area 2a, it places the second target area in the display area 2a so that the first target area is included in the second target area.

[0135] This allows the second target area, which is larger than the first target area, to be arranged so as to include the first target area.

[0136] In addition, in the display control device 10 according to this embodiment, display position constraints are set for one or more first applications and second applications, and whether or not to place the second target area or the second area in the display area 2a is determined based on whether or not the second target area or the second area can be placed so as to satisfy the display position constraints.

[0137] This allows the second target region or the second region to be placed in the display region 2a if it can be placed so as to satisfy the constraints on the display position, thereby enabling more appropriate use of the display region 2a.

[0138] In addition, in the display control device 10 according to this embodiment, the one or more first areas are a plurality of first areas arranged in a predetermined direction, and the display position constraint is a constraint on the range of the center position of the second target area or the second area in the predetermined direction.

[0139] This allows the second target area or second area to be placed in the display area 2a if it can be placed so as to satisfy the constraints on the range of the center position of the second target area or second area in a specified direction, thereby allowing the display area 2a to be used more appropriately.

[0140] Furthermore, in the display control device 10 according to the present embodiment, the constraint on the display position is a constraint on the layout relationship between the second target region and the second region, or a constraint on the layout relationship between the second regions.

[0141] This allows the second target area or the second area to be placed in the display area 2a when the arrangement satisfies the constraints of the arrangement relationship between the second target area and the second area, or the arrangement relationship between the second areas, thereby making it possible to use the display area 2a more appropriately.

[0142] Furthermore, in the display control device 10 according to this embodiment, a required area indicating the size required for display is set for one or more first applications and second applications, and if the required area differs from the size of the second target area or the second area, the screen generation unit 18 enlarges or reduces the screen displayed by the first application or the second application.

[0143] This allows the screen displayed by the first application or the second application to be enlarged or reduced when the required area is different in size from the second target area or the second area, thereby enabling more appropriate use of the display area.

[0144] Furthermore, in the display control device 10 according to this embodiment, the vehicle 1 has a driver's seat located on one side of the center of the vehicle 1 in the left-right direction of the vehicle 1, and a passenger seat located on the other side of the center of the vehicle 1 in the left-right direction, the specified direction is the left-right direction, and the display area 2a is located forward of the driver's seat and passenger seat in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle 1, extends in the left-right direction from in front of the driver's seat to in front of the passenger seat, and is arranged so as to face the rear side in the fore-and-aft direction.

[0145] This makes it easier for the driver of the vehicle 1 to visually recognize the second target area, and makes it easier for a passenger in the vehicle 1 to visually recognize the second area.

[0146] Furthermore, the display control method according to this embodiment includes an acquisition step (step S1) of acquiring operation information indicating that a trigger operation has been performed in display area 2a on display unit 2 arranged in vehicle 1, in which one or more first areas assigned to one or more first applications are arranged, and which triggers the arrangement of a second target area assigned to a second application different from the one or more first applications and different from the one or more first areas; and a control step of, when the operation information has been acquired by the acquisition step, deciding whether to arrange the second target area in display area 2a (steps S8, S9), and, when it has been decided that the second target area should be arranged in display area 2a, arranging the second target area in display area 2a without placing the one or more first areas in display area 2a (step S20), and, when there is a first application of a type different from the second application among the one or more first applications and it has been decided that the second target area should be arranged in display area 2a, deciding whether to arrange the second area assigned to the first application in display area 2a (step S15), and, when it has been decided that the second area should be arranged in display area 2a, arranging the second area in display area 2a (step S20).

[0147] This provides the same effects as the display control device 10 described above.

[0148] Moreover, the program according to the present embodiment is a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described display control method.

[0149] This provides the same effects as the display control device 10 described above.

[0150] (Other embodiments, etc.) While the display control device and the like according to one or more aspects have been described above based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as the modifications do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art may also be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0151] In the above-described embodiment, the display unit 2 is a display, but this is not limiting. For example, the display unit may have multiple displays, and the display area of ​​the display unit may be configured by multiple display surfaces of the multiple displays.

[0152] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the region is rectangular, but the region is not limited to this. For example, the region may be circular, triangular, or the like.

[0153] In the above-described embodiment, the constraints on the display position are described as the range of the central position, the fact that specific applications are adjacent to each other, etc. However, the constraints are not limited to these. For example, the constraints may be that the second area is not adjacent to the second target area, or that the second area is located at a predetermined position in the display area.

[0154] In the above-described embodiment, the vertical dimension of the area required by an application is the same as the vertical dimension of the display area 2a. However, this is not limiting. For example, if the vertical dimension of the area to be placed is smaller than the vertical dimension of the display area 2a, resulting in excess area below the area where the application is placed, another application may be placed below the area where the application is placed. In other words, instead of placing only one application vertically in the display area, multiple applications may be placed vertically. Also, the vertical dimension of the area required by the application may be enlarged to match the vertical dimension of the display area 2a and then placed in the display area 2a. Furthermore, for example, if the size of the area required by the application is larger than the vertical dimension or horizontal dimension of the area to be determined for placement, the area may be reduced to the same size before placement.

[0155] In the above-described embodiment, the display area 2a can be arranged in multiple areas without any excess area, but this is not limited to this. If there is no application that can be displayed in the excess area of ​​the display area 2a due to display constraints, etc., a background image of a predetermined color or pattern may be displayed in the excess area.

[0156] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example is described in which only one application of the same type and with the same priority is placed, but this is not limiting. Applications of the same type and with the same priority may be placed.

[0157] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. Here, the software that realizes the devices and the like of the above-described embodiments is a program that causes a computer to execute each step included in the flowcharts shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0158] The following cases are also included in this disclosure:

[0159] (1) Each of the above devices is specifically a computer system consisting of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, hard disk unit, display unit, keyboard, mouse, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM or hard disk unit. Each device achieves its function when the microprocessor operates in accordance with the computer program. Here, a computer program is composed of a combination of multiple instruction codes that indicate commands to a computer to achieve a predetermined function.

[0160] (2) Some or all of the components constituting each of the above devices may be configured as a single system LSI (Large Scale Integration). A system LSI is an ultra-multifunctional LSI manufactured by integrating multiple components on a single chip, and specifically, is a computer system configured to include a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM. The system LSI achieves its functions when the microprocessor operates in accordance with the computer program.

[0161] (3) Some or all of the components constituting each of the above devices may be configured as an IC card or a standalone module that can be attached to each device. The IC card or module is a computer system composed of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The IC card or module may include the above-mentioned ultra-multifunctional LSI. The IC card or module achieves its functions when the microprocessor operates according to a computer program. The IC card or module may be tamper-resistant.

[0162] (4) The present disclosure may be embodied as the methods described above, a computer program for implementing these methods on a computer, or a digital signal comprising the computer program.

[0163] The present disclosure may also be the computer program or the digital signal recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, such as a flexible disk, hard disk, CD-ROM, MO, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), semiconductor memory, etc. Alternatively, the present disclosure may be the digital signal recorded on such a recording medium.

[0164] Furthermore, the present disclosure may also be applied to transmitting the computer program or the digital signal via a telecommunications line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network such as the Internet, data broadcasting, or the like.

[0165] The present disclosure may also be a computer system including a microprocessor and a memory, wherein the memory stores the computer program, and the microprocessor operates in accordance with the computer program.

[0166] The program or the digital signal may also be implemented by another independent computer system by recording it on the recording medium and transferring it, or by transferring it via the network or the like.

[0167] (5) The above-described embodiments and other embodiments may be combined.

[0168] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments and the like discloses the following techniques.

[0169] (Technology 1) an acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating that a trigger operation has been performed in a display area of ​​a display unit disposed in a vehicle, the display area having one or more first areas assigned to one or more first applications, the second target area being assigned to a second application different from the one or more first applications and different from the one or more first areas; a control unit that, when the operation information is acquired by the acquisition unit, determines whether or not to arrange the second target area in the display area; when it is determined that the second target area should be arranged in the display area, arranges the second target area in the display area without arranging the one or more first areas in the display area; when it is determined that the second target area should be arranged in the display area and there is a first application of a type different from the second application among the one or more first applications, determines whether or not to arrange a second area assigned to the first application in the display area; and when it is determined that the second area should be arranged in the display area, arranges the second area in the display area. Display control device.

[0170] (Technology 2) a priority is set for the one or more first applications and the second application; the control unit, when there is a priority application that is a first application having a higher priority than the second application among the one or more first applications, determines whether or not a priority area that is the second area assigned to the priority application and the second target area can be arranged in the display area, and when the priority area and the second target area can be arranged in the display area, decides to arrange the priority area and the second target area in the display area, and when the priority area and the second target area cannot be arranged in the display area, decides not to arrange the priority area and the second target area in the display area, and arranges the one or more first areas in the display area. The display control device according to technology 1.

[0171] (Technology 3) the control unit, when there is a non-priority application, which is a first application having a lower priority than the second application, among the one or more first applications, determines whether or not the non-priority area, which is the second area allocated to the non-priority application, can be placed in a first surplus area of ​​the display area in which neither the priority area nor the second target area is placed, and, when the non-priority area can be placed in the first surplus area, determines to place the non-priority area in the first surplus area. The display control device according to technology 2.

[0172] (Technology 4) when there is a second surplus area in the display area in which neither the priority area, the second target area, nor the non-priority area is arranged, and when there is a third application other than the one or more first applications and the second application, the control unit determines whether or not a third area allocated to the third application can be arranged in the second surplus area, and arranges the third area in the second surplus area if the third area can be arranged in the second surplus area; The display control device according to technology 3.

[0173] (Technology 5) the trigger operation is an operation of replacing one of the one or more first applications with the second application of the same type as the first application; the second target area is smaller than the first target area in which the first area allocated to the first application was located; When the control unit determines to place the second target region in the display region, the control unit places the second target region in the display region so that the second target region is included in the first target region. The display control device according to technology 3 or 4.

[0174] (Technology 6) the trigger operation is an operation of replacing one of the one or more first applications with the second application of the same type as the first application; the second target area is larger than the first target area in which the first area allocated to the first application was located; When the control unit determines to place the second target region in the display region, the control unit places the second target region in the display region so that the first target region is included in the second target region. The display control device according to technology 3 or 4.

[0175] (Technology 7) a display position constraint is set for the one or more first applications and the second application; Whether or not to place the second target region or the second region in the display region is determined based on whether or not the second target region or the second region can be placed so as to satisfy the constraints on the display position. 7. A display control device according to any one of the first to sixth techniques.

[0176] (Technology 8) the one or more first regions are a plurality of first regions arranged in a predetermined direction, the display position constraint is a constraint on the range of the center position of the second target region or the second region in the predetermined direction; The display control device according to technology 7.

[0177] (Technology 9) the display position constraint is a constraint on the positional relationship between the second target region and the second region, or on the positional relationship between the second regions; The display control device according to technology 7.

[0178] (Technology 10) a required area indicating a size required for display is set for the one or more first applications and the second application; When the required area is different in size from the second target area or the second area, the control unit enlarges or reduces the screen displayed by the first application or the second application. A display control device according to any one of techniques 1 to 9.

[0179] (Technology 11) the vehicle has a driver's seat located on one side of a center portion of the vehicle in a left-right direction of the vehicle, and a passenger seat located on the other side of the center portion of the vehicle in the left-right direction, the predetermined direction is the left-right direction, the display area is located forward of the driver's seat and the passenger seat in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, extends in the left-right direction from in front of the driver's seat to in front of the passenger seat, and is arranged to face rearward in the longitudinal direction. A display control device according to technology 8.

[0180] (Technology 12) an acquiring step of acquiring operation information indicating that a trigger operation has been performed in a display area of ​​a display unit arranged in a vehicle, the display area having one or more first areas assigned to one or more first applications, the second target area being assigned to a second application different from the one or more first applications and different from the one or more first areas; a control step of determining whether or not to place the second target area in the display area when the operation information is acquired by the acquisition step, and when it is decided to place the second target area in the display area, placing the second target area in the display area without placing the one or more first areas in the display area, and when it is decided to place the second target area in the display area when there is a first application of a type different from the second application among the one or more first applications, determining whether or not to place a second area assigned to the first application in the display area, and when it is decided to place the second area in the display area, placing the second area in the display area. Display control method.

[0181] (Technology 13) A program for causing a computer to execute the display control method described in Technology 12. [Industrial Applicability]

[0182] The present disclosure can be used in devices that control the display of images on a display unit arranged in a vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0183] 1 vehicle 2 Display section 2a Display area 2b,2c,2d,2e,2f,2g,2i Surplus area 3a,3b,3c,3d,3e,3f,3g,3h,4a,4b,4c,4d,4e,4f,4g,4h,5a,5b,5c,5d,5e,5f,5g,5h,6d,6g,7d,7g area 10 Display control device 11 Operation reception section 12 Applications 13 Connection Management Unit 14 Storage section 15 Application Information Management Department 16 Display control unit 17 Screen management department 18 Screen generation section 19 Screen drawing section 30, 31, 40, 50, 51, 60, 70 screen

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating that a trigger operation has been performed in a display area of ​​a display unit disposed in a vehicle, the display area including one or more first areas assigned to one or more first applications, the second target area being assigned to a second application different from the one or more first applications and different from the one or more first areas; a control unit that, when the operation information is acquired by the acquisition unit, determines whether or not to arrange the second target area in the display area; when it is determined that the second target area should be arranged in the display area, arranges the second target area in the display area without arranging the one or more first areas in the display area; when it is determined that the second target area should be arranged in the display area and there is a first application of a type different from the second application among the one or more first applications, determines whether or not to arrange a second area assigned to the first application in the display area; and when it is determined that the second area should be arranged in the display area, arranges the second area in the display area. Display control device.

2. a priority is set for the one or more first applications and the second application; the control unit, when there is a priority application that is a first application having a higher priority than the second application among the one or more first applications, determines whether or not a priority area that is the second area assigned to the priority application and the second target area can be arranged in the display area, and when the priority area and the second target area can be arranged in the display area, decides to arrange the priority area and the second target area in the display area, and when the priority area and the second target area cannot be arranged in the display area, decides not to arrange the priority area and the second target area in the display area, and arranges the one or more first areas in the display area. The display control device according to claim 1 .

3. the control unit, when there is a non-priority application, which is a first application having a lower priority than the second application, among the one or more first applications, determines whether or not the non-priority area, which is the second area allocated to the non-priority application, can be placed in a first surplus area of ​​the display area in which neither the priority area nor the second target area is placed, and, when the non-priority area can be placed in the first surplus area, determines to place the non-priority area in the first surplus area. The display control device according to claim 2 .

4. When there is a second surplus area in the display area in which neither the priority area, the second target area, nor the non-priority area is arranged, and when there is a third application other than the one or more first applications and the second application, the control unit determines whether or not a third area allocated to the third application can be arranged in the second surplus area, and arranges the third area in the second surplus area if the third area can be arranged in the second surplus area. The display control device according to claim 3 .

5. the trigger operation is an operation of replacing one of the one or more first applications with the second application of the same type as the first application; the second target area is smaller than a first target area in which the first area allocated to the first application was located; When the control unit determines to place the second target region in the display region, the control unit places the second target region in the display region so that the second target region is included in the first target region. The display control device according to claim 3 .

6. the trigger operation is an operation of replacing one of the one or more first applications with the second application of the same type as the first application; the second target area is larger than a first target area in which the first area allocated to the first application was located; When the control unit determines to place the second target region in the display region, the control unit places the second target region in the display region so that the first target region is included in the second target region. The display control device according to claim 3 .

7. a display position constraint is set for the one or more first applications and the second application; Whether or not to arrange the second target region or the second region in the display region is determined based on whether or not the second target region or the second region can be arranged so as to satisfy the constraints on the display position. The display control device according to claim 1 .

8. the one or more first regions are a plurality of first regions arranged in a predetermined direction, the display position constraint is a constraint on a range of a center position of the second target region or the second region in the predetermined direction; The display control device according to claim 7 .

9. the constraint on the display position is a constraint on a positional relationship between the second target region and the second region, or a constraint on a positional relationship between the second regions; The display control device according to claim 7 .

10. a required area indicating a size required for display is set for the one or more first applications and the second application; When the required area is different in size from the second target area or the second area, the control unit enlarges or reduces the screen displayed by the first application or the second application. The display control device according to claim 1 .

11. the vehicle has a driver's seat located on one side of a center portion of the vehicle in a left-right direction of the vehicle, and a passenger seat located on the other side of the center portion of the vehicle in the left-right direction, the predetermined direction is the left-right direction, the display area is located forward of the driver's seat and the passenger seat in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, extends in the left-right direction from in front of the driver's seat to in front of the passenger seat, and is arranged to face rearward in the longitudinal direction. The display control device according to claim 8 .

12. an acquiring step of acquiring operation information indicating that a trigger operation has been performed in a display area of ​​a display unit arranged in a vehicle, the display area having one or more first areas assigned to one or more first applications, the second target area being assigned to a second application different from the one or more first applications and different from the one or more first areas; a control step of determining whether or not to place the second target area in the display area when the operation information is acquired by the acquisition step, and when it is determined that the second target area should be placed in the display area, placing the second target area in the display area without placing the one or more first areas in the display area, and when it is determined that the second target area should be placed in the display area and there is a first application of a type different from the second application among the one or more first applications, determining whether or not to place a second area assigned to the first application in the display area, and when it is determined that the second area should be placed in the display area, placing the second area in the display area. Display control method.

13. A program for causing a computer to execute the display control method according to claim 12.

Images