Display control method and display control apparatus

Abstract

To provide a display control method and a display control device capable of improving visibility of a user while preventing the user from feeling uncomfortable even when displaying a plurality of contents in content display in a vehicle.SOLUTION: In the display control method, in the display area 61 of the first displaying apparatus 60, the object images BG1, 1b are displayed so as to be superimposed on the background image 1a without being transparent, and in the first segment 73 of the display area 71 of the second displaying apparatus 70 disposed side by side with the first displaying apparatus 60, the object images BG1 through 3h are displayed so as to be superimposed on the background image 3a without being transparent. In the second section 75 of the display area 71 of the second display apparatus 70, the images of the one or more applications are not transmitted in the area excluding the transmissive area 77, and the images of the one or more applications are superimposed and displayed on the background image 76a while being gradually transmitted toward the boundary BG1 with at least a part of the first section 73 in the transmissive area 77.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display control method and a display control device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a technique for displaying a plurality of contents in a vehicle.

[0003] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, a plurality of contents are displayed on a single display device mounted on a vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-085071 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, with the spread of high-speed Internet and advances in driving assistance technology, a large amount of content is displayed in vehicles, including meter information, map information, traffic information, and entertainment information. As such, the amount of content displayed in vehicles is on the rise.

[0006] Here, when a large number of contents are displayed on one display device as in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the display size of each content becomes small, which may reduce the visibility for the user.

[0007] For this reason, it has been considered to use multiple display devices to display a large number of contents, which can prevent the display size of each content from becoming small and improve user visibility.

[0008] However, in this case, the display area of ​​each display device is clearly separated from the display areas of the other display devices, which may cause the user to feel uncomfortable as the content display does not appear to be integrated.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a display control method and a display control device that can improve visibility for the user while minimizing discomfort felt by the user when displaying multiple contents in a vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A display control method and a display control device according to one aspect of the present invention include: in a first display area of ​​a first display device, a first object image representing first information to be notified to a user is superimposed on a background image without transparency; and in a first section of a second display area of ​​a second display device arranged next to the first display device, a second object image representing second information to be notified to the user is superimposed on the background image without transparency. In a second section of the second display area of ​​the second display device, images of one or more applications are superimposed on the background image without transparency in an area excluding a transparent area, and in the transparent area, the images of the one or more applications are gradually made transparent toward a boundary with at least a part of the first section of the second display area that exists between the first display area of ​​the first display device and the second section of the second display area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, even when a plurality of contents are displayed in a content display inside a vehicle, it is possible to improve the visibility for the user while suppressing the sense of discomfort felt by the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of content according to this embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the display control device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a diagram showing the configuration of the first layer and the second layer used in the display control of the first display device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the configuration of the third layer and fourth layer used in display control of the second display device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of a background image that can be set in the second sub-layer of the fourth layer used in display control of the second display device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of a background image that can be set in the second sub-layer of the fourth layer used in display control of the second display device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a diagram showing an example of a background image that can be set in the second sub-layer of the fourth layer used in display control of the second display device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a display control device according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the display control device according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a second operation example of the display control device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of content according to a modification of this embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of content according to another modified example of this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0014] [Content display mode] A display mode of a plurality of contents will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In this embodiment, the plurality of contents includes information used for vehicle driving control, information not used for vehicle driving control, and application content provided from an external server.

[0015] The plurality of contents are displayed on a first display device 60 and a second display device 70. The first display device 60 and the second display device 70 are, for example, touch panel type liquid crystal displays, and are arranged side by side in an instrument panel IP of the vehicle. The display of the first display device 60 and the second display device 70 is controlled by a display control device 10, which will be described later.

[0016] The first display device 60 is installed in front of the driver's seat of the vehicle and has a display area 61. The first display device 60 is also called a meter display. The display area 61 is also called a first display area.

[0017] 1, the driver's seat is located on the left side of the vehicle width direction facing the front of the vehicle, and therefore the first display device 60 is arranged to the left of the second display device 70, but this is not limiting. If the driver's seat is located on the right side of the vehicle width direction facing the front of the vehicle, the first display device 60 is arranged to the right of the second display device 70.

[0018] The display area 61 is formed in a rectangular shape. Among the multiple contents, information used for vehicle driving control is displayed in the display area 61. Specifically, object images 1a and 1b representing information used for vehicle driving control are displayed on a background image BG1 in the display area 61. The object images 1a and 1b are, for example, object images representing the vehicle's driving speed and engine RPM. In this case, although omitted in FIG. 1, the object images 1a and 1b include numerical images of the vehicle's driving speed and engine RPM.

[0019] In this way, the information used for vehicle driving control is information used by the driver, and is therefore displayed as object images 1a and 1b in the display area 61. The information used for vehicle driving control is also referred to as first information notified to the user. The object images 1a and 1b are also referred to as first object images.

[0020] 1, the number of object images displayed in the display area 61 is two, but is not limited to this and may be one or three or more. Also, in FIG. 1, the shape of the object images 1a and 1b is circular, but is not limited to this and may be other shapes.

[0021] The second display device 70 is installed closer to the passenger seat than the first display device 60 in the width direction of the vehicle, and has a display area 71. The display area 71 is formed in a rectangular shape and has a first section 73 and a second section 75. The second display device 70 is also referred to as an in-vehicle infotainment display. The display area 71 is also referred to as a second display area. The first section 73 is also referred to as a permanent area. The second section 75 is also referred to as an application area.

[0022] The first section 73 of the display area 71 is formed in an L-shape. A part of the first section 73 is disposed between the display area 61 of the first display device 60 and the second section 75 of the display area 71. In the first section 73, information not used for vehicle driving control among a plurality of contents is displayed. Specifically, in the first section 73, object images 3a to 3h representing information not used for vehicle driving control are displayed on a background image BG1. The object images 3a and 3b are object images representing, for example, operation information (operation icons) for temporarily displaying in the display area 71 a window for selecting an application to be displayed in the second section 75, and operation information (operation icons) for temporarily displaying in the display area 71 a window for selecting a radio station.

[0023] The object images 3c and 3d are object images that represent, for example, operation information (operation icons) for temporarily displaying a window for operating a music player in the display area 71, and operation information (operation icons) for temporarily displaying a window for operating an air conditioner in the display area 71. The object images 3e to 3h are object images that represent, for example, the set temperature of the air conditioner, time information, radio wave conditions around the vehicle, and the temperature inside the vehicle cabin. In this case, although omitted in FIG. 1, the object images 3e, 3f, and 3h include numerical images of the set temperature of the air conditioner, time information, and the temperature inside the vehicle cabin.

[0024] Information that is not used for vehicle driving control is also referred to as second information notified to the user. The object images 3a to 3h are also referred to as second object images. In FIG. 1, the number of object images displayed in the first section 73 is eight, but is not limited to this and may be seven or less or nine or more. In FIG. 1, the shape of the object images 3a to 3h is circular, but is not limited to this and may be another shape.

[0025] The second section 75 of the display area 71 is formed in a rectangular shape. Of the multiple contents, application content provided from an external server is displayed in the second section 75. Specifically, object images 5a and 5b representing the application content provided from the external server are displayed on a background image BG2 in the second section 75. The second section 75 has a transparent area 77, which will be described later. The object images 5a and 5b and the background image BG2 are collectively referred to as images of one or more applications.

[0026] As described above, the content of the application displayed in the second section 75 is the content of the application selected from multiple applications in the window that is temporarily displayed by pressing the object image 3a. In the second section, the object images 5a and 5b are displayed in the areas 75a and 75b.

[0027] The object images 5a and 5b are also referred to as third object images. In Fig. 1, the number of object images displayed in the second section 75 is two, but this is not limited thereto and the number may be one or three or more. In Fig. 1, the shape of the object images 5a and 5b is approximately rectangular, but this is not limited thereto and the shape may be other.

[0028] 1, the first section 73 is formed in an L-shape and the second section 75 is formed in a rectangular shape, with part of the first section 73 existing between the display area 61 of the first display device 60 and the second section 75, but the shapes of the first section 73 and the second section 75 are not limited to this. In the display area 71 of the second display device 70, the side closer to the first display device 60, centered on a predetermined position in the vehicle width direction, may be the first section 73, and the side farther from the first display device 60 may be the second section 75. In this case, the first section 73 is formed in a rectangular shape and the second section 75 is formed in a rectangular shape, with the entire first section 73 existing between the display area 61 of the first display device 60 and the second section 75.

[0029] [Functional configuration of display control device 10] 2 to 4C, the functional configuration of the display control device 10 will be described. The display control device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 13, a communication unit 15, an acquisition unit 17, a first setting unit 19, a second setting unit 21, a third setting unit 23, a fourth setting unit 25, a first display control unit 27, and a second display control unit 29.

[0030] The control unit 11 controls the overall processing in the display control device 10. Specifically, the control unit 11 controls the operation of each of the storage unit 13, the communication unit 15, the acquisition unit 17, the first setting unit 19, the second setting unit 21, the third setting unit 23, the fourth setting unit 25, the first display control unit 27, and the second display control unit 29.

[0031] The storage unit 13 stores various information necessary for the operation of the display control device 10. Specifically, the storage unit 13 stores a plurality of background images BG1 and a plurality of first setting values ​​linked to the plurality of background images BG1. The storage unit 13 stores a plurality of background images BG2 and a plurality of second setting values ​​linked to the plurality of background images BG2.

[0032] The storage unit 13 stores object images 1a and 1b. The storage unit 13 stores object images 3a to 3h. The storage unit 13 stores object images 5a and 5b. The storage unit 13 stores information about applications provided from an external server. The storage unit 13 stores the set temperature of an air conditioner.

[0033] The communication unit 15 performs wireless communication with an external server. The acquisition unit 17 acquires one first setting value from a plurality of first setting values ​​linked to a plurality of background images BG1 that can be displayed in the display area 61 of the first display device 60 and the display area 71 of the second display device 70, in response to an input from the input device 50 (see FIG. 5). The first setting value is also referred to as a setting value. The acquisition unit 17 acquires one second setting value from a plurality of second setting values ​​linked to a plurality of background images BG2 that can be displayed in the second section 75 of the display area 71 of the second display device 70, in response to an input from the input device 50.

[0034] The first setting unit 19, the second setting unit 21, the third setting unit 23, and the fourth setting unit 25 set the first layer L1, the second layer L2, the third layer L3, and the fourth layer L4, respectively (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). Images to be displayed in the display area 61 of the first display device 60 are set in the first layer L1 and the second layer L2. Images to be displayed in the display area 71 of the second display device 70 are set in the third layer L3 and the fourth layer L4.

[0035] The fourth layer L4 is composed of a first sublayer L4a, a second sublayer L4b, and a third sublayer L4c. An image to be displayed in a first section 73 of the display area 71 of the second display device 70 is set in the first sublayer L4a. An image to be displayed in a second section 75 of the display area 71 of the second display device 70 is set in the second sublayer L4b and the third sublayer L4c.

[0036] The first setting unit 19 reads out the background image BG1 associated with the first setting value acquired by the acquisition unit 17 from the storage unit 13, and sets the background image BG1 over the entire area of ​​the first layer L1. In this embodiment, the background image BG1 is a monochrome image.

[0037] The second setting unit 21 calculates the vehicle's traveling speed based on a signal output from the vehicle's speed sensor or a wheel rotation sensor (not shown), and generates a numerical image corresponding to the calculated traveling speed. The second setting unit 21 generates an object image 1a based on the generated numerical image. The second setting unit 21 sets the object image 1a at position P1 on the second layer L2.

[0038] The second setting unit 21 calculates the engine rotation speed based on a signal output from a rotation sensor (not shown) of the vehicle engine, and generates a numerical image corresponding to the calculated rotation speed. The second setting unit 21 generates an object image 1b based on the generated numerical image. The second setting unit 21 sets the object image 1b at position P2 on the second layer L2. The positions P1 and P2 on the second layer L2 are also referred to as first positions.

[0039] The third setting unit 23 reads out the background image BG1 associated with the first setting value acquired by the acquisition unit 17 from the storage unit 13, and sets the background image BG1 over the entire area of ​​the third layer L3.

[0040] The fourth setting unit 25 reads out the object images 3a to 3d from the storage unit 13. The fourth setting unit 25 reads out the object image 3g linked to the current radio wave conditions around the vehicle from the storage unit 13. The fourth setting unit 25 sets the object images 3a to 3d, 3g at positions P3a to P3d, P3g of the first sub-layer L4a of the fourth layer L4.

[0041] The fourth setting unit 25 acquires the current time from a later-described RTC (Real Time Clock) 109 (see FIG. 5) and generates a numerical image corresponding to the current time. The fourth setting unit 25 generates an object image 3e based on the generated numerical image. The fourth setting unit 25 sets the object image 3e at a position P3e on the first sub-layer L4a of the fourth layer L4.

[0042] The fourth setting unit 25 reads the set temperature of the air conditioner from the storage unit 13 and generates a numerical image corresponding to the set temperature of the air conditioner. The fourth setting unit 25 generates an object image 3f based on the generated numerical image. The fourth setting unit 25 sets the object image 3f at position P3f on the first sub-layer L4a of the fourth layer L4.

[0043] The fourth setting unit 25 acquires the temperature inside the vehicle cabin from the temperature sensor and generates a numerical image corresponding to the temperature inside the vehicle cabin. The fourth setting unit 25 generates an object image 3h based on the generated numerical image. The fourth setting unit 25 sets the object image 3h at a position P3h on the first sub-layer L4a of the fourth layer L4.

[0044] The positions P3a to P3h of the first sublayer L4a are also referred to as second positions of the sections included in the fourth layer L4 or the first sublayer L4a that correspond to the first section 73 of the display area 71 of the second display device 70.

[0045] The fourth setting unit 25 reads out the background image BG2 linked to the second setting value acquired by the acquisition unit 17 from the memory unit 13, and sets the background image BG2 to the entire area of ​​the section corresponding to the second section 75 of the display area 71 of the second display device 70, which is included in the second sub-layer L4b of the fourth layer L4.

[0046] The fourth setting unit 25 acquires content of two applications selected from the plurality of applications from an external server via the communication unit 15. The fourth setting unit 25 generates object images 5a and 5b based on the acquired content of the two applications. The fourth setting unit 25 sets the object images 5a and 5b at positions P4a and P4b of the third sublayer L4c.

[0047] The positions P4a and P4b of the third sub-layer L4c are also referred to as third positions of the section that corresponds to the second section 75 of the display area 71 of the second display device 70 and is included in the third sub-layer L4c.

[0048] If one or more applications are not selected from multiple applications in the window that is temporarily displayed by pressing the object image 3a, the fourth setting unit 25 does not set the object images 5a and 5b at positions P4a and P4b of the third sub-layer L4c.

[0049] Here, the background image BG2 is used as a background image common to the object images 5a and 5b in the second section 75 of the display area 71 of the second display device 70. In this way, the background image BG2 can be used in common by multiple applications provided by an external server, and is therefore also called a common background image.

[0050] As described above, a plurality of background images BG2 are stored in the storage unit 13. The plurality of background images BG2 are classified into an initial image, a first image, a second image, and a third image (see FIGS. 4A to 4C). The background image BG2 is switched from the initial screen to one of the first image, the second image, and the third image in response to a user input.

[0051] The initial image is image BG21, which is displayed in a specific color. The first images are images BG22 and BG23, which are displayed in a color that is less bright than the initial image. Image BG23 is displayed in a color that is less bright than image BG22. Image BG22 is also called the reference image.

[0052] The second image has an image BG22 and an image BG3 linked to a theme. Here, a theme is a setting that can change the atmosphere (bright, dark, fun, etc.) of the second display device 70, which can be selected by the user. The second image has one image BG3 for each theme.

[0053] The third image includes an image BG22 and a plurality of images BG4 that are synchronized with the time of day. When the third image is selected as the background image BG2, the fourth setting unit switches among the plurality of images BG4 in synchronization with the time of day and displays them in the second section 75 of the display area 71.

[0054] The first display control unit 27 displays the background image BG1 in the entire display area 61 of the first display device 60, and displays the object images 1a and 1b in the display area 61 of the first display device 60. At this time, the first display control unit 27 superimposes and displays the object images 1a and 1b on the background image BG1 without transparency. Specifically, the first display control unit 27 superimposes the second layer L2 on the first layer L1 without transparency to the object images 1a and 1b, and displays the background image BG1 and the object images 1a and 1b in the display area 61.

[0055] The second display control unit 29 displays the background image BG1 in the entire display area 71 of the second display device 70, and displays the object images 3a to 3h in the first section 73 of the display area 71 of the second display device 70. At this time, the second display control unit 29 superimposes and displays the object images 3a to 3h on the background image BG1 without transparency. Specifically, the second display control unit 29 superimposes the first sub-layer L4a of the fourth layer L4 on the third layer L3 without transparency to the object images 3a to 3h.

[0056] The second display control unit 29 sets a transparent region 77 within the second section 75. The transparent region 77 will be described below. The first section 73 has a portion that exists between the display region 61 of the first display device 60 and the second section 75 along the width direction of the vehicle. The second section 75 has a boundary 76a that contacts a portion of the first section 73. The transparent region 77 is an area in the second section 75 that extends over a certain range from the boundary 76a along the width direction of the vehicle (see FIG. 1).

[0057] The second display control unit 29 displays images of one or more applications in the entire second section 75 of the display area 71 of the second display device 70. At this time, the second display control unit 29 displays the images of the one or more applications superimposed on the background image BG1 without transparency in the area excluding the transparent area 77. In the transparent area 77, the second display control unit 29 displays the images of the one or more applications superimposed on the background image BG1 while gradually making the images of the one or more applications transparent along the width direction of the vehicle toward the boundary 76a.

[0058] Specifically, the second display control unit 29 superimposes the first sub-layer L4a and the second sub-layer L4b of the fourth layer L4 on each other while making the background image BG2 opaque in areas other than the transparent area 77 and gradually making the background image BG2 transparent in the width direction of the vehicle toward the boundary 76a in the transparent area 77. The second display control unit 29 superimposes the third sub-layer L4c on the second sub-layer L4b without making the object images 5a and 5b opaque. In this way, the second display control unit 29 superimposes the fourth layer L4 on the third layer L3, causing the background images BG1 and BG2 and the object images 3a to 3h, 5a, and 5b to be displayed in the display area 71.

[0059] [Hardware configuration of display control device 10] 5, the hardware configuration of the display control device 10 will be described. The display control device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 105, a storage 107, an RTC 109, a wireless communication device 111, an input device interface 113, a first display device interface 115, and a second display device interface 117.

[0060] The CPU 101 executes algorithms and programs stored in the ROM 103. The CPU 101 performs arithmetic processing on data loaded into the RAM 105 in accordance with the algorithms and programs, and comprehensively controls each unit of the display control device 10. The CPU is also called a processor.

[0061] ROM 103 stores algorithms, programs, etc. executed by CPU 101. In this embodiment, ROM 103 stores algorithms and programs for controlling a display control method, which will be described later. RAM 105 temporarily stores calculation data when CPU 101 executes the algorithms and programs stored in ROM 103. ROM and RAM are also referred to as non-volatile memory and volatile memory, respectively.

[0062] The storage 107 stores various types of information. The CPU 101 controls reading and writing of data from and to the storage 107 in accordance with algorithms and programs stored in the ROM 103. The RTC 109 generates time information.

[0063] The wireless communication device 111 includes an antenna, a transmitting / receiving circuit, etc. The CPU 101 transmits and receives data to and from an external server via the wireless communication device 111. The input device interface 113 is connected to the input device 50. The CPU 101 receives input from the input device 50 via the input device interface 113. The input device 50 includes touch sensors provided on the first display device 60 and the second display device 70.

[0064] The first display device interface 115 is connected to the first display device 60. The CPU 101 controls the display of the first display device 60 via the first display device interface 115. The second display device interface 117 is connected to the second display device 70. The CPU 101 controls the display of the second display device 70 via the second display device interface 117.

[0065] Although not shown in FIG. 5, the display control device 10 includes a sensor interface that is connected to various sensors provided in the vehicle.

[0066] [Display control method] 6 and 7, an operation example of a display control method executed by the display control device 10 will be described. First, a display control method of the first display device 60 will be described as a first operation example with reference to FIG.

[0067] The display control device 10 acquires one first setting value from a plurality of first setting values ​​associated with a plurality of background images BG1 in response to an input from the input device 50 (step S11). Upon acquiring the first setting value, the display control device 10 sets the background image BG1 associated with the first setting value acquired in step S11 over the entire area of ​​the first layer L1.

[0068] Upon completing the setting of the first layer L1, the display control device 10 sets the second layer L2 (step S15). Specifically, the display control device 10 generates object images 1a and 1b and sets the object images 1a and 1b at positions P1 and P2 on the second layer L2. Upon completing the setting of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2, the display control device 10 displays the background image BG1 and the object images 1a and 1b in the display area 61 of the first display device 60 (step S17). Specifically, the display control device 10 overlays the second layer L2 on the first layer L1 without making the object images 1a and 1b transparent, thereby displaying the background image BG1 and the object images 1a and 1b in the display area 61 of the first display device 60.

[0069] Next, as a second operation example, a display control method for the second display device 70 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In response to an input from the input device 50, the display control device 10 acquires one second setting value from a plurality of second setting values ​​linked to a plurality of background images BG2, and acquires content of two applications selected from a plurality of applications from an external server (step S21).

[0070] After acquiring the second setting value and the contents of the two applications, the display control device 10 sets the third layer L3 (step S23). Specifically, the display control device 10 sets the background image BG1 associated with the first setting value acquired in step S11 of FIG. 6 to the entire area of ​​the third layer L3.

[0071] Upon completing the setting of the third layer L3, the display control device 10 sets the fourth layer L4 (step S25). Specifically, the display control device 10 reads out the object images 3a to 3d and 3g, generates the object images 3e, 3f and 3h, and sets the object images 3a to 3h at positions P3a to P3h of the first sub-layer L4a of the fourth layer L4.

[0072] The display control device 10 sets the background image BG2 linked to the second setting value acquired in step S21 to the entire area of ​​the section included in the second sub-layer L4b of the fourth layer L4 and corresponding to the second section 75 of the display area 71 of the second display device 70. The display control device 10 generates object images 5a and 5b based on the contents of the two applications acquired in step S21, and sets the object images 5a and 5b at positions P4a and P4b of the third sub-layer L4c of the fourth layer L4.

[0073] After completing the setting of the third layer L3 and the fourth layer L4, the display control device 10 displays the display area 71 of the second display device 70 (step S27). Specifically, the display control device 10 overlays the first sub-layer L4a of the fourth layer L4 on the third layer L3 without making the object images 3a to 3h transparent. The display control device 10 overlays the second sub-layer L4b of the fourth layer L4 on the first sub-layer L4a without making the background image BG2 transparent in an area other than the transparent area 77, and gradually makes the background image BG2 transparent in the transparent area 77 along the width direction of the vehicle toward the boundary 76a. The display control device 10 overlays the third sub-layer L4c on the second sub-layer L4b without making the object images 5a and 5b transparent. The display control device 10 displays the background images BG1 and BG2 and the object images 3a to 3h, 5a, and 5b in the display area 71 after overlaying the fourth layer L4 on the third layer L3.

[0074] Note that the display control device 10 may execute step S21 after executing step S23, instead of executing step S21 before executing step S23. Furthermore, the display control device 10 may acquire the second setting value and acquire the contents of the two applications in different steps.

[0075] [Actions and Effects] According to this embodiment, the display control method executed by the display control device 10 superimposes object images 1a and 1b representing information used for vehicle driving control on a background image BG1 in the display area 61 of the first display device 60 without transparency, and superimposes object images 3a to 3h representing information not used for vehicle driving control on the background image BG1 in a first section 73 of the display area 71 of the second display device 70 arranged next to the first display device 60 without transparency. In the second section 75 of the display area 71 of the second display device 70, images of one or more applications are superimposed on the background image BG1 without transparency in an area excluding a transparent area 77, and in the transparent area 77, the images of the one or more applications are gradually made transparent toward a boundary 76a with at least a part of the first section 73 of the display area 71 that is located between the display area 61 of the first display device 60 and the second section 75 of the display area 71.

[0076] With the above-described configuration, a common background image BG1 is displayed in the display area 61 of the first display device 60 and in the first section 73 of the display area 71 of the second display device 70 arranged next to the first display device 60. This allows the user to view the display area 61 and the first section 73 of the display area 71 as a single display area, providing a sense of unity in the content display.

[0077] Additionally, in the second section 75 of the display area 71 of the second display device 70, a portion of the image of one or more applications is gradually made transparent and displayed superimposed on the background image BG1 toward the boundary 76a located on the display area 61 side of the first display device 60. Therefore, the background image smoothly changes to the image of the application in the direction in which the first display device 60 and the second display device 70 are arranged, i.e., along the movement of the user's line of sight.

[0078] Therefore, according to this embodiment, even when multiple contents are displayed in a vehicle, the user's visibility can be improved while suppressing any sense of discomfort. Also, since part of the image of one or more applications is gradually made transparent only in the vicinity of the boundary 76a located on the display area 61 side of the first display device 60 in the second section 75 of the display area 71 of the second display device 70, the range of influence of screen development can be narrowed.

[0079] According to this embodiment, the background image BG1 is set to cover the entire area of ​​the first layer L1 displayed in the display area 61 of the first display device 60. The object images 1a and 1b are set to positions P1 and P2 of the second layer L2 displayed in the display area 61. The object images 1a and 1b are displayed in the display area 61 by overlaying the second layer L2 on the first layer L1 without making the object images 1a and 1b transparent.

[0080] The background image BG1 is set in the entire area of ​​the third layer L3 displayed in the display area 71 of the second display device 70. The object images 3a-3h are set in positions P3a-P3h of sections included in the fourth layer L4 displayed in the display area 71 and corresponding to the first section 73. The images of one or more applications are set in the entire area of ​​the section included in the fourth layer L4 and corresponding to the second section 75. The object images 3a-3h are not transparent, and the images of the one or more applications are not transparent in the area excluding the transparent area 77, while in the transparent area 77 the images of the one or more applications are gradually made transparent toward the boundary 76a, and by superimposing the fourth layer L4 on the third layer L3, the object images 3a-3h and the images of the one or more applications are displayed in the display area 71.

[0081] This allows the layout, shape, transparency, etc. of the background image BG1, object images 1a, 1b, object images 3a to 3h, and one or more application images to be set independently, thereby easily controlling the display of the first display device 60 and the second display device 70.

[0082] According to this embodiment, the images of the one or more applications include object images 5a and 5b representing the content of the one or more applications and a background image BG2 that is used in common by multiple applications. The object images 3a to 3h are set at positions P3a to P3h of sections that are included in the first sub-layer L4a of the fourth layer L4 and correspond to the first section 73. The background image BG2 is set to cover the entire area of ​​the section that is included in the second sub-layer L4b of the fourth layer L4 and corresponds to the second section 75. The object images 5a and 5b are set at positions P4a and P4b of the section that is included in the third sub-layer L4c of the fourth layer L4 and correspond to the second section 75.

[0083] The first sub-layer L4a is overlaid on the third layer L3 without allowing the object images 3a-3b to be transparent. The second sub-layer L4b is overlaid on the first sub-layer L4a while not allowing the background image BG2 to be transparent in an area other than the transparent area 77, and while gradually allowing the background image BG2 to be transparent toward the boundary 76a in the transparent area 77. The third sub-layer L4c is overlaid on the second sub-layer L4b without allowing the object images 5a and 5b to be transparent.

[0084] This allows the layout, shape, transparency, etc. of the background image BG2, object images 3a to 3h, and object images 5a and 5b to be set independently, making it possible to more easily control the display of the second display device 70.

[0085] According to this embodiment, the background image BG2 includes an initial image (image BG21), first images (images BG22 and BG23) including a reference image that are displayed in a color lower in brightness than the initial image, a second image consisting of the reference image and an image BG3 linked to a theme, and a third image consisting of a reference time and multiple images BG4 linked to the time. The background image BG2 switches from the initial image to one of the first, second, and third images in response to a user input.

[0086] As a result, when switching to the first image, the background image BG2 is displayed in a color that is lower in brightness than the initial image, so that the background image BG2 can ensure contrast with the background image BG1. When switching to the second image, the atmosphere of the second display device 70 can be changed with a small number of background images, so that the storage capacity of the storage unit 13 for saving images can be saved. When switching to the third image, multiple images BG4 can be switched in conjunction with the time, so that the user can visually recognize the approximate current time.

[0087] According to this embodiment, the images of one or more applications are displayed only in the second section 75 .

[0088] This makes it possible to more easily control the display of the second display device .

[0089] According to this embodiment, the display area 71 is formed in a rectangular shape, the first section 73 is a part of the display area 71 and is formed in an L-shape, and the second section 75 is the remaining part of the display area 71 and is formed in a rectangular shape.

[0090] This allows the display area of ​​the first section 73 to be increased, thereby preventing the display sizes of the object images 3a to 3h from becoming smaller and improving the visibility for the user.

[0091] According to this embodiment, the display control device 10 includes a first display control unit 27 and a second display control unit 29. The first display control unit 27 superimposes object images 1a and 1b representing information used for vehicle driving control on a background image BG1 without transparency in a display area 61 of a first display device 60. The second display control unit 29 superimposes object images 3a to 3h representing information not used for vehicle driving control on the background image BG1 without transparency in a first section 73 of a display area 71 of a second display device 70 arranged next to the first display device 60. The second display control unit 29 superimposes and displays the images of one or more applications on the background image BG1 in a manner that does not allow the images of one or more applications to be transparent in the area excluding the transparent area 77 in the second section 75 of the display area 71 of the second display device 70, and gradually makes the images of the one or more applications transparent in the transparent area 77 toward the boundary 76a with at least a portion of the first section 73 of the display area 71 that exists between the display area 61 of the first display device 60 and the second section 75 of the display area 71.

[0092] Therefore, according to this embodiment, even when multiple contents are displayed in a vehicle, the user's visibility can be improved while suppressing any sense of discomfort. Also, since part of the image of one or more applications is gradually made transparent only in the vicinity of the boundary 76a located on the display area 61 side of the first display device 60 in the second section 75 of the display area 71 of the second display device 70, the range of influence of screen development can be narrowed.

[0093] [Variations] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood to limit the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0094] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the transmissive region 77 is formed only near the boundary 76a in the second section 75, which is located on the display region 61 side of the first display device 60, but the position where the transmissive region 77 is formed is not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 8 , the transmissive region may be formed near all boundaries between the first section 73 and the second section 75 in the second section 75. Specifically, in addition to the transmissive region 77, a transmissive region 78 may be formed in the second section 75 near the boundary 76b located below the instrument panel IP of the vehicle.

[0095] In the above-described embodiment, the first compartment 73 is formed in an L-shape and the second compartment 75 is formed in a rectangular shape. However, the shapes of the first compartment 73 and the second compartment 75 are not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 9 , the first compartment 73 may be formed in a substantially U-shape and the second compartment 75 may be formed in a rectangular shape. In this case, a transmissive region may be formed in the second compartment 75 near all boundaries between the first compartment 73 and the second compartment 75. Specifically, in addition to the transmissive region 77, a transmissive region 78a may be formed in the second compartment 75 near a boundary 76b located below the vehicle instrument panel IP, and a transmissive region 79 may be formed in the second compartment 75 near a boundary 76c located on the opposite side of the display region 61 of the first display device 60.

[0096] In this case, the transmissive region 78a may be omitted. Also, of the first section 73 formed in a substantially U-shape, a portion located below the instrument panel IP of the vehicle may be formed as the second section 75. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 10 Display control device 17 Acquisition Department 27 First display control unit 29 Second display control unit

Claims

1. A display control method executed by a display control device that controls display of a first display device and a second display device that are arranged side by side in a vehicle, the method comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring one setting value from a plurality of setting values ​​associated with a plurality of background images; a first display step of displaying a background image associated with the setting value in the entire area of ​​a first display area of ​​the first display device and displaying a first object image representing first information to be notified to a user in the first display area; a second display step of displaying the background image associated with the setting value in the entire area of ​​a second display area of ​​the second display device, displaying a second object image representing second information to be notified to the user in a first section of the second display area, and displaying images of one or more applications selected from a plurality of applications in the entire area of ​​a second section of the second display area; Equipped with the first display step includes superimposing and displaying the first object image on the background image without allowing the first object image to be transparent; the second display step includes superimposing and displaying the second object image on the background image without allowing the second object image to be transparent; at least a part of the first section of the second display area is present between the first display area and the second section of the second display area; a transparent region is set in the second section over a certain range from a boundary where at least a portion of the first section and the second section meet; The second display step is a display control method in which the images of the one or more applications are superimposed on the background image while not making the images of the one or more applications transparent in areas other than the transparent area, and while gradually making the images of the one or more applications transparent toward the boundary in the transparent area.

2. The first display step includes: a first setting step of setting the background image in an entire area of ​​a first layer displayed in a first display area of ​​the first display device; a second setting step of setting the first object image at a first position of a second layer displayed in the first display area; a first display control step of overlapping the second layer on the first layer without making the first object image transparent, and displaying the second layer on the first display area; Including, The second display step includes: a third setting step of setting the background image in the entire area of ​​a third layer displayed in the second display area of ​​the second display device; a fourth setting step of setting the second object image at a second position of a section corresponding to the first section, which is included in a fourth layer displayed in the second display area, and setting images of the one or more applications over the entire area of ​​the section corresponding to the second section, which is included in the fourth layer; a second display control step of overlapping the fourth layer on the third layer and displaying the fourth layer in the second display area while making the second object image non-transparent, making the images of the one or more applications non-transparent in an area other than the transparent area, and gradually making the images of the one or more applications transparent toward the boundary in the transparent area; The display control method according to claim 1 , comprising:

3. the images of the one or more applications include a third object image representing content of the one or more applications and a common background image used in common by the plurality of applications; The fourth layer is composed of first to third sublayers, the second object image is set at the second position of the partition included in the first sublayer and corresponding to the first partition; the common background image is set in the entire area of ​​the partition corresponding to the second partition included in the second sublayer, the third object image is set at a third position of the partition included in the third sublayer and corresponding to the second partition; the second display control step includes overlaying the first sub-layer on the third layer without allowing the second object image to be transparent; the second display control step superimposes the second sublayer on the first sublayer while making the common background image opaque in an area other than the transparent area and gradually making the common background image transparent toward the boundary in the transparent area; The display control method according to claim 2 , wherein the second display control step includes overlaying the third sub-layer on the second sub-layer without making the third object image transparent.

4. the common background image includes an initial image displayed in a specific color, a first image including a reference image displayed in a color lower in brightness than the initial image, a second image consisting of the reference image and an image linked to a theme, and a third image consisting of the reference image and a plurality of images linked to a time, The display control method according to claim 3 , wherein the common background image is switched from the initial image to one of the first image, the second image, and the third image in response to an input from the user.

5. The display control method according to claim 1 , wherein the second display step displays images of the one or more applications only in the second section.

6. The second display area is formed in a rectangular shape, the first section is a part of the second display area and is formed in an L-shape, The display control method according to claim 1 , wherein the second section is a remaining portion of the second display area and is formed in a rectangular shape.

7. A display control device that controls display of a first display device and a second display device that are arranged side by side in a vehicle, an acquisition unit that acquires one setting value from a plurality of setting values ​​associated with a plurality of background images; a first display control unit that displays a background image associated with the setting value in the entire first display area of ​​the first display device and displays a first object image representing first information to be notified to a user in the first display area; a second display control unit that displays the background image associated with the setting value in the entire second display area of ​​the second display device, displays a second object image representing second information to be notified to the user in a first section of the second display area, and displays images of one or more applications selected from a plurality of applications in the entire second section of the second display area; Equipped with the first display control unit causes the first object image to be superimposed on the background image without being transparent; the second display control unit causes the second object image to be superimposed on the background image without being transparent; at least a part of the first section of the second display area is present between the first display area and the second section of the second display area; a transparent region is set in the second section over a certain range from a boundary where at least a portion of the first section and the second section meet; The second display control unit superimposes the images of the one or more applications on the background image while not making the images of the one or more applications transparent in areas other than the transparent area, and gradually making the images of the one or more applications transparent toward the boundary in the transparent area.

Images