Display control device, display control method, and program

Abstract

When new features are added or existing features are updated, shortcut buttons for the newly added or updated features will be displayed immediately. [Solution] Shortcut buttons (35, 36) are displayed on the basic screen of the display device (21). When information on the addition of a new function or the update of an existing function is obtained, the shortcut buttons (35, 36) to which the newly added function or the updated existing function is assigned are displayed on the basic screen of the display device (21).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display control device, a display control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] An information device that displays a function item button, that is, a shortcut button, for calling a specific function related to vehicle operation on a menu screen of a display device mounted on a vehicle is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this information device, the usage frequency of each function related to vehicle operation is obtained separately while the vehicle is running and while the vehicle is stopped. While the vehicle is running, a function item button, that is, a shortcut button, for calling a function determined to have a high usage frequency while the vehicle is running is displayed. While the vehicle is stopped, a function item button, that is, a shortcut button, for calling a function determined to have a high usage frequency while the vehicle is stopped is displayed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, it has become common practice to update control software for various functions in vehicles via wireless communication to add new functions or update existing ones. In this case, some users want to immediately utilize these newly added or updated functions, and for such users, it is desirable to be able to immediately display shortcut buttons for these newly added or updated functions without any inconvenience. On the other hand, while the aforementioned publicly known information devices display shortcut buttons, these shortcut buttons are displayed for frequently used functions, and therefore, the shortcut buttons will not be displayed until a certain amount of usage history for the functions has been accumulated. Consequently, until a certain amount of usage history for the functions has been accumulated, users have to repeatedly perform the cumbersome operation of displaying the shortcut buttons, which presents a problem. The present invention enables the immediate display of shortcut buttons for newly added or updated features when new features are added or existing features are updated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to the present invention, a display control device for controlling the screen display of a display device mounted on a vehicle, The device includes a shortcut button display control unit that displays shortcut buttons on the basic screen of the display device. The shortcut button display control unit is provided with a display control device that, when it obtains information about the addition of a new function or the update of an existing function, displays the shortcut button to which the newly added function or the updated existing function is assigned on the basic screen of the display device. Furthermore, according to the present invention, a display control method for controlling the screen display of a display device mounted on a vehicle, Computers Display shortcut buttons on the main screen of the display device. A display control method is provided that, when information about the addition of a new function or the update of an existing function is obtained, displays a shortcut button assigned to the newly added function or the updated existing function on the basic screen of the display device. Furthermore, according to the present invention, a program used to control the screen display of a display device mounted on a vehicle, Display shortcut buttons on the main screen of the display device. A program is provided that causes the computer to display shortcut buttons assigned to the newly added or updated functions on the display device's main screen when information about new functions or updates to existing functions is obtained. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] When new features are added or existing features are updated, shortcut buttons for the newly added or updated features can be displayed immediately. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a top view of the vehicle, illustrating its features. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the functional configuration of the vehicle. [Figure 3] Figures 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the basic screen of a display device. [Figure 4] Figures 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the screen of a display device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the screen of a display device. [Figure 6] Figures 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating the screen of a display device. [Figure 7] Figures 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating the screen of a display device. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart for performing the process of turning a function on or off without using a shortcut button. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for executing on / off setting processing of functions by shortcut buttons. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a screen of a display device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing a screen of a display device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing a screen of a display device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart for executing display processing of shortcut buttons. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart for executing display stop processing of shortcut buttons. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart for executing display stop processing of shortcut buttons. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart for executing display stop processing of shortcut buttons. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart for executing on / off setting processing of functions by shortcut buttons. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically showing a screen of a display device. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart for executing on / off setting processing of functions by shortcut buttons.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0008] FIG. 1 schematically shows the vehicle 1 as viewed from above, and FIG. 2 shows the functional configuration of the vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 1. Note that this vehicle 1 can perform either manual driving or automatic driving. Referring to FIG. 2, 10 denotes a vehicle drive unit for applying a driving force to the drive wheels of the vehicle 1, 11 denotes a braking device for braking the vehicle 1, 12 denotes a steering device for steering the vehicle 1, and 13 denotes an electronic control unit mounted in the vehicle 1, respectively. As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic control unit 13 consists of a digital computer and includes a CPU (processor) 15, a memory 16 composed of a ROM and a RAM, and an input / output port 17, which are connected to each other by a bidirectional bus 14.

[0009] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, a detection device 18 including various sensors necessary when the vehicle 1 performs manual driving or automatic driving is installed in the vehicle 1. This detection device 18 includes sensors for detecting the state of the vehicle 1 and sensors for detecting the surroundings of the vehicle 1. In this case, as sensors for detecting the state of the vehicle 1, an acceleration sensor, a speed sensor, an azimuth sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor are used, and as sensors for detecting the surroundings of the vehicle 1, cameras for photographing the front, side, and rear of the vehicle 1, and lidar (LIDAR), radar, clearance sonar, etc. for detecting the front, side, and rear of the vehicle 1 are used.

[0010] FIG. 1 shows an example of the sensors installed in the vehicle 1. In the example shown in FIG. 1, visible light cameras 3a and 3b for photographing the front of the vehicle 1, a rear camera 4 for photographing the rear of the vehicle 1, a long-range millimeter-wave radar 5 for radiating millimeter waves toward the front of the vehicle 1, medium-range millimeter-wave radars 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d for radiating millimeter waves toward the sides of the vehicle 1, lidars 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d for irradiating laser light toward the sides of the vehicle 1, and a clearance sonar 8 for emitting ultrasonic waves toward the rear of the vehicle 1 are installed in the vehicle 1. Note that the installation method of the cameras and sensors shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and there are various methods for the installation of these cameras and sensors.

[0011] Returning to Figure 2, vehicle 1 is equipped with a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver 19, a map data storage device 20, and a display device 21. The GNSS receiver 19 can detect the current position of vehicle 1 (for example, the latitude and longitude of vehicle 1) based on information obtained from multiple satellites. Therefore, the current position of vehicle 1 can be obtained using this GNSS receiver 19. For example, a GPS receiver is used as this GNSS receiver 19. The map data storage device 20 stores map data and other information necessary for the vehicle 1 to travel. These various sensors 18, the GNSS receiver 19, and the map data storage device 20 are connected to the electronic control unit 13.

[0012] The display device 21 is installed inside the vehicle and has a screen that can be viewed by the user of the vehicle 1, for example, the driver of the vehicle 1. A pressure-sensitive, electrostatic induction, or capacitive thin-film touch panel 22 is integrally formed on the screen of the display device 21, and both the display device 21 and the touch panel 22 are connected to the electronic control unit 13. The vehicle 1 is also equipped with various devices 23 such as headlights, turn signals, interior lights, and an air conditioner, and these devices 23 are connected to the electronic control unit 13. The vehicle 1 is also equipped with a communication device 24 for receiving television broadcasts, radio broadcasts, traffic information, etc., and for communicating with information centers and other vehicles, and this communication device 24 is connected to the electronic control unit 13.

[0013] In the example shown in Figure 2, the vehicle drive unit 10 of vehicle 1 consists of an electric motor driven by a secondary battery or an electric motor driven by a fuel cell, and the drive wheels are driven and controlled by these electric motors according to the output signals of the electronic control unit 13. In addition, braking control of vehicle 1 is performed by a braking device 11 according to the output signals of the electronic control unit 13, and steering control of vehicle 1 is performed by a steering device 12 according to the output signals of the electronic control unit 13.

[0014] First, I will briefly explain the meaning of the terms used in this specification. In this specification, "power on" means "vehicle 1 is in a state where drive control is possible," and "power off" means "vehicle 1 is in a state where drive control is impossible." Furthermore, in this specification, "function on" refers to "a state in which the function is operating or a state in which the function can be operated," and "function off" refers to "a state in which the operation of the function has been stopped." Furthermore, in this specification, "turning on the function" means "setting the function to operate," and "turning off the function" means "setting the function to stop operating."

[0015] Next, with reference to Figure 3A, the screen 30 of the display device 21 used in the embodiment according to the present invention will be described. When the display device 21 is started, as shown in Figure 3A, a button 31 for the navigation function, which is one of the basic functions, a button 32 for the audio function, which is one of the basic functions, and a button 33 for the settings function, which is one of the basic functions, are displayed on the periphery of the screen 30 of the display device 21. At this time, a road map is displayed on the screen 30 of the display device 21, for example, as shown in Figure 3A. In this specification, the screen 30 on which the button 31 for the navigation function, which is one of the basic functions, the button 32 for the audio function, which is one of the basic functions, and the button 33 for the settings function, which is one of the basic functions, are displayed, as when the display device 21 is started, is referred to as the basic screen.

[0016] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3A, a thin-film touch panel 22 layer is formed on the screen 30 of the display device 21. When a button displayed on the screen 30, such as the navigation function button 31, the basic audio function button 32, and the setting function button 33 shown in Figure 3A, is touched, the electronic control unit 13 recognizes that the button has been touched via the touch panel 22. In this specification, the display of buttons on the screen 30 in such a way that the electronic control unit 13 recognizes that the button has been touched is simply referred to as "buttons being displayed on the screen 30." In Figure 3A, marks A, B, C and letters graphically represent icons indicating the navigation function, audio function, and setting function, respectively.

[0017] Next, we will briefly explain an example of button operation for these basic functions. Figure 3A shows the case where the navigation function button 31 is touched and a road map is displayed on the basic screen of the display device 21. Touching the display change button 40 on this road map switches from the road map to the display change screen, which is located one level lower, as shown in Figure 4A. Next, touching, for example, the nearby facilities button 41 displayed on this display change screen switches from the display change screen to the nearby facilities selection screen, which is located one level lower, as shown in Figure 4B. Next, touching, for example, the restaurant button 42 displayed on this nearby facilities selection screen switches from the nearby facilities selection screen to the restaurant selection screen, which is located one level lower, as shown in Figure 5. Next, touching, for example, the Japanese food button 43 displayed on this restaurant selection screen switches from the restaurant selection screen to the road map screen shown in Figure 3A, and the location of the Japanese restaurant is displayed on the road map.

[0018] Thus, in this example, by touching the Japanese food button 43 located in a deeper layer, the Japanese restaurant location display function, which displays the location of Japanese restaurants on the road map, is turned on, and the location of Japanese restaurants is displayed on the road map. In this case, for example, if the navigation function button 31 is touched while the location of Japanese restaurants is displayed on the road map, the Japanese restaurant location display function is turned off, and the display of the location of Japanese restaurants disappears from the road map. Note that the road map screen, display change screen, surrounding facilities selection screen, and restaurant selection screen shown in Figures 3A, 4A, 4B, and 5 respectively usually display several other buttons, but these other buttons are omitted in Figures 3A, 4A, 4B, and 5.

[0019] On the other hand, for example, when a road map is displayed on the basic screen of the display device 21 as shown in Figure 3A, touching the settings button 33 switches the screen from the road map to the settings screen, which is located one level lower, as shown in Figure 6A. Next, touching, for example, the user customization function button 45 displayed on this settings screen switches the screen from the settings screen to the user customization function selection screen, which is located one level lower, as shown in Figure 6B. In the example shown in Figure 6B, the user customization function selection screen displays an on / off indicator 46 for each function, indicating whether the function is currently on or off.

[0020] To briefly explain the functions displayed on the user customization function selection screen, the collision damage mitigation function applies braking force to vehicle 1 via the braking device 11 when the detection device 18 detects that vehicle 1 is approaching another vehicle from behind; the constant speed driving function drives vehicle 1 at a set speed; the automatic headlight illumination function automatically illuminates the headlights when the ambient brightness falls below a threshold; and the delayed start warning function issues a warning, for example, if vehicle 1 remains stationary even though another vehicle stopped in front of vehicle 1 has started to move. Note that in Figures 6A and 6B, the expression ... means that the description exists but the content has been omitted, and this is the same below.

[0021] In other words, the functions shown in Figure 6B represent only a small portion of the functions listed on the user customization function selection screen; in reality, many more functions are displayed on the user customization function selection screen. For example, in Figure 6B, if we focus on the automatic headlight activation function, the automatic headlight activation function is currently disabled, as can be seen from the on / off indicator 46. That is, it is set to off. In this case, touching the ON button for the automatic headlight activation function will switch the automatic headlight activation function from off to on, and the on / off indicator 46 will change to indicate that it is on. Thus, in this example, on the user customization function selection screen located in a deep hierarchy, it is possible to switch each function from off to on, or from on to off, by touching the corresponding button.

[0022] Thus, buttons for turning functions on or off are generally located in deep hierarchies. However, when buttons are located in such deep hierarchies, it becomes cumbersome to operate them, and especially when buttons for frequently used functions are located in deep hierarchies, it becomes quite troublesome for the user to operate the buttons. Therefore, in order to alleviate user inconvenience, in the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 3A, two shortcut buttons 35 and 36, each assigned to a different function to be operated, are displayed on the basic screen of the display device 21. Of course, it is also possible to display three or more such shortcut buttons, but below, the embodiment of the present invention will be described using the case where two shortcut buttons 35 and 36 are displayed as an example. Note that in Figure 3A, marks b and c and the letters A, B, C, X, Y, Z are illustrative icons.

[0023] In the embodiment of the present invention, when the shortcut button 35 is touched, the function assigned to the shortcut button 35 is switched to the ON setting if it is currently set to OFF, thereby activating the function assigned to the shortcut button 35. Then, when the shortcut button 35 is touched again, the function assigned to the shortcut button 35 is switched from the ON setting to the OFF setting, thereby stopping the operation of the function assigned to the shortcut button 35. In other words, each time the shortcut button 35 is touched, the function is switched between ON and OFF settings, thereby switching between the operation and deactivation of the function.

[0024] Similarly, touching the shortcut button 36 switches the function assigned to the shortcut button 36 to the "on" setting if it is currently set to "off," thereby activating the function assigned to the shortcut button 36. Then, touching the shortcut button 36 again switches the function assigned to the shortcut button 36 from the "on" setting to the "off" setting, thereby stopping the operation of the function assigned to the shortcut button 36. In other words, each time the shortcut button 36 is touched, the function is switched between being on and off, thereby switching the operation of the function between being on and off.

[0025] Furthermore, in the embodiment according to the present invention, when the function assigned to shortcut button 35 is set to OFF, shortcut button 35 is displayed as OFF, and when the function assigned to shortcut button 35 is set to ON, shortcut button 35 is displayed as ON. Similarly, when the function assigned to shortcut button 36 is set to OFF, shortcut button 36 is displayed as OFF, and when the function assigned to shortcut button 36 is set to ON, shortcut button 36 is displayed as ON.

[0026] Figures 3A and 3B show examples of when shortcut button 35 is displayed as off and when shortcut button 35 is displayed as on. In these examples, shortcut button 35 is displayed as off when it is the same brightness as the other buttons 31, 32, and 33, as shown in Figure 3A, and as on when the entire shortcut button 35 or the icon portion of the shortcut button 35 is brightly lit, as shown in Figure 3B. Similarly, shortcut button 36 is displayed as off when it is the same brightness as the other buttons 31, 32, and 33, and as on when the entire shortcut button 36 or the icon portion of the shortcut button 36 is brightly lit.

[0027] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, in order to assign functions to each of the shortcut buttons 35 and 36, a shortcut setting button 34 is displayed on the basic screen of the display device 21, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B. In this case, for example, when a road map is displayed on the basic screen of the display device 21, as shown in Figure 3A, touching the shortcut setting button 34 switches from the road map to the shortcut setting screen located one level lower, as shown in Figure 7A. In the example shown in Figure 7A, the shortcut setting screen displays candidate functions that can be assigned to each of the shortcut buttons 35 and 36, and furthermore, for each of the displayed candidate functions, shortcut setting buttons 50, 51, 52, 53, and 54 are displayed respectively. Each of the shortcut setting buttons 50, 51, 52, 53, and 54 displays an icon consisting of a mark and text.

[0028] Note that the function candidates shown in Figure 7A, namely the collision damage mitigation function, constant speed driving function, automatic headlight activation function, and departure delay warning function, represent only a small portion of the function candidates listed on the shortcut setting screen. In reality, many more function candidates are displayed on the shortcut setting screen. In this case, as shown in Figure 7A, many function candidates are displayed across multiple pages. Also, as shown in Figure 7A, the shortcut setting buttons 50, 51, 52, 53, and 54 for function candidates that are turned on, i.e., active function candidates, are displayed as "on," and the entire shortcut setting buttons 50, 51, 52, 53, and 54, or just the icon portion, are brightly lit. The user of vehicle 1 can select from the function candidates listed on this shortcut setting screen to assign to the shortcut buttons 35 and 36 displayed on the basic screen of the display device 21.

[0029] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 7A, display location selection buttons 55 and 56 are displayed on the shortcut setting screen to select which of the two shortcut buttons 35 and 36 displayed on the basic screen of the display device 21 will be assigned to the function selected by the user of vehicle 1. In this case, display location selection buttons 55 and 56 are provided so that it is clear that shortcut button 35 displayed on the basic screen of the display device 21 corresponds to display location selection button 55 displayed on the shortcut setting screen, and shortcut button 36 displayed on the basic screen of the display device 21 corresponds to display location selection button 56 displayed on the shortcut setting screen. In this case, in the example shown in Figure 7A, the same icon is displayed on shortcut button 35 and display location selection button 55, and the same icon is displayed on shortcut button 36 and display location selection button 56. In this case, for example, if no function is assigned to shortcut button 35, no icon will be displayed on display location selection button 55, as shown in Figure 7B.

[0030] For example, if a user of vehicle 1 wants to assign the automatic headlight activation function to shortcut button 35, they touch the shortcut setting button 50 for the automatic headlight activation function, then the display location selection button 55, and then the setting button 57, thereby assigning the automatic headlight activation function to shortcut button 35. Once the automatic headlight activation function is assigned to shortcut button 35, the display and icon of the function previously assigned to shortcut button 35 are returned to the shortcut setting screen, and an icon indicating the automatic headlight activation function is displayed on shortcut button 35. After the assignment of the automatic headlight activation function to shortcut button 35 is complete, it is then possible to switch the automatic headlight activation function on and off simply by touching the shortcut button 35 displayed on the basic screen of the display device 21.

[0031] Next, referring to Figures 8 and 9, the routines for performing on / off setting processes for functions not using shortcut buttons 35 and 36, and the routines for performing on / off setting processes using shortcut buttons 35 and 36 will be described in order. Figure 8 shows the routine for performing on / off setting processes for functions not using shortcut buttons 35 and 36, and Figure 9 shows the routine for performing on / off setting processes using shortcut buttons 35 and 36. The routines shown in Figures 8 and 9 are provided for each function, and these routines are repeatedly executed within the electronic control unit 13. The programs for performing each function are stored in advance in the memory 16 of the electronic control unit 13.

[0032] Referring to Figure 8, which shows the routine for performing the on / off setting process for functions that are not controlled by shortcut buttons 35 and 36, first in step 100, it is determined whether the user has performed an operation to request the activation of function M, that is, an operation to turn on function M. For example, when the user touches the Japanese food button 43 in Figure 5, it is determined that an operation to request the activation of the Japanese restaurant location display function, that is, an operation to turn on the Japanese restaurant location display function, has been performed. In this case, function M refers to the Japanese restaurant location display function. Also, when the user touches the ON button for the automatic headlight function in Figure 6B, it is determined that an operation to request the activation of the automatic headlight function, that is, an operation to turn on the automatic headlight function, which automatically turns on the headlights when the ambient brightness falls below a threshold, has been performed. In this case, function M refers to the automatic headlight function.

[0033] In step 100, if it is determined that the user has requested the activation of function M, that is, that function M has been turned ON, the process proceeds to step 101, where function M is turned ON and function M is activated. At this time, if function M is the Japanese restaurant location display function, the Japanese restaurant location display function, which displays the location of Japanese restaurants on a road map, is executed. If function M is the automatic headlight activation function, the automatic headlight activation function, which automatically turns on the headlights, is executed. Next, in step 102, an ON display is executed for function M. At this time, for example, if function M is the automatic headlight activation function, the ON / OFF display 46 for the automatic headlight activation function shown in Figure 6B is switched from OFF to ON.

[0034] In contrast, if it is determined in step 100 that the user has not performed an operation to request the activation of function M, i.e., an operation to turn function M on, then the system proceeds to step 103 to determine whether the user has performed an operation to deactivate function M, i.e., an operation to turn function M off. For example, when the location of a Japanese restaurant is displayed on the road map, if the user touches the navigation function button 31, it is determined that the operation to deactivate the Japanese restaurant location display function, i.e., the operation to turn off the Japanese restaurant location display function, has been performed. In this case, function M refers to the Japanese restaurant location display function. Also, if the user touches the OFF button for the automatic headlight activation function in Figure 6B, it is determined that the operation to deactivate the automatic headlight activation function, i.e., the operation to turn off the automatic headlight activation function, has been performed. In this case, function M refers to the automatic headlight activation function.

[0035] In step 103, if it is determined that the user has performed an operation to stop function M, i.e., to turn off function M, the process proceeds to step 104, where function M is turned off and its operation is stopped. At this time, if function M is a Japanese restaurant location display function, the display of Japanese restaurant locations on the road map is stopped, and if function M is an automatic headlight activation function, the operation of the automatic headlight activation function that automatically turns on the headlights is stopped. Next, in step 105, an off display is executed for function M. At this time, for example, if function M is an automatic headlight activation function, the on / off display 46 for the automatic headlight activation function shown in Figure 6B is switched from on to off. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 103 that the user has not performed an operation to turn off function M, the processing cycle ends.

[0036] Figure 9 shows the routine for performing the on / off setting process for functions using shortcut buttons 35 and 36. To explain Figure 9 using the example where function M is assigned to one of the shortcut buttons 35 and 36, for example, shortcut button 35, first in step 110, it is determined whether or not shortcut button 35, to which function M is assigned, has been touched. If it is determined that shortcut button 35 has been touched, the process proceeds to step 111, where it is determined whether or not function M is currently set to ON, that is, whether or not function M is operating. If it is determined that function M is set to OFF, that is, if it is determined that the operation of function M has been stopped, the process proceeds to step 112.

[0037] In step 112, function M is turned on and activated. If function M is the Japanese restaurant location display function, the Japanese restaurant location display function, which displays the location of Japanese restaurants on the road map, is executed. If function M is the automatic headlight activation function, the automatic headlight activation function, which automatically turns on the headlights, is executed. Next, in step 113, the ON display for function M is executed. For example, if function M is the automatic headlight activation function, the ON / OFF display 46 for the automatic headlight activation function shown in Figure 6B is switched from OFF to ON. Furthermore, the shortcut button 35 is switched from OFF to ON.

[0038] On the other hand, if in step 111 it is determined that function M is currently set to ON, that is, that function M is operating, the process proceeds to step 114, where function M is set to OFF and its operation is stopped. In this case, if function M is a Japanese restaurant location display function, the display of Japanese restaurant locations on the road map is stopped, and if function M is an automatic headlight activation function, the operation of the automatic headlight activation function, which automatically turns on the headlights, is stopped.

[0039] Next, in step 115, the function M is turned off. At this time, for example, if function M is the automatic headlight activation function, the on / off indicator 46 for the automatic headlight activation function shown in Figure 5B is switched from on to off. Furthermore, the shortcut button 35 is switched from on to off. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 110 that the shortcut button 35 has not been touched, the processing cycle is terminated.

[0040] As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, shortcut buttons 35 and 36 are displayed on the basic screen of the display device 21, and by simply touching the shortcut buttons 35 and 36, the user can turn the functions assigned to each shortcut button 35 and 36 on or off. Therefore, the inconvenience that the user feels when turning functions on or off can be reduced. The question then becomes which functions should be assigned to the shortcut buttons 35 and 36 to further reduce the inconvenience felt by the user. Next, we will consider which functions are desirable to assign to the shortcut buttons 35 and 36.

[0041] Now, let's assume that conventionally, as shown in Figure 5, the restaurant selection screen displayed buttons for Japanese food 43, Chinese food, French food, and Spanish food. In this case, for example, touching the Japanese food button 43 would switch the user from the restaurant selection screen to the road map screen shown in Figure 3A, where the location of the Japanese restaurant would be displayed on the road map. On the other hand, let's assume that a new location display function has been developed that can display the location of an Indian restaurant, that is, an Indian restaurant location display function that can display the location of an Indian restaurant on the road map, and a new selection screen has been created, as shown in Figure 10, which displays the Indian food button in addition to the Japanese food button 43, Chinese food button, French food button, and Spanish food button.

[0042] In this case, in the embodiment according to the present invention, information regarding these functions, including a program for performing these Indian restaurant location display functions, and information regarding the restaurant selection screen shown in Figure 10, are transmitted from, for example, an information center as additional information for new functions or updated information for existing functions, and the information transmitted from the information center is received by each vehicle 1. At this time, some users of vehicle 1 may want to immediately utilize these newly added functions or updated existing functions, and for such users, it is considered preferable that shortcut buttons for these newly added functions or updated existing functions be displayed immediately.

[0043] Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, when information on the addition of a new function or the update of an existing function is received, these added new functions or updated existing functions are assigned to one of the shortcut buttons 35 or 36, and the shortcut buttons 35 or 36 to which these added new functions or updated existing functions are assigned are displayed on the basic screen of the display device 21. For example, when information on the addition of an Indian restaurant location display function is received, this added Indian restaurant location display function is assigned to shortcut button 35, and as shown in Figure 11, the shortcut button 35 to which the Indian restaurant location display function is assigned is displayed on the basic screen of the display device 21.

[0044] In this way, if these newly added or updated existing functions are assigned to, for example, the shortcut button 35, then simply touching the shortcut button 35 will allow the user to switch the newly added or updated existing functions from off to on, or from on to off, thereby reducing the inconvenience experienced by the user. Furthermore, once a newly added or updated existing function is assigned to the shortcut button 35, thereafter, each time the vehicle 1 is powered on, the newly added or updated existing function will be automatically assigned to the shortcut button 35. Therefore, each time the vehicle 1 is powered on, simply touching the shortcut button 35 will allow the user to switch the newly added or updated existing function from off to on, or from on to off.

[0045] As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, when a new function is completed, or when an update program for an existing function is completed, information regarding these functions is transmitted from, for example, the information center as additional information for the new function or update information for the existing function, and the additional information for the new function or update information for the existing function transmitted from the information center is received by each vehicle 1. Figure 13 shows a routine for displaying shortcut buttons in vehicle 1 based on additional update information for such functions. This routine is repeatedly executed within the electronic control unit 13 of each vehicle 1.

[0046] Referring to Figure 13, in step 200, it is determined whether or not information regarding the addition of new functions or the update of existing functions transmitted from the information center has been received. If it is determined that this information has not been received, the processing cycle ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that this information has been received, the process proceeds to step 201, where the received data regarding this information is stored in the memory 16 within the electronic control unit 13. Next, in step 202, the program stored in memory 16 is updated based on this received data. Then, in step 203, it is determined whether or not the power to vehicle 1 has been switched from off to on, that is, whether or not the power is on. If it is determined that the power is not on, the processing cycle ends.

[0047] In contrast, if it is determined in step 203 that the power is on, the process proceeds to step 204, and the function display is updated. For example, the restaurant selection screen changes from the restaurant selection screen shown in Figure 5 to the restaurant selection screen shown in Figure 10. Next, in step 205, the newly added function or the updated existing function is assigned to one of the shortcut buttons 35 or 36, for example to shortcut button 35, and the shortcut button 35 to which the newly added function or the updated existing function is assigned is displayed on the basic screen of the display device 21. For example, when additional information for the Indian restaurant location display function is received, this added Indian restaurant location display function is assigned to one of the shortcut buttons 35 or 36, for example to shortcut button 35, and the shortcut button 35 to which the Indian restaurant location display function is assigned is displayed on the basic screen of the display device 21, as shown in Figure 11.

[0048] Next, in step 206, the user of vehicle 1 is notified that the additional update function has been received. This notification is performed by displaying a message indicating that the additional update function has been received on the basic screen of the display device 21 when the power is turned on.

[0049] Figure 14 shows a routine for stopping the display of shortcut buttons 35 for newly added or updated existing functions on the basic screen of the display device 21 after they have been displayed on the basic screen of the display device 21. The routine for executing the shortcut button display stopping process shown in Figure 14 is repeatedly executed within the electronic control unit 13 of each vehicle 1. Referring to Figure 14, in step 210, it is first determined whether or not the shortcut button 35 for the newly added or updated existing function is displayed. If it is determined that the shortcut button 35 for the newly added or updated existing function is not displayed, the processing cycle ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the shortcut button 35 for the newly added or updated existing function is displayed, the process proceeds to step 211.

[0050] Step 211 determines whether the power is off, that is, whether the power has been switched from on to off. If it is determined that the power is not off, the processing cycle ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the power is off, the process proceeds to step 212, where it is determined whether the shortcut button 35 for the newly added or updated existing function was touched after it was displayed, that is, between the time the power was turned on and the time the power was turned off. If it is determined that the shortcut button 35 for the newly added or updated existing function was touched between the time the power was turned on and the time the power was turned off, the processing cycle ends.

[0051] In contrast, if it is determined that the shortcut button 35 for the newly added or updated existing function has not been touched between the time the power is turned on and the time the power is turned off, the process proceeds to step 213, and the display of the shortcut button 35 for the newly added or updated existing function on the basic screen of the display device 21 is stopped. At this time, the function that was assigned to the shortcut button 35, for example, the Indian restaurant location display function, is displayed on the last page of the shortcut settings screen, as shown in Figure 12.

[0052] Figure 15 shows another routine for stopping the display of shortcut buttons 35 on the basic screen of the display device 21 after the shortcut buttons 35 for newly added or updated existing functions have been displayed on the basic screen of the display device 21. The routine for stopping the display of the shortcut buttons shown in Figure 14 is repeatedly executed within the electronic control unit 13 of each vehicle 1. Referring to Figure 15, in step 220, it is first determined whether or not the shortcut button 35 for the newly added or updated existing function is displayed. If it is determined that the shortcut button 35 for the newly added or updated existing function is not displayed, the processing cycle ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the shortcut button 35 for the newly added or updated existing function is displayed, the process proceeds to step 221.

[0053] In step 221, it is determined whether the power is off or not, that is, whether the power has been switched from on to off. If it is determined that the power is not off, the processing cycle ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the power is off, the process proceeds to step 222, and 1 is added to the power off count N. Here, the period from when the power is turned on until the power is turned off is called one trip, so this N represents the number of trips. Next, in step 223, the number of times a newly added function or an updated existing function was activated between the time the power was turned on and the time the power was turned off is set to k. Next, in step 224, the cumulative value of this number of activations k is set to K. Then, the process proceeds to step 225.

[0054] In step 225, it is determined whether the number of trips N has reached the set number of trips N0. If it is determined that the number of trips N has not reached the set number of trips N0, the processing cycle ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of trips N has reached the set number of trips N0, the process proceeds to step 226, where it is determined whether the cumulative value K of the number of operations of the newly added function or the updated existing function is less than or equal to the set cumulative value K0. If it is determined that the cumulative value K of the number of operations is not less than or equal to the set cumulative value K0, the processing cycle ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the cumulative value K of the number of operations is less than or equal to the set cumulative value K0, the process proceeds to step 227, where the display of the shortcut button 35 for the newly added function or the updated existing function on the basic screen of the display device 21 is stopped. At this time, the function that was assigned to the shortcut button 35, for example, the Indian restaurant location display function, is displayed on the last page of the shortcut setting screen, as shown in Figure 12.

[0055] As shown in the example in Figure 15, when it is determined that the number of trips N has reached the set number of trips N0, and that the cumulative value of the number of operations K is less than or equal to the set cumulative value K0, the display of the shortcut button 35 for the newly added function or the updated existing function is stopped. In this case, if the set number of trips N0 is an integer of 2 or more, for example, if the set number of trips N0 is 5 and the set cumulative value K0 is zero, the display of the shortcut button 35 is stopped if the newly added function or the updated existing function is not operated until 5 trips have elapsed since the shortcut button 35 was displayed. Also, if the set cumulative value K0 is an integer, the display of the shortcut button 35 is stopped if the frequency of operation of the newly added function or the updated existing function during the period until the number of trips N reaches the set number of trips N0 is less than or equal to the set operation frequency.

[0056] Figure 16 shows a routine for executing another example of the process for stopping the display of the shortcut buttons shown in Figure 15, and this routine is also executed repeatedly within the electronic control unit 13. In the routine shown in Figure 16, steps 220 to 226 are identical to steps 220 to 226 in the routine shown in Figure 15. The only difference between the routine shown in Figure 16 and the routine shown in Figure 15 is step 227a in Figure 16. Therefore, in the routine shown in Figure 16, the explanation of steps 220 to 226 will be omitted, and only step 227a in Figure 16 will be explained.

[0057] In the example shown in Figure 16, in step 227a, the function assigned to shortcut button 35 is changed from a newly added or updated existing function to another function, and shortcut button 35 with the other function is displayed in place of the shortcut button 35 assigned to the newly added or updated existing function. This other function may be, for example, a frequently used function. In this case, if this other function is to be a frequently used function, it is necessary to calculate the frequency of use of the function. Figure 17 shows a calculation processing routine for calculating the frequency of use of the function, and this routine is repeatedly executed within the electronic control unit 13.

[0058] Referring to Figure 17, in step 230, it is first determined whether the power to vehicle 1 is on or off. If it is determined that the power to vehicle 1 is on, the process proceeds to step 231, where, for each function, the total number of times the function has been switched from on to off and from off to on since the power to vehicle 1 was turned on is calculated, i.e., the number of on / off settings for the function. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 230 that the power to vehicle 1 is off, the process proceeds to step 232, where it is determined whether the power to vehicle 1 has just been switched from on to off, i.e., whether the power to vehicle 1 is off. If it is determined that the power to vehicle 1 is off, the process proceeds to step 233, where the function with the highest number of on / off settings among the functions calculated in step 131 is determined and stored in memory 16. The function with the highest number of on / off settings is considered to be the function with the highest usage frequency.

[0059] Thus, in the embodiment of the present invention, when information about the addition of a new function or the update of an existing function is received, shortcut buttons 35 and 36 for these added new functions or updated existing functions are displayed on the basic screen of the display device 21. In this case, the user may not know the content of the added new function or the update of the existing function. Therefore, in another embodiment of the present invention, after the shortcut buttons 35 and 36 for the added new functions or updated existing functions are displayed on the basic screen of the display device 21, when the user touches the shortcut buttons 35 and 36 for the added new functions or updated existing functions for the first time, a descriptive text about the added new functions or updated existing functions is displayed on the basic screen of the display device 21, as shown in Figure 18.

[0060] In this case, as shown in the example in Figure 18, touching the close button 58 shown in Figure 18 switches the user from the explanatory text display screen back to the original screen, i.e., the basic screen shown in Figure 3A. In this case, the explanation of the added new function or updated existing function may also be given by voice. Therefore, to put it broadly, after the shortcut buttons 35 and 36 for the added new function or updated existing function are displayed on the basic screen of the display device 21, when the user first touches the shortcut buttons 35 and 36 for the added new function or updated existing function, an explanation of the outline of the added new function or updated existing function will be given.

[0061] In another embodiment of the present invention, instead of the routine for performing the function on / off setting process using the shortcut buttons 35 and 36 shown in Figure 9, the routine for performing the function on / off setting process using the shortcut buttons 35 and 36 shown in Figure 19 is used. To explain Figure 19 using the example of a case where function M is assigned to one of the shortcut buttons 35 and 36, for example, shortcut button 35, first in step 300, it is determined whether or not the shortcut button 35 to which function M is assigned has been touched. If it is determined that the shortcut button 35 has been touched, the process proceeds to step 301, where it is determined whether or not the function M assigned to the shortcut button 35 is a newly added function or an updated existing function. That is, in steps 300 and 301, it is determined whether or not the shortcut button 35 for the newly added function or the updated existing function has been touched.

[0062] In step 301, when it is determined that the function M assigned to the shortcut button 35 is a newly added function or an updated existing function, that is, when the shortcut button 35 for the newly added function or the updated existing function is touched, the process proceeds to step 302, where it is determined whether the shortcut button 35 for the newly added function or the updated existing function has been touched for the first time since it was displayed on the basic screen of the display device 21. If it is determined that the shortcut button 35 has been touched for the first time, the process proceeds to step 303, where, as shown in Figure 18, a description of the newly added function or the updated existing function is displayed on the basic screen of the display device 21. Then the processing cycle ends.

[0063] On the other hand, in step 301, if it is determined that the function M assigned to the shortcut button 35 is neither a newly added function nor an updated existing function, that is, if the shortcut button 35 for a function M that is neither a newly added function nor an updated existing function is touched, the process proceeds to step 304. Also, in step 302, if it is determined that the shortcut button 35 is not being touched for the first time, the process proceeds to step 304. In other words, if the shortcut button 35 for a function M that is neither a newly added function nor an updated existing function is touched, the process always proceeds to step 304, and if the shortcut button 35 for a newly added function or an updated existing function is touched, the process proceeds to step 304 unless it is the first time it has been touched.

[0064] In step 304, it is determined whether function M is currently set to ON, that is, whether function M is operating. In this case, function M includes both functions that are neither newly added functions nor updated existing functions, and newly added functions or updated existing functions. If in step 304 it is determined that function M is set to OFF, that is, if it is determined that function M is not operating, the process proceeds to step 305. In step 305, function M is set to ON and function M is activated. At this time, if function M is the Japanese restaurant location display function, the Japanese restaurant location display function, which displays the location of Japanese restaurants on the road map, is executed, and if function M is the automatic headlight activation function, the automatic headlight activation function, which automatically turns on the headlights, is executed. Next, in step 306, the ON display for function M is executed. At this time, for example, if function M is the automatic headlight activation function, the ON / OFF display 46 for the automatic headlight activation function shown in Figure 6B is switched from OFF to ON. Furthermore, the shortcut button 35 is switched from OFF to ON.

[0065] On the other hand, in step 304, if it is determined that function M is currently set to ON, that is, that function M is operating, the process proceeds to step 307, where function M is set to OFF and its operation is stopped. At this time, if function M is the Japanese restaurant location display function, the display of Japanese restaurant locations on the road map is stopped, and if function M is the automatic headlight activation function, the operation of the automatic headlight activation function, which automatically turns on the headlights, is stopped. Next, in step 308, an OFF display is executed for function M. At this time, for example, if function M is the automatic headlight activation function, the ON / OFF display 46 for the automatic headlight activation function shown in Figure 5B is switched from ON to OFF. Furthermore, the shortcut button 35 is switched from ON to OFF. On the other hand, in step 300, if it is determined that the shortcut button 35 has not been touched, the processing cycle is terminated.

[0066] As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, a display control device controls the screen display of a display device 21 mounted on a vehicle 1, and the display control device comprises a shortcut button display control unit that displays shortcut buttons 35 and 36 on the basic screen of the display device 21. When the shortcut button display control unit obtains information on the addition of a new function or information on the update of an existing function, it displays the shortcut buttons to which the newly added function or the updated existing function is assigned on the basic screen of the display device 21.

[0067] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, a display control method for controlling the screen display of a display device mounted on a vehicle, wherein a computer displays shortcut buttons 35 and 36 on the basic screen of the display device 21, and when it obtains information on the addition of a new function or update information on an existing function, it displays the shortcut buttons 35 and 36 to which the added new function or updated existing function is assigned on the basic screen of the display device 21.

[0068] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, a program or program product is provided for controlling the screen display of a display device 21 mounted on a vehicle 1, which causes a computer to display shortcut buttons 35 and 36 on the basic screen of the display device 21, and when information on the addition of a new function or the update of an existing function is obtained, the program or program product causes a computer to display the shortcut buttons 35 and 36 to which the newly added function or the updated existing function is assigned on the basic screen of the display device 21.

[0069] Furthermore, in the embodiment according to the present invention, the shortcut button display control unit displays the shortcut buttons 35 and 36 assigned to the newly added or updated existing functions on the basic screen of the display device 21 when the power is turned on. If the newly added or updated existing functions are not activated within a predetermined period after the power is turned on, the display of the shortcut buttons 35 and 36 assigned to the newly added or updated existing functions is stopped. In this embodiment, the predetermined period is the period from when the power is turned on until the power is turned off, or the period from when the power is turned on until the number of trips reaches the set number of trips.

[0070] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the shortcut button display control unit displays the shortcut buttons 35 and 36 assigned to the newly added or updated existing functions on the basic screen of the display device 21 when the power is turned on, and stops displaying the shortcut buttons 35 and 36 assigned to the newly added or updated existing functions when the operating frequency of the newly added or updated existing functions is less than or equal to the set operating frequency during the period from when the power is turned on until the power is turned off, or during the period from when the power is turned on until the number of trips reaches the set number of trips.

[0071] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, when the shortcut button display control unit stops displaying the shortcut buttons 35, 36 to which an added new function or an updated existing function is assigned, the display device 21 displays shortcut buttons 35, 36 to which a different function is assigned, instead of the shortcut buttons 35, 36 to which the added new function or the updated existing function is assigned. In this case, in the embodiment of the present invention, the function that is frequently used from the time the vehicle 1 is turned on until it is turned off is the other function.

[0072] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, after the shortcut buttons 35 and 36 for the newly added or updated existing functions are displayed on the basic screen of the display device 21, when the user touches the shortcut buttons 35 and 36 for the newly added or updated existing functions for the first time, an explanation of the outline of the newly added or updated existing functions is provided. Also, in the embodiment of the present invention, the shortcut buttons 35 and 36 are configured so that each time the shortcut buttons 35 and 36 are touched, the functions assigned to the shortcut buttons 35 and 36 are switched between an on setting and an off setting. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 1 vehicle 21 Display device 30 screens 35, 36 Shortcut buttons

Claims

1. A display control device that controls the screen display of a display device mounted on a vehicle, The device includes a shortcut button display control unit that displays shortcut buttons on the basic screen of the aforementioned display device. The shortcut button display control unit is a display control device that, when it obtains information about the addition of a new function or information about the update of an existing function, displays a shortcut button to which the newly added function or the updated existing function is assigned on the basic screen of the display device.

2. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein the shortcut button display control unit displays shortcut buttons assigned to newly added functions or updated existing functions on the basic screen of the display device when the power is turned on, and stops displaying the shortcut buttons assigned to newly added functions or updated existing functions if the newly added functions or updated existing functions are not activated within a predetermined period of time after the power is turned on.

3. The display control device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined period is the period from when the power is turned on until the power is turned off, or the period from when the power is turned on until the number of trips reaches a set number of trips.

4. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein the shortcut button display control unit displays shortcut buttons assigned to newly added functions or updated existing functions on the basic screen of the display device when the power is turned on, and stops displaying the shortcut buttons assigned to newly added functions or updated existing functions when the operating frequency of the newly added functions or updated existing functions is less than or equal to the set operating frequency during the period from when the power is turned on until the power is turned off, or during the period from when the power is turned on until the number of trips reaches the set number of trips.

5. The display control device according to claim 1, which, when the shortcut button display control unit stops displaying a shortcut button to which an added new function or an updated existing function is assigned, displays a shortcut button to which a different function is assigned on the basic screen of the display device in place of the shortcut button to which the added new function or the updated existing function is assigned.

6. The display control device according to claim 5, wherein the function that is frequently used between the time the vehicle is powered on and the time it is powered off is the other function.

7. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein, after shortcut buttons for newly added functions or updated existing functions are displayed on the basic screen of the display device, when a user touches a shortcut button for a newly added function or updated existing function for the first time, an explanation of the newly added function or updated existing function is provided.

8. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein the shortcut button is configured such that each time the shortcut button is touched, the function assigned to the shortcut button is switched between an on setting and an off setting.

9. A display control method for controlling the screen display of a display device mounted on a vehicle, Computers A shortcut button is displayed on the basic screen of the aforementioned display device. A display control method that, when information about the addition of a new function or the update of an existing function is obtained, displays a shortcut button assigned to the newly added function or the updated existing function on the basic screen of the display device.

10. A program used to control the screen display of a display device mounted on a vehicle, A shortcut button is displayed on the basic screen of the aforementioned display device. A program that causes a computer to display shortcut buttons on the basic screen of the display device that are assigned to newly added or updated functions, when information about the addition of new functions or updates to existing functions is obtained.

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