Vehicle display system

Abstract

To provide a vehicle display system which has the high convenience for an occupant of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A vehicle display system comprises: a plurality of display regions; display control units 144, 145 which control the display contents of the plurality of display regions; and a switching control unit 147 which switches between the synchronization mode of synchronizing the contents to be displayed in the plurality of display regions with each other and the non-synchronization mode of not synchronizing the contents with each other. Therefore, the vehicle display system has the higher convenience for an occupant of the vehicle in comparison to a system in which the plurality of display regions is always synchronized with each other and a system in which the plurality of display regions is not always synchronized with each other. The switching control unit 147 switches the mode to the synchronization mode while displaying an image fixed by maintaining display setting in a display region being the synchronization source when switching to the synchronization mode. Consequently, the occupant of the vehicle can keep confirming the image of the synchronization source. In this aspect, the convenience is high for the occupant.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle display system, and more particularly to a system having multiple display areas. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an in-vehicle navigation device that displays maps in two display areas, one on the left and one on the right. One map is a detailed map, and the other is a wide-area map. The detailed map and the wide-area map are scrolled synchronously. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-340578 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a vehicle display system having multiple display areas, it may be inconvenient for vehicle occupants if the multiple display areas are always synchronized.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made based on the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle display system that is highly convenient for vehicle occupants. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above object is achieved by the combination of features recited in the independent claims, and the subclaims define further advantageous specific examples. The reference characters in parentheses in the claims correspond to specific aspects described in the following embodiment as one aspect, and are not intended to limit the disclosed technical scope.

[0007] One disclosure for achieving the above object is: A plurality of display areas (110, 120, 130); A display control unit (144, 145, 146) for controlling the display contents of the plurality of display areas; A switching control unit (147, 347) is provided for switching between a synchronous mode in which contents to be displayed in a plurality of display areas are synchronized and an asynchronous mode in which contents are asynchronous, When switching to the synchronous mode, the switching control unit switches to the synchronous mode while maintaining the display setting and displaying the image determined in the display area of ​​the synchronization source. 、 A synchronization switch (161, 162, 163) is provided which is operated by a vehicle occupant when instructing synchronization; The switching control unit switches to the synchronous mode based on the operation of the synchronous switch, The display area includes a driver's display area (110) for a driver of the vehicle and a passenger's display area (120) for a passenger of the vehicle, The driver's display area and passenger's display area show maps, In the asynchronous mode, a simplified map having fewer types of facilities than the map displayed in the passenger display area can be displayed in the driver display area; In synchronous mode, the map displayed in the driver's display area and the map displayed in the passenger's display area are synchronized in terms of the facility types displayed. This is a vehicle display system. In addition, one disclosure for achieving the above object is: A plurality of display areas (110, 120, 130); A display control unit (144, 145, 146) for controlling the display contents of the plurality of display areas; A switching control unit (147, 347) is provided for switching between a synchronous mode in which contents to be displayed in a plurality of display areas are synchronized and an asynchronous mode in which contents are asynchronous, The switching control unit, when switching to the synchronous mode, switches to the synchronous mode while displaying an image determined by maintaining the display settings in the display area of ​​the synchronization source, The switching control unit switches between a synchronous mode and an asynchronous mode when display content of one of the plurality of display areas is to be a preset display content, The display area includes a driver's display area for a driver of the vehicle and a passenger's display area for a passenger of the vehicle, The driver's display area and passenger's display area show maps, The switching control unit switches to an asynchronous mode when the number of types of facilities displayed on the map displayed in the passenger display area increases, and the map displayed in the passenger display area increases the number of types of facilities displayed, while the map displayed in the driver's display area maintains the number of types of facilities displayed.This is a vehicle display system. In addition, one disclosure for achieving the above object is: A plurality of display areas (110, 120, 130); A display control unit (144, 145, 146) for controlling the display contents of the plurality of display areas; A switching control unit (147, 347) is provided for switching between a synchronous mode in which contents to be displayed in a plurality of display areas are synchronized and an asynchronous mode in which contents are asynchronous, The switching control unit, when switching to the synchronous mode, switches to the synchronous mode while displaying an image determined by maintaining the display settings in the display area of ​​the synchronization source, A synchronization switch (161, 162, 163) is provided which is operated by a vehicle occupant when instructing synchronization; The switching control unit switches to the synchronous mode based on the operation of the synchronous switch, The display area includes a passenger seat display area for a passenger seat of the vehicle and a rear seat display area for a rear seat of the vehicle, The synchronization switch includes a passenger seat synchronization switch (163) operated by a passenger seat and a rear seat synchronization switch (161) operated by a passenger seat, The switching control unit is a display system for a vehicle that, when a synchronization switch is operated to switch to the synchronization mode, sets a display area corresponding to the operated synchronization switch as a synchronization source.

[0008] This vehicular display system includes a switching control unit that switches between a synchronous mode in which the contents displayed in the multiple display areas are synchronized and an asynchronous mode in which the contents are asynchronous. This provides greater convenience for vehicle occupants compared to a system in which the multiple display areas are always synchronized and a system in which the multiple display areas are always asynchronous. In addition, the switching control unit switches to the synchronous mode while maintaining the display settings and displaying a determined image in the synchronization source display area, so that the vehicle occupants can continue to check the synchronization source image. This also provides greater convenience for occupants. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a vehicular display system according to a first embodiment is mounted on a vehicle. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a display control device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the display contents of the CID and meter display in asynchronous mode. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the display contents of the CID and the meter display in the synchronous mode. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of processing executed by a control unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a process executed by a control unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the display contents of the CID and the meter display in the synchronous mode. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the display contents of the CID and meter display in asynchronous mode. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a vehicular display system according to a third embodiment is mounted on a vehicle. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a display control device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the display contents of the CID and passenger display in asynchronous mode. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a process executed by a control unit in the third embodiment. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the display contents of the CID and passenger display in synchronous mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a vehicle display system 100 of the first embodiment is mounted on a vehicle 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle display system 100 includes a meter display 110, a CID (Center Information Display) 120, and a display control device 140.

[0011] The meter display 110 is a display that provides a display area for the driver, and is located in front of the driver's seat in the vehicle 10. The meter display 110 displays meters such as a speedometer. The meter display 110 may be located in a position that allows good visibility for the driver. The meter display 110 may be located above the CID 120 in the center of the dashboard in the vehicle width direction.

[0012] The meter display 110 does not necessarily have to display an image of the meter. The meter is an analog meter, and a display that is arranged near the analog meter and displays various images can also be the meter display 110. In this embodiment, a map of the surroundings of the vehicle 10 can be displayed on the meter display 110.

[0013] The CID 120 is disposed at the center of the dashboard in the vehicle width direction. Because it is disposed in this position, the CID 120 can be seen by the driver. However, it can also be seen by a passenger sitting in the passenger seat and a passenger sitting in the rear seat. Compared to the meter display 110, the CID 120 can be considered as a display for passengers. In other words, the CID 120 is a display that provides a display area for passengers. The CID 120 can display various information. For example, the CID 120 can display maps, television images, other videos, and the like.

[0014] The display control device 140 is a control device that controls the display contents of the meter display 110 and the CID 120. Note that in FIG. 1, the display control device 140 is located outside the meter display 110 and the CID 120. However, the display control device 140 may be housed in the housing of the CID 120 or the meter display 110. In addition, some of the functions of the display control device 140 may be housed in the housing of the meter display 110 and the CID 120.

[0015] FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the display control device 140. The display control device 140 includes a control unit 141, a ROM 142, and a RAM 143. The control unit 141 includes at least one processor. In this embodiment, map data is stored in the ROM 142. The ROM 142 also stores a display control program executed by the control unit 141. The processor executes the display control program stored in the ROM 142 while utilizing the temporary storage function of the RAM 143, whereby the control unit 141 operates as a CID display control unit 144, a meter display control unit 145, and a switching control unit 147. The execution of these operations means that a method corresponding to the display control program is executed.

[0016] The display control device 140 receives detection signals from the sensor group 150 and switch operation signals from the switch group 160. The sensor group 150 may include a vehicle speed sensor that detects the vehicle speed of the vehicle 10. The sensor group 150 may also include a rotation speed sensor that detects the engine rotation speed. The switch group 160 includes a switch operated by the occupant to change the display content of the CID 120. The switch is one or both of a touch switch superimposed on the display surface and a mechanical switch arranged around the CID 120. The switch group 160 also includes a switch operated by the driver to change the display content of the meter display 110. Other examples of the switches included in the switch group 160 are an air conditioner switch for operating the air conditioner, an audio switch for operating the sound, a light switch for operating the light, and a mode switch for operating the driving mode.

[0017] The display control device 140 also receives a television video signal from a tuner 170 and an external input signal from an external device 180. The external device 180 is, for example, a smartphone, and the external input signal is a video signal received by the smartphone.

[0018] The control unit 141 controls the display contents of the meter display 110 and the CID 120 based on data stored in the ROM 142 and various signals input to the display control device 140 .

[0019] CID display control unit 144 controls the display content of CID 120. To control the display content of CID 120, CID display control unit 144 acquires image generation data from ROM 142, sensor group 150, switch group 160, tuner 170, and external device 180. Then, CID display control unit 144 generates a display image (hereinafter, a CID image) to be displayed on CID 120 based on the acquired image generation data, and displays the generated CID image on CID 120.

[0020] The meter display control unit 145 controls the display contents of the meter display 110. In order to control the display contents of the meter display 110, the meter display control unit 145 acquires image generation data for generating a display image to be displayed on the meter display 110. The image generation data acquired by the meter display control unit 145 is acquired from the ROM 142 and the sensor group 150. The meter display control unit 145 may also acquire image generation data from sources other than the ROM 142 and the sensor group 150, such as the switch group 160. The meter display control unit 145 generates a display image (hereinafter, a meter image) based on the acquired image generation data, and displays the generated meter image on the meter display 110. Note that the meter display 110 may also include an image generation unit, and an image obtained by adding the meter image generated by the meter display control unit 145 and the display image generated by an image generation unit included in the meter display 110 may be displayed on the meter display 110.

[0021] The switching control unit 147 switches between a synchronous mode and an asynchronous mode. The synchronous mode is a mode in which the contents displayed in a plurality of display areas are synchronized. In this embodiment, the plurality of display areas are the meter display 110 and the CID 120. The synchronization here is not limited to the same image being displayed. The synchronization also includes the same display settings. In this embodiment, the condition for switching between the synchronous mode and the asynchronous mode is that a switching operation is performed by the occupant.

[0022] 3 is a diagram illustrating the display contents of CID 120 and meter display 110 in asynchronous mode. A map is displayed on CID 120. The map displayed on CID 120 is set so that convenience stores are included in the display facility types for which icons are displayed. A map is also displayed in map display area 111 on meter display 110. The map displayed in map display area 111 is set so that convenience store icons are not displayed. The map displayed in map display area 111 is a simplified map compared to the map displayed on CID 120 in that convenience store icons are not displayed.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, a synchronization switch 161 is displayed on the CID 120. The synchronization switch 161 is one of the switch group 160. Since a touch switch is superimposed on the display surface of the CID 120, when an occupant operates the area where the synchronization switch 161 is displayed, an operation signal indicating the operation is input to the display control device 140. As described above, the CID 120 is a display that provides a passenger display area. The synchronization switch 161 displayed on the CID 120 is a passenger synchronization switch. Note that the synchronization switch 161 may be a mechanical switch, i.e., a physical switch, arranged around the CID 120.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 3, a synchronization switch 162 is disposed on the steering wheel. The synchronization switch 162 is a mechanical switch. The synchronization switch 162 may be a push switch or a slide switch. The synchronization switch 162 is a driver's synchronization switch.

[0025] When the CID display control unit 144 receives an operation signal indicating that the synchronous switch 161 or the synchronous switch 162 has been operated, if the asynchronous mode was selected when the operation signal was received, the CID display control unit 144 switches the mode to the synchronous mode. Also, if the synchronous mode was selected when the operation signal was received, the CID display control unit 144 may switch the mode to the asynchronous mode. In other words, the synchronous switch 161 may be a switch that switches between the synchronous mode and the asynchronous mode each time the synchronous switch 161 is operated. Note that a switch for switching from the synchronous mode to the asynchronous mode and a switch for switching from the asynchronous mode to the synchronous mode may be provided separately.

[0026] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the display contents of CID 120 and meter display 110 in the synchronous mode. In Fig. 4, the map displayed on CID 120 and the map displayed in map display area 111 of meter display 110 are both set to display icons of convenience stores.

[0027] [Flow of processing executed by the control unit 141] The flow of the process executed by the control unit 141 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The control unit 141 repeats the process shown in Fig. 5 at regular intervals. In S1, the CID display control unit 144 and the meter display control unit 145 acquire image generation data for generating a CID image and a meter image.

[0028] In S2, meter display control unit 145 generates a meter image based on the image generation data obtained in S1. In S3, CID display control unit 144 generates a CID image based on the image generation data obtained in S1.

[0029] In S4, meter display control unit 145 displays the meter image generated in S2 on meter display 110, and CID display control unit 144 displays the CID image generated in S3 on CID 120.

[0030] S5 and subsequent steps are executed by the switching control unit 147. In S5, it is determined whether or not the synchronization switch 161 or the synchronization switch 162 has been operated. This operation is a switching operation. If the determination result in S5 is NO, the process returns to S1. If the determination result in S5 is YES, the process proceeds to S6.

[0031] In S6, the current synchronization setting is determined. If the current synchronization setting is the synchronous mode, the process proceeds to S7. In S7, the synchronization setting is switched to the asynchronous mode. After switching to the asynchronous mode, the occupant can set the display contents of the meter display 110 and the CID 120 separately. The display contents of the meter display 110 and the CID 120 can be set, for example, by displaying a display setting screen on the CID 120 and operating the display setting screen. Immediately after switching to the asynchronous mode, if the occupant is not performing any operation, the display setting immediately before switching to the asynchronous mode can be maintained until the occupant changes the display setting. Alternatively, the display setting before switching to the synchronous mode may be restored.

[0032] S6 is executed, and if the current synchronization setting is the asynchronous mode, the process proceeds to S8. In S8, when synchronization switch 161 is operated and when synchronization switch 162 is operated, the synchronization mode is switched to the synchronization source CID 120 as the synchronization source. Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 3, when synchronization switch 161 is operated and when synchronization switch 162 is operated, a map with a setting to display a convenience store icon is displayed in map display area 111 as shown in FIG. 4. At this time, the image displayed in CID 120, which is the synchronization source, continues to be the map with a setting to display a convenience store icon. In other words, the image displayed in CID 120, which is the synchronization source, remains the same as the image determined by maintaining the display setting.

[0033] [Summary of the first embodiment] The vehicle display system 100 described above includes a switching control unit 147 that switches between a synchronous mode in which the display contents of the meter display 110 are synchronized and an asynchronous mode in which the display contents are asynchronous. This provides greater convenience for the occupants of the vehicle 10 compared to a system in which the display settings of the meter display 110 and the CID 120 are always synchronized and a system in which the display settings of the meter display 110 and the CID 120 are always asynchronous.

[0034] As an example of improved convenience, assume that a passenger is sitting in the passenger seat and needs to search for a convenience store where the vehicle 10 will stop. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the asynchronous mode is set, and the passenger sitting in the passenger seat searches for a convenience store where the vehicle 10 will stop by using the CID 120. There are often many convenience stores around the vehicle 10. Therefore, in the synchronous mode, there is a possibility that many convenience store icons are displayed in the map display area 111. If many convenience store icons are displayed in the map display area 111, there is a risk that road information required for driving will become difficult to understand. However, in the asynchronous mode, convenience store icons are not displayed in the map display area 111, so that it is possible to prevent road information required for driving from becoming difficult to understand.

[0035] When the passenger in the passenger seat has decided which convenience store to stop at, the passenger in the passenger seat can press synchronization switch 161 to display an icon for the convenience store in the map display area 111. This eliminates the need to go to the trouble of setting the destination after deciding which convenience store to stop at.

[0036] In addition, when switching to the synchronous mode (S8), the switching control unit 147 switches to the synchronous mode while maintaining the display settings and displaying a determined image on the synchronization source CID 120. Therefore, the passengers of the vehicle 10 can continue to check the image of the synchronization source. This also provides high user convenience.

[0037] The vehicular display system 100 includes synchronization switches 161, 162 that are operated by an occupant of the vehicle 10 to issue a synchronization instruction. The switching control unit 147 switches to the synchronization mode based on the operation of the synchronization switches 161, 162 (S5, S6, S8). With this configuration, the occupant of the vehicle 10 can synchronize the display contents of the meter display 110 and the CID 120 at any time.

[0038] Furthermore, when the synchronization switch 162 is operated to switch to the synchronization mode, and when the synchronization switch 161 is operated to switch to the synchronization mode, the switching control unit 147 sets the display content of CID 120 as the synchronization source (S8). Therefore, it is not possible to synchronize CID 120 with the meter display 110 as the synchronization source. This prevents the driver from operating the setting of the synchronization source map while driving, which can reduce the driver's attention to driving.

[0039] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description of the second embodiment, elements having the same reference numbers as those used up to that point are the same as those in the previous embodiment unless otherwise specified. In addition, when only a part of the configuration is described, the previously described embodiment can be applied to the other parts of the configuration.

[0040] Fig. 6 shows the process executed by the control unit 141 in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the control unit 141 executes the process shown in Fig. 6 instead of Fig. 5. Note that the control unit 141 may execute both the process shown in Fig. 5 and the process shown in Fig. 6. When executing both Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, S5 and subsequent steps in Fig. 5 are executed after S20 in Fig. 6.

[0041] 6, in S11, the switching control unit 147 judges whether or not the current position of the vehicle 10 is in a tourist destination area. The tourist destination area is defined in the map data stored in the ROM 142. If the judgment result in S11 is NO, the process proceeds to S12.

[0042] In S12, CID display control unit 144 and meter display control unit 145 acquire image generation data for generating a CID image and a meter image. S13 is the same as S2 in Fig. 5, and meter display control unit 145 generates a meter image based on the image generation data acquired in S12. S14 is the same as S3 in Fig. 5, and CID display control unit 144 generates a CID image based on the image generation data acquired in S12. After executing S14, proceed to S20.

[0043] If the determination result in S11 is YES, proceed to S15. In S15, the switching control unit 147 sets the synchronization setting to asynchronous mode. If the mode was asynchronous before executing S15, the asynchronous mode is maintained. If the mode was synchronous before executing S15, the mode is switched to asynchronous mode.

[0044] In S16, CID display control unit 144 adds tourist spots to the displayed facility types whose icons are displayed on the map displayed in CID 120. In other words, the number of displayed facility types is increased. Since the asynchronous mode was set in S15 immediately before, even if the display settings of CID 120 are changed, the display settings of meter display 110 are not affected.

[0045] In S17, CID display control unit 144 and meter display control unit 145 obtain image generation data for generating a CID image and a meter image. In S17, CID display control unit 144 also obtains data for displaying tourist spots from ROM 142. Meanwhile, meter display control unit 145 only needs to obtain the same data as in S12.

[0046] In S18, meter display control unit 145 generates a meter image based on the image generation data acquired in S17. The meter image generated by meter display control unit 145 in S18 is the same as the meter image generated by meter display control unit 145 in S13.

[0047] In S19, the CID display control unit 144 generates a CID image based on the image generation data acquired in S17. If a map is displayed on the CID 120 and tourist spots are included in the display area, the CID image generated in S19 is an image showing the map including icons showing the tourist spots. After executing S19, the process proceeds to S20.

[0048] In S20, meter display control unit 145 displays the meter image generated in S13 or S18 on meter display 110, and CID display control unit 144 displays the CID image generated in S14 or S19 on CID 120.

[0049] In the second embodiment, when the current location of the vehicle 10 is a tourist area and the display content displayed on the CID 120 is a map, the map is set in advance to include tourist spots. On the other hand, the map display area 111 is set not to display tourist spots so as not to make it difficult to understand road information necessary for driving.

[0050] Therefore, if the current location of the vehicle 10 is in the tourist area (S11: YES) and the synchronization setting at that time is the synchronous mode, the switching control unit 147 switches the synchronization setting to the asynchronous mode (S15).

[0051] Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining the display contents of CID 120 and the display contents of meter display 110 before S15 is executed. In Fig. 7, CID 120 and the map displayed in map display area 111 are in synchronous mode, and both are set not to display tourist spots. In contrast, Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the display contents of CID 120 and the display contents of meter display 110 when S20 is executed after S15 to S19. In Fig. 8, the map displayed in CID 120 is set to display tourist spots. On the other hand, the map displayed in map display area 111 is set not to display tourist spots.

[0052] By following the second embodiment, a map with a large amount of information is displayed on CID 120 without any operation by the passenger, so that a fellow passenger who does not need to drive can obtain a lot of information by looking at the map with a large amount of information. Also, even if the number of types of displayed facilities increases, the map displayed on CID 120 is set to asynchronous mode (S15), so that a map that does not include icons indicating tourist spots is displayed in the map display area 111. This prevents road information necessary for driving from becoming difficult to obtain.

[0053] <Third embodiment> 9 shows a state in which a vehicular display system 300 of the third embodiment is mounted on a vehicle 10. The vehicular display system 300 includes a meter display 110, a CID 120, and a passenger display 130 as displays. The vehicular display system 300 also includes a display control device 340.

[0054] The passenger display 130 is disposed in a position on the dashboard in front of the passenger seat. The passenger display 130 is a display that provides a display area for the passenger seat. The passenger display 130 can display various images. The passenger display 130 may be capable of simultaneously or switchably displaying maps, television images, other videos, and the like.

[0055] For passengers sitting in the rear seats, the CID 120 is easier to see than the passenger display 130. Therefore, the CID 120 is a display that provides a display area for the rear seats.

[0056] 10 shows the configuration of the display control device 340. The display control device 340 includes a control unit 341, a ROM 142, and a RAM 143. The control unit 341 includes at least one processor. The ROM 142 stores a display control program executed by the control unit 341. When the processor executes the display control program stored in the ROM 142 while utilizing the temporary storage function of the RAM 143, the control unit 341 operates as a CID display control unit 144, a meter display control unit 145, a passenger display control unit 146, and a switching control unit 347.

[0057] Passenger display control unit 146 controls the display content of passenger display 130. In order to control the display content of passenger display 130, passenger display control unit 146 acquires image generation data from ROM 142, sensor group 150, switch group 160, tuner 170, and external device 180. Then, passenger display control unit 146 generates a display image (hereinafter, passenger image) to be displayed on passenger display 130 based on the acquired image generation data, and displays the generated passenger image on passenger display 130.

[0058] The switching control unit 347 switches between the synchronous mode and the asynchronous mode for the multiple display areas. The number of display areas to be switched between the synchronous mode and the asynchronous mode can be set arbitrarily as long as it is two or more. In the following description, it is assumed that the objects to be switched between the synchronous mode and the asynchronous mode are the CID 120 and the passenger display 130. In this embodiment, the condition for switching between the synchronous mode and the asynchronous mode is that a switching operation is performed by the passenger.

[0059] 11 is a diagram illustrating the display contents of CID 120 and passenger display 130 in asynchronous mode. A television image is displayed on CID 120. Video content input from external device 180 is being played on passenger display 130.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 11, the passenger display 130 displays a synchronization switch 163. The synchronization switch 163 is also one of the switch group 160. Since a touch switch is also superimposed on the display surface of the passenger display 130, when an occupant touches the area where the synchronization switch 163 is displayed, an operation signal indicating that the synchronization switch 163 has been operated is input to the display control device 340. As described above, the passenger display 130 is a display that provides a display area for the passenger seat. Therefore, the synchronization switch 163 displayed on the passenger display 130 is a passenger seat synchronization switch. The passenger seat synchronization switch may be a mechanical switch arranged around the passenger display 130.

[0061] In this embodiment, CID 120 is a display that provides a display area for the rear seat, and a synchronization switch 161 displayed on CID 120 is a synchronization switch for the rear seat. Note that the synchronization switch for the rear seat may be a switch provided on a remote controller that remotely transmits an operation instruction signal to CID 120.

[0062] Fig. 12 shows the process executed by the control unit 341 in the third embodiment. The process shown in Fig. 12 is similar to the process shown in Fig. 5. The difference between the process shown in Fig. 12 and the process shown in Fig. 5 is that in Fig. 12, S1A, S2A, and S8A are executed instead of S1, S2, and S8 in Fig. 5. Note that the process shown in Fig. 12 can also be combined with the process shown in Fig. 5.

[0063] When the process shown in Fig. 12 is combined with the process shown in Fig. 5, if synchronization switches 161, 162 are pressed and the targets for synchronization / asynchronous are set to meter display 110 and CID 120, the process shown in Fig. 5 is executed. If the targets for synchronization / asynchronous are set to CID 120 and passenger display 130, the process shown in Fig. 12 is executed.

[0064] In S1A, CID display control unit 144 and passenger display control unit 146 obtain image generation data for generating a CID image and a passenger image.

[0065] In S2A, passenger display control unit 146 generates a passenger image based on the image generation data acquired in S1A.

[0066] S8A is a process executed when synchronization switch 161 or synchronization switch 163 is operated (S5: YES) and the synchronization setting is in the asynchronous mode. In S8A, switching control unit 347 switches to the synchronization mode in which the synchronization button operation side is the synchronization source. Therefore, when synchronization switch 161 is operated, CID 120 becomes the synchronization source, and when synchronization switch 163 is operated, passenger display 130 becomes the synchronization source.

[0067] Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating a display example when synchronization switch 163 is operated to execute S8A in the state shown in Fig. 11. As shown in Fig. 13, the same video content as that on passenger display 130 is played on CID 120. On the other hand, although not shown in the figure, when synchronization switch 161 is operated to execute S8A in the state shown in Fig. 11, the display content on CID 120 is maintained and a television image is displayed on passenger display 130.

[0068] In the third embodiment, when the synchronization switch 161, 163 is operated to switch to the synchronization mode, the display corresponding to the operated synchronization switch 161, 163 is set as the synchronization source (S8A). This improves convenience for both the passenger in the front passenger seat and the passenger in the rear seat.

[0069] For example, consider a case where a child is in the back seat and a parent in the passenger seat selects video content and plays it on CID 120. First, the parent selects video content on passenger display 130. After that, by operating synchronization switch 163, CID 120 is synchronized with passenger display 130, and the video content displayed on passenger display 130 is played on CID 120 as well. This allows the child in the back seat to view the video content selected by the parent.

[0070] Although the embodiments have been described above, the disclosed technology is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the following modifications are also included in the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, in addition to the modifications described below, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0071] <Variation 1> The display that provides the display area for the driver may be a head-up display. Also, the display that provides the display area for the driver, which is a synchronous / asynchronous display, may be switchable by an operation of a passenger between the meter display 110 and the head-up display. The passenger display 130 may be used as the display area for the passenger.

[0072] <Variation 2> In the embodiment, separate displays such as meter display 110 and CID 120 are provided. However, a pillar-to-pillar display may be provided as the display, with a part of the display being a driver's display area and another part being one or more of a passenger's display area, a passenger seat display area, and a rear seat display area.

[0073] <Modification 3> 6, if the result of the determination in S11 is NO, a process may be performed to determine whether the mode is synchronous before executing S12, and to change the mode to synchronous if the mode is asynchronous. In this way, the mode can be automatically switched from asynchronous to synchronous without the operation of the occupant.

[0074] <Modification 4> When an operation for changing the display settings of each display is performed, the display may be switched to the asynchronous mode, since there is little need for the screens for changing the display settings to be displayed synchronously.

[0075] <Variation 5> The control unit 141, 341 and the method described herein may be realized by a dedicated computer comprising a processor programmed to execute one or more functions embodied in a computer program. Alternatively, the control unit 141, 341 and the method described herein may be realized by a dedicated hardware logic circuit. Alternatively, the control unit 141, 341 and the method described herein may be realized by one or more dedicated computers configured by a combination of a processor that executes a computer program and one or more hardware logic circuits. The hardware logic circuit is, for example, an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0076] In addition, the storage medium for storing the computer program is not limited to a ROM, and may be any non-transitory computer-readable storage medium as long as the program is stored as instructions executed by the computer. For example, the program may be stored in a flash memory. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 10: Vehicle 100: Vehicle display system 110: Meter display (driver display area) 111: Map display area 120: CID (passenger display area, rear seat display area) 130: Passenger display (passenger seat display area) 140: Display control device 141: Control unit 142: ROM 143: RAM 144: CID display control unit 145: Meter display control unit 147: Switching control unit 150: Sensor group 160: Switch group 161: Synchronization switch 162: Synchronization switch 163: Synchronization switch 170: Tuner 180: External device 300: Vehicle display system 340: Display control device 341: Control unit 346: Passenger display control unit 347: Switching control unit

Claims

1. A plurality of display areas (110, 120, 130); A display control unit (144, 145, 146) for controlling the display contents of the plurality of display areas; a switching control unit (147, 347) for switching between a synchronous mode in which the contents to be displayed in the plurality of display areas are synchronized and an asynchronous mode in which the contents are asynchronous; the switching control unit, when switching to the synchronous mode, switches to the synchronous mode while displaying an image determined by maintaining a display setting in the display area of ​​the synchronization source; A synchronization switch (161, 162, 163) is provided which is operated by a vehicle occupant when instructing synchronization; The switching control unit switches to the synchronous mode based on the operation of the synchronous switch, The display area includes a driver's display area (110) for a driver of the vehicle and a passenger's display area (120) for a passenger of the vehicle, A map is displayed in the driver's display area and the passenger's display area, In the asynchronous mode, a simplified map having fewer types of facilities than the map displayed in the passenger display area can be displayed in the driver display area, In the synchronous mode, the map displayed in the driver's display area and the map displayed in the passenger's display area are synchronized in terms of the facility types displayed.

2. A plurality of display areas (110, 120, 130); A display control unit (144, 145, 146) for controlling the display contents of the plurality of display areas; a switching control unit (147, 347) for switching between a synchronous mode in which the contents to be displayed in the plurality of display areas are synchronized and an asynchronous mode in which the contents are asynchronous; the switching control unit, when switching to the synchronous mode, switches to the synchronous mode while displaying an image determined by maintaining a display setting in the display area of ​​the synchronization source; the switching control unit switches between the synchronous mode and the asynchronous mode when display content of one of the plurality of display areas is to be a preset display content; The display area includes a driver's display area for a driver of the vehicle and a passenger's display area for a passenger of the vehicle, A map is displayed in the driver's display area and the passenger's display area, The switching control unit switches to the asynchronous mode when the number of types of facilities displayed on the map displayed in the passenger display area increases, so that the map displayed in the passenger display area increases the number of types of facilities displayed and the map displayed in the driver display area maintains the number of types of facilities displayed.

3. A plurality of display areas (110, 120, 130); A display control unit (144, 145, 146) for controlling the display contents of the plurality of display areas; a switching control unit (147, 347) for switching between a synchronous mode in which the contents to be displayed in the plurality of display areas are synchronized and an asynchronous mode in which the contents are asynchronous; the switching control unit, when switching to the synchronous mode, switches to the synchronous mode while displaying an image determined by maintaining a display setting in the display area of ​​the synchronization source; A synchronization switch (161, 162, 163) is provided which is operated by a vehicle occupant when instructing synchronization; The switching control unit switches to the synchronous mode based on the operation of the synchronous switch, The display area includes a passenger seat display area for a passenger seat of the vehicle and a rear seat display area for a rear seat of the vehicle, The synchronization switch includes a passenger seat synchronization switch (163) operated by a person sitting in the passenger seat, and a rear seat synchronization switch (161) operated by a person sitting in the rear seat, When the synchronization switch is operated to switch to the synchronization mode, the switching control unit sets the display area corresponding to the operated synchronization switch as a synchronization source.

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