Display control device, display control system, display control method and program

Abstract

To provide a display control device or the like capable of properly and freely displaying the display contents of an external terminal on a display area of a vehicle and suppressing deterioration of operability by a user.SOLUTION: A display control device 30 is used in a vehicle 1 equipped with a plurality of display parts 10, each having one or more display areas 10a. The display control part 30 includes a display area management part 32 for managing the plurality of display areas 10a. Moreover, when a display application, which is an application for displaying the display content in the display area 10a, is acquired from an external terminal 100, the display area management part 32 creates a display area table having the collected display area information which is the information on one or more display areas 10a.and outputs the created display area table to the external terminal 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display control device, a display control system, a display control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional Patent Document 1 discloses an in-vehicle system that links an in-vehicle device with a mobile terminal device, and that allocates and displays application software information in a plurality of display areas on the in-vehicle device.

[0003] Conventional Patent Document 2 discloses a device that receives a display signal from an input unit and displays a selected area on one or more of a plurality of displays in accordance with an input received through a user input device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5920474 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5725259 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the in-vehicle system of Patent Document 1, when displaying application software information in a display area, it depends on the application of the mobile terminal device, so the applications that the in-vehicle system can support are limited, resulting in inappropriate display. Also, because the in-vehicle system assigns application software information to a specific display area, it can only draw in the display area unilaterally determined by the in-vehicle system, limiting the degree of freedom of expression in multiple display areas within the vehicle cabin.

[0006] Furthermore, in the device of Patent Document 2, the settings for displaying information in one or more display areas are made by the user, which means that the user needs to make detailed settings for the areas when displaying information, which reduces operability.

[0007] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a display control device, a display control system, a display control method, and a program that can appropriately and freely display the display content of an external terminal in the display area of ​​a vehicle while suppressing a decrease in operability for the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a display control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a display control device used in a vehicle equipped with a plurality of display units each having one or more display areas, and includes a display area management unit that manages the plurality of display areas, and when the display area management unit receives a display request that is a request to display display content in the display area from an external terminal, the display area management unit creates a display area table that summarizes display area information that is information about the one or more display areas, and outputs the created display area table to the external terminal, and the external terminal selects one of the plurality of display areas based on the display area table created by the display area management unit. the display area management unit acquires the use request for the display area determined by the external terminal from the external terminal, determines whether the display area in the use request is available for use, and if it is determined that the display area is available for use, permits the external terminal that has determined that the display area is available to use the display area determined by the external terminal, and if it is determined that the display area is unavailable, does not permit the external terminal that has determined that the display area is unavailable to use the display area determined by the external terminal, and the display area management unit The display mode associated with the display area is included. When a plurality of the use requests are acquired, the use of the display mode associated with the display area among the plurality of the use requests is ApplicableThe display area is determined to be available for use in response to the use request, and the external terminal that has output the use request determined to be available for use is permitted to use the display area determined by the external terminal.

[0009] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized by a system, an apparatus, a method, a storage medium, or a computer program, or may be realized by any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, a storage medium, and a computer program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to appropriately and freely display the display content of an external terminal in a display area of ​​a vehicle, and to suppress a decrease in operability for the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display control system and a vehicle according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a display control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display area table. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing operations between the display control system and the external terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing operations between the display control system and the external terminal that executes the exclusive display mode. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing operations between the display control system and the external terminal that executes the message display mode. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing operations between the display control system and the external terminal that executes the overlap display mode. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing operations between the display control system and the external terminal that executes the event-driven mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in independent claims are described as optional components.

[0014] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. Therefore, for example, the scales of the figures do not necessarily match. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially the same components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0015] (Embodiment) <Configuration: Display Control System 2> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a display control system 2 and a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a display control system 2 according to an embodiment.

[0016] 1 and 2, a display control system 2 is mounted on a vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 is mounted with a plurality of display units 10. When the display control system 2 acquires a terminal image from an external terminal 100, it can display the acquired terminal image on one of the plurality of display units 10 that is desired by the external terminal 100.

[0017] The external terminal 100 is a terminal capable of wired or wireless communication with the display control system 2. The external terminal 100 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. When the external terminal 100 uses one or more of the multiple display areas 10a, it can make a display request to the display control system 2 to display content in the display area 10a. When making a display request, the external terminal 100 can also notify the identifier of the display area 10a that it wishes to use.

[0018] Furthermore, after making the display request, the external terminal 100 can make a use request, which is a request to use the display area 10a that has been decided to be used, to the display control system 2. If the display control system 2 approves the use request, the external terminal 100 can cause one or more display units 10 of the display control system 2 to display display content such as a terminal image.

[0019] Specifically, if the usage request is permitted, the external terminal 100 transmits display information including information to be displayed in the display area 10a to the display control system 2. The display information will be described in detail later, but the display information includes a terminal image. The terminal image is an image of the operating system, an image of the navigation application, an image of the audio application, etc., on the external terminal 100.

[0020] Furthermore, the external terminal 100 may transmit a plurality of pieces of display information to the display control system 2, so that the display control system 2 displays the images drawn in the respective display areas 10a.

[0021] The display control system 2 also includes a plurality of display units 10, a first storage unit 21, a communication unit 22, and a display control device 30. The display control system 2 may further include an external terminal 100.

[0022] [Display section 10] The multiple display units 10 are vehicular display units 10 such as a center display, a head-up display (HUD), an IC (Instrument Cluster) display, and a passenger display mounted on the vehicle 1. When the vehicle 1 is moving backward, the multiple display units 10 can function as a backup monitor by displaying an image captured by an imaging unit.

[0023] The display unit 10 has one or more display areas 10a. That is, the screen of each of the multiple display units 10 is provided with one or more display areas 10a for displaying images. Therefore, the screen of one display unit 10 may have one display area 10a or multiple display areas 10a. In this embodiment, two display units 10 are illustrated. One of the two display units 10 is an IC display, and display areas A and B are defined on the IC display. The IC display is a display disposed on an instrument panel and is suitable for displaying instrument information, turn-by-turn information, traffic information, disaster information, driving information, and the like. The other of the two display units 10 is a center display, and display areas C, D, and E are defined on the center display. The center display is, for example, a display disposed between the driver's seat and the passenger seat and is suitable for displaying navigation information, media message information, and the like. In this embodiment, the display areas A, B, C, D, and E may be collectively referred to simply as the display area 10a. The size and position of the display area 10a may be changeable as desired.

[0024] [First storage unit 21] The first storage unit 21 stores vehicle applications, vehicle drawing commands, and the like. Here, the vehicle applications are a computer operating system, a navigation application, an audio application, and the like for displaying images on the multiple display units 10. The vehicle drawing commands are commands that request the display control device 30 to draw vehicle images of the vehicle applications. Furthermore, the vehicle images are images of the operating system, the navigation application, the audio application, and the like in the external terminal 100.

[0025] The first storage unit 21 includes, for example, primary storage devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The first storage unit 21 may also include secondary storage devices such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive), and tertiary storage devices such as optical disks and SD cards.

[0026] [Communications Department 22] The communication unit 22 is, for example, a communication interface mounted on the vehicle 1, and enables communication between the vehicle 1 and the external terminal 100. The communication unit 22 also receives a display request, a use request, a terminal image, etc. from the external terminal 100. The communication unit 22 also transmits permission to use the display area 10a, a request to output display information, etc. to the external terminal 100. The communication unit 22 may be included as a component of the display control device 30.

[0027] [Display control device 30] The display control device 30 is used in a vehicle 1 equipped with a plurality of display units 10 each having one or more display areas 10a. When the display control device 30 acquires a terminal image from the external terminal 100 and a vehicle image from the first storage unit 21, the display control device 30 generates an image to be displayed in the display area 10a of the display unit 10 based on the acquired terminal image and vehicle image. In this way, the display control device 30 can display the generated image on the display unit 10.

[0028] Specifically, the display control device 30 includes a second storage unit 31, a display area management unit 32, a display control unit 33, a control event generation unit 35, and a display screen generation unit .

[0029] [Second storage unit 31 of display control device 30] A management table is stored in the second storage unit 31. The management table is a table created in advance, and is a table that includes, for example, display area information that is information about all of the display areas 10a set in the vehicle 1.

[0030] The second storage unit 31 includes, for example, a primary storage device such as a RAM and a ROM, and may also include a secondary storage device such as an HDD or SSD, or a tertiary storage device such as an optical disk or an SD card.

[0031] The display control device 30 does not necessarily have to include the second storage unit 31. In this case, the display control device 30 may acquire the management table from an external device.

[0032] [Display area management unit 32 of display control device 30] The display area management unit 32 manages a plurality of display units 10, that is, a plurality of display areas 10a. Specifically, when the display area management unit 32 receives a display request from the external terminal 100, it reads out a management table from the second storage unit 31 and creates a display area table as shown in Fig. 3 using the read out management table. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the display area table.

[0033] Here, the display area table is a table that compiles display area information, which is information related to one or more display areas 10a. In other words, the display area table is composed of one or more pieces of display area information. The display area information includes an identifier of the display area 10a, the position of the display area 10a, the size of the display area 10a, the display mode of the display area 10a, whether or not information is input / output, and the usage conditions of the display area 10a. The information includes, for example, vehicle images, terminal images, terminal drawing commands, vehicle drawing commands, display information, events, etc.

[0034] The identifier of the display area 10a is a unique identifier that can identify the display area 10a. The position of the display area 10a is the position of the display unit 10 disposed in the vehicle 1 and the position where the display area 10a is displayed on the screen of the display unit 10. The size of the display area 10a is the size of the display area 10a that can be displayed on the screen of the display unit 10. The display modes of the display area 10a include an exclusive display mode, a message display mode, an overlap display mode, and an event-driven mode. Details of each mode will be described later. The presence or absence of information input / output refers to the presence or absence of a terminal that can input and output information. The usage conditions of the display area 10a include an optional application and an authentication application. The optional application is set so that any external terminal 100 can use the display area 10a. The authentication application is set so that only external terminals 100 that have a usage right can use the display area 10a. For example, by registering an external terminal 100 that has a usage right in advance, the registered external terminal 100 can use the display area 10a in which the authentication application is set.

[0035] For example, identifier A of display area 10a is associated with the position of display area 10a (Cluster center), the size of display area 10a (600 x 400), the display mode of display area 10a (exclusive display mode), whether or not information is input or output (none), and the usage conditions of display area 10a (optional app).

[0036] In addition, the identifier B of the display area 10a is associated with the position of the display area 10a (Cluster bottom), the size of the display area 10a (800 x 500), the display mode of the display area 10a (event-driven mode), whether or not information is input or output (none), and the usage conditions of the display area 10a (authentication app).

[0037] In addition, the identifier C of the display area 10a is associated with the position of the display area 10a (IVI top), the size of the display area 10a (1200 x 200), the display mode of the display area 10a (message display mode), whether or not information is input or output (none), and the usage conditions of the display area 10a (optional app).

[0038] In addition, the identifier D of the display area 10a is associated with the position of the display area 10a (IVI Center), the size of the display area 10a (1200 x 1000), the display mode of the display area 10a (event-driven mode), whether or not information is input or output (yes), and the usage conditions of the display area 10a (optional app).

[0039] In addition, the identifier E of the display area 10a is associated with the position of the display area 10a (IVI Center), the size of the display area 10a (300 x 300), the display mode of the display area 10a (overlay display mode), whether or not information is input or output (none), and the usage conditions of the display area 10a (authentication app).

[0040] The display area table in FIG. 3 is merely an example, and is not limited to the above content.

[0041] In addition, the display area management unit 32 may create a display area table by extracting only the available display areas 10a, or by extracting the display areas 10a that the external terminal 100 wishes to use.

[0042] For example, the display area management unit 32 may extract only the available display areas 10a from among the multiple display areas 10a in the management table of the second storage unit 31, and create a display area table that compiles only the display area information, which is information related to the extracted available display areas 10a. In other words, the display area management unit 32 may create a display area table that excludes, from among the multiple display areas 10a, the display areas 10a that are unavailable at the time of the display request.

[0043] Furthermore, when the display area management unit 32 acquires from the external terminal 100 an identifier of the display area 10a that the external terminal 100 wishes to use along with the display request, the display area management unit 32 may extract the display area 10a that the external terminal 100 wishes to use from among the multiple display areas 10a in the management table of the second storage unit 31, and create a display area table that summarizes display area information that is information related to the extracted display area 10a that the external terminal 100 wishes to use. In other words, when the display area management unit 32 acquires the identifier of the display area 10a that the external terminal 100 wishes to use at the time of the display request, the display area management unit 32 may create a display area table that summarizes display area information of all display areas 10a that the external terminal 100 wishes to use.

[0044] Next, after creating the display area table, the display area management unit 32 outputs the created display area table to the external terminal 100 via the communication unit 22 as a response to the display request from the external terminal 100.

[0045] Furthermore, after outputting the display area table to the external terminal 100, the display area management unit 32 acquires from the external terminal 100 a request to use the display area 10a that the external terminal 100 desires to use and that the external terminal 100 has determined based on the display area table. That is, when the display area management unit 32 outputs the created display area table to the external terminal 100, it acquires from the external terminal 100 a request to use the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100 in response to the output. In this case, the display area management unit 32 determines whether the display area 10a requested for use is usable. Here, if the display area management unit 32 determines that the display area 10a is usable, it permits the external terminal 100 that has determined that the display area 10a is usable to use the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100, that is, it permits an application of the external terminal 100 to use the display area 10a. On the other hand, if the display area management unit 32 determines that the display area 10a is unavailable, it does not allow the external terminal 100 that it has determined to be unavailable to use the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100, that is, it does not allow the application of the external terminal 100 to use the display area 10a.

[0046] Here, a simple example will be given of a case where the display area management unit 32 permits the external terminal 100 to use the display area 10a.

[0047] For example, the display area management unit 32 may determine that the display area 10a is available for use in response to the first received use request. Then, the display area management unit 32 may permit the external terminal 100 that has output the use request determined to be available to use the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100. "First obtained" means, for example, the first use request received since the display area management unit 32 first transmitted the display area table.

[0048] Furthermore, the display area management unit 32 may determine that only external terminals 100 for which a usage right has been set in advance in response to a usage request are allowed to use the display area 10a. Then, the display area management unit 32 may permit the external terminal 100 that has output a usage request determined to be allowed to use the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100. Here, an external terminal 100 for which a usage right has been set means that a usage right has been set for a terminal application that is an application used by the external terminal 100.

[0049] Furthermore, the display area management unit 32 may determine that the display area 10a is available for use in response to a use request from a device for which a preferential right of use has been set in advance. Then, the display area management unit 32 may preferentially permit a device that has output a use request determined to be available to use the display area 10a determined by the device for which a preferential right of use has been set to that device. Here, the term "device" includes the external terminal 100, the display control device 30, and devices installed in the vehicle 1 other than the display control device 30. Furthermore, a device for which a preferential right of use has been set means that an application used in the device has a preferential right of use.

[0050] Furthermore, when acquiring multiple use requests, the display area management unit 32 may determine that the display area 10a is available for use for a use request that is closest to the intended use of the display mode associated with the display area 10a among the multiple use requests. Then, the display area management unit 32 may permit the external terminal 100 that has output the use request determined to be available to use the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100.

[0051] Furthermore, the display area management unit 32 may determine that the display area 10a is available for use in response to a use request from the external terminal 100 with the highest priority among use requests from the multiple external terminals 100. Then, the display area management unit 32 may permit the device that has output the use request determined to be available to use the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100. Such a priority for preferentially using the display area 10a is set in advance for each of the multiple external terminals 100 and for each of the applications of the multiple external terminals 100.

[0052] In this way, when the use of the display area 10a is permitted, the external terminal 100 can start using the requested display area 10a. Furthermore, when the display area management unit 32 permits the use of the display area 10a, it outputs usage information of the permitted display area 10a to the display control unit 33. Here, the method of using the display area 10a includes the display mode of the display area 10a and whether or not information is input or output.

[0053] [Display control unit 33 of display control device 30] The display control unit 33 outputs instructions to the control event generation unit 35 and the display screen generation unit 34 in accordance with the usage information of the display area 10 a acquired from the display area management unit 32 .

[0054] Specifically, when the display control unit 33 acquires the usage information of the display area 10a, the display control unit 33 outputs an instruction to the display screen generation unit 34 to execute the display area 10a indicated in the usage information and a display mode corresponding to the usage information. Here, the display area 10a indicated in the usage information is the display area 10a that is permitted to be used. Furthermore, when executing the event-driven mode of the display mode, the display control unit 33 outputs an instruction to the control event generation unit 35 and the display screen generation unit 34.

[0055] [Control event generating unit 35 of display control device 30] For example, in a display area 10a for which the event-driven mode is set in the display area table, an application may be using the display area 10a. Therefore, when the external terminal 100 uses such a display area 10a, it is unclear when a display request and a usage request can be made. Therefore, in order to notify the external terminal 100 of the time when the display area 10a can be used, the control event generation unit 35 outputs a display information output request to the external terminal 100 when a preset event occurs. Here, the preset event is an event indicating that the application has finished using the display area 10a.

[0056] To explain this using a specific example, when the application having the priority use right is not using the display area 10a, the control event generation unit 35 acquires an instruction to execute the event-driven mode from the display control unit 33. In other words, when the application having the priority use right finishes using the display area 10a, the control event generation unit 35 outputs a request to output display information to the external terminal 100 in response to an instruction from the display control unit 33. The external terminal 100 that acquires this request to output display information can recognize the timing when it can use the display area 10a, and can therefore output display information including a terminal image.

[0057] [Display screen generation unit 34 of display control device 30] When the display screen generating unit 34 receives an instruction from the display control unit 33, it causes the plurality of display units 10 to display images.

[0058] Specifically, when the use of the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100 is permitted, the display screen generation unit 34 acquires display information including information to be displayed in the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100 from the external terminal 100. Here, as described above, the display information includes a terminal drawing command, a terminal image, terminal text information including a text message from the external terminal 100, etc. The terminal image and terminal text information are examples of information to be displayed in the display area 10a. In addition, the terminal drawing command is a command that requests the display control system 2 to draw a terminal image to be displayed in the display area 10a that has been requested for use by the display control system 2.

[0059] Furthermore, the display screen generating unit 34 acquires from the first storage unit 21 the vehicle image and the vehicle drawing command of the vehicle application that correspond to the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100.

[0060] As a result, the display screen generation unit 34 combines the terminal image of the display information acquired from the external terminal 100 with the vehicle image of the vehicle application. At this time, the display screen generation unit 34 combines the terminal image with the vehicle image according to the display mode set in advance in the display area 10a.

[0061] As described above, the display modes include the exclusive display mode, the message display mode, the overlap display mode, and the event-driven mode.

[0062] The exclusive display mode is a mode in which an external terminal 100 that has been permitted to use the display area 10a can use the permitted display area 10a exclusively. In the exclusive display mode, when an external terminal 100 is using the display area 10a, interruption from another external terminal 100 is not permitted.

[0063] The message display mode is a mode in which the display area 10a for displaying character strings can be used, and an image of a character string generated from terminal text information is displayed in the display area 10a.

[0064] The overlap display mode is a mode in which the display area 10a can be used to display overlapping images by setting parameters related to the overlap, such as the transparency of the images. In the overlap display mode, a semi-transparent image is displayed in the display area 10a.

[0065] The event-driven mode is a mode in which the display area 10a is not available when an application with priority use rights is using the display area 10a, and the display area 10a can be available when an application with priority use rights is not using the display area 10a.

[0066] In the event-driven mode, if the application having the priority right of use is not using the display area 10a, the external terminal 100 can use the display area 10a in which the event-driven mode is being executed by requesting the external terminal 100 to output display information. Specifically, the display control device 30 may be executing a display mode associated with a preset event, i.e., the event-driven mode. In this case, the display screen generation unit 34 acquires display information from the external terminal 100 in response to the display information output request from the control event generation unit 35. As a result, the display screen generation unit 34 uses the acquired display information, etc., to draw an image in accordance with the event-driven mode display mode. The display screen generation unit 34 causes the drawn image information to be displayed on the multiple display units 10.

[0067] Furthermore, in the event-driven mode, even if the external terminal 100 is using the display area 10a, an application having priority use rights can interrupt and use the display area 10a being used by the external terminal 100. In this case, the external terminal 100 is forced to temporarily suspend use of the display area 10a.

[0068] In this way, the display screen generation unit 34 can generate a single image in which the terminal image is drawn at a position corresponding to the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100 by combining the terminal image and the vehicle image according to these display modes. The display screen generation unit 34 can display the generated image on the display unit 10 by outputting the generated image to the display unit 10 corresponding to the permitted display area 10a.

[0069] <Processing operation> Next, the processing operations of the display control device 30, the display control system 2, the display control method, and the program according to this embodiment will be described.

[0070] (Example 1) In this operation example, the processing operations from when the external terminal 100 makes a display request and a usage request to the display control system 2 until when the external terminal 100 receives a notification of permission to use the requested display area 10a will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0071] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing operations between the display control system 2 and the external terminal 100 according to the embodiment.

[0072] First, when the external terminal 100 wishes to use one or more of the plurality of display areas 10a, it submits a display request to the display control system 2 (S11). As a result, the external terminal 100 submits a display request to the display control system 2. Furthermore, when the external terminal 100 submits a display request to the display control system 2, the external terminal 100 can notify the display control system 2 of the identifier of the display area 10a that it wishes to use.

[0073] Next, the display control system 2 acquires a display request from the external terminal 100. Specifically, the display area management unit 32 of the display control system 2 acquires the display request from the external terminal 100 via the communication unit 22. Upon acquiring the display request, the display area management unit 32 reads out the management table of the second storage unit 31. The display area management unit 32 creates a display area table using the read out management table (S21).

[0074] Specifically, the display area management unit 32 may extract only available display area information from the plurality of pieces of display area information in the management table, and create a display area table consisting only of the extracted available display area information. In this case, display area information that cannot be used at the time of the display request is excluded from the display area table. Furthermore, when the display area management unit 32 acquires from the external terminal 100 an identifier of the display area 10a that the external terminal 100 wishes to use along with the display request, the display area management unit 32 may extract only the display area 10a that the external terminal 100 wishes to use from the plurality of display areas 10a in the management table, and create a display area table that summarizes the display area information that is information about the extracted display area 10a that the external terminal 100 wishes to use.

[0075] Next, the display area management unit 32 outputs the created display area table to the external terminal 100 via the communication unit 22 (S22).

[0076] Next, when the external terminal 100 acquires the display area table from the display control system 2, it determines the display area 10a that the user wishes to use from among the plurality of display areas 10a based on the display area table (S12).

[0077] Next, the external terminal 100 outputs a request to use the determined display area 10a to the display control system 2 (S13).

[0078] Next, the display control system 2 receives a request to use the display area 10a from the external terminal 100. The display area management unit 32 of the display control system 2 determines whether the display area 10a requested for use is available for use (S23). If the display area management unit 32 determines that the display area 10a is available for use, it permits the external terminal 100 determined to be available to use the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100. The sequence diagram of FIG. 4 illustrates an example in which the external terminal 100 is permitted to use the determined display area 10a.

[0079] Here, a specific description will be given of a case where the display area management unit 32 permits the external terminal 100 to use the display area 10a.

[0080] First, the display area management unit 32 may determine that the display area 10a is available for use in response to the first received use request, and may permit the external terminal 100 that output the use request determined to be available to use the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100. In other words, when the display area management unit 32 receives the first use request after outputting the created display area table to the external terminal 100, it may permit the external terminal 100 that made the first use request to use the display area 10a. In this case, the display area management unit 32 may notify the external terminal 100 that made the first use request of permission to use via the communication unit 22.

[0081] Next, the display area management unit 32 may determine that only external terminals 100 for which a usage right has been set in advance in response to the usage request are allowed to use the display area 10a, and may permit the external terminal 100 that has output a usage request determined to be allowed to use the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100. In other words, when a usage request is made from an external terminal 100 for which a usage right has been set, the display area management unit 32 may permit only the external terminal 100 for which a usage right has been set to use the display area 10a. In this case, the display area management unit 32 may notify the external terminal 100 for which a usage right has been set of the permission to use via the communication unit 22.

[0082] Next, the display area management unit 32 may determine that the display area 10a is available for use in response to a use request from a device for which priority use rights have been set in advance, and may preferentially permit the external terminal 100 that issued the use request to use the display area 10a determined by the device for which priority use rights have been set to use the display area 10a. In other words, when a use request is received from a device with priority use rights, the display area management unit 32 may preferentially permit the device with priority use rights to use the display area 10a that is already in use, even if the display area 10a determined by the device is already in use by another device. In this case, the display area management unit 32 may notify the device with priority use rights of the permission to use via the communication unit 22. Furthermore, the display area management unit 32 temporarily disables the display area 10a being used by another device. This forcibly suspends the display area 10a being used by the other device.

[0083] Next, there are cases where multiple uses of the display area 10a are associated with the display area 10a in advance. In this case, when acquiring multiple use requests, the display area management unit 32 may determine that the display area 10a is available for use for a use request that is closest to the use of the display mode associated with the display area 10a, and may permit the external terminal 100 that output the use request determined to be available to use the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100. In other words, the display area management unit 32 compares the uses of each of the multiple external terminals 100 that have submitted use requests with the uses previously associated with the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100, thereby extracting the use request that is closest to the use of the display mode associated with the display area 10a. The display area management unit 32 may permit the external terminal 100 that submitted the use request closest to the use of the display area 10a to use the display area 10a. In this case, the display area management unit 32 may notify, via the communication unit 22, the external terminal 100 that has applied for use of the display area 10a that is closest to the intended use of the display area 10a, of permission to use the display area 10a.

[0084] The use of the display area 10a may be associated with a display mode. For example, the uses of the display area 10a may be set to be suitable for displaying text messages such as emails, warning marks, overlaps, images of a navigation application, or images of an audio application, depending on the display mode. The display area 10a associated with the exclusive display mode may be set to be compatible with all uses.

[0085] Next, a priority for preferentially using the display area 10a may be preset for each of the multiple external terminals 100. In this case, the display area management unit 32 may determine that the display area 10a is available for use in response to a use request from the external terminal 100 with the highest priority among use requests from the multiple external terminals 100, and may permit the external terminal 100 that submitted the use request determined to be available to use the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100. In other words, the display area management unit 32 may permit use of the display area 10a to the external terminal 100 with the highest priority among the priorities of the multiple external terminals 100 that submitted use requests. In this case, the display area management unit 32 may notify the external terminal 100 with the highest priority that submitted the use request of permission to use the display area 10a via the communication unit 22.

[0086] In this way, when the display area management unit 32 permits the external terminal 100 to use the determined display area 10a, it outputs to the display control unit 33 the use information of the permitted display area 10a.

[0087] On the other hand, if the display area management unit 32 determines that the display area 10a is unavailable, it does not permit the external terminal 100 determined to be unavailable to use the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100. In this case, the display area management unit 32 may end the processing operation in the sequence diagram of Fig. 4. Furthermore, the display area management unit 32 may notify the external terminal 100 via the communication unit 22 that the external terminal 100 is unable to use the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100.

[0088] Next, the display control unit 33 obtains, from the display area management unit 32, usage information of the display area 10a permitted by the display area management unit 32, thereby performing preparation for starting usage (S24).

[0089] Specifically, when the display control unit 33 acquires the usage information of the display area 10a, the display control unit 33 executes preparation for start of use by outputting an instruction to the display screen generation unit 34 to execute the display area 10a indicated in the usage information and a display mode corresponding to the usage information. Furthermore, when the display control unit 33 executes the event-driven mode of the display mode, the display control unit 33 executes preparation for start of use by outputting an instruction to the control event generation unit 35 and the display screen generation unit 34.

[0090] Next, the display area management unit 32 notifies the external terminal 100 of the permission to use the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100 (S25).

[0091] As a result, the external terminal 100 can start using the display area 10a that has been permitted for use and that has been determined by the external terminal 100, by obtaining a notification of permission to use from the display control system 2.

[0092] Next, in the following operation example, a case will be described in which the external terminal 100 obtains a notification of permission to use the determined display area 10a from the display control system 2, and then the display control device 30 executes the display mode, thereby rendering the obtained display information according to the display mode.

[0093] (Example 2: Exclusive display mode) In this operation example, a processing operation when the display control system 2 executes the exclusive display mode as the display mode will be described with reference to FIG.

[0094] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operations of the display control system 2 and the external terminal 100 that have executed the exclusive display mode.

[0095] In this operation example, a case where a terminal image is displayed in display area A is illustrated. In addition, display control unit 33 executes a display mode that is preset in display area A, that is, an exclusive display mode that is a display mode associated with display area A.

[0096] First, the external terminal 100 acquires a notification of permission to use from the display control system 2 (S31).

[0097] Next, the external terminal 100 transmits to the display control system 2 display information including a terminal image to be displayed in the display area A determined by the external terminal 100 in S12 of the first operation example and a terminal drawing command (S32).

[0098] Next, the display screen generation unit 34 acquires display information from the external terminal 100 via the communication unit 22. Furthermore, the display screen generation unit 34 acquires, from the first storage unit 21, a vehicle image of the vehicle application corresponding to the display area A determined by the external terminal 100 and a vehicle drawing command. As a result, the display screen generation unit 34 generates an image in which the terminal image of the display information acquired from the external terminal 100 and the vehicle image of the vehicle application are combined (S33). In other words, by combining the terminal image and the vehicle image, the display screen generation unit 34 can generate a single image in which the terminal image is drawn at a position corresponding to the display area A determined by the external terminal 100.

[0099] Next, the display screen generation unit 34 outputs the generated image to the display unit 10 corresponding to the permitted display area A (S34). As a result, the generated image is displayed as the display content on the display unit 10, and the terminal image drawn in the permitted display area A is also displayed as the display content.

[0100] Next, the display screen generating unit 34 notifies the external terminal 100 that the image display has been completed by drawing (S35).

[0101] If the external terminal 100 wishes to display another terminal image, the processes from step S32 onwards may be repeated (S36).

[0102] (Example 3: Message display mode) In this operation example, a processing operation when the display control system 2 executes the message display mode as the display mode will be described with reference to FIG.

[0103] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operations of the display control system 2 and the external terminal 100 that have executed the message display mode.

[0104] This operation example illustrates a case where a terminal image is displayed in the display area C. Furthermore, the display control unit 33 executes a display mode that is preset in the display area C, that is, a message display mode that is a display mode associated with the display area C.

[0105] First, the external terminal 100 acquires a notification of permission to use from the display control system 2 (S41).

[0106] Next, the external terminal 100 transmits display information including terminal text information to be displayed in the display area C determined by the external terminal 100 in S12 of the first operation example and a terminal drawing command to the display control system 2 (S42). Here, the terminal text information includes a text message, a limit on the number of characters, etc.

[0107] Next, the display screen generation unit 34 receives display information from the external terminal 100 via the communication unit 22. Furthermore, the display screen generation unit 34 acquires, from the first storage unit 21, a vehicle image of the vehicle application and a vehicle drawing command corresponding to the display area C determined by the external terminal 100. As a result, the display screen generation unit 34 generates an image in which the terminal text information of the display information acquired from the external terminal 100 and the vehicle image of the vehicle application are combined (S43). In other words, by combining the terminal text information and the vehicle image, the display screen generation unit 34 can generate a single image in which the terminal text information is drawn at a position corresponding to the display area C determined by the external terminal 100.

[0108] Next, the display screen generation unit 34 outputs the generated image to the display unit 10 corresponding to the permitted display area C (S44). As a result, the generated image is displayed as the display content on the display unit 10, and the terminal text information drawn in the permitted display area C is also displayed as the display content.

[0109] Next, the display screen generating unit 34 notifies the external terminal 100 that the image display has been completed by drawing (S45).

[0110] If the external terminal 100 wishes to display another terminal image, the processes from step S42 onwards may be repeated (S46).

[0111] (Example 4: Overlap display mode) In this operation example, a processing operation when the display control system 2 executes the overlap display mode as the display mode will be described with reference to FIG.

[0112] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operations of the display control system 2 and the external terminal 100 that have executed the overlap display mode.

[0113] This operation example illustrates a case where a terminal image is displayed in the display area E. Furthermore, the display control unit 33 executes a display mode that is preset in the display area E, that is, an overlap display mode that is a display mode associated with the display area E.

[0114] First, the external terminal 100 acquires a notification of permission to use from the display control system 2 (S51).

[0115] Next, the external terminal 100 outputs parameters relating to overlapping for setting the transparency and the like of the terminal image to be displayed in the display area E to the display control system 2 (S52).

[0116] Next, the display screen generation unit 34 acquires parameters related to overlapping via the communication unit 22. At this time, the display screen generation unit 34 determines whether or not the parameters related to overlapping can be executed, and if so, sets the acquired parameters related to overlapping (S53). Note that if the parameters cannot be executed, the display screen generation unit 34 may notify the external terminal 100 via the communication unit 22 that the parameters cannot be executed.

[0117] Next, if the display screen generating unit 34 has been able to execute the parameters relating to overlap, it notifies the external terminal 100 that the parameters have been set (S54).

[0118] Next, the external terminal 100 transmits display information including a terminal image to be displayed in the display area E determined by the external terminal 100 in S12 of the first operation example and a terminal drawing command to the display control system 2 (S55).

[0119] Next, the display screen generation unit 34 acquires display information from the external terminal 100 via the communication unit 22. The display screen generation unit 34 also acquires, from the first storage unit 21, a vehicle image of the vehicle application corresponding to the display area E determined by the external terminal 100 and a vehicle drawing command. The display screen generation unit 34 also makes the terminal image of the display information acquired from the external terminal 100 semi-transparent according to the overlap-related parameters. As a result, the display screen generation unit 34 generates an image in which the semi-transparent terminal image according to the parameters and the vehicle image of the vehicle application are combined (S56). In other words, by combining the semi-transparent terminal image and the vehicle image, the display screen generation unit 34 can generate a single image in which the semi-transparent terminal image is drawn at a position corresponding to the display area E determined by the external terminal 100.

[0120] Next, the display screen generation unit 34 outputs the generated image to the display unit 10 corresponding to the permitted display area E (S57). As a result, the generated image is displayed as the display content on the display unit 10, and the semi-transparent terminal image drawn in the permitted display area E is also displayed as the display content.

[0121] Next, the display screen generating unit 34 notifies the external terminal 100 that the image display has been completed by drawing (S58).

[0122] If the external terminal 100 wishes to display another terminal image, the processes from step S55 onwards may be repeated (S59).

[0123] In the overlap display mode, the display control system 2 may set parameters related to overlapping. In this case, the process of step S52 may be omitted.

[0124] (Example 5: Event-driven mode) In this operation example, a processing operation when the display control system 2 executes the event-driven mode as the display mode will be described with reference to FIG.

[0125] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operations of the display control system 2 and the external terminal 100 that execute the event-driven mode.

[0126] In this operation example, a case where a terminal image is displayed in display areas B and D is illustrated. In addition, the display control unit 33 executes a display mode that is preset in display areas B and D, that is, an event-driven mode that is a display mode associated with display areas B and D.

[0127] First, the external terminal 100 acquires a notification of permission to use from the display control system 2 (S61).

[0128] Next, when a preset event occurs, the display control unit 33 of the display control system 2 outputs an instruction to the control event generation unit 35. The preset event is an event that occurs when the external terminal 100 becomes able to use the display areas B and D. The display control unit 33 acquires such an event from a vehicle application or the like. When the control event generation unit 35 acquires the instruction from the display control unit 33, it outputs an output request for display information to the external terminal 100 (S62).

[0129] Next, when the external terminal 100 receives the notification of permission to use and the request to output display information, it transmits display information including a terminal image to be displayed in the display areas B and D determined by the external terminal 100 in S12 of operation example 1 and a terminal drawing command to the display control system 2 (S63).

[0130] Next, the display screen generation unit 34 acquires display information from the external terminal 100 via the communication unit 22. Furthermore, the display screen generation unit 34 acquires, from the first storage unit 21, a vehicle image of the vehicle application and a vehicle drawing command corresponding to the display areas B and D determined by the external terminal 100. As a result, the display screen generation unit 34 generates an image in which the terminal image of the display information acquired from the external terminal 100 is combined with the vehicle image of the vehicle application (S64). In other words, by combining the terminal image and the vehicle image, the display screen generation unit 34 can generate a single image in which the terminal image is drawn at positions corresponding to the display areas B and D determined by the external terminal 100.

[0131] Next, the display screen generation unit 34 outputs the generated image to the display unit 10 corresponding to the permitted display areas B and D (S65). As a result, the generated image is displayed as the display content on the display unit 10, and the terminal image drawn in the permitted display areas B and D is also displayed as the display content.

[0132] Next, the display screen generating unit 34 notifies the external terminal 100 that the image display has been completed by drawing (S66).

[0133] If the external terminal 100 wishes to display another terminal image, the processes from step S63 onward may be repeated (S67).

[0134] Furthermore, an event may occur that requires the vehicle application to temporarily use the display areas B and D that are being used by the external terminal 100. The vehicle application is an application for which priority of use is set, and therefore can use the display areas B and D that are already being used with priority. Therefore, the vehicle application displays an image corresponding to the event that has occurred in the display areas B and D, and the external terminal 100 stops displaying the terminal image in the display areas B and D. Here, an image corresponding to the event is, for example, a warning mark on the vehicle 1.

[0135] Next, the display control system 2 notifies the external terminal 100 of a drawing pending request (S68).

[0136] Next, when the external terminal 100 acquires the drawing pending request, it enters a state of waiting for use of the display areas B and D. When the waiting state for use is released, the external terminal 100 can display the terminal image in the display areas B and D again.

[0137] <Action and effect> Next, the effects of the display control device 30, the display control system 2, the display control method, and the program according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0138] As described above, the display control device 30 according to this embodiment is a display control device 30 used in a vehicle 1 equipped with a plurality of display units 10 each having one or more display areas 10a, and includes a display area management unit 32 that manages the plurality of display areas 10a. Furthermore, when the display area management unit 32 receives a display request from the external terminal 100, which is a request to display content in the display area 10a, the display area management unit 32 creates a display area table that summarizes display area information, which is information relating to the one or more display areas 10a, and outputs the created display area table to the external terminal 100.

[0139] This allows the display area management unit 32 to create a display area table that summarizes information about the display area 10a and output it to the external terminal 100. This allows the external terminal 100 to select a desired display area 10a from the display area information shown in the display area table. This makes it possible for the display area 10a selected by the external terminal 100 to display the display contents of the external terminal 100 (terminal image, terminal text information, etc.).

[0140] Furthermore, in this embodiment, unlike the prior art, the user does not need to operate the display control device and the external terminal to set the display in the desired display area. Therefore, in the display control device 30 of this embodiment, the operability by the user is less likely to be reduced.

[0141] Therefore, the display control device 30 can appropriately and freely display the display content of the external terminal 100 in the display area 10a of the vehicle 1, and can suppress a decrease in operability for the user.

[0142] The display control system 2 according to the present embodiment includes a display control device 30 and a plurality of display units 10.

[0143] This display control system 2 also provides the same effects as those described above.

[0144] Furthermore, the display control method according to this embodiment is a display control method used in a vehicle 1 equipped with a plurality of display units 10 each having one or more display areas 10a, and manages the plurality of display areas 10a. When a display request is received from an external terminal 100, which is a request to display content in the display area 10a, the method creates a display area table that compiles display area information, which is information relating to the one or more display areas 10a, and outputs the created display area table to the external terminal 100.

[0145] This display control method also provides the same effects as those described above.

[0146] The program according to the present embodiment is a program for causing a computer to execute the display control method.

[0147] This program also provides the same effects as those described above.

[0148] Furthermore, in the display control device 30 according to this embodiment, the display area management unit 32 extracts only the usable display areas 10a from among the multiple display areas 10a, and creates a display area table that compiles only the display area information, which is information relating to the extracted usable display areas 10a.

[0149] This makes it possible to extract the available display area 10a, and therefore to create a display area table that does not include the unavailable display area 10a. In other words, the external terminal 100 can use only the available display area information, and therefore the display control device 30 can prevent the external terminal 100 from selecting an unavailable display area 10a. As a result, the display control device 30 can prevent unnecessary communication between the display control device 30 and the external terminal 100.

[0150] Furthermore, in the display control device 30 according to this embodiment, the external terminal 100 determines the display area 10a that it wishes to use from among the multiple display areas 10a based on the display area table, and outputs a use request that is a request to use the determined display area 10a. The display area management unit 32 then acquires the use request for the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100 from the external terminal 100, determines whether the display area 10a in the use request is usable, and if it determines that the display area 10a is usable, permits the external terminal 100 determined to be usable to use the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100, and if it determines that the display area 10a is not usable, does not permit the external terminal 100 determined to be unusable to use the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100.

[0151] This allows the display area management unit 32 to determine whether or not the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100 is available for use in response to a request to use the display area 10a. For example, even if multiple external terminals 100 request to use the same display area 10a, the display area management unit 32 can determine whether or not the display area 10a is available for use based on this determination. Therefore, the display control device 30 can prevent multiple external terminals 100 from being permitted to use the same display area 10a.

[0152] In addition, in the display control device 30 according to this embodiment, the display area information includes an identifier of the display area 10a, the position of the display area 10a, the size of the display area 10a, the display mode of the display area 10a, whether or not information is input or output, and the usage conditions of the display area 10a.

[0153] This allows the external terminal 100 to select display content suitable for the display area information in the display area table, and therefore the display control device 30 can display display content suitable for the display area information in the display area 10a.

[0154] In addition, in the display control device 30 according to this embodiment, the display area management unit 32 creates a display area table that compiles display area information that the external terminal 100 wishes to use, and outputs the created display area table to the external terminal 100.

[0155] This allows the display area management unit 32 to create a display area table that includes the display area 10a that the external terminal 100 wishes to use. This allows the external terminal 100 to select the display area 10a that it wishes to use from the display area table. As a result, the display control device 30 can display the display content in the display area 10a that the external terminal 100 wishes to use.

[0156] Furthermore, in the display control device 30 according to this embodiment, the display area management unit 32 determines that the display area 10a is available for use in response to the first received usage request, and permits the external terminal 100 that has output the usage request determined to be available to use the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100.

[0157] This allows only the first acquired use request to be permitted to use the display area 10a. Therefore, even if multiple external terminals 100 request use of the same display area 10a, the display control device 30 can prevent multiple external terminals 100 from being permitted to use the same display area 10a.

[0158] Furthermore, in the display control device 30 according to this embodiment, the display area management unit 32 determines that only external terminals 100 for which usage rights have been set in advance for a usage request can use the display area 10a, and permits the external terminal 100 that has output a usage request that has been determined to be usable to use the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100.

[0159] According to this, only the external terminal 100 for which a usage right has been set in advance in response to a usage request is permitted to use the display area 10a, so it is possible to prevent an external terminal 100 for which a usage right has not been set from using the display area 10a. Therefore, the display control device 30 can prevent the external terminal 100 from using the display area 10a when, for example, a warning mark, a direction indication, or the like of the vehicle 1 is being displayed. Therefore, the display control device 30 can ensure the safety of the traveling vehicle 1.

[0160] Furthermore, in the display control device 30 according to this embodiment, the display area management unit 32 determines that the display area 10a is available for use in response to a usage request from a device for which priority usage rights have been set in advance, and gives priority to permitting the device that has output the usage request determined to be available to use the display area 10a determined by the device for which priority usage rights have been set.

[0161] According to this, even if the external terminal 100 is already using the display area 10a, the device to which the priority right of use is set can preferentially use the display area 10a that is being used by the external terminal 100. Therefore, when an event related to the vehicle 1 occurs, the display control device 30 can preferentially display content corresponding to the event in the display area 10a. Therefore, the display control device 30 can ensure the safety of the traveling vehicle 1.

[0162] Furthermore, in the display control device 30 according to this embodiment, when the display area management unit 32 receives multiple usage requests, it determines that the display area 10a is available for use for the usage request that is closest to the use of the display mode associated with the display area 10a among the multiple usage requests, and permits the external terminal 100 that has output the usage request determined to be available to use the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100.

[0163] This allows the use of a display area 10a that is suitable for the external terminal 100. Therefore, the display control device 30 can display, in the display area 10a, display content that is suitable for the display area information.

[0164] Furthermore, in the display control device 30 according to this embodiment, a priority for preferentially using the display area 10a is set in advance for each of the multiple external terminals 100. The display area management unit 32 determines that the display area 10a is available for use in response to a use request from the external terminal 100 with the highest priority among use requests from the multiple external terminals 100, and permits the external terminal 100 that has output a use request determined to be available to use the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100.

[0165] This allows permission to use the display area 10a in response to a request for use from the external terminal 100 with the highest priority among the requests for use from the multiple external terminals 100. Therefore, even if multiple external terminals 100 request to use the same display area 10a, the display control device 30 can prevent multiple external terminals 100 from being granted permission to use the same display area 10a.

[0166] Moreover, the display control device 30 according to this embodiment further includes a display screen generation unit 34 that displays images on the multiple display units 10. When the use of the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100 is permitted, the display screen generation unit 34 acquires display information from the external terminal 100, including information to be displayed in the display area 10a determined by the external terminal 100, and by executing a display mode associated with the display area 10a, draws the acquired display information in accordance with the display mode, and displays the drawn image on the display unit 10 corresponding to the display area 10a whose use is permitted.

[0167] According to this, by executing the display mode, an image corresponding to the display area 10a can be generated, and therefore the display control device 30 can display, in the display area 10a, display content suitable for the display area information.

[0168] Furthermore, the display control device 30 according to this embodiment includes a control event generation unit 35 that, when a preset event occurs, outputs a request to output display information to the external terminal 100. The display screen generation unit 34 acquires display information corresponding to the output request from the external terminal 100, and when a display mode associated with the preset event is executed, draws the acquired display information according to the display mode, and displays the drawn image on the display unit 10 corresponding to the permitted display area 10a.

[0169] According to this, the output request is notified to the external terminal 100, and the external terminal 100 becomes able to use the display area 10a. Therefore, the display control device 30 can improve the convenience when the external terminal 100 uses the display area 10a.

[0170] (Other variations) The display control device, display control system, display control method, and program according to the present disclosure have been described above based on the above-mentioned embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as the modifications do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art may also be included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0171] For example, in the display control device, display control system, display control method, and program according to the above-described embodiments, the display modes include exclusive display mode, message display mode, overlap display mode, and event-driven mode, but these modes may be selectively included. In other words, the display modes do not necessarily have to include these four modes. In this case, if the display mode does not include the event-driven mode, the display control device and display control system may not include a control event generation unit. In other words, the control event generation unit is not an essential component of the display control device and display control system.

[0172] Furthermore, each of the components of the display control device and display control system according to the above embodiments, such as the display area management unit, display control unit, control event generation unit, and display screen generation unit, may be configured with dedicated hardware or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit, such as a CPU or processor, reading and executing a software program stored in a storage medium, such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0173] Furthermore, all of the numbers used above are examples for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the numbers shown as examples.

[0174] The division of functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and multiple functional blocks may be realized as a single functional block, one functional block may be divided into multiple blocks, or some functions may be moved to another functional block.Furthermore, the functions of multiple functional blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or in time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0175] The order in which the steps in the flowchart are executed is merely an example for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and an order other than the above may be used. Also, some of the steps may be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0176] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by making various modifications to the above embodiments that a person skilled in the art would think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments within the scope that does not deviate from the intent of this disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0177] The present disclosure is applicable to, for example, a vehicle equipped with a plurality of display devices, and other devices, systems, and programs other than vehicles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0178] 1 vehicle 2. Display Control System 10 Display 10a, A, B, C, D, E display area 30 Display control device 32 Display area management section 34 Display screen generation section 35 Control event generation unit 100 External terminal (device)

Claims

1. A display control device used in a vehicle equipped with a plurality of display units each having one or more display areas, a display area management unit that manages the plurality of display areas; The display area management unit When a display request is received from an external terminal, the display request being a request to display content in the display area, a display area table is created that compiles display area information that is information about one or more of the display areas; outputting the created display area table to the external terminal; the external terminal determines a display area to be used from among the plurality of display areas based on the display area table created by the display area management unit, and outputs a usage application that is an application to use the determined display area; The display area management unit obtaining, from the external terminal, a request to use the display area determined by the external terminal; determining whether the display area of ​​the usage request is available; When it is determined that the display area is available for use, the external terminal that has been determined to be available for use is permitted to use the display area determined by the external terminal; If it is determined that the display area is unavailable, the external terminal that has been determined to be unavailable is not permitted to use the display area determined by the external terminal; When the display area management unit receives a plurality of use requests including a use of a display mode associated with the display area, the display area management unit determines that the display area is available for use for a use request that corresponds to the use of the display mode associated with the display area among the plurality of use requests, and permits the external terminal that has output the use request determined to be available to use the display area determined by the external terminal. Display control device.

2. The display area management unit extracts only the available display areas from the plurality of display areas, and creates the display area table that compiles only the display area information that is information related to the extracted available display areas. The display control device according to claim 1 .

3. The display area information includes an identifier of the display area, a position of the display area, a size of the display area, a display mode of the display area, whether or not information is input / output, and a usage condition of the display area. The display control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The display area management unit creating a display area table that compiles the display area information that the external terminal desires to use; The created display area table is output to the external terminal. The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The display area management unit determines that the display area is available for use in response to the first received use request, and permits the external terminal that has output the use request determined to be available to use the display area determined by the external terminal. The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The display area management unit determines that only the external terminal for which a usage right has been set in advance for the use request can use the display area, and permits the external terminal that has output the use request determined to be usable to use the display area determined by the external terminal. The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The display area management unit determines that the display area is available for use in response to the use request from a device for which a preferential right of use has been set in advance, and preferentially permits the device that has output the use request determined to be available to use the display area determined by the device for which a preferential right of use has been set. The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. A priority for preferentially using the display area is set in advance for each of the plurality of external terminals; The display area management unit determines that the display area is available for use in response to a use request from an external terminal with the highest priority among the use requests from the plurality of external terminals, and permits the external terminal that has output the use request determined to be available to use the display area determined by the external terminal. The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. Further, a display screen generating unit is provided for displaying images on the plurality of display units, the display screen generation unit, when the use of the display area determined by the external terminal is permitted, acquires, from the external terminal, display information including information to be displayed in the display area determined by the external terminal; When a display mode associated with the display area is executed, the acquired display information is drawn in accordance with the display mode; The drawn image is displayed on the display unit corresponding to the display area for which use is permitted. The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. a control event generating unit that outputs an output request for the display information to the external terminal when a preset event occurs; The display screen generation unit acquiring the display information corresponding to the output request from the external terminal; When the display mode associated with a preset event is executed, the acquired display information is drawn in accordance with the display mode; The drawn image is displayed on the display unit corresponding to the display area for which use is permitted. The display control device according to claim 9 .

11. A display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and a plurality of display units. Display control system.

12. A display control method used in a vehicle equipped with a plurality of display units each having one or more display areas, comprising: Managing a plurality of said display areas; When a display request is received from an external terminal, the display request being a request to display content in the display area, a display area table is created that compiles display area information that is information about one or more of the display areas; outputting the created display area table to the external terminal; The external terminal determines a display area desired to be used from among the plurality of display areas based on the created display area table, and receives a usage request from the external terminal, the usage request being a request to use the display area determined by the external terminal; determining whether the display area of ​​the usage request is available; When it is determined that the display area is available for use, the external terminal that has been determined to be available for use is permitted to use the display area determined by the external terminal; If it is determined that the display area is unavailable, the external terminal that has been determined to be unavailable is not permitted to use the display area determined by the external terminal; When a plurality of use requests including a use of a display mode associated with the display area are acquired, the display area is determined to be available for use for a use request corresponding to the use of a display mode associated with the display area among the plurality of use requests, and the external terminal that has output the use request determined to be available is permitted to use the display area determined by the external terminal. Display control method.

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

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