Information display device and program

Abstract

To display information on an object which a user wants to display in an easy-to-see display form by intuitive operation.SOLUTION: An information display device includes: an operation detection part for detecting touch operation for a touch panel; an object information acquisition part for acquiring information on an object within a predetermined retrieval range; and a display information generation part for generating screen information displayed on a display region, wherein the display information generation part generates screen information for displaying a plurality of kinds of objects in a first display mode of arranging the information in the periphery of an own terminal position, the object information acquisition part acquires information on a target object that is an object of a type associated with the predetermined touch operation when the operation detection part detects predetermined touch operation for the touch panel, and the display information generation part generates screen information for displaying the information on the target object in a second display mode of arranging the information in the periphery of the own terminal position, and not displaying the information on the object other than the target object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0005] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an information display device and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a navigation device as follows: "When route guidance is in progress according to a designated route set by pressing a road map displayed on a display monitor provided with a touch panel, only facility marks of facilities existing around the route are displayed on the road map. When route guidance is in progress according to a recommended route calculated and set by a control circuit, only facility marks of a predetermined facility selected by a passenger are displayed on the road map."

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying an icon indicating a set facility on a map by setting the facility type of the icon that a user wants to display on the map. In such a setting, the user needs to select and input the facility type of the icon to be displayed. Also, when icons of different facility types are to be displayed, the user needs to re-select the facility type each time. However, such an operation for setting is cumbersome as an operation during driving and is not preferable.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to display information of an object to be displayed in a more visible display form by intuitive operation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention includes several means for solving at least part of the above problems, and an example thereof is as follows. An information display device according to one aspect of the present invention that solves the above problems comprises: an operation detection unit for detecting touch operations on a touch panel; an object information acquisition unit for acquiring information on objects within a predetermined search range; and a display information generation unit for generating screen information to be displayed in a display area. The display information generation unit generates screen information for displaying information on multiple types of objects arranged around the terminal's position in a first display mode. When a predetermined touch operation on the touch panel is detected by the operation detection unit, the object information acquisition unit acquires information on a target object which is of the type associated with the predetermined touch operation. The display information generation unit generates screen information for displaying information on the target object in a second display mode, where the information on objects other than the target object is arranged around the terminal's position and the information on other objects is hidden. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, information about the object to be displayed can be shown in a more easily viewable format through intuitive operation.

[0008] Other issues, configurations, and effects will be clarified in the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This diagram shows an example of the schematic configuration of an information display device. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates the relationship between touch position and swipe operation, and the type of target object displayed in the second display mode. [Figure 3] This figure shows a comparative example of the color schemes for the first display mode and the second display mode. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of information display processing. [Figure 5]This diagram shows an example of a screen transition when switching from the first display mode to the second display mode. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation acceptance process. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a screen related to touch operations on the screen information displayed in the second display mode. [Figure 8] This is an example screen showing an instance of setting a target object as a waypoint. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the relationship between the touch position and swipe operation related to the first modified example and the type of target object displayed in the second display mode. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the relationship between the touch position and swipe operation related to the second modification and the type of target object to be displayed in the second display mode. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the detection area for the touch start position and the corresponding operation assistance icon. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of screen information when transitioning from the first display mode to the second display mode. [Figure 13] This diagram shows an example of the screen information displayed when transitioning from the first display mode to the second display mode on the speedometer's liquid crystal display. [Figure 14] This diagram shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information display device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of an information display device 100 according to the present embodiment. The information display device 100 is an in-vehicle display audio installed with application software (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "app") for realizing navigation functions such as map display and route guidance using map information 121, or audio functions and telephone functions. Note that the information display device 100 may be a navigation device specialized in navigation functions such as search for a recommended route and route guidance or display of road traffic information, or may be a smartphone or a tablet terminal installed with apps for executing various functions.

[0012] When displaying a map or a guidance route on the map, the information display device 100 according to the present embodiment displays screen information in a normal display mode (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "first display mode") in which icons indicating various objects (in the present embodiment, mainly facilities, places, etc.) such as gas stations and convenience stores are arranged on the map. Further, when the information display device 100 detects a predetermined touch operation on the touch panel mounted on the display, it displays screen information in a second display mode in which icons indicating objects of a type corresponding to the touch operation (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "target objects") are arranged around the position of the own terminal on the map (around the position of the own vehicle on which the information display device 100 serving as the own terminal is mounted or around the position of the user who possesses the smartphone which is the information display device 100).

[0013] Note that the second display mode is a display mode in which the display of objects other than the target objects associated with the touch operation is restricted (not displayed) from among a plurality of types of objects displayed in the first display mode. That is, when the display mode transitions from the first display mode, which is the normal display mode, to the second display mode, an icon of the target object corresponding to the touch operation is displayed on the map in the screen information displayed in the second display mode, and icons representing other objects are no longer displayed.

[0014] In this way, the information display device 100 switches between a first display mode, which is the normal display mode, and a second display mode for displaying information about the target object in response to a touch operation by the user, and displays the screen information of the corresponding display mode. By doing so, the user can display the information of the object to be confirmed on the map by intuitive operations such as touch operations on the touch panel. Therefore, the operability of the information display device 100 is improved, which can also contribute to the realization of safe driving.

[0015] To execute the above processing, the information display device 100 includes a processing unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a communication unit 130.

[0016] The processing unit 110 is a functional unit that performs various processes executed by the information display device 100. Specifically, the processing unit 110 includes an input reception unit 111, an operation detection unit 112, an object information acquisition unit 113, a display information generation unit 114, and a route search unit 115.

[0017] The input reception unit 111 is a functional unit that receives an instruction input from the user via an input device (in this embodiment, a touch panel, a hard switch, or a controller arranged on the center console of the vehicle) provided in the information display device 100.

[0018] The operation detection unit 112 is a functional unit that detects a touch operation on the touch panel. Specifically, the operation detection unit 112 detects various touch operations on the touch panel, such as a swipe operation or a drag operation in which the finger slides while maintaining the touch state.

[0019] In addition, after detecting a touch on a predetermined position of the touch panel, when the operation detection unit 112 detects a swipe operation in a predetermined direction corresponding to the touch position, it uses the information in the storage unit 120 (touch operation setting information 122 described later) to identify the type of the target object corresponding to the touch position and the swipe direction.

[0020] Figure 2 shows the relationship between the touch position and swipe operation and the type of target object to be displayed in the second display mode. The operation detection unit 112 detects a touch on one of the areas A to D (touch start position detection areas) of a predetermined width along the four sides in the display area located inside the display escutcheon, and then, upon detecting that a swipe operation has been performed in a predetermined direction, it identifies the type of target object corresponding to the touch position and swipe direction.

[0021] Specifically, after detecting a touch on area A, the operation detection unit 112 detects a swipe operation in the direction of the opposite side, area C (to the right), and identifies the type of target object associated with the touch position and swipe direction (in this embodiment, a desk lamp corresponding to a "contact charging type" charging method). Furthermore, after detecting a touch on area B, the operation detection unit 112 detects a swipe operation in the direction of the opposite side, area D (downward), and identifies the type of target object associated with the touch position and swipe direction (in this embodiment, a desk lamp corresponding to a "non-contact charging type" charging method).

[0022] Furthermore, after detecting a touch on area C, the operation detection unit 112 detects a swipe operation in the direction of the opposite side, area A (leftward), and identifies the type of target object associated with the touch position and swipe direction (in this embodiment, a desk lamp corresponding to the "battery replacement type" charging method). Also, after detecting a touch on area D, the operation detection unit 112 detects a swipe operation in the direction of the opposite side, area B (upward), and identifies the type of target object associated with the touch position and swipe direction (in this embodiment, a desk lamp corresponding to all types of charging methods).

[0023] Let's return to Figure 1 for explanation. The object information acquisition unit 113 is a functional unit that acquires information on target objects to be displayed in the second display mode from among the target objects of the type identified by the operation detection unit 112. Specifically, the object information acquisition unit 113 acquires information on target objects that are included in a pre-set search range near the vehicle's position from among the target objects of the type identified.

[0024] One example of a search range is, when a vehicle is traveling towards a destination, the search range is an inner fan-shaped area with a predetermined central angle (e.g., 45 to 90 degrees) set in the direction of travel of the vehicle. When the vehicle is parked, the search range is omnidirectional, centered on the vehicle's position. In either case, it is sufficient for the search to find target objects located within the display area of ​​the display, according to the map's display scale. Such search range setting information (not shown) can be stored in the storage unit 120 beforehand.

[0025] Furthermore, the object information acquisition unit 113 acquires location information and facility information of target objects included in the search range from the information in the storage unit 120 (object information 123 described later). The object information acquisition unit 113 may also acquire information about target objects from an external device 400 (for example, an information distribution server) via the communication unit 130.

[0026] The display information generation unit 114 is a functional unit that generates screen information (display information) to be displayed on the display. Specifically, in the first display mode, which is the normal display mode, the display information generation unit 114 generates screen information in which multiple types of objects, such as gas stations, are placed on the map. Furthermore, when a predetermined touch operation is detected by the operation detection unit 112, the display information generation unit 114 generates screen information to be displayed in the second display mode, in which target objects of the type corresponding to the touch position and swipe operation are placed on the map.

[0027] Furthermore, the display information generation unit 114 uses the information in the storage unit 120 (color scheme setting information 124, described later) to determine the color scheme of the generated screen information. Note that the screen information for the second display mode is color-coded differently from that for the first display mode.

[0028] Figure 3 shows a comparison of the color schemes for the first and second display modes. As illustrated, the map displayed in the second display mode uses a color scheme that more emphasizes the target objects. Specifically, the background color of the map displayed in the second display mode is darker than that of the first display mode (black in the illustrated example) to emphasize the icons of the target objects. In addition, target objects L to M are colored differently in order of proximity to the vehicle's position, making them easier to distinguish.

[0029] The route search unit 115 is a functional unit that searches for a recommended route connecting the departure point to the destination, as received from the user, using a predetermined method such as Dijkstra's algorithm. The route search unit 115 also calculates the distance to the destination, the estimated arrival time, a re-route search if a waypoint is added, the distance to the destination via the waypoint, and the estimated arrival time, based on the map information 121 and the searched recommended route.

[0030] Next, the memory unit 120 will be described. The memory unit 120 is a functional unit that stores various types of information. Specifically, the memory unit 120 stores map information 121, touch operation setting information 122, object information 123, and color scheme setting information 124.

[0031] The map information 121 contains various information related to the map's structure, such as link information that stores detailed road information for each predetermined area into which the map is subdivided.

[0032] The touch operation setting information 122 is information that associates touch operations on the touch panel with the type of target object displayed in the second display mode in response to the touch operation. Specifically, the touch operation setting information 122 associates the touch position and swipe direction (for example, touch position = area A in Figure 2, swipe direction = right) with the type of target object (in the example in Figure 2, a desk lamp corresponding to the "contact charging type" charging method).

[0033] Object information 123 is information about objects displayed on the map. Specifically, object information 123 includes, for example, location information and facility information of the object.

[0034] Color scheme setting information 124 is setting information related to the color scheme of the screen information displayed on the display. Specifically, color scheme setting information 124 registers settings related to the color scheme of the map background, roads, and icons representing objects.

[0035] Next, the communication unit 130 will be described. The communication unit 130 is a functional unit that communicates information with external devices 400 via a communication network N, such as the Internet. For example, the communication unit 130 acquires information about objects from an information distribution server. The communication unit 130 also acquires information output from ECUs (Electronic Control Units) and various in-vehicle devices via CAN (Controller Area Network) 200.

[0036] The above describes an example of the functional configuration of the information display device 100.

[0037] [Explanation of operation] Next, we will describe the information display process performed by the information display device 100.

[0038] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of information display processing. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of screen transitions when switching from the first display mode to the second display mode. The information display processing starts, for example, when the information display device 100 is turned on.

[0039] When processing begins, the display information generation unit 114 displays screen information for a first display mode with respect to the function to be operated on (in this embodiment, for example, a map display function or a route guidance function) (step S001). Specifically, the display information generation unit 114 generates screen information for a first display mode in which icons representing various objects are placed on the map. At this time, the display information generation unit 114 uses the color scheme setting information 124 to determine the color scheme of the map background, roads, and icons representing objects in the first display mode. As a result, the screen information shown in Figure 5(a) is displayed.

[0040] Next, the operation detection unit 112 determines whether or not a predetermined touch operation has been detected (step S002). Specifically, after detecting a touch on any of the areas A to D shown in Figure 2, the operation detection unit 112 determines whether or not a swipe operation in a predetermined direction has been detected.

[0041] If it is determined that no such touch operation has been detected (No in step S002), the operation detection unit 112 repeats the process in step S002. On the other hand, if it is determined that a touch operation has been detected (Yes in step S002), the operation detection unit 112 proceeds to step S003.

[0042] In step S003, the operation detection unit 112 uses the touch operation setting information 122 to identify the type of target object corresponding to the detected touch operation.

[0043] Next, the object information acquisition unit 113 acquires information on target objects within a predetermined search range from among the identified types of target objects (step S004). Specifically, the object information acquisition unit 113 identifies the vehicle's driving state (driving or parked) based on information acquired from the ECU via the communication unit 130, and identifies the search range corresponding to the identified driving state. The object information acquisition unit 113 also uses the map information 121 and object information 123 to identify target objects included in the identified search range and acquires location information and other data for the identified target objects.

[0044] Next, the display information generation unit 114 generates screen information to be displayed in the second display mode (step S005). Specifically, the display information generation unit 114 generates screen information in which icons of the identified target objects are placed on the map. At this time, the display information generation unit 114 uses the color scheme setting information 124 to determine the color scheme of the map background, roads, and icons representing objects in the second display mode.

[0045] Next, the operation detection unit 112 determines whether or not the touch position has been updated by the swipe operation (step S006). If it determines that the touch position has not been updated (No in step S006), the operation detection unit 112 repeats the process in step S006. On the other hand, if it determines that the touch position has been updated (Yes in step S006), the operation detection unit 112 proceeds to step S007.

[0046] In step S007, the display information generation unit 114 updates the display range of the screen information in the second display mode according to the updated touch position. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5(b), when the touch position moves due to a swipe operation (movement to the right in the illustrated example), the display information generation unit 114 expands the display area of ​​the screen information in the second display mode according to the amount of movement and displays the screen information in the second display mode in that display area.

[0047] Next, the display information generation unit 114 determines whether the display switching according to the second display mode has been completed (step S008). Specifically, the display information generation unit 114 determines whether the entire display area has become screen information according to the second display mode by updating the touch position due to the swipe operation.

[0048] If it is determined that the display switching is not complete (No in step S008), the display information generation unit 114 returns to step S006. On the other hand, if it is determined that the display switching is complete (Yes in step S008), the display information generation unit 114 terminates the processing of this flow.

[0049] As a result, the screen information in the second display mode shown in Figure 5(c) will be displayed on the screen. This screen information includes a search range setting icon 10 that indicates the search range of the target object.

[0050] Next, we will describe the operation reception process performed by the information display device 100.

[0051] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation reception process. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example screen related to touch operations on screen information displayed in the second display mode. Note that the operation reception process starts, for example, after the display switching by the second display mode is completed (after the information display process is finished).

[0052] Once processing begins, the operation detection unit 112 determines whether or not it has received a touch operation on the search range setting icon displayed on the screen information in the second display mode (step S010).

[0053] If the operation detection unit 112 determines that it has not received such a touch operation (No in step S010), it proceeds to step S014. On the other hand, if the operation detection unit 112 determines that it has received a touch operation on the search range setting icon (Yes in step S010), the object information acquisition unit 113 recognizes that the search range of the target object has been changed by the touch operation and sets the range that has been changed in response to the touch operation as the search range (step S011). The object information acquisition unit 113 also acquires information on the target object included in the changed search range (step S012).

[0054] As shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the user can change the central angle of the fan-shaped search range by touching (for example, dragging) the search range setting icon displayed on the screen information in the second display mode. At this time, the operation detection unit 112 detects the touch operation on the touch panel, and the display information generation unit 114 updates the display of the search range setting icon in response to the touch operation.

[0055] Furthermore, if no target objects exist within the search range, the display information generation unit 114 may change the map scale so that at least one target object is included within the search range. This is because changing the map scale effectively expands the search range within the display area.

[0056] Next, the display information generation unit 114 displays screen information showing icons of target objects included in the changed search range on the map (step S013), and returns the process to step S010.

[0057] Furthermore, in step S014, the operation detection unit 112 determines whether or not it has received a touch operation on the car mark indicating the vehicle's current location. Specifically, the operation detection unit 112 determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the car mark displayed on the screen information in the second display mode, and whether or not the search range of the target object has been changed.

[0058] If the operation detection unit 112 determines that it has not received such a touch operation (No in step S014), it proceeds to step S016. On the other hand, if the operation detection unit 112 determines that it has received a touch operation on the car mark (Yes in step S014), the object information acquisition unit 113 changes the search range to all directions of the vehicle (step S015) and acquires information on the target object included in the changed search range (step S012).

[0059] As shown in Figure 7(c), the user can change the search range to cover all directions of the vehicle by touching (tapping) the car mark indicating the vehicle's current location. At this time, the operation detection unit 112 detects the touch operation on the touch panel, and the display information generation unit 114 changes the display of the search range setting icon to hidden in response to the touch operation.

[0060] In step S016, the operation detection unit 112 determines whether or not it has received a touch operation (tap operation) on the icon of the target object. If it determines that it has not received such a touch operation (No in step S016), the operation detection unit 112 returns to step S010. On the other hand, if the operation detection unit 112 determines that it has received a touch operation (Yes in step S016), the route search unit 115 calculates the estimated arrival time to the destination when the touched target object is set as an waypoint (step S017). The route search unit 115 calculates the estimated arrival time to the destination taking into account the charging time at the desk lamp.

[0061] Figure 8 shows an example screen illustrating an operation to set a target object as a waypoint. As shown in Figure 8(a), when the icon of the target object is touched, the display information generation unit 114 displays the calculated estimated time of arrival at the destination and displays an icon 20 to confirm whether or not to add the target object as a waypoint.

[0062] Furthermore, the input reception unit 111 determines whether or not it has received an instruction from the user to add the target object as an intermediate point (step S018). If it determines that no instruction has been received (No in step S018), the input reception unit 111 returns to step S010. On the other hand, if it determines that an instruction has been received (Yes in step S018), the route search unit 115 sets a recommended route that uses the touched target object as an intermediate point (step S019). The display information generation unit 114 then switches from the second display mode to the first display mode, displays screen information in the first display mode (step S020), and returns to step S001 in Figure 4.

[0063] As shown in Figure 8(b), when the display information generation unit 114 receives an instruction to set the touched target object as a waypoint, it displays screen information in the first display mode. The icon L of the target object is displayed in a form that can be identified as a waypoint.

[0064] The above explains the information display processing and operation reception processing.

[0065] With such an information display device 100, information about the object to be displayed can be shown in a more easily viewable format through intuitive operation. In particular, the information display device 100 displays screen information in a second display mode in which information about a predetermined type of target object is arranged on a map in response to touch operation (swipe operation). Therefore, the user can check the screen information displaying the information of the object to be displayed based on an intuitive operation such as touch operation.

[0066] Furthermore, the information display device 100 displays the map in the second display mode with a background color that highlights the target objects more than the normal first display mode. This makes it easier for the user to recognize the information of the displayed target objects.

[0067] Furthermore, the information display device 100 allows users to add target objects displayed in the second display mode to waypoints with a single touch. Therefore, users can add target objects to waypoints with simple operations without being required to perform complicated procedures.

[0068] Furthermore, since the information display device 100 searches for the presence or absence of target objects within a predetermined search range, the processing burden can be significantly reduced.

[0069] <Modification of the first embodiment> In the embodiment described above, after detecting a touch on any of the areas A to D shown in Figure 2, and then detecting a swipe operation in a predetermined direction, a desk lamp compatible with three types of charging methods or a desk lamp compatible with all types of charging methods was identified as the target object and displayed in the second display mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various types of objects can be assigned as target objects for combinations of touch position and swipe direction.

[0070] Figure 9 shows the relationship between the touch position and swipe operation in the first modified example and the type of target object displayed in the second display mode. As shown in the figure, in the first modified example, the target objects assigned to the combination of touch position and swipe direction are, for example, "gas station with charging facilities," "parking lot," "convenience store," and "restaurant with parking lot."

[0071] Therefore, for example, if a touch is detected on area B, and then a swipe operation is detected in the direction of the opposite side, area D (downward), the "parking lot" associated with the touch position and swipe direction is identified as the type of target object, and in the second display mode, screen information showing the parking lot's placement on the map is displayed.

[0072] Such an information display device 100 allows various types of objects to be assigned to a target object identified by a swipe operation, thereby improving usability.

[0073] Furthermore, the detection area for the touch start position during a swipe operation is not limited to areas A to D shown in Figure 2, but may also be eight areas: areas O, P, Q, and R with predetermined widths along the four sides of the display area, and the four corners S, T, U, and V.

[0074] Figure 10 shows the relationship between the touch position and swipe operation in the second modified example and the type of target object displayed in the second display mode. As shown in the figure, in the second modified example, O to V are set as the detection area for the touch start position in the swipe operation.

[0075] Furthermore, the following objects are assigned as target objects corresponding to combinations of touch position and swipe direction: for example, "gas station with charging facilities," "parking lot," "convenience store," "restaurant with parking," "fast food restaurant with parking," "cafe with parking," "park," and "accommodation facility."

[0076] Therefore, for example, if a touch on area O is detected, and then a swipe operation in the direction of the opposite area Q (to the right) is detected, the type of target object will be identified as "gas station with charging facilities" which is associated with the touch position and swipe direction. Similarly, if a touch on area S is detected, and then a swipe operation in the direction of the diagonal area U (down and to the right) is detected, the type of target object will be identified as "fast food restaurant with parking lot" which is associated with the touch position and swipe direction.

[0077] Similarly, for any other combination of touch start position and swipe direction, when a swipe operation is detected on the opposite side or diagonally from the touch start position, the type of target object associated with that touch position and swipe direction is identified.

[0078] Such an information display device 100 allows for the assignment of a wider variety of objects to the target object identified by a swipe operation, thereby improving usability.

[0079] In addition, in the above embodiments and modifications, when a touch operation is detected on the detection area of ​​the touch start position, an icon indicating the type of target object corresponding to the touch start position may be displayed as an operation aid.

[0080] Figure 11 shows the detection area for the touch start position and the corresponding operation assistance icon. As shown in the figure, for example, when a touch operation is performed on the detection area O of the touch start position, an operation assistance icon 510 indicating a "gas station with charging facilities" corresponding to that touch start position will be displayed near the touch position. Similarly, when a touch operation is performed on the detection area U of the touch start position, an operation assistance icon 520 indicating a "park" corresponding to that touch start position will be displayed near the touch position. In the same way, when a touch operation is performed on the detection area of ​​any other touch start position, an operation assistance icon indicating the corresponding type of target object will be displayed.

[0081] According to such an information display device 100, an operation assistance icon indicating the target object corresponding to the touch position is displayed. As a result, even if the user does not remember the touch start position corresponding to the type of target object they want to display in the second display mode, they can perform a swipe operation to display the desired target object based on the operation assistance icon indicating the target object.

[0082] <Second Embodiment> The information display device 100 according to the second embodiment is an in-vehicle device such as a display audio system that has a so-called 3D View (Three-Dimensional View) function that can display images of the area around the vehicle, centered on the vehicle's position, from various angles. Specifically, the information display device 100 performs image processing using images (or videos) acquired from multiple in-vehicle cameras mounted on the vehicle to generate and display a 3D View video showing the area around the vehicle's position (including the presence or absence of obstacles). Such a 3D View video is displayed in a first display mode, which is the normal display mode of the 3D View display function. The 3D View video also includes information indicating multiple types of objects (for example, facilities, vehicles, and pedestrians) located around the vehicle's position (around the vehicle's position where the information display device 100, which is the terminal, is mounted).

[0083] Furthermore, the information display device 100 according to this embodiment identifies the terrain around the vehicle using output information from a LIDER (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor mounted on the vehicle. The information display device 100 also generates and displays a terrain information video in which a 3D image of the vehicle and target objects located around the current location, such as facilities and moving objects, are placed on a rendering image of the identified terrain. Such a terrain information video is displayed using the second display mode of the 3D View display function. The terrain information video displays a 3D image of the vehicle, a rendering image of the terrain around the vehicle's location (the location of the vehicle on which the information display device 100 is mounted), and target objects (such as facilities, locations, and moving objects that support touch operation, as described later). On the other hand, the terrain information video does not display information indicating objects other than the target objects.

[0084] The video footage and sensor information (distance measurement information) of the vehicle's surroundings used to generate the 3D View video and terrain information video are acquired by the communication unit 130 via the CAN200. The display information generation unit 114 then uses this information acquired via the communication unit 130 to generate the 3D View video and terrain information video.

[0085] The switch from the first display mode to the second display mode is performed when a predetermined touch operation (swipe operation) is detected, similar to the first embodiment. Accordingly, the display switches from the 3D View image to the terrain information image. The terrain information image is generated as if viewed from the same viewpoint as the 3D View image displayed in the first display mode.

[0086] Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, the display area of ​​the display is set with touch start position detection areas A to D, and target objects corresponding to combinations of touch position and swipe direction are assigned. Specifically, for example, the target object corresponding to the touch operation combination of touch start position: area A, swipe direction: right is assigned, for example, "convenience store". Also, the target object corresponding to the touch operation combination of touch start position: area B, swipe direction: down is assigned, for example, "parking lot".

[0087] Furthermore, for the touch operation combination of touch starting position: area C, swipe direction: left, the target object assigned is, for example, "restaurant with parking lot". Also, for the touch operation combination of touch starting position: area D, swipe direction: upward, the target object assigned is, for example, "moving object".

[0088] In such a case, for example, if a swipe operation in the opposite direction (to the right) is detected after a touch on area A, the object information acquisition unit 113 uses the map information 121 and object information 123 to identify the location of a convenience store near the current location. The search range for the target object can be set to a predetermined range centered on the current location of the vehicle (for example, a range with a radius of 50m to 100m), or it can be set to the same search range as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, if there is a identified convenience store within the range viewed from the viewpoint in the terrain information video, the display information generation unit 114 generates and displays a terrain information video in which an icon indicating the convenience store is placed at the corresponding location around the vehicle's position.

[0089] Furthermore, if a swipe operation in the opposite direction (upward) is detected after, for example, a touch on area D, then a moving object around the vehicle detected by, for example, a LIDER sensor or an in-vehicle camera is identified as a target object by the object information acquisition unit 113. When the target object associated with the touch operation is a moving object, the search range (detection range) of the target object becomes the detectable range of the LIDER sensor (for example, a range of 10 to 100m from the vehicle's position). Also, if there is a moving object detected within the range viewed from the viewpoint in the terrain information video, the display information generation unit 114 generates and displays a terrain information video in which an icon indicating the moving object is placed at the corresponding location around the vehicle's position.

[0090] Note that the setting position of the touch start position detection area and the corresponding swipe direction are not limited to these, and can be set as appropriate within the range shown in the first embodiment.

[0091] Figure 12 shows an example of screen information when transitioning from the first display mode to the second display mode. As shown in the figure, in the first display mode shown in Figure 12(a), a 3D View image is displayed. When a predetermined touch operation is detected, the display transitions to the second display mode, and a terrain information image is displayed in which a 3D image 610 of the vehicle and an icon 620 of the target object corresponding to the touch operation are placed on a rendering image 600 of the terrain around the vehicle.

[0092] Furthermore, this embodiment can also be applied when the information display device 100 controls the display of the liquid crystal display of the speedometer.

[0093] Figure 13 shows an example of screen information when the speedometer's liquid crystal display transitions from the first display mode to the second display mode. As shown in the figure, the liquid crystal display 700 displays the vehicle speed 701, the vehicle itself 702, and the vehicle ahead 703 in the first display mode. When the aforementioned touch operation is detected, the display transitions to the second display mode, and a terrain information video is displayed on the terrain drawing image 710, with the vehicle's 3D image 702 and icons 730 of target objects (facilities or moving objects) corresponding to the touch operation placed on top. In Figure 13, the vehicle ahead 703 is identified as the target object (moving object), and this vehicle ahead 703 is indicated as the target object by the icon 730.

[0094] With this information display device 100, by switching from a first display mode to a second display mode based on a predetermined touch operation, it is possible to display terrain information video that makes it easier to identify target objects. Note that the terrain information video differs from 3D View video generated from in-vehicle camera footage, as it is a video in which icons of target objects are placed on a rendered image of the terrain around the vehicle's position. Therefore, the user can more easily recognize the presence and location of target objects around the vehicle's position, such as moving objects (e.g., pedestrians, animals such as dogs and cats, vehicles ahead, oncoming vehicles, etc.) and facilities. As a result, the information display device 100 can contribute to safe driving.

[0095] Next, the hardware configuration of the information display device 100 will be described.

[0096] Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information display device 100. As shown in the figure, the information display device 100 includes an input device 810, an output device 820, a processing device 830, a main memory 840, an auxiliary memory 850, a communication device 860, and a bus 870 that electrically connects each of these devices.

[0097] The input device 810 is a device for the user to input information or instructions to the information display device 100. Depending on the type of device that makes up the information display device 100, the input device 810 may include a pointing device such as a touch panel or hard switch, or an audio input device such as a microphone.

[0098] The output device 820 is a device that outputs (displays) screen information (display information) generated by the information display device 100 and information acquired from the external device 400. Examples of output devices 820 include displays and speakers.

[0099] The processing unit 830 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs arithmetic processing. The main memory 840 is a memory device such as RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores various information read from the device, or ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs, applications, and other various information executed by the CPU. The auxiliary storage device 850 is a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory that can store digital information.

[0100] The communication device 860 is a device that communicates information with an external device 400 via a communication network N such as CAN200, the controller 300 on the center console, or the internet. The bus 870 is a communication line that connects these devices so that they can communicate with each other.

[0101] The hardware configuration of the information display device 100 has been described above.

[0102] The processing unit 110 of the information display device 100 is implemented by a program that causes the CPU of the processing unit 830 to perform processing. These programs are stored, for example, in the main memory 840 or the auxiliary memory 850, and are loaded onto the main memory 840 and executed by the CPU. The storage unit 120 may also be implemented by the main memory 840 or the auxiliary memory 850, or by a combination of these. The communication unit 130 is implemented by the communication device 860.

[0103] The functional blocks of the information display device 100 are classified according to their main processing content in order to facilitate understanding of each function realized in this embodiment. Therefore, the present invention is not limited by the way each function is classified or its name. Furthermore, each component of the information display device 100 can be further classified into many more components according to the processing content. It is also possible to classify a single component so that it performs even more processing.

[0104] Furthermore, all or part of each functional unit may be constructed using hardware (such as integrated circuits like ASICs) implemented in a computer. Also, the processing of each functional unit may be performed on one piece of hardware or on multiple pieces of hardware.

[0105] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, but includes a variety of other embodiments and modifications. For example, the embodiments described above are described in detail to make the present invention easier to understand, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Also, it is possible to replace parts of the configuration of one embodiment with the configurations of other embodiments or modifications, and it is also possible to add configurations from other embodiments to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace parts of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 100...Information display device, 110...Processing unit, 111...Input reception unit, 112...Operation detection unit, 113...Object information acquisition unit, 114...Display information generation unit, 115...Route search unit, 120...Storage unit, 121...Map information, 122...Touch operation setting information, 123...Object information, 124...Color scheme setting information, 130...Communication unit, 200...CAN (Controller Area Network), 300...Controller, 400...External device, 810...Input device, 820...Output device, 830...Processing device, 840...Main memory, 850...Auxiliary memory, 860...Communication device, 870...Bus, N...Communication network

Claims

1. An operation detection unit that detects touch operations on the touch panel, An object information acquisition unit that acquires information about objects within a predetermined search range, It includes a display information generation unit that generates screen information to be displayed in the display area, The operation detection unit detects a swipe operation in which the user touches the touch start position detection area set at the edge of the display area and slides toward the center of the display area. The display information generation unit generates screen information for displaying information of multiple types of objects in a first display mode, where the information of multiple types of objects is placed around the location of the user terminal on the map. When the operation detection unit detects the swipe operation, The object information acquisition unit acquires information about the target object corresponding to the type of object associated with the touch start position detection area where the swipe operation was performed. The display information generation unit generates screen information for displaying in a second display mode in which the information of the target object is placed around the user's location on the map and the information of objects other than the target object is hidden, and changes the display of the area of ​​the display area corresponding to the swipe operation from the first display mode to the second display mode. An information display device characterized by the following features.

2. An information display device according to Claim 1, Multiple touch start position detection areas are provided at the edges of the display area. Multiple touch start position detection regions are associated with different types of objects. Information display device.

3. An information display device according to Claim 1, The correspondence between the touch start position detection area and the type of object can be changed. Information display device.

4. An information display device according to claim 1, The aforementioned display information generation unit, Using video footage acquired from an in-vehicle camera, screen information is generated for displaying a 3D View (Three-Dimensional View) image showing the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle in the first display mode. When the operation detection unit detects the swipe operation, The display information generation unit generates, when the target object is located within a range viewed from a predetermined viewpoint, a terrain information video in which the information of the target object is placed on a terrain rendering image at the viewpoint, as screen information for displaying in the second display mode. An information display device characterized by the following features.

5. An information display device according to claim 1, The aforementioned display information generation unit, The color scheme of the map displayed in the second display mode is displayed in a way that highlights the information of the target objects placed on the map. An information display device characterized by the following features.

6. An information display device according to claim 1, The aforementioned display information generation unit, When a swipe operation is detected on the touch start position detection area, an operation assistance icon indicating the type of target object associated with the touch start position detection area is displayed near the touch location. An information display device characterized by the following features.

7. An information display device according to claim 2, The aforementioned display information generation unit, If the target object does not exist within the search range, the scale of the map displayed in the display area is changed so that at least one of the target objects is included within the search range. An information display device characterized by the following features.

8. A program that makes a computer function as an information display device, The aforementioned computer, An operation detection unit that detects touch operations on the touch panel, An object information acquisition unit that acquires information about objects within a predetermined search range, It functions as a display information generation unit that generates screen information to be displayed in the display area. The operation detection unit detects a swipe operation in which the user touches the touch start position detection area set at the edge of the display area and slides toward the center of the display area. The display information generation unit generates screen information for displaying information of multiple types of objects in a first display mode, where the information of multiple types of objects is placed around the location of the user terminal on the map. When the operation detection unit detects the swipe operation, The object information acquisition unit acquires information about the target object corresponding to the type of object associated with the touch start position detection area where the swipe operation was performed. The display information generation unit generates screen information for displaying in a second display mode in which the information of the target object is placed around the user's location on the map and the information of objects other than the target object is hidden, and changes the display of the area of ​​the display area corresponding to the swipe operation from the first display mode to the second display mode. A program characterized by the following features.

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