Straddled vehicle system, control method, and application program

Abstract

Provided is a straddled vehicle system that has a simple configuration for reflecting the travel state for image display, and can flexibly handle requests for changes in reflection conditions or the content of display. The straddled vehicle system includes a straddled vehicle and an application program operating on a portable information terminal capable of communicating with the straddled vehicle. The straddled vehicle includes a vehicle body, a handlebar switch, a vehicle image display device, and a vehicle image control device. The portable information terminal includes a terminal control device. The application program, upon detecting reception in the terminal control device of a selection command based on an operation of the handlebar switch from the vehicle image control device due to execution of the application program by the terminal control device, causes the terminal control device to select a display image from a plurality of images and to transmit image data of the display image. Upon detecting travel of the straddled vehicle, the application program causes the terminal control device to transmit, instead of the image data of the display image, suppression image data of a suppression image indicating that a selection operation on the handlebar switch is disabled, and causes the terminal control device to stop selection of the display image in accordance with the reception of the selection command.

Description

Straddled vehicle system, control method, and application program

[0001] The present invention relates to a straddle-type vehicle system, a control method, and an application program.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a motorcycle display device mounted on a motorcycle, which is a straddle-type vehicle. This motorcycle display device includes an operation unit provided on the handlebars, a display unit that also functions as a speed indicator, and a processing unit. The processing unit generates image information based on communication with an external device. The processing unit also detects the running state of the motorcycle and outputs an image to the display unit based on the detected running state.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-018014

[0004] In a system that displays an image transmitted from a portable information terminal on a speed display of a saddle-type vehicle, it is sometimes desirable to have a simple configuration for reflecting the driving condition in the image display of the saddle-type vehicle, and to be able to flexibly respond to requests for changes in the conditions for reflection or the content of the display.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a saddle-type vehicle system, a control method, and an application program that have a simple configuration for reflecting the driving state in the image display of a saddle-type vehicle and can flexibly respond to requests for changes in the reflection conditions or display content.

[0006] For example, the motorcycle disclosed in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a manual operation unit. An external device selects an image to be displayed in response to operation of the manual operation unit and transmits the image to the motorcycle display device. The image transmitted from the external device is displayed in a portion of the display device that displays the vehicle speed. The motorcycle display device also detects the running state of the motorcycle. The motorcycle display device then selects and displays a specific image based on the detected running state.

[0007] In a system in which an image transmitted from an external portable information terminal is displayed on a display device attached to a saddle-type vehicle, as in the above example, a user may wish to change the content of a specific image displayed based on the vehicle's driving conditions, or to change the conditions under which a specific image is displayed. Such changes can be accommodated by modifying the hardware or software of the display device or its control device that displays the speed. However, such changes involve partial changes to the vehicle's function or structure and may not be easily implemented. For example, even if such changes can be accommodated by modifying the software, the saddle-type vehicle would still require the vehicle to be taken to a vehicle repair shop or vehicle parts dealer for modification. Another possible approach is to store all conceivable variations of images and display conditions in the display device's control device during the design stage of the saddle-type vehicle, display a list of variations on the display unit, and allow the user to select an option by operating a handlebar switch. However, this approach cannot accommodate future changes outside of the anticipated range. Even if variations can be accommodated, selecting from the variations is complicated for the handlebar switch, which must be operated while holding the handlebars.

[0008] The inventors conceived the idea of ​​consolidating the final means for selecting the image to be displayed in the mobile information terminal. In this case, image data of a specific image to be displayed based on a specific driving state is included in the mobile information terminal and becomes one of the candidate images to be transmitted from the mobile information terminal. The specific image is selected by the mobile information terminal and transmitted to the saddle-riding vehicle. An inhibiting image indicating that a selection operation of the handlebar switch is disabled is also selected by the mobile information terminal based on the detection of driving by the mobile information terminal and transmitted to the saddle-riding vehicle. With this configuration, the saddle-riding vehicle can omit, for example, a means for storing the specific image or selecting a specific image display. Therefore, the saddle-riding vehicle can display the specific image simply by having the function of displaying the image received from the mobile information terminal. Because the image selection function is consolidated in the mobile information terminal, requests such as changing the content of the specific image or the conditions under which the specific image is displayed can be accommodated by updating the software of the mobile information terminal. For example, by downloading data of a specific image to a mobile information terminal or by downloading an application program that generates image data to a mobile information terminal, it is possible to change the display function of a specific image without modifying the function or structure of the saddle-riding type vehicle and without requiring complex operations on the handlebar switches. Therefore, the configuration for reflecting the riding state in the image display is simple, and it is possible to flexibly respond to requests for changes in the conditions for reflection or the content of the display. Based on this finding, the present invention was completed.

[0009] The present invention can provide the following saddle-ride type vehicle system.

[0010] (1) A saddle-riding type vehicle system comprising a saddle-riding type vehicle and an application program running on a mobile information terminal capable of communicating with the saddle-riding type vehicle, wherein the saddle-riding type vehicle comprises: a vehicle body including handlebars held by the hands of a rider of the saddle-riding type vehicle; handlebar switches attached to the handlebars; a speed indicator attached to the vehicle body for displaying the traveling speed and an image of the saddle-riding type vehicle; and a vehicle image control device having a function of communicating with the mobile information terminal and controlling the speed indicator; the mobile information terminal comprises a terminal control device as a computer having a function of communicating with the vehicle image control device; the vehicle image control device transmits a selection command to the terminal control device to cause the terminal control device to select one image from a plurality of images as a display image in response to an operation of the handlebar switch by the rider's hand while holding the handlebar; and when image data is received from the terminal control device, causes the speed indicator to display an image of the image data; and the application program is executed by the terminal control device to When the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch is received from the vehicle image control device, the terminal control device is caused to select the display image from the plurality of images and transmit the image data of the display image, and when the traveling of the saddle-ride type vehicle is detected, the terminal control device is caused to transmit suppression image data of a suppression image indicating that selection operation of the handlebar switch is not possible, instead of the image data of the display image, and cancels the selection of the display image in response to the reception of the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch.

[0011] According to the straddle-type vehicle system of (1) above, the vehicle image control device transmits a selection command to the terminal control device in response to an operation of a handlebar switch by the rider while holding the handlebar, causing the terminal control device to select one image from a plurality of images as a display image. When the terminal control device executing an application program receives the selection command, it selects a display image from a plurality of images and transmits image data of the display image. When the vehicle image control device receives image data from the terminal control device, it causes the speed indicator to display the image of the image data. When the terminal control device executing the application program detects that the vehicle is traveling, it transmits suppression image data representing a suppression image in place of the image data of the display image. The suppression image is an image indicating that selection operation of the handlebar switch is disabled. Furthermore, when the terminal control device detects the traveling state of the vehicle, it cancels the selection of a display image in response to reception of the selection command based on operation of the handlebar switch. According to this straddle-type vehicle system, the final selection means for image data of a display image is integrated into the mobile information terminal. In other words, the suppression image data of the suppression image selected and displayed while the saddle-type vehicle is traveling is included in the mobile information terminal. The suppression image is treated as one of the types of images transmitted from the mobile information terminal. The suppression image is selected by the portable information terminal while the saddle-riding vehicle is traveling and transmitted to the saddle-riding vehicle. Therefore, the saddle-riding vehicle can omit, for example, a means for storing the suppression image or selecting the display of the suppression image. The saddle-riding vehicle can display the suppression image simply by having a function for displaying the image received from the portable information terminal. Because the image selection function is integrated into the portable information terminal, requests can be made to change the content of the suppression image or the conditions for displaying the suppression image, for example, by updating the software of the portable information terminal. This reduces the need for functional or structural changes that require modifications to the saddle-riding vehicle, and also reduces the need for complex menu selection operations using the handlebar switches, allowing the display format of the suppression image to be changed. Therefore, the configuration for reflecting the traveling state in the image display is simple, and requests for changes in the conditions for reflection or the content of the display can be flexibly accommodated.

[0012] A saddle-type vehicle is a vehicle equipped with a saddle-type seat. A saddle-type vehicle is configured so that a rider sits astride the seat. Saddle-type vehicles are not limited to scooter-type, moped-type, off-road-type, and on-road motorcycles, but also include snowmobiles, watercraft, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and the like. A saddle-type vehicle may have at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel. A saddle-type vehicle is not limited to motorcycles, but may be a three-wheeled vehicle having a pair of front or rear wheels, or a four-wheeled vehicle having a pair of front and rear wheels, respectively. A saddle-type vehicle may be configured to be able to turn in a leaned position toward the center of a curve.

[0013] The portable information terminal is an information terminal that can be carried by a rider. The portable information terminal has a size that can be carried by a rider. The portable information terminal is, for example, a smartphone. However, the portable information terminal is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a tablet computer or a wearable terminal. Furthermore, when the rider rides a saddle-type vehicle, the portable information terminal may be detachably attached to the vehicle body. The portable information terminal may be, for example, equipped with a terminal operation device. The terminal operation device is, for example, a touch screen. The touch screen has a display that displays images and a translucent touch panel overlaid on the display. However, the structure of the terminal operation device is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a display that displays images and a switch provided at a location away from the display.

[0014] The speed indicator is, for example, a speedometer that displays the traveling speed of a saddle-type vehicle. The speed indicator has, for example, an area that displays the traveling speed numerically and an area that displays an image of image data received from a terminal control device. In this case, the speed indicator may have, for example, an area that displays the traveling speed numerically as an image and an area that displays an image of the image data received from the terminal control device. The speed indicator may also display information other than the traveling speed numerically and the image of the received image data. The speed indicator is, for example, attached to a handlebar. However, the attachment position of the speed indicator is not particularly limited, and for example, the speed indicator may be attached to a vehicle body other than the handlebar. The speed indicator displays, for example, a still image. More specifically, the speed indicator may have, for example, a function that is limited to displaying a still image. In this case, the configuration of the speed indicator can be simplified and the displayed image can be updated by intermittent communication corresponding to one image. However, the display function of the speed indicator is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be capable of displaying a moving image.

[0015] The vehicle image control device has a function of controlling the display of the numerical value of the traveling speed on a speed indicator, for example. The vehicle image control device is attached to the saddle-riding type vehicle. The vehicle image control device is, for example, provided integrally with the speed indicator. For example, the vehicle image control device detects the traveling speed of the saddle-riding type vehicle directly from the saddle-riding type vehicle and displays the numerical value of the traveling speed on the speed indicator. However, the vehicle image control device is not particularly limited, and for example, it may not control the display of the numerical value of the traveling speed, but may control the display of an image received from the terminal control device. Furthermore, the vehicle image control device may, for example, control the display of something other than the numerical value of the traveling speed.

[0016] The inhibiting image is, for example, an image that indicates by means of text or a pictogram that the handlebar switch selection operation is prohibited. The inhibiting image is not particularly limited, and may include, for example, text or a graphic indicating that the vehicle is in motion, or may be a plain image without text or a graphic.

[0017] Image data of an image is specifically image data that represents an image. The format of the image data may be, for example, a bitmap format or a compressed format. Suppression image data is one type of image data. The suppression image data differs from other image data in the content that represents the suppression image. The suppression image data has, for example, the same data format as other image data.

[0018] Detection of the movement of a saddle-riding type vehicle is not limited to strictly determining whether the movement speed is zero or not. In order to suppress frequent changes in the display, the movement of a saddle-riding type vehicle can be detected, for example, by determining whether the time during which the movement speed exceeds a reference speed exceeds a reference time. The movement speed can be obtained directly from the saddle-riding type vehicle. However, the method for obtaining the movement speed is not particularly limited, and the movement speed may be detected indirectly, for example, as the movement speed of the terminal control device. The non-moving state of the saddle-riding type vehicle is a state in which the movement of the saddle-riding type vehicle is not detected.

[0019] An application program is a program executed by a terminal control device serving as a computer. For example, the application program is a program for wirelessly connecting to a vehicle image control device mounted on a saddle-riding type vehicle and transmitting image data or acquiring image data from the saddle-riding type vehicle. The application program is sometimes referred to as a connected application, for example. The application program differs from operating software (OS), which has the minimum functions required for a mobile information terminal serving as a computer to operate. For example, a terminal control device that executes an OS downloads and installs the application program via the Internet. This allows the terminal control device to execute the application program.

[0020] (2) In the saddle-type vehicle system of (1), the application program, when executed by the terminal control device, causes the terminal control device to set a display retention attribute for retaining the display state of a predetermined image among images that can be displayed on the speed display device, and if the image data transmitted to the vehicle image control device has the display retention attribute, causes the transmission of suppressed image data of the suppressed image to be omitted.

[0021] According to the saddle-riding vehicle system described above in (2), if the image data previously transmitted to the vehicle image control device has a display retention attribute, i.e., if an image with the display retention attribute is displayed, the terminal control device does not transmit a suppression image even when the saddle-riding vehicle is detected to be moving. Therefore, even when the vehicle is moving, the display of the image with the display retention attribute is maintained. For example, by setting the display retention attribute for an image that should not disappear even when the saddle-riding vehicle is moving, such as vehicle maintenance information indicating that maintenance is required for the saddle-riding vehicle, if this image is displayed, the suppression image is not displayed even when the vehicle starts moving, and the display of the vehicle maintenance information is maintained. An exceptional condition for not starting the display of the suppression image even when the vehicle is moving can be set, for example, by operating a mobile information terminal or using an application program on the mobile information terminal. In other words, exceptions to the display of the suppression image can be changed while suppressing changes to the function or structure of the saddle-riding vehicle or complex operations on the handlebar switches. Therefore, the system can flexibly accommodate exceptions to the display of the suppression image.

[0022] The type of image to which the display retention attribute is set is not particularly limited as long as it relates to information of such urgency that it should not disappear simply because the saddle riding type vehicle is moving. The type of image to which the display retention attribute is set may be, for example, an image related to the driving state or driving environment. The type of image to which the display retention attribute is set may be, for example, weather information or earthquake information.

[0023] (3) In the saddle-type vehicle system of (1) or (2), the application program is executed by the terminal control device, so that when the terminal control device detects that the saddle-type vehicle is not in motion, the application program causes the terminal control device to transmit the image data of the display image, and when the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch is received from the vehicle image control device, the application program resumes selection of the display image.

[0024] According to the saddle-riding vehicle system of (3) above, when the saddle-riding vehicle is not traveling, the display of the suppressed image is cancelled, and the display image can be selected and displayed. Therefore, the conditions for canceling the display of the suppressed image can be flexibly addressed.

[0025] (4) A control method for controlling the display of a vehicle image display device attached to a body of a saddle-riding type vehicle using a mobile information terminal equipped with a terminal control device capable of communicating with the saddle-riding type vehicle, the control method comprising: transmitting a selection command to the terminal control device to cause the terminal control device to select one image from a plurality of images as a display image in response to operation of a handlebar switch by a rider holding the handlebar attached to the handlebar of the vehicle body; selecting the display image from the plurality of images and transmitting image data of the display image when the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch is received from the vehicle image control device; displaying an image of the image data on a speed indicator when the image data is received from the terminal control device; and transmitting suppression image data of a suppression image indicating that selection operation of the handlebar switch is not possible in place of the image data of the display image when it is detected that the vehicle is moving, and canceling the selection of the display image in response to reception of the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch.

[0026] According to the above configuration, the configuration for reflecting the driving state in the image display is simple, and it is possible to flexibly respond to requests for changes in the conditions for reflection or the content of the display.

[0027] The present invention can also provide the following saddle-ride type vehicle system. (5) A saddle-riding vehicle system comprising a saddle-riding vehicle and a mobile information terminal capable of communicating with the saddle-riding vehicle, wherein the saddle-riding vehicle comprises: a vehicle body including handlebars held by the hands of a rider of the saddle-riding vehicle; handlebar switches attached to the handlebars; a speed indicator attached to the vehicle body and displaying the traveling speed and an image of the saddle-riding vehicle; and a vehicle image control device having a function of communicating with the mobile information terminal and controlling the speed indicator, wherein the mobile information terminal comprises a terminal control device as a computer having a function of communicating with the vehicle image control device, wherein the vehicle image control device transmits a selection command to the terminal control device to cause the terminal control device to select one image from a plurality of images as a display image in response to an operation of the handlebar switch by the rider's hand while holding the handlebar, and when image data is received from the terminal control device, the terminal control device displays an image of the image data on the speed indicator, and when the terminal control device receives the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch from the vehicle image control device, by executing an application program, selects the display image from the plurality of images and transmits the image data of the display image, When the movement of the saddle-ride type vehicle is detected, suppression image data of a suppression image indicating that selection operation of the handlebar switch is not possible is transmitted in place of the image data of the display image, and selection of the display image in response to reception of the selection command based on operation of the handlebar switch is canceled.

[0028] According to the above configuration, similar to (1) above, the configuration for reflecting the driving conditions in the image display is simple, and it is possible to flexibly respond to requests for changes in the conditions for reflection or the content of the display.

[0029] (6) In the saddle-type vehicle system of (5), the terminal control device sets a display retention attribute for maintaining the display state of a predetermined image among the images that can be displayed on the speed display device, and if the image data transmitted to the vehicle image control device has the display retention attribute, the transmission of the suppression image data of the suppression image is omitted.

[0030] According to the above configuration, as in the above (2), it is possible to change the exceptions to the display of the suppressed image while suppressing changes to the function or structure of the saddle-ride type vehicle or complex operations on the handlebar switch, thereby enabling flexible response to the setting of exceptions to the display of the suppressed image.

[0031] (7) In the saddle-type vehicle system of (5) or (6), the terminal control device transmits the image data of the display image when it detects that the saddle-type vehicle is not in motion, and resumes the selection of the display image when it receives the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch from the vehicle image control device.

[0032] According to the above configuration, when the saddle riding type vehicle is not in a traveling state, the display of the suppressed image is canceled, and the display image can be selected and displayed. Therefore, the conditions for canceling the display of the suppressed image can be flexibly handled.

[0033] The present invention can also provide the following application program: (8) An application program for controlling the portable information terminal provided in the saddle-riding type vehicle system of any one of (5) to (7), wherein the application program, when executed by the terminal control device, causes the terminal control device to: when the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch is received from the vehicle image control device, select the display image from the plurality of images and transmit the image data of the display image; and when it is detected that the saddle-riding type vehicle is traveling, cause the terminal control device to transmit suppression image data of a suppression image indicating that the selection operation of the handlebar switch is not possible, instead of the image data of the display image, and cancel the selection of the display image in response to the reception of the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch.

[0034] According to the above configuration, the configuration for reflecting the driving state in the image display is simple, and it is possible to flexibly respond to requests for changes in the conditions for reflection or the content of the display.

[0035] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of defining particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed components. As used herein, the use of the terms "including," "comprising," or "having," and variations thereof, identifies the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or equivalents thereof, but may include one or more of the steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the terms "attached," "connected," "coupled," and / or equivalents thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect attachments, connections, and couplings. Furthermore, "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, but can include direct or indirect electrical connections or couplings. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the relevant technology and the context of this disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein. It is understood that numerous techniques and processes are disclosed in the description of the present invention. Each of these has distinct advantages, and each can be used with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Therefore, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from unnecessarily repeating all possible combinations of individual steps. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that all such combinations are within the scope of the present invention and claims. A novel straddle-type vehicle system and control method are described herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. The present disclosure is to be considered as an example of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the following drawings or description.

[0036] According to the present invention, the configuration for reflecting the driving state in the image display is simple, and it is possible to flexibly respond to requests for changes in the conditions for reflection or the content of the display.

[0037] It is a figure explaining the straddle-type vehicle system according to one embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the operation of the straddle-type vehicle system shown in Figure 1. It is a flowchart explaining the operation of an example of the straddle-type vehicle system shown in Figures 1 and 2. It is a figure explaining an example of a display screen of a mobile information terminal. It is a table showing examples of images and attributes set for the images.

[0038] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a saddle-riding type vehicle system according to one embodiment. Part (a) of Fig. 1 is a schematic external view of the saddle-riding type vehicle system. Part (b) of Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a mobile information terminal. Part (c) of Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of the saddle-riding type vehicle system. Part (d) of Fig. 1 is a chart illustrating the transition of display on a vehicle image display device.

[0039] 1 includes a saddle-type vehicle 1, a portable information terminal 2, and an application program 23. The application program 23 runs on the portable information terminal 2 that is capable of communicating with the saddle-type vehicle 1.

[0040] The saddle-riding type vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body 11, a handlebar switch 12, a speed indicator 13, and a vehicle image control device 14. The saddle-riding type vehicle 1 also includes wheels 17.

[0041] The vehicle body 11 supports wheels 17. The vehicle body 11 includes handlebars 11b. The handlebars 11b are held by the hands H of the rider R of the saddle-riding vehicle 1. The saddle-riding vehicle 1 is steered by holding the handlebars 11b of the saddle-riding vehicle 1 with the hands H of the rider R seated on the saddle-riding vehicle 1. The handlebar switches 12 are attached to the handlebars 11b. The handlebar switches 12 are provided in a position where they can be operated by the hands H of the rider R holding the handlebars 11b. The handlebar switches 12 can be operated by the hands H of the rider R holding the handlebars 11b. The speed indicator 13 is attached to the vehicle body 11. The speed indicator 13, which displays the traveling speed of the saddle-riding vehicle 1, displays an image. The speed indicator 13 displays a still image. The speed indicator 13 has, for example, an area for displaying the traveling speed and an area for displaying an image that is different from the area for displaying the traveling speed. The speed indicator 13 displays, for example, the traveling speed as a numerical value as an image. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the traveling speed on the speed indicator 13 is displayed as, for example, a seven-segment display. The vehicle image control device 14 has a function of communicating with the mobile information terminal 2. The vehicle image control device 14 can communicate with the mobile information terminal 2 via short-range wireless communication. The short-range wireless communication is, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The vehicle image control device 14 also controls the speed indicator 13. More specifically, the vehicle image control device 14 controls the display operation of the speed indicator 13. The vehicle image control device 14 detects the traveling speed of the saddle-riding type vehicle 1 and displays the traveling speed numerical value on the speed indicator 13. The vehicle image control device 14 is a computer that controls the speed indicator 13 by executing a program 15, as shown in the lower part of part (c) of FIG. 1 . More specifically, the vehicle image control device 14 includes a processor 14a, a communication device 14b that wirelessly communicates with the mobile information terminal 2, and a memory 14c that stores a program 15 and data. The processor 14a executes the program 15, thereby performing the functions and processing of the vehicle image control device 14.

[0042] The mobile information terminal 2 is capable of communicating with the saddle-riding type vehicle 1. The mobile information terminal 2 is also capable of communicating with a computer network other than the saddle-riding type vehicle 1. As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the mobile information terminal 2 includes a terminal operation device 21 and a terminal control device 22. Specifically, the terminal control device 22 has a function of communicating with the vehicle image control device 14. The terminal control device 22 is a computer that controls the terminal control device 21 by executing an application program 23. More specifically, the terminal control device 22 includes a processor 22a that executes the application program 23, a communicator 22b that wirelessly communicates with the vehicle image control device 14, and a memory 22c that stores the application program 23 and data. The processor 22a executes the application program 23 stored in the memory 22c to communicate with the vehicle image control device 14 and control the terminal operation device 21. The application program 23 is acquired via a computer network such as the Internet. The application program 23 is distributed, for example, by the manufacturer of the saddle-riding type vehicle 1. For example, the rider R operates the portable information terminal 2 to acquire the application program 23 and installs the application program 23 into the portable information terminal 2, thereby producing the saddle-type vehicle system S.

[0043] The terminal operation device 21 displays an image for operation and accepts operations related to the displayed image. The terminal operation device 21 is, for example, a touch screen.

[0044] The portable information terminal 2 has a plurality of images A, B, C, D, etc. More specifically, the portable information terminal 2 has image data representing each of the plurality of images A, B, C, D, etc. In the present embodiment, images A to D may be used as representative images for explanation. The portable information terminal 2 can provide image data of images that can be displayed on the speed indicator 13. The image data is stored, for example, in the memory 22c of the portable information terminal 2. The image data is obtained, for example, by the terminal control device 22 communicating with a device other than the portable information terminal 2 and other than the saddle-riding type vehicle 1 via a network. Furthermore, for example, the image data is generated by the terminal control device 22 executing application software other than the application program 23. Furthermore, for example, the image data is generated by a photographing operation of a camera (not shown) included in the portable information terminal 2. Image A is, for example, a vehicle information image representing vehicle information, as shown in part (c) of FIG. 1 . Image B is, for example, a photograph obtained by photography. Image C is, for example, a weather information image representing a weather forecast. Image D is, for example, an image representing other information. Images A, B, C, D, etc. may belong to different image groups, for example. An image group is, for example, application software. For example, image A may be a representative image of multiple images output from application software as an image group displaying vehicle information. The mobile information terminal 2 has a suppression image Z. More specifically, the mobile information terminal 2 has suppression image data representing the suppression image Z. The suppression image Z, for example, indicates that the rider R cannot perform a selection operation on the handlebar switch 12. The suppression image Z, for example, indicates that a selection action in response to an image selection operation is suppressed. The suppression image Z may, for example, represent a message prohibiting the rider R from performing a selection operation. The data format for the suppression image Z is the same as the format for images A, B, C, D, etc.

[0045] Next, we will explain the operations of the vehicle image control device 14 and the mobile information terminal 2. The vehicle image control device 14 performs control processing by executing a program 15. Furthermore, the terminal control device 22 of the mobile information terminal 2 performs control processing by executing an application program 23.

[0046] The vehicle image control device 14 transmits a selection command to the terminal control device 22 in response to an operation of the handlebar switch 12 by the hand H of the rider R while holding the handlebar 11b. The selection command is command data that causes the terminal control device 22 to select one image from a plurality of images A to D. The one image selected from images A to D in response to the selection command is the display image. Furthermore, when the vehicle image control device 14 receives image data from the terminal control device 22, it causes the speed indicator 13 to display the image of the image data.

[0047] By executing the application program 23, the terminal control device 22, when receiving a selection command from the vehicle image control device 14 based on the operation of the handlebar switch 12, selects a display image from the plurality of images A to D and transmits image data of the display image. For example, the terminal control device 22 sequentially selects one image from the plurality of images A to D as the display image each time it receives a selection command. Note that if each of the images A to D is an image group containing multiple images, the terminal control device 22 transmits image data of the image included in the selected image group. Then, for example, the terminal control device 22 may sequentially select one image from the selected image group in response to a command to select an individual image within the image group and transmit image data of the selected image.

[0048] When the terminal control device 22 detects that the saddle riding type vehicle 1 is traveling, it transmits suppression image data of the suppression image Z instead of the image data of the display image (one of images A to D). Then, the terminal control device 22 cancels the selection of the display image in response to the reception of the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch 12. By displaying the suppression image Z, which is not the display image selected by the rider R, while the saddle riding type vehicle 1 is traveling, the rider R is prevented from gazing at the image.

[0049] The terminal control device 22 detects the traveling of the saddle riding type vehicle 1 based on, for example, the detection result of the traveling speed of the portable information terminal 2. When the portable information terminal 2 is carried by the rider R or detachably attached to the vehicle body 11, the traveling speed of the portable information terminal 2 can be used to detect the traveling of the saddle riding type vehicle 1. Because the vehicle image control device 14 attached to the vehicle body 11 receives image data from the portable information terminal 2, there is a high possibility that the portable information terminal 2 will be carried by the rider R or attached to the vehicle body 11. Therefore, the traveling speed of the portable information terminal 2 is likely to reflect the traveling state of the saddle riding type vehicle 1. For example, the communication device 22b has a global positioning system (GPS) receiving function. The terminal control device 22 can detect the traveling speed of the portable information terminal 2 based on the position information of the portable information terminal 2 obtained from the communication device 22b. In addition, the terminal control device 22 may also be configured to detect the movement of the saddle-type vehicle 1 by directly obtaining data on the movement state of the saddle-type vehicle 1 from the saddle-type vehicle 1 via wireless communication with the vehicle image control device 14 that controls the speed display device 13.

[0050] Note that the terminal control device 22 cannot select the suppression image Z in response to a selection command. In other words, the suppression image Z is an image outside the range of selection in response to a selection command. In other words, the terminal control device 22 selects an image other than the suppression image Z in response to a selection command. This prevents a situation in which a suppression image representing inappropriate content, such as image selection suppression, is displayed when the handlebar switch 12 is operated while the vehicle is not traveling.

[0051] In the saddle-riding vehicle system S of this embodiment, the final selection means for image data of the display image, including the suppression image Z, is integrated into the portable information terminal 2. In other words, the suppression image data of the suppression image Z that is selected and displayed while the saddle-riding vehicle 1 is traveling is one of the candidate image data transmitted from the portable information terminal 2. The suppression image Z is selected by the portable information terminal 2 while the saddle-riding vehicle 1 is traveling and transmitted to the saddle-riding vehicle 1. Therefore, the saddle-riding vehicle 1 can omit means for storing the suppression image Z or for selecting the display of the suppression image Z. In other words, the saddle-riding vehicle 1 can display the suppression image Z simply by having a function for displaying image data received from the portable information terminal 2.

[0052] Because the image selection function is concentrated in the portable information terminal 2, it is possible to respond to requests such as changing the content of the suppression image Z or changing the conditions under which the suppression image Z is displayed by, for example, updating the application program 23 of the portable information terminal 2. This makes it possible to change the display format of the suppression image Z while suppressing changes to the function or structure that would require modification work on the saddle riding type vehicle 1 and omitting the selection operation of a complex setting menu for the handlebar switch 12. Therefore, the saddle riding type vehicle system S of this embodiment has a simple configuration for reflecting the traveling state in the display of images A to Z, and can flexibly respond to requests for changes in the conditions for reflection or the content of the display.

[0053] Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the straddle-type vehicle system shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 2 shows the control by the mobile information terminal 2 and the control by the vehicle image control device 14.

[0054] The control of the portable information terminal 2 is performed by the terminal control device 22 executing an application program 23. The control of the vehicle image control device 14 is performed by the vehicle image control device 14 executing a program 15.

[0055] The vehicle image control device 14 executes a selection command transmission process (S22) each time the handlebar switch 12 is operated (Yes in S21). The vehicle image control device 14 transmits a selection command to the terminal control device 22.

[0056] When the terminal control device 22 receives a selection command from the vehicle image control device 14 (Yes in S11), it executes a selection and transmission process (S12). Each time the terminal control device 22 receives a selection command, it sequentially selects one image from the multiple images (A to D). The terminal control device 22 transmits image data of the displayed image to the vehicle image control device 14.

[0057] When the vehicle image control device 14 receives the image data (Yes in S23), it executes an image display process (S24). The vehicle image control device 14 displays the content image of the received image data on the speed display 13. The vehicle image control device 14 maintains the display of the content image on the speed display 13 until it receives the next image data.

[0058] Furthermore, if the terminal control device 22 detects that the saddle riding type vehicle 1 is traveling (Yes in S13), it executes suppression image processing (S14). The terminal control device 22 transmits suppression image data of suppression image Z to the vehicle image control device 14. As a result, when the vehicle image control device 14 receives image data of suppression image Z (Yes in S23), it executes image display processing (S24). As a result, suppression image Z is displayed. Furthermore, while the traveling of the saddle riding type vehicle 1 is detected (Yes in S15), the terminal control device 22 does not execute either the reception of the selection command (S11) or the selection and transmission processing (S12). Therefore, the selection of a display image in response to the reception of the selection command is canceled.

[0059] As described above, the vehicle image control device 14 executes the selection command transmission process (S21, S22) and the image display process (S23, S24). The terminal control device 22 executes the selection and transmission process (S11, S12) and the suppression image process (S13, S14, S15).

[0060] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an example of the saddle-ride type vehicle system shown in Figures 1 and 2. With reference to Figure 3, more detailed operational parts that are not included in the flowchart of Figure 2 will be described. Parts that are common to Figure 2 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may be omitted to avoid duplication.

[0061] The terminal control device 22 in the mobile information terminal 2 may execute, for example, an attribute setting process (S101). In the attribute setting process, the terminal control device 22 sets a display retention attribute to a predetermined image that is to retain its display state, among images that can be displayed on the speed display 13.

[0062] The attributes of the images can be set by the terminal control device 22, for example, in response to an operation of the rider R on the terminal operation device 21. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a mobile information terminal. As shown in Fig. 4, the terminal control device 22 causes the terminal operation device 21 to display a list of images, and sets the attributes in response to an operation on a part of the terminal operation device 21 corresponding to the display position of each image.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a table showing examples of images and attributes set for the images. In the example shown in FIG. 5, images A to D are shown as images that can be displayed on the speedometer 13. For each image, examples of display content and display retention attributes are shown. For example, the display retention attribute is set (YES) for image A of vehicle information. More specifically, the vehicle information is vehicle maintenance information. For example, the vehicle information is information indicating when parts should be replaced based on the vehicle's mileage. Attributes are set in response to operation of the mobile information terminal 2, without complex operation of the handlebar switch 12, for example. Note that the presence or absence of some attributes may be specific to the corresponding image and may not be changeable by operation of the terminal operation device 21.

[0064] The explanation will be continued with reference to FIG. 3. In response to receiving the selection command (Yes in S11), the terminal control device 22 executes a selection and transmission process (S12). The terminal control device 22 transmits image data of the selected display image. If the image data previously transmitted to the vehicle image control device 14 has the display retention attribute (Yes in S102), the terminal control device 22 omits transmission of the suppression image data of the suppression image Z (S14). When an image with the display retention attribute set (e.g., image A in FIG. 5 ) is displayed, even if the movement of the saddle-riding type vehicle 1 is detected, the terminal control device 22 does not transmit the suppression image data of the suppression image Z. Therefore, even if the saddle-riding type vehicle 1 is in a moving state, the display of image A with the display retention attribute set is maintained. By setting the display retention attribute for image A containing information that requires urgency to the extent that it should not disappear while the saddle-riding type vehicle 1 is moving, the suppression image Z is not displayed even if the saddle-riding type vehicle 1 starts moving while image A is displayed, and the display of image A with the vehicle maintenance information is maintained. This allows the rider R to confirm that maintenance is required even while the vehicle is traveling, based on the image displayed on the speed indicator 13. The setting of the exceptional conditions under which the display of the suppression image Z is not started even while the vehicle is traveling as described above can be executed, for example, by operating the mobile information terminal 2 or by the application program 23 of the mobile information terminal 2. In other words, it is possible to change the exceptions to the display of the suppression image Z while suppressing changes to the function or structure of the saddle riding type vehicle 1 or complex operations on the handlebar switch 12.

[0065] The terminal control device 22 transmits suppression image data of the suppression image Z in response to detection of the movement of the saddle riding type vehicle 1 (Yes in S13) (S14).

[0066] The exceptional conditions for the image that takes precedence over the suppression image Z can be set, for example, by operating the mobile information terminal 2 or by using the application program 23 of the mobile information terminal 2. In other words, it is possible to change the exceptions to the display of the suppression image Z while suppressing changes to the function or structure of the saddle riding type vehicle 1 or complex operations on the handlebar switch 12.

[0067] When the terminal control device 22 detects that the saddle riding type vehicle 1 is not moving (No in S15), it may execute a return transmission process (S104). A non-moving state is detected when moving is not detected. The terminal control device 22 transmits image data of the display image in the return transmission process. For example, the terminal control device 22 may re-transmit the image data transmitted in the selection and transmission process (S12) before the suppression image data of the suppression image Z transmitted in response to the detection that the saddle riding type vehicle 1 is moving. The terminal control device 22 resumes the selection of the display image when a selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch 12 is received from the vehicle image control device 14 (S11, S12).

[0068] When the saddle-riding type vehicle 1 is not in a traveling state, the display of the suppressed image Z is cancelled, and the display image can be selected and displayed. The displayed image changes from the suppressed image Z, thereby notifying the rider R that the display image can be selected and displayed. The conditions for canceling the display of the suppressed image Z can also be changed by changing the function or structure of the saddle-riding type vehicle 1, or by changing exceptions to the display of the suppressed image Z while suppressing complex operations on the handlebar switch 12.

[0069] REFERENCE SIGNS 1: saddle-ride type vehicle 2: mobile information terminal 11: vehicle body 11b: handlebar 12: handlebar switch 13: speed indicator 14: vehicle image control device 21: terminal operation device 22: terminal control device 23: application program S: saddle-ride type vehicle system

Claims

1. A saddle-riding type vehicle system including a saddle-riding type vehicle and an application program operating on a portable information terminal capable of communicating with the saddle-riding type vehicle, wherein the saddle-riding type vehicle includes a vehicle body including a handlebar held by the hand of a rider of the saddle-riding type vehicle, a handlebar switch attached to the handlebar, a speed display for displaying the traveling speed and an image of the saddle-riding type vehicle attached to the vehicle body, and a vehicle image control device having a function of communicating with the portable information terminal and controlling the speed display, the portable information terminal includes a terminal control device as a computer having a function of communicating with the vehicle image control device, the vehicle image control device transmits a selection command for causing the terminal control device to select one image as a display image from a plurality of images in response to an operation on the handlebar switch by the hand of the rider holding the handlebar, and when receiving image data from the terminal control device, causes the speed display to display the image of the image data, and the application program, when executed by the terminal control device, when receiving the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch from the vehicle image control device, causes the terminal control device to select the display image from the plurality of images and transmit the image data of the display image, and when detecting the traveling of the saddle-riding type vehicle, causes the terminal control device to transmit suppression image data of a suppression image indicating the impossibility of a selection operation on the handlebar switch instead of the image data of the display image, and cancels the selection of the display image in response to the reception of the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch.

2. The saddle-riding type vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein the application program, when executed by the terminal control device, causes the terminal control device to set a display holding attribute for holding a display state for a predetermined image among the images that can be displayed on the speed display, and when the image data transmitted to the vehicle image control device has the display holding attribute, omits the transmission of the suppression image data of the suppression image.

3. When the application program is executed on the terminal control device, when the terminal control device detects a non-running state of the straddle-type vehicle, the application program causes the terminal control device to transmit the image data of the display image, and when the terminal control device receives the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch from the vehicle image control device, the application program resumes the selection of the display image. The straddle-type vehicle system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A control method for controlling the display of a vehicle image display device attached to the vehicle body of a straddle-type vehicle using a portable information terminal equipped with a terminal control device capable of communicating with the straddle-type vehicle, the method comprising: transmitting a selection command for causing the terminal control device to select one image as a display image from a plurality of images to the terminal control device in response to an operation on a handlebar switch by a rider holding the handlebar attached to the handlebar of the vehicle body; selecting the display image from the plurality of images and transmitting the image data of the display image when the vehicle image control device receives the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch; displaying the image of the image data on a speed display when the terminal control device receives the image data; when detecting the running of the vehicle, transmitting suppression image data of a suppression image indicating the impossibility of a selection operation on the handlebar switch instead of the image data of the display image, and aborting the selection of the display image in response to the reception of the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch.

5. A saddle-riding type vehicle system including a saddle-riding type vehicle and a portable information terminal capable of communicating with the saddle-riding type vehicle, wherein the saddle-riding type vehicle includes a vehicle body including a handlebar held by the hand of a rider of the saddle-riding type vehicle, a handlebar switch attached to the handlebar, a speed display for displaying the traveling speed and an image of the saddle-riding type vehicle attached to the vehicle body, and a vehicle image control device having a function of communicating with the portable information terminal and controlling the speed display. The portable information terminal includes a terminal control device as a computer having a function of communicating with the vehicle image control device. The vehicle image control device transmits a selection command for causing the terminal control device to select one image as a display image from a plurality of images to the terminal control device in response to an operation on the handlebar switch by the hand of the rider holding the handlebar. When receiving image data from the terminal control device, the vehicle image control device causes the speed display to display the image of the image data. The terminal control device, by executing an application program, when receiving the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch from the vehicle image control device, selects the display image from the plurality of images and transmits the image data of the display image. When detecting the traveling of the saddle-riding type vehicle, instead of the image data of the display image, suppression image data of a suppression image indicating the impossibility of a selection operation on the handlebar switch is transmitted, and the selection of the display image in response to the reception of the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch is aborted.

6. The saddle-riding type vehicle system according to claim 5, wherein the terminal control device sets a display holding attribute for holding a display state for a predetermined image among the images that can be displayed on the speed display, and when the image data transmitted to the vehicle image control device has the display holding attribute, transmission of the suppression image data of the suppression image is omitted.

7. The saddle-riding type vehicle system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the terminal control device transmits the image data of the display image when detecting a non-traveling state of the saddle-riding type vehicle, and resumes the selection of the display image when receiving the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch from the vehicle image control device.

8. An application program for controlling the portable information terminal provided in the saddle-riding type vehicle system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the application program, when executed by the terminal control device, causes the terminal control device to: when receiving the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch from the vehicle image control device, cause the terminal control device to select the display image from the plurality of images and transmit the image data of the display image; when detecting the running of the saddle-riding type vehicle, cause the terminal control device to transmit, instead of the image data of the display image, suppression image data of a suppression image indicating the impossibility of a selection operation on the handlebar switch, and cancel the selection of the display image in response to the reception of the selection command based on the operation of the handlebar switch.

Images