Display control method and display control device

Abstract

With this display control method, a vehicle height adjustment screen is displayed on a display provided in a vehicle, a vehicle image representing the vehicle viewed from a front surface or a side surface is displayed on the vehicle height adjustment screen, and a first image representing the direction of vehicle height adjustment to be executed by a control system on the basis of an operation by a user is displayed so as to be superimposed around or on the vehicle image.

Description

Display control method and display control device

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

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a technology for displaying on a screen a first operating parameter value and a second operating parameter value that control the air suspension mounted on a vehicle in a device that controls the air suspension to adjust the vehicle height.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-59669

[0004] However, in the diagnostic device of Patent Document 1, it is difficult for the user to determine from the parameter values ​​displayed on the screen whether the vehicle is moving upward or downward due to the operation of the air suspension, and it may be difficult for the user to recognize the operating status of the vehicle height adjustment.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a display control method and a display control device that allow a user to easily grasp the operating status of vehicle height adjustment of a vehicle.

[0006] A display control method according to one aspect of the present invention displays a screen for adjusting the vehicle's height on a display provided in the vehicle, displays a vehicle image showing the vehicle as viewed from the front or side on the screen for adjusting the vehicle's height, and displays a first image showing the direction of the vehicle's height adjustment performed by the control system based on user operation, superimposed on the periphery of the vehicle image or on the vehicle image.

[0007] According to the present invention, the user can grasp the operating status of the vehicle height adjustment.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a display control device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a meter display. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an operation panel. FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image displayed in a first state. FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image displayed when an upper limit is reached. FIG. 4C is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image displayed when a lower limit is reached. FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image displayed in a second state. FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image displayed in the second state. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a gauge image. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a gauge image. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image displayed when a vehicle height adjustment operation is interrupted. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing steps executed by a display control device according to an embodiment in chronological order. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a vehicle image, a second image, and a third image according to another embodiment.

[0009] Hereinafter, a display control method and a display control device according to an embodiment and variations thereof, as well as specific examples to which the embodiment or variations thereof are applied, will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, components having the same functions as those already described will be assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0010] The display control device according to the embodiment will be described as being applied to a control system for adjusting the vehicle height by operating an operation panel. Adjusting the vehicle height refers to adjusting the vehicle's height from the road surface in the vertical direction according to, for example, road conditions, driving mode, the user's usage scenario, etc.

[0011] The configuration of the control system will be described below: The control system includes a controller 11, an operation panel 14, an air suspension 21, and a meter display 22 (see FIGS. 1-3).

[0012] The controller 11 is a general-purpose microcomputer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and input / output units. Computer programs (display control program and control program) for functioning as a display control device and a control system are installed in the microcomputer. By executing the computer programs, the microcomputer functions as multiple information processing circuits provided in the control system. Note that in the embodiment, an example is shown in which the multiple information processing circuits provided in the control system are realized by software, but it is also possible to configure the information processing circuits by providing dedicated hardware for executing each information processing described below. Furthermore, the multiple information processing circuits may be configured as individual hardware. Details of the multiple information processing circuits provided in the controller 11 will be described later.

[0013] The controller 11 includes a vehicle height adjustment control unit 12 and a display control unit 13 as a plurality of information processing circuits (see FIG. 1).

[0014] The vehicle height adjustment control unit 12 controls the vehicle height adjustment operation by operating the air suspension 21. When a menu for adjusting the vehicle height is selected by operating the operation panel 14 (described later), and a vehicle height adjustment operator (UP) 14U or a vehicle height adjustment operator (DOWN) 14D provided on the operation panel 14 is operated, the vehicle height adjustment control unit 12 receives a signal to adjust the vehicle height upward or downward. This enables the vehicle height adjustment control unit 12 to operate the air suspension 21 and adjust the vehicle height.

[0015] The display control unit 13 displays a corresponding screen on the meter display 22 in accordance with a menu selected by the operation panel 14 (described later). Furthermore, the display control unit 13 displays a corresponding image on the meter display 22 in accordance with the operation of the vehicle height adjustment operator (UP) 14U or the vehicle height adjustment operator (DOWN) 14D on the operation panel 14.

[0016] Of the multiple information processing circuits that make up the controller 11, the display control unit 13 constitutes a display control device according to the embodiment. Furthermore, various processes performed by the display control unit 13 constitute a display control method according to the embodiment.

[0017] An operation panel 14 may be provided in the interior of a vehicle to which the control system is applied as an input means for performing various settings including vehicle height adjustment. The operation panel 14 may be, for example, a panel switch or an operable display panel provided on a center cluster or center console.

[0018] The operation panel 14 includes a vehicle height adjustment operator (UP) 14U and a vehicle height adjustment operator (DOWN) 14D as operators for selecting various vehicle settings (see FIG. 3 ). The operation panel 14 outputs a signal in response to a user's operation to the controller 11. For example, by operating the operation panel 14, a menu for adjusting the vehicle height can be selected. With the menu for adjusting the vehicle height selected, a signal for adjusting the vehicle height upward or downward is output to the controller 11 by operating the vehicle height adjustment operator (UP) 14U or the vehicle height adjustment operator (DOWN) 14D.

[0019] The air suspension 21 adjusts the vehicle height by controlling the amount of air supplied to the air suspension 21. The air suspension 21 includes, for example, an actuator, a compressor for compressing air, and a valve for adjusting air pressure. The vehicle height can be detected, for example, by a height sensor. The vehicle height adjustment control unit 12 of the controller 11 controls the operation of the air suspension 21 to adjust the vehicle height.

[0020] A meter display 22 is provided in the interior of a vehicle to which the control system is applied as a display for displaying vehicle instruments. The meter display 22 is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal panel, and displays a predetermined image so that it can be viewed by a user. The predetermined image is displayed on the meter display 22 by the display control unit 13 of the controller 11.

[0021] The meter display 22 displays, for example, a screen 22A for adjusting the vehicle height, a speedometer image 22B showing a speedometer, and a tachometer image 22C showing a tachometer (see FIG. 2). The speedometer image 22B is displayed in the left area of ​​the entire area of ​​the meter display 22. The tachometer image 22C is displayed in the right area of ​​the entire area of ​​the meter display 22. The screen 22A for adjusting the vehicle height is displayed in the central area of ​​the entire area of ​​the meter display 22. In other words, the screen 22A for adjusting the vehicle height is disposed between the speedometer image 22B and the tachometer image 22C on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. This arrangement allows the user to easily view the screen 22A for adjusting the vehicle height and easily grasp the operating status of the vehicle height adjustment.

[0022] The screen 22A for adjusting the vehicle height displays the current state of the vehicle height, the directions in which the vehicle height adjustment can be performed, the direction in which the vehicle height adjustment is being performed, etc. The layout of the screen 22A for adjusting the vehicle height is not limited to the above. The speedometer and tachometer may be configured as analog instruments, and the meter display 22 may display only the image of the screen 22A for adjusting the vehicle height.

[0023] When a menu for adjusting the vehicle height is not selected using the operation panel 14, the screen 22A for adjusting the vehicle height is not displayed on the meter display 22. This state is hereinafter referred to as the initial state. When a menu for adjusting the vehicle height is selected using the operation panel 14, the controller 11 displays the vehicle image 1, the second image 3, the third image 4, the gauge image 5, and the menu image 6 on the screen 22A for adjusting the vehicle height. This state is hereinafter referred to as the first state. That is, when the user selects the menu for adjusting the vehicle height on the operation panel 14, the initial state transitions to the first state, and the screen 22A for adjusting the vehicle height including the above images is displayed on the meter display 22. In the first state, the vehicle height adjustment operator (UP) 14U or the vehicle height adjustment operator (DOWN) 14D on the operation panel 14 is not operated, and the vehicle height adjustment operation is not performed.

[0024] Referring to Figure 4A, the vehicle image 1, second image 3, third image 4, gauge image 5, and menu image 6 displayed on the screen 22A for adjusting the vehicle height in the first state will be described.

[0025] The vehicle image 1 is configured as an image showing the vehicle as seen from the side (see FIG. 4A). The vehicle image 1 is configured with the left side of the vehicle height adjustment screen 22A as the front of the vehicle. The image of the vehicle image 1 is not limited to the above, and may be configured as an image showing the vehicle as seen from the front, or as seen from diagonally or diagonally above.

[0026] The second image 3 indicates that the vehicle height can be adjusted upward and includes an upward arrow. Hereinafter, the second image 3 will be referred to as the "upward height adjustable image 3." The upward height adjustable image 3 is composed of three upward arrows arranged in the height direction. The upward height adjustable image 3 is displayed above the vehicle image 1 (see FIG. 4A ). This arrangement allows the user to visually recognize that the vehicle height can be adjusted upward. The controller 11 acquires vehicle height information from the vehicle height adjustment control unit 12 and determines whether the vehicle height can be adjusted upward. Specifically, the controller 11 determines that the vehicle height can be adjusted upward if the vehicle height is lower than the upper limit adjustable by the control system. On the other hand, the controller 11 determines that the vehicle height cannot be adjusted upward if the vehicle height has reached the upper limit adjustable by the control system. If the controller 11 determines that the vehicle height can be adjusted upward, the controller 11 displays the upward height adjustable image 3. The arrangement of the upward-adjustable image 3 is not limited to the above, and may be arranged around the vehicle image 1 or may be displayed superimposed on the vehicle image 1. Furthermore, the number and shape of the upward arrows constituting the upward-adjustable image 3 are not limited to the above.

[0027] The third image 4 indicates that a downward vehicle height adjustment is possible and includes a downward arrow. Hereinafter, the third image 4 will be referred to as the downward adjustment possible image 4. The downward adjustment possible image 4 is composed of three downward arrows arranged in the vertical direction. The downward adjustment possible image 4 is displayed below the vehicle image 1 (see FIG. 4B ). This arrangement allows the user to visually recognize that a downward vehicle height adjustment is possible. The controller 11 acquires vehicle height information from the vehicle height adjustment control unit 12 and determines whether a downward vehicle height adjustment is possible. Specifically, the controller 11 determines that a downward vehicle height adjustment is possible when the vehicle height is higher than the lowest adjustable position by the control system. On the other hand, the controller 11 determines that a downward vehicle height adjustment is impossible when the vehicle height has reached the lowest adjustable position by the control system. If the controller 11 determines that a downward vehicle height adjustment is possible, the controller 11 displays the downward adjustment possible image 4. The arrangement of the downward adjustable image 4 is not limited to the above, and it may be arranged around the vehicle image 1 or displayed superimposed on the vehicle image 1. Furthermore, the number and shape of the downward arrows constituting the downward adjustable image 4 are not limited to the above.

[0028] The gauge image 5 is arranged on the left side of the vehicle image 1. The gauge image 5 includes upward and downward triangular images 5B, 5B, and four gauges 5A1, 5A2, 5A3, 5A4 arranged in the vertical direction between these triangular images 5B, 5B. This arrangement allows the user to visually recognize that each of the gauges 5A1, 5A2, 5A3, 5A4 corresponds to the vehicle height and that the illuminated gauges can transition up and down. Note that the arrangement of the gauge images 5 is not limited to the above, and they may be arranged around the vehicle image 1 or may be displayed superimposed on the vehicle image 1.

[0029] The controller 11 acquires vehicle height information from the vehicle height adjustment control unit 12 and controls whether to light up each of the gauges 5A1, 5A2, 5A3, and 5A4 corresponding to the vehicle height. Each of the gauges 5A1, 5A2, 5A3, and 5A4 has a rectangular shape. The height range from the lowest limit to the highest limit adjustable by the control system is divided into four height levels, and the controller 11 can determine the height level from the vehicle height information. The four height levels and the four gauges 5A1, 5A2, 5A3, and 5A4 are associated in advance, and the controller 11 lights up and displays the gauge among the gauges 5A1, 5A2, 5A3, and 5A4 that corresponds to the height level (vehicle height). For example, in FIG. 4A , gauges 5A1 and 5A2 are lit, while gauges 5A3 and 5A4 are not lit. This indicates that the vehicle height is at the height corresponding to gauge 5A2, i.e., the second-lowest height level. Therefore, the user can clearly recognize the current height of the vehicle.

[0030] The shape, number, and arrangement of each gauge 5A1, 5A2, 5A3, and 5A4 are not limited to those described above, as long as they correspond to the vehicle height. The arrangement of the upward and downward triangular images 5B, 5B is also not limited to those described above. The images that sandwich each gauge 5A1, 5A2, 5A3, and 5A4 above and below may have a shape other than a triangle. The gauge image 5 does not necessarily have images that sandwich each gauge 5A1, 5A2, 5A3, and 5A4 above and below. The lighting and non-lighting modes of each gauge 5A1, 5A2, 5A3, and 5A4 are not limited to those described above. For example, the gauge corresponding to the vehicle height may be highlighted and illuminated, while the other gauges are dimmed. The gauge corresponding to the vehicle height and the other gauges may be illuminated in different colors.

[0031] The gauge images 5 are arranged between the upper and lower ends of the vehicle image 1 in the height direction (see FIG. 4A). That is, all of the gauge images 5, 5A1, 5A2, 5A3, and 5A4, are arranged between the upper and lower ends of the vehicle image 1. This allows the user to easily recognize that the gauge images 5 are images corresponding to the vehicle height. Note that the upward and downward triangular images 5B, 5B may also be arranged between the upper and lower ends of the vehicle image 1.

[0032] The menu image 6 is located at the top of the vehicle height adjustment screen 22A, above the upward adjustable image 3 (see FIG. 4A). The menu image 6 includes a character string representing the menu selected on the operation panel 14. For example, when "Height Control," a menu for adjusting the vehicle height, is selected on the operation panel 14, the menu image 6 displays "Height Control," indicating that the menu for adjusting the vehicle height has been selected (see FIGS. 3 and 4A). Note that the menu image 6 may also be displayed in the second state described below, but is not displayed in FIGS. 4B-8 and 10. The arrangement of the menu image 6 is not limited to the above.

[0033] When a menu for adjusting the vehicle height is selected using the operation panel 14, the controller 11 displays the vehicle image 1, the second image 3, the third image 4, the gauge image 5, and the menu image 6 corresponding to the first state on the vehicle height adjustment screen 22A. In this state, the vehicle height adjustment operation can be started by operating the vehicle height adjustment operator (UP) 14U or the vehicle height adjustment operator (DOWN) 14D on the operation panel 14. That is, when the user operates the vehicle height adjustment operator (UP) 14U or the vehicle height adjustment operator (DOWN) 14D on the operation panel 14 in the first state, a transition from the first state to the second state occurs. With this transition, the image displayed in the first state is replaced with the image displayed in the second state. In the second state, the controller 11 displays the vehicle image 1, the first image 2, the gauge image 5, and the menu image 6 on the vehicle height adjustment screen 22A.

[0034] 5A, the vehicle image 1, the first image 2, and the gauge image 5 displayed on the vehicle height adjustment screen 22A in the second state will be described. The vehicle image 1 in the second state is the same as the image in the first state, and therefore will not be described again.

[0035] The first image 2 indicates that the vehicle height is being adjusted upward or downward and includes an upward or downward arrow. The first image 2 indicating that the vehicle height is being adjusted upward is hereinafter referred to as an upward adjustment execution image 2A. The first image 2 indicating that the vehicle height is being adjusted downward is hereinafter referred to as a downward adjustment execution image 2B.

[0036] The upward adjustment execution image 2A is composed of three upward arrows 2A1, 2A2, and 2A3 arranged in the height direction. The upward adjustment execution image 2A is displayed above the vehicle image 1. This allows the user to visually recognize that an upward vehicle height adjustment is being performed. The controller 11 acquires vehicle height information from the vehicle height adjustment control unit 12 and determines whether an upward vehicle height adjustment is being performed. If the controller 11 determines that an upward vehicle height adjustment is being performed, the upward adjustment execution image 2A is displayed. Note that the arrangement of the upward adjustment execution image 2A is not limited to the above, and it may be arranged around the vehicle image 1 or displayed superimposed on the vehicle image 1. Furthermore, to make it easier for the user to visually recognize that an upward vehicle height adjustment is being performed, the display color and display size of the upward adjustment execution image 2A may be different from those of the upward adjustable image 3.

[0037] The downward adjustment execution image 2B is composed of three downward arrows 2B1, 2B2, and 2B3 arranged in the height direction. The downward adjustment execution image 2B is displayed below the vehicle image 1. This allows the user to visually recognize that a downward vehicle height adjustment is being performed. The controller 11 acquires vehicle height information from the vehicle height adjustment control unit 12 and determines whether a downward vehicle height adjustment is being performed. If the controller 11 determines that a downward vehicle height adjustment is being performed, the downward adjustment execution image 2B is displayed. Note that the arrangement of the downward adjustment execution image 2B is not limited to the above, and it may be arranged around the vehicle image 1 or displayed superimposed on the vehicle image 1. Furthermore, to make it easier for the user to visually recognize that a downward vehicle height adjustment is being performed, the display color and display size of the downward adjustment execution image 2B may be different from those of the downward adjustment possible image 4.

[0038] The upward adjustment execution image 2A may be changed so as to increase or decrease the number of displayed arrows among the three arrows 2A1, 2A2, and 2A3 in conjunction with the upward vehicle height adjustment operation. Similarly, the downward adjustment execution image 2B may be changed so as to increase or decrease the number of displayed arrows among the three arrows 2B1, 2B2, and 2B3 in conjunction with the downward vehicle height adjustment operation.

[0039] More specifically, the upward adjustment execution image 2A has five display modes, from a first mode FA1 to a fifth mode FA5, which change with the operation of adjusting the vehicle height upward. In the first mode FA1, the arrow 2A1 is displayed, but the arrows 2A2 and 2A3 are not displayed. In the second mode FA2, the arrows 2A1 and 2A2 are displayed, but the arrow 2A3 ​​is not displayed. In the third mode FA3, the arrows 2A1, 2A2, and 2A3 are displayed. In the fourth mode FA4, the arrow 2A1 is not displayed, but the arrows 2A2 and 2A3 are displayed. In the fifth mode FA5, the arrows 2A1 and 2A2 are not displayed, but the arrow 2A3 ​​is displayed. Then, in the next mode, the image returns to the first mode FA1, where the arrow 2A1 is displayed, but the arrows 2A2 and 2A3 are not displayed. During the operation of adjusting the vehicle height upward, the above series of display modes FA1 to FA5 are repeatedly displayed.

[0040] The downward adjustment execution image 2B has five display modes, from a first mode FB1 to a fifth mode FB5, which change with the operation of adjusting the vehicle height downward. In the first mode FB1, the arrow 2B1 is displayed, and the arrows 2B2 and 2B3 are not displayed. In the second mode FB2, the arrows 2B1 and 2B2 are displayed, and the arrow 2B3 is not displayed. In the third mode FB3, the arrows 2B1, 2B2, and 2B3 are displayed. In the fourth mode FB4, the arrow 2B1 is not displayed, and the arrows 2B2 and 2B3 are displayed. In the fifth mode FB5, the arrows 2B1 and 2B2 are not displayed, and the arrow 2B3 is displayed. Then, in the next mode, the image returns to the first mode FB1, and the arrow 2B1 is displayed, and the arrows 2B2 and 2B3 are not displayed. During the operation of adjusting the vehicle height downward, the above series of display modes FB1-FB5 are repeatedly displayed.

[0041] The display modes FA1-FA5 and FB1-FB5 allow the user to easily grasp the direction in which the vehicle height adjustment is being performed. Note that the series of display modes is not limited to the above, as long as the image corresponding to the direction in which the vehicle height adjustment is being performed dynamically changes in conjunction with the operation of adjusting the vehicle height. For example, the length of the arrow corresponding to the direction in which the vehicle height adjustment is being performed may be extended or contracted, or the display color of the arrow may dynamically change in the direction in which the vehicle height adjustment is being performed.

[0042] In the second state, if the vehicle height is at the upper limit to which the control system can adjust the vehicle height, or if the upper limit has been reached, the controller 11 determines that upward vehicle height adjustment is not possible and stops the vehicle height adjustment operation. In this case, the state transitions from the second state to the first state. Therefore, the controller 11 ends the display of the upward adjustment image 3. At this time, all gauges 5A1, 5A2, 5A3, and 5A4 in the gauge image 5 are displayed lit (see FIG. 4B ).

[0043] In the second state, if the vehicle height is at the lowest limit adjustable by the control system or if the lowest limit has been reached, the controller 11 determines that downward vehicle height adjustment is not possible and stops the vehicle height adjustment operation. In this case, the state transitions from the second state to the first state. Therefore, the controller 11 ends the display of the downward adjustment possible image 4. At this time, all of the gauges 5A1, 5A2, 5A3, and 5A4 in the gauge image 5 are not illuminated and are not displayed (see FIG. 4C ).

[0044] The control system may determine a vehicle height appropriate for the vehicle driving conditions, including the road environment and the driving mode. In such a case, among the gauges 5A1, 5A2, 5A3, and 5A4 of the gauge image 5, the gauge corresponding to the vehicle height appropriate for the vehicle driving conditions may be displayed in a different display color from the other gauges. For example, if the vehicle height corresponding to the gauge 5A3 is determined to be appropriate for the vehicle driving conditions in the first or second state, the gauges 5A1 and 5A2 may be displayed in a first display color, the gauge 5A4 may be hidden, and the gauge 5A3 may be displayed in a third display color different from the first display color and the second display color described below (see FIG. 6 ). Note that the display method is not limited to the above, as long as the gauge corresponding to the vehicle height appropriate for the vehicle driving conditions is displayed so as to be distinguishable from the other gauges. For example, the gauge corresponding to the vehicle height appropriate for the vehicle driving conditions may be highlighted.

[0045] In the first state or the second state, among the gauges 5A1, 5A2, 5A3, and 5A4 of the gauge image 5, the gauge corresponding to the vehicle height may be displayed in a flashing state. In this case, the flashing gauge changes in accordance with the transition of the vehicle height to the height reached by the vehicle. For example, if the gauge corresponding to the current vehicle height is gauge 5A3, gauges 5A1 and 5A2 are displayed lit, and gauge 5A3 is displayed flashing. Gauge 5A4 is not displayed. If the vehicle height is adjusted upward from this state and the vehicle height reaches the height corresponding to gauge 5A4, gauges 5A1, 5A2, and 5A3 are displayed lit, and gauge 5A4 is displayed flashing. Similarly, if the vehicle height is adjusted downward, the flashing gauge may change downward in accordance with the transition of the vehicle height to the height reached by the vehicle.

[0046] When a menu for adjusting the vehicle height is selected from the operation panel 14, the controller 11 determines whether predetermined conditions for adjusting the vehicle height are met. That is, the controller 11 determines whether predetermined conditions are met in the first state.

[0047] When a menu for adjusting the vehicle height is selected in a vehicle, there may be situations in which it is not appropriate to adjust the vehicle height. For example, when the vehicle is running or temporarily stopped, the compressor for the air suspension 21 may not be able to operate properly. The controller 11 determines whether it is appropriate to adjust the vehicle height by determining whether the following predetermined conditions are met:

[0048] The flow of determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied is shown below (see FIG. 9 ). First, the controller 11 determines whether the vehicle is stopped (step S1). If the determination is satisfied, the controller 11 determines whether the shift lever is set to park or neutral (step S2). If the determination is satisfied, the controller 11 determines whether the temperature of a compressor for an air suspension provided in the vehicle is equal to or lower than a predetermined value (step S3). If the determination is satisfied, the controller 11 determines whether the engine hood of the vehicle is closed (step S4). If the determination is satisfied, the controller 11 determines that the predetermined condition for performing vehicle height adjustment is satisfied, and that vehicle height adjustment is executable (step S5). If any of the above determinations is not satisfied, the controller 11 determines that the predetermined condition is not satisfied, and that vehicle height adjustment is not executable (step S6). That is, if any of the above determinations is not satisfied, the controller 11 determines that the situation may be inappropriate for performing vehicle height adjustment, and therefore that vehicle height adjustment is not executable. Note that the predetermined conditions are not limited to those described above, and may include some of the above conditions or other determination conditions.

[0049] When it is determined that the vehicle height adjustment is possible because the predetermined conditions are met, the vehicle image 1, the upward adjustment image 3, the downward adjustment image 4, the gauge image 5, and the menu image 6 displayed in the first state are displayed on the vehicle height adjustment screen 22A. When it is determined that the predetermined conditions are not met and the vehicle height adjustment is not possible, the upward adjustment image 3 and the downward adjustment image 4 are not displayed on the vehicle height adjustment screen 22A, and the gauge image 5 is displayed in a second display color different from the first display color. At least a portion of the gauge image 5 may be displayed by flashing. The vehicle image 1 and the menu image 6 may also be displayed in a display color different from that used when it is determined that the vehicle height adjustment is possible, or may be displayed by flashing. This allows the user to visually recognize that the vehicle is in a state where the vehicle height adjustment cannot be performed.

[0050] The predetermined condition determination flow may also be performed in the second state, in which vehicle height adjustment is being performed (see FIG. 9 ). If any of the determinations in the predetermined condition determination flow become invalid during vehicle height adjustment, it is determined that the predetermined conditions for performing vehicle height adjustment are no longer met, and the vehicle height adjustment operation is stopped. That is, the system transitions from the second state to the first state. At this time, an interruption message image (hereinafter, the interruption message image 7) may be displayed as the fourth image 7, superimposed on the vehicle image 1. Alternatively, the upward adjustment execution image 2A or the downward adjustment execution image 2B may be hidden. The interruption message image 7 may include text indicating that the vehicle height adjustment will be interrupted and the reason for the interruption. For example, if the determination of whether the shift lever is set to park or neutral is invalid, the interruption message image 7 may display "Aborted (Please check the shift lever position)." The arrangement of the interruption message image 7 is not limited to the above. In addition, the interruption message image 7 may be composed of only a string of characters indicating either the fact that the operation will be interrupted or the reason for the interruption, and the content of the string of characters can be changed as appropriate depending on the reason for the interruption.

[0051] When a menu different from the menu for adjusting the vehicle height is selected from the operation panel 14, a setting screen different from the menu for adjusting the vehicle height is displayed on the meter display 22, and the screen 22A for adjusting the vehicle height is hidden. In this state, when the user operates the height adjustment operator (UP) 14U or the height adjustment operator (DOWN) 14D on the operation panel 14, the controller 11 may cause the meter display 22 to display the screen 22A for adjusting the vehicle height. That is, in the initial state in which a setting screen different from the menu for adjusting the vehicle height is displayed on the meter display 22 and the screen 22A for adjusting the vehicle height is hidden, when the height adjustment operator (UP) 14U or the height adjustment operator (DOWN) 14D is operated, the controller 11 may perform control to transition to the first state. This allows the user to display the screen 22A for adjusting the vehicle height with a simple operation even when a setting screen different from the menu for adjusting the vehicle height is displayed on the meter display 22.

[0052] Another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10 . A control system according to another embodiment may be a system that performs vehicle height adjustment on each of the left and right sides of the vehicle. In this case, the controller 11 can perform vehicle height adjustment on each of the left and right sides of the vehicle by independently operating the air suspensions 21 on each of the left and right sides of the vehicle. The vehicle image 1A displayed on the vehicle height adjustment screen 22A is an image of the vehicle as seen from behind. This allows vehicle height adjustment on each of the left and right sides of the vehicle, making it easier to visually confirm the status of each vehicle height adjustment. The left and right upward adjustment images 3L, 3R are displayed above the vehicle image 1A, arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The left and right downward adjustment images 4L, 4R are displayed below the vehicle image 1A, arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Gauge images 5L, 5R correspond to the vehicle heights on each of the left and right sides of the vehicle and are displayed on the left and right sides of the vehicle image 1A. When vehicle height adjustment is performed in this state, an upward adjustment execution image or a downward adjustment execution image (not shown) may be displayed at the corresponding position on the left or right side of the vehicle. The arrangement of the vehicle height adjustment images is not limited to the above. The vehicle image 1A may also be configured as an image showing the vehicle as seen from the front.

[0053] (1) In a display control method according to an embodiment, a screen 22A for adjusting the vehicle's height is displayed on a meter display 22, which is a display provided in a vehicle. A vehicle image 1 showing the vehicle as viewed from the front or side is displayed on the screen 22A for adjusting the vehicle's height. An upward adjustment execution image 2A and a downward adjustment execution image 2B are displayed around or superimposed on the vehicle image 1 as first images showing the direction of vehicle height adjustment executed by the control system based on a user's operation. This allows the user to visually confirm that the vehicle's height adjustment is being executed, and to understand the operating status of the vehicle's height adjustment.

[0054] (2) In the embodiment, the vehicle image 1 is an image showing the vehicle as seen from the side, which allows the user to visually recognize the relationship between the vehicle height adjustment direction and the vehicle itself.

[0055] (3) Furthermore, in the embodiment, when an upward vehicle height adjustment is being performed, an upward adjustment execution image 2A is displayed as the first image as an upward image including multiple arrows arranged in the height direction, indicating that an upward vehicle height adjustment is being performed. When a downward vehicle height adjustment is being performed, a downward adjustment execution image 2B is displayed as the first image as a downward image including multiple arrows arranged in the height direction, indicating that a downward vehicle height adjustment is being performed. The upward adjustment execution image 2A and the downward adjustment execution image 2B, which correspond to the direction of the vehicle height adjustment being performed, change so that the number of displayed arrows among the multiple arrows increases or decreases in conjunction with the operation of the vehicle height adjustment. This allows the user to understand that an upward or downward vehicle height adjustment is being continuously performed and that the vehicle height is changing.

[0056] (4) In addition, in the embodiment, when the vehicle height adjustment screen 22A is displayed and no user operation is performed, the second image, the upward adjustment possible image 3, or the third image, the downward adjustment possible image 4, is displayed instead of the upward adjustment execution image 2A or the downward adjustment execution image 2B. The upward adjustment possible image 3 includes an image indicating that the vehicle height can be adjusted upward, and is displayed above the vehicle image 1 when the control system determines that the vehicle height can be adjusted upward. The downward adjustment possible image 4 includes an image indicating that the vehicle height can be adjusted downward, and is displayed below the vehicle image 1 when the control system determines that the vehicle height can be adjusted downward. This allows the user to visually confirm that the vehicle height can be adjusted upward or downward.

[0057] (5) Furthermore, in the embodiment, the upward adjustment execution image 2A and the downward adjustment execution image 2B have different display colors or sizes from the upward adjustable image 3 and the downward adjustable image 4. This allows the user to clearly recognize that the vehicle height adjustment is being continuously performed upward or downward.

[0058] (6) In the embodiment, a gauge image 5 consisting of multiple gauges 5A1, 5A2, 5A3, and 5A4 arranged in the vertical direction is arranged and displayed on either the left or right side of the vehicle image 1, and among the multiple gauges 5A1, 5A2, 5A3, and 5A4, a gauge corresponding to the vehicle height is lit and displayed. This allows the user to visually recognize that each gauge 5A1, 5A2, 5A3, and 5A4 corresponds to the vehicle height and that the lit gauge can transition up and down.

[0059] (7) Furthermore, in the embodiment, when the control system adjusts the vehicle height to the upper limit, the plurality of gauges 5A1, 5A2, 5A3, 5A4 in the gauge image 5 light up up to the uppermost gauge 5A4, and the display of the upward adjustment image 3 is terminated. When the control system adjusts the vehicle height to the lower limit, the plurality of gauges 5A1, 5A2, 5A3, 5A4 in the gauge image 5 do not light up up to the lowermost gauge 5A1, and the display of the downward adjustment image 4 is terminated. This allows the user to clearly recognize that the vehicle height cannot be adjusted upward or downward.

[0060] (8) In the embodiment, the gauge image 5 is positioned in the height direction between the upper end and the lower end of the vehicle image 1. This allows the user to easily recognize that the gauge image 5 is an image corresponding to the height of the vehicle.

[0061] (9) Furthermore, in the embodiment, the vehicle image 1 and the upward adjustable image 3 or the downward adjustable image 4 are displayed when predetermined conditions for performing vehicle height adjustment are met. The predetermined conditions include the vehicle being stopped and the shift lever being set to park or neutral. This makes it possible to avoid performing vehicle height adjustment when it is not appropriate to do so.

[0062] (10) In addition, in the embodiment, when the predetermined condition is met, the gauge image 5 is displayed in a first display color. When the predetermined condition is not met, the upward adjustment image 3 or the downward adjustment image 4 is not displayed, and at least a portion of the gauge image 5 is flashed or displayed in a second display color different from the first display color. This allows the user to visually recognize that the vehicle height adjustment cannot be performed on the vehicle.

[0063] (11) Furthermore, in the embodiment, if the predetermined condition is no longer met while the vehicle height adjustment is being performed, an interruption message image 7, which is a fourth image including a character string indicating that the vehicle height adjustment will be interrupted and the reason for the interruption, is displayed superimposed on the vehicle image 1. This allows the user to understand that the vehicle height adjustment has been interrupted and the reason for the interruption.

[0064] (12) In the embodiment, the screen 22A for adjusting the vehicle height is disposed between the speedometer image 22B that displays the speedometer and the tachometer image 22C that displays the tachometer, both of which are provided on the meter display 22. This allows the user to easily view the screen 22A for adjusting the vehicle height and easily understand the operating status of the vehicle height adjustment.

[0065] (13) In yet another embodiment, the control system adjusts the vehicle height on each of the left and right sides of the vehicle, the vehicle image 1A is configured as an image of the vehicle as seen from the front or rear, and the left and right upward adjustable images 3L, 3R or the left and right downward adjustable images 4L, 4R are displayed side by side in the left-right direction, allowing the user to adjust the vehicle height on each of the left and right sides of the vehicle and visually confirm the status of each vehicle height adjustment.

[0066] (14) In addition, in an embodiment, when the control system determines a vehicle height suitable for the vehicle driving conditions, including the road environment and the driving mode, the gauge corresponding to the vehicle height suitable for the vehicle driving conditions among the multiple gauges 5A1, 5A2, 5A3, and 5A4 of the gauge image 5 may be displayed in a third display color different from the first display color and the second display color. This allows the user to easily recognize the vehicle height suitable for the vehicle driving conditions.

[0067] (15) Furthermore, in the embodiment, the vehicle may include an operation panel 14 that accepts user operations. The vehicle image 1, the upward adjustment execution image 2A, and the downward adjustment execution image 2B are displayed on a meter display 22 that is separate from the operation panel 14. This allows the user to adjust the vehicle height by operating the operation panel 14 and visually check the operation status on the meter display 22.

[0068] (16) In addition, in an embodiment, when the control system is adjusting the vehicle height, the gauge corresponding to the vehicle height among the multiple gauges 5A1, 5A2, 5A3, and 5A4 in the gauge image 5 may be displayed in a flashing manner, and the flashing gauge may change in accordance with the change in the vehicle height. This allows the user to visually recognize the height that the vehicle height has reached.

[0069] (17) Furthermore, in the embodiment, when a setting screen different from the vehicle height adjustment is displayed on the meter display 22 and the screen 22A for the vehicle height adjustment is not displayed, and when the user performs an operation to adjust the vehicle height, the screen 22A for the vehicle height adjustment may be displayed on the meter display 22. This allows the user to display the screen 22A for the vehicle height adjustment with a simple operation, even when a setting screen different from the menu for adjusting the vehicle height is displayed on the meter display 22.

[0070] (18) In an embodiment, the display control device is a display control device used in a control system that adjusts the vehicle height of a vehicle based on a user operation, and includes a controller 11 that controls a meter display 22 provided on the vehicle. The controller 11 displays a vehicle image 1 representing the vehicle as viewed from the front or side on the meter display 22, and displays first images 2A, 2B corresponding to the direction of the vehicle height adjustment executed by the control system based on the user operation around or superimposed on the vehicle image 1.

[0071] The display control device according to the embodiment has technical features corresponding to the display control method described above, and achieves the same effects as the display control method.

[0072] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0073] For example, the screen 22A for adjusting the vehicle height may be displayed on a display different from the meter display 22.

[0074] 1 Vehicle image 2A Upward adjustment execution image (first image) 2A1, 2A2, 2A3 Upward arrow 2B Downward adjustment execution image (first image) 2B1, 2B2, 2B3 Downward arrow 3 Upward adjustment possible image (second image) 4 Downward adjustment possible image (third image) 5 Gauge image 7 Interruption message image (fourth image) 11 Controller 14 Operation panel 22 Meter display (display) 22A Screen for adjusting vehicle height 22B Speedometer image (speedometer) 22C Tachometer image (tachometer)

Claims

1. A display control method used in a control system that adjusts the vehicle height based on user operation, comprising: displaying a screen for adjusting the vehicle height on a display provided on the vehicle; displaying a vehicle image showing the vehicle as viewed from the front or side on the screen for adjusting the vehicle height; and displaying a first image showing the direction of the vehicle height adjustment performed by the control system based on the user operation around or superimposed on the vehicle image.

2. The display control method according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle image is an image showing the vehicle as seen from the side.

3. A display control method as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, when performing an upward vehicle height adjustment, an upward image including a plurality of arrows arranged in the height direction indicating that the vehicle height adjustment is being performed upward is displayed as the first image, and when performing a downward vehicle height adjustment, a downward image including a plurality of arrows arranged in the height direction indicating that the vehicle height adjustment is being performed downward is displayed as the first image, and the first image corresponding to the direction of the vehicle height adjustment being performed changes so as to increase or decrease the number of arrows displayed among the plurality of arrows in conjunction with the operation of adjusting the vehicle height.

4. A display control method described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the user is not operating, a second image or a third image is displayed instead of the first image, the second image includes an image indicating that the vehicle height can be adjusted upward, and is displayed above the vehicle image when the control system determines that the vehicle height can be adjusted upward, and the third image includes an image indicating that the vehicle height can be adjusted downward, and is displayed below the vehicle image when the control system determines that the vehicle height can be adjusted downward.

5. The display control method according to claim 4, wherein the first image has a different display color or a different display size from the second image and the third image.

6. A display control method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a gauge image consisting of a plurality of gauges arranged in the height direction is arranged and displayed on either the left or right side of the vehicle image, and among the plurality of gauges, a gauge corresponding to the height of the vehicle is lit and displayed.

7. The display control method of claim 6, wherein when the vehicle height is at the upper limit to which the control system can adjust the vehicle height, the plurality of gauges in the gauge image light up to their upper ends and the display of the second image is terminated, and when the vehicle height is at the lower limit to which the control system can adjust the vehicle height, the plurality of gauges in the gauge image do not light up to their lower ends and the display of the third image is terminated.

8. The display control method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the gauge image is arranged between the upper and lower ends of the vehicle image in the height direction.

9. A display control method as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the vehicle image and the second image or the third image are displayed when predetermined conditions are met for adjusting the vehicle height, and the predetermined conditions include the vehicle being stopped and the position of the shift lever being set to park or neutral.

10. A display control method as described in claim 9, wherein, if the specified conditions are met, the gauge image is displayed in a first display color, and if the specified conditions are not met, the second image or the third image is not displayed, and at least a part of the gauge image is flashed or displayed in a second display color different from the first display color.

11. A display control method as described in claim 9 or 10, wherein, if the predetermined conditions are no longer met while the vehicle height adjustment is being performed, a fourth image including a string of text indicating that the vehicle height adjustment will be interrupted and the reason for the interruption is displayed superimposed on the vehicle image.

12. A display control method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the screen for adjusting the vehicle height is disposed between a speedometer and a tachometer provided on the display.

13. The display control method described in claim 4, wherein the control system is a system that performs vehicle height adjustment on each of the left and right sides of the vehicle, the vehicle image is composed of an image representing the vehicle as seen from the front or rear, and the second image or the third image is displayed arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

14. A display control method as described in claim 10, wherein, when the control system determines a vehicle height suitable for vehicle driving conditions including road environment and driving mode, a gauge among the plurality of gauges in the gauge image that corresponds to a vehicle height suitable for the vehicle driving conditions is displayed in a third display color different from the first display color and the second display color.

15. A display control method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the vehicle is provided with an operation panel that accepts operations from the user, and the vehicle image and the first image are displayed on a display different from the operation panel.

16. A display control method as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, when the control system is adjusting the vehicle height, the gauge among the plurality of gauges in the gauge image that corresponds to the vehicle height is displayed in a flashing manner, and the flashing display of the gauge changes in accordance with the change in the vehicle height.

17. A display control method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein when a setting screen different from the vehicle height adjustment screen is displayed on the display and the vehicle height adjustment screen is not displayed, and when the user performs an operation to adjust the vehicle height, the vehicle height adjustment screen is displayed on the display.

18. A display control device used in a control system that adjusts the vehicle height based on user operation, the display control device having a controller that controls a display provided on the vehicle, the controller displays a vehicle image representing the vehicle as seen from the front or side on the display, and displays a first image corresponding to the direction of the vehicle height adjustment performed by the control system based on the user operation, superimposed around or on the vehicle image.

Images