Information processing method and information processing device

Abstract

Provided is an information processing method in which display switching data selected by a user operation is acquired by using wireless communication, and display content based on the display switching data is caused to be displayed on a display unit of an in-vehicle device installed in a vehicle. The information processing method comprises: acquisition processing that, in an electronic device capable of wireless communication, acquires and holds display switching data related to a user operation from a providing device in response to reception of the user operation; setting processing that sets a display content based on the display switching data acquired and held in the acquisition processing to a displayable state on a display unit; and switching processing that, after execution of the setting processing, switches a display state of the display unit to the display content based on the display switching data at a timing when a vehicle is started or at a timing when a display switching operation is performed by a user.

Description

Information Processing Method and Information Processing Apparatus

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method and an information processing apparatus capable of executing display switching of in-vehicle devices.

[0002] Conventionally, a technique has been proposed for displaying an image acquired from an external device on a display unit (for example, meters, IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment)) in a vehicle. For example, JP2016-000554A proposes a technique for linking a vehicle display device with an external device (a back camera, an audio device, a mobile terminal, etc.) and displaying an image acquired from the external device on a meter display.

[0003] In the above-described conventional technology, an operation for acquiring content from an external device is executed by a user riding in the vehicle, and the content acquired from the external device after this operation is displayed on the meter display. However, when the capacity of the content to be acquired is large, the time required for the acquisition becomes long. Also, when outside the vehicle, it is assumed that the user desires to acquire content from the external device. For this reason, a user who wants to perform a content acquisition operation at a location away from the vehicle is also assumed.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to enable execution of a switching operation outside the vehicle when switching content that can be displayed on an in-vehicle device, and to execute switching of the content related to the switching operation at an appropriate timing.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is an information processing method that acquires display switching data selected by user operation using wireless communication and displays display content based on the display switching data on the display unit of an in-vehicle device installed in the vehicle. This information processing method includes: an acquisition process in which, in response to the acceptance of user operation in an electronic device capable of wireless communication, display switching data related to the user operation is acquired and held from a providing device; a setting process in which the display content based on the display switching data acquired and held in the acquisition process is set to a state in which it can be displayed on the display unit; and a control process that, after the execution of the setting process, executes a switching process to switch the display state of the display unit to the display content based on the display switching data at the timing when the vehicle starts up or when a display switching operation is performed by the user.

[0006] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a management server and electronic equipment. Figure 3 is a simplified diagram showing an example of the configuration of a content DB. Figure 4 is a simplified diagram showing an example of the configuration of a content management DB. Figure 5 is a simplified diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle management DB. Figure 6 is a simplified diagram showing an example of the configuration of a content DB. Figure 7 is a simplified diagram showing an example of the configuration of a content management DB. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a content selection screen. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a content selection screen. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of a transition when switching content. Figure 13 is a sequence chart showing an example of communication processing. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of display switching processing.

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0008] [Example of Information Processing System Configuration] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of information processing system 1.

[0009] The information processing system 1 comprises a content server 10, a management server 100, electronic equipment 200, and in-vehicle equipment 300. Each of these devices is configured to be connectable directly or via the network 20 using wired or wireless communication methods. The network 20 is a public telephone network, the Internet, or other such network.

[0010] In Figure 1, an example is shown where the content server 10 and the management server 100 are each configured as a single device. However, the functions of these servers may be implemented using multiple devices. For example, different content servers 10 and management servers 100 may be installed for each automobile company that manufactures and sells vehicles.

[0011] Furthermore, while Figure 1 shows an example where the content server 10 and the management server 100 are configured as separate units, the content server 10 and the management server 100 may also be configured as a single integrated device. For example, one server (a server that implements the functions of the content server 10 and the management server 100) may be installed for each automobile company that manufactures and sells vehicles. Alternatively, for example, one server (a server that implements the functions of the content server 10 and the management server 100) may be installed to serve multiple automobile companies that manufacture and sell vehicles.

[0012] Furthermore, Figure 1 shows an example where user U1, who owns vehicle C1, also owns electronic device 200. In this case, user U1 can use the electronic device 200 to switch the display content of the IVI, meters, etc. (for example, the UI section 340 of the in-vehicle device 300). Although Figure 1 illustrates only one electronic device 200, the same applies when user U1 uses other electronic devices or multiple electronic devices. For example, if the in-vehicle device 300 itself is equipped with a web browser or an additional content store app, the in-vehicle device 300 can be used as an electronic device. In these cases, user U1 can operate the in-vehicle device 300 to access the content server 10 from the in-vehicle device 300 itself and select the desired content.

[0013] The content server 10 is an information server that provides various types of content to other devices. For example, the content server 10 can send and receive messages to a designated vehicle and has the function of updating the software of the vehicle's IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment), meters, etc. (for example, in-vehicle equipment 300). The content server 10 also stores multiple display switching data in the content DB 20 (see Figure 3). Here, the display switching data is data for switching the display content that can be displayed on the IVI, meters, etc. (for example, the UI unit 340 of the in-vehicle equipment 300). For example, the display switching data may be data for switching all of the display screens shown on the UI unit 340 (for example, all of the display screens 360 and 370 shown in Figures 8 and 9), or data for switching only a part of the display screens shown on the UI unit 340 (for example, the background image, text, layout, etc. of the display screens 360 and 370 shown in Figures 8 and 9). Furthermore, display switching data can also be referred to as display change data, theme change data, or theme change data.

[0014] Specifically, the content server 10 performs information provision processing, etc., to provide content (for example, theme content) for switching at least a portion of the display screens shown on the UI unit 340 of the in-vehicle device 300, in response to a request from user U1. The content server 10 comprises a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, and a storage unit 13. The communication unit 11 exchanges various types of information with other devices using wired or wireless communication based on the control of the control unit 12.

[0015] The control unit 12 controls each part based on various programs stored in the storage unit 13. The control unit 12 is implemented by a processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). For example, the control unit 12 performs content management processing to store content registered by the administrator of the content server 10 (for example, content that can be displayed on the UI unit 340 of the in-vehicle device 300) in the content DB 20 (see Figure 3) of the storage unit 13. Also, for example, the control unit 12 performs content provision processing to provide the content stored in the content DB 20 of the storage unit 13 to the in-vehicle device 300 installed in the vehicle C1 of user U1.

[0016] The memory unit 13 is a storage medium for storing various types of information. For example, the memory unit 13 stores various types of information necessary for the control unit 12 to perform various processes (e.g., control programs, content DB 20 (see Figure 3)). The memory unit 13 also stores various types of information acquired via the communication unit 11. As the memory unit 13, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or a combination thereof can be used.

[0017] The management server 100 is an information processing device that, upon receiving display switching instruction information (see Figure 13) from the electronic device 200, executes control to download the content managed by the content server 10 to the in-vehicle device 300 in accordance with that display switching instruction information. The configuration of the management server 100 will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 2.

[0018] The electronic device 200 is a device that can display content selection screens 400 and 420 (see Figures 10 and 11) for selecting content managed by the content server 10, based on information regarding display switching data (content selection screen information) from the management server 100, and provide them to user U1. The electronic device 200 can also send selection information (see Figure 13) to the management server 100 indicating that the selected content on the content selection screens 400 and 420 should be downloaded to the in-vehicle device 300, and the selected content should be downloaded to the in-vehicle device 300. The electronic device 200 can be implemented by, for example, an electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or portable personal computer, or an information processing device. The configuration of the electronic device 200 will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 2.

[0019] The in-vehicle equipment 300 is an in-vehicle system consisting of one or more devices installed inside the vehicle C1 that can provide various types of information. For example, at least one of the following can be used as the in-vehicle equipment 300: navigation equipment, audio equipment, IVI, meters, etc. These are merely examples, and other devices installed in the vehicle C1 may also be used.

[0020] The in-vehicle device 300 comprises a communication unit 310, a control unit 320, a storage unit 330, and a UI (User Interface) unit 340. The communication unit 310, based on the control of the control unit 320, exchanges various types of information with other devices using wired or wireless communication.

[0021] The control unit 320 controls each part based on various programs stored in the memory unit 330. The control unit 320 is implemented by a processing unit such as a CPU or GPU.

[0022] The storage unit 330 is a storage medium for storing various types of information. For example, the storage unit 330 stores various types of information necessary for the control unit 320 to perform various processes (e.g., control programs, content DB 350 (see Figure 6)). The storage unit 330 also stores various types of information acquired via the communication unit 310. As the storage unit 330, for example, ROM, RAM, SRAM, HDD, SSD, or a combination thereof can be used.

[0023] The UI unit 340 functions as an interface that receives operations from the occupants of vehicle C1 and provides various information to the occupants of vehicle C1, and comprises a reception unit 341 and a display unit 342. The UI unit 340 outputs the operation content received by the reception unit 341 to the control unit 320, and displays various information on the display unit 342 based on the control of the control unit 320. The UI unit 340 is implemented, for example, by an IVI and an HMI (Human Machine Interface) for meters. The UI unit 340 is installed, for example, on the dashboard 2 (see Figure 12(D)). Although not shown in the figures, the UI unit 340 may also be equipped with other components such as an audio input unit and an audio output unit. Furthermore, the reception unit 341 and the display unit 342 may be configured as a touch panel that allows users to input operations by touching or bringing their fingers close to the display surface, or they may be configured as a separate user interface. When configured as a separate user interface, various operating components such as buttons and keyboards can be used as the reception unit 341. Furthermore, the reception unit 341 and the display unit 342 are merely examples of a user interface, and other user interfaces may be used.

[0024] Here, when the in-vehicle device 300 communicates with external devices (for example, the content server 10, the management server 100), various communication paths and communication methods can be used. For example, the in-vehicle device 300 can connect to and communicate with external devices using wireless or wired communication. As for wireless communication, for example, wireless communication using a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module Card) card or wireless communication using Wi-Fi can be used. As for wired communication, for example, wired communication using a LAN (Local Area Network) cable can be used. Alternatively, for example, the in-vehicle device 300 may connect to and communicate with external devices via IVC (In Vehicle Communication). In these cases, the in-vehicle device 300 may connect to and communicate with external devices via the network 20, or it may connect to and communicate directly with external devices without going through the network 20. Furthermore, when updating the data of the in-vehicle device 300, the update may be performed via communication through the IVC, or the in-vehicle device 300 may directly access the network 20 using wireless or wired communication to receive update data from the content server 10.

[0025] [Example of Server and Electronic Device Configuration] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the management server 100 and electronic device 200 that constitute the information processing system 1.

[0026] [Example of Management Server Configuration] The management server 100 comprises a communication unit 110, a control unit 120, and a storage unit 130.

[0027] The communication unit 110, based on the control of the control unit 120, exchanges various types of information with other devices using wired or wireless communication.

[0028] The control unit 120 controls each part based on various programs stored in the storage unit 130. The control unit 120 is implemented by a processing unit such as a CPU or GPU. The control unit 120 includes an acquisition unit 121, an extraction unit 122, and a supply unit 123.

[0029] The acquisition unit 121 acquires various pieces of information (for example, display change instruction information, selection information (see Figure 13)) from the electronic device 200 via the communication unit 110, and outputs the acquired information to the extraction unit 122 and the provision unit 123.

[0030] The extraction unit 122 extracts display switching data (content) that can be provided to the in-vehicle device 300 from the content management DB 150 (see Figure 4) based on display change instruction information acquired from the electronic device 200 via the communication unit 110, and outputs information regarding the extracted display switching data to the provision unit 123. For example, the extraction unit 122 identifies the vehicle type 162 corresponding to the user ID 163 included in the display change instruction information in the in-vehicle device management DB 160 (see Figure 5). Next, the extraction unit 122 identifies the applicable vehicle type 153 corresponding to the identified vehicle type 162 in the content management DB 150, and extracts the content ID 151 and icon image information 152 corresponding to this identified applicable vehicle type 153. Next, the extraction unit 122 outputs the extracted content ID 151 and icon image information 152 to the provision unit 123 as information regarding the display switching data. The extraction process of this display switching data will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 4 and 13.

[0031] The providing unit 123 provides the information output from each unit to the electronic device 200 and the in-vehicle device 300 via the communication unit 110. For example, the providing unit 123 provides the electronic device 200 via the communication unit 110 with information related to the display switching data extracted by the extraction unit 122 (content ID 151, icon image information 152). An example of the display in this case is shown in Figures 10 and 11. Also, for example, if selection information is output from the acquisition unit 121, the providing unit 123 provides the in-vehicle device 300 via the communication unit 110 with download instruction information to download the display switching data corresponding to that selection information. The processing of providing this information will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 13.

[0032] The storage unit 130 is a storage medium for storing various types of information. For example, the storage unit 130 stores various types of information necessary for the control unit 120 to perform various processes (e.g., control programs, content management DB 150 (see Figure 4), in-vehicle equipment management DB 160 (see Figure 5)). The storage unit 130 also stores various types of information acquired via the communication unit 110. For example, the storage unit 130 can be ROM, RAM, SRAM, HDD, SSD, or a combination thereof.

[0033] [Example of Electronic Device Configuration] The electronic device 200 comprises a communication unit 210, a control unit 220, a storage unit 230, and a UI unit 240. The communication unit 210, based on the control of the control unit 220, exchanges various types of information with other devices using wired or wireless communication.

[0034] The control unit 220 controls each part based on various programs stored in the memory unit 230. The control unit 220 is implemented by a processing unit such as a CPU or GPU.

[0035] The storage unit 230 is a storage medium for storing various types of information. For example, the storage unit 230 stores various types of information necessary for the control unit 220 to perform various processes (e.g., control programs, content management DB 250 (see Figure 7)). The storage unit 230 also stores various types of information acquired via the communication unit 210. As the storage unit 230, for example, ROM, RAM, SRAM, HDD, SSD, or a combination thereof can be used.

[0036] The UI unit 240 includes a reception unit 241 and a display unit 242. Although not shown in the figures, the UI unit 240 may also include other components such as an audio input unit and an audio output unit. The reception unit 241 and the display unit 242 are examples of a user interface, and other user interfaces may be used.

[0037] The reception unit 241 receives various operations from user U1 and outputs the received operation details to the control unit 220. The reception unit 241 and display unit 242 may be configured as a touch panel that allows the user to input operations by touching or bringing their finger close to the display surface, or they may be configured as a separate user interface. When configured as a separate user interface, various operating elements such as buttons and keyboards can be used as the reception unit 241. The reception unit 241 and display unit 242 in the UI unit 240 may be implemented using a web browser, a dedicated application, or other means. In other words, the electronic device 200 can be implemented using any device equipped with a UI unit (for example, a web browser or a dedicated application).

[0038] The display unit 242 displays various images based on the control of the control unit 220. For example, the display unit 242 can use a display panel such as an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel.

[0039] The above example shows an electronic device 200 equipped with a storage unit 230 and a content management DB 250, but it is not limited to this. For example, as described above, when the electronic device 200 is implemented using any device equipped with a UI unit (e.g., a web browser, a dedicated application), the storage unit 230 and the content management DB 250 may be provided on an external device (e.g., a management server 100). In this case, the electronic device 200 can acquire and use the contents of the content management DB 250 provided on the external device.

[0040] [Example of Content DB Configuration] Figure 3 is a simplified diagram showing an example of the configuration of the content DB 20 stored in the storage unit 13 (see Figure 1).

[0041] The content database 20 is a database that stores content provided to in-vehicle devices installed in various vehicles. Specifically, content IDs 21 and content information 22 are associated and stored in the content database 20.

[0042] Content ID 21 is identification information for identifying the content to be provided. In FIG. 3, for ease of explanation, an example is shown in which simplified information such as "CT001" is stored in Content ID 21.

[0043] Content information 22 is information indicating the content to be provided. In FIG. 3, for ease of explanation, an example is shown in which a simplified image or the like of the content to be provided is stored in Content information 22. Further, the content stored in Content information 22 means, for example, a block (set) of data such as an image displayed on the UI unit 340 (see FIG. 1) of the in-vehicle device 300, layout information (for example, information on display position, font size, font data, color (RGB value)). Further, the content stored in Content information 22 can also be referred to as display switching data or a resource. Further, the content stored in Content information 22 may include, in addition to the display switching data for switching the display content in the UI unit 340, accompanying information (meta-information) for the purpose of preview or the like, an image for conveying an image simply representing the content of the display change, and a name. For example, the content stored in Content information 22 can include both content information (for example, metadata such as a thumbnail image and a content name) to be shown to the user U1 and content information in actuality (for example, SW (software), binary data).

[0044] [Configuration Example of Content Management DB] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a content management DB 150 stored in the storage unit 130 (see FIG. 2).

[0045] The content management DB 150 is a database that stores management information for managing the content stored in the content server 10. Specifically, the content ID 151, the icon image information 152, and the applicable vehicle types 153 are stored in the content management DB 150 in association with each other.

[0046] Content ID 151 is identification information for identifying content to be provided by content server 10. Note that Content ID 151 corresponds to Content ID 21 (see FIG. 3). Similarly to FIG. 3, in FIG. 4, for ease of explanation, an example of storing simplified information such as "CT001" in Content ID 151 is shown.

[0047] Icon image information 152 is image information for making the content to be provided visible to the user. For example, by displaying the icon image stored in icon image information 152 on the electronic device 200 of user U1, user U1 can easily grasp the desired content. Note that in FIG. 4, for ease of explanation, an example of storing an image or the like with simplified content corresponding to the content in icon image information 152 is shown.

[0048] Applicable vehicle types 153 are information for specifying the types of vehicles on which the content to be provided can be downloaded and displayed. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, for the content corresponding to Content ID 151 "CT001" to "CT005", it is shown that it can be downloaded and displayed on vehicles of BC type, DE type, and FG type of Automobile A. That is, for the content corresponding to Content ID 151 "CT001" to "CT005", it means that it cannot be downloaded and displayed on vehicle types other than BC type, DE type, and FG type of Automobile A, or on automobiles of automobile companies other than Automobile A. Also, for example, for the content corresponding to Content ID 151 "CT006", it is shown that it can be downloaded and displayed on vehicles of Z type of Automobile B. That is, for the content corresponding to Content ID 151 "CT006", it means that it cannot be downloaded and displayed on vehicle types other than Z type of Automobile B, or on automobiles of automobile companies other than Automobile B.

[0049] [Configuration Example of Vehicle Management DB] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of in-vehicle device management DB 160 stored in storage unit 130 (see FIG. 2).

[0050] The in-vehicle device management DB 160 is a database that stores management information for managing in-vehicle devices that download content stored on the content server 10. Specifically, the in-vehicle device ID 161, the vehicle type 162, and the user ID 163 are associated and stored in the in-vehicle device management DB 160.

[0051] The in-vehicle device ID 161 is identification information for identifying the in-vehicle device that downloads content to be provided by the content server 10. In Figure 5, for the sake of clarity, an example is shown in which simplified information such as "CAR001" is stored in the in-vehicle device ID 161. Alternatively, instead of the in-vehicle device ID, the vehicle ID of the vehicle C1 in which the in-vehicle device 300 is installed may be used to identify the in-vehicle device 300 installed in vehicle C1.

[0052] Vehicle type 162 is information used to identify the type of vehicle to which the in-vehicle device whose in-vehicle device ID is stored in the in-vehicle device ID 161 is configured. For example, in the example shown in Figure 5, the vehicle type corresponding to in-vehicle device ID 161 "CAR001" indicates that it is a BC type vehicle of car A.

[0053] User ID 163 is identification information used to identify the user who owns the vehicle from which the content provided by the content server 10 is downloaded. In Figure 5, for the sake of clarity, an example is shown in which simplified information such as "U011" is stored in User ID 163. However, actual user authentication may be performed using one or more pieces of identification information. For example, user authentication can be performed using a user ID and password. In this case, User ID 163 will store the user ID and password. For example, as described above, when the electronic device 200 is implemented using any device equipped with a UI (e.g., a web browser, a dedicated application), user authentication processing using a user ID and password can be performed to authenticate the electronic device 200 used by user U1. In addition, identification information (e.g., user terminal ID) used to identify the device used by user U1 (e.g., electronic device 200) may be used instead of the user ID.

[0054] In this embodiment, the management server 100 maintains an in-vehicle equipment management DB 160 that associates the in-vehicle equipment ID 161 and the user ID 163, and links the in-vehicle equipment 300 and user U1, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, user U1 may input the in-vehicle equipment ID of vehicle C1 into the electronic device 200 and have the electronic device 200 store it, and then use that in-vehicle equipment ID to link the in-vehicle equipment 300 and user U1 (or electronic device 200). Alternatively, user U1 may use the electronic device 200 to request the in-vehicle equipment ID of vehicle C1 from the management server 100 (or another server that manages vehicle C1), and use the in-vehicle equipment ID of vehicle C1 obtained in response to that request to link the in-vehicle equipment 300 and user U1 (or electronic device 200).

[0055] [Example of Content DB Configuration] Figure 6 is a simplified diagram showing an example of the configuration of the content DB 350 stored in the storage unit 330 (see Figure 1).

[0056] The content DB 350 is a database that stores content that can be displayed on the UI unit 340 (see Figure 1) of the in-vehicle device 300. Specifically, content ID 351 and content information 352 are associated and stored in the content DB 350.

[0057] Content ID 351 is identification information for identifying content that can be displayed on the UI unit 340. Content ID 351 corresponds to Content ID 21 (see Figure 3) and Content ID 151 (see Figure 4). Also, similar to Figures 3 and 4, Figure 6 shows an example where simplified information such as "CT001" is stored in Content ID 351 for ease of explanation.

[0058] Content information 352 is information indicating content that can be displayed on the UI unit 340. Content information 352 corresponds to content information 22 (see Figure 3). Also, similar to Figure 3, Figure 6 shows an example where simplified images or the like of content that can be displayed on the UI unit 340 are stored in content information 352 for ease of explanation.

[0059] [Example of Content Management DB Configuration] Figure 7 is a simplified diagram showing an example of the configuration of the content management DB 250 stored in the storage unit 230 (see Figure 2).

[0060] The content management DB 250 is a database that stores management information for managing the content stored in the content DB 350 (see Figure 6) of the in-vehicle device 300. Specifically, the content ID 251 and the installation information 252 are associated and stored in the content management DB 250.

[0061] Content ID 251 is identification information used to identify content stored in Content DB 350. Content ID 251 corresponds to Content ID 21 (see Figure 3), Content ID 151 (see Figure 4), and Content ID 351 (see Figure 6). Also, similar to Figures 3, 4, and 6, Figure 7 shows an example where simplified information such as "CT001" is stored in Content ID 251 for ease of explanation.

[0062] Installation information 252 indicates whether or not the content stored in the content DB 350 of the in-vehicle device 300 has been installed on the in-vehicle device 300. For example, among the content downloaded and stored in the content DB 350 of the in-vehicle device 300, there is content that has been installed and content that has not been installed. Therefore, among the content downloaded and stored in the content DB 350 of the in-vehicle device 300 that has been installed, "Installed" is stored. On the other hand, among the content downloaded and stored in the content DB 350 of the in-vehicle device 300 that has not been installed, "Not Installed" is stored. Note that installation means a setting process to make the display content based on the content (display switching data) available for display on the UI unit 340. However, even if this setting process is executed, the display state of the UI unit 340 will not be switched to the display content based on the display switching data until a switching process is executed to switch the display state of the UI unit 340 to the display content based on the display switching data. In other words, after the setting process is executed, when the vehicle C1 starts up or when the user U1 performs a display switching operation, a switching process is executed to switch the display state of the UI unit 340 to the display content based on the display switching data, and the display state of the UI unit 340 is switched to the display content based on the display switching data.

[0063] In the above, five databases (Content DB 20 (see Figure 3), Content Management DB 150 (see Figure 4), In-vehicle Equipment Management DB 160 (see Figure 5), Content DB 350 (see Figure 6), Content Management DB 250 (see Figure 7)) are given as examples of databases used in the information processing system 1, but the system is not limited to these. For example, other databases may be used as needed, some databases may be omitted, and the contents of each database may be changed. For example, as described above, a database holding contents equivalent to the Content Management DB 250 of the electronic device 200 may be provided in the management server 100, and some of the information in the In-vehicle Equipment Management DB 160 and Content Management DB 250 may be omitted.

[0064] For example, the information processing system 1 can be configured such that the content DB 20 is provided on the content server 10, the management DB (e.g., content management DB 150, in-vehicle equipment management DB 160, and content management DB 250) is provided on the management server 100, and the content DB 350 is provided on the in-vehicle equipment 300. In this case, the content DB 20 provided on the content server 10 can store various information to be presented to each user (e.g., content information, content name, content thumbnail, content metadata (e.g., types of vehicles in which it can be used)). Furthermore, the management DB provided on the management server 100 can store information indicating which content a user can purchase (or use) and information indicating which content a user has already purchased (or used) regarding the content stored in the content DB 20. In other words, the management DB provided on the management server 100 does not store the content itself, but it stores information indicating which user has purchased or used which content. Furthermore, the content DB 350 provided by the in-vehicle device 300 stores content downloaded and installed by the in-vehicle device 300 from the content server 10 (downloaded and installed content) and content downloaded by the in-vehicle device 300 from the content server 10 but not installed (downloaded content). Note that the information in each of these DBs is an example, and the contents of each DB can be stored and used as needed. Also, when three DBs are provided, the information necessary for each process shown in this embodiment can be exchanged between each device (content server 10, management server 100, in-vehicle device 300) as needed. Note that the examples of providing five DBs and three DBs shown above are examples for realizing this embodiment, and this embodiment can be realized using other forms of DBs.

[0065] [Examples of displays on in-vehicle equipment] Figures 8 and 9 show examples of display screens 360 and 370 displayed on the UI section 340 of the in-vehicle equipment 300. Note that in Figures 8 and 9, the display screens 360 and 370 are shown in a simplified form for ease of explanation.

[0066] The display screen 360 is a display screen for meters that show the speedometer 361, engine or motor rotation speed meter (tachometer) 362, fuel gauge 363, water temperature gauge 364, remaining range 365, time 366, outside temperature 367, etc.

[0067] For example, display screen 360 is the default screen mode. For example, display screen 360 can be called a classic screen that resembles mechanical instruments (for example, a gauge displayed with a needle inside a circle). Furthermore, it is possible to arbitrarily switch to a different screen mode by downloading display switching data that changes at least one of the background image, text, layout, or icons shown on display screen 360. For example, an enhanced screen mode that displays the values ​​to be displayed by instruments as numerical values ​​can be switched as a screen mode. It is also possible to switch to other screen modes.

[0068] For example, multiple theme patterns for the entire display screen can be prepared as display switching data, and the user can select from among these patterns. Alternatively, the user can select a desired theme pattern from the prepared patterns and then modify parts of that selected theme pattern according to their preferences. For example, individual elements (such as background images, text, layout, and icons) can be selected independently.

[0069] Furthermore, instead of switching the entire display screen, it is also possible to switch only a part of the display screen. For example, if the 360-degree display screen is set as the initial setting, it is possible to individually select, add, or switch individual elements within the 360-degree display screen (e.g., background image, text, layout, icons, etc.).

[0070] The display screen 370 is a display screen for meters that show the speedometer 371, water temperature gauge 372, fuel gauge 373, remaining range 374, time 375, outside temperature 376, etc. The display screen 370 is also provided with a vehicle image display area 380 that displays a vehicle image C2 showing the exterior of the vehicle C1 (shown at the top of Figure 9), and in the vehicle image display area 380, air pressure information 381 to 384 showing the air pressure of each tire of the vehicle C1 is displayed.

[0071] For example, the vehicle image display area 380 initially displays vehicle image C2, which corresponds to vehicle C1 owned by user U1. However, as described above, by downloading display switching data to display other vehicle images, it is possible to arbitrarily replace it with a vehicle image corresponding to a vehicle other than vehicle C1 owned by user U1.

[0072] For example, multiple vehicle-specific customization patterns can be prepared as display switching data, and the user can select from among these patterns. Alternatively, the user can select a desired customization pattern from the prepared patterns and then modify a portion of that selected pattern according to their preferences. Furthermore, manufacturer options such as body color and wheels can be selected individually and independently.

[0073] Furthermore, instead of switching the entire vehicle image, it is also possible to switch only a part of the vehicle image. For example, if vehicle image C2 is set as the initial setting, it is possible to individually select and add or switch exterior-related parts of vehicle image C2 (e.g., wheels, body color), other additional options (e.g., wings, door edges, turn signals), etc.

[0074] Furthermore, the display information itself for displaying display elements (e.g., background images, text, layouts, icons, etc.) may be used as display switching data, or the specification information that specifies this display information may be used as display switching data. This specification information is information for identifying the display information to be displayed, and when such specification information is received, the display information identified based on that specification information is newly acquired (or the display information downloaded to the in-vehicle device 300 is used). It is also conceivable that the display target may be animation, animation movement, fade-in, fade-out, on / off of various functions, etc. In this case, the display elements such as animation, animation movement, fade-in, fade-out, and on / off of various functions become the display switching data. Furthermore, only some of these may be used as display switching data, or all of them may be used as display switching data.

[0075] Thus, display screens 360 and 370 can be switched based on user operation. In other words, they can be switched according to the user's preference.

[0076] Here, the display screens 360 and 370 for the meters are initially configured with the necessary images, colors, layouts, etc. Furthermore, the information (content) required to display screens 360 and 370 is stored in the content database 350 (see Figure 1). In other words, each image, color, layout, etc. on display screen 360 can be displayed based on the content stored in the content database 350.

[0077] Furthermore, by storing new content in the content DB 350, it is possible to switch the images, colors, layouts, etc., on the display screen 360. For example, the images, colors, layouts, etc., on the display screen 360 can be switched using external media, post-installable additional software, display switching data, etc. In other words, the display colors, images, etc., on the display screen 360 can be updated independently of the control, software behavior, and actions of the in-vehicle equipment 300.

[0078] For example, the background image on the display screen 360 can be switched by storing new background image content in the content DB 350 to change the background image of the display screen 360. Also, for example, the text color on the display screen 360 can be switched by storing new text color content in the content DB 350 to change the text color (e.g., normal text color, accent text color) of the display screen 360. Furthermore, for example, the layout of the display screen 360 can be switched by storing new layout content in the content DB 350 to change the layout (e.g., the arrangement of the speedometer 361, engine tachometer 362, fuel gauge 363, water temperature gauge 364, remaining range 365, time 366, outside temperature 367, etc.). These switching processes will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 13.

[0079] The above explanation used the display screens of meters as an example, but the same switching is possible for display screens shown on other display units (for example, IVI). The in-vehicle device 300 may acquire and store multiple display switching data sets. In this case, it is possible to appropriately switch between multiple display switching data sets based on user operation.

[0080] Here, when switching between display screens 360 and 370, the combination of display switching elements (e.g., background image, text, layout, icons) may affect the visibility of user U1. For example, if white is set as the background image, and the text on that background image is also set to white, user U1 will have difficulty seeing the text. Therefore, it may be possible to pre-set combinations of display switching elements that do not affect the visibility of user U1, and allow user U1 to select from these combinations.

[0081] Furthermore, regarding display switching elements (e.g., background images, text, layout, icons), some may be legally regulated, some socially regulated, and some regulated to avoid affecting safety. For example, changing the form, color, etc., of trademarks that represent the brand of a company or organization is considered socially regulated. Similarly, red lights that illuminate in the event of a malfunction or when a warning is needed are also considered regulated to avoid affecting safety. Thus, it is possible to create a list of elements and combinations whose display switching is regulated in advance, and to disable display switching that violates this list. Additionally, it is possible to set a regulation flag for elements and combinations whose display switching is regulated, and to disable display switching for elements with this flag set.

[0082] [Example of content selection using electronic equipment] Figures 10 and 11 show examples of content selection screens 400 and 420 displayed on the UI unit 240 of the electronic equipment 200. The content selection screens 400 and 420 are displayed based on the control of the management server 100. Note that in Figures 10 and 11, the content selection screens 400 and 420 are shown in a simplified form for ease of explanation.

[0083] The content selection screens 400 and 420 display the OK button 401 and 421, and the display switching data display area 410 and 430.

[0084] The display switching data display areas 410 and 430 display images (display switching data images 411-413, 431-433) that represent the display switching data (content) that user U1 can select. For example, by making a contact operation to touch a desired image among the display switching data images displayed in the display switching data display area 410, the touched display switching data image can be selected.

[0085] Furthermore, for each of the display switching data images 411-413 and 431-433 displayed in the display switching data display areas 410 and 430, information indicating whether or not the data is pre-installed in the in-vehicle device 300 is displayed in an identifiable manner. Figures 10 and 11 show an example in which each data is identifiable by adding the words "Pre-installed" or "Post-installed" to the right of each of the display switching data images 411-413 and 431-433. Pre-installed means that the data is stored in the content DB 350 of the in-vehicle device 300. Post-installed means that the data is not stored in the content DB 350 of the in-vehicle device 300 and therefore needs to be downloaded and installed. By displaying the words "Pre-installed" or "Post-installed" in this way, it becomes easy to understand which display switching data is installed. For example, for display switching data that displays "Pre-installed," there is no need to download it, so the download time can be shortened. On the other hand, for display switching data that displays "Post-installed," a download time is required, and it is possible that the time required until the display is switched will be longer. In this way, it becomes possible to determine the time required to switch the display to the in-vehicle device 300.

[0086] These displays can be shown based on a comparison between the contents of the electronic device 200's content management DB 250 (content ID 251) and the information contained in the display switching data information transmitted from the management server 100 (see Figure 13) (content ID 251 (see Figure 4)). Alternatively, the in-vehicle device 300 may query the management server 100 for display switching data already downloaded to the device, obtain a response from the management server 100, and use that result (information indicating whether or not the data is pre-installed) for display.

[0087] The confirmation buttons 401 and 421 are selected when the user decides to request the management server 100 to download content corresponding to the selected image displayed in the display switching data display areas 410 and 430.

[0088] [Example of switching content set using an electronic device] Figure 12 shows an example of a transition when switching content set using an electronic device 200. In Figure 12, before the content selection operation (Figure 12(B)) is performed, the display screen 360 (see Figure 8) is displayed on the UI unit 340, and the explanation will be based on the case where the selection operation in the content selection operation (Figure 12(B)) is performed by selecting the display switching data image 412 on the content selection screen 400 (see Figure 10).

[0089] Figure 12(A) shows a situation in which user U1, who possesses the electronic device 200, is getting out of vehicle C1.

[0090] Figure 12(B) shows a situation in which user U1, having disembarked from vehicle C1, uses electronic device 200 to perform a content selection operation to select content to be displayed on the UI unit 340 of the in-vehicle device 300. For example, it is conceivable that user U1 performs the content selection operation at their home or elsewhere after disembarking from vehicle C1. As described above, this content selection operation is assumed to be a selection operation to select the display switching data image 412 on the content selection screen 400 (see Figure 10). Figure 12(C) shows an example of user U1 getting into vehicle C1 after performing this content selection operation. For example, it is conceivable that user U1 gets into vehicle C1 when leaving home.

[0091] Figure 12(C) shows a situation in which user U1, who possesses the electronic device 200, boards vehicle C1. Figure 12(D) shows an example in which user U1 performs an activation operation (on operation) to start vehicle C1 after boarding the vehicle C1.

[0092] Figure 12(D) shows an example of a display screen 390 that is displayed on the UI unit 340 of the in-vehicle device 300 after the vehicle C1 has been started. The display screen 390 is a display screen corresponding to the content downloaded from the content server 10 in response to the content selection operation performed in the example shown in Figure 12(B). That is, it is a display screen corresponding to the display switching data image 412 (see Figure 10).

[0093] In this way, for content downloaded while vehicle C1 is turned off, the display switching process corresponding to that content is executed when vehicle C1 is started. As a result, the display state of the UI unit 340 is switched to the display content based on the downloaded content (display switching data). Alternatively, instead of executing the display switching process corresponding to the content when vehicle C1 is started, the display switching process corresponding to the content may be executed when user U1 performs a display switching operation. For example, a "content switching button" can be displayed anywhere on the display screen of the UI unit 340, and the display switching process corresponding to the content can be executed when this "content switching button" is selected.

[0094] [Example of communication processing between devices] Figure 13 is a sequence chart showing an example of communication processing between the content server 10, the management server 100, the electronic device 200, and the in-vehicle device 300. This communication processing example shows the start timing when the vehicle C1 is in an off state. This communication processing example will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 12 as appropriate.

[0095] In step S501, when the receiving unit 241 of the electronic device 200 receives a display change instruction operation from user U1, it outputs a message to that effect to the control unit 220.

[0096] In step S502, the control unit 220 of the electronic device 200 transmits display change instruction information to the management server 100 for selecting content to execute the display switching of the UI unit 340 of the in-vehicle device 300, based on the display change instruction operation received in step S501. This display change instruction information includes the user ID of user U1 (user ID 163 (see Figure 5)) and a request for a content selection screen to select content to execute the display switching of the UI unit 340 of the in-vehicle device 300. The user ID may be stored in advance in the electronic device 200, or user U1 may input it each time.

[0097] In step S503, the communication unit 110 of the management server 100 receives the display change instruction information transmitted by the electronic device 200 in step S502 and outputs the display change instruction information to the acquisition unit 121.

[0098] In step S504, the extraction unit 122 of the management server 100 extracts content that can be provided to the electronic device 200 based on the display change instruction information received in step S503. Specifically, the extraction unit 122 extracts the in-vehicle device ID 161 and vehicle type 162 corresponding to the user ID (user ID 163) of user U1 from the in-vehicle device management DB 160 based on the display change instruction information received in step S503. Next, the extraction unit 122 extracts content ID 151 and icon image information 152 from the applicable vehicle types 153 of the content management DB 150 that include the vehicle type corresponding to the extracted vehicle type 162.

[0099] In this embodiment, the management server 100 uses the in-vehicle equipment management DB 160 to manage the relationship between user U1 and in-vehicle equipment 300 (or electronic equipment 200 and vehicle C1), but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, instead of using the in-vehicle equipment management DB 160, the management server 100 may include the in-vehicle equipment ID 161 and vehicle type 162 in the display change instruction information transmitted from the electronic equipment 200 to the management server 100. In this case, for example, the in-vehicle equipment ID 161 and vehicle type 162 may be pre-registered in the electronic equipment 200 by a registration operation by user U1, or the electronic equipment 200 may acquire the in-vehicle equipment ID 161 and vehicle type 162 at any time by an input operation by user U1.

[0100] In step S505, the provision unit 123 of the management server 100 transmits information (content ID 151 and icon image information 152) regarding the display switching data (content) extracted in step S504 to the electronic device 200.

[0101] In step S506, the control unit 220 of the electronic device 200 receives information regarding the display switching data transmitted by the management server 100 in step S505.

[0102] In step S507, the control unit 220 of the electronic device 200 presents information regarding the display switching data received in step S506. Specifically, the control unit 220 causes the UI unit 240 to display the icon images (icon image information 152) included in the information regarding the received display switching data. For example, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the display switching data images 411-413 and 431-433 are displayed on the content selection screens 400 and 420.

[0103] In step S508, when the receiving unit 241 of the electronic device 200 receives a selection operation from user U1 regarding the icon image (information related to display switching data) presented in step S507, it outputs a message to the control unit 220 to that effect. For example, as shown in Figure 10, when display switching data images 411 to 413 are displayed on the content selection screen 400, and display switching data image 412 is selected, and the select operation of the OK button 401 is performed, it is determined that a selection operation from user U1 has been received.

[0104] In step S509, the control unit 220 of the electronic device 200 transmits selection information to the management server 100 to identify the display switching data (content) corresponding to the selection operation received in step S508. This selection information includes a content ID (content ID 151) to identify the display switching data corresponding to the selection operation. The control unit 220 also stores information regarding the display switching data (content) corresponding to the selection operation in the content management DB 250. That is, the content ID to identify the display switching data corresponding to the selection operation is stored in content ID 251. The installation information 252 may be stored by manual operation by user U1, or it may be obtained through various information exchanges performed periodically or irregularly between the electronic device 200 and the in-vehicle equipment 300. When the installation information 252 is managed by the management server 100, each piece of information to be stored in the content management DB 250 is stored in the management server 100.

[0105] Furthermore, there is no need to download display switching data (acquired display switching data) that is already stored in the content DB 350 of the in-vehicle device 300. For example, on the right side of the display switching data images 411-413 and 431-433 on the content selection screens 400 and 420 (see Figures 10 and 11), "Pre-installed" is displayed for acquired display switching data and "Post-installed" is displayed for unacquired display switching data. Therefore, if display switching data images 411 and 431, which display "Pre-installed" on the right side, are selected, the electronic device 200 can send the selection information to the management server 100, and the management server 100 can send installation instruction information (including the content ID) to the in-vehicle device 300 to have the in-vehicle device 300 execute the installation process. Alternatively, the electronic device 200 can directly send the installation instruction information (including the content ID) to the in-vehicle device 300 without sending the selection information to the management server 100 to have the in-vehicle device 300 execute the installation process. In other words, it is possible to send installation instruction information to the in-vehicle device 300 in step S509 and omit steps S509 to S516. In this case, the in-vehicle device 300 starts processing in step S517.

[0106] In step S510, the communication unit 110 of the management server 100 receives the selection information transmitted by the electronic device 200 in step S509 and outputs the selection information to the acquisition unit 121.

[0107] In step S511, the provision unit 123 of the management server 100 transmits download instruction information to the in-vehicle device 300 to download display switching data (content) corresponding to the selection information received in step S510. This download instruction information includes a content ID (content ID 151) for identifying the display switching data (content) corresponding to the selection information, and access information for accessing the content server 10 that holds the display switching data (content).

[0108] In step S512, the control unit 320 of the in-vehicle device 300 receives the download instruction information transmitted by the management server 100 in step S511.

[0109] In step S513, the control unit 320 of the in-vehicle device 300 sends a download request to the content server 10 based on the download instruction information received in step S512. Specifically, the control unit 320 of the in-vehicle device 300 accesses the content server 10 based on the access information included in the received download instruction information and sends a download request to the content server 10 requesting the download of display switching data (content) corresponding to the content ID included in the download instruction information. This download request includes the content ID and a device ID for identifying the in-vehicle device 300.

[0110] In step S514, the control unit 12 of the content server 10 receives the download request transmitted by the in-vehicle device 300 in step S513.

[0111] In step S515, the control unit 12 of the content server 10 transmits content to the in-vehicle device 300 that sent the download request, based on the download request received in step S514. Specifically, the control unit 12 of the content server 10 extracts content information 22 corresponding to the content ID 21 included in the received download request from the content DB 20. Then, the control unit 12 of the content server 10 transmits the extracted content information (display switching data) to the in-vehicle device 300 that sent the download request.

[0112] In step S516, the control unit 320 of the in-vehicle device 300 receives the content information transmitted by the content server 10 in step S515. That is, the download process of the selected content is executed using the electronic device 200.

[0113] In step S517, the control unit 320 of the in-vehicle device 300 executes an installation process to install the content based on the content information received in step S516. The installation process can be executed at any time, whether the vehicle C1 is moving or stopped.

[0114] In step S518, the control unit 320 of the in-vehicle equipment 300 detects that the vehicle C1 has been started.

[0115] In step S519, the control unit 320 of the in-vehicle device 300 executes a display switching process to display the content installed in step S517. This enables the control unit 320 of the in-vehicle device 300 to display the installed content on the UI unit 340.

[0116] Figure 13 shows an example where the display switching process for the installed content is executed on the condition that the vehicle C1 is started, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may be possible to determine whether or not the vehicle is parked and execute the display switching process for the installed content on the condition that it is detected to be parked. This example is shown in Figure 14.

[0117] Here, for example, it is conceivable to execute the content display switching process immediately after the installation process is completed. However, if the content display switching process is executed at the time the installation process is completed while vehicle C1 is in motion, some of the meters that the driver of vehicle C1 is looking at will change while the vehicle is in motion. In this case, it may cause discomfort to the driver and increase the driver's workload while the vehicle is in motion. Therefore, in this embodiment, examples are shown in which the content display switching process is executed on the condition that vehicle C1 is started, or on the condition that it is detected that the vehicle is parked.

[0118] [Example of acquiring display switching data using a miniature car] Here, there are miniature cars (toys, models) that are miniature models of vehicles that are actually sold or vehicles that were sold in the past. Therefore, it is conceivable to use a miniature car to switch the vehicle image displayed in the vehicle image display area 380 (see Figure 9). For example, it is conceivable to switch the display so that a vehicle image having the same appearance as the target miniature car is displayed in the vehicle image display area 380.

[0119] For example, access information could be attached to the miniature car itself or the box containing the miniature car. This access information could be, for example, information that allows access to the management server 100 (or content server 10) to obtain display switching data for the vehicle image corresponding to the miniature car (e.g., an access ID, password, and vehicle image ID). Alternatively, the access information could include information necessary to decrypt the vehicle image display switching data (encrypted display switching data) downloaded from the content server 10. For example, QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark) or NFC (Near Field Communication) can be used as this access information.

[0120] For example, when using a QR code as access information, it is possible to acquire an image of the QR code using the camera (not shown) provided by the electronic device 200. In this case, the control unit 220 of the electronic device 200 can analyze the acquired QR code image to obtain access information and access the management server 100. In this case, the display switching data (vehicle image corresponding to the miniature car) to be downloaded to the in-vehicle device 300 can be identified based on the vehicle image ID included in the access information corresponding to the acquired QR code. Therefore, it is possible to omit the selection operation of the display switching data in the electronic device 200 (for example, steps S503 to S510). In other words, user U1 can omit the input operation to access the management server 100, the selection operation of the display switching data, etc. In this way, by purchasing a miniature car that is on sale, user U1 can easily and quickly display their preferred vehicle image in the vehicle image display area 380.

[0121] Furthermore, for example, when NFC is used as access information, it is possible to obtain access information using the communication unit 210 of the electronic device 200. Similarly, in this case as well, the control unit 220 of the electronic device 200 can obtain the acquired access information and access the management server 100.

[0122] [Example of operation of in-vehicle equipment] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the display switching process in the in-vehicle equipment 300. This display switching process is executed by the control unit 320 (see Figure 1) based on a program stored in the memory unit 330 (see Figure 1). This display switching process will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 13 as appropriate.

[0123] In step S531, the control unit 320 determines whether or not it has received download instruction information from the management server 100. If it has received download instruction information from the management server 100, it proceeds to step S532. On the other hand, if it has not received download instruction information from the management server 100, it continues monitoring. Note that step S531 corresponds to step S512 shown in Figure 13.

[0124] In step S532, the control unit 320 executes the download process based on the download instruction information received in step S531.

[0125] In step S533, the control unit 320 determines whether the download process started in step S532 has been completed. If the download process is completed, the process proceeds to step S534. On the other hand, if the download process is not completed, the process returns to step S532. Steps S532 and S533 correspond to steps S513 to S516 shown in Figure 13.

[0126] In step S534, the control unit 320 executes an installation process to install the content downloaded in step S532.

[0127] In step S535, the control unit 320 determines whether the installation process started in step S534 has been completed. If the installation process is completed, the process proceeds to step S536. On the other hand, if the installation process is not completed, the process returns to step S534. Steps S534 and S535 correspond to step S517 shown in Figure 13.

[0128] In step S536, the control unit 320 determines whether or not vehicle C1 is parked. For example, the control unit 320 can obtain vehicle status information (for example, whether or not vehicle C1 is moving) from the vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of vehicle C1 and determine whether or not vehicle C1 is parked based on this vehicle status information. If vehicle C1 is parked, the process proceeds to step S538. On the other hand, if vehicle C1 is not parked, the process proceeds to step S537.

[0129] In step S537, the control unit 320 waits to switch the display until the vehicle C1 is parked. Steps S536 and S537 correspond to step S518 shown in Figure 13.

[0130] In step S538, the control unit 320 executes a display switching process to display the content installed in steps S534 and S535. Step S538 corresponds to step S519 shown in Figure 13.

[0131] For example, if vehicle C1 is in an off state (standby state due to power off, etc.), it is determined in step S536 that vehicle C1 is parked. Also, if vehicle C1 is in an on state (started state) and user U1 is in vehicle C1, and a temporary stop is made at a stopping place such as a traffic light stop instruction, it is determined in step S536 that vehicle C1 is parked. If vehicle C1 is in an off state and it is determined that vehicle C1 is parked, the display switching process can be executed in step S538, provided that the vehicle C1 has been started. Furthermore, if vehicle C1 is in an on state and user U1 is in vehicle C1, and it is determined that vehicle C1 is parked, the "content switching button" described above is displayed on the display screen of the UI unit 340, and the display switching process can be executed in step S538 when the "content switching button" is selected.

[0132] [Example of Effects in This Embodiment] For example, consider the case where the display content on the display screen displayed on the UI unit 240 of the electronic device 200 is to be switched. Generally, it is thought that the electronic device 200 is often carried around by the user U1. Therefore, if user U1 wishes to switch the display content on the display screen of the electronic device 200, user U1 can quickly perform the display switching operation (for example, download operation, installation operation, display switching operation) using the electronic device 200 that he possesses. In other words, if the device on which the display switching operation is performed and the device on which the display switching is performed by that display switching operation are the same, user U1 can quickly perform the display switching operation using the same device (electronic device 200).

[0133] In contrast, consider a case where the display content on the display screen shown on the UI section 340 of the in-vehicle device 300 of vehicle C1 is switched using the in-vehicle device 300. For example, if user U1 is driving vehicle C1, it is impossible to perform the display switching operation. Therefore, it is conceivable that user U1, who is riding in vehicle C1, would perform the display switching operation using the in-vehicle device 300 after stopping driving vehicle C1. However, if vehicle C1 is parked in a certain environment (for example, a parking lot in the middle of winter or a parking lot in the scorching sun of summer), it is conceivable that it may be difficult for user U1 to remain in vehicle C1 for a long time. In such an environment, if a relatively large amount of display switching data is downloaded, the download time will be even longer, and the time user U1 spends waiting inside vehicle C1 will increase. In this case, the inside of vehicle C1 may become a poor environment for user U1, and it is conceivable that user U1's impression of vehicle C1 may worsen.

[0134] Furthermore, consider a scenario where user U1 (for example, at home) who has exited vehicle C1 uses the in-vehicle device 300 to perform a display switching operation. For example, user U1, who was watching a television advertisement at home, might want to switch the display to a desired setting. In this case, user U1 needs to get back into vehicle C1 to perform the display switching operation on the in-vehicle device 300. However, if the parking lot is far from home, the journey to the parking lot becomes cumbersome. Also, if the apartment building where user U1 lives has a mechanical parking system, the operation time required to retrieve vehicle C1 from the mechanical parking system, the operating time of the mechanical parking system, etc., will make these operations cumbersome.

[0135] Thus, in the case of the in-vehicle equipment 300 of vehicle C1, if the device that performs the display switching operation and the device that executes the display switching operation are the same, it becomes cumbersome because user U1 needs to board vehicle C1 in order to perform the display switching operation.

[0136] Therefore, in this embodiment, the display switching of the in-vehicle equipment 300 in vehicle C1 is separated into a device that performs the display switching operation (electronic device 200) and a device that performs the display switching as a result of that operation (in-vehicle equipment 300). In other words, the display switching of the in-vehicle equipment 300 in vehicle C1 can be performed by remote operation. For this reason, when user U1 performs the display switching operation of the in-vehicle equipment 300, user U1 does not need to be in vehicle C1. As a result, even when user U1 is outside vehicle C1, it is possible to quickly perform the display switching operation of the in-vehicle equipment 300 at the desired timing.

[0137] For example, when vehicle C1 is off (parked), a user U1 located outside vehicle C1 can use electronic device 200 to perform a display switching operation on the in-vehicle device 300, thereby automatically performing downloads, installations, display switching settings, etc., while vehicle C1 is parked (on standby). Then, when vehicle C1 is next started, the UI unit 340 of the in-vehicle device 300 can display the content after the display switching.

[0138] [Examples of executing processing on other devices or systems] In the above examples, acquisition processing, control processing, etc., are shown to be executed on the in-vehicle device 300 (or information processing system 1), but all or part of each of these processes may be executed on other devices. In this case, the information processing system is composed of devices that execute part of each of these processes. For example, at least part of each process can be executed using various information processing devices and various electronic devices such as a content server 10, an electronic device 200, a management server 100, a device usable by the user (e.g., a smartphone, tablet terminal, personal computer, car navigation system, IVI), and a server that can be connected via a predetermined network such as the Internet.

[0139] Furthermore, a part (or all) of the information processing system capable of executing the functions of the in-vehicle device 300 (or information processing system 1) may be provided by an application that can be provided via a predetermined network such as the Internet. This application may be, for example, SaaS (Software as a Service).

[0140] [Configuration Example and Effects of This Embodiment] The information processing method according to this embodiment is an information processing method that acquires display switching data selected by user operation using wireless communication and displays the display content based on the display switching data on the UI unit 340 (an example of a display unit) of the in-vehicle device 300 installed in the vehicle C1. This information processing method includes an acquisition process (steps S501 to S516, steps S531 to S533) in which, upon receiving a user operation in a wireless communication-enabled electronic device 200, display switching data related to the user operation is acquired from a content server 10 (an example of a providing device) and stored in the content DB 360 of the in-vehicle device 300; a setting process (installation process) (steps S517, steps S534 to S535) in which the display content based on the display switching data acquired and stored in the acquisition process is set to a state that can be displayed in the UI unit 340; and a control process (steps S518 to S519, steps S536 to S538) in which, after the execution of the setting process, a switching process is executed to switch the display state of the UI unit 340 to the display content based on the display switching data at the timing when the vehicle C1 starts up or when a display switching operation is performed by user U1. In other words, the program according to this embodiment is a program that causes a computer to implement each of the functions that the in-vehicle device 300 can perform.

[0141] This configuration allows for the separation of the device that performs the display switching operation (electronic device 200) and the device that performs the display switching operation (in-vehicle device 300) when switching the display of the in-vehicle device 300 in vehicle C1. Therefore, the display switching of the in-vehicle device 300 in vehicle C1 can be performed remotely. In other words, when user U1 performs the display switching operation of the in-vehicle device 300, user U1 does not need to be in vehicle C1. This makes it possible to quickly perform the display switching operation of the in-vehicle device 300 at the desired timing, even when user U1 is outside vehicle C1. Furthermore, for example, when vehicle C1 is off (parked), user U1, who is outside vehicle C1, can use the electronic device 200 to perform the display switching operation of the in-vehicle device 300, thereby automatically performing downloads, installations, display switching settings, etc., during the parking time (waiting time) of vehicle C1. Then, when the vehicle C1 is next started up, or at a timing desired by the user U1, the content of the display switch can be displayed on the UI unit 340 of the in-vehicle device 300.

[0142] The information processing method according to this embodiment further includes a display process (step S507) in which a list of multiple display switching data applicable to the vehicle C1 is displayed on the UI unit 240 of the electronic device 200. For example, in the content selection screens 400 and 420 shown in Figures 10 and 11, display switching data images 411 to 413 and 431 to 433 are displayed. In the acquisition process (steps S501 to S516), the display switching data selected by user operation from the list of multiple display switching data is acquired from the content server 10 (an example of a providing device).

[0143] With this configuration, user U1 can easily select the desired display switching data from a list of multiple display switching data displayed on the UI unit 240 of the electronic device 200.

[0144] In the information processing method according to this embodiment, the display processing (step S507) displays the display switching data that has been acquired by the in-vehicle device 300 and the display switching data that has not yet been acquired by the in-vehicle device 300 in a distinguishable manner. For example, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, on the right side of the display switching data images 411-413 and 431-433 in the content selection screens 400 and 420, "Pre-installed" is displayed for acquired display switching data and "Post-installed" is displayed for unacquired display switching data. In the acquisition processing (steps S501-S516), when unacquired display switching data is selected by user operation, that display switching data is acquired from the content server 10 (an example of a providing device).

[0145] With this configuration, when the in-vehicle device 300 selects a display switching data that has already been acquired, it is not necessary to download that display switching data from the content server 10. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the computational load related to the display switching process and shorten the processing time related to the display switching process.

[0146] In the information processing method according to this embodiment, the UI unit 340 (an example of a display unit) of the in-vehicle device 300 displays a vehicle image C2 (see Figure 9) that represents the appearance of vehicle C1. The display switching data may be data for changing to a second vehicle image that represents a part of the vehicle image C2, or a third vehicle image that represents the appearance of a vehicle other than vehicle C1.

[0147] With this configuration, it is possible to modify a portion of the vehicle image C2 displayed on the UI section 340 of the in-vehicle device 300, or to change it to a third vehicle image that represents the appearance of a vehicle other than vehicle C1.

[0148] In the information processing method according to this embodiment, the display switching data for changing to the third vehicle image may be data that can be obtained using access information associated with a small model of a vehicle corresponding to the third vehicle image.

[0149] With this configuration, since display switching data can be obtained using access information associated with the miniature model, it is possible to easily change to a third vehicle image that represents the exterior appearance of the vehicle desired by user U1.

[0150] In the information processing method according to this embodiment, the display switching data may be data for changing at least one of the background image, characters, layout, and icons that constitute the meters of the vehicle C1.

[0151] With this configuration, the user U1 can easily change the meters to their desired type by modifying at least one of the background image, text, layout, or icons.

[0152] In the information processing method according to this embodiment, the display switching data may be data for changing the combination of background images, characters, layouts, and icons that constitute the meters of the vehicle C1.

[0153] With this configuration, the background image, text, layout, and combination (pattern) of icons can be easily changed to create the meters desired by user U1.

[0154] In the information processing method according to this embodiment, the setting process (steps S517, S534, S535) is executed when the vehicle C1 is in the off state. The switching process (steps S518, S519, S536-S538) is executed when the vehicle C1 is started or when the display switching operation is performed.

[0155] With this configuration, when vehicle C1 is in an off state, user U1 located outside vehicle C1 can use electronic device 200 to perform a display switching operation on the in-vehicle device 300, enabling download and installation during vehicle C1's parking time (waiting time). Furthermore, the switching process can be automatically executed when vehicle C1 is started or when a display switching operation is performed. As a result, the display content after the display switching can be displayed on the UI unit 340 of the in-vehicle device 300 when vehicle C1 is next started or at a time desired by user U1.

[0156] The in-vehicle device 300 is an information processing device that acquires display switching data selected by user operation using wireless communication and displays the display content based on that display switching data on the UI unit 340 (an example of a display unit). The in-vehicle device 300 includes a control unit 320. When a user operation is received by the wireless communication-enabled electronic device 200, the control unit 320 acquires the display switching data related to that user operation from the content server 10 (an example of a providing device) and stores it in the content DB 350, and executes a setting process (installation process) to set the display content based on the acquired and stored display switching data to a state that can be displayed on the UI unit 340. After the execution of the setting process, at the timing when the vehicle C1 starts up or when a display switching operation is performed by user U1, a switching process is executed to switch the display state of the UI unit 340 to the display content based on the display switching data. Furthermore, the program according to this embodiment is a program that causes a computer to execute each of these processes. In other words, the program according to this embodiment is a program that causes a computer to realize each of the functions that the in-vehicle device 300 can execute.

[0157] This configuration allows for the separation of the device that performs the display switching operation (electronic device 200) and the device that performs the display switching operation (in-vehicle device 300) when switching the display of the in-vehicle device 300 in vehicle C1. Therefore, the display switching of the in-vehicle device 300 in vehicle C1 can be performed remotely. In other words, when user U1 performs the display switching operation of the in-vehicle device 300, user U1 does not need to be in vehicle C1. This makes it possible to quickly perform the display switching operation of the in-vehicle device 300 at the desired timing, even when user U1 is outside vehicle C1. Furthermore, for example, when vehicle C1 is off (parked), user U1, who is outside vehicle C1, can use the electronic device 200 to perform the display switching operation of the in-vehicle device 300, thereby automatically performing downloads, installations, display switching settings, etc., during the parking time (waiting time) of vehicle C1. Then, when the vehicle C1 is next started up, or at a timing desired by the user U1, the content of the display switch can be displayed on the UI unit 340 of the in-vehicle device 300.

[0158] The processing steps shown in this embodiment are merely examples of how to implement this embodiment. The order of some of the processing steps may be changed, some of the processing steps may be omitted, or other processing steps may be added, as long as the embodiment is feasible.

[0159] Furthermore, each process in this embodiment is executed based on a program that causes a computer to perform various processing procedures. This embodiment can also be understood as an embodiment of a program that realizes the functions for executing each of these processes, and a recording medium that stores that program. For example, by an update process to add new functions to an information processing device, the program can be stored in the storage device of the information processing device. This makes it possible to have the updated information processing device perform each of the processes shown in this embodiment.

[0160] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments merely illustrate examples of how the present invention can be applied, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configurations of the embodiments described above.

Claims

1. An information processing method for obtaining display switching data selected by user operation using wireless communication and displaying display content based on the display switching data on a display unit of an in-vehicle device installed in a vehicle, comprising: an acquisition process for acquiring and holding the display switching data related to the user operation from a providing device in response to the acceptance of the user operation in an electronic device capable of wireless communication; a setting process for setting the display content based on the display switching data acquired and held in the acquisition process to a state that can be displayed on the display unit; and a switching process for switching the display state of the display unit to the display content based on the display switching data at the timing when the vehicle starts up or when the user performs a display switching operation, after the execution of the setting process.

2. An information processing method according to claim 1, further comprising a display process that displays a list of a plurality of display switching data applicable to the vehicle on the electronic device, wherein the acquisition process acquires the display switching data selected by user operation from the list of a plurality of display switching data from the providing device.

3. An information processing method according to claim 2, wherein in the display processing, the display switching data acquired by the in-vehicle device and the display switching data not yet acquired by the in-vehicle device are displayed in an identifiable manner, and in the acquisition processing, when the display switching data not yet acquired by the in-vehicle device is selected by the user operation, the display switching data is acquired from the providing device.

4. An information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays a vehicle image representing the appearance of the vehicle, and the display switching data is data for changing to a second vehicle image that represents a part of the vehicle image, or a third vehicle image that represents the appearance of a vehicle other than the vehicle.

5. An information processing method according to claim 4, wherein the display switching data for changing to the third vehicle image is data that can be obtained using access information attached to a small model of a vehicle corresponding to the third vehicle image.

6. An information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the display switching data is data for changing at least one of the background image, characters, layout, and icons that constitute the meters of the vehicle.

7. An information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the display switching data is data for changing the combination of background images, characters, layouts, and icons that constitute the meters of the vehicle.

8. An information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the setting process is performed when the vehicle is in an off state, and the switching process is performed at the timing when the vehicle is started or when the display switching operation is performed.

9. An in-vehicle device installed in a vehicle, which acquires display switching data selected by user operation using wireless communication and displays display content based on the display switching data on a display unit, comprising a control unit, wherein the control unit acquires and holds the display switching data related to the user operation from a providing device in response to the acceptance of the user operation by an electronic device capable of wireless communication, executes a setting process to set the display content based on the acquired and held display switching data to a state that can be displayed on the display unit, and after the execution of the setting process, executes a switching process to switch the display state of the display unit to the display content based on the display switching data at the timing when the vehicle starts up or when the user performs a display switching operation.

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