Vehicle information display method, display control device, and program

Abstract

This vehicle information display method is executed by a controller (10) that displays vehicle information on a touch panel display (20) mounted in a vehicle (1). The vehicle information display method includes: displaying a vehicle model (40) representing a vehicle (1) as viewed from a viewpoint set in a virtual three-dimensional space; displaying annotations (50) representing annotations for each part of the vehicle model (40); and rotating or translating the vehicle model (40) and the annotations (50) when an occupant of the vehicle (1) swipes a display (30).

Description

Vehicle information display method, display control device and program

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle information display method, a display control device and a program.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a display control device that controls a display screen of a touch-panel display operable by an occupant. On a home screen including a left seat icon and a right seat icon, when one of the left seat icon and the right seat icon is operated, the display control device displays a setting screen for one of the left seat and the right seat. The one seat corresponds to the one seat icon operated on the home screen. The setting screen includes a display that allows a user to input control items related to temperature control of the one seat, and is located closer to the one seat than the other of the left seat and the right seat on the display screen.

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 254664

[0004] With the technology described in Patent Document 1, unless the user performs a touch operation on an icon displayed on the display, the user cannot know what information is included in the icon. Therefore, the user has to perform complicated operations before accessing the required vehicle information.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle information display method, a display control device and a program that allow a user to access required vehicle information without performing complicated operations.

[0006] A vehicle information display method according to one aspect of the present invention is executed by a controller that displays vehicle information on a touch-panel display mounted on a vehicle. The vehicle information display method includes: displaying a vehicle model representing a vehicle; displaying an annotation indicating an annotation for each part of the vehicle model; and when the display is swiped by an occupant of the vehicle, rotating or translating the vehicle model and the annotation in accordance with the swipe operation.

[0007] According to the present invention, a user can access required vehicle information without performing complicated operations.

[0008] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a vehicle including a display control device according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle information screen including a vehicle model and annotations. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a virtual surface that divides the vehicle model. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle information screen including a vehicle model and annotations. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle information screen including a vehicle model and annotations. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle information screen including a vehicle model and annotations. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an animation that starts when a specific part is selected. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an animation that starts when a specific part is selected. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an animation that starts when a specific part is selected.

[0009] The vehicle information display method, display control device, and program according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] The vehicle 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a display control device 10, a display 20, and a touch panel 30. The display 20 and the touch panel 30 are integrally configured to form a patch panel type display.

[0011] The display control device 10 is composed of a general-purpose microcomputer (controller) equipped with a CPU (central processing unit), memory, and input / output unit. A computer program is installed on the microcomputer. By executing the computer program, the microcomputer realizes multiple functions provided by the display control device 10.

[0012] The display control device 10 displays vehicle information on the display 20, thereby providing vehicle information to the occupants of the vehicle 1. The vehicle information includes information for explaining the function of each part that makes up the vehicle 1, and information for setting the function of each part.

[0013] The display 20 is positioned in a location visible to the occupant (typically the driver), for example, on the instrument panel. The display 20 displays vehicle information under the control of the display control device 10. The touch panel 30 is an interface for receiving operation instructions from the user and detects touch operations on the display 20. The touch panel 30 outputs the detected touch operations to the display control device 10. The touch panel 30 is, for example, a capacitive type, but is not limited to this and may be of other types, such as a resistive type.

[0014] The following describes the vehicle information screen 21 displayed on the display 20 by the display control device 10. When an occupant of vehicle 1 performs a vehicle information display operation, the display control device 10 displays the vehicle information screen 21 shown in Figure 2 on the display 20. The vehicle information screen 21 is a screen for the occupant to access vehicle information, and the vehicle information screen 21 includes a vehicle model 40 and a plurality of annotations 50.

[0015] Vehicle model 40 is a three-dimensional model representing vehicle 1 in a virtual three-dimensional space. Vehicle model 40 represents vehicle 1 as seen from a viewpoint set outside of vehicle 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "virtual viewpoint").

[0016] Annotation 50 is provided on the parts that make up the vehicle model 40. The vehicle model 40 (vehicle 1) includes multiple parts, and the vehicle information screen 21 also includes multiple annotations 50.

[0017] Annotation 50 consists of a marker 51, a label 52, and a leader line 53. Marker 51 is a marker that indicates the part in question on the vehicle model 40. Label 52 is an identifier that identifies the part, for example, the name of the part or the name of the function related to that part. Leader line 53 links marker 51 and label 52 and consists of a line connecting marker 51 and label 52. However, the function of linking marker 51 and label 52 only needs to be that the link between marker 51 and label 52 can be visually confirmed, and may be a callout or the like.

[0018] For example, vehicle 1 is provided with a charging port for connecting a fast charger's charging cable. In vehicle model 40, a marker 51 is displayed at the location of the charging port, and the label 52 displayed on it is "Fast Charging". A lead line 53 is displayed between the marker 51 indicating the charging port and the label 52, "Fast Charging".

[0019] Vehicle 1 is also equipped with a function called "T-Junction view". "T-Junction view" is a function that displays the conditions of an intersecting road on the display 20 when vehicle 1 enters the intersecting road. Here, an intersecting road is a road that extends in a direction intersecting with the direction of travel of vehicle 1, and is, for example, part of a road that forms a T-shaped intersection. In order to realize "T-Junction view", vehicle 1 is equipped with a front camera at the front end of vehicle 1. In vehicle model 40, a marker 51 is displayed at the location where the front camera is located, and the label 52 displayed is "T-Junction view", which is the name of the function related to the front camera. A leader line 53 is displayed between the marker 51 indicating the front camera and the label 52, "T-Junction view".

[0020] As described above, each part of the vehicle model 40 is provided with annotations 50, including markers 51, labels 52, and leader lines 53. Figure 2 shows examples of annotations 50 with labels 52, such as "interior," "wipers / washers," "doors," "tires," and "side radar."

[0021] When the vehicle information screen 21 is initially displayed triggered by an operation by an occupant to display vehicle information, the display control device 10 displays the vehicle model 40 in a predetermined initial position. As shown in Figure 2, the initial position is such that the left front end of the vehicle model 40 is positioned directly in front of the virtual viewpoint.

[0022] However, the display control device 10 may determine the initial posture of the vehicle model 40 based on the position information of the vehicle 1. That is, the display control device 10 determines a point of interest among several parts included in the vehicle model 40 based on the vehicle's position information. The display control device 10 then determines the initial posture of the vehicle model 40 such that the point of interest is positioned in front of the virtual viewpoint. For example, if the vehicle 1 is parked at a charging station, the display control device 10 determines a part related to charging as the point of interest. A part related to charging is, for example, a charging port. In this case, the display control device 10 determines the posture in which the charging port is positioned in front of the virtual viewpoint as the initial posture of the vehicle model 40.

[0023] When displaying the vehicle model 40 in its initial position, the display control device 10 extracts multiple parts from all the parts of the vehicle model 40 that are within the range visible from the virtual viewpoint. The display control device 10 then displays only the annotations 50 assigned to the extracted multiple parts. Therefore, the display control device 10 does not display all of the annotations 50 assigned to all the parts of the vehicle model 40.

[0024] In this case, the display control device 10 may assign one annotation 50 to a single abstracted part that abstracts multiple parts together. For example, the door of the vehicle model 40 includes multiple parts such as the door handle and the power window. In this case, the display control device 10 may assign one annotation 50 to an abstracted part called "door" that abstracts the door handle and the power window together.

[0025] The multiple annotations 50 displayed in this manner differ in their display depending on the part they represent. For example, as shown in Figure 2, annotations 50 for parts located closer to the viewer from the virtual viewpoint are displayed more prominently than labels for parts located further away from the viewer from the virtual viewpoint.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the three-dimensional space in which the vehicle model 40 exists is provided with a virtual surface 60 that divides the vehicle model 40 into a foreground side and a background side as viewed from the virtual viewpoint. The virtual line 61 shown in Figure 3 indicates a continuous position (line) where the virtual surface 60 and the vehicle model 40 intersect. The display control device 10 determines that parts located in front of the virtual surface 60 are parts located in front of the virtual viewpoint. Similarly, the display control device 10 determines that parts located behind the virtual surface 60 are parts located in the background as viewed from the virtual viewpoint. The display control device 10 then displays annotations 50 assigned to parts located in front of the virtual viewpoint with more emphasis than annotations 50 assigned to parts located in the background as viewed from the virtual viewpoint.

[0027] One way to highlight footnote 50 is to relatively increase the size of label 52, as shown in Figure 2. However, other methods for highlighting footnote 50 include changing the color of label 52, changing the thickness of marker 51 and leader line 53, or changing the color of marker 51 and leader line 53.

[0028] If the display positions of annotations 50 to be highlighted and annotations 50 not to be highlighted overlap, the display control device 10 may display the annotations 50 to be highlighted on a higher layer than the annotations 50 not to be highlighted. As a result, the annotations 50 to be highlighted are displayed at the top, and the annotations 50 not to be highlighted are covered by the annotations 50 to be highlighted. This makes the annotations 50 to be highlighted more prominently displayed.

[0029] In such a vehicle information screen 21, the occupant of the vehicle 1 can swipe the display 20, i.e., the touch panel 30. As shown in Figure 2, when the display 20 is swept by the occupant, the display control device 10 rotates or translates the vehicle model 40 in response to the swipe operation. For example, the vehicle model 40 has a rotation axis that extends vertically from its center. If the occupant swipes in a clockwise arc, the display control device 10 rotates the vehicle model 40 clockwise around the rotation axis. Similarly, if the occupant swipes in a counterclockwise arc, the display control device 10 rotates the vehicle model 40 counterclockwise around the rotation axis. Also, if the occupant swipes linearly left or right, the display control device 10 translates the vehicle model 40 horizontally. Similarly, if the occupant swipes linearly up or down, the display control device 10 translates the vehicle model 40 vertically.

[0030] By rotating or translating the vehicle model 40, the occupant can move the part of the vehicle for which they want information to be directed towards the virtual viewpoint. For example, when the vehicle model 40 is in the posture shown in Figure 2, if the occupant swipes in a clockwise arc, the display control device 10 rotates the vehicle model 40 clockwise around the axis of rotation. While the vehicle model 40 is rotating, the display control device 10 continuously calculates the range visible from the virtual viewpoint and switches the annotations 50 to be displayed. As a result, the displayed annotations 50 change dynamically along with the change in the posture of the vehicle model 40. When the occupant finishes swiping, the display control device 10 stops rotating the vehicle model 40. Through this series of controls, the display control device 10 can change the posture of the vehicle model 40 and the annotations 50 so that the left rear end of the vehicle model 40 is in front of the virtual viewpoint (see Figure 4).

[0031] Furthermore, the virtual viewpoint and the movement of the vehicle model 40 are in a relative relationship. Therefore, a change in the attitude of the vehicle model 40 can be described as moving the vehicle model 40 while keeping the virtual viewpoint fixed, or conversely, as moving the virtual viewpoint while keeping the vehicle model 40 fixed.

[0032] The display control device 10 can specify an area of ​​interest on the vehicle model 40 in response to the occupant's operation. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the display control device 10 displays an icon 70 for specifying an area of ​​interest. This icon 70 can be placed at any position on the vehicle model 40 by the occupant's tap or swipe operation. As described above, the vehicle model 40 includes annotations 50 that indicate abstracted parts. When this icon 70 is placed on an abstracted part on the vehicle model 40, the display control device 10 displays multiple annotations 50 that indicate multiple parts included in the abstracted part. For example, when the icon 70 is placed on the "door" part (abstracted part) shown in Figure 2, the display control device 10 hides the annotation 50 indicating "door," and then displays annotations 50 indicating "door handle" and "power window" on the parts corresponding to the door handle and power window. At this time, the display control device 10 may enlarge a portion of the parts included within the range of the area of ​​interest (icon 70).

[0033] When the vehicle information screen 21 is displayed on the display 20, the occupant can select a specific annotation 50 from among several annotations 50. The method of selecting an annotation 50 is, for example, by tapping on a label 52. When a specific annotation 50 is selected, the display control device 10 displays detailed information to explain the function of the part associated with the annotation 50 or to set the function of that part. The detailed information may be smaller in size than the vehicle information screen 21, for example, and in this case, the detailed information is superimposed on a layer higher than the vehicle model 40 and the multiple annotations 50.

[0034] Detailed information can consist of either or both explanatory text and / or images, animations that dynamically change the content of the explanation, or operation icons for setting functions through touch operation by the occupant. Below, we will explain detailed information using an example of detailed information consisting of animations that explain a function.

[0035] First, let's assume that the vehicle information screen 21, as shown in Figure 6, is displayed on the display 20. The vehicle model 40 is positioned so that its rear end is directly in front of the virtual viewpoint. Let's assume that the occupant has selected the annotation 50 for "Automatic Lane Change" on the vehicle information screen 21. Here, "Automatic Lane Change" is a function in which, when certain conditions are met, such as driving on a highway, the control system controls the vehicle's behavior to automatically change lanes in order to maintain the driving route to the destination.

[0036] When the annotation 50 for "Automatic Lane Change" is selected by the occupant, the display control device 10 starts an animation 23 (see Figure 7) that explains the function of "Automatic Lane Change". The animation 23 for "Automatic Lane Change" is a dynamic video that explains automatic lane change and is represented using a vehicle model 40.

[0037] Specifically, when "Automatic Lane Change" is selected by the occupant, the display control device 10 switches the annotation 50 attached to the vehicle model 40 to hidden (State (a) in Figure 7). Then, the display control device 10 continuously changes the form (attitude and size) of the vehicle model 40. Specifically, as shown from State (a) to State (d) in Figure 7, the form of the vehicle model 40 is continuously changed so that the virtual viewpoint moves upward and backward. In addition, the display control device 10 displays structures and objects necessary for the "Automatic Lane Change" function. Specifically, the display control device 10 displays a boundary line 45 indicating the lane boundary around the vehicle model 40 (see State (c) in Figure 7). Subsequently, the display control device 10 displays a preceding vehicle 47 around the vehicle model 40 (see State (d) in Figure 7). Finally, the display control device 10 displays an arrow-shaped symbol 48 representing a lane change. The "Automatic Lane Change" is explained by an animation 23 involving this series of movements.

[0038] Note that the form of the vehicle model 40 when "Automatic Lane Change" is selected by the occupant may differ from the form of the vehicle model 40 that appears in the animation 23. For example, suppose the occupant selects the annotation 50 for "Automatic Lane Change" when the vehicle information screen 21 shown in Figure 4 is displayed. In this case, it is preferable for the display control device 10 to continuously change the form of the vehicle model 40 until it reaches the form of the vehicle model 40 that appears at the beginning of the animation 23 (state (a) in Figure 7).

[0039] Next, another example of animation 23 will be explained. First, let's assume that the display 20 shows a vehicle information screen 21 as shown in Figure 2. In the vehicle information screen 21 shown in Figure 2, the vehicle model 40 is positioned such that the left front end of the vehicle model 40 is in front of the virtual viewpoint. Let's assume that the occupant has selected the annotation 50 "T-Junction view" on the vehicle information screen 21.

[0040] When the annotation 50 for "T-Junction view" is selected by the occupant, the display control device 10 displays an animation 23 (see Figure 8) that explains the function of "T-Junction view". The animation 23 for "T-Junction view" is a dynamic video to explain "T-Junction view" and is represented using a vehicle model 40.

[0041] Specifically, when the annotation 50 for "T-Junction view" is selected by the occupant, the display control device 10 switches the annotation 50 attached to the vehicle model 40 to invisible (state (a) in Figure 8). The display control device 10 then continuously changes the form (attitude and size) of the vehicle model 40. Specifically, as shown from state (a) to state (c) in Figure 8, the form of the vehicle model 40 is continuously changed so that the virtual viewpoint moves backward. In addition, the display control device 10 displays structures and objects necessary for the function of "T-Junction view". Specifically, as shown in state (d) in Figure 8, the display control device 10 displays the intersecting road 80 and the obstruction 81 that obstructs the view of the connecting road on which the vehicle model 40 is traveling, around the vehicle model 40. At this time, the vehicle model 40 is hidden by the obstruction 81. Furthermore, the display control device 10 displays an arrow icon 82 indicating that the vehicle model 40 is entering the intersecting road 80, and a shooting area 83 that can be captured by the front camera when entering the intersecting road 80. Finally, the display control device 10 moves the vehicle model 40 forward to represent that the vehicle model 40 is entering the intersecting road 80 (State (e) in Figure 8). The "T-Junction view" is explained through this series of movements in the animation 23.

[0042] Next, another example of animation 23 will be explained. First, let's assume that the display 20 shows a vehicle information screen 21 as shown in Figure 4. In the vehicle information screen 21 shown in Figure 4, the vehicle model 40 is positioned such that the left rear end of the vehicle model 40 is in front of the virtual viewpoint. Let's assume that the occupant has selected the annotation 50 "Interior" on the vehicle information screen 21.

[0043] When "Interior" is selected by an occupant, the display control device 10 starts an animation 23 (see FIG. 9) describing detailed parts existing inside the vehicle 1. First, the display control device 10 switches the annotation 50 on the vehicle information screen 21 to a non-display state (state (a) in FIG. 9). Then, as shown in states (b) and (c) of FIG. 9, the display control device 10 continuously changes the form of the vehicle model 40 such that the virtual viewpoint approaches the vehicle model 40 at a constant speed.

[0044] When the virtual viewpoint approaches the vehicle model 40 to a predetermined distance, the display control device 10 switches the displayed content from the vehicle model 40 representing the exterior of the vehicle 1 to an interior model 41 that three-dimensionally represents the interior of the vehicle 1 (state (d) in FIG. 9). This achieves a visual effect in which the viewpoint moves from the outside of the vehicle 1 to the inside of the vehicle 1. At this time, the display control device 10 may perform processing such that as the virtual viewpoint approaches the vehicle model 40, the transparency of the vehicle model 40 is increased while the transparency of the interior model 41 is decreased. This allows a seamless transition from the vehicle model 40 to the interior model 41, thereby smoothly expressing the movement of the viewpoint from the outside of the vehicle 1 to the inside of the vehicle 1.

[0045] Next, the display control device 10 changes the form of the interior model 41 such that the virtual viewpoint moves forward in the interior at a constant speed (state (e) in FIG. 9). As a result, the steering wheel provided in front of the driver's seat and the instrument panel are displayed in an enlarged manner.

[0046] When the virtual viewpoint moves to a predetermined position in the vehicle interior, the display control apparatus 10 stops the viewpoint movement, and then displays annotations 50 assigned to each part in the vehicle interior (state (e) in Fig. 9). Specifically, the display control apparatus 10 displays the annotation 50 for a part that can be checked on the display 20, that is, a part within the range included in the screen. On the other hand, the display control apparatus 10 does not display the annotation 50 for a part outside the screen. In the example shown in Fig. 9, an annotation 50 indicating "navigation system" is displayed at the part of the display 20, and an annotation 50 indicating "direction indicator switch" is displayed at the part of the direction indicator switch.

[0047] When an occupant selects the annotation 50 of "direction indicator switch", the display control apparatus 10 displays an animation explaining the function of the "direction indicator switch" in, for example, a pop-up window 90. Through such an animation 23, by zooming in on a specific part while moving from the outside of the vehicle to the inside of the vehicle, the display can be transitioned to the interior part for which the occupant desires information.

[0048] Note that in the example shown in Fig. 9, the annotations 50 are hidden, but the annotations 50 may be kept displayed. In this case, when the number of annotations 50 displayed on the display 20 is greater than a threshold value, the display control apparatus 10 may slow down the transition speed of the virtual viewpoint compared to when the number of annotations 50 displayed on the display 20 is equal to or less than the threshold value.

[0049] As described above, the vehicle information display method according to this embodiment includes displaying a vehicle model 40 representing vehicle 1 as seen from a viewpoint set in a virtual three-dimensional space, displaying annotations 50 indicating annotations for each part of the vehicle model 40, and rotating or translating the vehicle model 40 and annotations 50 when the display 20 is swept by an occupant of vehicle 1. With this method, annotations 50 indicating annotations are displayed for each part of the vehicle model 40. This makes it easy to understand what kind of information is associated with each part of the vehicle model 40. In addition, since the vehicle model 40 and annotations 50 are rotated or translated in response to the swipe operation, the user can easily access all parts of the vehicle model 40. As a result, the user can easily access the necessary vehicle information without performing complicated operations.

[0050] The vehicle information display method according to this embodiment includes displaying one annotation 50 for a single abstraction area that aggregates multiple parts included in the vehicle model 40, and when a focus area (icon 70) is placed on the abstraction area of ​​the vehicle model 40 in response to an operation by the occupant, multiple annotations 50 representing each of the multiple parts are displayed. By this method, the number of annotations 50 initially displayed can be reduced by setting an abstraction area in the vehicle model 40. This improves the visibility of the annotations 50. In addition, by placing a focus area, the annotations 50 assigned to individual parts included in the abstraction area can be recognized.

[0051] The vehicle information display method according to this embodiment determines the area of ​​interest in the vehicle model 40 based on the position information of the vehicle 1, and determines the initial posture of the vehicle model 40 so that the area of ​​interest is positioned closer to the viewpoint. This method prioritizes the display of areas that are likely to be of interest to the occupant, making it possible for the occupant to easily access the information.

[0052] The vehicle information display method according to this embodiment includes starting an animation 23 to explain information about a specific part of the vehicle model 40 when that part is selected by the occupant. When the animation 23 starts, the form of the vehicle model changes continuously, starting from the form of the vehicle model when the specific part was selected by the occupant. With this method, the change in the form of the vehicle model 40 in the animation 23 can be made continuous by starting from the form of the vehicle model 40 when the specific part was selected. Because the form of the vehicle model 40 is continuous, the occupant can more easily recognize the information expressed in the animation.

[0053] In the vehicle information display method according to this embodiment, the animation 23 includes structures surrounding the vehicle model 40 and obstacles present around the vehicle model 40. With this method, since structures and obstacles are displayed around the vehicle model 40, occupants can more easily recognize the information represented by the animation.

[0054] In the vehicle information display method according to this embodiment, when a specific part inside the vehicle is selected by the occupant, an animation 23 is displayed that transitions the viewpoint from outside the vehicle to inside the vehicle while zooming in on the specific part. With this method, since the viewpoint transitions continuously from outside the vehicle to a specific part inside the vehicle, the occupant can more easily grasp the information represented by the animation.

[0055] The vehicle information display method according to this embodiment includes switching the annotation 50 to hidden when the animation 23 is started. This method makes it possible to further emphasize the information represented by the animation.

[0056] In this embodiment, the vehicle information display method displays annotations 50 for parts that can be seen on the display 20, and does not display annotations 50 for parts that the user cannot see on the display 20. By this method, by displaying only annotations 50 for parts that can be seen by the occupants, it is possible to reduce cluttered displays while minimizing the discomfort caused by the display of annotations 50 for parts that cannot be seen.

[0057] The vehicle information display method according to this embodiment includes the fact that when the number of annotations 50 displayed on the display 20 is greater than a threshold, the speed at which the viewpoint shifts is slower than when the number of annotations 50 displayed on the display 20 is less than or equal to a threshold. This method makes it possible to appropriately recognize the annotations 50 even when the viewpoint shifts.

[0058] In the vehicle information display method according to this embodiment, annotations 50 relating to parts located closer to the viewpoint are displayed more prominently than annotations 50 relating to parts located further away from the viewpoint. With this method, since annotations 50 relating to parts closer to the occupant are highlighted, the occupant can easily recognize the parts they wish to focus on.

[0059] In the vehicle information display method according to this embodiment, parts located closer to the viewpoint are parts located closer to the viewpoint than the virtual plane 60, and parts located further away from the viewpoint are parts located further away from the virtual plane 60. With this method, by setting the virtual plane 60, the display control device 10 can appropriately distinguish the positions of each part.

[0060] In the vehicle information display method according to this embodiment, highlighted annotations 50 are displayed superimposed on a higher layer than unhighlighted annotations 50. With this method, the highlighted annotations 50 are not obstructed by unhighlighted annotations 50, so the annotations 50 can be highlighted more effectively.

[0061] However, the method for emphasizing footnote 50 is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle information display method according to this embodiment may include recording the performance of a specific part selected by the occupant, and displaying footnote 50 for a part with a high selection rate more emphatically than footnote 50 for a part with a low selection rate.

[0062] Furthermore, the vehicle information display method according to this embodiment may highlight an annotation 50 indicating an update target area where updateable software exists, or an area of ​​the vehicle model 40 corresponding to the update target area. The vehicle information display method according to this embodiment may also include displaying information including changes after the software update when the update target area is selected by the occupant.

[0063] These methods prioritize displaying parts that are likely to be of interest to the crew, making it easier for them to access information.

[0064] Furthermore, when implementing the information display method described above, it is preferable to restrict the operations that the occupants can perform when Vehicle 1 is in motion compared to when Vehicle 1 is not in motion. This makes it possible to discourage occupants from performing operations while Vehicle 1 is in motion.

[0065] In addition to the display control method described above, this embodiment also includes a display control device 10 that displays vehicle information on a touch panel display 20 mounted on the vehicle 1. The display control device 10 includes a controller, which executes the display control method described above. According to this display control device 10, annotations 50 indicating annotations are displayed on each part of the vehicle model 40. This makes it easy to understand what kind of information is associated with each part of the vehicle model 40. In addition, the vehicle model 40 and annotations 50 are rotated or translated in response to a swipe operation, so the user can easily access all parts of the vehicle model 40. This makes it easy for the user to access the necessary vehicle information without performing complicated operations.

[0066] Similarly, this embodiment also includes a program that causes a computer to execute the above-described display control method, and a computer-readable recording medium that stores this program. According to this program and recording medium, the computer displays annotations 50 indicating annotations for each part of the vehicle model 40. This makes it easy to understand what kind of information is associated with each part of the vehicle model 40. In addition, the vehicle model 40 and annotations 50 are rotated or translated in response to a swipe operation, so the user can easily access all parts of the vehicle model 40. This allows the user to easily access the necessary vehicle information without performing complicated operations.

[0067] As described above, embodiments of the present invention have been presented, but the statements and drawings that constitute part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operational techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0068] 1: Vehicle, 10: Display control device, 20: Display, 21: Vehicle information screen, 23: Animation, 30: Touch panel, 40: Vehicle model, 50: Annotation, 51: Marker, 52: Label, 53: Leader line

Claims

1. A method for displaying vehicle information, which is performed by a controller that displays vehicle information on a touch panel display mounted on a vehicle, comprising: displaying a vehicle model representing the vehicle as seen from a viewpoint set in a virtual three-dimensional space; displaying annotations relating to each part of the vehicle model; and, when the display is swept by an occupant of the vehicle, rotating or translating the vehicle model and the annotations in response to the swipe operation.

2. The vehicle information display method according to claim 1, wherein when a specific part is selected by the occupant from among a plurality of parts of the vehicle model, an animation for explaining information about the specific part is started, and when the animation is started, the form of the vehicle model changes continuously, starting from the form of the vehicle model when the specific part was selected by the occupant.

3. The vehicle information display method according to claim 2, wherein the animation includes structures surrounding the vehicle model and obstacles present around the vehicle model.

4. When a specific part inside the vehicle is selected by the occupant from among a plurality of parts of the vehicle model, the vehicle information display method according to claim 1, wherein the display shows an animation that transitions the viewpoint so as to zoom in on the specific part while moving from outside the vehicle to inside the vehicle.

5. The vehicle information display method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein when the animation is started, the annotation is switched to hidden.

6. The vehicle information display method according to claim 4, wherein the annotation is displayed for the parts of the plurality of parts that can be confirmed on the display, and the annotation is not displayed for the parts that the user cannot confirm on the display.

7. The vehicle information display method according to claim 6, wherein when the number of annotations displayed on the display is greater than a threshold, the speed at which the viewpoint transitions is slower than when the number of annotations displayed on the display is less than or equal to a threshold.

8. The vehicle information display method according to claim 1, wherein the annotations relating to parts located closer to the viewer from the viewpoint are displayed more emphatically than the annotations relating to parts located further away from the viewer from the viewpoint.

9. The vehicle information display method according to claim 8, wherein the vehicle model includes a virtual plane that divides the vehicle model into a front side and a back side when viewed from the viewpoint, the portion located on the front side when viewed from the viewpoint is the portion located in front of the virtual plane, and the portion located on the back side when viewed from the viewpoint is the portion located in back of the virtual plane.

10. The vehicle information display method according to claim 1, comprising recording the performance of the part selected by the occupant, and displaying the annotation assigned to the part with a high selection performance more prominently than the annotation assigned to the part with a low selection performance.

11. The vehicle information display method according to claim 8 or 10, wherein the highlighted annotations are displayed superimposed on a higher layer than the non-highlighted annotations.

12. The vehicle information display method according to claim 8, wherein one annotation is displayed for a single abstraction that combines multiple parts included in the vehicle model, and when a region of interest is placed on the abstraction of the vehicle model in response to the operation of the occupant, multiple annotations indicating each of the multiple parts are displayed.

13. A vehicle information display method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the annotation indicating an update target area where updateable software exists, or the area of ​​the vehicle model corresponding to the update target area, is highlighted.

14. The vehicle information display method according to claim 13, wherein, when the part to be updated is selected by the occupant, information including changes after the software update is displayed.

15. A vehicle information display method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising determining a particular part of interest among a plurality of parts included in the vehicle model based on the vehicle's position information, and determining the orientation of the vehicle model such that the particular part of interest is positioned in front of the viewpoint.

16. A vehicle information display method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein when the vehicle is in motion, the operation that can be performed by the occupant is restricted compared to when the vehicle is not in motion.

17. A display control device comprising a controller that displays information about the vehicle on a touch panel display mounted on the vehicle, wherein the controller displays a vehicle model representing the vehicle as seen from a viewpoint set in a virtual three-dimensional space, displays annotations indicating annotations related to each part of the vehicle model, and rotates or moves the vehicle model and the annotations in response to a swipe operation performed by the occupant of the vehicle.

18. A program that causes a computer mounted on a touch panel display in a vehicle to display a vehicle model representing the vehicle as seen from a viewpoint set in a virtual three-dimensional space, to display annotations indicating annotations related to each part of the vehicle model, and to execute a process in which the vehicle model and the annotations are rotated or translated in response to a swipe operation on the display by an occupant of the vehicle.

Images