JP7561606B2 - Information processing device and display control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device and a display control method.

As background technology, there is Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-22567 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 states, "In an information processing device that displays a screen in which images are arranged in an aligned arrangement position, an information processing device is provided in which images are rearranged to a position desired by a user. The information processing device includes an image display unit (211) that displays a plurality of images to be arranged in ranked positions, and an arrangement unit (221) that, when an instruction to rearrange an image selected from the plurality of images is received from an instruction unit within an arrangement area including one of the images, rearranges the image selected on the image display unit to a position within the arrangement area."

JP 2015-22567 A

In Patent Document 1, an image linked to a specific software can be rearranged to a position desired by a user in an information processing device such as a tablet terminal or a personal computer. However, this does not take into consideration that requirements for rearrangement may differ depending on the purpose of the information processing device.

For example, in-car devices, it is conceivable to similarly display images in function allocation areas to which functions have been assigned, and make the layout of the images changeable. However, in-car devices, there is a strong demand for operations to be completed in a short time and for the display size to be secured in order to avoid the user's gaze. For these reasons, even to rearrange images in the same way, operations different from those of other information processing devices may be required or restrictions different from those of other information processing devices may be imposed. As a result, if a user attempts to operate the in-car device by analogy with the operations of other information processing devices, the user may not be able to complete the desired operations, which may actually result in a decrease in operability.

The present invention aims to improve operability when rearranging areas to which functions, etc. are assigned.

The information processing device according to the present invention comprises a display unit capable of displaying multiple function assignment areas each having a function assigned thereto, an operation detection unit capable of detecting an operation on the display unit, and a control unit that controls the display content on the display unit and performs processing based on the operation position detected by the operation detection unit, the control unit being capable of switching at least between a function use mode in which a function assigned to the function assignment area corresponding to the operation position is executed, and a layout change mode in which the layout of the function assignment areas is changed, and in the function use mode, the multiple function assignment areas are displayed in a combined manner, and in the layout change mode, the multiple function assignment areas are displayed in a separated manner.

The present invention can improve operability when rearranging areas to which functions, etc. are assigned.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a display control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an in-vehicle device. 10 is a flowchart showing a process of changing the layout of function allocation areas by the in-vehicle device. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of display. This is an example of how to display joins and separations. (Part 1) This is an example of how to display joins and separations. (Part 2) 11 is a specific example of an operation for changing the arrangement. 13 is a modified example of an operation for changing the arrangement.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of a display control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The in-car device 10 according to the embodiment has various functions related to route guidance, music playback, etc. The in-car device 10 also has a touch panel display and can display multiple function allocation areas, each of which is assigned a function.

A function assignment area visually displays the boundaries of the area and indicates the functions assigned to the area with letters or symbols. A function assignment area is displayed using a touch panel display, and the assigned function is executed when an operation is received at the display position, so that the function assignment area operates as a virtual operation button. Furthermore, function assignment areas that show the assigned functions with symbols or figures and have a standardized shape (for example, a square of a specified size) are generally called icons.

The in-vehicle device 10 can at least switch between a function use mode in which an operation is received on a function assignment area, and an arrangement change mode in which the arrangement of the function assignment area is changed.

In the function use mode, the in-vehicle device 10 displays the multiple function assignment areas in a combined state, and in the layout change mode, the multiple function assignment areas are displayed separately. Specifically, in the function use mode, the in-vehicle device 10 expresses the combined state by having the outlines of the multiple function assignment areas touch. When changing from the function use mode to the layout change mode, the in-vehicle device 10 expresses the separation of the function assignment areas by moving the display positions of the multiple function assignment areas in directions away from each other.

In this way, by shifting the display positions of the function assignment areas so that they are farther apart from each other, it is possible to express the separation and combination of function assignment areas while maintaining the size and shape of the function assignment areas. Furthermore, by separating and combining function assignment areas, the operator is made aware of whether or not the layout can be changed, preventing operational errors and contributing to improved operability.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the in-vehicle device 10. The in-vehicle device 10 has a touch panel display 41, a speaker 24, a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit 25, a communication unit 26, a vehicle connection unit 27, a control unit 30, and a storage unit 40.

The touch panel display 21 is an input/output interface that combines a display unit 22 and an operation detection unit 23. The speaker 24 is an output interface that outputs sound. The GPS unit 25 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and determines the position of the device itself. The communication unit 26 communicates with devices outside the vehicle and other terminals within the vehicle. The vehicle connection unit 27 acquires various information from the vehicle (speed, steering angle, etc.).

The storage unit 40 includes a magnetic disk, flash memory, or the like as a storage medium, and stores data. The data stored in the storage unit 40 includes map data 41 and icon arrangement data 42. The map data 41 is used for displaying a map of the current location, setting a destination, searching for a route, and guiding the route. The icon arrangement data 42 is data that indicates settings related to the arrangement of the function allocation area.

The control unit 30 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and operates as a mode switching unit 31, a setting unit 32, a driving assistance processing unit 33, and a content output processing unit 34 by reading and executing a specific program.

The mode switching unit 31 can select and switch between multiple operation modes including at least a function use mode and a layout change mode.

The setting unit 32 is a processing unit that manages various settings related to the in-vehicle device 10. The setting unit 32 can change the layout of the function allocation area, and manages the changed layout by registering it in the icon layout data 42. The driving support processing unit 33 displays a map of the current location and surrounding area, sets a destination, searches for routes, provides route guidance, etc. The content output processing unit 34 receives and outputs broadcasts such as radio and television, and reads and plays music and videos from a specified recording medium.

Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the process of changing the layout of function allocation areas by the in-car device 10. In the initial state of the processing procedure in Figure 3, the mode switching unit 31 is performing display in function use mode (step S101). Therefore, the mode switching unit 31 is in a state where multiple function allocation areas are combined and displayed on the display unit 22.

When the mode switching unit 31 receives an operation to transition to the layout change mode (step S102), it separates the icons by moving the display positions of the multiple function allocation areas, i.e., the multiple icons, away from each other, and starts the layout change mode (step S103).

After step S103, the setting unit 32 determines whether or not a designation of a function allocation area to be replaced has been received (step S104). If a designation of a function allocation area to be replaced has been received (step S104; Yes), the setting unit 32 changes the layout by swapping the display positions of the designated function allocation areas, and updates the icon layout data 42 (step S105).

After step S105, or if no designation of the function allocation area to be replaced has been received (step S104; No), the setting unit 32 determines whether or not an operation to end the layout change mode has been received (step S106).

If an operation to end the layout change mode has not been received (step S106; No), the setting unit 32 returns to step S104. If an operation to end the layout change mode has been received (step S106; Yes), the mode switching unit 31 brings the display positions of multiple function allocation areas, i.e., multiple icons, closer together and combines the icons by bringing their borders into contact, and ends the layout change mode (step S107). Thereafter, the mode switching unit 31 displays the function use mode and ends the processing related to the layout change (step S108).

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of display. In FIG. 4, the in-vehicle device 10 can display, for example, some of the icons in two types of menus in the main menu, which is the main screen. Furthermore, it is possible to transition from the main menu, which is the main screen, to each menu (a destination menu or an AV menu in FIG. 4) in which all icons in each of the two types of menus are displayed. The menus to which the transition is made from the main menu are not limited to two types. For example, when it is possible to transition from the main menu to three types of menus, it is possible to display some icons displayed in the first type of menu, some icons displayed in the second type of menu, and some icons displayed in the third type of menu in the main menu. In this case, when the transition is made from the main menu, which is the main screen, to the first type of menu, all the icons displayed in the first type of menu are displayed on the in-vehicle device 10. Each icon is assigned a functional classification, which will be described later, and is displayed as one type of menu by grouping the functional classifications.
The destination menu is a screen that simultaneously displays icons to which functions related to setting a destination are assigned. For example, icons to which a function of setting home as a destination and a function of selecting a destination by referring to a history are assigned are displayed in the destination menu.
The AV menu is a screen that simultaneously displays icons to which functions related to the output of music, video, etc. For example, icons to which functions such as a function for receiving radio broadcasts and a function for playing content stored on a recording medium are assigned are displayed on the AV menu.

In the function use mode, the destination menu screen displays eight icons in a combined state and further includes a rearrangement button. When the rearrangement button is operated in this state, the screen enters a rearrangement mode, in which the eight icons are separated and the rearrangement button is replaced with an end rearrangement button.
In the function use mode, the AV menu screen displays eight icons in a combined state and further includes a rearrangement button. When the rearrangement button is operated in this state, the screen enters the rearrangement mode, in which the eight icons are separated and the rearrangement button is replaced with an end rearrangement button.

The main menu screen displays four icons on the left side of the destination menu and four icons on the right side of the AV menu. In other words, changing the layout of the eight icons in the destination menu or AV menu also selects which icons to display on the main menu.

In this way, the functions assigned to the icons can be classified into one of the function categories, such as "destination" or "AV," and the control unit 30 of the in-vehicle device 10 combines and displays function assignment areas that are assigned functions belonging to the same function category.

Then, the control unit 30 accepts a switching operation to a layout change mode while simultaneously displaying all the function assignment areas to which functions belonging to the same functional classification are assigned, and changes the layout of the function assignment areas to which functions belonging to the same functional classification are assigned.
At this time, the start and end of the layout change mode are linked to the separation and combination of the function allocation areas.
By this control, a restriction is set that limits the changeable arrangement of the function allocation areas within the range of the same function classification, and this restriction can be easily recognized by the operator.

In the explanation so far, we have shown a case where separation is represented by moving the functional allocation areas away from each other, but other representations may also be used. Figures 5 and 6 are examples of displaying combinations and separations.

In FIG. 5, in function use mode, the boundaries of multiple function allocation areas are adjacent. When changing from function use mode to layout change mode, an animation process that imitates cutting the boundaries of the function allocation areas is performed as a transition display. After that, in the layout change mode, the multiple function allocation areas are displayed separately. Note that an animation process that imitates welding, etc., can be used to display the transition from the layout change mode to the function use mode.

In FIG. 6, in function use mode, the display is made in a display mode that indicates a connection between multiple function allocation areas. Then, when changing from the function use mode to the layout change mode, a transition display is made that indicates the release of the connection. Thereafter, in the layout change mode, the multiple function allocation areas are displayed separated. Note that, in the transition display from the layout change mode to the function use mode, a display that indicates that the connection will be made again may be made. In addition, the separation and connection of function allocation areas can be shown by any method that expresses connection and separation, such as chains or line fasteners.

Figure 7 shows a specific example of an operation for rearrangement. First, in the function use mode, when an icon is tapped, the control unit 30 executes the function assigned to that icon. On the other hand, in the rearrangement mode, the control unit 30 accepts the tap on the icon as a designation of an icon to be replaced.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, when icon "A" is tapped, icon "A" becomes the swap target, and when icon "G" is then tapped, icon "A" and icon "G" are swapped.

Figure 8 shows a modified example of the operation for rearrangement. In the rearrangement mode, if a drag operation is performed from the position of icon "B" to the position of icon "D" in the destination menu, the control unit 30 accepts this as an operation to move the position of icon "B" and executes the rearrangement.

On the other hand, in the function use mode, if a drag operation is performed from the position of icon "B" to the position of icon "D" in the destination menu, the control unit 30 accepts it as an operation to move the entire plate to which the icons are attached, and transitions to the display of the main menu.
In this way, for the same operation, if the icons are separated, processing is performed on the icons, and if the icons are combined and displayed as a plate, processing is performed on the plate, allowing the operator to easily guess the result of the operation and improving operability.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the in-vehicle device 10, which is an information processing device, is equipped with a display unit 22 capable of displaying a plurality of function allocation areas each having an assigned function, an operation detection unit 23 capable of detecting an operation on the display unit 22, and a control unit 30 that controls the display content on the display unit 22 and performs processing based on the operation position detected by the operation detection unit 23.
The control unit 30 is capable of switching at least between a function use mode in which a function assigned to a function assignment area corresponding to the operation position is executed, and a layout change mode in which the layout of the function assignment area is changed, and in the function use mode, the multiple function assignment areas are displayed in a combined state, and in the layout change mode, the multiple function assignment areas are displayed separately.
With such a configuration and operation, it is possible to clearly indicate whether or not the layout can be changed and any restrictions thereon, thereby improving operability when the information processing device rearranges areas to which functions and the like are assigned.

For example, in-car devices are often operated with the non-dominant hand, and there are many situations in which operations should be avoided while staring. For this reason, there is a demand for larger displays of icons and the like to improve visibility and operability, and for operations to be completed in a short time. As a result of designing in accordance with these demands, operations different from those of other information processing devices may be required, or restrictions different from those of other information processing devices may be imposed. However, according to this embodiment, restrictions on operations can be indicated while maintaining visibility and operability. This allows the operator to easily predict the results of their own operations, achieving high operability.

In addition, the information processing device according to this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle, the operation detection unit receives operations by an occupant of the vehicle, the functions assigned to the function assignment areas can be classified into one of a plurality of function classifications, and the control unit combines and displays function assignment areas that are assigned functions belonging to the same function classification.
In this way, by making it possible to change the arrangement of the function allocation areas within the range of the same function classification in the in-vehicle device, it is possible to realize the arrangement desired by the user while maintaining the convenience of the function classification.

As an example of combining and separating, in the function use mode, the control unit 30 combines the outlines of the multiple function allocation areas by bringing them into contact, and when changing from the function use mode to the layout change mode, separates the multiple function allocation areas by moving the display positions of the multiple function allocation areas in directions away from each other.
As another example, in the function use mode, the control unit 30 displays a display mode indicating a connection between the multiple function allocation areas, and performs display control to indicate the release of the connection when changing from the function use mode to the layout change mode.
In this way, by utilizing various display modes to indicate the combination and separation of function allocation areas, the operator can be made aware of the restrictions on rearrangement and the results of the operation, which contributes to improved operability.

In addition, the control unit 30 accepts a switching operation to the layout change mode while simultaneously displaying all function assignment areas to which functions belonging to the same functional classification are assigned, and changes the layout of the function assignment areas to which functions belonging to the same functional classification are assigned.
By adopting such an operation, it is possible to change the layout within the range of the same functional classification.

In addition, in a configuration in which the function assignment areas displayed on the main operation screen are determined based on the layout of the function assignment areas, where to display which function assignment area is not simply a matter of the operator's preference, but rather involves selecting and arranging frequently used function assignment areas on the main operation screen, increasing the importance of layout changes.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the configuration and operation can be modified appropriately.
For example, although the embodiments have been described using an in-vehicle device as an example, the present invention is applicable to any information processing device including computers and tablet terminals, and is particularly effective for information processing devices that are highly specialized and have different restrictions than other information processing devices.
For example, the operation detection unit does not necessarily need to be a touch panel display integrated with the display unit, and the operation detection unit and the display unit may be separate. In this case, the operation detection unit may be a stick-shaped housing capable of inputting operations corresponding to touch operations such as up, down, left, and right operations, a housing including a rotary encoder and capable of inputting operations equivalent to touch operations by rotating the housing clockwise/counterclockwise or by pressing the housing, or a gesture operation detection unit capable of inputting operations corresponding to touch operations such as one that detects gestures.

10...In-vehicle device, 21...Touch panel display, 22...Display unit, 23...Operation detection unit, 24...Speaker, 25...GPS unit, 26...Communication unit, 27...Vehicle connection unit, 30...Control unit, 31...Mode switching unit, 32...Setting unit, 33...Driving support processing unit, 34...Content output processing unit, 40...Storage unit, 41...Map data, 42...Icon arrangement data

Claims (7)

a display unit capable of displaying a plurality of function allocation areas each having a respective assigned function;
an operation detection unit capable of detecting an operation on the display unit;
a control unit that controls the display content of the display unit and performs processing based on the operation position detected by the operation detection unit;
Equipped with
The control unit is
a function use mode for executing a function assigned to a function assignment area corresponding to the operation position and a layout change mode for changing the layout of the function assignment area;
In the function use mode, the plurality of function allocation areas are displayed in a combined manner by making the outlines of the adjacent function allocation areas touch each other or by providing a display element connecting the outlines ,
An information processing device characterized in that, in the layout change mode, the outlines of adjacent function allocation areas are made non-touching and no display elements are provided to connect the outlines, thereby displaying the multiple function allocation areas separately. It is mounted on the vehicle,
The operation detection unit receives an operation by an occupant of the vehicle,
The functions assigned to the function assignment area can be classified into any one of a plurality of function categories,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit combines and displays function allocation areas to which functions belonging to the same function category are assigned. The information processing device described in claim 1, characterized in that, in the function use mode, the control unit combines the multiple function assignment areas by bringing their outlines into contact, and when changing from the function use mode to the layout change mode, separates the multiple function assignment areas by moving the display positions of the multiple function assignment areas in directions away from each other while maintaining the size and shape of each function assignment area. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the function use mode, the control unit displays a display mode indicating a connection between the multiple function allocation areas, and when changing from the function use mode to the layout change mode, performs a transition display in which the connection is gradually released . The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit accepts an operation to switch to the layout change mode while simultaneously displaying all of the function assignment areas to which functions belonging to the same functional classification are assigned, and changes the layout of the function assignment areas to which functions belonging to the same functional classification are assigned. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the function allocation area displayed on the main operation screen is determined based on the arrangement of the function allocation area. An information processing device that displays a plurality of function allocation areas, each of which is assigned a function, on a display unit,
a step of displaying the plurality of function assignment areas in a combined manner by bringing the outlines of the adjacent function assignment areas into contact with each other or by providing a display element that connects the outlines of the adjacent function assignment areas in a function use mode in which the functions assigned to the function assignment areas are executed in accordance with an operation position on the display unit;
switching from the function use mode to a layout change mode for changing the layout of the function allocation area;
a step of displaying the plurality of function allocation areas separately in the layout change mode by making the outlines of the adjacent function allocation areas non-contact and not providing a display element connecting the outlines ;
A display control method comprising:

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