Patent Publication Number: US-2023150362-A1

Title: Vehicle display device, vehicle, vehicle display system, vehicle display method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-185025, filed on Nov. 12, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to a vehicle display device, a vehicle, a vehicle display system, a vehicle display method and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program. 
     Related Art 
     Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2019-049443 discloses an invention that displays a hazard map image in a manner of being superposed on the map image of a navigation system, which map image is displayed on a display of the vehicle. 
     The display can be controlled so as to always display the hazard map image in a superposed manner on the map image. However, in such a case, it is easy for the vehicle occupant who is viewing the display to be annoyed thereby. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides a vehicle display device, a vehicle, a vehicle display system, a vehicle display method and a (on-transitory) computer-readable medium storing a program, which may display a hazard map image such that it is difficult for the vehicle occupant who is viewing the display to be annoyed thereby. 
     A first aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle display device including: a memory; a display installed at a vehicle; and a processor coupled to the memory and controlling the display, the processor is configured to: when a specific event occurs, set the display in to a state of being able to display a hazard map image showing a hazard map of a predetermined geographical region. 
     When a specific event occurs, the processor of the vehicle display device of the first aspect of the present disclosure sets the display in a state of being able to display the hazard map image that shows a hazard map of a predetermined geographical region. If a hazard map image were to be displayed on the display frequently regardless of the occurrence of a specific event, it would be easy for the vehicle occupant who is viewing the display to become annoyed. In contrast, in the vehicle display device of the first aspect, the display is set in a state of being able to display the hazard map image, which shows a hazard map of a predetermined geographical region, when a specific event occurs. Therefore, it is difficult for the vehicle occupant who is viewing the display to become annoyed. 
     A second aspect of the present disclosure, in the above-described first aspect, may further include a receiver that receives information relating to the hazard map image by wireless communication from an external communication device. 
     In the second aspect of the present disclosure, the vehicle has a receiver that may receive information relating to the hazard map image by wireless communication from an external communication device. Therefore, there is no need for the vehicle to be equipped with a recording device that records information relating to the hazard map. 
     In a third aspect of the present disclosure, in the above-described first or second aspect, the hazard map image may be a hazard map image of a geographical region that includes a current position of the vehicle. 
     In the third aspect of the present disclosure, the hazard map image is a hazard map image of a geographical region that includes the current position of the vehicle. If the hazard map image of the geographical region that includes the current position of the vehicle is displayed on the display regardless of the intent of the vehicle occupant, it is difficult for the vehicle occupant who is viewing the display to become annoyed, as compared with a case in which a hazard map image of a geographical region that does not include the current position of the vehicle is displayed on the display regardless of the intent of the vehicle occupant. 
     A fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the vehicle display device of the above-described first or second aspect, may include: a navigation system that sets a traveling route to a destination, wherein the display may display a map image that includes the destination and the traveling route, and the specific event occurs when the vehicle arrives at the destination. 
     In the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the specific event occurs when the vehicle arrives at the destination on the traveling route that is set by the navigation system. If the hazard map image is displayed on the display when the vehicle arrives at the destination, the possibility that the vehicle occupant who is viewing the display will be annoyed is low, as compared with a case in which the hazard map is displayed on the display while the vehicle is traveling. 
     In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the above-described first or second aspect, the processor may be configured to, in a case in which a select operation, which selects at least one displayed region from among a plurality of geographical regions, is executed with respect to a first operation device provided at the vehicle, cause the display to display the hazard map image relating to the displayed region. 
     In the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, when a select operation is executed with respect to a first operation device provided at the vehicle, the hazard map image relating to the displayed region, which is the geographical region selected from among plural geographical regions, is displayed on the display. In this way, in a case in which the hazard map image that relates to the displayed region, which the vehicle occupant selected by their own intent, is displayed on the display, it is difficult for the vehicle occupant who is viewing the display to become annoyed, as compared with a case in which a hazard map image relating to a geographical region that is selected regardless of the intent of the vehicle occupant is displayed on the display. 
     In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in the above-described aspects, the processor may be configured to: when the specific event occurs, may cause a notification device to give notice of information urging a vehicle occupant of the vehicle to execute a display operation with respect to a second operation device provided at the vehicle, and in response to execution of the display operation with respect to the second operation device, may cause the display to display the hazard map image. 
     In the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, when the specific event occurs, the notification device gives notice of information urging a vehicle occupant to execute a display operation with respect to a second operation device provided at the vehicle. When the vehicle occupant executes the display operation with respect to the second operation device, the hazard map image is displayed on the display. In this way, in a case in which the hazard map image is displayed on the display when the vehicle occupant executes a display operation by their own intent, it is difficult for the vehicle occupant who is viewing the display to become annoyed, as compared with a case in which a hazard map image is displayed on the display regardless of the intent of the vehicle occupant. 
     In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the above-described aspects, the specific event may occur when a predetermined day arrives. 
     In the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the specific event occurs when a predetermined day arrives. If a hazard map image is displayed on the display on a predetermined day, there is a low possibility that the vehicle occupant who is viewing the display will be annoyed. 
     An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle that includes the vehicle display device of any of the above-described aspects. 
     A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle display system including: the vehicle of the above-described eighth aspect; and an external communication device that can wirelessly transmit information relating to the hazard map image to a receiver provided at the vehicle. 
     A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a processor is configured to, when a specific event occurs, set a display installed in a vehicle in a state of being able to display a hazard map image showing a hazard map of a predetermined geographical region. 
     An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a non-transitory computer-readable medium on which is recorded a program that causes a processor to execute processing of, when a specific event occurs, setting a display installed in a vehicle in a state of being able to display a hazard map image showing a hazard map of a predetermined geographical region. 
     In accordance with the above-described aspects, the vehicle display device, vehicle, vehicle display system, vehicle display method and non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program relating to the present disclosure may display a hazard map image such that it is difficult for the vehicle occupant who is viewing the display to be annoyed thereby. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail based on the following figures, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a drawing illustrating a vehicle display system that includes a vehicle that has a vehicle display device relating to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is a control block drawing of an ECU of the vehicle illustrated in  FIG.  1    and an external server; 
         FIG.  3    is a functional block drawing of the ECU illustrated in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a functional block drawing of the external server illustrated in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a drawing illustrating a specific event judgment map that is recorded in a ROM or a storage of the external server; 
         FIG.  6    is a drawing illustrating a main image of a display provided at the vehicle illustrated in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a drawing illustrating when a notification image is displayed so as to be superposed on the main image; 
         FIG.  8    is a drawing illustrating when a notification image is displayed so as to be superposed on an initial screen of a music application; 
         FIG.  9    is a drawing illustrating when a notification image is displayed so as to be superposed on a map image; 
         FIG.  10    is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the external server; 
         FIG.  11    is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the ECU; 
         FIG.  12    is a drawing illustrating when map select button images are displayed so as to be superposed on the map image; and 
         FIG.  13    is a drawing illustrating when a hazard map image is displayed so as to be superposed on the map image. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A vehicle display device, vehicle, vehicle display system, vehicle display method and program relating to the present disclosure are described hereinafter with reference to the drawings. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , a vehicle display system  10  of the present exemplary embodiment has a vehicle  20  and an external server (external communication device)  30 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the vehicle  20 , which can communicate data with the external server  30  via a network (e.g., the internet), has an ECU (Electronic Control Unit)  21 , a display (first operation device, second operation device) (notification device)  22  having a touch panel, a speaker (notification device)  23 , an IG-SW (ignition switch)  24 , and a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver  25 . A vehicle ID is given to the vehicle  20 . The display  22 , the speaker  23 , the IG-SW  24  and the GPS receiver  25  are connected to the ECU  21 . The ECU  21  and the display  22  are structural elements of a vehicle display device  15 . 
     As will be described later, the display  22  can display various images. The speaker  23  can output various sounds. The GPS receiver  25  acquires information relating to the position at which the vehicle  20  is traveling (hereinafter called “position information”) by receiving GPS signals transmitted from GPS satellites. When the IG-SW  24  is off, the drive source of the vehicle  20  is inoperable, and, when the IG-SW  24  is on, the drive source can operate. Note that, for example, at least one of an engine and an electric motor is included as the drive source. Therefore, the “IG-SW” of the present specification includes an ignition switch that is operated by a key, as well as other switches. For example, a push-type start button is included as such another switch. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the ECU  21  is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (processor)  21 A, a ROM (Read Only Memory)  21 B, a RAM (Random Access Memory)  21 C, a storage  21 D, a wireless communication I/F (interface) (receiver)  21 E, an internal communication I/F  21 F, and an input/output I/F  21 G. The CPU  21 A, the ROM  21 B, the RAM  21 C, the storage  21 D, the wireless communication I/F  21 E, the internal communication I/F  21 F and the input/output I/F  21 G are connected so as to be able to communicate with one another via internal bus  21 Z. The ECU  21  can acquire information relating to the time from a timer. The display  22 , the speaker  23 , the IG-SW  24  and the GPS receiver  25  are connected to the ECU  21  (the input/output I/F  21 G). 
     The CPU  21 A is a central computing processing unit, and executes various programs and controls the respective sections. The CPU  21 A reads-out programs from the ROM  21 B or the storage  21 D, and executes the programs by using the RAM  21 C as a workspace. The CPU  21 A controls the respective structures and carries out various computing processings in accordance with the programs recorded in the ROM  21 B or the storage  21 D. 
     The ROM  21 B stores various programs and various data. The RAM  21 C temporarily stores programs and data as a workspace. The storage  21 D is configured by a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) or the like, and stores various programs and various data. For example, map data of the entire country in which the vehicle  20  is located is recorded in the storage  21 D. 
     The wireless communication I/F  21 E is an interface for communicating wirelessly with various equipment. For example, the wireless communication I/F  21 E can communicate wirelessly with the external server  30 . Communication standards such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or the like are used at the wireless communication I/F  21 E. 
     The internal communication I/F  21 F is an interface for connection, via an external bus, with ECUs other than the ECU  21  that is provided at the vehicle  20 . 
     The input/output I/F  21 G is an interface for communicating with the display  22 , the speaker  23 , the IG-SW  24 , and the GPS receiver  25 . 
     An example of functional structures of the ECU  21  is illustrated in a block drawing in  FIG.  3   . The ECU  21  has, as the functional structures thereof, a display control section  211 , a speaker control section  212 , an operation determining section  213 , and a transmitting/receiving control section  214 . The display control section  211 , the speaker control section  212 , the operation determining section  213  and the transmitting/receiving control section  214  are realized by the CPU  21 A reading-out a program that is stored in the ROM  21 B and executing the program. 
     The display control section  211  controls the display  22 . Plural applications (programs) are installed in the ECU  21 . Therefore, as illustrated in  FIG.  6   , when the display  22  is in an on state, the display control section  211  can display a main image (initial image)  22 MD that includes application images (hereinafter called APP images)  22 AP 1 ,  22 AP 2 ,  22 AP 3 ,  22 AP 8  that represent eight applications. The APP image  22 AP 1  is an image representing a navigation application. Namely, a navigation system is installed in the vehicle  20 . The APP image  22 AP 2  is an image representing a music application. Moreover, as will be described later, the display control section  211  displays various images including a map image and a hazard map image on the display  22 . 
     The speaker control section  212  controls the speaker  23 . 
     The operation determining section  213  carries out various processings relating to touch operations carried out by the finger of a vehicle occupant with respect to various operation images displayed on the display  22  (the touch panel), as will be described later. 
     The transmitting/receiving control section  214  controls the wireless communication I/F  21 E and the internal communication I/F  21 F. As will be described later, the transmitting/receiving control section  214  wirelessly transmits various information to the external server  30  via the wireless communication I/F  21 E, and causes the wireless communication I/F  21 E to receive various information that are wirelessly transmitted from the external server  30 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the external server  30  illustrated in  FIG.  1    is configured to include, as the hardware structures thereof, a CPU (processor)  30 A, a ROM  30 B, a RAM  30 C, a storage  30 D, a wireless communication I/F  30 E, an internal communication I/F  30 F and an input/output I/F  30 G. The CPU  30 A, the ROM  30 B, the RAM  30 C, the storage  30 D, the wireless communication I/F  30 E, the internal communication I/F  30 F and the input/output I/F  30 G are connected so as to be able to communicate with one another via an internal bus  30 Z. The external server  30  can acquire information relating to the time from a timer. 
     Data relating to a hazard map of the entire country in which the vehicle  20  is located is recorded in the ROM  30 B or the storage  30 D of to the external server  30 . When a new disaster occurs in the country in which the vehicle  20  is located, the contents of the data relating to the hazard map are updated as needed. Note that disasters, which are prescribed by the hazard map of the present exemplary embodiment and by a specific event judgment map  35  that is described later include, for example, earthquakes, landslides, floods and tsunamis. 
     An example of the functional structures of the hardware of the external server  30  are illustrated in a block drawing in  FIG.  4   . The hardware of the external server  30  has a condition determining section  301  and a transmitting/receiving control section  302  as the functional structures. The condition determining section  301  and the transmitting/receiving control section  302  are realized by the CPU  30 A reading-out a program that is stored in the ROM  30 B and executing the program. 
     As will be described later, the condition determining section  301  determines whether or not various conditions have been satisfied. For example, the condition determining section  301  determines whether or not at least one of conditions 1 to 3, which are prescribed by the specific event judgment map  35  (see  FIG.  5   ) that is recorded in the ROM  30 B, is satisfied. Note that, when the condition determining section  301  determines that at least one of conditions 1 to 3 is satisfied, the condition determining section  301  determines that a specific event has occurred. 
     Condition 1 is established in a case in which the current date that is recognized by the condition determining section  301  on the basis of the aforementioned timer is Disaster Prevention Day (September 1) established by the Japanese government, or is a date that is one year after or plural years after the date of the occurrence of a first category of great disaster. A first category of great disaster is a disaster in which particularly great damage has been inflicted on any geographical region, among the disasters that have occurred in the country in which the vehicle  20  is located. 
     Condition 2 is established in a case in which the current date that is recognized by the condition determining section  301  on the basis of the aforementioned timer is the day of a disaster preparedness event held by a local government of the geographical region in which the vehicle  20  is located, or in a case in which the current time is within 24 hours from the time of occurrence of a second category of great disaster that has occurred in the country in which the vehicle  20  is located. A second category of great disaster is a disaster that is different from a first category of great disaster and in which great damage has been inflicted on any geographical region, among the disasters that have occurred in the country in which the vehicle  20  is located. 
     Condition 3 is established in a case in which the current date that is recognized by the condition determining section  301  on the basis of the aforementioned timer is a date that is one year after or plural years after the date of the occurrence of a specific geographical regional disaster. A specific geographical region disaster is a disaster that, among the disasters that have occurred in the geographical region in which the vehicle  20  is located, inflicted great damage on that geographical region. 
     When a new disaster occurs in the country in which the vehicle  20  is located, the contents of the specific event judgment map  35  are updated as needed. 
     The transmitting/receiving control section  302  controls the wireless communication I/F  30 E and the internal communication I/F  30 F. As will be described later, the transmitting/receiving control section  302  wirelessly transmits various information to the vehicle  20  via the wireless communication I/F  30 E, and causes the wireless communication I/F  30 E to receive various information that are wirelessly transmitted from the vehicle  20 . 
     Operation of the present exemplary embodiment are described next. 
     First, the flow of the processing that the external server  30  carries out is described by using the flowchart of  FIG.  10   . The external server  30  repeatedly executes the processing of the flowchart of  FIG.  10    each time a predetermined time period elapses. 
     First, in step S 10 , the condition determining section  301  of the external server  30  determines whether or not information expressing that the IG-SW  24  is in an on state, and ID information of the vehicle  20 , have been received from the vehicle  20 . 
     The external server  30  that has made an affirmative determination in step S 10  moves on to step S 11 , and the condition determining section  301  determines whether or not at least one of conditions 1 to 3 are established. 
     The external server  30  that has made an affirmative determination in step S 11  moves on to step S 12 , and the wireless communication I/F  30 E, which is controlled by the transmitting/receiving control section  302 , wirelessly transmits a notification signal together with the ID information of the vehicle  20  to the vehicle  20 . 
     The external server  30  that has finished the processing of step S 12  moves on to step S 13 , and determines whether or not geographical region information that is described later has been received from the vehicle  20 . 
     The external server  30  that has made an affirmative determination in step S 13  moves on to step S 14 , and the wireless communication I/F  30 E, which is controlled by the transmitting/receiving control section  302 , wirelessly transmits, to the vehicle  20 , data relating to the hazard map of the geographical region corresponding to the geographical region information for which an affirmative judgment was made in step S 13 . 
     When the processing of step S 14  is ended, or when the judgment is negative in step S 10  or step S 11 , the external server  30  ends the processing of the flowchart of  FIG.  10    for the time being. 
     The flow of the processing that the ECU  21  carries out is described next by using the flowchart of  FIG.  11   . The ECU  21  repeatedly executes the processing of the flowchart of  FIG.  11    each time a predetermined time period elapses. 
     First, in step S 20 , the transmitting/receiving control section  214  of the ECU  21  determines whether or not the IG-SW  24  is in an on state. 
     The ECU  21  that has made an affirmative determination in step S 20  moves on to step S 21 , and the wireless communication I/F  21 E, which is controlled by the transmitting/receiving control section  214 , wirelessly transmits information, which expresses that the IG-SW  24  is in an on state, and the ID information of the vehicle  20  to the external server  30 . 
     The ECU  21  that has finished the processing of step S 21  moves on to step S 22 , and the display control section  211  displays the main image  22 MD illustrated in  FIG.  6    on the display  22 . 
     The ECU  21  that has finished the processing of step S 22  moves on to step S 23 , and determines whether or not the APP images  22 AP 1 ,  22 AP 2 ,  22 AP 3 ,  22 AP 8  have been touch-operated by (the finger of) a vehicle occupant. 
     The ECU  21  that has made an affirmative determination in step S 23  moves on to step S 24 . At this time, the application that corresponds to the APP image  22 AP 1 ,  22 AP 2 ,  22 AP 3 , . . . ,  22 AP 8  that was touch-operated is started by the ECU  21 . For example, if a vehicle occupant touch-operates the APP image  22 AP 2 , as illustrated in  FIG.  8   , the display  22  that is controlled by the display control section  211  displays initial screen  22 AP 2 Im. Note that a notification image  27 A, a Yes button image  28 A and a No button image  28 B are included in the initial screen  22 AP 2 Im. However, the notification image  27 A, the Yes button image  28 A and the No button image  28 B are not included in the initial screen  22 AP 2 Im when the processing of step S 24  is executed. When a vehicle occupant touch-operates an image included in the initial screen  22 AP 2 Im by his/her finger, the speaker  23  that is controlled by the speaker control section  212  outputs the music selected by the touch operation. 
     In a case in which a vehicle occupant touch-operates the AP image  22 AP 1  in step S 23 , as illustrated in  FIG.  9   , the display  22  that is controlled by the display control section  211  displays a map image  22 AP 1 Im. Note that a notification image  27 B, the Yes button image  28 A and the No button image  28 B are included in the map image  22 AP 1 Im illustrated in  FIG.  9   . However, the notification image  27 B, the Yes button image  28 A and the No button image  28 B are not included in the map image  22 AP 1 Im when the processing of step S 24  is executed. This map image  22 AP 1 Im includes an image showing the geographical region that includes the current position of the vehicle  20  specified by the ECU  21  in accordance with the position information of the vehicle  20 . The map image  22 AP 1 Im illustrated in  FIG.  9    includes, for example, image  22 Im 1  showing the ocean, image  221   m   2  showing a river, image  221   m   3  showing a mountain, and road images  221   m   4  showing roads. Moreover, the road images  221   m   4  include road image  221   m   4 - 1  showing a substantially rectilinear road provided near the mountain (the image  221   m   3 ), road image  221   m   4 - 2  showing a substantially rectilinear road provided along the coast, road image  221   m   4 - 3  showing a substantially rectilinear road provided along the river (the image  221   m   2 ), and road image  221   m   4 - 4  showing a road that is substantially parallel to the aforementioned road (the road image  221   m   4 - 3 ). Note that the circular mark denoted by reference numeral  20   rp  in  FIG.  9    is the current position of the vehicle  20  that is based on the position information of the vehicle  20 . The imaginary line denoted by reference numeral Rt is the traveling route that is set by using the navigation system. The star-shaped mark denoted by reference numeral  20   gl  is the destination of the vehicle  20 . 
     The ECU  21  that has finished the processing of step S 24  moves on to step S 25 , and the transmitting/receiving control section  214  determines whether or not the wireless communication I/F  21 E has received a notification signal from the external server  30 . 
     The ECU  21  that has made an affirmative determination in step S 25  moves on to step S 26 , and the display control section  211  displays the notification image  27 A,  27 B,  27 C, the Yes button image  28 A and the No button image  28 B on the display  22 . For example, in a case in which the main image  22 MD is being displayed on the display  22  at the point in time of step S 25 , as illustrated in  FIG.  7   , the notification image  27 C, the Yes button image  28 A and the No button image  28 B are displayed so as to be superposed on the main image  22 MD. An image of words stating “Display hazard map?” is included in the notification image  27 C. Note that the same word image is included in the notification images  27 A,  27 B as well. Further, in a case in which the initial screen  22 AP 2 Im is being displayed on the display  22  at the point in time of the processing of step S 25 , as illustrated in  FIG.  8   , the notification image  27 A, the Yes button image  28 A and the No button image  28 B are displayed so as to be superposed on the initial screen  22 AP 2 Im. Further, in a case in which the map image  22 AP 1 Im is being displayed on the display  22  at the point in time of the processing of step S 25 , as illustrated in  FIG.  9   , the notification image  27 B, the Yes button image  28 A and the No button image  28 B are displayed so as to be superposed on the map image  22 AP 1 Im. 
     The ECU  21  that has finished the processing of step S 26  moves on to step S 27 , and the operating determining section  213  determines whether or not the Yes button image  28 A has been touch-operated by a vehicle occupant. 
     The ECU  21  that has made an affirmative determination in step S 27  moves on to step S 28 . In this case, a region select button image  29  is displayed on the display  22 . For example, in a case in which the map image  22 AP 1 Im is being displayed on the display  22  at the point in time of the processing of step S 28 , as illustrated in  FIG.  12   , the region select button image  29  is displayed so as to be superposed on the map image  22 AP 1 Im. A first select button image  29 A, a second select button image  29 B, a third select button image  29 C, a fourth select button image  29 D, a fifth select button image  29 E, a sixth select button image  29 F and a seventh select button image  29 G are included in the region select button image  29 . When a vehicle occupant carries out a touch-operation (display operation) with respect to any of the first select button image  29 A, the second select button image  29 B, the third select button image  29 C, the fourth select button image  29 D, the fifth select button image  29 E, the sixth select button image  29 F or the seventh select button image  29 G, the operation determining section  213  makes an affirmative judgment in step S 28 . Note that, in a case in which the first select button image  29 A is touch-operated, the geographical region that includes the current position of the vehicle  20  is selected as the displayed region. On the other hand, if any of the second select button image  29 B, the third select button image  29 C, the fourth select button image  29 D, the fifth select button image  29 E, the sixth select button image  29 F or the seventh select button image  29 G is touch-operated, a remote region that is away from the current position of the vehicle  20  is selected as the displayed region. The distances from the current position of the vehicle  20  to the respective remote regions may be any distances. For example, the distance from the current position of the vehicle  20  to the remote region corresponding to the second select button image  29 B may be 100 km. The distance from the current position of the vehicle  20  to the remote region corresponding to the third select button image  29 C may be 300 km. 
     The ECU  21  that has made an affirmative determination in step S 28  moves on to step S 29 , and the wireless communication I/F  21 E that is controlled by the transmitting/receiving control section  214  wirelessly transmits, to the external server  30 , geographical region information that is information relating to the selected displayed region. 
     The ECU  21  that has finished the processing of step S 29  moves on to step S 30 , and the transmitting/receiving control section  214  determines whether or not the wireless communication I/F  21 E has received, from the external server  30 , data relating to the hazard map of the geographical region corresponding to the geographical region information. 
     The ECU  21  that has made an affirmative determination in step S 30  moves on to step S 31 , and, as illustrated in  FIG.  13   , the display  22  that is controlled by the display control section  211  displays a hazard map image  26 . Here, a case in which a vehicle occupant touch-operates the first select button image  29 A in step S 28  is assumed. In this case, as illustrated in  FIG.  13   , the hazard map image  26  includes a first warning image  26 A, a second warning image  26 B and a third warning image  26 C. The first warning image  26 A shows that there have been landslides in the past in that region. The second warning image  26 B shows that there has been a flood (overflowing of a river) in the past in that region. The third warning image  26 C shows that there has been a tsunami in the past in that region. 
     Note that, for example, in a case in which a vehicle occupant touch-operates any of the second select button image  29 B, the third select button image  29 C, the fourth select button image  29 D, the fifth select button image  29 E, the sixth select button image  29 F or the seventh select button image  29 G in step S 28 , the map image of the selected remote region (displayed region) is displayed on the display  22 , and the hazard map image of that remote region, which is transmitted from the external server  30 , is displayed so as to be superposed on that map image. 
     The ECU  21  that has finished the processing of step S 31  moves on to step S 32  and, on the basis of information acquired from the timer, determines whether or not a predetermined display time has elapsed from the point in time when the displaying of the hazard map image  26  started. This display time is, for example, 15 minutes. However, the display time may be a length other than 15 minutes. 
     The ECU  21  that has made an affirmative determination in step S 32  moves on to step S 33 , and the display control section  211  deletes the hazard map image  26  from the display  22 . 
     The ECU  21  that has made a negative determination in step S 27  moves on to step S 34 . When a vehicle occupant executes a touch-operation with respect to the No button image  28 B, the ECU  21  makes an affirmative determination in step S 34 . In this case, the region select button image  29  is not displayed on the display  22 . Namely, in this case, the hazard map image  26  is not displayed on the display  22 . 
     If the determination in step S 20  or S 25  is negative, or if the determination in step S 34  is affirmative, or when the processing of step S 33  ends, the ECU  21  ends the processing of the flowchart of  FIG.  12    for the time being. 
     As described above, in the vehicle display device, vehicle, vehicle display system, vehicle display method and program of the present exemplary embodiment, when a specific event occurs, the hazard map image  26  of a predetermined geographical region can be displayed on the display  22 . If the hazard map image  26  were to be displayed on the display  22  frequently regardless of the occurrence of a specific event, it would be easy for the vehicle occupant who is viewing the display  22  to become annoyed. Therefore, it would be easy for the attention of the vehicle occupant when perceiving the hazard map image  26  to decrease. In contrast, in a case in which the hazard map image  26  is displayed on the display  22  when a specific event occurs as in the present exemplary embodiment, it is difficult for the vehicle occupant who is viewing the display  22  to become annoyed. Therefore, there is a strong possibility that the vehicle occupant will perceive the information of the hazard map image  26  with a high level of attention. 
     Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, when a specific event occurs, the notification image  27 A,  27 B,  27 C, which urge the vehicle occupant to execute a touch-operation with respect to the operation screen (the Yes button image  28 A) displayed on the display  22  (the touch panel) provided at the vehicle  20 , is displayed on the display  22 . When a vehicle occupant executes a touch-operation with respect to the operation screen (the Yes button image  28 A) displayed on the display  22  (the touch panel), the hazard map image  26  is displayed on the display  22 . In this way, in a case in which the hazard map image  26  is displayed on the display  22  when a vehicle occupant executes a touch-operation by their own intent, it is difficult for the vehicle occupant who is viewing the display  22  to become annoyed, as compared with a case in which the hazard map image  26  is displayed on the display  22  regardless of the intent of the vehicle occupant. 
     Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, when a touch-operation with respect to the display  22  (touch panel) is executed, the hazard map image  26 , which relates to the displayed region that is the geographical region selected from among plural geographical regions, is displayed on the display  22 . In this way, in a case in which the hazard map image  26  which relates to the displayed region that the vehicle occupant selects by their own intent, is displayed on the display  22 , it is difficult for the vehicle occupant who is viewing the display  22  to become annoyed, as compared with a case in which the hazard map image, which relates to a geographical region selected regardless of the intent of the vehicle occupant, is displayed on the display  22 . 
     Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, a specific event occurs when Disaster Prevention Day or the day of a disaster preparedness event, which are predetermined days, arrives, or when the date of the occurrence of a first category of great disaster or the date of the occurrence of a second category of great disaster arrives. In this way, in a case in which the hazard map image  26  is displayed on the display  22  on a predetermined day, there is a low possibility that the vehicle occupant who is viewing the display  22  will be annoyed. 
     Here, a comparative example, in which a specific event occurs when a predetermined point in time of a predetermined day arrives, is assumed. In this comparative example, when a vehicle occupant uses the vehicle  20  during a time span that is different than the predetermined point in time of the predetermined day (i.e., when the vehicle occupant does not use the vehicle  20  at the predetermined point in time in time), the vehicle occupant cannot see the hazard map image  26 . In contrast, as in the present exemplary embodiment, in a case in which a specific event occurs when the IG-SW  24  is set in an on state in any time span of the predetermined day, the vehicle occupant can see the hazard map image  26  if the vehicle occupant sets the IG-SW  24  in an on state in any time span of the predetermined day. 
     Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, data relating to the hazard map is recorded in the ROM  30 B or the storage  30 D of the external server  30 . Therefore, there is no need for the vehicle  20  to be equipped with a recording device that records information relating to the hazard map. 
     The vehicle display device, vehicle, vehicle display system, vehicle display method and program relating to an exemplary embodiment have been described above. However, the designs of the vehicle display device, the vehicle, the vehicle display system, the vehicle display method and the program can be changed appropriately within a scope that does not depart from the gist of the present disclosure. 
     For example, at the time when the vehicle  20  arrives at the destination of the traveling route, a specific event may occur regardless of the establishment of conditions 1 to 3. In a case in which the hazard map image is displayed on the display  22  when the vehicle  20  arrives at the destination, the possibility that the vehicle occupant who is viewing the display  22  will be annoyed is low as compared with a case in which the hazard map image is displayed on the display  22  during traveling of the vehicle  20 . 
     For example, at the time when a specific event occurs, the hazard map image may be displayed on the display  22  regardless of the intent of the vehicle occupant, due to the ECU  21  controlling the display  22 . 
     Moreover, when a specific event occurs when the display  22  is in an off state, the display  22  may be switched to the on state due to the ECU  21  controlling the display  22 , regardless of the intent of the vehicle occupant. In this case, the ECU  21  may display the notification image  27 A,  27 B,  27 C, the Yes button image  28 A and the No button image  28 B on the display  22 , or a hazard map image of a predetermined geographical region may be displayed regardless of the intent of the vehicle occupant. 
     For example, when a specific event occurs, the speaker (notification device)  23  may output the information shown by the notification image  27 A,  27 B,  27 C. Further, when a specific event occurs, a display (notification device) or a speaker (notification device) of a portable terminal (e.g., a smartphone) that can communicate wirelessly with the vehicle  20  may output the information shown by the notification image  27 A,  27 B,  27 C. Further, when a specific event occurs, a hazard map image of a predetermined geographical region may be displayed on the display of the portable terminal, regardless of the intent of the vehicle occupant. 
     The vehicle display system may be configured such that, in the state in which the hazard map image  26  is displayed on the display  22 , in a case in which the vehicle occupant carries out a predetermined operation with respect to an input device (e.g., the aforementioned touch panel) that is provided at the vehicle, the hazard map image  26  is continued to be displayed on the display  22  even after the aforementioned display time elapses. 
     Moreover, the vehicle  20  may be equipped with a voice recognition device (first operation device, second operation device). In this case, the vehicle occupant gives, by voice, an instruction as to whether or not to display the hazard map image on the display  22 , and an instruction relating to which geographical region is to be selected as the displayed region. The voice recognition device recognizes this voice instruction, and the recognized contents of the instruction are transmitted from the voice recognition device to the ECU  21 . 
     For example, a hazard map image, which shows only the peripheral region of part of the traveling route set by the navigation system, and a hazard map image, which shows only the peripheral region of the destination, may be displayed on the display  22 . For example, a hazard map image (the first warning image  26 A), which shows only the peripheral region of part of the traveling route Rt displayed in  FIG.  9   ,  FIG.  12    and  FIG.  13   , may be displayed on the display  22 . 
     The ECU  21  of the vehicle  20  may have the functions of the external server  30 . In this case, the data relating to the hazard map of the entire country in which the vehicle  20  is located is recorded in the ROM  21 B or the storage  21 D of the vehicle  20 . In this case, the vehicle display system is configured by the vehicle  20 . 
     Data relating to the hazard map of only a part of the country in which the vehicle  20  is located may be recorded in a recording device of at least one of the vehicle  20  and the external server  30 . Further, data relating to the hazard map of country other than the country in which the vehicle  20  is located may be recorded in a recording device of at least one of the vehicle  20  and the external server  30 . 
     The number of select button images included in the region select button image  29  may be a number other than 7. 
     The vehicle display system  10  may be configured such that a vehicle occupant can simultaneously touch-operate plural select button images included in the region select button image  29 . In this case, map images of the plural geographical regions that are selected and hazard map images corresponding to the respective geographical regions are displayed on the display  22 . 
     Instead of the GPS receiver  25 , the vehicle  20  may have a receiver that can receive information from satellites of a global navigation satellite system other than GPS (e.g., Galileo). 
     The ECU  21  may read-in map data from a web server, and display map images that are based on the map data on the display  22 .