Patent Description:
The present invention relates to a display control device and a display control method.

As an invention relating to information display on a display, for example, <CIT> discloses an electronic device including a display unit that performs display on a display region, an operation detection unit that detects an operation with respect to the display region, and a display control unit that controls the display unit. Further, <CIT> describes that "the display control unit has a division display mode in which a first display region included in the display region is divided into a plurality of display regions and display of each of the plurality of display regions is independently controlled. In the division display mode, the display control unit causes the display unit to display one operation target image that enables setting for each of the plurality of display regions". <CIT> describes an in-vehicle device capable of setting split areas of appropriate sizes and displaying display information in each of the split areas in an easier-to-see display form.

As described in <CIT>, it has hitherto been possible to divide a display screen into a plurality of parts and independently control display of regions obtained through the division. Specifically, when a size of each region is changed, it is possible to simply downsize or upsize a display object such as an icon displayed on the region having a changed size, change a layout in a stepwise manner, perform trimming partially, or hide the display object. However, display change of the display object described above when the size of the region is changed is not sufficiently in conformity with dynamic change in size of the region. Thus, it is difficult to say that optimal display of the display object is provided.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has an object to enable display of display objects to be changed more appropriately in conformity with dynamic change in size of a display region provided on a screen. Solution to Problem.

The present application includes a plurality of solutions to at least a part of the problems described above. One example of the solutions is as follows.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention relates to a display control device according to claim <NUM>.

According to one aspect of the present invention, display of display objects can be changed more appropriately in conformity with dynamic change in size of a display region provided on a screen.

Note that problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent in the following description of the embodiments.

With reference to the drawings, an embodiment of the present invention is described below. Note that, in all the drawings for describing the embodiment, in principle, the identical members are denoted with the identical reference symbols, and repeated description therefor is omitted as appropriate. In the following embodiment, it goes without saying that constituent elements therein (including element steps and the like) are not necessarily essential unless otherwise particularly stated or incontrovertibly considered as essentials in principle. When the expressions "constituted of A", "being formed of A", "including A", and "comprising A" are given, it goes without saying that the expressions are not intended to exclude elements other than A unless A otherwise is clearly stated as the only element. Similarly, in the following embodiment, when shapes, positional relationships, and the like of the constituent elements and the like are referred to, substantially approximate or similar shapes and the like are included unless otherwise particularly stated or incontrovertibly considered to be different in principle or the like.

The onboard device <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present invention is described below. The onboard device <NUM> corresponds to a display control device according to the present invention.

<FIG> illustrates a configuration example of the onboard device <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present invention. The onboard device <NUM> can be implemented with an onboard navigation device having a navigation function, for example. Thus, the onboard device <NUM> is, for example, a box-like device including a first display <NUM> on a front surface, and is housed in a console panel inside a vehicle. The onboard device <NUM> may include a mounting tool (bracket) to be mounted to the console panel, and may be mounted, for example, above the console panel inside the vehicle through intermediation of the mounting tool.

Here, the navigation function refers to a function that a navigation device usually has such as displaying map information, searching for a recommended route, and navigating from a departure place (or a current place) to a target place, and displaying traffic information. Note that the onboard device <NUM> is not limited to a dedicated navigation device, and may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal device, and a personal data assistance (PDA). In this case, the navigation function is provided by an application program installed in those devices or a server device to which those devices can connect.

The onboard device <NUM> can display, in addition to a navigation screen relevant to the navigation function. an air-conditioning screen for setting a temperature, an air flow rate, and the like of an air-conditioner, an audio video (AV) screen for selecting and reproducing audio or a video to be reproduced and for setting a sound volume, image quality, and the like, a screen for an application (a mailer, social network service (SNS), and the like) executed by a smartphone that is wirelessly connected, a telephone screen for outgoing and incoming calls, a camera screen for displaying an image captured by an onboard camera, and the like.

The onboard device <NUM> includes an arithmetic processing device <NUM>, the first display <NUM>, a second display <NUM>, a storage device <NUM>, a voice input/output device <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, and a read only memory (ROM) device <NUM>.

The onboard device <NUM> further includes a vehicle speed sensor <NUM>, a gyro sensor <NUM>, a global position system (GPS) reception device <NUM>, a frequency modulation (FM) multiplex broadcasting reception device <NUM>, and a beacon reception device <NUM>.

The arithmetic processing device <NUM> is a central unit that performs various types of processing of the onboard device <NUM>. The arithmetic processing device <NUM> detects a current place through use of information output from various sensors such as the vehicle speed sensor <NUM>, and the GPS reception device <NUM>, for example. Based on the acquired current place information, the arithmetic processing device <NUM> reads map information required for display from the storage device <NUM> and the ROM device <NUM>. The arithmetic processing device <NUM> develops the read map information into graphics and overlaps a mark indicating the current place thereon, to generate and output an image signal to be displayed on the first display <NUM>. The arithmetic processing device <NUM> further calculates a recommended route connecting a departure place (current place) and a target place that are instructed from a user (a driver or a passenger), through use of map information and the like stored in the storage device <NUM> or the ROM device <NUM>. The arithmetic processing device <NUM> navigates along the route by outputting a predetermined signal to a speaker <NUM> and the first display <NUM>.

The arithmetic processing device <NUM> can set one or a plurality of display regions on a display screen of the first display <NUM>, and can change sizes of the display regions in accordance with an operation from a user or occurrence of a predetermined event. The arithmetic processing device <NUM> displays a predetermined display object in a predetermined display form (icon and the like) independently in each display region. Moreover, the arithmetic processing device <NUM> can also display contents in an arbitrary display region(s) among one or a plurality of display regions, which are set in the first display <NUM>, on the second display <NUM>.

The arithmetic processing device <NUM> as described above includes a central processing unit (CPU) <NUM> that executes various types of processing for performing arithmetic operations and controlling the devices, a random access memory (RAM) <NUM> that temporarily stores map information, arithmetic data, and the like having been read from a memory device such as the storage device <NUM> and a ROM <NUM>, the ROM <NUM> that stores a boot program and the like executed by the CPU <NUM>, an interface (I/F) <NUM> for connecting various types of hardware to the arithmetic processing device <NUM>, and a bus <NUM> that connects those components to each other.

The first display <NUM> is installed at the center of the console panel provided on the front surface inside the vehicle, for example. The first display <NUM> is a unit that displays graphics information. The first display <NUM> is formed of a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, or the like, for example. Note that, as described later, a transparent touch panel <NUM> is layered on the first display <NUM>. Therefore, a user can perform a touch operation on (the touch panel <NUM> layered on) the first display <NUM>. However, an operation on the first display <NUM> may also be performed through use of a dial switch <NUM>.

The second display <NUM> is installed in an instrument panel provided in front of a driver's seat, for example. For example, in a case of a vehicle in which a steering wheel is installed on a left side as in a US specification vehicle, the second display <NUM> is set on a left side to the first display <NUM> installed at the center of the console panel as seen from a user.

Note that, it is desired that a display for displaying an image of a speed indicator, a tachometer, and the like, the display being provided to the vehicle in advance, be also used for the second display <NUM>. As a matter of course, the second display <NUM> dedicated to the onboard device <NUM> may be provided. The second display <NUM> is a unit that displays graphics information. The second display <NUM> is formed of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like, for example.

The storage device <NUM> is formed of a storage medium capable of performing at least reading and writing, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) and a non-volatile memory card. Various pieces of information (for example, map information and the like) used by the arithmetic processing device <NUM> are stored in the storage device <NUM>, for example.

The voice input/output device <NUM> includes a microphone <NUM> as a voice input device and the speaker <NUM> as a voice output device. The microphone <NUM> collects voice or sound outside the onboard device <NUM> in addition to voice that is made by a driver or a passenger (user utterance). The speaker <NUM> outputs voice or sound such as route guidance and the like for a driver and the like, which is generated by the arithmetic processing device <NUM>.

The input device <NUM> is a device that receives an instruction input from a user. The input device <NUM> includes the touch panel <NUM>, the dial switch <NUM>, a scroll key being another hard switch, and the like (not illustrated). The input device <NUM> outputs information in accordance with an operation of the keys and switches to another device such as the arithmetic processing device <NUM>.

The touch panel <NUM> is formed of a transparent material, and is layered on the display screen of the first display <NUM>. The touch panel <NUM> detects a touch operation by a finger of a user or a touch pen (touch-on (contact), dragging (move in a contact state), and touch-off (release of contact)). Thus, while visually recognizing the display screen of the first display <NUM>, a user can input various operations by touching the display screen (actually, the touch panel <NUM>). A position of a touch operation of a user is specified based on an x-y coordination set on the touch panel <NUM>, for example. The touch panel <NUM> is formed of input detection elements of a capacitive sensing type, for example.

The ROM device <NUM> is formed of a storage medium capable of at least reading digital data, such as a ROM exemplified by a compact disk (CD)-ROM and a digital versatile disk (DVD)-ROM and an integrated circuit (IC) card. Video data, audio data, voice data, and the like are stored in the storage medium, for example.

The vehicle speed sensor <NUM> acquires a value used for calculation of a vehicle speed. The gyro sensor <NUM> is formed of an optical fiber gyroscope, an oscillation gyroscope, or the like, and detects angular velocity of rotation of a moving body (vehicle). The GPS reception device <NUM> can measure a current place, a traveling speed, and a traveling direction of the moving body by receiving signals from GPS satellites and measuring distances between the moving body and the GPS satellites and rates of change of the distances with respect to three or more satellites. Those devices are used for the arithmetic processing device <NUM> in order to detect a current place of a vehicle to which the onboard device <NUM> is mounted.

The FM multiplex broadcasting reception device <NUM> receives FM multiplex broadcasting that is transmitted through use of an FM broadcasting wave. FM multiplex broadcasting includes an outline of current traffic information relating to vehicle-information- and-communication-system (VICS) information, regulation information, service area/parking area (SA/PA) information, parking lot information, weather information, character information as general FM multiplex information, and the like.

The beacon reception device <NUM> receives an outline of current traffic information relating to VICS information, regulation information, service area/parking area (SA/PA) information, parking lot information, weather information, an emergency alert, and the like. The beacon reception device <NUM> may be, for example, an optical beacon that performs communication through light or a radio wave beacon that performs communication through a radio wave. An image capturing device <NUM> is a so-called onboard camera, and captures an image of a vehicle inside and a vehicle outside (a periphery of a vehicle).

Next, a functional block indicating a functional configuration of the onboard device <NUM> is described. <FIG> illustrates one example of a functional block of the onboard device <NUM>.

The onboard device <NUM> includes a control unit <NUM> and a storage unit <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> includes an input reception unit <NUM>, an operation detection unit <NUM>, a display region setting unit <NUM>, a display control unit <NUM>, a priority setting unit <NUM>, and a function processing unit <NUM>.

The input reception unit <NUM> receives an instruction and an input of information from a user through the dial switch <NUM> included in the input device <NUM> or other hard switches. For example, the input reception unit <NUM> receives setting of a departure place and a target place, a search instruction for a recommended route, and the like through the input device <NUM> from a user.

The operation detection unit <NUM> detects a touch operation made by a user with respect to the touch panel <NUM> included in the input device <NUM>. Specifically, the operation detection unit <NUM> detects touch-on, dragging, and touch-off with respect to the touch panel <NUM>. The operation detection unit <NUM> specifies an x-y coordination on the touch panel <NUM> subjected to a touch operation.

The operation detection unit <NUM> can also detect a plurality of (for example, two) touches on the touch panel <NUM> within a predetermined time period (for example, <NUM> seconds), and can specify an x-y coordination on the touch panel <NUM> which indicates each touch position.

When detecting a touch operation (including touch-off), the operation detection unit <NUM> notifies the display region setting unit <NUM> and the function processing unit <NUM> of a type and an x-y coordination of the touch operation.

The display region setting unit <NUM> sets one or a plurality of display regions on the display screen of the first display <NUM>. In accordance with an occurring event, the display region setting unit <NUM> can dynamically change a division state (positions and sizes) of the display regions or can encourage a user to change a division state of the display regions.

Here, the event refers to a touch operation of a user, change in vehicle speed, traffic information reception, emergency alert reception, transition to an automatic driving state, activation of an external camera, switching to a camera screen, reception of an e-mail/message, an incoming call, approach to an intersection, right/left turn guidance, a blinker operation, approach of an emergency vehicle, sleepiness detection, biological abnormality detection, recommendation based on behavior history (for example, a notification is issued near a daily visited shop), and the like.

Note that, in the following description, an example in which the display screen of the first display <NUM> is divided into three parts is given, but the number of divisions may be two, or four or more. The display region setting unit <NUM> may not divide the display screen, and may display only one display region on the display screen. Moreover, for example, in accordance with occurrence of an event such as an incoming call, a telephone screen may be displayed in an upsized manner or may be pop-up displayed while overlapping the three divided display regions that are currently displayed.

The display control unit <NUM> controls setting of an arrangement region and display of display objects for each of the display regions. The display control unit <NUM> sets attribute information (details thereof are described later) with respect to the arrangement region and the display objects. Moreover, the display control unit <NUM> changes a size and a position of the arrangement region, attribute information, and the like in accordance with change in size of the display region. The display control unit <NUM> changes positions of the display objects arranged on the arrangement region and attribute information in accordance with the change in size of the arrangement region.

The priority setting unit <NUM> sets priority with respect to the arrangement region provided on the display region and the display objects arranged on the arrangement region. The priority setting unit <NUM> can set an initial value determined in advance as priority with respect to the arrangement region and the display objects, and can change priority in accordance with an input from a user afterward.

The priority setting unit <NUM> may learn a situation where change is made to priority, and may change priority dynamically based on a learning result. Here, the situation refers to a state of information that can be acquired by the onboard device <NUM>, such as a current place, a traveling speed, a traffic condition, a temperature, weather, a time range, and the like of a vehicle to which the onboard device <NUM> is mounted. Specifically, for example, at a predetermined time range, an arrangement region or a display object corresponding to an air-conditioning function may be high in priority or the like.

Moreover, the priority setting unit <NUM> can temporarily increase priority with respect to the arrangement region and the display object corresponding to the predetermined event in accordance with occurrence of the predetermined event, and can set the priority value, which is obtained by temporarily increasing the priority, to the original value in accordance with completion of the predetermined event.

Note that, when priority is changed, the arrangement region and the display of the display objects based on priority may be dynamically changed. The priority setting unit <NUM> updates arrangement region information <NUM>, based on priority set among the arrangement regions, and updates display object information <NUM>, based on priority set among the display objects.

The function processing unit <NUM> executes processing for achieving predetermined functions in accordance with a touch operation from a user with respect to an operation reception button displayed on the display region of the first display <NUM>. The functions referred herein include, for example, a navigation function, an air-conditioning function, reproduction of a video or music, transmission/reception of an e-mail or a message, outgoing and incoming telephone calls, and the like.

The storage unit <NUM> stores predetermined information. The storage unit <NUM> is implemented with the ROM <NUM> and the storage device <NUM>. Various types of information such as map information <NUM>, display region information <NUM>, the arrangement region information <NUM>, the display object information <NUM>, and others are stored in the storage unit <NUM>.

Information on land forms, roads, and the like that are used for the navigation function is recorded as the map information <NUM>.

Division states of the display regions provided on the display screen of the first display <NUM> are recorded as the display region information <NUM>.

A shape, a size, a position, attribute information, and priority of the arrangement region provided on each of the display regions are recorded as the arrangement region information <NUM>.

Data, attribute information, and priority with respect to the display objects (an icon, an image, a text, a pop-up, a list, and the like as operation reception buttons) displayed on each of the display regions are recorded as the display object information <NUM>.

Note that the functional blocks of the onboard device <NUM>, which are the input reception unit <NUM>, the operation detection unit <NUM>, the display region setting unit <NUM>, the display control unit <NUM>, the priority setting unit <NUM>, and the function processing unit <NUM>, are implemented by the CPU <NUM> executing predetermined programs. The programs are stored in the ROM <NUM> of the onboard device <NUM> or the storage device <NUM>, and are loaded on the RAM <NUM> at the time of execution and executed by the CPU <NUM>.

Each functional block illustrated in <FIG> is classified according to its main processing contents, for the sake of easier understanding of the functions of the onboard device <NUM> implemented in the present embodiment. Therefore, how each function is classified and referred to does not limit the present invention. Each configuration of the onboard device <NUM> can be classified into more components, according to the processing contents. Each configuration can be classified so that one component executes more processing.

All or a part of the functional blocks may be constituted by hardware (an integrated circuit such as an ASIC, or the like) implemented in a computer. Processing of each of the functional blocks may be executed by one piece of hardware, or may be executed by a plurality of pieces of hardware.

Next, display regions set on the display screen of the first display <NUM> are described. As described above, the onboard device <NUM> causes the display region setting unit <NUM> to divide the display screen of the first display <NUM>, and thus a plurality of (in the present embodiment, three) display regions can be provided.

<FIG>are display examples of three display regions <NUM> (a first display region <NUM><NUM>, a second display region <NUM><NUM>, and a third display region <NUM><NUM>) that are set on the display screen of the first display <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a first display example, <FIG> illustrates a second display example, <FIG> illustrates a third display example, and <FIG> illustrates a fourth display example.

For example, a navigation screen, an air-conditioning screen, an AV screen, an application (App) screen, a telephone screen, a camera screen, or the like can be allocated to each of the display regions <NUM>. A plurality of operation reception buttons relating to different functions (for example, air-conditioning, audio, and telephone) may be mixed and displayed on one display region <NUM>.

When the plurality of display regions <NUM> are provided on the first display <NUM>, a moving display region <NUM> is provided by the display control unit <NUM> at a position at which boundary regions <NUM> between the display regions <NUM> intersect each other. A specific display object can be displayed on the moving display region <NUM>. When a user touches on and drags the specific display object displayed on the moving display region <NUM>, the display control unit <NUM> moves a display position of the moving display region <NUM>. Then, the display region setting unit <NUM> dynamically changes a size of each of the display regions <NUM> on the display screen in accordance with moving of the moving display region <NUM>, and fixes a size of each of the display regions <NUM> when a user touches off from the moving display region <NUM>.

For example, under a state of <FIG>, when a user touches on the specific display object, which is displayed on the moving display region <NUM>, and drags the specific display object upward, the display region setting unit <NUM> dynamically changes the display regions <NUM> to a state of <FIG>, by extending a vertical width of the second display region <NUM><NUM> and reducing a vertical width of the first display region <NUM><NUM> by the same amount.

For example, under the state of <FIG>, when a user touches on the specific display object, which is displayed on the moving display region <NUM>, and drags the specific display object in a lower left direction, the display region setting unit <NUM> dynamically changes the display regions <NUM> to a state of <FIG>, by extending a lateral width of the third display region <NUM><NUM> and reducing lateral widths of the first display region <NUM><NUM> and the second display region <NUM><NUM> by the same amount while extending the vertical width of the first display region <NUM><NUM> and reducing the vertical width of the second display region <NUM><NUM> by the same amount.

Note that moving of the moving display region <NUM> and change in size of each of the display regions <NUM> along with the moving are performed in accordance with occurrence of an event as well as with an operation from a user.

In the examples of <FIG>, as the specific display object, an image of an analog clock indicating a current time is displayed on the moving display region <NUM>. In addition to or instead of a time, information changing along with a lapse of time, such as a temperature, humidity, a weather condition, a vehicle speed, output horsepower, an output torque, and an amount of generated power may be displayed on the moving display region <NUM>, with a character, a number, or an image such as a gauge. Information to be displayed on the moving display region <NUM> can be freely selected by a user.

The specific display object to be displayed on the moving display region <NUM> may be changed in accordance with occurrence of an event. For example, display on the moving display region <NUM> may be changed from the state of displaying a time to information indicating an event content in accordance with an event such as an incoming call, reception of an e-mail or a message, emergency warning reception, and the like.

An example of <FIG> illustrates a state in which an arrow is displayed as the specific display object on the moving display region <NUM> in accordance with an occurring event, the arrow encouraging a user to change the division state of the display regions <NUM>. The arrow indicates a direction for a user to touch on and drag the moving display region <NUM>. In the case of <FIG>, the arrow encourages a user to drag the moving display region <NUM> in an upper right direction in such a way as to upsize the second display region <NUM><NUM> and downsize the first display region <NUM><NUM> and the third display region <NUM><NUM>.

Displaying the arrow as the specific display object on the moving display region <NUM> encourages a user to change the division state of the display regions <NUM>, and allows the user to understand a direction to perform dragging. A user can perform an operation of changing the division state of the display regions <NUM> with his or her own intention.

Note that, while the specific display object displayed on the moving display region <NUM> is moved by a touch operation of a user, the user cannot visually recognize the specific display object due to his or her own finger. Thus, while the specific display object displayed on the moving display region <NUM> is being moved, updating of the specific display object on the moving display region <NUM> may be stopped, the specific display object may be deleted, or the specific display object may be changed to another image (for example, a logo mark or the like). While the specific display object displayed on the moving display region <NUM> is being moved, a size of the specific display object may be reduced, or may be increased alternatively.

Moreover, regardless of moving of the specific display object displayed on the moving display region <NUM>, a size or a display content of the specific display object need not necessarily be changed.

A size of the moving display region <NUM> and a size of the specific display object displayed thereon may be freely selected by a user. In accordance with occurrence of an event, a size of the moving display region <NUM> and a size of the specific display object displayed thereon may be changed temporarily.

The moving display region <NUM> is arranged at a position at which the plurality of display regions <NUM> intersect each other, and hence can be easily recognized by a user. Therefore, when information that is frequently required by a user (for example, an analog clock indicating a time) is displayed on the moving display region <NUM>, convenience for the user can be improved.

Note that predetermined information may be displayed on the boundary regions <NUM>. A width of the boundary region <NUM> may be narrowed in such a way as to be displayed substantially as a line.

Note that a minimum size from which the size is not allowed to be reduced may be set for each of the display regions <NUM>.

The display region setting unit <NUM> dynamically changes a state of each of the display regions <NUM>. In response to this, the display control unit <NUM> dynamically changes display of a display object arranged on each of the display regions <NUM>. Details thereof are described later.

However, a division state of each of the display regions <NUM> provided on the display screen of the first display <NUM> is not limited to the display examples in <FIG>, and is freely changed in accordance with an operation from a user.

Not only the touch panel <NUM> but also the dial switch <NUM> can be used for reception of an operation of a user with respect to the moving display region <NUM> on the display screen.

Next, arrangement regions <NUM> provided on each of the display regions <NUM> are described. <FIG> illustrates one example of the plurality of arrangement regions 301a to 301f provided on the display region <NUM>.

Each of the arrangement regions 301a to 301f is a region for arranging display objects such as an operation reception button, various icons, a thumbnail image, and text information. Note that, in the drawing, positions of the arrangement regions 301a to 301f on the display region <NUM> are indicated with broken lines, but indication of the arrangement regions <NUM> are not actually displayed on the screen.

In the example in <FIG>, the arrangement regions 301a, 301b, and 301c that extend in a lateral direction and the arrangement regions 301d, 301e, and 301f that extend in a vertical direction are provided on the display region <NUM>. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish the arrangement regions 301a to 301f from one another, the arrangement region <NUM> is simply referred to.

A two, or three or more dimensional coordination system independent from the x-y coordination system provided on the display screen of the first display <NUM> is provided on the arrangement region <NUM>. With this, display of display objects <NUM> on each of the arrangement regions <NUM> can be changed easily. When a two-dimensional coordination system is provided on the arrangement region <NUM>, the arrangement region <NUM> has an area. When a three-dimensional coordination system is provided on the arrangement region <NUM>, the arrangement region <NUM> has a volume.

The arrangement regions <NUM> have axes (all of which are not illustrated) each having a direction (vector) extending from one end (start point) to the other end (end point) of the region (hereinafter, referred to as directional axes). The directional axes of the arrangement regions <NUM> are not limited to linear lines parallel to the lateral direction or the vertical direction of the display regions <NUM>, and may be linear lines in an oblique direction. The directional axes are not limited to linear lines, and may be curved lines.

The arrangement regions <NUM> each have a rectangular shape, for example. However, in <FIG>, in order to indicate the directions of the directional axes, the arrangement regions <NUM> are illustrated as arrow regions. Note that the arrangement regions <NUM> are not limited to rectangular shapes, and may have other shapes.

Hereinafter, a length of the directional axis of the arrangement region <NUM> is referred to as a directional-axis length, and a length in a direction orthogonal to the directional axis of the arrangement region <NUM> is referred to as a width.

In accordance with change in size of the display region <NUM>, the arrangement region <NUM> is changed in directional-axis length and position while maintaining the directional axis and width. A maximum value can be set for the directional-axis length of the arrangement region <NUM>.

The display control unit <NUM> can set, for the arrangement region <NUM>, an offset value indicating a distance from an end of the display region <NUM> to the arrangement region <NUM>, in accordance with an operation from a user. Moreover, the display control unit <NUM> can set, for the arrangement region <NUM>, an offset value indicating a distance from an end of the display region <NUM> to the arrangement region <NUM>, in accordance with the width thereof. For example, for the arrangement region 301c, which is adjacent to the lower side of the display region <NUM> and extends in the lateral direction, the display control unit <NUM> can set an offset value from the lower side, in accordance with the width of the arrangement region 301c. Similarly, for the arrangement region 301a, which is adjacent to the upper side of the display region <NUM> and extends in the lateral direction, the display control unit <NUM> can set an offset value from the upper side, in accordance with the width of the arrangement region 301a. For the arrangement region 301d, which is adjacent to the left side of the display region <NUM> and extends in the vertical direction, the display control unit <NUM> can set an offset value from the left side, in accordance with the width of the arrangement region 301d. Similarly, for the arrangement region 301f, which is adjacent to the right side of the display region <NUM> and extends in the vertical direction, the display control unit <NUM> can set an offset value from the right side, in accordance with the width of the arrangement region 301f.

The arrangement regions <NUM> may be set to be visible or invisible as attribute information. Display objects <NUM> (<FIG>) arranged on the arrangement region <NUM> set to be visible are displayed on the screen. In contrast, display objects <NUM> arranged on the arrangement region <NUM> set to be invisible are not displayed on the screen.

The arrangement region <NUM> may be set to have priority relative to other arrangement regions <NUM> provided on the same display region <NUM>. Note that, in the present embodiment, a greater value of priority of the arrangement region <NUM> indicates a higher priority order. The value of priority of the arrangement region <NUM> is set to an initial value determined in advance by the priority setting unit <NUM>. Regarding priority of the arrangement region <NUM>, priority may be changed in accordance with an operation from a user. Further, the priority setting unit <NUM> may learn a situation where change is made to priority, and may change priority dynamically in accordance with a learning result. Moreover, priority of the arrangement region <NUM> may be changed temporarily in accordance with occurrence of an event.

As attribute information, the arrangement region <NUM> may be set whether or not the arrangement region <NUM> interferes with another arrangement region in a case where the arrangement regions <NUM> provided on the same display region <NUM> are close to each other at a predetermined distance or shorter therebetween. Here, the case where the arrangement regions <NUM> are close to each other at a predetermined distance or shorter therebetween includes a case of contact and a case of overlapping.

The interference indicates that attribute information relating to the arrangement region <NUM> with lower priority is changed from visible to invisible and that all the display objects arranged on the arrangement region <NUM> with lower priority are collectively removed from the screen. In the following description, an action of changing attribute information from visible to invisible and removing the display objects from the screen is also referred to as "weeding-out".

For example, the arrangement regions <NUM> having the directional axes parallel to each other (for example, the arrangement region 301a and the arrangement region 301b) can be set as "to be interfered", and the arrangement regions <NUM> having the directional axes intersecting each other (for example, the arrangement region 301a and the arrangement region 301d) can be set as "not to be interfered".

Moreover, even when the arrangement regions <NUM> provided on the same display region <NUM> are not close to each other at the predetermined distance or shorter therebetween, in a case where the display region <NUM> is downsized to a predetermined size or smaller, all the display objects arranged on the arrangement region <NUM> with lower priority may be weeded out collectively. Moreover, even when the arrangement regions <NUM> provided on the same display region <NUM> are not close to each other at the predetermined distance or shorter therebetween, in a case where the display objects <NUM> arranged in the arrangement regions <NUM> are close to each other at a predetermined distance or shorter therebetween, all the display objects arranged on the arrangement region <NUM> with lower priority may be weeded out collectively.

Next, change in setting of the arrangement region <NUM> in conformity with change in size of the display region <NUM> is described.

Each of <FIG> and <FIG> is a diagram for describing an overview of change in setting of arrangement regions <NUM><NUM> and <NUM><NUM> provided on the display region <NUM>, in conformity with change in size of the display region <NUM>.

In the examples of <FIG> and <FIG>, on the display region <NUM>, the arrangement regions <NUM><NUM> and <NUM><NUM> being different in priority are provided. Each subscript number denoted to the arrangement region <NUM> is a value indicating priority, and a larger number indicates higher priority. Therefore, priority of the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> is <NUM>, and priority of the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> is <NUM>. Thus, the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> has priority higher than priority of the arrangement region <NUM><NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the widths of the arrangement regions <NUM><NUM> and <NUM><NUM> are set to be wider than those in the example of <FIG>.

In the examples of <FIG> and <FIG>, when the size of the display region <NUM> is changed from a state in the upper row to a state in the lower row in accordance with an operation from a user, the directional-axis lengths of the arrangement regions <NUM><NUM> and <NUM><NUM> are reduced under a state of maintaining the direction of the directional axes and widths. The interval between the arrangement regions <NUM><NUM> and <NUM><NUM> is narrowed.

As a result, in the example of <FIG>, the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> and the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> do not overlap each other even partially, the arrangement regions <NUM><NUM> and <NUM><NUM> are not weeded out.

Meanwhile, in the example of <FIG>, the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> and the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> partially overlap each other, and hence attribute information relating to the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> having lower priority is changed from visible to invisible, and the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> is weeded out in an arrangement region unit. In other words, all the display objects (not illustrated) arranged on the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> are collectively removed from the screen.

However, as in the example of <FIG>, even when the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> and the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> do not partially overlap each other, in a case where the display region <NUM> is reduced to a size smaller than a predetermined size, the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> having lower priority may be weeded out.

Note that, instead of weeding out the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> having lower priority in an arrangement region unit, the display objects (not illustrated) arranged on the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> may be set to be moved. Details thereof are described later with reference to FIG.

In contrast, in the examples of <FIG> and <FIG>, when the size of the display region <NUM> is changed from the state in the lower row to the state in the upper row in accordance with an operation from a user, the directional-axis lengths of the arrangement regions <NUM><NUM> and <NUM><NUM> are extended under a state of maintaining the direction of the directional axes and widths. The interval between the arrangement regions <NUM><NUM> and <NUM><NUM> is broadened.

As a result, in the example of <FIG>, partial overlapping between the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> and the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> is canceled. Thus, attribution information relating to the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> having lower priority is changed from invisible to visible, and display of the display objects (not illustrated) arranged on the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> is restored.

As described above, when the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> and the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> are close to each other at the predetermined distance or shorter therebetween, one of them is weeded out in accordance with priority. Thus, redundant determination on the display objects arranged on the arrangement regions <NUM><NUM> and <NUM><NUM> can be omitted.

Note that the priority setting unit <NUM> may dynamically change relative priority of the arrangement regions <NUM> provided on the same display region <NUM>, from the initial value set in advance. Specifically, for example, the priority setting unit <NUM> may set a greater value of priority for the arrangement region <NUM> with the displayed objects being arranged thereon (not illustrated) on which an operation from a user is performed more recently. For example, a value of priority may be set greater for the arrangement region <NUM> with the displayed objects being arranged thereon (not illustrated) on which an operation from a user is performed more frequently. In this manner, the display objects that are more likely to be operated from a user are displayed preferentially, and hence user operability can be improved.

Next, <FIG> is a diagram for describing relative priority with respect to display objects <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> arranged on the arrangement region <NUM>, and describing visible or invisible as attribute information. Here, when there is no need to distinguish the display objects <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> from one another individually, the display object <NUM> is simply referred to.

The plurality of display objects <NUM> arranged on the arrangement region <NUM> can be set to have priority relative to other display objects <NUM> arranged on the same arrangement region <NUM>. A subscript number following the display object <NUM> is a value indicating priority. In the present embodiment, a greater value indicates higher priority. In the following drawings, the same is applied. As attribute information, the display objects <NUM> arranged on the arrangement region <NUM> are set to be visible or invisible.

In the example of <FIG>, the display objects <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> being different in priority are arranged on the arrangement region <NUM>. Under a state illustrated in the uppermost row, attribution information relevant to the display objects <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> is set to be visible.

For example, when the directional-axis length of the arrangement region <NUM> is reduced in accordance with change in size (downsizing) of the display region <NUM> (not illustrated) from the state illustrated in the uppermost row in accordance with occurrence of an event, the display objects <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> are displayed at closer intervals while maintaining the sizes as illustrated in the second row of <FIG>.

Moreover, as illustrated in the third row of <FIG>, when the directional-axis length of the arrangement region <NUM> is further reduced and the display objects <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> cannot be arranged separately, the display object <NUM><NUM> having the lowest priority among the display objects <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> is weeded out (attribution information is changed from visible to invisible). As a result, a state in which the display objects <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> other than the display object <NUM><NUM> are displayed on the arrangement region <NUM> is achieved.

Moreover, as illustrated in the fourth row of the <FIG>, when the directional-axis length of the arrangement region <NUM> is further reduced and the display objects <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> cannot be arranged separately, the display object <NUM><NUM> having the lowest priority among the display objects <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> is weeded out (attribution information is changed from visible to invisible). As a result, a state in which the display objects <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> other than the display objects <NUM><NUM> and <NUM><NUM> are displayed on the arrangement region <NUM> is achieved.

Similarly in the fifth and sixth rows of <FIG>, when the directional-axis length of the arrangement region <NUM> is reduced, the display objects <NUM> are weeded out in the priority order from a lower priority side.

In contrast, when the directional-axis length of the arrangement region <NUM> is extended in accordance with change in size (upsizing) of the display region <NUM> (not illustrated), display of the display objects <NUM> is changed from the lower side to the upper side of <FIG>. In other words, display of the weeded-out display objects <NUM> (ones having attribute information changed to invisible) is restored on the arrangement region <NUM> in the priority order from a higher priority (attribute information is changed from invisible to visible).

Relative priority among the display objects <NUM> arranged on the same arrangement region <NUM> is set to an initial value in advance, and may be changed by the priority setting unit <NUM> in accordance with an operation from a user. When the display objects <NUM> are operation reception buttons, the priority setting unit <NUM> may change priority in accordance with frequency of an operation from a user or may set priority of the most recently operated object to the highest order. Further, the priority setting unit <NUM> may dynamically change priority in accordance with a vehicle traveling situation (speed and the like). For example, priority of the display object <NUM> being a character string is lowered during traveling. Moreover, the priority setting unit <NUM> may learn a situation where change is made to priority, and may change priority dynamically in accordance with a learning result. With this, visibility of the display objects <NUM> for a user and operability of the display objects <NUM> being operation reception buttons can be improved.

Subsequently, <FIG> is a diagram for describing relative priority with respect to the display objects <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> arranged on the arrangement region <NUM>, and describing "allowed to be weeded out" or "not allowed to be weeded out" as attribution information. Here, when there is no need to distinguish the display objects <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> from one another individually, the display object <NUM> is simply referred to.

Among the plurality of display objects <NUM> arranged on the arrangement region <NUM>, the display objects <NUM> having priority less than an arbitrary degree can be set as "allowed to be weeded out", and the display object <NUM> having priority equal to or higher than the arbitrary degree can be set as "not allowed to be weeded out" as attribute information in addition to the priority described above. Note that, in the above-described example illustrated in <FIG>, it can be regarded that all the display objects <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> are set as "allowed to be weeded out".

When the display region <NUM> is downsized in accordance with occurrence of an event, the arrangement region <NUM> is reduced, and the display objects <NUM> are thus close to the other display objects <NUM> arranged on the same arrangement region <NUM> to be at the predetermined distance or shorter therebetween, the display objects <NUM> set as "allowed to be weeded out" are weeded out in accordance with priority (attribution information is changed from visible to invisible).

Meanwhile, even when the display region <NUM> is downsized in accordance with occurrence of an event, the arrangement region <NUM> is reduced, and the display objects <NUM> are thus close to the other display objects <NUM> arranged on the same arrangement region <NUM> to be at the predetermined distance or shorter therebetween, the display objects <NUM> set as "not allowed to be weeded out" are not weeded out. Moreover, downsizing of the display region <NUM> and reduction of the arrangement region <NUM> are canceled.

In the example of <FIG>, it is assumed that the display objects <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> are arranged on the arrangement region <NUM> provided on the display region <NUM>, and that the display objects <NUM><NUM> and <NUM><NUM> each having priority degree less than <NUM> are set as "allowed to be weeded out" and the display objects <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> each having a priority degree equal to or more than <NUM> are set as "not allowed to be weeded out.

For example, when the display region <NUM> is downsized from the state illustrated in the uppermost row of <FIG> in accordance with occurrence of an event, the arrangement region <NUM> is reduced, and the display objects <NUM> are thus close to each other at the predetermined distance or shorter therebetween, the display object <NUM><NUM> having the lowest priority is a target to be weeded out, and the display object <NUM><NUM> is weeded out since the display object <NUM><NUM> is set as "allowed to be weeded out", as illustrated in the second row of <FIG>.

Subsequently, when the display region <NUM> is further downsized from the state illustrated in the second row of <FIG> in accordance with occurrence of an event, the arrangement region <NUM> is reduced, and the display objects <NUM> are thus close to each other at the predetermined distance or shorter therebetween, the display object <NUM><NUM> having the second lowest priority is a target to be weeded out, and the display object <NUM><NUM> is weeded out since the display object <NUM><NUM> is set as "allowed to be weeded out", as illustrated in the third row of <FIG>.

Then, when the display region <NUM> is further downsized from the state in the third row of <FIG> in accordance with occurrence of an event, the arrangement region <NUM> is reduced, and the display objects <NUM> are thus close to each other at the predetermined distance or shorter therebetween, the display object <NUM><NUM> having the third lowest priority is a target to be weeded out. However, the display object <NUM><NUM> is set as "not allowed to be weeded out", and thus is not weeded out to maintain its display, as illustrated in the fourth row of <FIG>. Downsizing of the display region <NUM> and reduction of the arrangement region <NUM> are canceled, and the state in the third row of <FIG> is restored.

Note that when an occurring event is a touch operation of a user, and reduction of the display region <NUM>, which is to be performed in accordance with the touch operation, is canceled, the display control unit <NUM> may notify the user of the cancel. A notification method may use sound or vibration in place of screen display. With this, the user can recognize that reduction of the display region <NUM> in accordance with his or her own operation is canceled.

Note that the plurality of display objects <NUM> arranged on the same arrangement region <NUM> are set in advance as "allowed to be weeded out" or "not allowed to be weeded out", but may be changed by the priority setting unit <NUM> in accordance with an operation from a user. In accordance with occurrence of a predetermined event, the display object(s) <NUM> corresponding to the event may be temporarily set as "not allowed to be weeded out". Moreover, when the display object <NUM> is an operation reception button, the priority setting unit <NUM> may change the display object <NUM> to be "not allowed to be weeded out" depending on frequency of an operation from a user. As described above, when the display object <NUM> can be set as "not allowed to be weeded out", the display object <NUM>, weeding out of which is not preferable, can always be displayed on the display region <NUM>. Thus, convenience and operability for a user can be improved.

Next, description is made on setting in which, when the arrangement regions <NUM> provided on the same display region <NUM> are close to each other at the predetermined distance or shorter therebetween, the display objects arranged on the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> are moved instead of weeding out the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> having lower priority in an arrangement region unit.

In the description with reference to <FIG>, when the arrangement regions <NUM><NUM> and <NUM><NUM> provided on the same display region <NUM> partially overlap each other, the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> having lower priority is weeded out in an arrangement region unit. However, setting can be performed in such a way as to move the display objects <NUM> arranged on the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> having lower priority.

<FIG> illustrates an example of moving the display objects arranged on the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> having lower priority when the plurality of arrangement regions <NUM> provided on the same display region <NUM> partially overlap each other.

In the example of <FIG>, the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> having a priority degree of <NUM> and the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> having a priority degree of <NUM>, which are provided on the display region <NUM>, are set to interfere each other. The seven display objects <NUM> being different in priority are arranged on the arrangement region <NUM><NUM>, and the six display objects <NUM> being different in priority are arranged on the arrangement region <NUM><NUM>.

For example, when the display region <NUM> is downsized from the state illustrated in the upper row, the arrangement regions <NUM><NUM> and <NUM><NUM> have an interval therebetween that is gradually narrowed under a state of maintaining the directions of the directional axes and widths, and finally overlap (intersect) each other partially, as illustrated in the lower row in <FIG>. In this case, arrangement of the six display objects <NUM> on the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> having priority higher than that of the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> is not changed. Meanwhile, on the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> having lower priority, the display objects <NUM><NUM> and <NUM><NUM> are moved in right-and-left directions in order to prioritize the display objects <NUM> arranged on the arrangement region <NUM><NUM>. As a result, the seven display objects <NUM> cannot be arranged on the arrangement region <NUM><NUM>, separately. Thus, the display object <NUM><NUM> having the lowest priority on the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> is weeded out (attribution information is changed from visible to invisible).

In contrast, when the display region <NUM> is upsized from the state illustrated in the lower row, display of the display object <NUM><NUM> is restored on the arrangement region <NUM><NUM> as illustrated in the upper row of <FIG> (attribution information is changed from invisible to visible).

Next, <FIG> is a flowchart illustrating one example of the display control processing executed by the onboard device <NUM>.

The display control processing is started after activation of the onboard device <NUM>, and is continuously executed until an operation of the onboard device <NUM> is completed.

First, the display region setting unit <NUM> determines whether an event for causing change in size of the display region <NUM> occurs (Step S1). Here, when it is determined that an event for causing change in size of the display region <NUM> does not occur (NO in Step S1), the display region setting unit <NUM> repeats the determination. When it is determined that an event for causing change in size of the display region <NUM> occurs (YES in Step S1), the display region setting unit <NUM> changes the size of the display region <NUM> in accordance with an occurring event (Step S2).

Subsequently, in accordance with the display region <NUM> having a size changed in Step S2, the display control unit <NUM> calculates sizes and positions of the arrangement regions <NUM> which are provided on each of the display regions <NUM> and are set to be visible as attribution information, in accordance with a predetermined rule (Step S3). Subsequently, the display control unit <NUM> determines whether the arrangement regions <NUM> which are calculated in Step S3 and are provided on the same display region <NUM>, are close to each other at the predetermined distance or shorter therebetween (including contact and overlapping) (Step S4).

Here, when it is determined that the arrangement regions <NUM> provided on the same display region <NUM> are close to each other at the predetermined distance or shorter therebetween (YES in Step S4), the display control unit <NUM> changes attribution information from visible to invisible, the attribution information relating to the arrangement region <NUM> having lower priority among closed arrangement regions <NUM> (Step S5). In contrast, when it is determined that the arrangement regions <NUM> provided on the same display region <NUM> are not close to each other at the predetermined distance or shorter therebetween (NO in Step S4), the display control unit <NUM> skips Step S5.

Subsequently, in accordance with the display region <NUM> having a division state changed in Step S2, the display control unit <NUM> re-calculates sizes and positions of the arrangement regions <NUM> which are provided on each of the display regions <NUM> and are set to be visible as attribution information, in accordance with a predetermined rule (Step S6).

Subsequently, the display control unit <NUM> calculates positions of the display objects <NUM> which are set to be visible as attribute information and are arranged on each of the arrangement regions <NUM> on each of the display regions <NUM>, in accordance with a predetermined rule (Step S7). Subsequently, the display control unit <NUM> determines whether the display objects <NUM> which are calculated in Step S7 and are arranged on the same arrangement region <NUM>, are close to each other at the predetermined distance or shorter therebetween (Step S8).

Here, when it is determined that the display objects <NUM> arranged on the same arrangement region <NUM> are close to each other at the predetermined distance or shorter therebetween (YES in Step S8), the display control unit <NUM> changes attribution information from visible to invisible, the attribution information relating to the display object <NUM> having lower priority among closed display objects <NUM> (Step S9). In contrast, when it is determined that the display objects <NUM> arranged on the same arrangement region <NUM> are not close to each other at the predetermined distance or shorter therebetween (NO in Step S8), the display control unit <NUM> skips Step S9.

Subsequently, the display control unit <NUM> re-calculates positions of the display objects <NUM> which are set to be visible as attribute information and are arranged on each of the arrangement regions <NUM> on each of the display regions <NUM>, in accordance with a predetermined rule (Step S10).

Subsequently, the display control unit <NUM> reflects recalculation results in Steps S6 and S10 to update the positions of the arrangement regions <NUM> on each of the display regions <NUM>, and update the positions of the display objects <NUM> on each of the arrangement regions <NUM> (Step S11). After that, the processing returns to Step S1, and Step S1 and the steps thereafter are repeated.

According to the display control processing executed by the onboard device <NUM> described above, a size of each of the display regions <NUM> on the display screen can be changed dynamically in accordance with occurrence of an event exemplified by a touch operation from a user, and display of the display objects <NUM> displayed on the display region <NUM> can be dynamically changed in accordance with dynamic change in size of each of the display regions <NUM>. Therefore, screen display excellent in visibility and improved in intuitive operability for a user can be achieved.

Note that the display control processing executed by the onboard device <NUM>, which is described above, can be executed without depending on an aspect ratio or a resolution of the first display <NUM>.

The present invention is applicable not only to the onboard device <NUM> including the displays (the first display <NUM> and the second display <NUM>) as in the present embodiment but also to a case where, for example, a screen projected by a projector is controlled. The present invention is not limited to the onboard device <NUM>, but is applicable, for example, to an electronic device used in a relatively small space, such as a cockpit and a passenger seat of an airplane, a ship, and the like.

The effects described in the present specification are merely examples, and are not limited thereto. Other effects may be exerted.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and includes various modification examples. For example, each of the embodiments described above is described in detail for the sake of easier understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to including all the configurations described herein. It is possible to replace a part of a configuration of one embodiment with a configuration of another embodiment. It is also possible to add a configuration of one embodiment to a configuration of another embodiment. Another configuration can be added to, deleted from, and replaced with a part of a configuration of each embodiment.

A part of or an entirety of the configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, and the like described above may be implemented by hardware by designing those with, for example, integrated circuits or the like. Each of the configurations, functions and the like described above may be implemented by software by a processor that interprets and executes programs for achieving each function. Information for achieving each of the functions, such as a program, a determination table, and a file may be placed in a storage device such as a memory, an HDD, and a solid state disk (SSD), and a recording medium such as an IC card, a secure digital (SD) card, and a DVD. Illustrations of control lines and information lines are those considered to be necessary for the sake of description, and not necessarily include all the control lines and information lines necessary as a product. In actuality, it may be considered that almost all the configurations are connected to each other.

Claim 1:
A display control device comprising:
a display region setting unit (<NUM>) configured to change a position of a boundary line of one or a plurality of display regions provided on a screen to dynamically change a size of the one or plurality of display regions;
a priority setting unit (<NUM>) configured to set relative priority with respect to a plurality of display objects displayed on the one or plurality of display regions; and
a display control unit (<NUM>) configured to set attribute information indicating visible or invisible for the plurality of display objects and to control display of the plurality of display objects, based on a positional relationship between the plurality of display objects on the one or plurality of display regions and the attribute information, wherein
in a case where a positional relationship between the plurality of display objects on the one or plurality of display regions is changed in accordance with change in size of the one or plurality of display regions and the plurality of display objects are close to each other at a predetermined distance or shorter, the display control unit,
when the priority of one or more of the plurality of display objects displayed on the one or plurality of display regions is less than a predetermined value, changes the attribute information relating to the one or more display objects from visible to invisible in accordance with the priority, and hides the one or more display objects changed to be invisible as the attribute information, and
when the priority of one or more of the plurality of display objects displayed on the one or plurality of display regions is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, maintains a display state of the one or more display objects without changing the attribute information relating to the one or more display objects from visible to invisible, and cancels change in size of the one or plurality of display regions.