Vehicle display control device, acceleration display method, and non-transitory storage medium storing a program

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a vehicle display control device, an acceleration display method, and a non-transitory storage medium storing a program. The vehicle display control device includes: an acceleration prediction unit that predicts the direction of acceleration acting on the vehicle based on information including information on a planned travel path of the vehicle, information obtained from a peripheral information detection sensor that detects peripheral information of the vehicle, and at least one of information obtained from an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle; and a display control unit that, when the acceleration predicted by the acceleration prediction unit is greater than a predetermined threshold, displays the direction of the predicted acceleration on a display target portion inside the vehicle compartment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display control device for a vehicle, an acceleration display method, and a non-transitory storage medium storing a program. Background Art

[0002] In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2017-171117, there is disclosed an in-vehicle index display device in which the directions of indexes provided at the left and right end portions of an instrument panel are made to coincide with the direction of the driver's optic flow. In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2017-171117, by changing the direction of the index according to the orientation of the driver's line of sight, it is easy to grasp the traveling direction of the vehicle even during driving at night when it is difficult to recognize the space. Further, in International Publication No. 2015 / 145674, there is disclosed a vehicle motion transmission device in which a vehicle motion in autonomous driving control is calculated and a light source disposed on a steering wheel emits light with a light emission pattern corresponding to the calculated vehicle motion.

[0003] However, in the inventions disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2017-171117 and International Publication No. 2015 / 145674, in order to intuitively grasp the motion of the vehicle, it is necessary to look at the periphery of the driver's seat of the vehicle, and thus there is room for improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a display control device for a vehicle, an acceleration display method, and a non-transitory storage medium storing a program that can intuitively grasp the motion of the vehicle without looking at the periphery of the driver's seat.

[0005] A display control device for a vehicle according to a first aspect includes: an acceleration prediction unit that predicts the direction of an acceleration acting on the vehicle based on information including information on a planned travel path of the vehicle, information obtained from a surrounding information detection sensor that detects surrounding information of the vehicle, and information obtained from an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle; and a display control unit that, when the acceleration predicted by the acceleration prediction unit is greater than a predetermined threshold, displays the predicted direction of the acceleration on a display target portion in the vehicle compartment.

[0006] In the vehicle display control device of the first mode, the acceleration prediction unit predicts the direction of the acceleration acting on the vehicle. The prediction of the direction of the acceleration is performed based on information including at least one of information on the planned driving path of the vehicle, information obtained from a peripheral information detection sensor that detects the peripheral information of the vehicle, and information obtained from an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle. In addition, when the acceleration predicted by the acceleration prediction unit is greater than a predetermined threshold, the display control unit displays the predicted direction of the acceleration on a display object portion in the passenger compartment. Thus, the occupant can intuitively grasp the direction in which the acceleration acts before the acceleration acts on the vehicle.

[0007] In addition, if the direction of the acceleration is displayed on various display object portions in the passenger compartment, the occupant will unconsciously recognize the direction of the acceleration displayed on the display object portion, and thus can intuitively grasp the direction in which the acceleration acts without having to look at the vicinity of the driver's seat. Further, the phrase "display the direction of the acceleration on a display object portion in the passenger compartment" as used herein is not limited to a configuration that directly displays the direction in which the acceleration acts by means of text or arrow marks, etc., and its concept broadly includes configurations that indirectly display the direction in which the acceleration acts by means of color and pattern flow, etc.

[0008] The vehicle display control device of the second mode is such that, in the first mode, the display control unit displays the predicted direction of the acceleration on at least one of interior components including a pillar garnish, an inner door trim, an instrument panel, a ceiling lining, and a floor material as the display object portion.

[0009] In the vehicle display control device of the second mode, the predicted direction of the acceleration is displayed on at least one of the interior components. Thus, even when the occupant is facing the side or the lower side of the passenger compartment, etc., the occupant can intuitively grasp the direction in which the acceleration acts.

[0010] The vehicle display control device of the third mode is such that, in the first mode, the display control unit displays the predicted direction of the acceleration on at least one of a windshield and side window glasses as the display object portion.

[0011] In the vehicle display control device of the third mode, the predicted direction of the acceleration is displayed on at least one of the windshield and side window glasses. Thus, even when the occupant turns the line of sight toward the outside of the vehicle, the occupant can intuitively grasp the direction in which the acceleration acts.

[0012] The vehicle display control device of the fourth mode is such that, in any one of the first to third modes, the display control unit displays the predicted direction of the acceleration on at least one of the image display units including a monitor and a portable terminal provided in the vehicle compartment.

[0013] In the vehicle display control device of the fourth mode, even when the occupant is observing the monitor and the portable terminal provided in the vehicle compartment, etc., the direction in which the acceleration acts can be intuitively grasped.

[0014] The vehicle display control device of the fifth mode is such that, in any one of the first to fourth modes, the display control unit displays the predicted direction of the acceleration by showing the flow of light.

[0015] In the vehicle display control device of the fifth mode, since the direction in which the acceleration acts is represented by the direction of the flow of light, the direction in which the acceleration acts can be grasped more intuitively than in the case of displaying with characters or the like.

[0016] The vehicle display control device of the sixth mode is such that, in the fifth mode, the display control unit changes at least one of the color, brightness, and flow speed of the light according to the predicted magnitude of the acceleration.

[0017] In the vehicle display control device of the sixth mode, not only can the direction in which the acceleration acts be intuitively grasped, but also the magnitude of the acceleration can be intuitively grasped.

[0018] The vehicle display control device of the seventh mode is such that, in any one of the first to fourth modes, the display control unit displays the predicted direction of the acceleration by showing characters or arrow marks.

[0019] In the vehicle display control device of the seventh mode, since it is directly displayed by characters or arrow marks, the occupant will not misidentify the direction in which the acceleration acts.

[0020] The vehicle display control device of the eighth mode is such that, in the seventh mode, the display control unit changes at least one of the color, brightness, and size of the characters or arrow marks according to the predicted magnitude of the acceleration.

[0021] In the vehicle display control device of the eighth mode, not only can the direction in which the acceleration acts be intuitively grasped, but also the magnitude of the acceleration can be intuitively grasped.

[0022] The vehicle display control device of the ninth mode is such that, in any one of the first mode to the eighth mode, when accelerations greater than a predetermined threshold are predicted by the acceleration prediction unit and act on multiple directions, the display control unit displays the direction on which the maximum acceleration acts.

[0023] In the vehicle display control device of the ninth mode, by only displaying the direction on which the maximum acceleration acts, compared with the case where multiple acceleration directions are displayed, it does not cause confusion to the occupants.

[0024] The vehicle display control device of the tenth mode is such that, in any one of the first mode to the eighth mode, when accelerations greater than a predetermined threshold are predicted by the acceleration prediction unit and act on multiple directions, the display control unit preferentially displays the acceleration acting in the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0025] In the vehicle display control device of the tenth mode, by preferentially displaying the acceleration acting in the longitudinal direction, it is particularly possible to guard against the inertial forces acting on the occupants in the vehicle's longitudinal direction during emergency braking and emergency acceleration of the vehicle, etc.

[0026] The vehicle display control device of the eleventh mode is such that, in any one of the first mode to the eighth mode, when accelerations greater than a predetermined threshold are predicted by the acceleration prediction unit and act on multiple directions, the display control unit preferentially displays the acceleration acting in the vehicle's lateral direction.

[0027] In the vehicle display control device of the eleventh mode, by preferentially displaying the acceleration acting in the vehicle's lateral direction, it is particularly possible to guard against the inertial forces acting on the occupants in the vehicle's lateral direction before turning.

[0028] The vehicle display control device of the twelfth mode is such that, in any one of the first mode to the eleventh mode, it includes a line-of-sight direction acquisition unit that acquires the direction in which the occupant is facing by acquiring the line-of-sight direction of the occupant or the orientation of the vehicle seat, and the display control unit displays the direction of the acceleration in front of the line of sight of the occupant acquired by the line-of-sight direction acquisition unit.

[0029] In the vehicle display control device of the twelfth mode, by displaying the direction of the acceleration in front of the line of sight of the occupant, the occupant can intuitively grasp the direction in which the acceleration acts on the occupant regardless of the direction in which the occupant is facing. In addition, compared with the structure that displays the direction of the acceleration in a relatively wide range inside the vehicle compartment, it can reduce the sense of boredom.

[0030] In the thirteenth mode of the vehicle display control device, in any one of the first mode to the twelfth mode, when the driving mode of the vehicle is the autonomous driving mode, the display control unit displays the predicted direction of acceleration, and when the driving mode is the manual driving mode, the display is stopped.

[0031] In the vehicle display control device of the thirteenth mode, by stopping the display of the direction of acceleration in the manual driving mode in which the occupant is driving, the occupant can be made to concentrate on driving. In addition, by displaying the direction of acceleration in the autonomous driving mode, even when the occupant is not driving, the direction in which the acceleration acts can be intuitively grasped.

[0032] The acceleration display method of the fourteenth mode predicts the direction of the acceleration acting on the vehicle based on information including at least one of information on the planned travel path of the vehicle, information obtained from a peripheral information detection sensor that detects the peripheral information of the vehicle, and information obtained from an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle; when the predicted acceleration is greater than a predetermined threshold, the predicted direction of acceleration is displayed on a display target portion in the passenger compartment.

[0033] The non-transitory storage medium of the fifteenth mode is a non-transitory storage medium storing a program executable by a computer to execute processing, where the processing includes: predicting the direction of the acceleration acting on the vehicle based on information including at least one of information on the planned travel path of the vehicle, information obtained from a peripheral information detection sensor that detects the peripheral information of the vehicle, and information obtained from an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle; when the predicted acceleration is greater than a predetermined threshold, the predicted direction of acceleration is displayed on a display target portion in the passenger compartment.

[0034] The vehicle display control device of the sixteenth mode includes: a traveling direction prediction unit that predicts the traveling direction of the vehicle based on information including at least one of information on the planned travel path of the vehicle and information obtained from a peripheral information detection sensor that detects the peripheral information of the vehicle; a display control unit that displays the traveling direction predicted by the traveling direction prediction unit on an interior component in the passenger compartment.

[0035] In the vehicle display control device according to the sixteenth mode, the traveling direction prediction unit predicts the traveling direction of the vehicle. The prediction of the traveling direction is performed based on information including information on the planned traveling path of the vehicle and at least one of the information obtained from the surrounding information detection sensor that detects the surrounding information of the vehicle. In addition, the display control unit displays the predicted traveling direction on the interior component in the vehicle compartment. Thus, the occupant can intuitively grasp the movement of the vehicle without looking at the vicinity of the driver's seat by observing the traveling direction displayed on the interior component.

[0036] Advantages of the Invention

[0037] As described above, according to the vehicle display control device, acceleration display method, and non-transitory storage medium storing a program according to the present disclosure, the movement of the vehicle can be intuitively grasped without looking at the vicinity of the driver's seat. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, where:

[0039] Figure 1 It is a schematic view of the front part of the vehicle compartment of a vehicle to which the vehicle display control device according to the first embodiment is applied, as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle;

[0040] Figure 2 It is a view showing Figure 1 a schematic view of the state in which display is being performed on the interior component by the display control unit starting from the state of, and is a view showing the state before a right turn;

[0041] Figure 3 It is a view showing Figure 1 a schematic view of the state in which display is being performed on the interior component by the display control unit starting from the state of, and is a view showing the state during emergency braking;

[0042] Figure 4 It is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the vehicle display control device according to the first embodiment;

[0043] Figure 5 It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the vehicle display control device according to the first embodiment;

[0044] Figure 6 It is a flowchart showing an example of the display processing flow in the first embodiment;

[0045] Figure 7FIG. 0 is a schematic view of the front part of the vehicle cabin of a vehicle to which the vehicle display control device according to the second embodiment is applied, as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle, and is a view showing a state where display is being performed on the windshield and side window glass by the display control unit;

[0046] Figure 8 FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the front part of the vehicle cabin of a vehicle to which the vehicle display control device according to the third embodiment is applied, as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle, and is a view showing a state where display is being performed on the monitor by the display control unit;

[0047] Figure 9A FIG. 8 is a view showing a state where display is being performed on the display of the computer by the display control unit in the third embodiment, and shows a state where a relatively small acceleration is predicted to act in the left direction of the vehicle;

[0048] Figure 9B FIG. 12 is a view showing a state where display is being performed on the display of the computer by the display control unit in the third embodiment, and shows a state where a relatively large acceleration is predicted to act in the left direction of the vehicle;

[0049] Figure 10 FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the vehicle display control device according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] <FIRST EMBODIMENT>

[0051] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the vehicle display control device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. In addition, in each figure, the arrow mark UP and the arrow mark RH appropriately marked respectively indicate the upward direction and the right side in the width direction of the vehicle. Hereinafter, when the description is made only using the front-rear, up-down, and left-right directions, unless otherwise specifically stated in advance, it is assumed to represent the front-rear in the front-rear direction, the up-down in the up-down direction, and the left-right in the width direction of the vehicle to which the vehicle display control device 10 is applied.

[0052] As Figure 1 shown, in the front part of the vehicle cabin of a vehicle 12 to which the vehicle display control device 10 according to the present embodiment (hereinafter, simply referred to as "display control device 10") is applied, an instrument panel 14 is provided as an example of an interior component.

[0053] The instrument panel 14 extends in the vehicle width direction, and a computer 15 is provided above the instrument panel 14. The computer 15 may also be a device that is non-detachably mounted with respect to the vehicle 12. In addition, the computer 15 may also be a device brought into the vehicle 12 by an occupant from the outside of the vehicle.

[0054] At the front end of the instrument panel 14, the lower end of the windshield 16 is supported. The windshield 16 extends in the vehicle up-and-down direction and the vehicle width direction, and divides the inside and outside of the passenger compartment.

[0055] Both ends of the windshield 16 in the vehicle width direction are supported by the front pillars 18, and the front pillars 18 are covered from the inside of the passenger compartment by the front pillar garnishes 20, which are an example of interior parts.

[0056] On the vehicle rear side of the pair of left and right front pillars 18, side window glasses 22 are provided. In addition, a front side door 24 is provided below the side window glasses 22, and the side window glasses 22 are configured to be stowable in the front side door 24. In addition, the front side door 24 is covered from the inside of the passenger compartment by the door trim 26, which is an example of interior parts.

[0057] On the floor portion of the passenger compartment, a floor material 28, which is an example of interior parts, is arranged, and an unillustrated floor panel is covered by the floor material 28 from the inside of the passenger compartment. In addition, as the floor material 28, it is not limited to sheet-like interior parts such as carpets and floor mats, and it may be configured as a structure in which a plate-like member is laid. For example, it may be made of a material with a relatively high light reflectance.

[0058] At the top of the passenger compartment, a ceiling lining 30, which is an example of interior parts, is provided. The ceiling lining 30 is provided in the entire area of the top inside the passenger compartment. The ceiling lining 30 covers an unillustrated vehicle roof panel from the inside of the passenger compartment.

[0059] At the front part of the passenger compartment, a driver's seat and a front passenger seat (not shown) are provided. The driver's seat is provided on one side in the vehicle width direction, and the front passenger seat is provided on the other side in the vehicle width direction. In the present embodiment, as an example, the right side of the vehicle is set as the driver's seat, and a steering wheel (not shown) is arranged on the vehicle front side of the computer 15. In addition, a center console 32 is provided between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat.

[0060] Here, on the vehicle front side of the instrument panel 14, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 34 that constitutes the display control device 10 is provided.

[0061] (Hardware Structure of the Display Control Device 10)

[0062] Figure 4 Is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the display control device 10. As shown in this Figure 4As shown, the ECU 34 that constitutes the display control device 10 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit: processor) 36, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory) 40, a storage device 42, and an input / output interface 44. Each component is connected via a bus 46 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0063] The CPU 36 is a central processing unit and executes various programs or controls each part. That is, the CPU 36 reads a program from the ROM 38 or the storage device 42 and executes the program using the RAM 40 as a working area. The CPU 36 controls each of the above components and performs various arithmetic processes according to the program recorded in the ROM 38 or the storage device 42.

[0064] The ROM 38 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 40 temporarily stores a program or data as a working area. The storage device 42 is a non-temporary recording medium composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs including an operating system and various data. In the present embodiment, a program for implementing display processing and various data are stored in the ROM 38 or the storage device 42.

[0065] The input / output interface 44 is electrically connected to the front display device 48, the side display device 50, the lower display device 52, and the acceleration sensor 54.

[0066] The front display device 48 is a display device for performing a predetermined display on the interior components at the front of the vehicle compartment. For example, the front display device 48 irradiates light to the front of the vehicle compartment to perform a predetermined display on at least one of the interior components such as the instrument panel 14, the front pillar garnish 20, and the front part of the ceiling lining 30. The display content displayed on the interior components by the front display device 48 will be described later.

[0067] The side display device 50 is a display device for performing a predetermined display on the interior components on the side of the vehicle compartment. The side display device 50 is configured to include, for example, a plurality of light sources disposed inside the left and right door trims 26, and performs a predetermined display on the door trims 26 by causing the plurality of light sources to emit light in a predetermined pattern. The display content displayed on the interior components by the side display device 50 will be described later.

[0068] The lower display device 52 is a display device for performing a predetermined display on the interior member in the lower part of the vehicle compartment. For example, the lower display device 52 irradiates light onto the floor material 28 to perform a predetermined display on the floor material 28. The display content displayed on the floor material 28 by the lower display device 52 will be described later.

[0069] The acceleration sensor 54 is a sensor that detects the acceleration acting on the vehicle 12. As an example, the acceleration sensor 54 in the present embodiment is configured to be able to detect the acceleration in six axes: front - rear, left - right, up - down, roll, pitch, and yaw.

[0070] Here, the ECU 34 is electrically connected to the autonomous driving ECU 55. The autonomous driving ECU 55 is configured in the same manner as the ECU 34, including a CPU, ROM, RAM, storage, and input - output interfaces (not shown), etc.

[0071] Connected to the autonomous driving ECU 55 are a group of peripheral information detection sensors 56 that detect the surrounding conditions of the vehicle 12 and a group of actuators 57 that control the driving of the vehicle 12. The group of peripheral information detection sensors 56 includes multiple sensors among various sensors such as cameras, radars, ultrasonic sensors, LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging or Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging, lidar), and GPS (global positioning system) sensors. The camera takes pictures of the surroundings of the vehicle 12. The radar detects the distance and direction between the vehicle 12 and surrounding objects through radio waves. The lidar detects the distance and direction between the vehicle 12 and surrounding objects through laser. The GPS sensor detects the current position of the vehicle 12. In addition, the group of peripheral information detection sensors 56 is configured to include a line - of - sight detection sensor that detects the line of sight of the occupant.

[0072] The group of actuators 57 includes an acceleration / deceleration actuator that adjusts the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle 12 and a steering actuator that drives the steering device of the vehicle 12. In the autonomous driving ECU 55, the operation of the group of actuators 57 is controlled according to the surrounding conditions of the vehicle detected by the group of peripheral information detection sensors 56, thereby implementing the autonomous driving of the vehicle 12. In addition, in the storage unit of the autonomous driving ECU 55, a planned driving path indicating the path that the vehicle 12 is scheduled to travel is stored, and the autonomous driving ECU 55 drives the vehicle along the planned driving path stored in the storage unit.

[0073] (Functional Structure of the Display Control Device 10)

[0074] The display control device 10 utilizes the above-mentioned hardware resources to implement various functions. Refer to Figure 5 for an explanation of the functional structure implemented by the display control device 10.

[0075] As Figure 5 shown, the display control device 10 is configured to include, as functional structures, a driving mode acquisition unit 58, a planned driving route acquisition unit 60, a surrounding information acquisition unit 62, an acceleration prediction unit 64, and a display control unit 66. In addition, each functional structure is implemented by the CPU 36 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 38 or the storage 42.

[0076] The driving mode acquisition unit 58 acquires which driving mode of the manual driving mode and the autonomous driving mode the vehicle 12 is in. Here, the manual driving mode in the present embodiment refers to a driving mode in which the vehicle 12 travels through the driving operation of an occupant. In addition, the autonomous driving mode in the present embodiment refers to a driving mode in which the vehicle 12 travels under the control of the autonomous driving ECU 55 without the driving operation of an occupant.

[0077] The planned driving route acquisition unit 60 acquires the planned driving route of the vehicle 12. For example, when a destination is set in a navigation system or the like through the operation of an occupant, the planned driving route acquisition unit 60 acquires the planned driving route to the destination. In addition, for example, the planned driving route acquisition unit 60 may also acquire the planned driving route stored in the storage unit of the autonomous driving ECU 55.

[0078] The surrounding information acquisition unit 62 acquires the surrounding information of the vehicle 12. Specifically, the surrounding information acquisition unit 62 acquires the surrounding information of the vehicle 12 from the surrounding information detection sensor group 56.

[0079] The acceleration prediction unit 64 predicts the direction and magnitude of the acceleration acting on the vehicle 12 based on information including at least one of the planned driving route of the vehicle 12, the surrounding information, and the information of the acceleration sensor 54. For example, when predicting the direction and magnitude of the acceleration acting on the vehicle 12 based on the planned driving route of the vehicle 12, the acceleration prediction unit 64 predicts the direction and magnitude of the acceleration according to the direction and radius of curvature of the turn on the planned driving route. At this time, if it is the autonomous driving mode, the acceleration prediction unit 64 may also correct the magnitude of the acceleration acting on the vehicle 12 based on the information of the planned driving speed.

[0080] In addition, in the case of predicting the direction and magnitude of the acceleration acting on the vehicle 12 based on the surrounding information of the vehicle 12, the acceleration prediction unit 64 acquires information from the surrounding information acquisition unit 62. In particular, the acceleration prediction unit 64 acquires information from the front camera that captures the front of the vehicle 12 and the LIDAR directed at the front of the vehicle 12. Moreover, when the condition in front of the vehicle captured by the front camera approaches a right turn, the acceleration prediction unit 64 predicts that the acceleration acts on the left side opposite to the turning direction. In addition, the acceleration prediction unit 64 may calculate the radius of curvature of the turn based on the image captured by the front camera, thereby predicting the magnitude of the acceleration acting on the vehicle 12.

[0081] Moreover, in the case of predicting the direction and magnitude of the acceleration acting on the vehicle 12 based on the information of the acceleration sensor 54, the acceleration prediction unit 64 predicts the direction and magnitude of the acceleration based on the change amount of the acceleration acquired from the acceleration sensor 54.

[0082] In addition, in the present embodiment, as an example, the acceleration prediction unit 64 predicts the direction and magnitude of the acceleration acting on the vehicle 12 based on the information of the planned travel path of the vehicle 12 and the information acquired from the front camera that captures the front of the vehicle 12. That is, the acceleration prediction unit 64 predicts the direction and magnitude of the acceleration based on the direction and radius of curvature of the turn on the planned travel path, and corrects the predicted direction and magnitude of the acceleration based on the actual image captured by the front camera and the speed of the vehicle 12.

[0083] When the acceleration predicted by the acceleration prediction unit 64 is greater than a predetermined threshold, the display control unit 66 displays the direction of the predicted acceleration on the display object portion inside the vehicle compartment. Here, the acceleration threshold is, for example, preset for each vehicle model and is set to a value larger than the magnitude of the degree of non-motion sickness of the occupants.

[0084] The display control unit 66 of the present embodiment uses the front display device 48, the side display device 50, and the lower display device 52 to indirectly display the predicted acceleration direction by displaying the flow of light on the instrument panel 14, the front pillar trim 20, the ceiling lining 30, and the floor material 28. Hereinafter, an example of displaying the acceleration direction will be described in detail.

[0085] First, refer to Figure 2, the display implemented by the display control unit 66 at a position near the right turn of the vehicle 12 will be described. Based on information including at least one of the travel planned path of the vehicle 12, surrounding information, and information from the acceleration sensor 54, the acceleration prediction unit 64 predicts that an acceleration will act on the vehicle 12 in the left direction. Moreover, when the magnitude of the acceleration predicted by the acceleration prediction unit 64 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the display control unit 66 causes the front display device 48 to operate as shown in Figure 2 to irradiate light onto the instrument panel 14, the front pillar garnish 20, and the ceiling lining 30.

[0086] Specifically, the display control unit 66 irradiates a plurality of vertical lines of light extending vertically when viewed from the rear of the vehicle onto the instrument panel 14. Moreover, the display control unit 66 causes the vertical lines of light to move from the right side to the left side as indicated by the arrow marks in the figure. In addition, the arrow marks in the figure are marks illustrated for ease of explanation, and actually no arrow marks are displayed.

[0087] In addition, the display control unit 66 irradiates a plurality of vertical lines of light extending vertically when viewed from the rear of the vehicle onto the front pillar garnish 20. Moreover, the display control unit 66 causes the vertical lines of light to move from the right side to the left side as indicated by the arrow marks in the figure.

[0088] Similar to the instrument panel 14 and the front pillar garnish 20, the display control unit 66 irradiates a plurality of vertical lines of light extending vertically when viewed from the rear of the vehicle onto the ceiling lining 30. Moreover, the display control unit 66 causes the vertical lines of light to move from the right side to the left side as indicated by the arrow marks in the figure.

[0089] Next, with reference to Figure 3 , the display implemented by the display control unit 66 before the emergency braking of the vehicle 12 will be described. Based on information including at least one of the travel planned path of the vehicle 12, surrounding information, and information from the acceleration sensor 54, the acceleration prediction unit 64 predicts that an acceleration will act on the vehicle 12 in the forward direction. Moreover, when the magnitude of the acceleration predicted by the acceleration prediction unit 64 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the display control unit 66 causes the front display device 48, the side display device 50, and the lower display device 52 to operate as shown in Figure 3 to irradiate light onto the instrument panel 14, the front pillar garnish 20, the ceiling lining 30, the door inner trim 26, and the floor material 28.

[0090] Specifically, the display control unit 66 irradiates a plurality of horizontal lines of light extending horizontally when viewed from the rear of the vehicle onto the instrument panel 14. Moreover, the display control unit 66 causes the horizontal lines of light to move from the rear side to the front side as indicated by the arrow marks in the figure. In addition, the arrow marks in the figure are marks illustrated for ease of explanation, and actually no arrow marks are displayed.

[0091] In addition, the display control unit 66 irradiates a plurality of vertical lines of light extending vertically when viewed from the rear of the vehicle onto the front pillar garnish 20. Moreover, the display control unit 66 moves the vertical lines of light from the rear side to the front side as indicated by the arrow marks in the figure. That is, the display control unit 66 moves the light irradiated on the right front pillar garnish 20 from the side window glass 22 toward the windshield 16 and to the front and left side of the vehicle. On the other hand, the display control unit 66 moves the light irradiated on the left front pillar garnish 20 from the side window glass 22 toward the windshield 16 and to the front and right side of the vehicle.

[0092] Moreover, the display control unit 66 irradiates a plurality of horizontal lines of light extending horizontally when viewed from the rear of the vehicle onto the ceiling lining 30. Moreover, the display control unit 66 moves the horizontal lines of light from the rear side to the front side as indicated by the arrow marks in the figure.

[0093] In addition, the display control unit 66 causes the side display device 50 to operate, thereby irradiating a plurality of vertical lines of light extending vertically when viewed from the rear of the vehicle onto the door trim 26. Moreover, the display control unit 66 moves the vertical lines of light from the rear side to the front side as indicated by the arrow marks in the figure.

[0094] In addition, the display control unit 66 causes the lower display device 52 to operate, thereby irradiating a plurality of horizontal lines of light extending horizontally when viewed from the rear of the vehicle onto the floor material 28. Moreover, the display control unit 66 moves the horizontal lines of light from the rear side to the front side as indicated by the arrow marks in the figure.

[0095] As described above, the display control unit 66 displays the situation that the acceleration in the forward direction acts on the vehicle 12 by moving the light irradiated on the interior components from the rear side to the front side. Conversely, the display control unit 66 displays the situation that the acceleration in the rearward direction acts on the vehicle 12 by moving the light irradiated on the interior components from the front side to the rear side.

[0096] Here, the display control unit 66 of the present embodiment changes at least one of the color, brightness, and flow speed of the light according to the magnitude of the acceleration predicted by the acceleration prediction unit 64. For example, the display control unit 66 makes the light brighter when the magnitude of the predicted acceleration is larger than when it is smaller. In addition, the display control unit 66 irradiates green light when the magnitude of the predicted acceleration is small, and irradiates red light when the magnitude of the predicted acceleration is large. Moreover, the display control unit 66 increases the flow speed of the light when the magnitude of the predicted acceleration is large compared to when it is small.

[0097] In addition, when the display control unit 66 of the present embodiment predicts that accelerations greater than a predetermined threshold act in a plurality of directions through the acceleration prediction unit 64, it displays the direction in which the maximum acceleration acts. For example, when the vehicle 12 decelerates and enters a right turn, there are cases where the acceleration acting on the front side of the vehicle 12 and the acceleration acting on the left side of the vehicle 12 exceed the predetermined threshold. In such a case, the display control unit 66 displays the direction in which the maximum acceleration acts.

[0098] Moreover, the display control unit 66 of the present embodiment is configured to perform the display by the display control unit 66 only when the driving mode of the vehicle 12 is the autonomous driving mode.

[0099] (Function)

[0100] Next, the function of the present embodiment will be described.

[0101] (Display processing)

[0102] Using Figure 6 The flowchart shown below, an example of the display processing for displaying the direction of acceleration will be described. This display processing is executed by the CPU 36 reading the display program from the ROM 38 or the storage 42 and expanding it in the RAM 40.

[0103] As Figure 6 shown, the CPU 36 acquires the driving mode in step S102. Specifically, the CPU 36 acquires which driving mode of the manual driving mode and the autonomous driving mode the driving mode of the vehicle 12 is through the function of the driving mode acquisition unit 58.

[0104] The CPU 36 determines whether the driving mode of the vehicle 12 is the autonomous driving mode in step S104. Moreover, when the CPU 36 determines that the driving mode is the autonomous driving mode, it transfers to the process of step S106. On the other hand, when the CPU 36 determines that the driving mode is the manual driving mode, the determination in step S104 is negative, and the display processing ends.

[0105] The CPU 36 predicts the direction and magnitude of the acceleration acting on the vehicle 12 in step S106. Specifically, the CPU 36 predicts the direction and magnitude of the acceleration acting on the vehicle 12 through the function of the acceleration prediction unit 64 and based on information including at least one of the information on the planned travel path of the vehicle 12, the surrounding information, and the information of the acceleration sensor 54.

[0106] Next, the CPU 36 determines in step S108 whether the magnitude of the acceleration is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. Further, when the CPU 36 determines that the magnitude of the acceleration is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, when the CPU 36 determines that the magnitude of the acceleration is less than the threshold value, the determination in step S108 is negative, and the display process ends.

[0107] The CPU 36 displays the direction of the acceleration in step S110. Specifically, the CPU 36 displays the direction of the acceleration predicted in step S106 on the display target portion in the vehicle compartment by the function of the display control unit 66. In the present embodiment, as described above, when it is predicted that the acceleration acts in the left-right direction of the vehicle 12, the front display device 48 is operated by the display control unit 66, and light is irradiated onto the instrument panel 14, the front pillar garnish 20, and the ceiling lining 30. Further, when it is predicted that the acceleration acts in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 12, the front display device 48, the side display device 50, and the lower display device 52 are operated by the display control unit 66, and light is irradiated onto the instrument panel 14, the front pillar garnish 20, the ceiling lining 30, the door interior trim 26, and the floor material 28.

[0108] As described above, in the present embodiment, since the direction of the acceleration is displayed on the interior member before the acceleration acts on the vehicle 12, the occupant can intuitively grasp the direction in which the acceleration acts before the vehicle 12 moves. Therefore, it is not easy to get carsick.

[0109] Further, by displaying the direction of the acceleration on various interior members in the vehicle compartment, the occupant unconsciously recognizes the direction of the acceleration displayed on the interior member, and can thus intuitively grasp the direction in which the acceleration acts without looking at the periphery of the driver's seat.

[0110] In particular, since the display control unit 66 of the present embodiment represents the direction in which the acceleration acts by the flow direction of light, the direction in which the acceleration acts can be grasped more intuitively than in the case of displaying with characters or the like.

[0111] Further, in the present embodiment, at least one of the color, brightness, and flow velocity of light is changed according to the magnitude of the predicted acceleration. Thus, the occupant can not only intuitively grasp the direction in which the acceleration acts, but also intuitively grasp the magnitude of the acceleration.

[0112] Moreover, in the present embodiment, when accelerations greater than a predetermined threshold value are predicted to act in multiple directions by the acceleration prediction unit 64, the display control unit 66 displays only the direction in which the maximum acceleration acts. Thereby, compared with the case where multiple acceleration directions are displayed, the occupant is not confused.

[0113] In addition, by displaying the acceleration only when the driving mode is the autonomous driving mode and stopping the display of the acceleration direction in the manual driving mode in which the occupant is driving, the occupant can concentrate on driving.

[0114] <Second Embodiment>

[0115] Next, with reference to the drawings, a vehicle display control device 70 according to the second embodiment will be described. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same structures as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be appropriately omitted.

[0116] As Figure 7 shown, in a vehicle 72 to which a vehicle display control device 70 (hereinafter, simply referred to as "display control device 70") according to the present embodiment is applied, it is different from the first embodiment in that light is displayed on the windshield 16 and the side window glass 22.

[0117] Specifically, a display area 16A is set at the outer peripheral end portion of the windshield 16. For example, the windshield 16 is configured by overlapping a coated glass coated with a conductive material and tempered glass. Moreover, in the display area 16A, a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are arranged between the tempered glass and the coated glass, and by causing these LEDs to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern, light is displayed in the display area 16A.

[0118] In addition, the entire area of the left and right side window glasses 22 is set as the display area. Specifically, LEDs are arranged throughout the area between the coated glass and the tempered glass constituting the side window glass 22, and by causing these LEDs to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern, light is displayed in the entire area of the side window glass 22.

[0119] On the vehicle front side of the instrument panel 14, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 74 constituting the display control device 70 is provided. The hardware structure of the ECU 74 is set to be the same as the structure of Figure 4 the first embodiment shown. In addition, on the input / output interface 44 of the ECU 74, as long as the front display device 48, the side display device 50, and the acceleration sensor 54 are electrically connected, the structure may be such that the lower display device 52 is not provided.

[0120] Here, the front display device 48 of the present embodiment is configured to include a plurality of LEDs provided in the display area 16A of the windshield 16 and a control device that controls the light emission pattern of the LEDs. In addition, the side display device 50 of the present embodiment is configured to include a plurality of LEDs provided in the side window glass 22 and a control device that controls the light emission pattern of the LEDs.

[0121] Similar to Figure 5 the first embodiment shown, the display control device 70 is configured to, as a functional structure, include a driving mode acquisition unit 58, a planned travel route acquisition unit 60, a surrounding information acquisition unit 62, an acceleration prediction unit 64, and a display control unit 66. In addition, each functional structure is realized by the CPU 36 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 38 or the storage 42.

[0122] Here, when the magnitude of the acceleration predicted by the acceleration prediction unit 64 before a right turn or a left turn is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the display control unit 66 of the present embodiment operates the front display device 48 to cause the LEDs arranged in the display area 16A to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern. In Figure 7 the example of the light emission of the LEDs in the display area 16A with the light emission pattern before a right turn is illustrated. That is, the display control unit 66 causes the LEDs to emit light in such a manner that the vertical line of the light displayed in the display area 16A when observed from the occupant moves from the right side to the left side, thereby displaying the situation that an acceleration will act on the vehicle 72 in the left direction.

[0123] In addition, conversely, the display control unit 66 causes the LEDs to emit light in such a manner that the vertical line of the light displayed in the display area 16A when observed from the occupant moves from the left side to the right side, thereby displaying the situation that an acceleration will act on the vehicle 72 in the right direction.

[0124] In addition, when the magnitude of the forward acceleration predicted by the acceleration prediction unit 64 before the emergency braking of the vehicle 72 is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the display control unit 66 operates the front display device 48 and the side display device 50 to cause the LEDs arranged in the display area 16A and the side window glass 22 to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern.

[0125] Specifically, the display control unit 66 operates the front display device 48 to display a frame-shaped light in the display area 16A, and causes the LEDs to emit light in such a manner that the light moves while shrinking in diameter from the outer edge of the windshield 16 toward the center, thereby displaying the situation that an acceleration will act on the vehicle 72 in the forward direction.

[0126] In addition, the display control unit 66 causes the side display device 50 to operate, causing the LED to emit light in such a way that the light displayed on the left and right side window glasses 22 moves from the rear to the front of the side window glasses 22, thereby displaying the situation that acceleration will act in the forward direction on the vehicle 72. Additionally, Figure 7 The illustrated side window glass 22 shows a state in which the LED is emitting light in a light emission pattern predicted when acceleration will act in the forward direction.

[0127] On the other hand, when the magnitude of the acceleration in the rear direction predicted by the acceleration prediction unit 64 before the emergency acceleration of the vehicle 72 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the display control unit 66 displays a frame-shaped light in the display area 16A and causes the LED to emit light in such a way that the light expands in diameter from the center of the windshield 16 toward the outer edge while moving. In addition, the display control unit 66 causes the LED to emit light in such a way that the light displayed on the left and right side window glasses 22 moves from the front to the rear of the side window glasses 22.

[0128] Here, the display control unit 66 changes at least one of the color, brightness, and light flow velocity of the light according to the magnitude of the acceleration predicted by the acceleration prediction unit 64. For example, the display control unit 66 makes the light brighter when the predicted magnitude of the acceleration is larger compared to when it is smaller. In addition, the display control unit 66 causes the LED to emit light with green light when the predicted magnitude of the acceleration is small, and causes the LED to emit light with red light when the predicted magnitude of the acceleration is large. Moreover, the display control unit 66 changes the light emission pattern of the LED in such a way that the light flow velocity can be seen to be faster when the predicted magnitude of the acceleration is large compared to when it is small.

[0129] (Function)

[0130] Next, the function of this embodiment will be described.

[0131] In the display control device 70 of this embodiment, display is performed on the windshield 16 and the side window glasses 22. Therefore, even when the occupant is observing the outside scenery through the windshield 16 and when observing the outside scenery through the side window glasses 22, the operation of the vehicle can be intuitively grasped. Other functions are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0132] <Third Embodiment>

[0133] Next, with reference to the drawings, a vehicle display control device 80 according to the third embodiment will be described. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same structures as those of the first embodiment, and the description will be appropriately omitted.

[0134] AsFigure 8 and Figure 10 As shown in Figure 10 , in the vehicle 82 to which the vehicle display control device 80 (hereinafter, simply referred to as "display control device 80") according to the present embodiment is applied, it is different from the first embodiment in that light is displayed on the monitor 86 and the computer 88.

[0135] Specifically, in the vehicle 82 of the present embodiment, the monitor 86 is suspended from the top of the vehicle compartment, and the rear seat occupants can view the image displayed on the monitor 86. In addition, the position of the monitor 86 is not particularly limited, and the monitor 86 may also be provided at a position where both the front seat occupants and the rear seat occupants can view it.

[0136] Here, on the outer peripheral end of the monitor 86, a display area 86A for displaying the direction of acceleration is set. Since the display area 86A is a part of the image display area, for example, in a state where the direction of acceleration is not displayed, such as when the driving mode is the manual driving mode, the image is displayed in the entire area of the monitor 86. On the other hand, in a case where the direction of acceleration is displayed, such as in the autonomous driving mode, the image display area is reduced, and a display area 86A for displaying the direction of acceleration is set on the outer peripheral end of the monitor 86.

[0137] As Figure 9A shown, the vehicle 82 is provided with a computer 88 in the vehicle compartment. For example, the computer 88 may be a laptop computer set in a state where it can be placed in the vehicle compartment. In addition, the computer 88 may also be a laptop computer brought into the vehicle by the occupants from outside the vehicle. The computer 88 is configured to include an operation unit 90 provided with a keyboard and a touchpad, and a display unit 92 having a display area 92A for displaying information and the like.

[0138] Here, the display control device 80 of the present embodiment is configured to display the direction of acceleration in the display area 92A of the computer 88 with an arrow mark. That is, in Figure 9A , an arrow mark 93A is displayed at the upper left of the display area 92A, and since the direction of this arrow mark 93A is to the left, it directly notifies the occupants that the acceleration acting on the vehicle 82 is in the left direction.

[0139] Here, as Figure 8 shown, on the vehicle front side of the instrument panel 14, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 84 constituting the display control device 80 is provided.

[0140] (Hardware Structure of the Display Control Device 80)

[0141] Figure 10FIG. is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the display control device 10. As shown in this Figure 10 figure, the ECU 84 that constitutes the display control device 10 is configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and includes a CPU 36, a ROM 38, a RAM 40, a storage device 42, and an input / output interface 44. Each structure is connected via a bus 46 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0142] Here, the input / output interface 44 is electrically connected to the monitor 86 and the computer 88. In addition, it is configured to be connected to the computer 88 not by cable but by wireless communication. Further, in the computer 88, a predetermined software for displaying an arrow mark on the display area 92A is installed.

[0143] Similar to Figure 5 the first embodiment shown, the display control device 80 is configured to include, as functional structures, a driving mode acquisition unit 58, a planned travel route acquisition unit 60, a surrounding information acquisition unit 62, an acceleration prediction unit 64, and a display control unit 66. In addition, each functional structure is realized by the CPU 36 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 38 or the storage device 42.

[0144] Here, when the magnitude of the acceleration predicted by the acceleration prediction unit 64 before a right turn or a left turn is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the display control unit 66 of the present embodiment causes the monitor 86 and the computer 88 to display the direction of the acceleration.

[0145] In Figure 8 this figure, a display example of the display area 86A before a right turn is shown. That is, the display control unit 66 displays a vertical line on the display area 86A and displays it in such a way that the vertical line moves from the right side to the left side when viewed from the occupant, thereby displaying the fact that an acceleration will act on the vehicle 82 in the left direction.

[0146] In addition, conversely, the display control unit 66 displays the fact that an acceleration will act on the vehicle 82 in the right direction by causing the vertical line displayed on the display area 86A to move from the left side to the right side when viewed from the occupant.

[0147] Moreover, before the vehicle 82 makes an emergency stop, the display control unit 66 displays a frame-shaped line on the display area 86A and moves the frame-shaped line in such a way that it gradually shrinks toward the center of the monitor 86, thereby displaying the fact that an acceleration will act on the vehicle 82 in the forward direction. In addition, conversely, before the vehicle 82 makes an emergency acceleration, the display control unit 66 displays a frame-shaped line on the display area 86A and moves the frame-shaped line in such a way that it gradually expands toward the center of the monitor 86, thereby displaying the fact that an acceleration will act on the vehicle 82 in the backward direction.

[0148] In addition, the display control unit 66 changes at least one of the color, brightness, and flow speed of the line displayed on the display area 86A according to the magnitude of the acceleration predicted by the acceleration prediction unit 64.

[0149] On the other hand, in Figure 9A , a display example of the computer 88 before a right turn is illustrated. That is, the display control unit 66 displays an arrow mark 93A pointing to the left at the upper left of the display area 92A in the display unit 92, thereby displaying that the predicted acceleration direction is the left direction. In addition, conversely, when the predicted acceleration direction is the right direction, the display control unit 66 displays an arrow mark pointing to the right at the upper left of the display area 92A in the display unit 92.

[0150] Moreover, before the emergency braking of the vehicle 82, the display control unit 66 directly displays that an acceleration will act on the vehicle 82 in the forward direction by displaying the text "Emergency Braking" at the upper left of the display area 92A. In addition, conversely, before the emergency acceleration of the vehicle 82, the display control unit 66 directly displays that an acceleration will act on the vehicle 82 in the backward direction by displaying the text "Emergency Acceleration" at the upper left of the display area 92A.

[0151] In addition, the display control unit 66 changes at least one of the color, brightness, and size of the arrow mark according to the magnitude of the acceleration predicted by the acceleration prediction unit 64. For example, when the acceleration predicted by the acceleration prediction unit 64 is larger in the left direction than the case shown in Figure 9A , it is displayed by increasing the size of the arrow mark as in the display example shown in Figure 9B . In Figure 9B , an arrow mark 93B pointing to the left is displayed at the upper left of the display area 92A, and the arrow mark 93B is displayed larger than the arrow mark 93A in Figure 9A . In addition, in Figure 9B , an arrow mark 93C pointing to the left is also displayed at the upper right of the display area 92A, thereby notifying the occupant that the acceleration acting in the left direction is larger.

[0152] In addition, the display control unit 66 may also change the color of the arrow mark according to the magnitude of the acceleration predicted by the acceleration prediction unit 64. For example, it may be set that when the acceleration predicted by the acceleration prediction unit 64 is small, the arrow mark 93A is displayed in green or a color close to green, and when the predicted acceleration is large, the arrow mark 93A is displayed in red or a color close to red.

[0153] (Function)

[0154] Next, the function of this embodiment will be described.

[0155] In the display control device 80 according to this embodiment, by displaying the predicted acceleration direction on the monitor 86 and the computer 88, even when the occupant is looking at the monitor 86, the computer 88, etc., the direction in which the acceleration acts can be intuitively grasped.

[0156] In addition, in this embodiment, since the display control unit 66 directly displays the acceleration direction on the display area 92A of the computer 88 using text or arrow marks, compared with the case of displaying patterns, actions, etc., the occupant will not misidentify the direction in which the acceleration acts.

[0157] Moreover, in this embodiment, by changing at least one of the color, brightness, and size of the arrow mark according to the magnitude of the acceleration predicted by the acceleration prediction unit 64, the magnitude of the acceleration can also be intuitively grasped. Other functions are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0158] Although the vehicle display control devices 10, 70, and 80 according to the first to third embodiments have been described above, within the scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure, they can of course be implemented in various ways. For example, although in the above embodiments, the structure is such that the predicted acceleration direction is displayed on the display object part in the vehicle compartment, it is not limited thereto, and the traveling direction of the vehicle can also be predicted and the predicted traveling direction can be displayed on the interior parts.

[0159] Hereinafter, an example of a display control device that indirectly displays the predicted traveling direction on the interior parts will be described. For example, the display control device Figure 5 In the functional structure of the first embodiment shown, instead of the acceleration prediction unit 64, it has the function of a traveling direction prediction unit. Moreover, the traveling direction prediction unit predicts the traveling direction of the vehicle based on the planned travel path of the vehicle and the surrounding information. When the traveling direction of the vehicle predicted by the traveling direction prediction unit is greater than a predetermined steering angle, the display control unit 66 displays the traveling direction of the vehicle on the instrument panel 14 and the front pillar trim 20 (see Figure 2 ).

[0160] For example, it can also be that the display control unit 66 displays a vertical line of light moving from left to right on the instrument panel 14 and the front pillar trim 20 shortly before the vehicle makes a right turn. In addition, conversely, it can also be that a vertical line of light moving from right to left is displayed on the instrument panel 14 and the front pillar trim 20 shortly before the vehicle makes a left turn. In addition to this, the display control unit 66 can also perform the same display on the floor material 28 and the ceiling lining 30. Thus, by observing the traveling direction displayed on the interior components, the occupant can intuitively grasp the movement of the vehicle without having to look at the surroundings of the driver's seat.

[0161] In addition, in the above first embodiment, it is set that when the display control unit 66 predicts that accelerations greater than a predetermined threshold act in a plurality of directions through the acceleration prediction unit 64, the structure displays the direction in which the maximum acceleration acts, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the priority of the direction to be displayed can be set in advance, or the acceleration acting in the front-rear direction can be preferentially displayed. As an example, when the acceleration prediction unit 64 predicts that accelerations greater than a predetermined threshold act in the front direction and the right direction, the display control unit 66 preferentially displays the acceleration acting in the front direction. In this way, by preferentially displaying the acceleration acting in the front-rear direction, it is possible to particularly guard against the inertial force in the front-rear direction of the vehicle acting on the occupant during emergency braking and emergency acceleration of the vehicle.

[0162] On the other hand, the acceleration acting in the left-right direction can also be preferentially displayed. As an example, when the acceleration prediction unit 64 predicts that accelerations greater than a predetermined threshold act in the front direction and the right direction, the display control unit 66 preferentially displays the acceleration acting in the right direction. In this way, by preferentially displaying the acceleration acting in the left-right direction, it is possible to particularly guard against the inertial force in the left-right direction of the vehicle acting on the occupant before turning.

[0163] Moreover, although in the above embodiment, it is set that the direction of the predicted acceleration is displayed on all the preset display target parts, it is not limited thereto. For example, it can also be set to a structure in which the direction of the predicted acceleration is displayed only on the display target parts located in the direction in which the occupant is facing.

[0164] In this case, the vehicle display control device has the function of a line-of-sight direction acquisition unit that acquires the line-of-sight direction from a line-of-sight detection sensor that detects the line of sight of the occupant. Moreover, the display control unit displays the direction of the acceleration in front of the line of sight of the occupant acquired by the line-of-sight direction acquisition unit.

[0165] For example, as Figure 1As shown, in the structure where the computer 15 is provided at the driver's seat, the case where an occupant uses the computer 15 to work while the vehicle is running is considered. In this case, the vehicle display control device determines that the occupant's line of sight is directed toward the computer 15 based on the information from the line-of-sight direction acquisition unit. At this time, when an acceleration greater than a predetermined threshold is predicted by the acceleration prediction unit 64, as Figure 9A shown, the display control unit 66 displays the direction of the acceleration on the monitor of the computer 15.

[0166] On the other hand, when the occupant moves the line of sight away from the computer 15 and looks downward, the vehicle display control device determines that the occupant's line of sight is directed downward in the vehicle compartment based on the information from the line-of-sight direction acquisition unit. At this time, when an acceleration greater than a predetermined threshold is predicted by the acceleration prediction unit 64, the display control unit 66 displays the direction of the acceleration on the floor material 28 in front of the occupant's line of sight. In addition, in the case of a vehicle capable of changing the orientation of the vehicle seat, the line-of-sight direction acquisition unit may acquire the direction the occupant is facing by acquiring the orientation of the vehicle seat.

[0167] In addition, although in the above-described embodiment, the cases of displaying the acceleration acting in the vehicle front-rear direction and the case of displaying the acceleration acting in the vehicle left-right direction are described, it is not limited thereto. For example, the acceleration acting in the vehicle up-down direction may be predicted and displayed. That is, at a place where the road surface is uneven, the case where the acceleration acts in the upward direction may be displayed on the display target portion. As an example, it may be configured such that by displaying a plurality of horizontal lines on the front pillar garnish 20 and moving the horizontal lines from the lower side to the upper side, the case where an upward acceleration acts on the vehicle is displayed.

[0168] Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, it may be configured such that the threshold value for displaying the acceleration can be changed. For example, it may be such that the information of the occupant is registered in the vehicle in advance, and the threshold value is lowered when an occupant who is prone to motion sickness is riding. Thus, even when a small acceleration acts, the display is performed. On the other hand, it may be such that the threshold value is increased when only occupants who are not prone to motion sickness are riding. Thus, the annoyance caused by frequently displaying the direction of the acceleration can be reduced.

[0169] In addition, although in the above-described third embodiment, it is configured as Figure 8 , Figure 9A and Figure 9BAs shown, there is a structure for displaying the predicted acceleration direction on the monitor 86 and the computer 88. In addition, the predicted acceleration direction can also be displayed on a portable terminal carried by the occupant.

[0170] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the acceleration prediction unit 64 is configured to predict the direction and magnitude of the acceleration acting on the vehicle based on information including at least one of the information on the planned travel path of the vehicle, the surrounding information, and the information of the acceleration sensor 54. However, it can also be configured to predict the direction and magnitude of the acceleration by considering other information. For example, the number of occupants in the vehicle and the weight of the loaded cargo can also be considered to predict the direction and magnitude of the acceleration. In addition, it can also be such that data of vehicles traveling on the same road are collected through the cloud, and the direction and magnitude of the acceleration are predicted by considering this data. In addition, data can be obtained from the passing vehicle by performing vehicle-to-vehicle communication with the vehicle traveling directly in front. In addition, communication can also be made with a smartphone brought into the vehicle, and the information obtained from the acceleration sensor and gyro sensor etc. mounted on the smartphone can be considered to predict the magnitude of the acceleration direction.

Claims

1. A display control device for a vehicle, comprising: an acceleration prediction unit that predicts the direction of acceleration acting on the vehicle based on information including at least one of information on a planned travel path of the vehicle, information obtained from a peripheral information detection sensor that detects peripheral information of the vehicle, and information obtained from an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle; a display control unit that, when the acceleration predicted by the acceleration prediction unit is greater than a predetermined threshold, displays the direction of the predicted acceleration on a display object portion inside the vehicle compartment; a line-of-sight direction acquisition unit that acquires the direction in which the occupant is facing by acquiring the line-of-sight direction of the occupant or the orientation of the vehicle seat; the display control unit displays the direction of acceleration in front of the line of sight of the occupant acquired by the line-of-sight direction acquisition unit; when accelerations greater than the predetermined threshold are predicted by the acceleration prediction unit to act in a plurality of directions, the display control unit preferentially displays the acceleration acting in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; the predetermined threshold is set in advance for each vehicle model and is set to a value larger than the level at which the occupant does not suffer from motion sickness; the predetermined threshold can be changed according to the information of the occupant.

2. The display control device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays the predicted direction of the acceleration on at least one of interior components including a pillar garnish, an inner door trim, an instrument panel, a ceiling lining, and a floor material as the display object portion.

3. The display control device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays the predicted direction of the acceleration on at least one of a windshield and side window glasses as the display object portion.

4. The display control device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display control unit displays the predicted direction of the acceleration on at least one of image display portions including a monitor and a portable terminal provided inside the vehicle compartment.

5. The display control device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display control unit displays the predicted direction of the acceleration by displaying the flow of light.

6. The display control device for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the display control unit changes at least one of the color, brightness, and flow speed of the light according to the magnitude of the predicted acceleration.

7. The display control device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display control unit displays the predicted direction of the acceleration by displaying text or an arrow mark.

8. The display control device for a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the display control unit changes at least one of the color, brightness, and size of the text or arrow mark according to the magnitude of the predicted acceleration.

9. The display control device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The display control unit displays the predicted direction of acceleration when the driving mode of the vehicle is the autonomous driving mode, and stops the display when the driving mode is the manual driving mode.

10. An acceleration display method, wherein, Based on information including information on the planned driving path of the vehicle, information obtained from a surrounding information detection sensor that detects the surrounding information of the vehicle, and information obtained from an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle, at least one of the information is used to predict the direction of the acceleration acting on the vehicle; When the predicted acceleration is greater than a predetermined threshold, the predicted direction of acceleration is displayed on a display object part in the vehicle compartment; By obtaining the line-of-sight direction of the occupant or the orientation of the vehicle seat, the direction the occupant is facing is obtained; The direction of acceleration is displayed in front of the line of sight of the obtained occupant; When accelerations greater than a predetermined threshold are predicted to act in multiple directions, priority is given to displaying the acceleration acting in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; The predetermined threshold is preset for each vehicle model and is set to a value larger than the level of non-motion sickness of the occupant; The predetermined threshold can be changed according to the information of the occupant.

11. A non-transitory storage medium that stores a program executable by a computer to perform processing, wherein, The processing includes: Based on information including information on the planned driving path of the vehicle, information obtained from a surrounding information detection sensor that detects the surrounding information of the vehicle, and information obtained from an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle, at least one of the information is used to predict the direction of the acceleration acting on the vehicle; When the predicted acceleration is greater than a predetermined threshold, the predicted direction of acceleration is displayed on a display object part in the vehicle compartment; By obtaining the line-of-sight direction of the occupant or the orientation of the vehicle seat, the direction the occupant is facing is obtained; The direction of acceleration is displayed in front of the line of sight of the obtained occupant; When accelerations greater than a predetermined threshold are predicted to act in multiple directions, priority is given to displaying the acceleration acting in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; The predetermined threshold is preset for each vehicle model and is set to a value larger than the level of non-motion sickness of the occupant; The predetermined threshold can be changed according to the information of the occupant.

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