Control device and vehicle

Abstract

A control device and a vehicle that cause a driver of the vehicle to recognize a surrounding environment of the vehicle in the presence of an object that can come into contact with the vehicle. A control device that controls a report to an occupant in a vehicle has a display unit that displays information to the occupant, a vibration unit that makes a notification based on vibration to the occupant, a detection unit that detects an object present in the surroundings of the vehicle, and a report control unit that, when the object is detected by the detection unit during a period in which information is displayed by the display unit, limits the display by the display unit and makes a notification based on the vibration unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to control devices and vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] As a technology to assist drivers, a technique has been proposed that uses the vehicle's windshield as a head-up display (HUD) to report information that assists the driver. Patent Document 1 discloses content that causes the steering wheel to vibrate when displayed on the HUD.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-001538 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] Here, sometimes multiple pieces of information are displayed on the HUD simultaneously, and sometimes the driver spends time understanding each piece of information. Therefore, in situations where there are pedestrians or other objects posing a risk of contact with the vehicle, the driver may be distracted by the information displayed on the HUD, resulting in a delayed reaction.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a technology that enables a vehicle driver to identify the vehicle's surrounding environment when there are objects that may come into contact with the vehicle.

[0009] means for solving problems

[0010] According to the present invention, a control device is provided for controlling reports to occupants in a vehicle, characterized in that...

[0011] The control device has:

[0012] The display unit shows information to the occupants;

[0013] A vibration unit that provides vibration-based notifications to the occupants;

[0014] A detection unit that detects objects present in the vicinity of the vehicle; and

[0015] The reporting control unit restricts the display on the display unit and issues a notification based on the vibration unit when the object is detected by the detection unit during the period when information is displayed by the display unit.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a vehicle is provided.

[0017] The vehicle has the following features:

[0018] The display unit shows information to the occupants;

[0019] A vibration unit that provides vibration-based notifications to the occupants;

[0020] A detection unit that detects objects present in the vicinity of the vehicle; and

[0021] The control unit controls the display of the display unit and provides notification based on the vibration unit when the object is detected by the detection unit during the period when information is displayed by the display unit.

[0022] Invention Effects

[0023] According to the present invention, a technology is provided that enables a vehicle driver to identify the vehicle's surrounding environment when there is an object that may come into contact with the vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 It is a block diagram of the vehicle and its control devices.

[0025] Figure 2 It means by Figure 1 The flowchart shows the processing example executed by the control device.

[0026] Figures 3A to 3D It is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a vehicle and an object that poses a risk of contact. Figures 3E to 3H It means Figures 3A to 3D A diagram showing the state of the vibrating element and the head-up display.

[0027] Figure 4A It is a top view of the vehicle and the object. Figure 4B It is a graph representing the amplitude of the vibration of a vibrating element. Figure 4C This is a graph representing the brightness of the HUD.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of a steering wheel.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the interior of a vehicle.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0031] 1: Vehicle; 2: Control unit; 20: ECU; 32a: Vibration element; 32b: Vibration element; 94: Head-up display. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following embodiments are not intended to limit the invention as defined in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. Two or more features from the plurality of features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Additionally, identical or identical components are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0033] <First Implementation Method>

[0034] (Hardware Components)

[0035] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which controls a vehicle 1. Figure 1 The diagram shows the outline of vehicle 1 in top and side views. As an example, vehicle 1 is a sedan-type four-wheeled passenger vehicle.

[0036] Figure 1 The control device includes a control unit 2. The control unit 2 includes multiple ECUs 20 to ECU 29 that are connected and communicative via an in-vehicle network. Each ECU includes a processor (such as a CPU), a storage device such as a semiconductor memory, and an interface for external devices. The storage device stores the program executed by the processor and the data used by the processor during processing. Each ECU may have multiple processors, storage devices, and interfaces.

[0037] The functions of each ECU 20 to ECU 29 will be explained below. Furthermore, the number of ECUs and their functions can be appropriately designed, and the implementation can be more detailed or integrated than in this embodiment.

[0038] ECU 20 functions as a report control unit that controls reports made by at least one of ECU 21 and ECU 28 based on detection results from ECU 23. Examples of report control by ECU 20 will be described later. In another example, ECU 20 performs controls related to the autonomous driving of vehicle 1. In autonomous driving, at least one of the steering and acceleration / deceleration of vehicle 1 can be automatically controlled.

[0039] ECU 21 controls the electric power steering system 3. The electric power steering system 3 includes a mechanism that steers the front wheels according to the driver's driving operation (steering operation) on the steering wheel 31. Additionally, the electric power steering system 3 includes a motor that provides driving force for assisting steering operation or automatically steering the front wheels, and sensors that detect the steering angle. When the vehicle 1 is in automatic driving mode, ECU 21 automatically controls the electric power steering system 3 according to instructions from ECU 20, and controls the direction of travel of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, ECU 21 controls the vibration elements 32a and 32b installed on the grip portion of the steering wheel 31. The vibration elements 32a and 32b (sometimes collectively referred to as vibration element 32) function as vibration notification units to notify the driver of an event that the driver should pay attention to. Furthermore, the number of vibration elements can be one or more.

[0040] ECU 22 and ECU 23 control the detection units 41 to 45 that detect the surrounding conditions of the vehicle and process the information of the detection results. Detection unit 41 is a camera (hereinafter sometimes referred to as camera 41) that takes pictures of the front of the vehicle 1. In this embodiment, it is mounted on the front of the vehicle 1 inside the passenger compartment of the windshield. By analyzing the images captured by camera 41, the outline of the target object and the lane markings (white lines, etc.) on the road can be extracted.

[0041] The detection unit 42 is a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as LIDAR 42), which detects targets around the vehicle 1 or measures the distance to targets. In this embodiment, five LIDARs 42 are provided, one at each corner of the front of the vehicle 1, one at the center of the rear, and one on each side of the rear. The detection unit 43 is a millimeter-wave radar (hereinafter sometimes referred to as radar 43), which detects targets around the vehicle 1 or measures the distance to targets. In this embodiment, five radars 43 are provided, one at the center of the front of the vehicle 1, one at each corner of the front, and one at each corner of the rear. The detection unit 44 is a camera (hereinafter sometimes referred to as rear camera 44) that captures images of the rear of the vehicle 1. In this embodiment, it is installed in at least one of the rear doors, rear pillars, or the interior of the vehicle compartment. The detection unit 45 is a camera (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a side camera 45) that takes pictures of the side of the vehicle 1. In this embodiment, it is installed in at least one of the side rearview mirrors of the vehicle 1 and inside the passenger compartment.

[0042] ECU 22 controls one of the cameras 41 and each of the optical radars 42, and processes the detection results. ECU 23 controls the other camera 41 and each of the radars 43, and processes the detection results. By having two sets of devices to detect the vehicle's surroundings, the reliability of the detection results can be improved. Furthermore, by having different types of detection units such as cameras, optical radars, and radars, a comprehensive analysis of the vehicle's surrounding environment can be performed. Additionally, ECU 23 controls the rear camera 44 and processes the detection results.

[0043] ECU 24 controls the gyroscope sensor 5, GPS sensor 24b, and communication device 24c, and processes the detection or communication results. The gyroscope sensor 5 detects the rotational motion of vehicle 1. It can determine the vehicle 1's travel route based on the detection results of the gyroscope sensor 5, wheel speed, etc. The GPS sensor 24b detects the current position of vehicle 1. The communication device 24c wirelessly communicates with a server providing map and traffic information and acquires this information. ECU 24 can access a map information database 24a stored in a storage device, and performs route searches from the current location to the destination, etc.

[0044] The ECU 25 is equipped with a communication device 25a for vehicle-to-vehicle communication. The communication device 25a communicates wirelessly with other vehicles in the vicinity and exchanges information between vehicles.

[0045] ECU 26 controls the power unit 6. The power unit 6 is a mechanism that outputs driving force to rotate the drive wheels of vehicle 1, and includes, for example, an engine and a transmission. ECU 26 controls the engine output, for example, based on driver operations (accelerator or acceleration) detected by the operation detection sensor 7a located on the accelerator pedal 7A, or switches transmission gears based on information such as vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 7c. When vehicle 1 is in automatic driving mode, ECU 26 automatically controls the power unit 6 according to instructions from ECU 20 and controls the acceleration and deceleration of vehicle 1.

[0046] ECU27 controls lighting devices (headlights, taillights, etc.), including the turn indicator 8 (turn signal). Figure 1 In this example, the turn indicator 8 is located at the front, door mirrors, and rear of the vehicle 1. Additionally, the ECU 27 controls the side lights (side beam lights 51, front wheel lights 52, and rear wheel lights 53). The side beam lights 51, front wheel lights 52, and rear wheel lights 53 are illumination devices that illuminate in a different color than the illumination devices including the turn indicator 8; in one example, they are blue LEDs.

[0047] ECU 28 controls the input / output device 9. The input / output device 9 outputs information to the driver and receives information from the driver. Voice output device 91 reports information to the driver via voice. Display device 92 reports information to the driver via image display. Display device 92 is, for example, positioned in front of the driver's seat and forms part of an instrument panel. Furthermore, while voice and display are shown as examples here, information can also be reported via vibration or light. Additionally, multiple methods of reporting information can be combined, such as voice, display, vibration, or light. Furthermore, the combination or reporting method can be different depending on the level of the information to be reported (e.g., urgency). Display device 94 is, for example, a head-up display (HUD) installed on the windshield of vehicle 1. Input device 93 is a switch assembly positioned within the driver's reach to instruct the driver on vehicle 1, and may also include a voice input device.

[0048] ECU 29 controls the braking device 10 and the parking brake (not shown). The braking device 10 is, for example, a disc brake, installed on each wheel of the vehicle 1, which applies resistance to the rotation of the wheels to decelerate or stop the vehicle 1. ECU 29 controls the operation of the braking device 10, for example, based on the driver's driving operation (braking operation) detected by the operation detection sensor 7b installed on the brake pedal 7B. When the vehicle 1 is in automatic driving mode, ECU 29 automatically controls the braking device 10 according to instructions from ECU 20, and controls the deceleration and stopping of the vehicle 1. The braking device 10 and the parking brake can also operate to maintain the vehicle 1 in a stopped state. In addition, if the transmission of the power unit 6 is equipped with a parking lock mechanism, the parking lock mechanism can also be activated to maintain the vehicle 1 in a stopped state.

[0049] Next, refer to Figure 5 The structure of the steering wheel 31 will be described. The part of the steering wheel 31 that is held by the driver for steering the vehicle 1 is the grip section 501. Vibration elements 32a and 32b are disposed inside the grip section 501. Figure 5The vibrating element is located on the upper left and right sides of the grip section 501 and is held by the driver. In one example, vibrating elements may also be arranged in multiple locations inside the steering wheel 31, such as the lower left and right sides. Thus, when the driver holds the steering wheel 31 to steer, if one of the vibrating elements 32a or 32b vibrates, the driver can perceive which vibrating element, on the right or left side, is vibrating based on the vibration transmitted to the hand holding the wheel. Furthermore, in one example, the vibration amplitude, intensity, and on / off state of the vibrating element 32 can be controlled by the ECU 21. Thus, various vibration modes can be used to notify the driver of specified information or to draw the driver's attention.

[0050] Next, refer to Figure 6 The structure of the HUD94 will be described. The HUD94 can display any information such as the direction of travel indicator 601 and the speed indicator 602. For example, it can also display the current time, fuel level, etc. Thus, the ECU28 can display information that assists the driver in driving in a way that is easy for the driver to recognize. In addition, the HUD94 according to this embodiment can control at least one of the following: display on / off, display size, color tone, and brightness.

[0051] <Control Example>

[0052] An example of control of control unit 2 will be explained. Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by ECU20 to control notifications to the driver. Figure 2 The processing is performed at specified time intervals during the driving of vehicle 1.

[0053] In S201, ECU20 acquires the detection results from detection units 41 to 45. For example, ECU20 can perform image recognition on the image acquired by camera 41 to detect the presence of pedestrians, bicycles, vehicles, road structures such as guardrails and utility poles (hereinafter also referred to as objects). Additionally, detection unit 42 or detection unit 43 can detect the distance or orientation from vehicle 1 to the object. The orientation from vehicle 1 to the object can be, for example, the relative angle of the object to the front of vehicle 1, or the relative angle of the object to the direction of travel of vehicle 1. Furthermore, ECU20 can perform image recognition on the images acquired by rear camera 44 and side camera 45 to detect the presence of pedestrians, bicycles, vehicles, road structures such as guardrails and utility poles (hereinafter also referred to as objects).

[0054] In S202, ECU20 determines whether there is a risk of contact in front of the vehicle. For example, it can determine that there is a risk of contact if an object is detected. Alternatively, it can determine that there is a risk of contact if the distance to the detected object is within a specified distance range. Alternatively, it can determine that there is a risk of contact if the detected object is within a specified angle range relative to vehicle 1.

[0055] If ECU20 determines that there is no risk of contact ("No" in S202), in S206, the vibrating element 32 is not vibrated, the HUD display is maintained, and the process ends. Figure 2 The processing.

[0056] On the other hand, if ECU20 determines that there is a risk of contact ("Yes" in S202), ECU20 proceeds to S203 to determine the relative position of the detected object with respect to the vehicle. In this embodiment, ECU20 determines whether the object is located at the front narrow angle or outside the front narrow angle, i.e., the front wide angle, relative to vehicle 1. The front narrow angle is a range of 45 degrees to the left and right relative to the front-rear direction of vehicle 1, and the front wide angle is a range of 90 degrees to the left and right relative to the front-rear direction of vehicle 1. In one example, the front narrow angle and the front wide angle can be ranges of 45 degrees to the left and right and 90 degrees to the right and left relative to the direction of travel of vehicle 1, respectively. In this case, ECU20 can detect the steering angle of steering wheel 31 and take the value obtained by adding the steering angle to the front-rear direction of vehicle 1 as the direction of travel of vehicle 1.

[0057] If the detected object is determined to be located at a narrow angle in front of the vehicle (narrow angle in front in S203), the ECU20 initiates processing in S204 to control the ECU21 by causing the vibration elements 32a and 32b to vibrate, and limits the display of the HUD94 via the ECU28.

[0058] For example, in S204, ECU20 can control ECU28 by turning off the display of HUD94. Alternatively, in S204, ECU20 can control ECU28 by reducing the brightness of HUD94. Or, in S204, ECU20 can control ECU28 by not displaying a portion of the items displayed on HUD94. Thus, even when information is displayed on HUD94, if an object is present in front of vehicle 1, the vibration element 32 can draw the driver's attention, and the display of HUD94 can be turned off to avoid the driver focusing on HUD94, enabling the driver to recognize the surrounding environment of the vehicle.

[0059] Humans transmit tactile information faster than visual information. Furthermore, when multiple pieces of information are displayed on a HUD94, understanding each piece of information takes time. Therefore, in situations with high contact risk, vibration can draw the driver's attention, thereby improving immediate responsiveness to objects.

[0060] If the detected object is determined to be located outside the narrow angle in front of the vehicle, i.e., inside the wide angle in front (wide angle in front in S203), the ECU 20 initiates processing in S205, causing the vibration element 32 corresponding to the direction of the object to vibrate, without restricting the display of the HUD 94. Thus, when the risk of contact is lower compared to when the object is located at the narrow angle in front, the driver's attention can be drawn without obstructing the vehicle's movement. Furthermore, by vibrating the vibration element 32a or vibration element 32b corresponding to the direction of the object, the direction of the object can be indicated to the driver. Additionally, if the detected object is located to the left or right of the wide angle in front, the ECU 20 can vibrate both vibration elements 32.

[0061] Reference Figures 3A to 3H An example of how ECU20 controls the display based on the position of the object relative to vehicle 1 will be explained.

[0062] like Figure 3A As shown, when an object 301 is present at a narrow angle in front of vehicle 1, such as Figure 3E As shown, vibrating elements 32a and 32b are vibrated, and the HUD94 display is turned off. Figure 3B As shown, when an object 302 exists on the left side outside the narrow angle in front of vehicle 1, i.e., within the wide angle in front, such as... Figure 3F As shown, only the vibrating element 32b on the left side vibrates, while maintaining the HUD94 display. (As indicated...) Figure 3C As shown, when an object 303 exists on the right side outside the narrow angle in front of vehicle 1, i.e., within the wide angle in front, such as... Figure 3G As shown, only the vibrating element 32a on the right side vibrates, while maintaining the HUD94 display. (As...) Figure 3D As shown, when object 304 and object 305 exist on both sides outside the narrow angle range in front of vehicle 1, i.e., within the wide angle range in front of vehicle 1, such as Figure 3H As shown, the vibrating elements 32a and 32b on both sides vibrate to maintain the display of the HUD94. Furthermore, as... Figures 3E to 3HAs shown, when an object is detected within a narrow angle in front, the amplitude of the vibrating element 32 can be increased compared to when an object is detected outside the narrow angle, i.e., within a wide angle. Alternatively, when the ECU 20 detects an object within a narrow angle in front, the vibration period of the vibrating element 32 can be shortened, and the vibration time can be prolonged, compared to when an object is detected outside the narrow angle, i.e., within a wide angle. Therefore, the driver can identify whether an object is detected within a narrow angle. Figure 3A As shown, ECU20 detects an object within a narrow angle in front, or as... Figure 3D As shown, ECU20 detects an object outside the narrow angle range in front, i.e., within the wide angle range in front.

[0063] Therefore, appropriate control can be implemented based on the position of the object detected in the wide-angle view in front of vehicle 1.

[0064] <Other Embodiments>

[0065] exist Figure 2 The processing example shown illustrates a control example that notifies based on the detected direction of an object relative to vehicle 1. In one example, in addition to the detected direction of the object relative to vehicle 1, control can also be based on the distance to the object.

[0066] For example, ECU20 can control the vibration of vibrating element 32 by increasing the amplitude as it gets closer to the object. Alternatively, ECU20 can control the brightness of HUD94 by decreasing the brightness as it gets closer to the object.

[0067] In this embodiment, for example Figure 4A The control example of the vibration element 32 and HUD 94 when the vehicle 1 approaches an object 401 located at a narrow angle in front of the vehicle 1, as shown, will be described.

[0068] Figure 4B This indicates the change in the amplitude of the vibration of the vibrating element 32 when vehicle 1 approaches a traffic participant in front. For example... Figure 4B As shown, as vehicle 1 approaches a traffic participant ahead, ECU 20 increases the amplitude of the vibration of vibrating element 32. Therefore, the driver is more likely to notice the vibration. Furthermore, the driver can judge the approach of the traffic participant ahead, i.e., the urgency of the driver's response, based on the vibration amplitude. Additionally, in Figure 4BIn the example, as vehicle 1 approaches a traffic participant ahead, the vibration is switched on and off within a short period of time. Thus, even if the driver does not notice the change in vibration amplitude, ECU 20 can still notify the driver of the urgency of the situation through changes in the vibration cycle.

[0069] Furthermore, the mode for switching the vibration on and off can be set arbitrarily. For example, the ECU20 can control the vibration element 32 in a way that the vibration time of the vibration element 32 increases as the vehicle 1 approaches a traffic participant in front, or in a way that changes the ratio of the vibration on and off periods.

[0070] Furthermore, ECU20 can increase the amount of vibration amplitude increase when the object is located within a narrow angle in front of vehicle 1, compared to when the object is located outside the narrow angle in front of vehicle 1, i.e., within a wide angle in front of vehicle 1. Therefore, in cases where there is an object with a high risk of contact, the level of contact risk can be clearly indicated.

[0071] Figure 4C This indicates the change in brightness of the HUD94 as vehicle 1 approaches a road user in front. For example... Figure 4C As shown, alternatively, as vehicle 1 approaches a road user ahead, ECU 20 gradually reduces the brightness of the HUD 94 display by gradually turning it off. This prevents the driver from becoming overly anxious due to the sudden disappearance of the HUD 94 display, allowing ECU 20 to confirm the surrounding environment and identify road users ahead.

[0072] Furthermore, ECU 20 can also control the HUD 94 by reducing the number of items displayed. For example, ECU 20 can control the HUD 94 by reducing the number of items displayed as the vehicle 1 approaches a traffic participant in front. If using... Figure 6 To illustrate with an example, the speed indicator 602 can be turned off when the distance between vehicle 1 and a traffic participant is, for example, less than 20m, and the route indicator 601 can be turned off when the distance is, for example, less than 15m. Thus, the display can continue based on the importance of the information displayed on the HUD 94 until the risk of contact exceeds a threshold.

[0073] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0074] In one example, ECU 20 may also control the notification based solely on the distance to the object, rather than its direction. For instance, ECU 20 may vibrate the vibration element 32 and limit the display of HUD 94 if the distance to the object is below a predetermined threshold. The closer the object is to vehicle 1, the higher the risk of contact, thus prompting the driver's attention.

[0075] Furthermore, this embodiment describes the case where the display of the HUD94 is restricted when an object posing a risk of contact is detected; however, in one example, it is also possible to... Figure 6 The display of at least one of the navigation panel NV and the display device 92 shown is limited.

[0076] <Summary of Implementation Methods>

[0077] 1. The control device (2) of the above embodiment controls the reporting to the occupants in the vehicle (1), wherein,

[0078] The control device has:

[0079] Display unit (94) displays information to the occupants;

[0080] Vibration unit (32) that provides vibration-based notification to the occupants;

[0081] A detection unit that detects objects present in the vicinity of the vehicle; and

[0082] The reporting control unit restricts the display on the display unit and issues a notification based on the vibration unit when the object is detected by the detection unit during the period when information is displayed by the display unit.

[0083] According to this embodiment, a technology can be provided that enables the driver of a vehicle to identify the vehicle's surrounding environment when there are objects that may come into contact with the vehicle.

[0084] 2. In the control device (2) of the above embodiment,

[0085] The display unit includes a head-up display.

[0086] Therefore, by limiting the display on the head-up display, which is easily noticed by the driver, it is possible to encourage the driver to recognize the vehicle's surrounding environment.

[0087] 3. In the control device (2) of the above embodiment,

[0088] The vibration unit includes multiple vibration elements disposed on the steering wheel (31) of the vehicle.

[0089] Therefore, the amount of information communicated to the driver can be increased by allowing the driver to determine which vibrating element is vibrating.

[0090] 4. In the control device (2) of the above embodiment,

[0091] The detection unit detects the position of the object relative to the vehicle.

[0092] When the report control unit determines that the orientation of the object is within a specified angular range including the direction of travel of the vehicle, it restricts the display of the display unit and causes the plurality of vibration elements to vibrate.

[0093] Therefore, when a high-risk collision object is detected, it can prompt the driver to identify the vehicle's surrounding environment.

[0094] 5. In the control device (2) of the above embodiment,

[0095] When the report control unit determines that the orientation of the detected object is outside the range of a specified angle, it causes the vibration element corresponding to the orientation among the plurality of vibration elements to vibrate, without restricting the display unit.

[0096] Therefore, when an object with a low risk of collision is detected, vibration can be used to prompt the recognition of the vehicle's surrounding environment while displaying information for assisted driving.

[0097] 6. In the control device (2) of the above embodiment,

[0098] When the detection unit detects multiple objects outside the range of the specified angle, the reporting control unit causes the multiple vibration elements to vibrate.

[0099] Therefore, when multiple objects exist and the driver has difficulty determining the direction of vibration, notifying the driver of a potential contact risk can prompt them to identify the vehicle's surrounding environment.

[0100] 7. In the control device (2) of the above embodiment,

[0101] When the report control unit determines that the orientation of the object is within a specified angular range, it causes the vibration unit to notify the system with a larger amplitude of vibration than when the orientation of the object is determined to be outside the specified angular range.

[0102] Therefore, appropriate notifications can be made based on the level of exposure risk.

[0103] 8. In the control device (2) of the above embodiment,

[0104] The detection unit measures the distance from the vehicle to the object.

[0105] The reporting control unit controls the vibration unit in such a way that the amplitude of the vibration increases as the distance to the object decreases.

[0106] Therefore, the closer the distance to the object, the higher the urgency, thus allowing for the notification of the level of urgency. Furthermore, in situations where the risk of contact is relatively low, the presence of the object can be communicated without causing excessive stress to the driver.

[0107] 9. In the control device (2) of the above embodiment,

[0108] The report control unit controls the vibration unit in such a way that the increase in vibration amplitude when the orientation of the object is determined to be within a specified angular range is greater than the increase in vibration amplitude when the orientation of the object is determined to be outside the specified angular range.

[0109] This allows for clearer notification of the increased risk of exposure.

[0110] 10. In the control device (2) of the above embodiment,

[0111] The detection unit measures the distance from the vehicle to the object.

[0112] When the distance to the detected object is below a predetermined threshold, the report control unit restricts the display of the display unit and issues a notification based on the vibration unit.

[0113] Therefore, when the distance to the object is less than a certain value, it enables the driver of the vehicle to identify the surrounding environment of the vehicle.

[0114] 11. In the control device (2) of the above embodiment,

[0115] The report control unit controls the vibration unit in such a way that the amplitude of the vibration increases as the distance to the object decreases.

[0116] Therefore, the shorter the distance to the object, the higher the urgency, thus enabling the notification of the level of urgency. Furthermore, in situations where the risk of contact is relatively low, the presence of the object can be communicated without causing excessive stress to the driver.

[0117] 12. In the control device (2) of the above embodiment,

[0118] The report control unit limits the display of the display unit by reducing its brightness.

[0119] This enables drivers to recognize the vehicle's surroundings.

[0120] 13. In the control device (2) of the above embodiment,

[0121] When the object is detected based on the detection result of the detection unit during the period when multiple pieces of information are displayed by the display unit, the report control unit limits the display of the display unit by reducing the amount of information displayed on the display unit.

[0122] This reduces the workload on the driver in processing the displayed information, and encourages the driver to recognize the vehicle's surrounding environment.

[0123] 14. The vehicle (1) of the above-described embodiments includes:

[0124] Display unit (94), which displays information;

[0125] Vibration unit (32), which performs vibration-based notification;

[0126] Detection units (41-45) detect objects present in the vicinity of the vehicle; and

[0127] The control unit (2) controls the display of the display unit to limit the display of the display unit and to notify the vibration unit when the object is detected based on the detection result of the detection unit during the period when the display unit is displaying the object.

[0128] According to this embodiment, a technology can be provided that enables the driver of a vehicle to identify the vehicle's surrounding environment when there are objects that may come into contact with the vehicle.

[0129] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and alterations can be made within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control device that controls a report to an occupant in a vehicle, characterized by comprising: a display unit that displays information to an occupant; a vibration unit that performs notification based on vibration to an occupant; a detection unit that detects an object existing in the surroundings of the vehicle; and a report control unit that, when the object is detected by the detection unit during a period in which information is displayed by the display unit, restricts display of the display unit and performs notification based on the vibration unit, the vibration unit including a plurality of vibration elements provided to a steering wheel of the vehicle, the detection unit detects an orientation of the object with respect to the vehicle, the report control unit restricts display of the display unit and vibrates the plurality of vibration elements when it is determined that the orientation of the object is within a prescribed angular range that includes a traveling direction of the vehicle, the report control unit vibrates a vibration element of the plurality of vibration elements that corresponds to the orientation and does not restrict the display unit when it is determined that the orientation of the detected object is outside the prescribed angular range.

2. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the display unit includes a head-up display.

3. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the report control unit vibrates the plurality of vibration elements when the detection unit detects a plurality of objects outside the prescribed angular range.

4. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the report control unit causes the vibration unit to perform notification with a greater amplitude when it is determined that the orientation of the object is within the prescribed angular range than when it is determined that the orientation of the object is outside the prescribed angular range.

5. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection unit detects a distance to the object from the vehicle, the report control unit controls the vibration unit in such a manner that the amplitude of vibration increases as the distance to the object becomes shorter.

6. The control device according to claim 5, characterized in that the report control unit controls the vibration unit in such a manner that the amount of increase in amplitude when it is determined that the orientation is within the prescribed angular range is greater than the amount of increase in amplitude when it is determined that the orientation of the detected object is outside the prescribed angular range.

7. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the detection unit measures a distance to the object from the vehicle, the report control unit restricts display of the display unit and performs notification based on the vibration unit when the distance to the detected object is below a prescribed threshold value.

8. The control device according to claim 7, characterized in that ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The report control unit controls the vibration unit in a manner that the amplitude becomes larger as the distance to the object becomes shorter.

9. The control device according to claim 1, wherein The report control unit restricts the display of the display unit by reducing the brightness of the display unit.

10. The control device according to claim 1, wherein The report control unit restricts the display of the display unit by reducing the number of information displayed on the display unit when the object is detected based on the detection result of the detection unit during a period in which a plurality of information is displayed by the display unit.

11. A vehicle, comprising: The vehicle includes: a display unit that displays information to an occupant; a vibration unit that performs notification based on vibration to the occupant; a detection unit that detects an object present around the vehicle; and a control unit that controls in a manner that restricts the display of the display unit and performs notification based on the vibration unit when the object is detected by the detection unit during a period in which information is displayed by the display unit, the vibration unit includes a plurality of vibration elements provided to a steering wheel of the vehicle, the detection unit detects an orientation of the object with respect to the vehicle, the control unit restricts the display of the display unit and vibrates the plurality of vibration elements when it is determined that the orientation of the object is within a prescribed angle range including a traveling direction of the vehicle, the control unit vibrates a vibration element corresponding to the orientation among the plurality of vibration elements and does not restrict the display unit when it is determined that the orientation of the detected object is outside the prescribed angle range. ​

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