Vehicle control device, vehicle, method of operating vehicle control device, and storage medium

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle control device, a vehicle, a method of operating a vehicle control device, and a storage medium, and provides a technique for improving the visual recognition of the outside world when there is a display area in the driver's field of view. The vehicle control device controls a vehicle, and the vehicle control device includes: a brightness acquisition unit that acquires information on the brightness of the outside of the vehicle; and a control unit that controls the brightness of a plurality of display areas based on the outside brightness. The plurality of display areas include a first display area displayed by a first display unit that displays the condition of the vehicle, and a second display area displayed by a second display unit that displays the condition of the vehicle. The second display area is displayed below the first display area. When the outside brightness exceeds a threshold, the control unit suppresses the brightness of the first display area as the outside brightness decreases. When the outside brightness is below the threshold, the control unit suppresses the brightness of the second display area as the outside brightness decreases.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control device, a vehicle, an operation method of the vehicle control device, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that during a period in which a warning message of a vehicle is displayed in a display area, the brightness of the backlight of the display area is increased.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-185413 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that when a plurality of display areas are arranged in a vehicle, particularly when it is dark outside, if the brightness becomes high in the display area above the vehicle that comes into the driver's field of view, it will be conspicuous.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a technique for improving the visual recognition of the outside world when there is a display area in the driver's field of view.

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] A vehicle control device according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a vehicle control device that controls a vehicle, and the vehicle control device includes:

[0011] a brightness acquisition unit that acquires information on the outside brightness of the vehicle; and

[0012] a control unit that controls the brightness of a plurality of display areas based on the outside brightness, the plurality of display areas including a first display area displayed by a first display unit that displays the state of the vehicle, and a second display area displayed by a second display unit that displays the state of the vehicle, the second display area being displayed below the first display area,

[0013] when the outside brightness exceeds a threshold value, the control unit suppresses the brightness of the first display area according to a decrease in the outside brightness,

[0014] when the outside brightness is equal to or less than the threshold value, the control unit suppresses the brightness of the second display area according to a decrease in the outside brightness.

[0015] In addition, a method for operating a vehicle control device according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a method for operating a vehicle control device that controls a vehicle, and the method for operating the vehicle control device includes:

[0016] a brightness acquisition step of acquiring information on the external brightness of the vehicle; and

[0017] a control step of controlling the brightness of a plurality of display areas based on the external brightness, the plurality of display areas including a first display area displayed by a first display unit that displays the condition of the vehicle and a second display area displayed by a second display unit that displays the condition of the vehicle, the second display area being displayed below the first display area,

[0018] In the control step,

[0019] when the external brightness exceeds a threshold value, suppressing the brightness of the first display area according to the decrease in the external brightness,

[0020] when the external brightness is below the threshold value, suppressing the brightness of the second display area according to the decrease in the external brightness.

[0021] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, when there is a display area in the driver's field of view, the visual recognition of the outside can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a diagram for explaining a structural example of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 is a block diagram for explaining a structural example of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration structure of a display unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a process of processing performed by a vehicle control device according to a first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a process of processing performed by a vehicle control device according to a second embodiment.

[0028] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a process of processing performed by a vehicle control device according to a third embodiment.

[0029] Figure 7 The (a) to Figure 7 (c) are diagrams showing an example of the brightness change of the display area according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 8 The (a) to Figure 8 (c) are diagrams showing an example of the area range where the brightness changes in the second display area according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals

[0032] 1: Vehicle; 12: Peripheral monitoring device; 13: Vehicle control device; 17: Occupant monitoring device; 18: Reporting unit, 131 - 135: ECU. Detailed implementation manners

[0033] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the following embodiments do not limit the invention related to the technical solution. Also, all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are not limited to the content essential to the invention. Two or more of the multiple features described in the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. In addition, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar structures, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0034] (First embodiment)

[0035] <Vehicle structure>

[0036] Figure 1 And Figure 2 are diagrams for explaining the structure of the vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment. Figure 1 The top view and side view of the vehicle 1 are used to show the arrangement positions of the respective elements described below and the connection relationships between the elements. Figure 2 is a system block diagram of the vehicle 1.

[0037] In addition, in the following description, expressions such as front / rear, up / down, side (left / right), etc. are sometimes used, and these are used as expressions representing relative directions with respect to the vehicle body of the vehicle 1. For example, "front" represents the front in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, and "up" represents the height direction of the vehicle body.

[0038] As Figure 2 shown, the vehicle 1 includes an operation mechanism 11, a peripheral monitoring device 12, a vehicle control device 13, a driving mechanism 14, a braking mechanism 15, a steering mechanism 16, an occupant monitoring device 17, a first display unit 301, a second display unit 302, a third display unit 303, and a reporting unit 18. In addition, in the present embodiment, the vehicle 1 is a four-wheeled vehicle, but the number of wheels is not limited thereto.

[0039] The operating mechanism 11 includes an acceleration operating member 111, a braking operating member 112, and a steering operating member 113. Typically, the acceleration operating member 111 is an accelerator pedal, the braking operating member 112 is a brake pedal, and further, the steering operating member 113 is a steering wheel. However, these operating members 111 to 113 may also be operating members in other forms such as a lever type or a button type.

[0040] The surrounding monitoring device 12 includes a camera 121, a radar 122, and a lidar (Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)) 123, all of which function as sensors for monitoring or detecting the surrounding environment of the vehicle (this vehicle) 1. The camera 121 is, for example, an imaging device using a CCD image sensor, a CMOS image sensor, etc. The radar 122 is, for example, a ranging device such as a millimeter-wave radar. Further, the lidar 123 is, for example, a ranging device such as a lidar. As Figure 1 illustrated, they are respectively arranged at positions capable of detecting the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1, such as the front side, the rear side, the upper side, and the side side of the vehicle body.

[0041] Examples of the above-mentioned surrounding environment of the vehicle 1 include the driving environment of the vehicle 1 and the environment around the vehicle 1 associated therewith (the extending direction of the lane, the drivable area, the color of the traffic signal, etc.), the target information around the vehicle 1 (the presence or absence of targets such as other vehicles, pedestrians, obstacles, the attributes, positions, moving directions, speeds, etc. of the targets). From this viewpoint, the surrounding monitoring device 12 may also be described as a detection device for detecting the surrounding information of the vehicle 1.

[0042] In addition, the surrounding monitoring device 12 includes a brightness sensor 124. The brightness sensor 124 is, for example, arranged below the front window glass of the vehicle 1 and faces the sky through the front window glass. The brightness sensor 124 can acquire the external brightness of the vehicle 1.

[0043] The vehicle control device 13 is configured to be able to control the vehicle 1, for example, to be able to control the respective mechanisms 14 to 16 based on signals from the operating mechanism 11 and the surrounding monitoring device 12. The vehicle control device 13 includes a plurality of ECUs (Electronic Control Units) 131 to 135. Each ECU includes one or more CPUs, one or more memories, and a communication interface. Each ECU performs the following processing: Based on the information (data or electrical signal) received via the communication interface, one or more programs are read out from one or more memories by one or more CPUs. Then, the processing result is stored in one or more memories, or output to other elements via the communication interface.

[0044] ECU131 is an ECU for acceleration. For example, it controls the drive mechanism 14 described below based on the operation amount of the acceleration operation member 111 by the driver. ECU132 is an ECU for braking. For example, it controls the braking mechanism 15 based on the operation amount of the braking operation member 112 by the driver. The braking mechanism 15 is, for example, a disc brake provided for each wheel. ECU133 is an ECU for steering. For example, it controls the steering mechanism 16 based on the operation amount of the steering operation member 113 by the driver. The steering mechanism 16 includes, for example, a power steering device.

[0045] ECU134 is an analysis ECU provided corresponding to the surrounding monitoring device 12. ECU134 can perform predetermined analysis / processing based on the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1 obtained by the surrounding monitoring device 12, and output the result to ECU131 to ECU133. ECU131 to 133 can control the mechanisms 14 to 16 based on the signals acquired from ECU134. With such a configuration, the vehicle control device 13 can perform driving control of the vehicle 1 corresponding to the surrounding environment.

[0046] In addition, ECU134 can perform predetermined analysis / processing based on the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1 obtained by the surrounding monitoring device 12, and control the display content, display brightness, etc. of various display units provided in the vehicle 1. And ECU134 can use the information acquired from ECU131 to ECU133 to control the display content, display brightness, etc. of various display units provided in the vehicle 1.

[0047] In addition, ECU134 can also control the operation of the reporting unit 18, for example, report warnings to the occupants using sounds and / or vibrations, or report various information.

[0048] ECU135 is an analysis ECU provided corresponding to the occupant monitoring device 17. In the present embodiment, the occupant monitoring device 17 includes an in-vehicle camera 171 provided inside the vehicle, and can use the in-vehicle camera 171 to acquire a captured image of the interior of the vehicle 1. ECU135 can receive the captured image from the occupant monitoring device 17, and control the display content, display brightness, etc. of various display units provided in the vehicle 1 based on the analysis result.

[0049] In addition, the vehicle control device 13 is not limited to the illustrated configuration. For example, each of the ECUs 131 to 135 can also use a semiconductor device such as an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). That is, the functions of each of the ECUs 131 to 135 can be implemented by either hardware or software. In addition, a part or all of the ECUs 131 to 135 can be configured as a single ECU. In addition, the vehicle control device 13 can also be configured to include at least any one of the surrounding monitoring device 12, the occupant monitoring device 17, the reporting unit 18, etc.

[0050] <Configuration structure of the display unit>

[0051] Here, with reference to Figure 3 , an example of the configuration structure of the first display unit 301, the second display unit 302, and the third display unit 303 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0052] The first display unit 301 is, for example, a head-up display. By projecting information onto the front windshield of the vehicle 1, it can display the conditions, states, etc. of the vehicle 1 in the first display area 311. The second display unit 302 is, for example, an instrument display unit and has a second display area 312. The second display area 312 is arranged below the first display area 311 in the vehicle's up-and-down direction.

[0053] The third display unit 303 is, for example, an interior light arranged around the interior of the vehicle 1 and at a position below the front windshield in the horizontal direction. The third display unit 303 includes the third display units 303a to 303c that display the third display areas 313a to 313c, but the number of its arrangements, the arrangement positions, etc. are not limited to the illustrated example. The third display unit 303 can be lit or flashed in various colors with various brightness levels. The third display areas 313a to 313c are arranged at positions below the second display area 312 in the vehicle's up-and-down direction.

[0054] During the day and on sunny days when the outside is bright, by increasing the brightness of each display area of the vehicle 1, the visual recognition can be improved. On the other hand, in the evening, on cloudy days, or on rainy days when the outside becomes dark, if the brightness of each display area remains the same, the brightness of the display area becomes relatively higher, and the display area is more likely to attract attention compared to the outside. Further, the higher the display area is located in the vehicle's up-and-down direction, the darker the outside is, the more likely it is to attract attention.

[0055] Therefore, in this embodiment, the ECU 134 acquires information on the outside brightness detected by the brightness sensor 124 and controls the display brightness, display color, etc. of each display area based on the outside brightness. For example, as the outside becomes darker, the brightness of the display area located above is suppressed, and when it becomes dark to a certain extent or more, the brightness of the display area located below is suppressed. In addition, the suppression of brightness is not limited to reducing the brightness, and may also include setting the brightness to zero (i.e., turning off the backlight of the display area).

[0056] For the first display area 311 and the second display area 312, for example, control the brightness and color of their backlights. Regarding the first display area 311 and the second display area 312, it is also possible to configure to control the brightness of the icons, characters, numbers, etc. being displayed in the first display area 311 instead of or in addition to controlling the brightness of the entire display area (backlight). For the third display area 313, control its emission brightness, emission color, emission position, and emission area. The third display area 313 is arranged at a position away from the driver's field of view, and the driver can more easily recognize the change in emission brightness than the change in emission color.

[0057] <Process>

[0058] Next, with reference to Figure 4 the flowchart of, the process of the processing implemented by the vehicle control device 13 according to the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, two display areas (the first display area 311 and the second display area 312) are controlled.

[0059] In S401, the ECU 134 obtains information on the outside brightness from the brightness sensor 124 of the peripheral monitoring device 12 as the peripheral information of the vehicle 1.

[0060] In S402, the ECU 134 determines whether the outside brightness is below the threshold value. If the outside brightness exceeds the threshold value, it proceeds to S403. On the other hand, if the outside brightness is below the threshold value, it proceeds to S404.

[0061] In S403, the ECU 134 controls the brightness of the first display area 311 based on the outside brightness. Specifically, it is controlled in such a way that the brightness of the first display area 311 is suppressed (for example, the brightness is reduced) according to the decrease in the outside brightness, and the brightness of the first display area 311 is increased according to the increase in the outside brightness. The object of brightness control is the first display area 311 located at the top, and the brightness of the second display area 312 and the third display area 313 located below it is not changed.

[0062] In S404, the ECU 134 controls the brightness of the second display area 312 based on the outside brightness. Specifically, it is controlled in such a way that the brightness of the second display area 312 is suppressed (for example, the brightness is reduced) according to the decrease in the outside brightness, and the brightness of the second display area 312 is increased according to the increase in the outside brightness. The object of brightness control is the second display area 312 located above next, and the brightness of the third display area 313 located below it is not changed. The above, Figure 4 the processing ends.

[0063] As described above, in the present embodiment, when the external brightness exceeds the threshold value, the brightness of the upper first display area is suppressed according to the decrease in the external brightness. Further, when the external brightness is below the threshold value, the brightness of the lower second display area is suppressed according to the decrease in the external brightness.

[0064] Thereby, when there is a display area in the driver's field of view, the visual recognition of the outside can be improved. In particular, even when the outside becomes dark, it is possible to prevent the passengers from paying attention to the display area and improve the visual recognition of the outside.

[0065] In addition, in the present embodiment, it has been described that in Figure 4 S404, when the external brightness is below the threshold value, an example in which the brightness of the second display area 312 is suppressed according to the decrease in the external brightness is given. However, at this time, it may also be configured to suppress the brightness of the first display area 311 according to the decrease in the external brightness. That is, for the first display area 311, regardless of whether the external brightness exceeds the threshold value or is below the threshold value, control is performed to suppress the brightness according to the decrease in the outside. For the second display area 312, control may also be performed to suppress the brightness according to the decrease in the outside only when the external brightness is below the threshold value.

[0066] In this way, by always performing brightness control corresponding to the external brightness on the upper first display area 311, and performing brightness control corresponding to the external brightness on the lower second display area 312 when it has become dark to a certain extent or more, it is possible to appropriately prevent the passengers from paying attention according to the brightness of the outside and improve the visual recognition of the outside.

[0067] In addition, in Figure 4 the process, it may also be configured that for the first display area 311, the control of the display brightness corresponding to the external brightness is not performed when the outside is constant and bright. That is, it may also be that when the external brightness is below the first threshold value, the brightness control of the first display area 311 corresponding to the external brightness is performed, and when the external brightness exceeds the first threshold value, the brightness control of the first display area 311 corresponding to the external brightness is not performed. In this case, it may also be that the brightness control of the first display area 311 is performed when the external brightness is below the first threshold value and within the range exceeding the second threshold value, and the brightness control of the second display area 312 is performed when the external brightness is below the second threshold value.

[0068] (Second Embodiment)

[0069] In this embodiment, an example is described in which, in addition to the brightness control of the first display area 311 and the second display area 312 described in the first embodiment, the brightness control of the third display area 313 is also performed. The device structure is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0070] <Processing>

[0071] Refer to Figure 5 the flowchart of to describe the process of the processing performed by the vehicle control device 13 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, three display areas (the first display area 311, the second display area 312, and the third display area 313) are controlled.

[0072] In S501, the ECU 134 obtains information on the outside brightness from the brightness sensor 124 of the peripheral monitoring device 12 as the peripheral information of the vehicle 1.

[0073] In S502, the ECU 134 determines whether the outside brightness is equal to or lower than the first threshold. If the outside brightness exceeds the first threshold, the process proceeds to S503. On the other hand, if the outside brightness is equal to or lower than the first threshold, the process proceeds to S504.

[0074] In S503, the ECU 134 controls the brightness of the first display area 311 based on the outside brightness. Specifically, the control is performed in such a way that the brightness of the first display area 311 is suppressed (for example, the brightness is decreased) as the outside brightness decreases, and the brightness of the first display area 311 is increased as the outside brightness increases. The object of brightness control is the first display area 311 located at the top, and the brightness of the second display area 312 and the third display area 313 located below it is not changed.

[0075] In S504, the ECU 134 determines whether the outside brightness is equal to or lower than a second threshold lower than the first threshold. If the outside brightness exceeds the second threshold (in the range equal to or lower than the first threshold and exceeding the second threshold), the process proceeds to S505. On the other hand, if the outside brightness is equal to or lower than the second threshold, the process proceeds to S506.

[0076] In S505, the ECU 134 controls the brightness of the second display area 312 based on the outside brightness. Specifically, the control is performed in such a way that the brightness of the second display area 312 is suppressed (for example, the brightness is decreased) as the outside brightness decreases, and the brightness of the second display area 312 is increased as the outside brightness increases. The object of brightness control is the second display area 312 located next above, and the brightness of the third display area 313 located below it is not changed.

[0077] In S506, the ECU 134 controls the brightness of the third display area 313 based on the ambient brightness. Specifically, the control is performed in such a way that the brightness of the third display area 313 is suppressed (for example, the brightness is decreased) according to the decrease in the ambient brightness, and the brightness of the third display area 313 is increased according to the increase in the ambient brightness. In Figure 3 the example of, the brightness of the entire third display areas 313a to 313c can be controlled, or it can be configured to control the brightness of a part (for example, only the brightness of the third display area 313c near the driver's seat). Through the above, Figure 6 a series of processes ends.

[0078] As described above, in the present embodiment, when the ambient brightness exceeds the first threshold, the brightness of the upper first display area is suppressed according to the decrease in the ambient brightness. And, when the ambient brightness is below the first threshold and exceeds the second threshold, the brightness of the lower second display area is suppressed according to the decrease in the ambient brightness. Further, when the ambient brightness is below the second threshold, the brightness of the even lower third display area is suppressed according to the decrease in the ambient brightness.

[0079] Thereby, it is possible to sequentially reduce the display brightness starting from the upper display area close to the driver's field of view as the outside gets darker, so that it is possible to prevent the occupants from paying attention to the display area and improve the visual recognition of the outside.

[0080] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example of sequentially adjusting the brightness starting from the upper display area according to the ambient brightness has been described, but the brightness of the display area can also be further adjusted according to the condition of the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1.

[0081] The ECU 134 detects the condition of the passenger compartment of the vehicle based on the captured image obtained by the in-vehicle camera 171 provided in the vehicle. And, the ECU 134 can also increase the upper limit value of the brightness of the third display area 313 when there is another occupant in the passenger seat of the vehicle 1, when the roof of the vehicle 1 is in an open state, or when the lighting device disposed on the ceiling of the passenger compartment and illuminating downward is lit, in a state where the brightness of the third display area 313 is not suppressed.

[0082] When there are other occupants in the front passenger seat of the vehicle 1, the third display area 313a on the front passenger seat side is hidden from the driver's seat, so it is difficult to recognize the change in its brightness. Therefore, in such a case, by increasing the upper limit value of the brightness of the third display area 313, the change in brightness can be easily recognized. Similarly, when the roof of the vehicle 1 is open, outside light enters the vehicle interior, so the inside of the vehicle becomes brighter and it is difficult to recognize the change in brightness. Therefore, in such a case, by increasing the upper limit value of the brightness of the third display area 313, the change in brightness can be easily recognized. At this time, the degree of increase in the upper limit value can also be changed according to the opening degree of the roof. For example, the larger the opening degree of the roof, the higher the upper limit value can be increased. Similarly, when the lighting device arranged on the ceiling of the vehicle interior and illuminating downward is lit, the inside of the vehicle becomes brighter and it is difficult to recognize the change in brightness. Therefore, in such a case, by increasing the upper limit value of the brightness of the third display area 313, the change in brightness can be easily recognized.

[0083] In addition, in a state where the brightness of the third display area 313 is not suppressed, that is, in a state where the outside brightness exceeds the second threshold value, by increasing the upper limit value of the brightness of the third display area 313 in the above case, the display (light emission) of the third display area 313 can be more easily recognized.

[0084] (Third Embodiment)

[0085] In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, examples have been described in which as the outside gets darker, the brightness of the display areas above the driver's field of view is sequentially suppressed. In contrast, in the present embodiment, an example of controlling the brightness of the display area according to the inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle traveling ahead of the vehicle 1 will be described.

[0086] In S601, the ECU 134 acquires the surrounding information from the surrounding monitoring device 12.

[0087] In S602, based on the surrounding information acquired in S601, when it is detected that there is a preceding vehicle traveling ahead in the traveling lane of the vehicle 1, the ECU 134 detects the inter-vehicle distance between the preceding vehicle and the vehicle 1. Specifically, the inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle is calculated and acquired based on the surrounding information.

[0088] In S603, the ECU 134 changes the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas according to the inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle detected in S602. Specifically, control is performed such that the longer the inter-vehicle distance, the lower the brightness, and the shorter the inter-vehicle distance, the higher the brightness. Thereby, the driver can easily recognize the situation of approaching the preceding vehicle. Here, the object of brightness control may be, for example, all of the first display area 311, the second display area 312, and the third display area 313, or may be these two display areas, namely, the first display area 311 and the upper part of the second display area 312, or may be only the uppermost first display area 311.

[0089] In S604, the ECU 134 determines whether the inter-vehicle distance between the preceding vehicle and Vehicle 1 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. If the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than the predetermined distance, the process proceeds to S605. On the other hand, if the inter-vehicle distance is longer than the predetermined distance, the process proceeds to S607.

[0090] In S605, the ECU 134 outputs a warning in order to report to the driver the situation of being close to the preceding vehicle. The warning can be output, for example, using sound and / or vibration of the steering operation member 113 (steering wheel).

[0091] In S606, the ECU 134 determines whether it is detected that the preceding vehicle has left the travel lane of Vehicle 1. Leaving refers to the preceding vehicle turning left or right or changing lanes and leaving from in front of Vehicle 1. If it is detected that the preceding vehicle has left, the process proceeds to S607. On the other hand, if it is not detected that the preceding vehicle has left, the process returns to S601.

[0092] In S607, the ECU 134 reduces the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas. When a warning has been output, the driver can recognize that it is a situation that requires attention, so there is no need to increase the brightness of the display area to draw attention, and thus control is performed to reduce the brightness of the display area. At this time, the ECU 134 may also reduce the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas with a larger brightness change than when increasing the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas. Thereby, it is possible to easily recognize the brightness reduction corresponding to the output of the warning.

[0093] In addition, when the preceding vehicle leaves the travel lane (turns left or right, changes lanes, etc.), the ECU 134 also reduces the brightness of the display area. This is because there is no preceding vehicle, so there is no need to draw attention. Thereby, it is possible to easily recognize the situation where the preceding vehicle has left the travel lane. At this time, control may also be performed such that the brightness change when reducing the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas according to the leaving is gentler than the brightness change when increasing the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas according to the inter-vehicle distance. Here, Figure 7Figure (b) is a diagram showing an example of the brightness change at the time of separation. As Figure 7 shown in Figure (b), for example, in a scenario where the brightness of the display area gradually increases due to the approach of a vehicle ahead, the vehicle ahead separates at t2, and thereafter, the brightness of the display area decreases with a slower brightness change than before t2.

[0094] Since a sharp brightness change attracts attention, when reducing the brightness without the intention of giving a warning, a slow brightness change is set, thereby avoiding unnecessary attention. In particular, the separation of the vehicle ahead from the driving lane may be a phenomenon unexpected by the occupant of Vehicle 1. Therefore, by slowly reducing the brightness, unnecessary attention can be avoided.

[0095] As described above, in the present embodiment, the brightness of the display area is controlled according to the inter-vehicle distance from the vehicle ahead. Thereby, the driver's attention can be drawn according to the inter-vehicle distance. And, when a warning is output when the inter-vehicle distance from the vehicle ahead is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, the brightness of the display area is reduced. This is because, when a warning is output, the driver can recognize that it is a situation that requires attention, so there is no need to draw attention by increasing the brightness of the display area. In addition, when the vehicle ahead separates from the driving lane (such as turning left or right, changing lanes, etc.), the brightness of the display area is also reduced. This is because there is no vehicle ahead, so there is no need to draw attention.

[0096] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example is described in which a warning is output and the brightness of the display area is reduced when the inter-vehicle distance becomes equal to or less than a predetermined distance in S604. Instead of or together with this, when the inter-vehicle distance exceeds a predetermined distance due to the occupant performing a braking operation (the occupant steps on the brake pedal), there is no need to draw attention, so control for reducing the brightness of the display area is performed. At this time, it may also be configured such that the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas is reduced with a larger brightness change than the brightness change when increasing the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas. Figure 7 Figure (c) is a diagram showing an example of the brightness change when the occupant performs a braking operation. In Figure 7 Figure (c), when the brightness increases according to the approach of the vehicle ahead, the occupant performs a braking operation at t3, and thereafter, the brightness drops sharply. In the illustrated example, the brightness does not reach zero, but it may also be reduced to zero. Thereby, it is possible to easily recognize the brightness reduction corresponding to the performance of the braking operation.

[0097] [Modification Example]

[0098] In addition, in this embodiment, the upper limit value of the brightness range of the display area may also be changed based on the external brightness. When the external brightness is 90 or more (since it is an example of a relative value, there is no unit), for example, when the external brightness is 100 on a sunny day, the basic display brightness of the display area is set to 50, and the upper limit value is set to 80. And when the external brightness is less than 90, for example, when the external brightness is 80 on a cloudy day, the basic display brightness of the display area is set to 50, and the upper limit value is set to 70.

[0099] On a sunny day, the brightness of the display area is changed within the brightness range of 50 to 80 according to the distance from the vehicle ahead. On the other hand, on a cloudy day, the brightness of the display area is changed within the brightness range of 50 to 70 according to the distance between the vehicles. Or, in order to have the same brightness change range (30) as on a sunny day, the brightness of the display area may also be changed within the brightness range of 40 to 70.

[0100] That is, it may also be that when the external brightness is above a predetermined brightness, the upper limit value of the brightness range when changing the brightness of the plurality of display areas corresponding to the vehicle distance is set to a first brightness value (80 in the above example), and when the external brightness is less than the predetermined brightness, the upper limit value is set to a second brightness value lower than the first brightness value (70 in the above example).

[0101] In this way, the upper limit value of the brightness range of the display area is set to a larger value when the outside is brighter, and the upper limit value of the brightness range of the display area is set to a smaller value when the outside is darker. Thereby, it is possible to display with an appropriate display brightness according to the brightness of the outside, and unnecessary attention can be prevented.

[0102] In addition, the upper limit values of the brightness of each display area may be the same or different. For example, it may also be configured such that the farther away from the driver's field of view, the larger the upper limit value of the brightness and the greater the degree of light change. That is, the upper limit value of the brightness of the second display area 312 may be made larger than that of the first display area 311. In addition, the upper limit value of the brightness of the third display area 313 may be made larger than that of the second display area 312.

[0103] In addition, it may also be configured that, for example, a display (such as a touch panel display) capable of displaying a navigation screen, etc. and / or one or more physical switches are used as the operation unit, and the operation unit can accept the change operation of the brightness of multiple areas. And when the occupant of the vehicle 1 operates the operation unit during the execution of the brightness change of the plurality of display areas corresponding to the vehicle distance in the third embodiment, control to increase the brightness of the plurality of display areas may also be performed. At this time, for example, it may also be increased to the upper limit value of the display brightness. For example, as Figure 7As shown in (a) of , in a scenario where the inter-vehicle distance becomes shorter and the brightness gradually increases, when a brightness change operation is performed by operating the operation unit at t1 (or when a display screen for brightness change is displayed on the display), control is performed to increase the brightness of the display area in a short time.

[0104] It is possible that even if the occupant observes the brightness changes of multiple display areas corresponding to the inter-vehicle distance, they may not understand it as a warning based on the approaching inter-vehicle distance and may mistake it for a malfunction of the display area and want to use the operation unit to adjust the brightness of their own display area. Therefore, by increasing the brightness of the display area when a brightness adjustment operation is performed according to the operation of the operation unit, the brightness change can be clearly identified, and it can be immediately recognized that it is a warning based on the approach to the vehicle ahead. Therefore, the brightness adjustment operation of the display area using the operation unit can be interrupted as early as possible, and the outside can be visually recognized.

[0105] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example of changing the brightness of each display area according to the inter-vehicle distance from the vehicle ahead traveling in front of the vehicle 1 has been described. However, the object of change is not limited to brightness. For example, control may be performed in such a way that the colors of multiple display areas are changed based on the inter-vehicle distance. For example, it may be blue (or green) when the inter-vehicle distance is far, changed to yellow when the inter-vehicle distance becomes below the first threshold, and changed to red when the inter-vehicle distance becomes below the shorter second threshold. The driver can observe the change in the color of the display area and intuitively recognize the need for attention and vigilance.

[0106] In addition, both the brightness and color of the display area may be changed according to the inter-vehicle distance. For example, when the inter-vehicle distance narrows, by performing control to change to red and increase the brightness, it is possible to more easily recognize the need for attention and vigilance due to the approach to the vehicle ahead.

[0107] In each of the above embodiments, an example of changing the brightness of the display area according to the outside brightness has been described, but it may also be, for example, regarding the second display area 312 of the second display unit 312, for example, instead of changing the brightness of the entire area (the entire backlight) of the second display area 312, the area where the brightness change occurs is changed according to the outside brightness. For example, Figure 8 (a) shows an example of the brightness change area when the outside is bright. Control is performed in such a way that the brightness of the change area 801 in the second display area 312 of the second display unit 312 changes. Figure 8 (b) shows an example of the brightness change area when the outside brightness is medium. As shown in the figure, control is performed in such a way that the brightness of the change area 802 (the area of approximately the lower half) in the second display area 312 of the second display unit 312 changes. And,Figure 8 The (c) in [Figure] shows an example of a brightness change area in a situation where the outside is darker. As shown in the figure, control is performed in such a way that the brightness of the change area 803 in the second display area 312 of the second display unit 312 changes. In the illustrated example, three modes are shown, but the brightness change area can also be continuously changed according to the outside brightness. That is, control can also be performed in such a way that the brighter the outside, the larger the brightness change area increases upward, and the darker the outside, the smaller the brightness change area decreases downward. Thus, in a situation where the outside is darker, the brightness above the field of view decreases, so that attention can be prevented from being attracted.

[0108] In addition, in the third embodiment, when performing control to change the brightness according to the inter-vehicle distance from the vehicle ahead, control can also be performed as follows: when the inter-vehicle distance is more than a predetermined distance away, the backlight of the second display area 312 is not lit or slightly lit, and when the inter-vehicle distance becomes closer, the color of the backlight is changed to white or red. However, in a situation where the outside is darker, control can also be performed in such a way that the brightness when changed to white or red is lower than the brightness when the outside is brighter.

[0109] In addition, it can also be that the ECU 135 analyzes the image captured by the in-vehicle camera 171 of the occupant monitoring device 17 to estimate the generation of attention based on the line-of-sight direction and the orientation of the face of the occupant (especially the driver). When it is estimated that attention is caused by the brightness change of the display area, the ECU 134 can also automatically adjust the degree of the brightness change (for example, adjust it to a brightness change that is gentler than the current brightness change).

[0110] In addition, the first embodiment or the second embodiment can also be combined with the third embodiment for execution. That is, it is also possible to execute both the control of the first embodiment or the second embodiment that suppresses the brightness from the display area located above as the outside gets darker, and the control of the third embodiment that performs the brightness control of the display area corresponding to the inter-vehicle distance.

[0111] (Other Embodiments)

[0112] In addition, a program that implements one or more functions described in each embodiment is provided to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device can read and execute the program. The present invention can also be implemented in this way.

[0113] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the invention.

[0114] <Summary of the Embodiments>

[0115] The vehicle control device (e.g., 13) based on the first mode is a vehicle control device that controls a vehicle (e.g., 1), and the vehicle control device includes:

[0116] a brightness acquisition unit (e.g., 12, 134) that acquires information on the external brightness of the vehicle; and

[0117] a control unit (e.g., 134) that controls the brightness of a plurality of display regions based on the external brightness, the plurality of display regions including a first display region (e.g., 311) displayed by a first display unit (e.g., 301) that displays the condition of the vehicle, and a second display region (e.g., 312) displayed by a second display unit (e.g., 302) that displays the condition of the vehicle, the second display region being displayed below the first display region,

[0118] when the external brightness exceeds a threshold, the control unit suppresses the brightness of the first display region according to the decrease in the external brightness,

[0119] when the external brightness is below the threshold, the control unit suppresses the brightness of the second display region according to the decrease in the external brightness.

[0120] Thereby, when there is a display region in the driver's field of view, the visual recognition of the outside can be improved. In particular, even when the outside becomes dark, it is possible to prevent the occupants from paying attention to the display region and improve the visual recognition of the outside.

[0121] In the vehicle control device (e.g., 13) based on the second mode,

[0122] when the external brightness is below the threshold, the control unit suppresses the brightness of the first display region according to the decrease in the external brightness and suppresses the brightness of the second display region.

[0123] Thereby, when the outside is bright, the display region located above is controlled according to the external brightness, so that attention can be prevented. When the outside is dark, both display regions are controlled according to the external brightness, so that attention can be prevented more effectively.

[0124] In the vehicle control device (e.g., 13) based on the third mode,

[0125] the plurality of display regions further include a third display region displayed by a third display unit that is below the second display region and disposed around the interior of the vehicle,

[0126] the control unit also controls the brightness of the third display region based on the external brightness,

[0127] When the outside brightness is below a second threshold lower than the threshold, the control unit suppresses the brightness of the third display area according to the decrease in the outside brightness.

[0128] Thus, when the outside becomes darker, by controlling the brightness of the display area located further below, it is possible to more effectively prevent attention.

[0129] The vehicle control device (e.g., 13) based on the fourth mode further includes a surrounding information acquisition unit (e.g., 12, 134), and the surrounding information acquisition unit acquires the surrounding information of the vehicle.

[0130] The control unit detects the inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle traveling ahead of the vehicle based on the surrounding information.

[0131] The control unit changes the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas according to the inter-vehicle distance.

[0132] Thus, it is possible to intuitively recognize the inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle by adjusting the brightness.

[0133] In the vehicle control device (e.g., 13) based on the fifth mode,

[0134] The longer the inter-vehicle distance, the lower the control unit makes the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas, and the shorter the inter-vehicle distance, the higher the control unit makes the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas.

[0135] Thus, by the increase in the brightness of the display area, it is possible to easily recognize the approach to the preceding vehicle.

[0136] In the vehicle control device (e.g., 13) based on the sixth mode,

[0137] When the outside brightness is equal to or higher than a predetermined brightness, the control unit sets the upper limit value of the brightness range when changing the brightness of the plurality of display areas corresponding to the inter-vehicle distance to a first brightness value.

[0138] When the outside brightness is less than the predetermined brightness, the control unit sets the upper limit value to a second brightness value lower than the first brightness value.

[0139] Thus, it is possible to display with an appropriate display brightness according to the brightness of the outside, and it is possible to prevent unnecessary attention.

[0140] In the vehicle control device (e.g., 13) based on the seventh mode,

[0141] The vehicle control device further includes an operation unit (such as a touch panel display, physical buttons, etc.), and the operation unit accepts an operation for changing the brightness of the plurality of display areas.

[0142] When the operation unit is operated by an occupant of the vehicle during the execution of the brightness change of the plurality of display areas corresponding to the inter-vehicle distance, the control unit increases the brightness of the plurality of display areas.

[0143] When the brightness adjustment operation is executed according to the operation of the operation unit, the brightness of the display area is increased, so that the brightness change can be clearly recognized, and it can be immediately recognized that the current brightness change of the display area is a warning based on the approach of the vehicle ahead. Therefore, the brightness adjustment operation of the display area using the operation unit can be interrupted earlier, and the outside can be visually recognized.

[0144] In the vehicle control device based on the eighth mode (such as 13),

[0145] When the operation unit is operated by an occupant of the vehicle during the execution of the brightness change of the plurality of display areas corresponding to the inter-vehicle distance, the control unit increases the brightness of the plurality of display areas to the upper limit value.

[0146] Thereby, the brightness change can be recognized more clearly, and it can be recognized earlier that the current brightness change of the display area is a warning based on the approach of the vehicle ahead.

[0147] The vehicle control device based on the ninth mode (such as 13) further includes a surrounding information acquisition unit (such as 12, 134), and the surrounding information acquisition unit acquires the surrounding information of the vehicle.

[0148] The control unit detects the inter-vehicle distance from the vehicle ahead traveling in front of the vehicle based on the surrounding information.

[0149] The control unit changes the color of each of the plurality of display areas based on the inter-vehicle distance.

[0150] Thereby, the inter-vehicle distance from the vehicle ahead can be intuitively recognized by color adjustment.

[0151] In the vehicle control device based on the tenth mode (such as 13),

[0152] The control unit detects the departure of the vehicle ahead traveling in front of the vehicle from the driving lane (such as turning left or right, lane change, etc.) based on the surrounding information.

[0153] The control unit reduces the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas according to the departure.

[0154] Accordingly, it is possible to easily recognize the situation where the vehicle ahead has deviated from the driving lane.

[0155] In the vehicle control device (e.g., 13) based on the eleventh mode,

[0156] the control unit controls in such a manner that, compared with the brightness change when increasing the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas according to the inter-vehicle distance, the brightness change when decreasing the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas according to the deviation is gentler.

[0157] Since a sharp brightness change attracts attention, when reducing the brightness without the intention of warning, by making the brightness change gentle, unnecessary attention can be avoided.

[0158] In the vehicle control device (e.g., 13) based on the twelfth mode,

[0159] the vehicle control device further includes a detection unit (e.g., 17, 134) that detects the condition of the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0160] In a state where the brightness of the third display area is not suppressed,

[0161] when there is another occupant in the passenger seat of the vehicle, when the roof of the vehicle is in an open state, or when a lighting device disposed on the ceiling of the passenger compartment and illuminating downward is lit,

[0162] the control unit increases the upper limit value of the brightness of the third display area.

[0163] Accordingly, even when the display is blocked by another occupant or when the interior of the vehicle becomes bright, it is possible to easily recognize the brightness change.

[0164] In the vehicle control device (e.g., 13) based on the thirteenth mode,

[0165] the vehicle control device further includes a warning unit (e.g., 18, 134) that outputs a warning when the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than a predetermined distance.

[0166] When the warning is output, the control unit decreases the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas with a brightness change greater than the brightness change when increasing the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas.

[0167] Accordingly, it is possible to easily recognize the brightness decrease corresponding to the output of the warning.

[0168] In the vehicle control device (e.g., 13) based on the fourteenth mode,

[0169] When the vehicle occupant performs a braking operation and the inter-vehicle distance exceeds a predetermined distance, the control unit reduces the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas with a brightness change greater than that when increasing the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas.

[0170] Thereby, it is possible to easily recognize the brightness reduction corresponding to the execution of the braking operation.

[0171] In the vehicle control device (e.g., 13) based on the fifteenth mode,

[0172] The control unit controls the backlight brightness of the first display area and the backlight brightness of the second display area.

[0173] In this way, by adjusting the brightness of the backlight with a wider range, it is possible to effectively prevent attention.

[0174] In the vehicle control device (e.g., 13) based on the sixteenth mode,

[0175] The first display unit is a head-up display, and the second display unit is an instrument display unit.

[0176] Thereby, it is possible to control the display areas of the head-up display and the instrument display unit included in the driver's field of view based on the outside brightness.

[0177] In the vehicle control device (e.g., 13) based on the seventeenth mode,

[0178] The third display unit is an interior light disposed around the interior of the vehicle and at a position lower than the windshield in the horizontal direction.

[0179] Thereby, it is possible to control the display area (light-emitting area) of the interior light based on the outside brightness.

[0180] The vehicle (e.g., 1) based on the eighteenth mode,

[0181] is a vehicle equipped with a vehicle control device having any one of the first to seventeenth modes.

[0182] Thereby, it is possible to implement the processing of the vehicle control device in the vehicle.

[0183] The operation method of the vehicle control device (e.g., 13) based on the nineteenth mode is an operation method of a vehicle control device that controls a vehicle, and the operation method of the vehicle control device has:

[0184] a brightness acquisition step in which information on the outside brightness of the vehicle is acquired; and

[0185] A control step in which, based on the ambient brightness, the brightness of a plurality of display areas is controlled, the plurality of display areas including a first display area displayed by a first display unit that displays the status of the vehicle and a second display area displayed by a second display unit that displays the status of the vehicle, the second display area being displayed below the first display area.

[0186] In the control step,

[0187] In a case where the ambient brightness exceeds a threshold value, the brightness of the first display area is suppressed according to a decrease in the ambient brightness.

[0188] In a case where the ambient brightness is below the threshold value, the brightness of the second display area is suppressed according to a decrease in the ambient brightness.

[0189] Thereby, when there is a display area in the driver's field of view, the visual recognition of the outside can be improved. In particular, even when the outside becomes dark, it is possible to prevent the occupants from paying attention to the display area and improve the visual recognition of the outside.

[0190] A storage medium based on the twentieth aspect.

[0191] The storage medium stores a program for causing a computer to function as a vehicle control device in any one of the first to seventeenth aspects.

[0192] Thereby, the processing of the vehicle control device can be implemented by a computer.

Claims

1. A vehicle control device is a vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle, wherein, the vehicle control device includes: a brightness acquisition unit that acquires information on the external brightness of the vehicle; and a control unit that controls the brightness of a plurality of display areas based on the external brightness, the plurality of display areas including a first display area displayed by a first display unit that displays the condition of the vehicle, and a second display area displayed by a second display unit that displays the condition of the vehicle, the second display area being displayed below the first display area, when the external brightness exceeds a threshold value, the control unit suppresses the brightness of the first display area according to the decrease in the external brightness, when the external brightness is below the threshold value, the control unit suppresses the brightness of the second display area according to the decrease in the external brightness, the plurality of display areas further include a third display area displayed by a third display unit that is below the second display area and is arranged around the interior of the vehicle, the control unit also controls the brightness of the third display area based on the external brightness, when the external brightness is below a second threshold value that is lower than the threshold value, the control unit suppresses the brightness of the third display area according to the decrease in the external brightness.

2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein, when the external brightness is below the threshold value, the control unit suppresses the brightness of the first display area and suppresses the brightness of the second display area according to the decrease in the external brightness.

3. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein, the vehicle control device further includes a surrounding information acquisition unit that acquires surrounding information of the vehicle, the control unit detects a distance between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle based on the surrounding information, the control unit changes the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas according to the distance between the vehicles.

4. The vehicle control device according to claim 3, wherein, the longer the distance between the vehicles, the lower the control unit makes the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas, and the shorter the distance between the vehicles, the higher the control unit makes the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas.

5. The vehicle control device according to claim 3, wherein, the vehicle control device further includes an operation unit that accepts an operation for changing the brightness of the plurality of display areas, when the operation unit is operated by an occupant of the vehicle during the execution of the brightness change of the plurality of display areas corresponding to the distance between the vehicles, the control unit increases the brightness of the plurality of display areas.

6. The vehicle control device according to claim 5, wherein, when the operation unit is operated by an occupant of the vehicle during the execution of the brightness change of the plurality of display areas corresponding to the distance between the vehicles, the control unit increases the brightness of the plurality of display areas to an upper limit value.

7. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein, the vehicle control device further includes a surrounding information acquisition unit that acquires surrounding information of the vehicle, the control unit detects a distance between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle based on the surrounding information, The control unit changes the color of each of the plurality of display areas based on the inter-vehicle distance.

8. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle control device further includes a detection unit that detects the condition of the passenger compartment of the vehicle, in a state where the brightness of the third display area is not suppressed, when there is another occupant in the passenger seat of the vehicle, when the roof of the vehicle is in an open state, or when a lighting device disposed on the ceiling of the passenger compartment and illuminating downward is lit, the control unit increases the upper limit value of the brightness of the third display area.

9. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit controls the backlight brightness of the first display area and the backlight brightness of the second display area.

10. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein, The first display unit is a head-up display, and the second display unit is an instrument display unit.

11. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein, The third display unit is an interior light disposed around the interior of the vehicle and at a position below the windshield in the horizontal direction.

12. A vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle, wherein the vehicle control device includes: a brightness acquisition unit that acquires information on the external brightness of the vehicle; and a control unit that controls the brightness of a plurality of display areas based on the external brightness, the plurality of display areas including a first display area displayed by a first display unit that displays the condition of the vehicle, and a second display area displayed by a second display unit that displays the condition of the vehicle, the second display area being displayed below the first display area, when the external brightness exceeds a threshold value, the control unit suppresses the brightness of the first display area according to the decrease in the external brightness, when the external brightness is below the threshold value, the control unit suppresses the brightness of the second display area according to the decrease in the external brightness, the vehicle control device further includes a surrounding information acquisition unit that acquires surrounding information of the vehicle, the control unit detects the inter-vehicle distance from a preceding vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle based on the surrounding information, the control unit changes the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas according to the inter-vehicle distance, when the external brightness is equal to or higher than a predetermined brightness, the control unit sets the upper limit value of the brightness range when changing the brightness of the plurality of display areas corresponding to the inter-vehicle distance to a first brightness value, when the external brightness is less than the predetermined brightness, the control unit sets the upper limit value to a second brightness value lower than the first brightness value.

13. A vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle, wherein the vehicle control device includes: a brightness acquisition unit that acquires information on the external brightness of the vehicle; and a control unit that controls the brightness of a plurality of display areas based on the external brightness, the plurality of display areas including a first display area displayed by a first display unit that displays the condition of the vehicle, and a second display area displayed by a second display unit that displays the condition of the vehicle, the second display area being displayed below the first display area, When the external brightness exceeds the threshold, the control unit suppresses the brightness of the first display area according to the decrease in the external brightness. When the external brightness is below the threshold, the control unit suppresses the brightness of the second display area according to the decrease in the external brightness. The vehicle control device further includes a peripheral information acquisition unit that acquires peripheral information of the vehicle. The control unit detects the inter-vehicle distance from a preceding vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle based on the peripheral information. The control unit changes the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas according to the inter-vehicle distance. The control unit detects the departure of a preceding vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle from the driving lane based on the peripheral information. The control unit reduces the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas according to the departure. The control unit performs control such that, compared with the brightness change when increasing the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas according to the inter-vehicle distance, the brightness change when reducing the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas according to the departure is gentler.

14. A vehicle control device that controls a vehicle, wherein the vehicle control device includes: a brightness acquisition unit that acquires information on the external brightness of the vehicle; and a control unit that controls the brightness of a plurality of display areas based on the external brightness, the plurality of display areas including a first display area displayed by a first display unit that displays the condition of the vehicle, and a second display area displayed by a second display unit that displays the condition of the vehicle, the second display area being displayed below the first display area. When the external brightness exceeds the threshold, the control unit suppresses the brightness of the first display area according to the decrease in the external brightness. When the external brightness is below the threshold, the control unit suppresses the brightness of the second display area according to the decrease in the external brightness. The vehicle control device further includes a peripheral information acquisition unit that acquires peripheral information of the vehicle. The control unit detects the inter-vehicle distance from a preceding vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle based on the peripheral information. The control unit changes the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas according to the inter-vehicle distance. The vehicle control device further includes a warning unit that outputs a warning when the inter-vehicle distance is below a predetermined distance. When the warning is output, the control unit reduces the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas with a brightness change larger than the brightness change when increasing the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas.

15. A vehicle control device that controls a vehicle, wherein the vehicle control device includes: a brightness acquisition unit that acquires information on the external brightness of the vehicle; and A control unit that controls the brightness of a plurality of display areas based on the ambient brightness, the plurality of display areas including a first display area displayed by a first display unit that displays the condition of the vehicle and a second display area displayed by a second display unit that displays the condition of the vehicle, the second display area being displayed below the first display area, When the ambient brightness exceeds a threshold value, the control unit suppresses the brightness of the first display area according to a decrease in the ambient brightness, When the ambient brightness is below the threshold value, the control unit suppresses the brightness of the second display area according to a decrease in the ambient brightness, The vehicle control device further includes a surrounding information acquisition unit that acquires surrounding information of the vehicle, The control unit detects a distance between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle traveling ahead of the vehicle based on the surrounding information, The control unit changes the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas according to the inter-vehicle distance, When a braking operation is performed by an occupant of the vehicle and the inter-vehicle distance exceeds a predetermined distance, the control unit reduces the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas with a brightness change greater than that when increasing the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas.

16. A vehicle, wherein, The vehicle includes the vehicle control device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A storage medium, wherein, The storage medium stores a program for causing a computer to function as the vehicle control device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

18. A method of operating a vehicle control device, which is a method of operating a vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle, wherein, The method of operation has: A brightness acquisition step in which information on the ambient brightness of the vehicle is acquired; And A control step in which, based on the ambient brightness, the brightness of a plurality of display areas is controlled, the plurality of display areas including a first display area displayed by a first display unit that displays the condition of the vehicle and a second display area displayed by a second display unit that displays the condition of the vehicle, the second display area being displayed below the first display area, In the control step, When the ambient brightness exceeds a threshold value, the brightness of the first display area is suppressed according to a decrease in the ambient brightness, When the ambient brightness is below the threshold value, the brightness of the second display area is suppressed according to a decrease in the ambient brightness, The plurality of display areas further includes a third display area displayed by a third display unit that is lower than the second display area and is disposed around the interior of the vehicle, In the control step, The brightness of the third display area is also controlled based on the ambient brightness, When the ambient brightness is below a second threshold value lower than the threshold value, the brightness of the third display area is suppressed according to a decrease in the ambient brightness.

19. A method of operating a vehicle control device, which is a method of operating a vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle, wherein, The method of operation has: A brightness acquisition step, in which information on the external brightness of the vehicle is acquired; and A control step, in which based on the external brightness, the brightness of a plurality of display areas is controlled, the plurality of display areas including a first display area displayed by a first display unit that displays the condition of the vehicle and a second display area displayed by a second display unit that displays the condition of the vehicle, the second display area being displayed below the first display area, In the control step, When the external brightness exceeds a threshold value, the brightness of the first display area is suppressed according to the decrease in the external brightness, When the external brightness is below the threshold value, the brightness of the second display area is suppressed according to the decrease in the external brightness, The operation method further has a peripheral information acquisition step, in which peripheral information of the vehicle is acquired, In the control step, Based on the peripheral information, the inter-vehicle distance from a preceding vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle is detected, The brightness of each of the plurality of display areas is changed according to the inter-vehicle distance, When the external brightness is equal to or higher than a predetermined brightness, the upper limit value of the brightness range when changing the brightness of the plurality of display areas corresponding to the inter-vehicle distance is set as a first brightness value, When the external brightness is less than the predetermined brightness, the upper limit value is set as a second brightness value lower than the first brightness value.

20. An operation method of a vehicle control device, which is an operation method of a vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle, wherein, The operation method has: A brightness acquisition step, in which information on the external brightness of the vehicle is acquired; and A control step, in which based on the external brightness, the brightness of a plurality of display areas is controlled, the plurality of display areas including a first display area displayed by a first display unit that displays the condition of the vehicle and a second display area displayed by a second display unit that displays the condition of the vehicle, the second display area being displayed below the first display area, In the control step, When the external brightness exceeds a threshold value, the brightness of the first display area is suppressed according to the decrease in the external brightness, When the external brightness is below the threshold value, the brightness of the second display area is suppressed according to the decrease in the external brightness, The operation method further has a peripheral information acquisition step, in which peripheral information of the vehicle is acquired, In the control step, Based on the peripheral information, the inter-vehicle distance from a preceding vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle is detected, The brightness of each of the plurality of display areas is changed according to the inter-vehicle distance, Based on the peripheral information, the departure of a preceding vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle from the driving lane is detected, According to the departure, the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas is decreased, It is controlled in such a manner that the change in brightness when the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas is decreased according to the departure is gentler than the change in brightness when the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas is increased according to the workshop distance.

21. A method of operating a vehicle control device, which is a method of operating a vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle, wherein, the method of operation has: a brightness acquisition step in which information on the external brightness of the vehicle is acquired; and a control step in which, based on the external brightness, the brightness of a plurality of display areas is controlled, the plurality of display areas including a first display area displayed by a first display unit that displays the condition of the vehicle and a second display area displayed by a second display unit that displays the condition of the vehicle, the second display area being displayed below the first display area, in the control step, when the external brightness exceeds a threshold value, the brightness of the first display area is suppressed according to the decrease in the external brightness, when the external brightness is below the threshold value, the brightness of the second display area is suppressed according to the decrease in the external brightness, the method of operation further has a surrounding information acquisition step in which surrounding information of the vehicle is acquired, in the control step, the workshop distance to a preceding vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle is detected based on the surrounding information, the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas is changed according to the workshop distance, the method of operation further has a warning step in which a warning is output when the workshop distance is below a predetermined distance, in the control step, when the warning is output, the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas is decreased with a brightness change larger than the brightness change when the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas is increased.

22. A method of operating a vehicle control device, which is a method of operating a vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle, wherein, the method of operation has: a brightness acquisition step in which information on the external brightness of the vehicle is acquired; and a control step in which, based on the external brightness, the brightness of a plurality of display areas is controlled, the plurality of display areas including a first display area displayed by a first display unit that displays the condition of the vehicle and a second display area displayed by a second display unit that displays the condition of the vehicle, the second display area being displayed below the first display area, in the control step, when the external brightness exceeds a threshold value, the brightness of the first display area is suppressed according to the decrease in the external brightness, when the external brightness is below the threshold value, the brightness of the second display area is suppressed according to the decrease in the external brightness, the method of operation further has a surrounding information acquisition step in which surrounding information of the vehicle is acquired, in the control step, the workshop distance to a preceding vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle is detected based on the surrounding information, Change the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas according to the inter-vehicle distance. When the inter-vehicle distance exceeds a predetermined distance due to a braking operation performed by an occupant of the vehicle, reduce the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas with a brightness change greater than the brightness change when increasing the brightness of each of the plurality of display areas.

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