Vehicle display device

Abstract

A display device for a vehicle includes: a road surface drawing unit mounted on a vehicle and configured to draw one or more notification displays on a road surface in the direction of travel of the vehicle using light; and a control unit that, when the vehicle's direction indicator is active, causes the road surface drawing unit to draw the one or more notification displays on the road surface using a first color or to turn off the drawing when yielding to pedestrians, and causes the road surface drawing unit to draw the one or more notification displays on the road surface using a second color different from the first color when yielding to pedestrians.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a vehicle display device that uses light to draw a notification display on the road surface in the direction of the vehicle's travel. Background Technology

[0002] A vehicle display device is known that uses light to draw a notification display on the road surface in the direction of the vehicle's travel.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-55519 discloses a device that displays a start notification on the road surface indicating that the vehicle has started when the vehicle's brakes are switched from being engaged to being disengaged.

[0004] The device described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-55519 merely depicts a notification display indicating that the vehicle has started moving, but it fails to inform pedestrians of the timing of the vehicle's movement and turn when the vehicle intends to turn right or left. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In this disclosure, pedestrians are notified at regular intervals when a vehicle intends to turn right or left.

[0006] One embodiment of the vehicle display device disclosed herein includes: a road surface drawing unit mounted on a vehicle and configured to draw one or more notification displays on a road surface in the direction of travel of the vehicle using light; and a control unit configured to: when the vehicle's direction indicator is operating, in the case of yielding to pedestrians, cause the road surface drawing unit to draw the one or more notification displays on the road surface using a first color or to turn off the drawing; and in a case different from yielding to pedestrians, cause the road surface drawing unit to draw the one or more notification displays on the road surface using a second color different from the first color.

[0007] Based on the above configuration, when the vehicle's direction indicator is working, that is, when the vehicle intends to turn right or left, it can notify pedestrians of the vehicle's movement and timely right or left turn by displaying different colors. Furthermore, it can inform pedestrians of the driver's judgment regarding whether or not to yield to pedestrians.

[0008] In the vehicle display device described above, yielding to pedestrians can refer to the following situations: (i) the control unit identifies that the vehicle is passing through an intersection based on the vehicle's location information, identifies that the vehicle is approaching a pedestrian crossing via a camera mounted on the vehicle, or identifies that there is a pedestrian in front of the vehicle via the camera; (ii) the vehicle's brakes are engaged; and (iii) it is deduced that the vehicle will stop in front of the pedestrian crossing. Based on this configuration, the control of the notification display can be differentiated according to whether the vehicle will stop in front of the pedestrian crossing.

[0009] In the vehicle display device described above, in situations different from yielding to pedestrians, multiple notification displays can be configured as one or more notification displays, and the control unit can be configured to cause the road surface drawing unit to sequentially draw the multiple notification displays. With this configuration, the direction the vehicle is about to travel can be more clearly communicated to pedestrians.

[0010] In the vehicle display device described above, the control unit can also be configured to cause the road surface depiction unit to depict a travel area, wherein the travel area is the area where the vehicle will travel and has a width equal to the width of the vehicle. According to this configuration, the travel area where the vehicle will travel can be more clearly communicated to pedestrians.

[0011] In the vehicle display device described above, the control unit can also be configured to cause the road surface drawing unit to draw a non-traveling area outside the driving area where the vehicle will not travel, and to change the drawn color between the driving area and the non-traveling area. According to this configuration, the driving area where the vehicle will travel and the area where the vehicle will not travel can be indicated to pedestrians through different colors.

[0012] In the vehicle display device described above, the control unit can also be configured to change the depiction range of the one or more notification displays according to the speed of the vehicle.

[0013] Alternatively, in the vehicle display device described above, the control unit may also be configured to change the depiction range of the notification(s) display(s) according to the speed of the vehicle.

[0014] According to the vehicle display device disclosed herein, the vehicle can be moved and turn right or left at a timed interval to inform pedestrians when the vehicle wants to turn right or left. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same elements, wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the left and right directions when viewing a vehicle from above.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a block diagram representing a display device for a vehicle.

[0018] Figure 3 This is an illustrative diagram illustrating an embodiment of a notification display that depicts safety colors on a road surface.

[0019] Figure 4This is an illustrative diagram illustrating an embodiment of a notification display that depicts warning colors on a road surface.

[0020] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment where the notification display is turned off.

[0021] Figure 6 This is an illustrative diagram of an embodiment of a notification display that depicts sequential lighting on a road surface.

[0022] Figure 7 This is an illustrative diagram illustrating an embodiment of a notification display that depicts a travel area on a road surface.

[0023] Figure 8 This is an illustrative diagram illustrating an embodiment of a notification display that depicts a non-traveling area on a road surface.

[0024] Figure 9 This is an illustrative diagram illustrating an embodiment of a speed-corresponding notification display on a road surface.

[0025] Figure 10 This is an illustrative diagram illustrating an embodiment of a speed-corresponding notification display on a road surface. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Reference Figure 1 The vehicle 10 equipped with the vehicle display device of the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a view of vehicle 10 from above. Vehicle 10 is a car.

[0027] A pair of left and right headlights 12 are provided at the front of the vehicle 10, and a pair of left and right rear combination lights 14 are provided at the rear of the vehicle 10.

[0028] The right headlight 12 is provided with a vehicle display device 16a that illuminates the road surface on the right front side of the vehicle 10, and the left headlight 12 is provided with a vehicle display device 16b that illuminates the road surface on the left front side of the vehicle 10.

[0029] The right rear combination light 14 is provided with a vehicle display device 16c that illuminates the road surface to the right rear side of the vehicle 10, and the left rear combination light 14 is provided with a vehicle display device 16d that illuminates the road surface to the left rear side of the vehicle 10.

[0030] Alternatively, the vehicle display device 16 may not be installed on the rear combination lamp 14. Alternatively, the vehicle display device 16 may be installed in the center of the front of the vehicle 10, allowing the direction of the illumination light to be switched to the right or left. The same applies to the rear of the vehicle 10.

[0031] The vehicle display device 16 illuminates the road surface with light to create a notification display 20. The notification display 20 consists, for example, of markers 20a, 20b, and 20c arranged in a row. Markers 20a, 20b, and 20c each have the shape of an arrowhead tip. In the notification display 20 depicting the road surface in front of the vehicle 10, the arrowhead tips point towards the right or left front of the vehicle 10; in the notification display 20 depicting the road surface behind the vehicle 10, the arrowhead tips point towards the right or left rear of the vehicle 10. Figure 1 The shapes of the markers shown are merely examples, and each marker may have shapes other than those shown. Furthermore, the number of markers is also merely an example; the notification display 20 may consist of one or more markers. The vehicle display device 16 may illuminate all markers 20a, 20b, and 20c simultaneously, a portion of markers 20a, 20b, and 20c simultaneously, or sequentially.

[0032] The following is for reference Figure 2 The configuration of the vehicle display device 16, which combines the vehicle display devices 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d into one device, will be described. Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle display device 16.

[0033] The vehicle display device 16 includes a road surface depiction unit 22 and a control unit 24. A start switch sensor 26, a gear shift sensor 28, a brake sensor 30, a steering angle sensor 32, a speed sensor 34, a position information acquisition unit 36, a radar sensor 38, a direction indicator sensor 40, and a camera unit 41 are provided on the vehicle 10 and output signals to the control unit 24.

[0034] The road surface drawing unit 22 includes a light source 22a and a light deflection device 22b. It draws the notification display 20 on the road surface by illuminating the road surface with light from the light source 22a. The road surface drawing unit 22 can change the brightness, color, shape, illumination position, and illumination range of the illuminated light.

[0035] As a light source 22a, for example, semiconductor light-emitting elements such as LED (Light Emitting Diode), LD (Laser Diode), EL (Electro Luminescence) elements, light bulbs, halogen lamps, or incandescent lamps are used.

[0036] The light deflection device 22b directs the light from the light source 22a out of the vehicle display device 16. As the light deflection device 22b, for example, a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) or DLP (registered trademark) is used as an example of a micromirror device. For example, the light deflection device 22b has a micromirror array composed of a matrix of multiple tiny reflective elements with reflective surfaces. The micromirror array can form various light distribution patterns by controlling the activation and deactivation of each reflective element configured in a matrix.

[0037] Using light source units with three or more colors, such as red, green, and blue, as the light source 22a, the light is irradiated onto the light deflection device 22b in a time-division manner to switch the activation and deactivation of the reflector element, thereby achieving light of the desired color. In addition, a notification display 20 can be drawn on the road surface with a desired shape formed by a set of light emitted in a matrix with desired brightness and color.

[0038] It should be noted that optical MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems), multi-faceted mirrors, etc., can also be used instead of DMD as optical deflection devices 22b.

[0039] The road surface drawing unit 22 is configured to oscillate via a motor or the like. The road surface drawing unit 22 of the vehicle display device 16 included in the headlight 12 can be tilted up, down, left, and right by the control unit 24, thereby switching the direction of light illuminating the road surface to the front or diagonally in front of the vehicle 10. The road surface drawing unit 22 of the vehicle display device 16 included in the rear combination lamp 14 can be tilted up, down, left, and right by the control unit 24, thereby switching the direction of light illuminating the road surface to the rear or diagonally behind the vehicle 10.

[0040] The control unit 24 determines whether a depiction of the notification display 20 is required based on the output from at least one of the start switch sensor 26, shift sensor 28, brake sensor 30, steering angle sensor 32, speed sensor 34, position information acquisition unit 36, radar sensor 38, direction indicator sensor 40, and camera unit 41. If depiction is required, the control unit 24 causes the road surface depiction unit 22 to depict the notification display 20 on the road surface; if depiction is not required, the control unit 24 does not cause the road surface depiction unit 22 to depict the notification display 20.

[0041] The start switch sensor 26 detects the on and off states of the start switch (e.g., ignition switch, starter switch) of the vehicle 10 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 24.

[0042] The shift sensor 28 detects which position the shift lever of the vehicle 10 is in, such as forward (D), reverse (R), or parking (P), and outputs the detection result to the control unit 24.

[0043] The brake sensor 30 detects whether the brakes of the vehicle 10 (e.g., foot brake, handbrake, automatic brake in an autonomous driving system) are engaged (braking state) or disengaged (release state), and outputs the detection result to the control unit 24.

[0044] The steering angle sensor 32 detects whether the vehicle 10 is going straight, turning right, or turning left, and outputs the detection result to the control unit 24. For example, based on the steering angle of the steering wheel when the vehicle 10 is going straight, the steering angle when turning right is defined as a positive angle, and the steering angle when turning left is defined as a negative angle. The steering angle sensor 32 detects a positive steering angle as a right turn of the vehicle 10 and a negative steering angle as a left turn of the vehicle 10.

[0045] Speed ​​sensor 34 detects the speed of vehicle 10 and outputs the detection result to control unit 24. In addition, speed sensor 34 detects the acceleration of vehicle 10 (e.g., acceleration G during acceleration, deceleration G during deceleration) and outputs the detection result to control unit 24.

[0046] The location information acquisition unit 36 ​​uses satellite positioning systems such as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and GPS (Global Positioning System) to acquire the location information of vehicle 10 and outputs this location information to the control unit 24. The location information acquisition unit 36 ​​can also acquire map information, information indicating road conditions (e.g., congestion), and other vehicle location information via communication paths such as the Internet. The location information acquisition unit 36 ​​can also utilize a road information communication system to acquire congestion information at the current location shown by the vehicle 10's current location information, and information related to traffic lights at a predetermined intersection where the vehicle 10 will arrive (e.g., red lights or stop signals). The road information communication system is, for example, VICS (registered trademark).

[0047] The radar sensor 38 is a microwave radar sensor, millimeter-wave radar sensor, etc., which detects objects (e.g., other vehicles, people, animals, other obstacles) in front of the vehicle 10 and outputs the detection results to the control unit 24. The radar sensor 38 can also detect objects on the side or rear of the vehicle 10 and output the detection results to the control unit 24.

[0048] The direction indicator sensor 40 detects the on and off states of the switch of the direction indicator mounted on the vehicle 10 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 24.

[0049] The photography unit 41 includes a vehicle-mounted camera 41a and an image processing device 41b, which generates images (e.g., moving images, still images) by taking pictures by the vehicle-mounted camera 41a.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle-mounted camera 41a is, for example, installed on the upper part of the windshield 18 to capture images of the front of the vehicle 10. This configuration is just one example; the vehicle-mounted camera 41a can also be integrated into the headlight 12, or installed on the upper surface of the roof, hood, or rearview mirror of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, vehicle-mounted cameras that capture images of the sides of the vehicle 10 and those that capture images of the rear of the vehicle 10 can also be installed on the upper surface of the roof, hood, or rearview mirror of the vehicle 10. A vehicle-mounted camera can also be installed in the rear combination lamp 14.

[0051] The image processing device 41b analyzes the image generated by the vehicle-mounted camera and outputs the analysis result to the control unit 24. For example, the image processing device 41b analyzes the image to detect objects represented in the image (e.g., other vehicles, people, animals, signs, other obstacles) and outputs the detection result to the control unit 24.

[0052] The control unit 24 can also acquire images generated by road surveillance cameras via communication paths such as the Internet.

[0053] The operation of the vehicle display device 16 will be explained below.

[0054] When the vehicle 10's direction indicator is active, in the case of yielding to pedestrians, the control unit 24 causes the road surface drawing unit 22 to draw the notification display 20 on the road surface using a safety color or to turn off the drawing of the notification display 20. In cases different from yielding to pedestrians, the control unit 24 causes the road surface drawing unit 22 to draw the notification display 20 on the road surface using a warning color different from the safety color. It should be noted that the safety color is an example of a first color, and the warning color is an example of a second color.

[0055] The control unit 24 determines whether the vehicle 10's direction indicator is working based on the detection results of the direction indicator sensor 40. If the direction indicator sensor 40 detects that the direction indicator switch is turned on, the control unit 24 determines that the direction indicator is working; if the direction indicator sensor 40 detects that the direction indicator switch is turned off, the control unit 24 determines that the direction indicator is not working.

[0056] Safety colors and warning colors are predetermined colors. For example, safety colors are blue and green, and warning colors are red and orange. These are just examples; other colors can also be used for safety and warning colors.

[0057] The situation of yielding to pedestrians refers to the situation where the control unit 24 identifies, based on the location information of the vehicle 10, that the vehicle 10 is passing through the intersection, the brakes of the vehicle 10 are engaged, and it is inferred that the vehicle 10 will stop in front of the pedestrian crossing.

[0058] The control unit 24 determines whether the vehicle 10 is crossing an intersection based on the location information of the vehicle 10 obtained by the location information acquisition unit 36 ​​and map information. An intersection is a place where two or more roads intersect, such as a three-way intersection (T-junction, Y-junction), a four-way intersection (crossroads), a five-way intersection, a six-way intersection, a seven-way intersection, an all-way intersection, or a roundabout. The map information shows the actual location, size, and shape of roads and pedestrian crossings. The control unit 24 determines whether the vehicle 10 is crossing an intersection based on this map information and the vehicle 10's location information.

[0059] The control unit 24 can also determine whether the vehicle 10 is passing through an intersection by analyzing images generated by the onboard camera 41a and images generated by the camera set on the road.

[0060] The control unit 24 infers whether the vehicle 10 will stop in front of the pedestrian crossing based on the distance from the position of the vehicle 10 when the brake is applied to the pedestrian crossing in front of the vehicle 10, the speed of the vehicle 10 detected by the speed sensor 34 when the brake is applied, and the deceleration G detected by the brake being applied.

[0061] The brakes are activated by the brake sensor 30. A pedestrian crossing in front of the vehicle 10 is detected, for example, based on the vehicle 10's position information and map information. The control unit 24 detects a pedestrian crossing in front of the vehicle 10's direction of travel based on the vehicle 10's current position, the vehicle 10's direction of travel, and the position of the pedestrian crossing shown in the map information, and then calculates the distance between the vehicle 10's current position and the pedestrian crossing. The control unit 24 calculates the distance the vehicle 10 will travel until it stops at the speed it had when the brakes were activated, based on the deceleration G obtained when the brakes were activated. If the distance traveled until the vehicle 10 stops is less than or equal to the distance between the vehicle 10's current position and the pedestrian crossing, the control unit 24 assumes the vehicle 10 will stop in front of the pedestrian crossing. If the distance traveled until the vehicle 10 stops is greater than the distance between the vehicle 10's current position and the pedestrian crossing, the control unit 24 assumes the vehicle 10 will not stop in front of the pedestrian crossing.

[0062] As another example, yielding to pedestrians refers to a situation where the control unit 24 identifies, via the vehicle-mounted camera 41a, that the vehicle 10 is approaching a pedestrian crossing, the brakes of the vehicle 10 are engaged, and it is deduced that the vehicle 10 will stop in front of the pedestrian crossing.

[0063] The control unit 24 determines whether the vehicle 10 is approaching a pedestrian crossing based on the vehicle 10's location information and map information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 36. For example, the control unit 24 determines whether a pedestrian crossing exists in the direction of the vehicle 10's travel based on the vehicle 10's location information and map information. The control unit 24 can also determine whether a pedestrian crossing exists in the direction of the vehicle 10's travel by analyzing images captured by the vehicle-mounted camera 41a. If a pedestrian crossing exists in the direction of the vehicle 10's travel, the control unit 24 calculates the distance between the vehicle 10 and the pedestrian crossing based on the vehicle 10's location information and map information. The control unit 24 can also calculate the distance between the vehicle 10 and the pedestrian crossing by analyzing images captured by the vehicle-mounted camera 41a. If there is a pedestrian crossing in front of the vehicle 10 in the direction of travel, and the distance between the vehicle 10 and the pedestrian crossing is below a threshold, the control unit 24 determines that the vehicle 10 is passing in front of the pedestrian crossing.

[0064] As another example, yielding to pedestrians refers to a situation where the control unit 24 identifies a pedestrian in front of the vehicle 10 through the vehicle-mounted camera 41a, the brakes of the vehicle 10 are engaged, and it is deduced that the vehicle 10 will stop in front of the pedestrian crossing.

[0065] The control unit 24 determines whether there is a pedestrian in front of the vehicle 10 at a predetermined distance by analyzing the image generated by the vehicle-mounted camera 41a. If there is a pedestrian in front of the vehicle 10 at a predetermined distance, the control unit 24 determines that there is a pedestrian in front of the vehicle 10.

[0066] The driver's seat of the vehicle 10 is equipped with a switch for indicating that the driver should give way to pedestrians. When the switch is pressed, the control unit 24 can detect that the driver has determined that the driver should give way to pedestrians.

[0067] The following is for reference Figures 3 to 10 Each embodiment will be described. Figures 3 to 10 This is an illustrative diagram of an embodiment of a notification display 20 depicted on a road surface.

[0068] like Figures 3 to 10 As shown, vehicle 10 is passing through intersection 42. Intersection 42 is a four-way intersection where four roads intersect. Pedestrian crossings 44 are formed at each road. Vehicle 10 is moving forward and turning left at intersection 42. There is a pedestrian crossing 44 in front of vehicle 10. At the pedestrian crossing to the left of vehicle 10, pedestrian 46 wants to cross the pedestrian crossing 44.

[0069] When the vehicle 10's direction indicator is working, and when yielding to pedestrian 46, the control unit 24 causes the road surface drawing unit 22 to draw a notification display 20 on the road surface using a safety color. Figure 3 The notice shown indicates that 20 is depicted on the road surface using safety colors (such as blue and green).

[0070] For example, when vehicle 10 is turning left, the left-side turn indicator of vehicle 10 is active. While this turn indicator is active, the control unit 24, based on the vehicle 10's position information, identifies that vehicle 10 is crossing intersection 42, the vehicle 10's brakes are engaged, and anticipates that vehicle 10 will stop before the pedestrian crossing 44. In this case, the road surface depiction unit 22 depicts a notification display 20 on the road surface using a safety color. When vehicle 10 is moving forward and the left-side turn indicator is active, the control unit 24 causes the road surface depiction unit 22 of the vehicle display device 16b located on the left headlight 12 to depict a notification display 20 on the road surface using a safety color. Thus, as... Figure 3 As shown, a notification display 20 is depicted on the road surface to the left front of vehicle 10.

[0071] As another example, when the left-side direction indicator of vehicle 10 is working during a left turn of vehicle 10, the control unit 24 identifies, via the vehicle-mounted camera 41a, that vehicle 10 is approaching pedestrian crossing 44, the brakes of vehicle 10 are engaged, and it is deduced that vehicle 10 will stop in front of pedestrian crossing 44. In this case, the road surface drawing unit 22 draws a notification display 20 on the road surface to the left front of vehicle 10 using a safety color.

[0072] As another example, when the left-side direction indicator of vehicle 10 is working during a left turn of vehicle 10, control unit 24 identifies a pedestrian 46 in front of vehicle 10 via vehicle camera 41a, engages the brakes of vehicle 10, and infers that vehicle 10 will stop in front of pedestrian crossing 44, and causes road surface drawing unit 22 to draw a notification display 20 on the road surface to the left front of vehicle 10 using a safety color.

[0073] The control unit 24 can also cause the road surface depiction unit 22 of the vehicle display device 16d located on the left side of the rear combination light 14 to depict a notification display 20 on the road surface using a safety color. Thus, the notification display 20 is depicted on the road surface in front of the left side of the vehicle 10 and on the road surface behind the left side of the vehicle 10.

[0074] In situations different from yielding to pedestrian 46, control unit 24 causes road surface depiction unit 22 to depict a warning display 20 on the road surface using a warning color. For example, if the brakes of vehicle 10 are disengaged while the turn indicator is active, or if the brakes of vehicle 10 are engaged and it is presumed that vehicle 10 will not stop in front of pedestrian crossing 44, control unit 24 will... Figure 4 As shown, the road surface depiction unit 22 depicts a warning display 20 on the road surface to the left front of the vehicle 10 using a warning color. Figure 4 The notification shown is indicated by a number 20, for example, in red or orange.

[0075] As described above, when the directional indicator is active, the notification display 20 is painted on the road surface using different colors depending on whether the vehicle 10 is yielding to pedestrian 46 or not. This allows pedestrian 46 who sees the notification display 20 to be informed of the timing of the vehicle 10's movement and whether it is turning right or left. Furthermore, it allows pedestrian 46 to recognize the driver's judgment regarding whether to yield to the vehicle 10. For example, the notification display 20 can be painted in a safe color to inform pedestrian 46 that a crosswalk (pedestrian crossing 44) is accessible.

[0076] When the directional indicator is working, and when yielding to pedestrian 46, such as Figure 5 As shown, the control unit 24 can cause the road surface drawing unit 22 to turn off the drawing on the notification display 20. In this way, the pedestrian 46 can be informed to give way.

[0077] Alternatively, the control unit 24 may cause the road surface drawing unit 22 to turn off the notification display when the brake is engaged while the direction indicator is working, and cause the road surface drawing unit 22 to display the notification on the road surface when the brake is disengaged while the direction indicator is working. The reverse control is also possible.

[0078] In situations different from yielding to pedestrian 46, the control unit 24 can also sequentially illuminate the road surface depiction unit 22 to depict the notification display 20. Sequential illumination means depicting the marks 20a, 20b, and 20c included in the notification display 20 on the road surface in a sequential manner.

[0079] Reference Figure 6 The sequential illumination process is explained in detail. For example, under the control of the control unit 24, the road surface drawing unit 22 sequentially draws each mark on the road surface, from the mark approaching the vehicle 10 to the top of the notification display 20. Figure 6 In the example shown, the road surface drawing unit 22 draws a mark 20c approaching the vehicle 10 on the road surface, then turns off the drawing of mark 20c and draws mark 20b on the road surface, then turns off the drawing of mark 20b and draws mark 20a on the road surface. In this way, it appears that the marks are gradually moving in the direction of travel of the vehicle 10, so that pedestrians 46 who see each mark can more clearly identify the direction of travel of the vehicle 10.

[0080] The control unit 24 can also cause the notification display 20 to flash instead of lighting up sequentially. For example, the control unit 24 can cause all or part of the markers 20a, 20b, and 20c included in the notification display 20 to flash.

[0081] The control unit 24 can also cause the road surface depiction unit 22 to depict the travel area (warning area) of the vehicle 10 at the vehicle width. In this case, the control unit 24 can also cause the road surface depiction unit 22 to use different colors to depict the travel area and the non-travel area (safe area) where the vehicle 10 does not travel.

[0082] The control unit 24 infers the direction the vehicle 10 will travel based on the steering angle detected by the steering angle sensor 32, and calculates the distance the vehicle 10 will move within a predetermined time (e.g., a few seconds) based on the speed detected by the speed sensor 34. The control unit 24 determines the orientation of the travel area based on the position of the vehicle 10, and determines the size of the travel area (e.g., the length of the travel area in the direction of travel of the vehicle 10) based on the distance moved.

[0083] exist Figure 7The driving area 48 is shown. When vehicle 10 turns left while moving forward, the driving area 48 is drawn on the road surface on the left front side of vehicle 10 by the road surface drawing unit 22. The distance traveled by vehicle 10 within a predetermined time is calculated based on the speed of vehicle 10; this distance corresponds to the length of the driving area 48 in the direction of travel of vehicle 10. The width of the driving area 48 corresponds to the width of vehicle 10.

[0084] exist Figure 8 The non-traveling area 50 is shown. For example, the non-traveling area 50 is a fixed area outside the traveling area 48. The non-traveling area 50 is not depicted based on the position inferred from the steering angle as the vehicle 10 will travel.

[0085] It should be noted that the road surface drawing unit 22 can draw the traveling area 48 and the non-traveling area 50 together on the road surface under the control of the control unit 24, or it can draw either the traveling area 48 or the non-traveling area 50 on the road surface.

[0086] The travel area 48 is depicted using warning colors such as red and orange, while the non-travel area 50 is depicted using safety colors such as blue and green. Of course, other colors can also be used to depict the travel area 48 and the non-travel area 50.

[0087] The vehicle 10 can be shown the area it may travel in by displaying the travel area 48. Furthermore, the vehicle 10 cannot travel in the area it cannot travel in by depicting the non-travel area 50. The differences between the travel area 48 and the non-travel area 50 can be clearly conveyed to the pedestrian 46 by depicting them with different colors.

[0088] The control unit 24 can also change the display range of the notification based on the speed of the vehicle 10. For example, under the control of the control unit 24, the road surface display unit 22 displays the notification on the road surface at a distance farther from the position of the vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 is traveling at a high speed, and displays the notification on the road surface at a distance closer to the position of the vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 is traveling at a low speed.

[0089] Reference Figure 9 , 10 This control is described. For example, a first threshold and a second threshold are determined as thresholds for speed. The second threshold is a value smaller than the first threshold.

[0090] When the speed is above the first threshold, such as Figure 9 As shown, the road surface depiction section 22 depicts the mark 20a included in the notification display 20. The mark 20a is a mark formed in the notification display 20 at the position furthest from the vehicle 10, that is, a mark formed at the top of the notification display 20.

[0091] When the speed is less than the second threshold, such as Figure 10 As shown, the road surface depiction unit 22 depicts the mark 20c included in the notification display 20. The mark 20c is a mark formed in the notification display 20 at the position closest to the vehicle 10.

[0092] When the speed is above the second threshold but below the first threshold, the road surface depiction unit 22 depicts the mark 20b included in the notification display 20. Mark 20b is a mark formed in the notification display 20 between mark 20a and mark 20c.

[0093] As described above, when the vehicle 10 is traveling at a high speed, the mark is drawn at a position farther away from the vehicle 10 compared to when the vehicle 10 is traveling at a low speed.

[0094] The display position of the marker, used as an example of a notification display, is changed according to the speed of vehicle 10, thereby informing pedestrian 46 of the location where vehicle 10 will travel based on the speed. This allows pedestrian 46 to be informed of safe and unsafe areas corresponding to the speed.

[0095] exist Figure 9 , 10 In the example shown, the position of the marker is changed in three locations based on the speed of vehicle 10, but it is also possible to change the position of the marker in two locations, or to change the position more finely. Furthermore, the shape and size of the marker can also be changed based on the speed.

[0096] In addition to the above-mentioned controls, the control unit 24 may also cause the road surface drawing unit 22 to draw a notification display when the start switch sensor 26 detects that the start switch of the vehicle 10 has been switched from off to on.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the forward movement of the vehicle 10 was described, but the same control can be performed when the vehicle 10 is moving backward. When the vehicle 10 is moving backward, a notification display is drawn on the road surface by the road surface drawing section 22 of the vehicle display devices 16c and 16d provided on the rear combination lights 14.

[0098] As an example, the functions of each part of the vehicle display device 16 described above are implemented through the cooperation of hardware and software. For example, the functions of the vehicle display device 16 are implemented by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) reading and executing a program stored in the memory of the vehicle display device 16. The program is stored in the memory via a recording medium such as a CD or DVD, or via a communication path such as a network. The functions of each part of the vehicle display device 16 can also be implemented using ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), other programmable logic devices, or hardware such as electronic circuits. For example, the control unit 24 can also be an electronic control unit that includes a processor.

Claims

1. A display device for a vehicle, characterized by comprising: including: a road surface delineation section mounted on a vehicle and configured to delineate one or more notification displays on a road surface in a travel direction of the vehicle by light; and a control section configured to: cause the road surface delineation section to delineate the one or more notification displays on the road surface by a first color in a case where a condition for giving way to a pedestrian is satisfied while a turn signal of the vehicle is operating, cause the road surface delineation section to delineate the one or more notification displays on the road surface by a second color different from the first color in a case where the condition for giving way to a pedestrian is not satisfied while the turn signal of the vehicle is operating, the case where the condition for giving way to a pedestrian is satisfied is a case where (i) the control section recognizes that the vehicle is passing through an intersection based on position information of the vehicle, recognizes that the vehicle is passing through immediately in front of a pedestrian crossing by a camera mounted on the vehicle, or recognizes that there is a pedestrian in front of the vehicle by the camera, (ii) a brake of the vehicle is on, and (iii) it is presumed that the vehicle will stop in front of the pedestrian crossing, and the control section is configured to change a delineation range of the one or more notification displays in accordance with a speed of the vehicle.

2. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of notification displays are set as the one or more notification displays in a case different from the case for giving way to a pedestrian, and the control section is configured to cause the road surface delineation section to delineate the plurality of notification displays in order.

3. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control section is further configured to cause the road surface delineation section to delineate a travel area, the travel area being a travel area in which the vehicle is to travel and having a width equal to a width of the vehicle.

4. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the control section is further configured to cause the road surface delineation section to delineate a non-travel area in which the vehicle is not to travel outside the travel area, and change a color of delineation between the travel area and the non-travel area. ​

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