Vehicle

Abstract

The present application relates to a vehicle. A situation of a periphery of the vehicle is provided in a manner that is easily recognized by a driver. The vehicle is provided with a detection unit that detects an object at least in front of the vehicle, and a display unit that is provided to an instrument panel of the vehicle and displays a signal at a position corresponding to a direction of the object detected by the detection unit. When viewed from above, the display unit includes a portion that is concave toward the front in a front-rear direction of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Technology has been proposed to notify drivers of the conditions around the vehicle. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a vehicle-mounted display device that displays icons on a display screen with a display position corresponding to the direction of pedestrians, a display color, and a size corresponding to the distance between the vehicle and the pedestrians.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-182892 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, with recent advancements in driver assistance technologies and vehicle electrification, the amount of information provided to drivers is increasing. This increased information can sometimes overwhelm drivers or make it difficult for them to understand the information they need. Therefore, from the perspective of improving traffic safety, it is desirable for drivers to be able to more easily perceive information such as the conditions around their vehicle.

[0008] This invention provides information about the vehicle's surroundings in a way that is easily understood by the driver.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention,

[0011] A vehicle is provided, characterized in that it comprises:

[0012] A detection unit that detects objects at least in front of the vehicle; and

[0013] A display unit, located on the vehicle's dashboard, displays a signal at a position corresponding to the direction of the object detected by the detection unit.

[0014] When viewed from above, the display includes a portion that is recessed forward along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0015] The effects of the invention

[0016] According to the present invention, the conditions around the vehicle can be provided in a manner easily understood by the driver. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1This is a top view of a vehicle according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the structure inside the vehicle's interior.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the display device.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the display unit.

[0021] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the configuration of the display unit in a vehicle.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a hardware structure diagram of vehicle V equipped with a display device.

[0023] Figure 7 This is an example diagram illustrating a scenario where a display device is in operation.

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Images showing the various states of a scene, viewed from the driver's seat.

[0025] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 Images showing the various states of a scene, viewed from the driver's seat.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of ECU processing.

[0027] Figure 11 This is an example diagram illustrating a scenario where a display device is in operation.

[0028] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Images showing the various states of a scene, viewed from the driver's seat.

[0029] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 Images showing the various states of a scene, viewed from the driver's seat.

[0030] Figure 14 (a) and Figure 14 (b) is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of the ECU.

[0031] Figure 15 This is an example diagram illustrating a scenario where a display device is in operation.

[0032] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 Images showing the various states of a scene, viewed from the driver's seat.

[0033] Figure 17 yes Figure 15 Images showing the various states of a scene, viewed from the driver's seat.

[0034] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of ECU processing.

[0035] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the tension adjustment part of the seat belt for the driver's seat according to one embodiment.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0037] 1: Display device; 10: Display unit; 35: ECU; 44: Detection unit; V: Vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claims, and the present invention does not require a combination of all the features described in the embodiments. Two or more features from the plurality of features described in the embodiments may be combined arbitrarily. Additionally, the same or identical structures are given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0039] In addition, in the various diagrams, the X direction represents the longitudinal direction of vehicle V, the Y direction represents the width direction of vehicle V, and the Z direction represents the vertical direction. Furthermore, in this manual, terms such as front and rear, left and right (side), and up and down indicate relative positional relationships based on the vehicle body. For example, "front" and "forward" correspond to the +X direction, and "rear" and "rear" correspond to the -X direction. Similarly, "left" and "left side" correspond to the +Y direction, and "right" and "right side" correspond to the -Y direction. Likewise, terms such as "inner side of the vehicle body" and "outer side of the vehicle body" (both inside and outside the vehicle) indicate relative positional relationships based on the vehicle body.

[0040] <Vehicle Overview>

[0041] Figure 1 This is a top view of a vehicle V according to one embodiment. The vehicle V is equipped with a display device 1, which will be described later. Here, a four-wheeled passenger car of sedan type is shown as the vehicle V, but the vehicle V can also be other types of vehicles.

[0042] The system includes a detection unit 44 that detects objects at least in front of the vehicle V. In this embodiment, the detection unit 44 is a camera. The detection unit 44 is installed inside the vehicle V and captures images of the area in front of the vehicle V through the window 43 (front window), more specifically, it captures images within a detection angle range DA1. Furthermore, in addition to using a camera, millimeter-wave radar, LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), or similar devices can also be used as the detection unit 44. Objects detected by the detection unit 44 include, for example, pedestrians, bicycles, stopped vehicles, vehicles traveling ahead, curb stones, or road debris—objects present around the vehicle V that may come into contact with it. In addition to detecting the aforementioned objects, the detection unit 44 can also detect white lines used to delineate the driving lane for the vehicle V.

[0043] Figure 2 This diagram shows the structure of the interior of vehicle V, viewed from the driver's seat. The dashboard 2, located at the front of the vehicle V's interior, houses various interior components. For example, the dashboard 2 includes an instrument panel 21 displaying information such as the vehicle V's status or driving conditions, and a navigation system 23 displaying map information or audio-related information. In this embodiment, when viewed from the driver's seat, the instrument panel 21 is positioned behind the steering wheel 41, and the navigation system 23 is positioned in the center of the vehicle V's width direction. Furthermore, the dashboard 2 includes an instrument cover 22 that covers the top of the instrument panel 21. A display device 1 is provided on the upper part of the instrument cover 22. The structure of the display device 1 will be described later. Additionally, a line-of-sight monitoring unit 45 (see reference 45) is provided in the vehicle V's interior to monitor the driver's line of sight. Figure 6 The line-of-sight monitoring unit 45 can be configured on the upper side of the window 43 or the dashboard 2, etc.

[0044] <Display Device>

[0045] and Figure 2 Refer to together Figure 3 . Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the display device 1. The display device 1 includes a display unit 10 and a housing 12.

[0046] Display unit 10 displays signals related to objects around the vehicle V. Specifically, display unit 10 is provided on the instrument panel 2 of the vehicle V and displays signals at a position corresponding to the direction of the object detected by detection unit 44. Display unit 10 is configured to face the rear of the vehicle V, allowing the driver seated in the driver's seat to visually recognize it. Furthermore, display unit 10 is located on the upper part of the instrument panel cover 22 included in the instrument panel 2. This configuration places display unit 10 in a position easily accessible to the driver while driving, allowing the driver to easily check the display. Additionally, it does not obstruct the driver's view, allowing signals to enter below the field of vision. Moreover, display unit 10 can be configured even outside the upper part of the instrument panel cover 22, for example, with more than half of display unit 10 located towards the driver's side from the centerline of the vehicle V extending in the longitudinal direction. Display unit 10 is configured towards the driver's side in the vehicle width direction, thereby easily entering the driver's field of vision. Furthermore, as will be detailed later, in this embodiment, the display unit 10 includes: a plurality of light-emitting elements 103; and a base 104 on which the plurality of light-emitting elements 103 are disposed. When the display unit 10 is mounted on a vehicle V, a housing 12 is disposed in front of the display unit 10 and houses electronic circuit boards, electrical wiring, etc.

[0047] <Structure of the display section>

[0048] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the display unit 10, viewed from above when the display device 1 is mounted on the vehicle V. According to the structure shown below, the display unit 10 displays a signal at a position corresponding to the direction of the object detected by the detection unit 44. Furthermore, for ease of reading, reference numerals are omitted for portions containing multiple structural elements.

[0049] The base 104 is formed to extend integrally along the width direction of the vehicle and also extends forward toward the vehicle V along the width direction inward toward the base 104. In other words, when viewed from above, the base 104 includes a portion that is concave forward along the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Moreover, a plurality of light-emitting elements 103 are disposed on the rearward side of the base 104 along the front-rear direction of the vehicle, i.e., on the placement surface 1041. In this embodiment, the placement surface 1041 of the base 104 is formed into a concave arc shape. Therefore, a plurality of light-emitting elements 103 are disposed at predetermined intervals along the virtual arc Ar1. When viewed from above, the display unit 10 includes a portion that is concave forward along the front-rear direction of the vehicle, thereby making it easy for the driver to recognize the correspondence between the direction of an object and its position on the display unit 10. Furthermore, the direction of an object observed from the vehicle V can be more accurately reflected based on the signal displayed on the display unit 10.

[0050] In this embodiment, the central angle CA1 of the arc AR1 corresponds to the detection angle range DA1 of the detection unit 44 (refer to...). Figure 1 For example, the central angle CA1 of the arc AR1 and the detection angle range DA1 of the detection unit 44 can be set to 90 degrees to 150 degrees, or more specifically, 120 degrees. Furthermore, the correspondence between the central angle CA1 and the detection angle range DA1 is not limited to the fact that their angles are identical; it can also include cases where the difference between their angles is within a predetermined range. For example, the difference between the central angle CA1 and the detection angle range DA1 can be within 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, or 30 degrees.

[0051] On the arrangement surface 1041 of the base 104, a plurality of light emitters 103 are arranged at predetermined intervals. That is, in this embodiment, a plurality of light emitters 103 are arranged along the circumference of the arc AR1. The number and spacing of the plurality of light emitters 103 can be appropriately varied, but for example, it can be set according to the detection error of the detection unit 44. For example, the plurality of light emitters 103 can be arranged such that the angle formed by two virtual line segments connecting the center C1 of the arc AR1 to two adjacent light emitters 103 is greater than or equal to the detection error angle of the detection unit 44. Figure 4 For example, the number and spacing of multiple light-emitting bodies 103 can be set such that the angle θv1 formed by the two virtual line segments VL1 and VL2 connecting the center C1 of the arc AR1 to the adjacent light-emitting bodies 103a and 103b is the detection error of the detection unit 44. This can suppress flickering of the signal display caused by the detection error of the detection unit 44.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display unit 10 displays a signal at a position corresponding to the direction of the object detected by the detection unit 44. For example, when the detection unit 44 detects an object at a direction 45 degrees to the left of the vehicle V's direction of travel, the light emitter 103c at a direction 45 degrees to the left of the vehicle V's direction of travel, when viewed from the center C1 of the arc AR1, emits light. Thus, the driver can intuitively perceive the direction of the object.

[0053] Figure 5This diagram illustrates the configuration of the display unit 10 in the vehicle V. In this embodiment, the display unit 10 is configured such that the angle between two virtual line segments connecting the two ends of the display unit 10 in the width direction of the vehicle V to an eye point EP set in the vehicle V is 25 to 30 degrees. Specifically, when viewed from above, the display unit 10 is configured such that the angle θv2 between the two virtual line segments VL3 and VL4 connecting the ends 1042 and 1043 of the mounting surface 1041 in the width direction to the eye point EP set in the vehicle V is 25 to 30 degrees. Here, the eye point EP can, for example, be a reference eye point specified in Japanese Industrial Standard JIS D1702:1996.

[0054] If the width dimension of the display unit 10 is too large, i.e., the angle θv2 is too large, the signal displayed by the display unit 10 may be difficult to enter the driver's field of vision. On the other hand, if the width dimension of the display unit 10 is too small, i.e., the angle θv2 is too small, it may be difficult to understand the correspondence between the direction of an object and the display position of the signal on the display unit 10. By arranging the display unit 10 such that the angle θv2 converges within the aforementioned angle range, both signal visibility and ease of understanding the correspondence between the display position and the position can be achieved.

[0055] The aforementioned range of angle θv2 (25 to 30 degrees) is an example when the detection angle range DA1 of the detection unit 44 is around 120 degrees. Alternatively, the range of angle θv2 can be appropriately set based on the detection angle range DA1 of the detection unit 44. For example, when the detection angle range DA1 of the detection unit 44 is relatively small (e.g., detection angle range DA1 = 20 degrees), even if angle θv2 is greater than the detection angle range DA1, it may sometimes be impossible to properly display the position of the object on the display unit 10. Therefore, angle θv2 may be set to less than or equal to the detection angle range DA1. For example, when the detection angle range DA1 is 20 degrees, the display unit 10 may be set with angle θv2 ranging from 15 to 20 degrees. On the other hand, when angle θv2 is less than one-fifth of the detection angle range DA1, it may sometimes be difficult to match the display position of the signal on the display unit 10 with the direction of the object in front. Therefore, angle θv2 may be set to more than one-fifth of the detection angle range DA1. For example, when the detection angle range DA1 is 90 degrees, the angle θv2 can be set to 18 degrees or more. Alternatively, the angle θv2 can be at least one-fifth of the detection angle range DA1 and less than or equal to DA1. This allows for appropriate correlation between the display position of the signal on the display unit 10 and the direction of the object in front.

[0056] <Hardware Structure Example>

[0057] Figure 6 This is a hardware structure diagram of a vehicle V equipped with a display device 1. The detection unit 44 and display device 1 are as described above, therefore descriptions are omitted. A line-of-sight monitoring unit 45 monitors the driver's line of sight. The line-of-sight monitoring unit 45 is, for example, a camera that captures images of the driver (driver monitoring camera). A GPS antenna 46 receives radio waves from GPS satellites to obtain the current position of the vehicle V. Specifically, the GPS antenna 46 receives radio waves from GPS satellites, including satellite coordinate data and time data. A V2P communication unit 47 obtains location information, etc., from information processing terminals 8 of pedestrians around the vehicle V through vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication between the vehicle and pedestrian terminals.

[0058] Control unit 3 is a unit that controls vehicle V, including multiple ECUs 31-35 that are communicatively connected via an in-vehicle network. Each ECU includes a processor, typically a CPU, storage devices such as semiconductor memory, and interfaces for external devices. The storage devices store the program executed by the processor and the data used by the processor during processing. Each ECU may also have multiple processors, storage devices, and interfaces. Alternatively, instead of these, each ECU may have an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or similar device for executing the processing of each ECU.

[0059] The functions of each ECU 31 to 35 are explained below. Furthermore, the number of ECUs and their functions can be appropriately designed, resulting in a more detailed or comprehensive implementation than this embodiment.

[0060] ECU 31 determines the distance between vehicle V and the detected object, and the direction of the object as observed from vehicle V, based on the detection results from detection unit 44. ECU 32 determines the driver's line of sight, based on the detection results from line-of-sight monitoring unit 45. ECU 33 determines the position of vehicle V, based on data received from GPS satellites by GPS antenna 46. ECU 34 determines the distance between vehicle V and information processing terminal 8, and the direction of information processing terminal 8 as observed from vehicle V, based on the position information of information processing terminal 8 received from information processing terminal 8 and the position of vehicle V determined by ECU 33. ECU 35 controls the display of display device 1. As will be detailed later, for example, ECU 35 illuminates the selected light source 103 based on the distance between vehicle V and the object obtained from ECU 31 and the direction of the object as observed from vehicle V. Additionally, for example, ECU 35 illuminates the selected light source 103 based on the distance between information processing terminal 8 and the object obtained from ECU 34 and the direction of information processing terminal 8 as observed from vehicle V.

[0061] Information processing terminal 8 is a terminal carried by pedestrians or other individuals. Information processing terminal 8 includes a processor (such as a CPU), storage devices such as semiconductor memory, and a communication device for communicating with external devices. The processor of information processing terminal 8 controls its communication device to transmit wireless signals for short-range communication within a predetermined communication range via broadcast without specifying a destination. The V2P communication unit 47 of vehicle V receives the wireless signals transmitted by the communication device of information processing terminal 8.

[0062] <Operation of the display device>

[0063] (Action Example 1)

[0064] Next, an example of the operation of the display device 1 when the vehicle V is in motion will be explained. Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a scene where the display device 1 is in operation. Figures 8-9 Is Figure 7 The diagram shows the various states of the scene as viewed from the driver's seat of vehicle V. Here, a scene is shown where an engineering vehicle (hereinafter referred to as vehicle 91, 92) is parked in the adjacent lane L2, which is adjacent to the driving lane L1 of vehicle V, and vehicle V passes by the engineering vehicle.

[0065] State ST101 indicates that the detection unit 44 has detected vehicles 91 and 92 in front of vehicle V. At this time, the display unit 10 of the display device 1 displays a signal SG1 at a position corresponding to the direction in which the detected vehicles 91 and 92 are viewed from vehicle V. That is, the light-emitting element 103 at the position corresponding to the direction in which the detected vehicles 91 and 92 are viewed from vehicle V is illuminated.

[0066] State ST102 represents a state where vehicle V has moved slightly forward from state ST101. Compared to state ST101, the distance in the width direction between vehicle V and vehicles 91 and 92 remains unchanged in state ST102, but the distance in the longitudinal direction between vehicle V and vehicles 91 and 92 is shortened. Therefore, the direction of vehicles 91 and 92 as observed from vehicle V shifts to the left relative to the direction of travel. Accordingly, in display unit 10, signal SG1 is displayed at a position further to the left compared to its position in state ST101.

[0067] State ST103 is the state in which vehicle V has moved further forward from state ST102. In the display unit 10, signal SG1 is displayed at a position further to the left compared to the position of signal SG1 in state ST102.

[0068] State ST104 is the state in which vehicle V has moved slightly forward from state ST103, after passing vehicles 91 and 92. Vehicles 91 and 92 have moved out of the detection angle range DA1 of the detection unit 44, so the display of the signal SG1 corresponding to vehicles 91 and 92 in the display unit 10 also ends.

[0069] In this way, since the signal SG1 is displayed in the display unit 10 at a position corresponding to the direction of the object in front of the vehicle V, the driver can easily recognize that there is an object in front.

[0070] (Processing Example 1)

[0071] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing of ECU 35, showing the processing of ECU 35 when the display device 1 performs the operation described in example 1. For example, the processor such as the CPU of ECU 35 reads and executes the program stored in a storage device such as the semiconductor memory of ECU 35, thereby implementing this flowchart. Furthermore, for example, this flowchart is repeatedly executed at predetermined cycles while the vehicle V is in motion. In the following description, each step will be simply described as S101, etc.

[0072] In S101, ECU 35 acquires object detection information. Specifically, ECU 35 acquires information from ECU 31 based on the detection results of detection unit 44 as object detection information. Examples of object detection information include the distance between vehicle V and the detected object, the direction of the object as observed from vehicle V, and the relative speed between vehicle V and the object. Furthermore, when detection unit 44 detects multiple objects (e.g., vehicles 91 and 92), ECU 35 acquires information about each of the objects.

[0073] In S102, ECU 35 selects an object. If the information obtained in S101 includes information about multiple objects, ECU 35 selects any one of the multiple objects.

[0074] In S103, ECU 35 evaluates the risk of contact between vehicle V and a selected object. Here, the risk of contact between vehicle V and the object is represented by three risk levels: "high," "medium," and "low." However, the risk level can be further subdivided into stages, or it can be a binary logic such as "present" or "absent." Alternatively, the contact risk can be represented as a percentage.

[0075] Furthermore, the risk level assessment method can appropriately utilize known techniques, but it can also be that the ECU 35 assesses the risk level based on information such as the distance between the vehicle V and the object in the longitudinal or width direction, the motion state of the object, the relative speed between the vehicle V and the object, and the lane in which the vehicle V and the object are located. For example, compared to cases where the distance between the vehicle V and the object is less than a predetermined value, the ECU 35 may assess the risk level as low when the distance between the vehicle V and the object is greater than a predetermined value. Alternatively, for example, compared to objects with a relatively high relative speed to the vehicle V, such as pedestrians or debris on the lane, the ECU 35 may assess the risk level as low for objects with a relatively low relative speed to the vehicle V, such as vehicles traveling in front of the vehicle V. Alternatively, for example, compared to objects outside the vehicle V's driving lane, the ECU 35 may assess the risk level as high for objects within the vehicle V's driving lane. In other words, the ECU 35 can comprehensively assess the risk level based on the various information described above.

[0076] In this embodiment, for example, for objects where the distance between vehicle V and the selected object is greater than a predetermined distance, or where the relative speed between vehicle V and the selected object is small, such as a vehicle traveling ahead, the ECU 35 assesses the risk level as "low". That is, objects with a "low" risk level are those for which there is little need to notify the driver at the time of the assessment. Additionally, for example, if the distance between vehicle V and the selected object is less than a predetermined distance but the object is not in vehicle V's driving lane, the ECU 35 assesses the risk level as "medium". Furthermore, for example, if the distance between vehicle V and the selected object is less than a predetermined distance and the object is in vehicle V's driving lane, the ECU 35 assesses the risk level as "high". Furthermore, for example, if the distance between vehicle V and the selected object is less than a predetermined distance and the object is not in vehicle V's driving lane, but an object such as a pedestrian is moving and may enter vehicle V's driving lane, the ECU 35 assesses the risk level as "high". Moreover, the predetermined distance can be a pre-set constant value or a variable value dependent on vehicle V's speed that takes into account braking distance.

[0077] In S104, ECU 35 confirms whether the contact risk meets the conditions. If the conditions are met, it proceeds to S105; otherwise, it proceeds to S106. Examples of conditions include risk levels such as "high" or "medium". For example, in a state like ST101, if ECU 35 assesses the risk level of vehicles 91 and 92 as "medium" in S103, it proceeds to S105.

[0078] In S105, ECU 35 performs display control of display unit 10. Furthermore, ECU 35 displays a signal indicating the position corresponding to the direction of the selected object. ECU 35 refers to information about the direction of the object selected in S102 based on the information obtained in S101. Moreover, ECU 35 displays signal SG1 at the position corresponding to the direction of the selected object.

[0079] In S106, if there is an unselected object, ECU 35 returns to S102; otherwise, the flowchart ends. ECU 35 performs the above processing, thus... Figures 8-9 As shown, the position of the signal displayed on the display unit 10 of the display device 1 changes in accordance with the changes in the direction of vehicles 91 and 92 as observed from vehicle V.

[0080] As explained above, according to this processing example, when there is an object in front of the vehicle V, a signal is displayed on the display unit 10 at a position corresponding to the direction of the object. Therefore, the driver can intuitively understand the surrounding conditions of the vehicle V.

[0081] (Action Example 2)

[0082] Next, other operating examples of the display device 1 will be described. This operating example differs from the above-described operating example 1 in that the display unit 10 displays signals in a manner corresponding to the risk of contact between the vehicle V and an object. Specifically, the display unit 10 displays signals using colors corresponding to the risk level of contact between the vehicle V and the object. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display unit 10 can display an orange signal SG2 corresponding to an object with a "medium" risk level and a red signal SG3 corresponding to an object with a "high" risk level. Moreover, the color of the signal corresponding to each risk level can be appropriately changed.

[0083] In addition, in this example, besides the detection unit 44, objects around the vehicle V are also detected based on information received by the V2P communication unit 47. Furthermore, in this example, the risk level is also determined based on the driver's line of sight monitored by the line-of-sight monitoring unit 45.

[0084] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a scene where the display device 1 is in operation. Figures 12-13 Is Figure 11 The diagram shows the various states of the scene, viewed from the driver's seat of vehicle V. It illustrates a scenario where construction vehicles (vehicles 91 and 92) are parked in adjacent lane L2, which is adjacent to the driving lane L1 of vehicle V, and a pedestrian 93, acting as an object, attempts to cross the road between them. Furthermore, in... Figures 12-13 In the diagram, the direction of the driver's line of sight, as determined by the line of sight monitoring unit 45, is virtually represented by the label 451.

[0085] State ST201 is as follows: the detection unit 44 detects vehicles 91 and 92, and the ECU 34 recognizes the presence of the pedestrian based on information received from the information processing terminal 8 held by the pedestrian 93 by the V2P communication unit 47. Details are explained in (Processing Example 2), but in state ST201, vehicles 91 and 92, as well as pedestrian 93, are all assessed as having a "medium" risk level; therefore, the display unit 10 displays an orange signal SG2 at the corresponding location.

[0086] State ST202 is the state where vehicle V has moved slightly forward from state ST201. The display position of the signal on display device 1 also changes in accordance with the changes in the directions of vehicles 91 and 92 and pedestrian 93 as observed from vehicle V. Further details will be explained in (Processing Example 2), but in state ST202, vehicles 91 and 92 are perceived as having a "medium" risk level, so display unit 10 displays signal SG2 at the corresponding position. On the other hand, pedestrian 93 is perceived as having a "high" risk level, so display unit 10 displays red signal SG3 at the corresponding position. Moreover, in this example, there is some overlap between the positions corresponding to the directions of vehicles 91 and 92 and the positions corresponding to the direction of the pedestrian in display unit 10, but for the overlapping parts, the red signal SG3, indicating a higher risk level, is prioritized.

[0087] The transitions between states ST203 and ST204 are the same as those between states ST103 and ST104. In short, as vehicle V approaches vehicles 91, 92 and pedestrian 93, the directions of vehicles 91, 92 and pedestrian 93 as observed from vehicle V will change, and therefore the display position of the signal in display unit 10 will change accordingly.

[0088] (Processing Example 2)

[0089] Figure 14 (a) is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing of ECU 35, showing the processing of ECU 35 when the display device 1 performs the operation described in action example 2. For example, the processor such as the CPU of ECU 35 reads and executes the program stored in a storage device such as the semiconductor memory of ECU 35, thereby implementing this flowchart. In addition, for example, this flowchart is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle while the vehicle V is in motion. Moreover, S201 to S202 and S206 are the same as S101 to S102 and S106, respectively, so their description is omitted.

[0090] In S203, ECU 35 evaluates the risk of contact between vehicle V and the selected object. In this example, ECU 35 considers not only the relative position and speed relationship between vehicle V and the object, but also whether the driver is visually recognizing the object in order to evaluate the risk of contact. Figure 14 (b) shows an example of a specific process of S203.

[0091] In S231, ECU 35 calculates the risk level based on the relationship between vehicle V and the object. More specifically, ECU 35 calculates the risk level based on the relative positional and velocity relationships between vehicle V and the object. In concrete terms, ECU 35 can be used to... Figure 10 The risk level is calculated using the method described in S103. For example, in state ST202, when the selected object is vehicle 91, the distance between vehicle V and vehicle 91 is less than a predetermined distance, so ECU 35 evaluates the risk level as "high". The same applies when the selected object is vehicle 92 and pedestrian 93; the risk level is also evaluated as "high".

[0092] In S232, ECU 35 performs visual recognition determination processing. This processing determines whether the driver is visually recognizing an object. ECU 35 determines whether the driver is visually recognizing the object based on information about the driver's gaze obtained from the gaze monitoring unit 45 and information about the object's direction obtained from ECU 31. For example, in state ST202, if the selected object is vehicle 91 or vehicle 92, the marker 451 indicating the driver's gaze direction overlaps with vehicle 91, therefore ECU 35 determines that the driver is visually recognizing vehicle 91 or vehicle 92. On the other hand, considering that if the selected object is pedestrian 93, the detection unit 44 cannot detect pedestrian 93, therefore pedestrian 93 is in the blind spot of vehicle 91 when the driver observes. Therefore, even if the driver's gaze is directed towards pedestrian 93, ECU 35 determines that the driver is not visually recognizing pedestrian 93. In other words, if an object detected based on information received by the V2P communication unit 47 is not detected by the detection unit 44, the driver is likely unable to recognize it visually, and in such a case, it is judged that the object is not recognized visually.

[0093] In S233, if the ECU 35 determines in S232 that the driver is visually recognizing the object, proceed to S234; otherwise, the flowchart ends. In S234, the ECU 35 lowers the risk level calculated in S231 by one level. Conversely, compared to a situation where the driver is visually recognizing the object, the risk level increases when the selected object is not visually recognized by the driver.

[0094] Return Figure 14 In (a), in S204, if the evaluation result of S203 is "high", then ECU 35 proceeds to S205; if it is "medium", then proceeds to S207; and if it is "low", then proceeds to S206.

[0095] In S205, the ECU 35 displays the signal corresponding to the position of the selected object in red. Based on the information obtained in S201, the ECU 35 refers to information regarding the direction of the object selected in S202. Furthermore, the ECU 35 causes the light-emitting element 103 at the position corresponding to the direction of the selected object to emit red light.

[0096] In S207, ECU 35 displays the signal corresponding to the position of the selected object in orange. Based on the information obtained in S201, ECU 35 refers to information regarding the direction of the object selected in S202. Then, ECU 35 causes the light source 103 at the position corresponding to the direction of the selected object to emit orange light.

[0097] According to this processing example, a signal is displayed on the display unit 10 in a manner corresponding to the risk level of the object, thereby enabling the driver to better understand the surrounding situation. In addition, the risk level of objects that the driver does not visually recognize is evaluated as relatively high, thus enabling the driver to effectively recognize the existence of objects that the driver is not aware of.

[0098] Furthermore, in this processing example, the risk level is reduced by one level when the driver is visually recognizing the object, but it is also possible to use a structure where no signal is displayed when the driver is visually recognizing the object. For example, in S232, if it is determined that the driver is visually recognizing the object, the risk level is reduced until it reaches a "low" risk level where no signal is displayed. Therefore, the focus can be on displaying signals for objects that the driver is not visually recognizing, reducing signal clutter, and effectively notifying the driver of objects with a high risk of contact.

[0099] (Action Example 3)

[0100] Next, other operational examples of the display device 1 will be described. The method for assessing contact risk in this operational example differs from that in operational example 2 described above. Specifically, in operational example 2, the risk level is assessed in a way that the risk level of an object that the driver is not aware of is relatively increased. As a result, the signal is displayed on the display unit 10 in different ways depending on whether the driver is visually recognizing the object or not. In contrast, in this operational example, even if the driver is not visually recognizing the object, the signal is displayed on the display unit 10 in the same way as when the driver is visually recognizing the object, for a predetermined time after the last visual recognition. Moreover, this predetermined time can be appropriately set, but for example, it can be set to a value between 3 seconds and 10 seconds.

[0101] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a scene where the display device 1 is in operation. Figures 16-17 Is Figure 15 The diagram shows the various states of the scene as viewed from the driver's seat of vehicle V. Here, a scene is shown where vehicle V is turning right at an intersection and waiting for pedestrians to cross the crosswalk. Specifically, the scene is as follows: after pedestrian 94, detected by detection unit 44, crosses in front of vehicle V, bicycle 95, also detected by detection unit 44, crosses in front of vehicle V.

[0102] State ST301 is the state where pedestrian 94 begins to cross in front of vehicle V. At this time, as indicated by mark 451, the driver's gaze is directed towards pedestrian 94, assuming the driver is recognizing pedestrian 94. Therefore, ECU 35 assesses the risk level of pedestrian 94 as "medium" and displays an orange signal SG2 at the corresponding position on display unit 10.

[0103] State ST302 is the state where pedestrian 94 finishes crossing in front of vehicle V and bicycle 95 begins crossing in front of vehicle V. At this time, as indicated by mark 451, the driver's gaze is directed towards pedestrian 94. It is assumed that although the driver is recognizing pedestrian 94, they are not recognizing bicycle 95. Therefore, ECU 35 evaluates the risk level of pedestrian 94 as "medium" and displays an orange signal SG2 at the corresponding position on display unit 10, and evaluates the risk level of bicycle 95 as "high" and displays a red signal SG3 at the corresponding position on display unit 10.

[0104] State ST303 is as follows: Pedestrian 94 finishes crossing in front of vehicle V, and bicycle 95 continues crossing in front of vehicle V. Pedestrian 94 is not shown here, but it exists within the detection angle range DA1 of detection unit 44, and a signal corresponding to pedestrian 94 is displayed on display unit 10. Furthermore, as indicated by mark 451, the driver's gaze is not directed towards pedestrian 94, but before the predetermined time has elapsed since the driver last visually recognized pedestrian 94, ECU 35 assesses the risk level of pedestrian 94 as "medium" and displays an orange signal SG2. On the other hand, since the driver has not yet visually recognized bicycle 95, ECU 35 assesses the risk level of bicycle 95 as "high," and displays a red signal SG3 at the corresponding position on display unit 10.

[0105] State ST304 indicates that bicycle 95 is about to finish crossing in front of vehicle V. Since pedestrian 94 has moved out of the detection angle range DA1 of detection unit 44, no signal corresponding to pedestrian 94 is displayed on display unit 10. Furthermore, as indicated by mark 451, the driver's line of sight is directed towards bicycle 95, therefore ECU 35 assesses the risk level of bicycle 95 as "medium" and displays an orange signal SG2 at the corresponding position on display unit 10.

[0106] According to this example, the signal display on the display unit 10 can be prevented from frequently switching, such as the signal color changing or the signal disappearing as soon as the driver's gaze leaves the object. Therefore, signal flickering can be suppressed, reducing driver annoyance. Furthermore, for objects that are temporarily visually recognized, the risk level is less likely to increase within a given time, thus more effectively informing the driver of higher-risk objects that are not visually recognized.

[0107] (Processing Example 3)

[0108] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of ECU 35, showing... Figure 14 An example of the specific processing of S203 in (a). That is, when the display device 1 performs the operation of operation example 3, the ECU 35 executes... Figure 14 The processing of (a) is different from the specific processing of S203, which is different from the processing of the action in Example 2.

[0109] S331 and S332 are the same steps as S231 and S232, respectively. For example, in state ST302, when the selected object is bicycle 95, the distance between vehicle V and bicycle 95 is less than a predetermined distance and bicycle 95 is moving, so ECU 35 evaluates the risk level as "high".

[0110] In S333, if ECU 35 determines in S332 that the driver is visually recognizing an object, it proceeds to S334; otherwise, it proceeds to S335. In S335, ECU 35 confirms whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the driver last visually recognized the object. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the flowchart ends; otherwise, it proceeds to S334. This flowchart is executed repeatedly at predetermined intervals, thus ECU 35 can use the determination results from previous control cycles to obtain the elapsed time since the driver last visually recognized the object. In S334, ECU 35 lowers the risk level calculated in S331 by one level.

[0111] From S333 to S335, when the driver is visually recognizing an object, or when, although the driver is not currently visually recognizing an object, no predetermined time has elapsed since the last visual recognition, the ECU 35 will reduce the risk level calculated in S331 by one level. In other words, from the time the driver last visually recognizes the object until the predetermined time has elapsed, a signal will be displayed in the same manner as when the driver is visually recognizing the object.

[0112] Considering that the risk of contact is low if the driver visually recognizes an object once, displaying the signal in the same manner as if the driver were observing and recognizing the object for a predetermined period of time after the driver's gaze leaves the object can suppress the frequent switching of signal displays, thereby further reducing driver annoyance with the signal.

[0113] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0114] The display device 1 can also display signals in a structure that is linked to the tightening of the driver's seat belt. Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the tension adjustment part of the seat belt for the driver's seat according to one embodiment.

[0115] The vehicle V includes an adjustment unit 49 for adjusting the tension of the seatbelt 48 worn by the driver. The adjustment unit 49 increases the tension of the seatbelt 48 by pulling the seatbelt 48 in the direction of the arrow in the figure using a rotational driving force from a motor or the like. Alternatively, the adjustment unit 49 can rotate the motor or the like in the opposite direction to the increase in tension of the seatbelt 48, thereby easing the tension of the seatbelt 48. The drive of the adjustment unit 49 can be controlled by the ECU included in the control unit 3.

[0116] In this structure, the tension of the seatbelt 48 adjusted by the adjustment unit 49 can be linked to the way the display device 1 displays the signal. For example, the adjustment unit 49 may not tighten the seatbelt 48 when the display unit 10 does not display a signal, but may tighten the seatbelt 48 when the display unit 10 displays a signal. Alternatively, when the display unit 10 displays a signal in a manner corresponding to the risk level of the object, the adjustment unit 49 may adjust the tension of the seatbelt 48 so that the tension is higher when the risk level is "high" than when the risk level is "medium". Or, the adjustment unit 49 may tighten the seatbelt 48 when the display unit 10 displays a signal, even if the driver does not have visual contact with the object. This allows the driver to more easily assess the risk of contact with the object.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, as an example of changing the display mode of the signal according to the risk level, a structure for displaying signals of different colors was described. However, the display mode of the signal can also be changed according to the brightness of the signal, the flashing method, etc.

[0118] Alternatively, the display unit 10 may have a diffuser plate for diffusing the light emitted by the plurality of light emitters 103. When the size of the light emitters 103 is small, providing a diffuser plate can suppress signal flicker.

[0119] Furthermore, in the display unit 10 displaying the signal, the width of the signal can be a fixed value or correspond to the width of the object detection angle. Setting the signal width to a fixed value (e.g., a light source 103) makes it easier for the driver to perceive multiple objects in the same direction. Alternatively, by making the signal width correspond to the object detection angle, the driver can more accurately perceive the presence of objects. Another option is to display the signal with different colors in the central and outer portions when the signal is displayed at a certain width.

[0120] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the display unit 10 does not display a signal at positions corresponding to the direction in which no object is detected or the direction in which an object with a low risk level exists. However, it is also possible to display a signal at such positions. For example, the display unit 10 may display red or orange signals at positions corresponding to the direction in which an object with a high risk level exists, and green or cyan signals at positions corresponding to the direction in which no object is detected or the direction in which an object with a low risk level exists.

[0121] Furthermore, the shape of the display section 10 is not limited to an arc shape, and other shapes can also be adopted. For example, when viewed from above, a portion of the base 104 may be formed as a straight line, or multiple straight-lined portions may be combined to form the base 104. That is, when viewed from above, the display section 10 may include a portion that is concave forward along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0122] Furthermore, for example, if the detection unit 44 (camera) is positioned in the center of the vehicle's width direction, the display unit 10 needs to be positioned in front of the driver. Therefore, sometimes the closer the detected object is to the vehicle, the more the position of the signal (LED illumination) displayed corresponding to the object appears to deviate from the object's position. For example, in the case of a right-hand drive vehicle, the driver may see an object directly in front of the detection unit 44 from a slightly left-facing angle. To correct this, calculations can be performed to adjust the position of the object detected by the detection unit 44 to match the position of the object seen by the driver, and the signal display position can be changed to be consistent with the position of the object seen by the driver.

[0123] <Summary of Implementation Methods>

[0124] The above embodiments disclose at least the following vehicles.

[0125] 1. The vehicle (e.g., V) according to the above embodiments, wherein the vehicle comprises:

[0126] A detection unit (e.g., 44) detects objects at least in front of the vehicle; and

[0127] A display unit (e.g., 10), which is disposed on the instrument panel (e.g., 2) of the vehicle, displays a signal at a position corresponding to the direction of the object detected by the detection unit.

[0128] When viewed from above, the display includes a portion that is recessed forward along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0129] According to this embodiment, the conditions around the vehicle can be provided in a way that is easy for the driver to understand.

[0130] 2. According to the above implementation method,

[0131] The display unit is located on the upper part of the instrument panel cover (e.g., 22) included in the instrument panel.

[0132] According to this embodiment, the display unit is positioned in a location easily accessible to the driver's field of vision while driving, allowing the driver to easily check the display while driving. Furthermore, it does not obstruct the driver's view and allows signals to enter below the field of vision.

[0133] 3. According to the above implementation method,

[0134] The display section includes an arc-shaped portion.

[0135] The central angle (e.g., CA1) of the arc (e.g., AR1) formed by the display unit corresponds to the detection angle range (e.g., DA1) of the detection unit.

[0136] According to this embodiment, the signal displayed on the display unit can thus more accurately reflect the direction of an object observed from the vehicle.

[0137] 4. According to the above implementation method,

[0138] The display unit includes a plurality of light-emitting elements (e.g., 103) arranged circumferentially along the arc.

[0139] The angle (e.g., θv1) formed by connecting the center of the arc to two virtual line segments (e.g., VL1, VL2) of the plurality of light-emitting elements is greater than or equal to the detection error angle of the detection unit.

[0140] According to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress signal display flickering caused by detection errors.

[0141] 5. According to the above implementation method,

[0142] The angle (e.g., θv2) formed by connecting the two ends (e.g., 1042, 1043) of the display unit in the vehicle width direction to the two virtual line segments (e.g., VL3, VL4) set in the vehicle as eye points (e.g., EP) is an angle that is more than one-fifth of the detection angle range and less than the detection angle range.

[0143] According to this embodiment, the display position of the signal on the display unit can be appropriately correlated with the direction of the object in front.

[0144] 6. According to the above implementation method, it comprises:

[0145] A vision monitoring unit (e.g., 45) monitors the driver's line of sight; and

[0146] The determination unit (e.g., 35, S232) determines, based on the monitoring results of the gaze monitoring unit, whether the driver is visually recognizing the object detected by the detection unit.

[0147] The display unit will display the signal in different ways (e.g., S233-S234) depending on whether the determination unit determines that the driver is visually recognizing the object or not.

[0148] According to this embodiment, the driver is able to recognize the presence of objects that are not visually perceptible, and thus can more accurately grasp the situation around the vehicle.

[0149] 7. According to the above implementation method,

[0150] Even if the determination unit determines that the driver does not visually recognize the object, after the determination unit determines that the object was last visually recognized, until a predetermined time has elapsed, the display unit displays the signal in the same manner as if the driver were visually recognizing the object (e.g., S333-S335).

[0151] According to this embodiment, frequent switching of signal displays can be suppressed, making it less likely for the driver to feel bored.

[0152] 8. According to the above implementation method,

[0153] It also includes an evaluation unit (e.g., S203) that evaluates the risk of contact between the vehicle and the object detected by the detection unit.

[0154] The display unit displays the signal (e.g., S204-S205) in a manner corresponding to the contact risk evaluated by the evaluation unit.

[0155] According to this implementation, signals are displayed in a manner corresponding to the risk of contact, thus enabling the driver to have a more accurate understanding of the situation around the vehicle.

[0156] 9. According to the above implementation method,

[0157] The display unit uses light of a color corresponding to the contact risk to display the signal (e.g., S204-S205).

[0158] According to this implementation method, the risk of contact with objects can be grasped more intuitively. Furthermore, the risk of contact can be communicated to the driver using a simple structure.

[0159] 10. According to the above implementation method,

[0160] The display unit displays the signal (e.g., S104) when the contact risk meets predetermined conditions.

[0161] According to this implementation, no signal is displayed for objects with low contact risk, thereby enabling the driver to be notified only of the more necessary information.

[0162] 11. According to the above implementation method,

[0163] It also includes an adjustment section (e.g., 49) for adjusting the tightness of the seatbelt (e.g., 48) worn by the driver.

[0164] The display mode of the signal displayed by the display unit is linked to the tension of the seat belt adjusted by the adjustment unit.

[0165] According to this implementation method, the driver can more easily perceive the surrounding conditions of the vehicle.

[0166] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and alterations can be made within the scope of the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle, characterized in that, have: A detection unit that detects objects at least in front of the vehicle; and A display unit, located on the vehicle's dashboard, displays a signal at a position corresponding to the direction of the object detected by the detection unit. When viewed from above, the display unit includes a portion that is recessed forward along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The display section includes an arc-shaped portion. The central angle of the arc formed by the display unit corresponds to the detection angle range of the detection unit. The display unit includes a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged circumferentially along the arc. The angle formed by the two virtual line segments connecting the center of the arc to two adjacent light-emitting elements among the plurality of light-emitting elements is the detection error angle of the detection unit or higher.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display unit is located on the upper part of the instrument panel cover included in the instrument panel.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle formed by the two virtual line segments connecting the two ends of the display unit in the vehicle width direction to the eye point set in the vehicle is an angle that is more than one-fifth of the detection angle range and less than the detection angle range.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, have: The line-of-sight monitoring unit monitors the driver's line of sight; as well as The determination unit determines, based on the monitoring results of the gaze monitoring unit, whether the driver is visually recognizing the object detected by the detection unit. The display unit will display the signal in different ways depending on whether the determination unit determines that the driver is visually recognizing the object or not.

5. The vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that, Even if the determination unit determines that the driver does not visually recognize the object, the display unit will display the signal in the same manner as if the driver were visually recognizing the object until a predetermined time has elapsed after the determination unit determines that the object was last visually recognized.

6. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also includes an evaluation unit that evaluates the risk of contact between the vehicle and the object detected by the detection unit. The display unit displays the signal in a manner corresponding to the contact risk evaluated by the evaluation unit.

7. The vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that, The display unit shows the signal using light of a color corresponding to the contact risk.

8. The vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that, The display unit displays the signal when the contact risk meets predetermined conditions.

9. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an adjustment section for adjusting the tightness of the seatbelt worn by the driver. The display mode of the signal displayed by the display unit is linked to the tension of the seat belt adjusted by the adjustment unit.

10. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The direction of the object detected by the detection unit is corrected to correspond to the direction when the object is viewed from the eye point when it is displayed on the corresponding direction of the display unit.

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